Chapter 9: Departure

"Damn, they have been at it for hours," said one of the soldiers patrolling. 

"Hey, she's a hot babe," replied one of the other soldiers.

Covering her face with tears flooding down her cheeks, she ran out of the palace. 

The next following day Prince Eric woke up with Samantha in his arms. Pushing aside his hungover, he looked at the woman beside him. She was beautiful in his eyes. Then suddenly disappointment hit him as he realized that in a few hours he would be leaving for the frontline. He thought to himself that in the next few years, the person he loved most would be the one whom he misses the most. How Samantha will be in his thoughts all the time. This woman is dear to him, his childhood friend, and his first love. Then in the moment of his thoughts Ruby's face came into mind, but only for a split second and he shook his head that he must be crazy to even imagine her while holding his love in his arms. He looked back at Samantha's sleeping face and gave her a kiss on her forehead.

He remembered seeing her at the age of eleven. Being the same age, they got along quite well. Since they were always together, he got closer to her as the years went by. Even though he never needed her to defend him, she would protect him with her petite body. Eric thought it was cute. That was why he fell in love with her. 

"Get up my love, it's time to wake up," said Prince Eric.

Samantha moaned and said, "Not yet. I'm still tired."

"No?"

"I don't want to get up yet."

"Really?"

"Yes. So let me sleep a bit longer."

Prince Eric did as she said. After another hour he nudged her to wake up.

"Is it time to get up?"

"Yes."

Samantha still didn't budge.

"Aren't you going to say goodbye to your husband?" question Prince Eric moving in closer to her.

Startled at his words she got up and looked at him. Realizing that she was in the same bed as him, she pulled the covers to herself. 

He chuckled and said, "What is there to be shy about?" 

Samantha blushed and said, "Pervert." She rushed to the bathroom. 

By late morning he was getting ready to set off. 

"Prince Eric couldn't you at least hurry up before it was high noon?" said Kevin Slow, who was the eldest son of Duke Elon Slow of Green Tortoise.

"Hey, let the man's beast come out, besides he finally got to be with the woman he loved," said John Wild. He was Samantha's first cousin. 

Samantha who was trailing beautifully along, heard, and blushed shyly. 

"Stop picking on her," said Prince Eric. 

"Coming forth commander, Zachery Leopard, the eldest son of Leon Leopard of the Black Tiger Clan," said one of the soldiers who was announcing his arrival. 

"Well at least we're not the only one who didn't have a wild night," said Kevin.

"You're the only one who didn't have a "good" night," replied John. 

"What?"

"Yeah."

"Hey, what does that mean?"

"Humph."

"So am I the only one...."

"I guess so."

"But I thought you said you were going home early to take a rest."

"I did go home early. And I did rest because the ladies did all the job."

"What? What?"

Zachery looked at him with eyes gleaming. Kevin hushed right away as he noticed that he was overheard by the dark brute. Zachery was tall, lean, with heavy muscles, with black hair and brown eyes. He have a seriousness in his face that show his firm and handsome face. Having a strong aura, he didn't say anything as he settled on his horse. At the sight of him, Samantha blushed at how handsome he was. 

When Eric noticed  she was looking at him, he grabbed her hand and said, "Wait for me."

"Yes. I will," said Samantha. 

The Emperor made a speech and blessed the soldiers for victory of the war. The crowd cheered. Soon Prince Eric and his troops marched out of the capital. 

"Hey, where is the one that keeps clinging onto you?" asked Kevin.

"Who?" asked Prince Eric. 

"Your princess consort."

"She isn't my princess consort."

"Why is that?"

"Didn't you hear that I was with Samantha last night after I proposed to her. She’s my consort."

"I did. That's why I was hoping to see a commotion. Since that woman is so obsessed with you."

Eric frowned at that comment. He thought to himself that it was true. That woman never let anything go especially when it comes to Samantha. If that woman is seeking revenge on them that morning, he won't allow it. He won't allow that ugly fat woman to harm his lover anymore. He won't let it happen. At least not on his watch. "I will divorce her soon."

"Who?"

"Ruby Scarlet."

"Alright, if you say so."

It was true, Ruby didn't show up. Eric wasn't disappointed as she didn't come for, she didn't cause any commotion for the capital to see. At first, he was quite worried that Ruby would come and throw a tantrum. He was afraid she would come and embarrassed him. Especially Samantha. Ruby have always hated her and will do anything to ruin her good reputation, but Prince Eric have always stopped it all before it happened. He was surprised that after announcing that he had taken in Samantha as his consort she didn't come running through the doors to confront him. He had also laid claim to her last night, so he was sure Ruby wouldn’t let him off easily. But to his amazement she didn't do anything which was awfully strange. He was sure she was going to come up with a scheme to spoil his happy mood of last night, but nothing happened. However, he must still be on guard, for Ruby may still show up and ruin his departure. The least to Eric's expectation was being humiliated by her before leaving to the frontline, so seeing her before he left made him worry. He felt a heavy weight lifted off his shoulder when she didn't come as he got closer to the edge of the capital. It's a good thing that she showed her thoughts. 

As he left the capital, he turned to say his goodbyes to Samantha. Since Samantha and her are rivals, Ruby always does everything she can to ruin her. It was a good thing that Samantha always catches her in the act. Being able to see the true face of Ruby, Eric was able to see her wicked ways. He knew he have picked the right woman. Eric thought to himself that he won't let Ruby off easily if she dares to harm Samantha again. 

Even though he denied not wanting to see Ruby, his eyes was searching for her. He wonders why he did that, especially when he hated the ugly fat girl. A weird feeling overcame him, as he thought of the promise. He doesn't like that hideous girl, so he wouldn't care whether he kept or broke the promise. Broken promise. Ping! An ache came to his heart. He gasped at the sharp pain that suddenly came to him. Shaking off the feeling, he ignored it. As he left the capital that day, an overwhelming feeling of guilt washed over him.