My Fiance In Disguise

Chapter 16

Camellia, still damp from her bath, changed into her white nightgown. She sat on her bed, the large room dark and quiet, a chill seeping into the air. She went outside for some fresh air. A yawn escaped as she opened the door.

"Oww... my back hurts," she mumbled. "That chicken probably wanted to torture me."

Devin leaned against the wall, his sudden appearance startling.

"I'm just doing this for you," he said, his voice low. "So you'll know what to do in times of danger."

Camellia jumped. "God... you chicken! You almost gave me a heart attack!"

He smiled, but something in his eyes made her uneasy. "Come with me for a while..."

She agreed, hesitantly. "Okay."

He took her hand, pulling her along. "Where are you taking me? Are you k********g me?" she asked.

"You're talking nonsense," he replied confidently. "Why would I kidnap my own fiancée? If I wanted you, I'd just marry you."

"And what makes you think I'll say yes?" she retorted, sarcastic.

He kept walking, holding her hand. "I know you will. It's still early to refuse, and I won't let you."

Walking, she noticed his face in the moonlight. His red hair was messy, and his features seemed sharper.

He's handsome when he's serious, she thought. What am I thinking? Am I crazy? Why would I think this chicken is handsome? Zephyr is more handsome. or is he.

Devin shook her, bringing her back to the present.

"Hey... are you okay? Thinking too much? About me?" he asked, teasing.

"Dream on," she answered. "You're the one who should wake up."

Then she saw it: a field of fireflies, breathtaking against the darkness. Her jaw dropped.

"Wow..."

He guided her to the ground. "I know," he said, watching her. "Jas... do you want to know why I've been so insistent on your training?"

"I already know," she said sarcastically. "You want to torture me."

He smiled, looking at the fireflies. "No. I can't always be there to protect you. There will be a day when you have to protect yourself."

"Why that mindset?"

"Because I already lost someone," he said, his voice low. "And I don't want to lose someone important to me again."

So he considers me important, she thought.

Devin was lost in thought.

A flashback: a garden, his mother, the Queen, playing with fireflies. He'd gone to get a blanket, returning to find her lying in blood. He cried out, "Mother!!!"

Camellia snapped her fingers in front of his face.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"I'm fine," he said. "Just thinking."

She pulled out her amethyst flute and played a melody that seemed to ease his sadness. He laid his head on her shoulder.

"Don't move," he whispered.

She smiled and continued playing. When she finished, she patted his back.

"Hey, chicken," she said. "I'm not used to you being sad. Don't be afraid to show me how you feel. I won't judge."

"Let's just stay like this," he said. "Okay, Grandma?"

They stayed like that until the middle of the night, Camellia asleep with Devin's head on her shoulder, her head on his.

As morning past, Camellia woke up in her bed. She didn't know how she ended up in the bed.

"Did Devin move me in the bed..." she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

She pushed aside the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed, her bare feet landing softly on the cool marble floor.

She went out and the maid was the one who greeted her.

"Miss Jasmine... Good morning..."

She replied, "Good morning to you as well... Where's Devin?"

The maid replied, "Prince Devin said don't worry for he will return immediately since he was summoned to the Zodiac Palace by his father, The King."

Camellia scoffed, "I'm not worried, just asking okay..."

She went back to her room, feeling strangely out of sorts. The silence felt heavy, almost suffocating. Just then, a soft knock came at the door.

"Sissy... Can I come in..." Kael's voice, soft and gentle, echoed from the other side.

Camellia immediately stood up and opened the door.

"Please come in..." she said, her voice barely a whisper.

Kael entered, his expression a mix of concern and determination.

He took a seat on the sofa, and Camellia poured him a cup of tea. As they sat, she couldn't help but feel a wave of anxiety wash over her.

"Brother... What do you need..." Camellia asked, her voice calm.

Kael took her hands in his, his grip surprisingly strong. "Sister, I think we must go to the village of Aquarius land to buy you some attire for the next ruler's recognition tonight.... They will hold a grand ball for the next rulers..."

Camellia's brow furrowed in confusion. "You mean they're going to have their final decision tonight? Don't you think it's a bit too early, especially since the barrier is still not fixed..."

Kael's face hardened. "They can't delay this event to receive the blessing of the Gods. It's the day of blessings... So get dressed and we will go to the village to shop, okay?"

Camellia hesitated, a knot of unease tightening in her stomach. "just wait for me. I'll be quick..."

She thinks what if her grandmother the Empress will be there too she will get exposed

"Take your time... sissy," Kael said, his voice soft but firm.

Camellia quickly dressed up in a peach-colored dress. She wore a veil and Kael helped her get into the carriage. They went to the same clothes shop Camellia and her mother went to last time.

The owner greeted them, his face lighting up with recognition. "Oh... Miss Jasmine, we meet again... What a great day to see a beauty..."

Camellia smiled politely. "The pleasure is all mine..."

The owner looked at Kael, his eyes twinkling. "Young Master Kael, you're also here. What a loving brother to his sister..."

Kael chuckled. "Of course, I'm the bodyguard of my sister today..."

They chose the greatest dress in the shop, a lilac dress, elegant and full of flowers. It paired perfectly with an Amethyst necklace and earrings.