Epitome of a Hero

A story that was never ended

A break from epitome part 4

For my love and my honor chapter 3.

This is the day.

Aurora fixed her hair into a tight bun while Verlyn puts on some ornaments to beautify the princess’ hair. Aurora eyed the small bronzed hair pin shimmering with gold and silver beads, she gave a heart-warming smile and placed it at the side of her head.

“You’ll take care, Aurora. Please don’t forget to wear your dresses accordingly on every events,” Verlyn giggled as she looks at Aurora by the mirror.

“What are you saying? You’re coming with me.”

Verlyn let out a gasp,” But I am not in charge of leaving with you on occasions! Madame Lynn is!”

“She can come too, but for the King. I’ll take whoever I want,” Aurora winked at her as she beams. Verlyn squeals in delight, “B-but, I am not prepared, I don’t have anything!”

“We can bring more of my clothes; you are going to wear them. We’re going to Elmuth!”

“Oh no, I can’t wear the dress of a princess! The people would put shame on me!”

“Why would they? You are someone to adore! You are my best friend, if they ever intend to harm or humiliate you, they are going to have to go through me.” Aurora is decisively frowning like a mad old lady. “And you know what happens when they try.”

Verlyn laughed remembering how scary Aurora is when she is mad. One time, when the princess saw me being ridiculed by one of the chamber maids, she stormed the room to where I was, looking at the other maid as if she was about to kill her. She got frightened right away, kneeling, Aurora just took me out of the room and the following days, they never insulted me again.

“Well, I could just stir you some of your tea to settle it.”

“Oh, please do, thank you Verlyn.”

Aurora stares at the mirror, never gazing at her reflection but instead, remembering how yesterday ended with both their lips breathing into one another. She unconsciously grabbed the cup of tea given by Verlyn as she stares in the middle of nowhere, recollecting her memories of the Michael.

“Did you see your man yesterday?”

Aurora blurted out her tea, making her choke from it.

“Aurora! Are you okay?” Verlyn pats the maiden’s back as she coughs due to her tea.

“He’s not mine,” or not yet or maybe never?  Aurora recomposes herself as her eyes tear up due to her ragged throat. Verlyn rolled her eyes as she titters.

I don’t want to think about him today. I’m, going to Elmuth. “There’s one more person I’d like to bring with us.”

“Who?”

Aurora head to the library, hopping and humming as she walks. Chris was in the door in front of the library, standing with no reaction in his face. When Aurora got close, Chris dropped his dead gaze, his eyes sparkles.

“Princess.” He gave a nod.

“Chris, I’m afraid you’ll have to be relieved from your duties for three days.”

“I cannot leave without the King’s permission milady; I also don’t have a reason to.” Chris looks at her with his questioning eyes.

Aurora frowned, “Oh I guess you do, you’re coming to Elmuth with us.”

“B-but--!”

Aurora held her palm against his face so Chris would shut his mouth. “You’re coming with us, you have to take a rest from the palace, Christian. All you see is this door and this hallway, it’s time for you to see what nature looks like as well.” She let out a giggle.

Chris can’t hide his emotions; his cheeks were flushed as she looked at Aurora. I would love to leave as well. I haven’t been outside for a long time. “Would the King even agree— “

“Father!” Aurora waved her hand as his father, Chris dropped mute and evaded the gaze of the King and Queen, as they walk together heading to his and Aurora’s way.

“I would like to bring some of my friends to Elmuth, that includes Chris and Verlyn.”

Chris gritted his teeth, tensing up his jaw to avoid grinning like an i***t. The king might question me for Aurora’s actions. He sweats up as his ears hear his heart banging the walls of his chest.

“You can do what you want, pumpkin.” The king beamed at Aurora and nodded at Chris, he suddenly whispered something to the queen’s ear.

Nerissa rolled her eyes, suppressing a smile. Aslan laughed and put his arm around her back and continued walking as if they are in their own world.

What just happened? Aurora’s eyes followed her parents’ as they walk. Did something just happen while I was gone. I have never seen mom act like that. She was always wearing her cold gaze and warm expression. Aurora shook her head and smiled, “Get ready Chris!” She pulled both Chris’ hands up, enclosing it to hers and her eyes light up like the sun, her feet step into the ups and down, making her look like an excited little kid. Chris’ knight helmet shakes as Aurora jumps on her feet, he lets out a nervous laugh.

“You’ll wear something other than that.”

“What?” Chris surprised voice cracks up as Aurora smiled like a scary nun.

Verlyn’s brunette hair was swaying down her back, with some of the strands in the front, braided like waterfalls through the back.

“You look wonderful dear.” The queen smiled at her and then at Aurora, who was grinning like a cheshire cat beside her.

“I told you so.” Aurora whispered at Verlyn.

Verlyn’s blood seemed to rush through her cheeks, her head looking down due to lack of confidence. I tied my hair up in its ordinary position but Aurora showed me her death stare, she then dragged me on a chair in front of her mirror and did my hair. She sighs.

When Verlyn and Aurora was about to jump on the royal carriage, a young man wearing a white suit and dark trousers walked towards them. His hair was long and braided tightly behind him, the short hair in front of him were messily gorgeous, his light ash hair shining like silver and his golden eyes glistens due to the sun’s luminescence.

“Chris!” Verlyn’s jaw dropped down like Aurora. They have never seen him without his armour as knight. Chris evaded the people’s gaze, embarrassed of how he looks. Aurora left me on the dressing chamber with the ladies-in-waiting, they gave me fright as they showed me different types of clothing for noble men. I didn’t want any of it but the princess would kill me if I don’t participate. The king and queen was laughing as they watched Aurora banter her friends. They both knew she was friendly and that made them comfortable since they know the ones who will never betray her.

The King rode on his carriage, kissing Nerissa’s head before hopping in. Aurora on the other hand rode her carriage with Verlyn beside her and Chris in front of them on the other side of the seat, looking outside the carriage’s window.

He looks so regal.

Aurora thought to herself as she looks at Chris then back to Verlyn. Her friend nodded, they were talking without words. Chris scratches his head as he looks down, never looking at the princess. Both the ladies laughed due to his fiddle expression.

At dusk, they have reached Elmuth. The pathway opening for their carriage were filled with different flowers, the colors were brimming to their eyes. Aurora counts the different flowers as she trails the path from the windows of their carriage. Chris, on the other hand, stares at Aurora with his tepid golden eyes. He looks at the hair pin on her hair as his lips curled up with fondness.

I love how the princess’ smiles at simple things. Long time ago, when I was charged to go to Brimmingham to guard the King, I saw a stall who sells hair ornaments, I immediately thought of her. She never puts large ornaments for her hair, she just really used them to keep her hair in place. The princess always is so dazzling without putting too much effort. She will run through the palace halls with her hair in a mess, she will speak with her lips without any hint of dye and she would even walk barefooted when she roams the library. I never knew why she did that but she just says its comfortable. All of those things made me fall for her. She never failed to light up my life whenever she comes to me. I saw a simple hairpin brimmed with gold and silver pearls, this simple hair ornament will still look elegant when Aurora wears it. When I gave it to her back at the castle. She squealed and wore it immediately without even hesitating, she gave me a quick spin as she frisks on her place. I’ve never felt this for anyone before, and I would be willing to die without changing what I feel. I would love her like how the sunflowers look up the sun, wherever the sun is, the sunflowers will follow—but only from their sight will they be able to be with them since they will never be close hence, I will love her from afar, since I know that we can never be together.

Verlyn simpers, looking at how Chris holds Aurora in his eyes. She knew what that look is and she was happy seeing Chris’ hopeful eyes. Like a good friend she is, she closes her eyes, hoping that her friends can get the things they wanted.

“Welcome to Elmuth, King Aslan and Princess Aurora.”

King Gian, the king of Elmuth, welcomed them, and his knights bowed down in respect. King Aslan grabbed the hand offered by King Gian, welcoming them in their palace.

“Princess Aurora, what a beautiful lady you have turned out to be! You look just like your mother!”

“And you, my King, you looked as if you never aged!” Aurora exclaimed, leaving laughter to everyone with them.

“That’s what I like about the future Queen!” King Gian chortles. “I hope you’d like my sons, they wanted to meet the one and only princess Aurora.”

The people chortled with glee, Aurora just nodded—she doesn’t want to be arranged in marriage but as a part of Royal, she knows she have to make a choice. The people entered inside Elmuth’s castle, the palace is all lit up, chandeliers hang on the ceiling, the carpets ran in the floor, shimmering gold and red as roses. All of their furnishings were engraved with vine like structures, symbolizing plants which what Elmuth was known for, agriculture.

Chris and Verlyn walked behind the King and Aurora, following King Gian towards the main hall where the Queen of Elmuth, Ivy with her new born and the two sons await. Aurora have never seen them before since it was only King Gian who visited Tenebri when she was young.

“Aurora, try to befriend the two princes.” The King looked at Aurora with sincerity and worry in his eyes.

“I am friends with everyone father, but I am not ready for marriage so please don’t put me through this just yet.” Aurora’s brows were wrinkled. I haven’t reached any adept feeling, not just yet. She thought about Michael and his smiles, sighing, her fist held the sides of her dress. How is he doing right now? D--does he miss me? Oh, cut it lady! She shook her head and held up a hopeful smile. I am sure going to enjoy the foods.

“Don’t fret, pumpkin.” Aslan reassured her daughter.

The dining area prepared by Elmuth was large, their royal table was long and foods made Aurora’s eyes take fancy.

“Lady, Verlyn and I can’t stay here. This is feast is only prepared for the royalties.” Chris whispered at the princess.

“You are guests here, you’re both not going anywhere.” Aurora looked at her friends and take each of their hands to hers. Verlyn lets out a silly smile, she knows Aurora is going to do this, she is not scared of anyone. She hasn’t met anyone who can have this kind of braveness and courage as her—or at least haven’t met them yet.

Chris on the other hand felt butterflies making its way round his stomach, Aurora’s finger held his hand and it was warm, Chris’ lips made peace with his mind, he was contented, his fingers intertwined with Aurora’s.

The princess felt Chris’ fingers entwined with hers all so suddenly, his hands were cold. Don’t be afraid. Her lips curled up into a smile as she tightened her hold to his hand.

“My Queen, my sons, my people, Let us welcome King Aslan of Elmuth and Princess Aurora!” The people applaud, looking at them with grace and adoration. “Tenebri and Elmuth have been allies for long years, and in that alliance, there is friendship—The pact between two kingdoms were deeper than any, the King and I, were brothers, not by blood, but by a strong force that gathers the fated ones together. In the upcoming three days, let’s give them Elmuth’s best, for this celebration is not only to honor my new born, my princess-- but also to honor my brother, King Aslan.”

The feast has begun, there were music, the two Kings sat down together, laughing like children who have just met. Aurora savour every meal, filling her stomach with foods she sees on the table. As she does, she watches Chris and Verlyn, giving them a straight gaze when she notices that they never eat.

“My dear, I am so delighted to meet you.” Queen Ivy, stretched her arms to embrace the maiden.

“And I to you, my Queen. You really look so beautiful as my mother did tell.”

“Silly, your mother really loved to compliment everyone else but never herself. Your mother would always look so calm but that girl is pretty intense, especially when she was young. She was very aggressive and it was one of everything I love about her.

Aurora’s eyes light up like fireworks, “Oh please, do tell more.” The Queen laughed with her.

“When the feast is over, you and your friend can go to me,” she winks, pointing out her eyes to Verlyn who was on the other side of the table.

“Much appreciated my Queen,” the princess giggled.

Aurora stood up and went to where Verlyn and Chris were. The Queen watches the two ladies with a smile on her face, her memory of her and Nerissa sprung up to her mind.

Nerissa and I were both raised in Albania. Albania’s King was a womanizer, he keeps spreading his seeds across the whole nation, leading to many daughters fighting for a claim to become a princess, hoping to be married to a prince. Nerissa was different, she never fought for a position, but she was already the Queen amongst all the other women being educated. She was strong and I was the weak one. My body was frail but my mind was strong, but still, the other ladies kept ruining my reputation to exclude their enemies. It was a dirty play, doing everything they can to eliminate the other girls more deserving.

One day, I was pushed by another, but when she was going to lay her hands on my face, Nerissa came, her blonde hair across her back, looking so ravishing without any hues on her face, she was fierce, gripping the wrist of the lady who was going to slap me.

“What do you think you are doing?”

She held her wrist firmly on her hand, making the obnoxious lady scream in pain. After her screams, Nerissa pushed her causing her to drop on the ground, the lady cried while Nerissa beamed at me and helped my feet stand back on the ground.

“Ladies, what is going on here?”

At that time, Aslan’s father, King Hebrew was at Albania as requested by King Alba. The lady that Nerissa pushed kept weeping on the floor, pleading for help. I was afraid but Nerissa held me beside her and looked at the King straight in the eyes.

“My King, this lady.” She pointed to the woman who whimpers on the ground. “She have hurt this young woman with me. This woman is more capable of being a true Queen since she knows how to think, apparently- that lady does not.”

The king, instead of being mad, was surprised and amazed, “Lady Nerissa, what do you think are the qualifications for a Queen?”

“A Queen must have a heart for people—for the strong, for the weak, for the good and the bad, but above else, a wise mind which can decide what is best for the King and for the nation. She who knows how to speak with her mind, consulted therefore by her heart, knows how to be a great queen.”

The King smiled at her and turned on his way.

Nerissa, being there with me, gave me protection. As much as she was my friend, I have a huge respect for her. She was a girl of glee, of freedom. After she was betrothed—her warm smiles turned into a lost cause.

“Princess Aurora.”

A voice of a young man called the maiden while she converses with her friends. When she turned to look, the man bowed his head down with his hand barely touching his chest.

“My name is Prince Erik. King’s second son.”

Erik’s hair was deep black like her mother while the first born Ezekiel, has his father’s hair, deep blonde. Both of their eyes were gray, and both are stunning.

“I am Ezekiel. Delighted to meet you.” The eldest prince bowed his head to Aurora and his eyes flee towards the princess’ friend. Verlyn evaded his gaze, looking down at the floor.

“Nice to meet you, Princes. I would like you to meet Lady Verlyn and Sir Chris.” She grinned. Her two friends stood cold beside Aurora. In the meantime, they just wanted to run.

“I hope you enjoy your time here in Elmuth—As the eldest son, I could offer you the tour to the towns.”

“We would love to do that. We can depart earlier tomorrow! There’s so many things that I would like to see.” Aurora smiled at the princes, her excitement filling her eyes. Ezekiel smiled back while Erik lets out a laugh for the princess’ enthusiasm. The three royals chattered with one another, Chris and Verlyn stares at them—proudness embedded in their eyes. Anywhere we go, whoever she talks to, she was never out of place.

Verlyn noticed Prince Ezekiel’s eyes turning to her as he talks to Aurora. His jaws were firm and his body is masculine. His brows are thick, completely compatible with his keen grey eyes. Verlyn felt her heart racing as Ezekiel excused himself from the conversation, and started walking towards her.

“Lady Verlyn?”

He beams at her. She stares blankly at the ground, her ears were filled with whistling noises and her stomach was fleeting butterflies. She suddenly gasped when Chris tapped her foot with his, unnoticed.

“My God, are you okay?” Ezekiel beam turned to worry, and in that worry, his eyes searched hers.

I don’t know what to say!

“I-I’m fine.” She stutters, pointing her vision elsewhere-- anywhere, except from the prince’s doting eyes.

“I would like to excuse myself for a moment.” Chris let his head down a little, turning to walk outside, dragging his feet away from them. He knows what is going on, deciding to leave both the ladies with the royal men.

Erik whispered something to Aurora, making her giggle, leaving both Ezekiel and Verlyn alone.

Don’t leave me Aurora!

Verlyn screams on her mind, debating whether this moment is delightful or terrifying. Ezekiel waved the princess and his brother good bye.

“Lady Verlyn.” Ezekiel lifts Verlyn’s chin by the tip of his fingers. “Always keep your head high, that beautiful face is not something that one should be ashamed of.”

He could be a womanizer to able to speak this confident to a girl he just met!

Verlyn was fuming, but she cannot contain the sparks shooting from her eyes. I cannot stay this way. She takes a deep breath and let out a smile.

“Quite a charmer, aren’t you, Prince Ezekiel?”

“Only for a woman who’ve caught my eyes.” He gave a wink and offers his hand for her to take.

“May I take you somewhere?”

Verlyn tried keeping her feelings down but her shaking hands opposed the idea. Ezekiel chortled as his hand takes hers. “You’re freezing, my lady!”

“I-it’s cold.” Verlyn shrugged, feeling all the air leave her body. I should ask if Aurora is behind all this! Why would a prince talk to me? A-and more, hold me?

She blushed at the thought, staring at her hand, dragged by the Prince.

“Father.”

Ezekiel has brought her to where the two kings were, Verlyn went beside Ezekiel and threw a curtsy. She kept her down as she does. If only Aurora is here.

“I told this woman to keep her head high so that everyone can see how beautiful she is.”

Verlyn gasped while the men burst into laughter.

“The prince is right, child. You are one of Tenebri, show them what we are.”

King Aslan smiled at her, giving her comfort just like a how a father does to his children.

Verlyn gives a small nod and smiled. Ezekiel was grinning at her as if he was so proud. The royal men held a chat and Verlyn felt as if she was so light-headed.

“I will give this lady a tour, so if you’ll excuse me.” Ezekiel raised his arm for Verlyn to put hers in. “Shall we?”

“Yes.” Verlyn rolled her lips into her teeth to avoid laughing for the princes’ adoring look.

Silence filled the two as they walk the quiet hallways of the palace, but Ezekiel was smiling like a child who have just found his candy. Verlyn kept looking at him while her arm was draped around his. Her eyes scanned him, from his blonde unruly hair, his brows, his glistening grey eyes, his pointed nose, his rosy, plumpy lips, his manly jaw, his Adam’s apple—everything, all of it, she finds so endearing.

“I might melt with that look in your eyes.”

Verlyn eyes widened, clearing her throat, diverting her eyes towards the walls. His grin widens more, letting out a small laugh. They descended the stairs and reached the outside of the palace, where their garden was.

The grasses were green, flat and trimmed. The landscapes for every bush were made in shape, for every figures, flowers embed the ground. There were torch lamps at corners, making the garden shine even in the midst of night.

“This is beautiful! Aurora should see this!”

Verlyn squealed, touching the bushes with gentleness, inhaling the scent of the freshness that fills the garden.

“They will see this tomorrow, but I decided to show it to you first.” She turned around to look at the prince. I should ask him.

“D-did the princess put you into this?”

“Why would she?” I thought he’s with me because of the princess!

“B-but why me?”

Ezekiel’s grinning face dropped stern but his eyes were still fixed upon hers. “Why do you keep asking why?” He takes a closer step to her.

“I’m not a lady, I’m a maid from the palace. I am not a princess. And above all, I never wanted to get played.”

He is now few inches away from her. He was tall and Verlyn’s head was just below his chin. She can feel her heart about to burst out, taking away everything with her.

He lifts his hand, lifting her chin up to look back at him. His face was dead serious, but his eyes were inducing, making Verlyn more susceptible to his charm.

“Why would you think that I’ll play with you?” His eyes turned melancholic.

“I-I mean, I am nothing.” She shyly averted her eyes.

“Look at me.” He tucked some of her loose hair behind her ear, his finger softly brushes on her cheek, making her more nervous to look at his sober eyes.

“You know what I see right now?” The princes’ expression turned tranquil. His soft eyes staring back into her as if she was very precious. Verlyn felt like she wanted to cry, not out of sadness but of joy, looking at the princes’ eyes, waiting for him to continue whatever it is that he is going to say.

“Everything I want.”