Eleanor's P.O.V I wasn't sure right now if I should laugh because of the scene in front of my eyes or cry at my friend's fate.Henry walked as he stood in front of Rayene as Daniel and an elderly woman stood behind him making the rest of the person in the room bow out of respect? Or out of formality? But, they bowed. Okay? That's what matters. Rayene looked like a deer caught in headlights as she stared at Henry who was looking at her in the most serious expression I've ever seen him make.And, that was when I realized something. When I watched Henry open his mouth to speak. I had to unfortunately cut him off for the sake of the little life between them which could've died dead."Wait!""What's the matter, El?" Daniel asked as he stared at me with confused eyes as all eyes were trained on me, burning holes in my entire body."Umm...Tia, you are dismissed. I'll call you if I need anything." My statement made some people gasp while some people's eyes finally took in notice of the shi
Daniel's P.O.V I watched as Henry's eyes were now glued to each of Rayene's movements like a puppy in love. Rayene kept jumping up and down upon learning that my mom was a soul swapped too while Eleanor face was cold as ever but El's eyes held shock beyond comprehension."Oh God! I'm from New York! Where are you from?" Rayene asked my mom eagerly, bouncing on her heels."I'm from Nashville," my mom replied with a small smile."Oh wow, that's so cool!" Rayene exclaimed. "What was your real name by the way?""Take a guess," my mom smiled as she tilted her head, making all of Rayene's movements stop as she lost herself deep in her thoughts. "Is it Taylor Swift? Just kidding. She was my favorite singer and person and then she died of a stage fall. I just-""Congratulations! You've guessed it, right.""Oh God no! You are joking, right?""Nope. Hi! I'm Taylor." The statement made Rayene cry for some weird reason. I'm not sure why mom saying hi to her would make her cry hysterically but it
Eleanor's P.O.V Was it right? Was it right to give him a chance?I don't know. But, he's the only person who can keep my daughter safe from everything in this castle. And, he's the one you can't stop loving either. My subconsciousness retorted, making me sigh.I knew deep down that my feelings for him were still there, despite what he had done in the past. But I also knew that I couldn't let my emotions cloud my judgement when it came to my daughter's safety.I gazed down at the sleeping figure sprawled on the sheets, snoring lightly and sleeping peacefully as a smile made it's way to my face.My pretty Danielle...Even though, I didn't want to disturb her sweet dreamland. I had to. After all, she needed to meet her cool grandmother and aunt.Remembering the two of them earlier, a giggle passed my lips as I sat down on the edge of the bed, shaking Danielle a little in hopes of waking her up.She stirred slowly, murmuring a soft protest before finally blinking her eyes open and look
Daniel's P.O.V The appearance of her in that red outfit I picked in hurry imprinted itself in the back of my mind.My El looked breathtaking. I got up from Danielle's side as I walked in Eleanor's direction whose eyes held doubt and fear in them. "Might I say you look breathtaking, Your Majesty?" I said as I bowed in respect and admiration.Her eyes widened with surprise, and a small smile played on her lips. "Thank you, Daniel. You look dashing yourself," she replied with a wink. As I couldn't believe she was the same Eleanor who was mad with me earlier. I felt a blush creep up on my cheeks, and I straightened up, trying to compose myself. "Shall we, Your Majesty?" I extended my arm out to her, and she hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in mine as I walked her to the dressing table and made her sit down.As soon as she did, Danielle jumped down the bed as she ran in our direction, "Mom! You look so pretty just wearing that dress."I smiled at my daughter's bubbly attit
Eleanor's P.O.V "I should have asked for your opinion before sending off Danielle. Sorry." I said as we walked down the garden, back to the queen palace."Ah! It's okay, El. You are her mother. Moreover it's not like she's leaving the castle or anything." Daniel replied, smiling at me reassuringly.I nodded, feeling a little better. No matter what, Danielle wasn't my daughter alone. Both our opinions were important. And, Daniel was trying his level best to fix things between us.Since, I can't stop loving him. I can at the very least give him a chance. "I hope she'll be fine." I said, staring ahead at the winding path."I'm sure she will be." Daniel said. "The person I'm actually worried about is Henry."I smiled. Recalling the look of Henry while looking at Ray over the dinner table. "I hope both of them get all the happiness they deserve.""They will. Don't worry." Daniel assured as I didn't realize how but I had already reached the big oak door to my room. I opened the door walkin
Eleanor's P.O.V Without another thought, my hand held the sharp edge of the dagger which was about to come down on Daniel. My eyes red with anger as blood dripped down on Daniel's neck waking him up with eyes as wide as the moon.Daniel kicked the assassin in his gut, making him fall away from us as both of us got up from the bed."What's going on? What are the guards stationed outside the palace doing!?" Daniel asked, his voice filled with confusion and anger."Let's talk about it later. The assassin is unconscious because of your powerful kick. Let's tie him up for interrogation," I replied, my voice filled with adrenaline as blood dripped down my hand which was split open because of the amount of force I used to hold and stop the blade from meeting Daniel's skin.Daniel nodded, still staring out of the window at the guards with furrowed brows. He knew that something wasn't right, and the fact that this palace was being guarded so heav
Eleanor's P.O.V When we arrived at Daniel's bedroom, he placed me gently on the bed and went to lock the door. For a moment, we were sitting on the bed there in silence, catching our breaths and listening for any sounds of danger.Finally, Daniel turned to me with a small smile on his face. "We're safe here," he said. "No one will be able to infiltrate this place."I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. It is safe here.Even as a notorious killer known throughout the kingdom I would still get shaken up from such a small common incident that occurred a moment back.Daniel noticed my unease and took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry, Eleanor," he said softly. "I won't let anything happen to you."I looked up at him, feeling grateful for his words. "Thank you," I whispered, feeling the warmth of his hand on mine.We sat there for a while longer, just holding hands and enjoying the moment of peace. It was a rare moment of calm in my life, and I savored it.Suddenly, a knoc
Eleanor's P.O.V Too much light!Groaning, I squinted my eyes and scrunched my nose as I twisted and turned on the bed. I raised my hand and moved it over the cold empty space beside me on the bed, making my eyes snap open instantly. No Daniel.My heart started to race in my chest frantically as I got off the bed and started searching for the familiar pine scent.Bathroom. Not there. Wardrobe. Not there.Outside the room. Not there.Under the bed. Not there.Behind the dressing table. Not there.He was nowhere in the room . Tears started to blur my vision as I forgot everything thing else that I should have remembered and started crying like a child who lost his mother in a fair.Oh God! This sunlight is ripping my apart. And, Daniel is also nowhere to be found. I don't want to live. Where's my Daniel?I stumbled to the window to close the curtains completely as the brightness of the sun kept on adding to my distress. My eyes finally adjusted to the dimmer lighting as my red eyes la
Eleanor's P.O.V We rode on the horse for approximately two hours before we arrived at Henry's castle where the guards opened the gates, letting the four of us in.From under the hood of my cloak, I watched a young lady run in our direction followed by a man and a woman.Daniel dismounted the horse, gently picking up Serphy and placing her on the ground as I did the same with Rayn."Dad! You're here!" The young lady screamed as she jumped at Daniel, making him laugh as he twirled her around, placing her on the ground as she began to chatter. "I've made lots of preparations for mom's birthday this time, dad. Will she come back this year?" Danielle... My baby..."Hello, elder sister!" I watched as Serphy jumped beside Daniel, shaking Danielle up."Ummm... Hello, love. Who are you?" Danielle asked crouching down a little shocked. However, she masked it quick enough with a smile for Serphy to ever know. "I'm your little sister!" Serphy chirped as Danielle's face hardened. Danielle snap
Eleanor's P.O.V"Mom, how did the table break? And, did you cry?" Serphina asked as she walked in my direction."There's someone in the kitchen!" Rayn finally spoke after a long while, making my body grow tense as he walked in its direction."Wait! You can't go there!" I tried to stop Rayn from entering. However, instead of him, Serphina ran into the kitchen."Hey! That's the man we met in the park! Mom, why is he here?"Great! I am so screwed.I quickly rushed after Serphina, my heart pounding in my chest. As I entered the kitchen, I found Serphina pointing towards Daniel holding a glass of water in his hands."Daniel!" Couldn't this guy stay still until I sent the twins back to their room?"What!? I was hiding. It's your son's fault he found out," Daniel spoke as he placed the glass on the counter, coming out from hiding."My brother is very smart. Humph. Even if you stayed still, he would have found you out," Serphina spoke, holding her nose high as she praised her brother. "But, I
Eleanor's P.O.V "You live here?" Daniel asked, his eyes staring at the wooden cottage. "Eleanor, my children grew up here?""It's better than a castle and a luxury life with a sword hanging over their heads instead." I retorted, rolling my eyes as I stood back on my own two feet again. "Coming inside?" I asked the man staring at my house, criticizing it surely inside his head."You know the one in Black Forest is fancier than this. You should have stayed with the children there if you had to.""I didn't want them to be isolated and have no friends, Daniel.""Well, to protect all of us you decided to isolate them from their sister and me." I sighed, frustrated with Daniel's lack of understanding. "It was for their own safety, Daniel. And, yours and Danielle's as well. Do you want to come in or not?"Moon Goddess! Please help me or I might smack this man today.Daniel crossed his arms, a disapproving frown on his face as he entered the wooden cottage behind me.I locked the door once
Eleanor's P.O.V "Okay. So, we are here at The Orphanage. You can go to the park and play with the kids. I'll help the adults. Don't create trouble. Am I clear?" I looked at the twins, strictly as they looked at each other before saluting me."Yes, mom!"And, the next moment I knew, both of them were running in the direction of the park."They are so cute, Ele." Crystal said, chuckling at them, making me sigh."When you marry Eden, you can have your own pair. Let me see how cute they look to you then." I replied as I watched Crystal turn red, making me chuckle as both of us walked to the backyard of The Orphanage."Hey, Ele! Hey, Crystal!" Martha, the dean of the Orphanage and everyone else greeted me and Crystal. "Hey guys! What are you all doing?""Sewing new clothes for the orphans, Ele. Come join us!" Martha replied, motioning for Crystal and me to join the circle of the village women.I smiled and joined Martha and the other women, sitting down and grabbing a needle and thread.
Daniel's P.O.V "What do you what?" I asked the man standing in front of my horse. "You must pay up if you want to cross the forest." The man spoke in a rough voice as he withdrew his sword, holding it out.Ugh! I can fight. But, why waste time? I'm feeling very relentless. I must go visit Danielle quick and get rid of this feeling. "How much do you want!?" I asked the bald man as I stared at him."3 golds." The hell!? What a rip off! But, whatever. I got no time. Be cool, Daniel. Just pay and leave. You don't need to kill these bastards.I dipped my hand in my pocket as I pulled out three gold coins in his direction. "Can I go now!?" I demanded impatiently, holding the coins towards the man.The man sneered and quickly snatched the gold coins from my outstretched hand. "You may pass," he grumbled, stepping aside to clear a path for me and my horse.I wasted no time in urging my steed forward, eager to continue my journey. The encounter had left a sour taste in my mouth, but I coul
Eleanor's P.O.V Okay.Balloons. Check.Gifts. Check.Breakfast. Check.Flowers. Check.Birthday Cake? Oh! I kept it in the fridge so that it cools down.I walked to the fridge as I opened the door, a gust of cool air hit my face. I smiled, knowing that the cake inside would soon be the centerpiece of our celebration. I carefully took out the cake and placed it on the kitchen counter, admiring its perfectly frosted layers.The kids will be so happy. I smiled staring at the cake when my stupid subconsciousness struck me.Happy birthday to you too. Thanks. I replied as I rolled my eyes. But, my birthday is something now that doesn't exist. I'm happy my children didn't have to go through all that I experienced. Isn't it nice?You're trying to live your life through them, Eleanor. Nonetheless, smooth lie it was, wasn't it? I'm an orphan so neither do I know or celebrate my birthday. My subconsciousness retorted as my smile hit the wooden floor. There have been lots of eventful things
Daniel's P.O.V "Your Majesty, the Sapphires are the best in the Empire. The mine will be of utmost help to the Empire." My eyes stared at the fraud merchant standing in front of me as I gazed at him with icy cold eyes.Are these people stupid? They really think I wouldn't see right through their lies?"Baron Sendor. If the Sapphires are so good. Please keep the mine. I'll write the deed of the land for you personally. Remember, to pay the taxes of course. You wouldn't want your head detached from your body after all." I spoke coldly, making Baron Sendor tremble as he stared at the ground. I had dealt with enough corrupt officials and conniving businessmen to recognize when someone was trying to deceive me. Baron Sendor's attempt to sell me on the supposed value of the Sapphires was transparent and insulting.I could see the fear in his eyes as my words sank in. The threat of losing his head, a fate that had befallen many others who had attempted to deceive or betray me, was enough t
Eleanor's P.O.V "Mom! It's all Rayn's fault!" Serphina's chirpy voice rang in my ears as I stared at the twins standing in front of me drenched in mud."Rayn? Have something to say for yourself?" I crossed my arms and looked at my son, awaiting his response. Rayn, the older of the twins, seemed unfazed by the accusation. He calmly glanced at Serphina and then turned his attention back to me.He was a replica of him..."It's not entirely my fault, Mom," Rayn said, trying to defend himself as I snapped out of my thoughts. "We were playing tag near the pond, and Serphina tripped and fell in. I couldn't help it. But, I did get her out of the pond like a good brother would and didn't let her die by herself. Which I regret now because she pulled me in too."Serphina huffed, crossing her muddy arms over her chest. "That's not true, Rayn! You pushed me! So, I pulled you in."Actually, neither of them are like me. They both are little Daniels. I miss Danielle. Hic... my big baby was so cute.
Daniel's P.O.V Nervous.I was nervous as I walked back and forth in the hallway. What was I thinking? What the hell was I thinking when I let her go? I should go...No. Let's wait a moment. I'm pretty sure that Eleanor would stay. She would leave me given the chance. She wouldn't go, right?How much time has it been? Should I go back? Should I not? Should I wait a little longer?These thoughts were racing through my mind, causing my heart to pound and my palms to grow sweaty. I couldn't help but imagine a little picture in my head of me watching Eleanor walk away, her figure becoming smaller and smaller until she disappeared completely.I should go back. I should go back. She wouldn't have left. I'm just worried for no reason! Eleanor wouldn't leave me. She wouldn't. What are the odds she wouldn't leave me after all that I've done to her? What are the odds she would stay? What are the odds that when I walk into the room that she would run into my arms and hug me? What are the odd