Daniel's P.O.V
I opened my eyes as the first thing that greeted me was Petroka's face."Finally you have regained consciousness, Your Majesty." His voice rang in my ears as I felt my brain shake violently in my skull."It wasn't like he would have died either way, Petroka." Henry's emotionless voice rang through my head as I raised my head to find him lazing around on the couch with a glass of water in his hand which he was probably drinking water from.His words made a frown etch on my forehead and look around the room.Where am I? Since where was this type of small room ever present in the castle? Or, since when did my cold castle had such a room which made me feel warmth?"What's going on?" I asked as I gripped my hair because of the bad headache I was having."Just you vomiting blood. Then fainting. Do you even realize how worried Eleanor got?" Henry spoke through his gritted teeth as he slammed the glass of wateEleanor's P.O.V A familiar scent of maple trees in autumn hit my nose as I started to regain consciousness because of the sunlight hitting the lids of my eyes.Daniel...My eyes snapped open as I turned to look at my side. And, there he was sleeping so peacefully as if he never vomited blood yesterday. As if everything was just perfect. Like how it was supposed to be...Seeing him sleeping beside me like an angel I forgot to breathe for a moment. Small strands of his dark hair were perfectly scattered across his forehead as his chest rose and moved back down in a perfect rhythm.Why does everything about this man all seem so perfect to me?Maybe, he just was. So perfect. So enchanting. So unreal.My eyes which were once trained on his face trailed down to his neck as my eyes lingered on the gem of his necklace. It seemed a little brighter shade of red than it was in the past few days...Ugh! Maybe I am being t
Daniel's P.O.V I don't know. I just don't fucking know if it was the mate bond or not that was making me see things. But she most definitely was the most naturally loveble person I've ever met. Everything about her was just lovely and adorable. "Daniel? How do I look?" Eleanor asked as I snapped out of my thoughts just in time to witness her cute little twirl she performed before facing the mirror and staring at my reflection being projected on it.How did I forget the memories I've made with someone so lovely and beautiful?I rose from the bed and hugged her from behind making her back press against my chest. "Perfect." I whispered leaning into her ear making a giggle pass her lips as both of us gazed at our happy reflection. "I hope we can stay like this forever." I found myself voicing out the desire and dream that lingered in my mind when I looked at us together. "We will." Eleanor affirmed as she placed a quick kiss on my cheek and flashed me a big toothy grin.Her cute littl
Eleanor's P.O.V It's weird how yesterday feels as if it's been ages ago and Daniel has somehow changed through those ages. I couldn't put my finger on it but something had changed, I just couldn't figure out what. "Eleanor, is this the house?" Daniel voice brought me out of my deep thoughts as I stared at the stone house in front of us. Marlyn's house.The place where Danielle had been staying up till now."Yea." I nodded as I made my way toward the old wooden door and knocked on it, thrice and moved back. After a few moments, I heard footsteps running towards the door and I don't know why but that made me hold my breath. The door slowly creaked open as a small frame entered my vision. "Danielle." I finally breathed out, letting go of the breathe I've been holding. Her eyes widened as her body tilted towards the left taking notice of Daniel, Henry and Petroka as uninvited tears began to stream down her eyes. "Is this the surprise, Mrs. Peat? Is this my new family?"Danielle voice
Henry's P.O.V.Daniel slammed the door of the room shut as he hung his necklace around the knob as he turned to me."What were you thinking!?" Daniel's scream pierced my ears as his anger was displayed in the tone of his voice."I was thinking about your well being. And... Eleanor's." I spoke in a trembling voice as I sat on the couch with my face in between my palms. I don't know why but I could feel my stomach twist and churn as Eleanor's state from yesterday crossed my mind. She was so worried about a guy she had known only for three days that she almost lost the strength in her body. What would happen if she grew attached to the child as well as Daniel and has to choose one in a situation? She would go crazy. I didn't hold anything against that child. I just didn't want to see Eleanor being broken and lost."So, you thought talking these things in front of a child would have been good? Henry for once stop interfering where you should
Daniel's P.O.V "Daniel?" I heard Petroka's voice call me by my name as I slammed the door shut, leaving Henry alone so that he could clear his thoughts. "Is he okay? He's been weird lately." I turned around as I hugged Petroka making him freeze. "Daniel?" Petroka's voice called me again but this time it was the genuine tone of a concerned friend. However, I didn't reply which earned me a pat on my back.Both of us stayed like that for a moment before I let him go as both of us broke apart. "I don't know. He's just...""Overthinking?" Petroka tried guessing the word for me since I couldn't just think of words to describe his state right now. "Kind of. Not exactly though. I feel there's something he wants to say but he just can't say it and it's eating him from inside. And, I don't think I can help him even though I really want to." I spoke about my concerns to Petroka. Even though I maybe mad at him at times and when the King
Eleanor's P.O.V "Mom! Will this one fit me?" Danielle asked as she was jumping up and down like a cute little pup holding my old dress. My heart raced in my chest like it did the first time she called me, 'mom'."Why don't you try it?" I advised as I stroked her golden hair, lovingly after which she ran into the bathroom leaving me alone with my destructive thoughts. Daniel's face from before crossed my mind as I continued folding my clothes and placing them in my suitcase. I wonder, what is weighing Daniel down so much that he can't even find a way to share it. "Eleanor?" Henry's voice interrupted my train of thoughts as it pierced my ears from the other side of the door. I immediately stood up as I walked towards the door and opened it, only to see a wrecked Henry staring at me with eyes a little red."What's the matter, Henry!?" I asked concerned as my hand held his shoulder, supporting his body so that he doesn't end up f
Daniel's P.O.V "Dad!" I embraced my daughter, Danielle, as she joyfully jumped into my arms. Her bright eyes and infectious enthusiasm filled me with an immediate sense of contentment that only a father could truly understand. A proud smile spread across my face as I ran my fingers through her hair, admiring the way the fabric of her new dress clung to her petite frame. "Hey, Angel," I said softly, and she beamed a smile back at me. "Dad! How do I look in this dress!?" she asked eagerly, as I glanced at her with a warm smile on my face. "Very pretty. Where did you get it from?" I asked, curiously making Danielle grin at me. "Mom, gave it to me. It's mom's old clothes that grandma sewed for her. Aren't they really really pretty dad?"The words of Danielle made me shift my undivided attention to the fabric as an image of a little Eleanor laughing and running around crossed my mind.The twenty year old fabric hasn't lost it's charm. And,
Eleanor's P.O.V As my eyes fell upon Daniel holding Hailey close to him, I felt as if my heart was on fire. My mind went blank as I tried to process what was happening right in front of me. In that moment, every thought of worry vanished into thin air as I watched Daniel hold onto Hailey with his arms wrapped firmly around her waist. As they gazed into the eyes of another as his arms were wrapped around her protectively. All I could feel was growing frustration within me.Seeing the way Daniel held onto her made me feel insignificant. Was Daniel finally enchanted by her charms like any other man?The sight infront of my eyes made me completely forget about Henry beside me and Danielle beside them. I stomped my way towards them but came to a stand still as my daughter's voice filled my ears. "Mom!"She yelled as she ran towards me, as I crouched down to pat my child's head, but suddenly heard a huge thud. Looking up, I saw Ha
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