Chapter Twenty Four
1368 Words
NINA
“The valley is no place for a human, that is why I will escort her myself…”
“You cannot do that Tamara, the Ninth Order needs a leader and this realm will fall apart without you around. Who will everyone look to when in need of direction?”
“My husband can take over in my absence…”
“You want to leave the kingdom to Daniel? Have you lost your mind?”
This had been going on for hours. I had been afraid that Tamara might come after me once she regained consciousness but after Guzman took her aside and ‘jogged’ her memory, the exact opposite thing happened. Tamara had been avoiding me like I was a plague.
“Why can’t she leave the throne to her husband again?”
I was currently standing next to Rupert who seemed to be enjoying the scene before him. I was fully aware that the man was pure evil. He had after all covered me in rats. Well, imaginary rats but rats all the same. But still, he considered me as the enemy. Surely he would be protective of his kind.
“Because her husband is hell bent on waging a war against humans. According to Daniel humans are significantly below us and therefore should not exist at all. He does not see why we cannot rule all the lands including Chi. Let’s not forget how extraordinarily fertile that kingdom is…”
I unconsciously bobbed my head. Why would Tamara marry such a man? And wasn’t I sensing chemistry between the behemoth and the leader of the Ninth Order? Maybe I was imagining it.
“Listen to me, it is vital that Barry recuperates especially in our realm! Failure to do this will cause so much havoc…It is my duty to make sure a war does not evoke Guzman!”
“Doesn’t your duty involve protecting this kingdom as well? You leave the realm under Daniel and I promise you, he will destroy it!”
“He is not a bad man Guzman, you only say these things because…”
“Because what Tamara? Say it, why am I so keen on tarnishing the name of your beloved?”
Tamara stifled a whimper. This was like watching a live soap opera. Guzman would make one scary Alejandro.
Rupert and I watched intently as Guzman approached Tamara in a cautionary demeanor. It was beautiful. How he gingerly held her, how his large forefinger grazed Tamara’s tiny face and how she hissed when it made contact with her skin. Their body size differences were comical but nothing about the bond they shared was funny. Which begged the question, how was Tamara married to another man while she was clearly in love with another?
“I will accompany her, I will ensure we gather what we need for your brother and then we will return. Meanwhile you will remain here and protect our kind. We do not know what the humans are planning now that you arranged for their prince to be brought here-“
“I meant him no harm-“
“We know that but they do not. If history has taught us anything, it is that humans interpret things the way they wish to…facts do not matter as long as they have theorized a more devious reason as to why something has occurred…Please, do not leave our kingdom under Daniel…”
My eyes were glassy for some reason. I dabbed the hem of my sleeves around my eyes to prevent the tears from trickling down. I hadn’t cried in a long time.
“Are you crying?”
“No…”
Rupert was chuckling, my cheeks flushed crimson. Once again, I was consumed by the lovely sight before me. Whatever Guzman and Tamara had was special and pure. Their love was tactile.
I was jealous.
“Alright. You will escort the human and Rupert will accompany both of you-“
“No Tamara, I can handle myself-“
“It is either that or I accompany you…”
Rupert was smiling, I couldn’t help but mirror the act. I was nervous about the whole ordeal. For starters I had no idea what it was we were going to seek outside the realm and whether it would help Barry. I knew of wild plants that served medicinal purposes but with no digital map and internet, how was I going to locate them? There were so many ways this could go wrong.
So many ways I could fail Barry.
“Fine I will let him accompany me.”
“Excuse me? Let? Don’t you need my consent first?”
“Oh please you are too taken with her to leave her alone with me.”
My cheeks went aflame at that latter statement. Rupert let out a low cuss before trotting away from the room. Guzman chuckled in victory before leaning to place a feather light kiss on Tamara’s cheek.
“Promise me you will be careful…”
“You have my word sunflower…”
Tamara let out a short lived giggle before swatting Guzman playfully. I reckoned the beast felt as if he was being poked. Guzman turned to face me, his expressions immediately turned grim. He clearly did not harbor any warm feelings towards me. The large beast exited the room gracefully. It was easy to see why Tamara was head over heels in love with him. I also turned to leave.
“Wait human.”
“Nina…”
“Pardon?”
“My name is Nina…I refuse to be reduced to a whole species…”
I swirled around to find Tamara smiling.
“You amuse me. You are timid yet brave. I can tell you have been through a lot of pain especially from your time yet you still wish to return…What is waiting for you at home Nina?”
Could I trust her with my secret? No, I didn’t know her and neither did she. Besides, I would have probably died in her hands if I didn’t serve some purpose to her. And hadn’t she just tried to kill me?
“I understand your skepticism and I apologize for startling you earlier-“
“Startling? You almost took my life!”
I watched as Tamara’s sweets smile morphed into something sinister.
“That was nothing love. I can do much worse. Haven’t you asked yourself why I, a small, tiny girl is the leader of the Ninth Order and not a mage like Guzman? Take this as a warning. I would do anything for the people I love, magical creatures and humans alike. Since your arrival, things have assumed a more disastrous form. Bring my brother what he needs to heal and I will personally ensure your go back to your timeline. Fail to do so and I will end your life myself…”
She had not moved yet I could feel her presence hovering over me, breathing down my neck. She meant every word that came tumbling out of her mouth.
“Now, Guzman will provide you with the necessary weaponry for your mission. Shadow him, he is an excellent warrior and a fierce protector. Try not to aggravate him though, he loathes humans and with good reason too. As for Rupert, be careful with him. He falls out of love as quickly as he falls in love…”
I swallowed and bobbed my head. I felt flustered and embarrassed, like a child caught stealing candy by their parent. The latter statement seemed to bother me more than the former. I whipped around to leave, it was clear my presence was no longer needed here.
“Remember, Baric’s health is quite unstable. He does not have much time left. It seems the fate of an Armageddon lies in your hands…”
Jeez woman, that is not pressurizing at all.
- Writer
