The Last Priestess

Chapter 7: Doubts

Psyche's POV

Since the day my foot laid tread here, irrationality has become my default setting. As if decisiveness and critical thinking are no longer applicable. And the once-filled intelligence turns into negligence.

Differentiating lies and reading the truth was a battle, aside from the fact that I'm completely unsure of who to believe and who to avoid. This addleness is nothing but a fleeting pace. But my worrying heart is a sucker for an immediate miracle.

"When are you going to send me home?"

A part of me feels Scion will keep his word, even if there is only a 25% probability that he will.

There is nothing wrong with having faith in others; nevertheless, it is wrong when that person you trusted destroys it. Broken trust will be difficult to mend, or worse, it can no longer be fixed. So, I don't want to set myself up for letdown by having higher expectations.

"The decision isn't mine, Psyche. It's the Emperor who will decide your fate," he replied.

His responses had gotten vaguer every time I asked. Not to mention that his answer was also varied, making it more obvious that he had no intention of bringing me back home.

The delight I felt when he arrived at the restaurant earlier was quickly replaced by resentment and disillusionment. He is the sole reason I landed myself here. It was inconsiderate of him to make a decision that I didn't agree with. I'm at a loss as to what's going on. And why is the Emperor interested in seeing me?

Perseus informed me that the Drakon Empire conquered the Alinthi Kingdom five years ago. So I'm not sure why Scion is allowed to go beyond Alinthi's scope of land despite the limitations imposed on them. They're imprisoned in the royal cell, as Perseus prophesied, but how come they can still do what they want?

"You promised me earlier that you'd send me back home," I complained.

If his promises are nothing but empty words, he might as well store them in the jar of lies and quit inflicting non-existing hope. It's destructive to faith and a brutal punch of unrealistic guarantees. I'd rather hear the crestfallen truth than an ebullient fib.

"I will."

The doubts in my heart cannot be overgrown with some honey-coated words. His 'I will' will surely turn into 'I can't' at the end of the day. Scion certainly lives up to his moniker. He is, indeed, a backstabber stinger, a two-faced b***h who uses words to trick others.

"Your Majesty, I have brought her," he declared after we got inside a luxurious cell.

The bars aren't metal but a golden wall. This is the first time I'd seen a jail that looked like a five-star hotel room, with full-service appliances inside. The royal prerogative, I suppose.

Nevertheless, I'm curious why the Drakon ruler hasn't slain them. Why are they spared and being treated in this manner?

It is very different from what I've seen in movies. Normally, they would kill their adversary and spare no one, but this time, it is different. Perhaps the Drakon King is not as horrible as many imagined him to be.

The Emperor dramatically turns his head in my direction as if he was filming some commercial film. I have high expectations of royals but this one failed me. He doesn't look like an Emperor but rather a bouncer in the club. My judgment isn't meant to offend his features but to give a comment on his toned-up muscles. As if building muscles was his sole pastime from the past five years of being a prisoner.

I awkwardly waved my hand and smiled out of courtesy. “Hi?”

I've seen ladies do some curtsy to nobles as their sign of respect, but the thought of me doing it cringe the hell out of me.

“Hello, Psyche.”

He gave me a warm smile, motioning me to take the seat in front of me. I took a short glance at Scion who was now sitting on the opposite couch—his back reclining on the backrest.

I've never been used to formalities. Complying with such orders, observance of rules and proper etiquette is a hassle. It's very traditional. My free nature will be unable to keep up with the royals' code of behavior, which is quite untimely in today's generation.

"Let me first give you a little introduction before I explain why I want you here. I am Orion Sanders, the Alinthi Kingdom's Emperor," he said.

I honestly don't care who he is; all I want to know is why he wants me here. Regardless of whether his justification is sound or not. The only thing that counts to me right now is going home, so I just want to become enlightened and do that.

"Do I need to introduce myself, too?"

It only now occurred to me that Orion, like Perseus, is named after a constellation, as if I had traveled to a realm of signs and symbols. Meeting individuals that resemble the constellation's name was a little strange, but I find it fascinating nonetheless. It's as if I'm on a trip of discovery, and the stopping center along the way are people who represent everything I'm fascinated with.

"Whatever will make you comfortable," he said.

I arched my brows and a small smile appeared on the side of my lips. "I want to hear your reasons now."

Orion took a time to look at Scion, and just as he turned to go, possibly to allow us some room to speak, we heard footsteps approaching the area where we are now. I believe there may be 5-8 people arriving because of the loud footfalls.

"They're coming. Take her somewhere else. I'll send you a signal once everything is clear," Orion said nervously, dismissing us.

It implies that their acts are still being monitored. Scion instantly grabbed my hand and we teleported somewhere. We arrived at a little hut. My gaze wanders to the horizon, only to be reminded that we are in the middle of a forest. We have no neighbors; all that can be seen are the trees around us.

"Where are we?"

"Can you send me home now?"

He merely gave me a blank stare before entering the cabin. Could this be his hiding place? Is this area still a part of Alinthi?

"When are you going to send me back home, Scion?" I sighed as I followed him inside.

If only I had the strength and the ability to make a portal, I would have returned to my world long ago. But no matter what I do, I'll always be at a disadvantage. On the side of the coin, Scion is the head, the one to follow, while I am the tail, the one to obey. Even if I beg, plead, and scream, he will remain deaf to it.

"Let's wait for the Emperor's signal."

As always.

He is like an obedient dog who obeys what Orion says. To be honest, he could certainly ditch the emperor since he's no longer in power. He failed his Kingdom. He doesn't deserve such a faithful servant like him.

"Can't you make decisions on your own?" I mused.

"I can..." he opened the windows, enabling the air to pass through, "but I don't want to betray the Emperor."

"So, does that mean you have no plans to send me back to my world?"

Scion sighed. "Not now, Psyche. Listen to what Orion has to say first and perhaps you'll have a change of mind or maybe a change of heart after," he answered.

I doubt that.

No one can change my mind. Not unless Miriam comes here, then perhaps it'll do. She's the only one who can convince me to stay here and nothing else. I have no friends here. I have no relatives here. In short, my life isn't here. My world doesn't revolve in this strange place and I certainly can't survive living here.

"How about you tell me?"

Waiting is not my style.

I certainly am not a patient kind of person, so I don't like being made to wait. If he knew what Orion would tell me, he should have told me then. We're not sure when we'll be able to return to the royal jail just to clarify things. It could either be tomorrow or it might take a while longer.

"It's not my story to tell, Psyche," he reasoned out.

"Then, make it yours," I stubbornly argued.

"Could you please be patient?"

Over a week has passed while I have been earnestly waiting. How much longer do I have to wait before he sends me home—how many more days, weeks, or months should I spend? Will he not see that I don't have a life here?

Heading back home is the only key to easing my heart because of Miriam and the idea of which I'm already past class days. I'd already caused her a lot of trouble, then this happened.

"If only you hadn't brought me here, this complex thing wouldn't happen, and I wouldn't have any problem to mind," I grumbled.

"You're so noisy, woman."

"Then send me back home, and you'll be at peace."

Instead of following my advice, he smiled apologetically at me and abruptly shoved a palm-sized scorpion into my face. I shrieked in fear and dashed outdoors. My heart rate increased and made my blood run cold for a moment. I freaking hate scorpions. They're little devils and they sting like hell.

"Are you trying to kill me?" I exclaimed furiously.

Scion, on the other hand, merely chuckled while staring at me as if I were some kind of laughingstock. He's laughing his ass off while I'm here shaking in fear. He shows me no mercy and wasn't humane enough to even consider my heebie-jeebies.

"I was trying to shut you off."

Great.

"Go to hell, Scion," I shouted, glaring at him.

"Manners, lady."

Says the one who throws a freaking scorpion in my face. I rolled my eyes at his hypocrisy and inhaled a good amount of fresh air to calm my raging nerves. Looks like I'm going to die early here.