Epitome of a Hero

Tainted by the sin of the past

A break from Epitome Chapter 3

"Story that was written on her notebook from "Love and Honor."

On the castle’s balcony, Queen Nerissa stared blankly at the mountains and town upon her eye’s vicinity. She was tracing every ends of the mountain view, looking at how the rivers interconnected with another. She opened her ears to the sounds of the birds soaring in the sky, feeling how the breeze of the wind would affect her skin.

“Are you thinking about the past?” A voice abruptly appeared from behind her but she was never startled nor did she find time to turn around and greet her King.

“The past was long gone; I was feeling how tremendously uplifting the world is outside.”

The King smirked and went to feel the wind beside her as his arms lay on the balcony’s balustrade. They both gazed at the aesthetic scenery.

“Do you remember when I threw my shoe at you at the ball when we were young?”

The King chuckled. “I never forgot how humiliating it was. Every noble looked at me and thought I was being harassed by the princess.”

The Queen grinned at the thought, “It was the first time that I’ve ever felt so out of control and it was hilarious. I was so mad at you, so mad the world, so mad at my parents—I’ve always thought I could control my life especially when I was a princess, too naïve when I was young, after I grew older, I realized that I shouldn’t have been a royalty.”

It was the first time of the King to hear Nerissa speak of what she was thinking. Nerissa would always stare into a very faraway place and she will just give me her awkward little smile and never even answer whenever I inquire. All she would do is just keep it all to herself, even though I know how she was hurting so badly. I know that when I became betrothed to her, someone already stole her heart. As a prince, I’ve never been given a choice as well but because my heart grew to like her even though she was very ill tempered towards me, I tried convincing my father to stop the marriage, but I got punch in the face instead.”

“Before I was married to you, I had David.” Nerissa started confessing her history. Aslan never faltered nor was he blown away. He just kept his eyes staring at the sky while listening to Nerissa, intently as he could.

Nerissa stares at the mountains, “At first love, I thought everything will go fine and well, that love triumphs all. I believed we had a chance, that if I tell my father about how we loved each other, he would let her daughter be. But I was wrong—instead of accepting his child’s desire, he threw the betrothal decision to my face. He said if I pushed what I had with David, he’ll have no choice but to let him be killed. At that time, I felt helpless—and my mother, who I thought would fight for her daughter, never looked at me in the eye and let me suffer alone. Until the wedding happened, I hated everything, I hated everyone. The only person who I never hated was David, since he was my one first love. That’s why, we still continued seeing each other, since being with each other made us forget how cruel the world can be. We were each other’s cure to insanity—but we knew it has to end. I know you know what was going on, why didn’t you throw me to death?”

“Because I love you.”

Nerissa looked at Aslan with conflicted mind and restrained tears after he spoke of the words.

The King looked back at his Queen, “I tried stopping the marriage for several times. Even though my father would torture me in pain for me to stop, I tried to call the wedding off. After so many bruises and wounds, Father told me that he will go to war with Albania, where your people resided, if I didn’t marry. That’s why I never had any other words left to say, I can’t let people die just because of my own desire.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this before?” Nerissa started to weep.

“There were never a chance, due to the events of the past.” King Aslan, let on a weak smile, he took a step closer to his Queen to wipe the tears streaming down her cheeks. “This is better than you trying to hide everything all on your own.”

The Queen threw her arms around him, crying her heart out, and for the first time, they’ve had an affection that was real and not just based on their obligations as royal. “Forgive me—forgive me.”

Aslan wraps Nerissa in his arms and kisses her head, silently giving her the warmth without neering a word.

Aurora and Michael started to ride on their horses after they got out of the town square.

The princess started fixing her horses’ saddle, so that she can already hop on it.

“Do you need any help?” Michael exclaimed as he hops on his horse.

Aurora looked at him and started getting on the horse without any problems at all, she showed her a proud face, “How would like to race at the end of the field?”

Michael was stunned. How magnificent this girl is to be so courageous as she is. “Are you sure of what you want, milady? Are you really ready to challenge me?”

“I’ll put on a wager!” Aurora leads her horse walking around, with her wide grin, as she audaciously dares the young man.

This is going to be Interesting. Michael said to himself. “And what are you willing to bet on, Miss Aurora?”

“If I win, you’ll tell me the most embarrassing thing that’s happened in your life.” Aurora seemed decisive, she chortled.

Why is she so stunning, even though she’s just laughing right now?

Michael stared at Aurora, trying to muffle her laugh. “Deal then, but if I win?”

“You decide for yourself, as if I’d let you win anyway.”

“How aggressive of you, milady, treat me in the same way, because I will win this race.”

“Put on your wager.”

“If I win, you’ll meet me here again tomorrow.” Michael smiled earnestly.

I never expected him to say that, but I would want that more. But no—I have dignity to uphold, I cannot lose. Aurora cleared out her thoughts and agreed.

The young individual started to let their horses take their laps after they both shouted ‘go’. Aurora controlled the horse well and Michael, he was eager to win. With each signal, the horse galloped faster and faster, leaving Aurora and her horse behind him. There were no ill thoughts, they were having fun.

Aurora enjoyed feeling the rage of the wind against them as her horse moves against it. The thoughts of winning were never there anymore, she has never ridden a horse and she is very much taking every feeling in, she was covered with glee and she laughs as she goes.

I never thought that watching the knights fix their horses is very helpful. My memory thought me how to adjust the saddle and how to properly lift your feet so you wouldn’t fall off. Aurora giggles as she watches Michael’s horse canter through the designated point. He actually won.

Michael and his horse turned around to see the approaching Aurora. He wore a proud, wide grin as he jumped off his horse to wait for her.

“I just let you won, don’t get your hopes up.” Aurora laughed in pure jest.

Michael shrugged with that genuine smile still printed on his face, he lifted up his hand so that Aurora can hold it while she jumps off her horse. Aurora held it tight and jumped, but got off her balance causing her to fall with Michael catching her, as they fell through the ground.

Aurora landed on the young man’s chest, immediately tried to help herself up causing her face and Michael’s to be within the ace of one another. Her eyes locked upon his gaze and she noticed how bizarre he’s eyes were, it wasn’t just the hues of brown, it was the mixture of emerald green and brown itself, it was like the colors of the trees—her favorite colors.

“Your eyes are so exquisite!” Aurora spoke in wonders; she cannot contain her amusement. This man wears the most beautiful eyes I’ve seen, and I feel like I can see straight through his soul and it’s bewitching.

Michael held his hand through Aurora’s cheek, “Your eyes are like the ocean. How can I even take my eyes off of you now?” I have never seen a woman like Aurora. I never cared about how high other people looked upon the royals, I’ve always thought that they are also equal. Seeing the queen and king by own eyes and conversing with the nobles never shook me. For me, all people are the same as every other else—we reside in the same land, we see the same sky, we all eat the foods from the world and most of all, we all breathe the same air. How can one decide whether you stay in a low status for your whole life? How can one decide to match a measly status on what can or cannot be on one’s life? Most of the nobles are cover ups—they were never perfect, they are also flawed just like everyone else. But why does this woman seem so heavenly, angelic, so perfect? Her soul flows like the tidal waves and radiates like a lit blue sky. I can look at her all day without even burning nor tiring my eyes even though she shines.

“Then don’t,” Aurora stares back at Michael, holding his warm palm that was on her cheek. The energy from him radiates throughout her body making her feel alive.

Michael’s eyes turned as serious as Aurora’s word, leaning his head slowly to reach for Aurora’s lips. No. She might think that this is the reason why I wanted to spend my time with her. And—it’s still too early. Michael looks at Aurora with her eyes close, anticipating what was going to happen, so instead of going for her lips, he planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

Aurora opened her eyes and smiled. Michael turned to the side while holding Aurora so that she can lay her back in the grasses. She was silently looking at the sky as she laid in the grass beside him. Michael gazes at her, trying to think of a word to strike up the conversation.

“I heard the horses talking the other day.”

Aurora smirked, looking at him in a ridiculous manner, “What did they say?”

Michael just chortled. “I didn’t expect you to answer.”

The silence filled them once again but this time, they just peacefully watched the clouds roll by. Their minds were both silent after the tranquil moment.

 Aurora opened her eyes and noticed the dusk already fell. “Oh no, I fell asleep!”

She turned to her side and see the young man sleeping peacefully. Aurora laid on her front, smiling as she stares at how pleasant Michael’s rest is, she contemplated his lashes, his nose, his lips. I would like to—Aurora smiled at the thought. He’s still gorgeous even when he sleeps. Aurora tried to poke Michael on his cheek to see if he’s going to wake up. He’s a deep sleeper huh? He poked his cheek again and again and he still not waking up. Aurora stifles her giggle as she continuously pokes his soft cheek. I feel like I can do this all day but I’m afraid I cannot let the night fall too much. Aurora pouted, still poking Michael’s cheek.

He suddenly sat down which made Aurora shriek.

“Don’t just get up in rush when you just awoke!” Aurora’s hand was in chest, her eyes completely surprised. Michael’s eyes blink sheepishly, making him look like he’s half awake. He laid back once again in the grasses facing his back from Aurora and fell asleep. What? He’s fast asleep again!” Aurora checks to see if he was really asleep by tapping his arms. But I have to go…

A little bit more time won’t be bad though, right?

Aurora made up her mind and planned to stay a little while longer. She stood up on her feet and went to Michael’s other side where he was facing. I can actually lay down again but it won’t be a better idea. The princess sat down and started caressing his head like a little kid as she hums tunes from a children’s lullaby.

I was never asleep. Michael tried to stay still as she feels Aurora hand on his head. Her humming voice was like how a kid used to hum a lullaby and he is doing his best to not smile. After we contemplate the beauty of the sky, I looked back at her and she was sleeping. I stared at her, she is so pretty. Her lashes are long; her eyelids were pinkish. Her face had freckles but it was still damn perfect. Her lips were like the shades of coral, it was a little chapped, I’ll make sure she gets hydrated every time were together.

But is there--? Will there be a next time for me to spend my time with this princess?

I slowly and gently put through the sides of her face, some of the strands of her hair, leaving my palm on her cheek. I have never felt this way before—I want to protect you from anyone, anything, I want to hold you until my life expires, I want to be with you till the ends of Earth. But how? How can someone like me do that when the kingdom requires a royal to be married with a royal? Is there a way to change it? Is there a way for me to be a roya—No, that’s the last thing that I could ever want, but if it’s for you, I’d do anything, I hope that I can love you even from a far, I wish I can have a chance to make you happy. I slowly laid my lips on hers gently—I’m sorry if I never did it when you were awake. I immediately pretended to be asleep when she opened her eyes slowly.

I took a little peek at her as she sat down. She’s heading to me. I can feel her poking my cheek and I tried not stand up and laugh. Even still, I sat down all of a sudden to see how she reacts, she was surprised and nervous—It was funny, I blink and blink to make it look like I am still sleep, trying to keep my laughter at bay, I lay my back again but this time so she could not see my grinning face. I felt she stood up and now I know she’s in front of me—she was humming. I want to stay like these for a while but she has to go home.

Michael opened his eyes and looked at Aurora who just pulled away her hands quickly.

“Hi, ready to go home?”

“I’ve been planning to go home and leave you out here, but it will be my burden if someone tries to s*******r you, so I stayed.” Aurora giggled.

“Thank you, milady. I could have been covered in horse crap right now if you had left me. It would hurt me as well.” He slowly stood up, giving out his hand to Aurora, helping her stand.

“Let’s go.”

Michael and Aurora got on their horses, trailing the path through the castle, once they are near the palace, they got off. Michael walked the young maiden near the gates and when they have reached it, Aurora spoke.

“I may not be able to meet you tomorrow.”

The young man nodded and smiled, but with a hint of dismay across his face.

Why is he faking his smiles at me? He may think that I just don’t want to meet him! “No, I mean, the king and I have plans to go to Elmuth, I can’t leave my invitation unattended.” Aurora smiled at Michael who seemed to understand her reason.

“That’s great, Aurora. Elmuth is a good place. I hope you enjoy your time in there.”

“Can we see each other when I come back?”

Michael grinned, I was hoping you’d say that, “Yes, of course. When are you going to come back?”

“After three days’ time.”

I can live with that. Three days… “I’ll wait for you.” Michael grinned and bow a little, “Princess.”

“Stop with the formalities.” Aurora rolled her eyes, “Thank you Michael, I’ve had a great time.”

“It’s always a pleasure. See you again, my dear lady.” Aurora and Michael smiled at one another and he turned his back to take steps to walk back his home.

“Michael!” Aurora shouted. He immediately turned around, “Yes.?”

I want to kiss him! But I’d be like an indecent woman. “Take care.” That’s all I can say!

The young man walked back to Aurora and kissed her forehead as he wraps his arms around her. He then looked at Aurora whose blue round eyes were fixed at him. He then laid his forehead on hers with their lips close but never touching. His breath was becoming heavy and it matches Auroras’. Kiss me Michael. Aurora’s lips were partly opened, letting some of the air escape touching Michaels’.

I can’t do it here. I just said I want to protect her. Michael started grinning as their nose touches, with Aurora smiling too, he then let go. “I will wait for you princess.”

Aurora chortled rolling her eyes.

“Come back safely for me, okay?” Michael turned around and headed on his way, grinning like a fool.

“Mom, I’m home.”

Michael opened the door to their house, the wooden door grates with the floor, letting a creaky sound.

“Michael.” A woman with dark black hair, slightly tanned skin greets him with a sparkling beam on her hazelnut eyes. “Did you have a good time?” She smiles as if she was being witty. She is his mother, Jullana. My mom is a sweet and loving lady. Mom would always wait for me and for dad to come home while she prepares the foods that would fill our bellies full and our taste buds wanting for more. Every day in this farm would just be tranquil when mom is here, dad would fill our minds with laughter, I on the other hand, is the part of these two combined but with lots of tough conversations which would turn laughter into serious words. I told mom that I like a maiden but never did I say that it was the princess.

Michael suppressed his grin while shaking his head. One of the best days. “It was okay.” He sat down and his mother sat down with him on their small table.

“What was she like?” Jullana’s intrigued eyes looked at Michael making him feel shy and unease like a teenager.

“She is good.” He said with a little smile on his lips.

Jullana rolled her eyes, “Oh come on son! Tell me.” She laid her arms in the table, ready to listen to anything that Michael will say, her eyes were burning with the desire to know. “You’ll have no dinner if you don’t give me some details.”

Michael burst into laughter, “That’s mean!”

Jullana laughs with him but stared at him once again with her straight expression, “I’m serious.”

“She is beautiful, Mom. She says explicit and strange jokes but it makes me laugh.” Michael explains to his mom as his mind replays the time that he is with Aurora. “Her smiles are true and genuine, and it was bewitching…”

Bewitching? My mom would be more intrigued!

Jullana laid her palm on her cheeks, grinning at Michael.

“Mom, stop that.” Michael covered his eyes underneath while suppressing a laugh.

“You know those eyes of yours, reminds me of my younger days.”

“What do you mean?”

“When I was in love.”

Michael prepared his ears to listen. Mom and Dad would always look at each other’s eyes when they talk, most of the time—Dad would talk to her while dancing as if there were any instruments being played in the background. They were two birds in one stone, seemed like they can never be separated.

Jullana cleared her throat, “I would always have that same look in your eyes whenever I see your father. Even though things are not as peaceful back in the days, his warmth would always keep me safe from the nightmares that would haunt me in my sleep. The war from my home—. Jullana shook her head, “My memories from my younger years in not something good to remember.” She lets out a nervous laugh.

War?

“What war Mom?” Mother never told me anything about war?

“Well, I—uhm,” she let out a deep sigh. “I was a survivor of war between Kingdoms’ Bahamuth and Invicta. I served as a maid inside Avalon’s palace and in that time, Bahamuth has waged war to King Avalon, to Invicta’s king. The people of Invicta was annihilated, I was the only one that survived because the king saved me—he was killed along with his one and only daughter, including the queen. Invicta was burned down the ground and it was taken over by Bahamuth.”

Tears started to show in her eyes. Michael was surprised of her mother’s story. I’ve never heard that before. I thought Mom grew up here in Tenebri. “Don’t cry, Mom.” Michael pulled his seat beside his mother and embraced her. Jullana wiped her eyes and smiled.

“The past is past son, I’m okay.”

The door opened up, “The man has arri-!!” A middle aged man with strong manly features opened the door, fleeing immediately to Jullana as he sees her puffy eyes.

Dad. Michael smiled.

“What happened my love? Did your son make you cry? I would whip him for you?” Michael’s father looked at him and winked as he held Jullana on his arms.

“I was just missing you, dear.” Jullana jested, laying her head on David’s chest.

“I missed you too.” David caressed her head while mouthing to Michael the words, ‘What happened?’

Michael leaned his pointing outside so that they could talk about it. Dad always worry about Mom; he doesn’t want to talk about any problems inside the house to avoid my mom minding whatever it is that happened.

Jullana stood up, “I’m just going to prepare our foods!” She smiled and rushed towards the kitchen.

Michael and his father went ahead outside. “What happened?” His face was serious, worrisome.

“She told me about her past.”

David’s eyes widened in shock, “What did she tell you?”

“About the war from their kingdom and how she survived because of the King.”

“That’s all?” His eyes were questioning.

“Is there anything else that I needed to know?” Michael asked his father.

“No, no.” The father smiled, sitting down by the grasses, staring at the clear night sky. It is really hard to see through my dad; he would always be worried one time then smiled after a few while.

Michael stared at the stars as well, but this time his thoughts wandered back to Aurora. He reminisces her beautiful smiles, how her hair shines when the sun rays bestow its light, how soft her skin would feel, how soft her lips were when he kissed her and how beautiful her eyes—her eyes. I always remember something from her eyes. Michael looked at his father, his father’s eyes reflected the starry night sky in his eyes. He then looked at his son, “Are you going to ask me how kiss a woman?”

“What? —No!” Michael’s face frowned in embarrassment while his father laughs.

“Then, why are you looking at me like you wanted to ask something?” He laughs still as he sits down.

“I just remember something from your eyes.” Michael glanced once again at his Father’s azure blue eyes which were sparkling due to the stars.

“What is it?” David looked at his son, his brown medium long hair tied behind his nape. I don’t know how dad can look like a young man at his age, but he has always been like these, just like he never ages. Is this what happiness causes to a person? Or it is just the man, David Arkhaim’s unique character?

“Nothing.” Michael beamed.

“You can tell me about women, you know. You might even learn how to be a faithful man from me.” Michael laughs along with his father.

“The food is ready!” Jullana’s voice escaped through their house reaching both of them.

“Time to go!” The father stood up, Michael did too, they laughed and murmured to one another as they walk inside their house.