I would die again just to hurt you

Chapter 3

"Wait for what? What do you want from me?"

She didn't answer and went to the table before handing me another chalice of water.

"Drink this one.

-Do you want to poison me now?"

I wanted to add: Killing Vindona once wasn't enough? But then I remembered how hurt she had been and couldn't bring myself to say it. I shouldn't have felt sorry for the person who had just kidn*pped me. What was wrong with me?

"This one is safe.

-How could you know?"

Once again she didn't answer and just waited for me patiently to take the chalice. But I didn't want to drink anymore. The idea of being poisoned was too strong. Seeing me hesitate Rorhena grimaced:

"You don't trust me anymore."

I sighed:

"I never trust anyone. Just like the real Goddess Rorhena by the way."

The Crown princess pinched her lips before drinking from the chalice.

"See? I am not dead."

She handed it to me again but I was still angry and couldn't stop being sarcastic:

"If you are really the Goddess then some poison can't kill you."

I could see her starting to get frustrated but she didn't let her arm down and was still staring at me, waiting for me to drink.

"Why would you bring me here just to give me water? What do you want from me?

-I don't want anything from you.

-Then it's settled. I will go now."

But I couldn't take one step because Rorhena was still trapping me against the wall. I had forgotten that part. How could I forget? Why was I so unguarded around the Crown Princess? I had to wake up.

"You can't leave.

-Are you going to confine me here?

-If I have to, yes.

-I'd rather kill myself."

She froze and I heard the chalice fall to the ground. Rorhena opened wide eyes and took a step backwards. I took advantage of the situation to escape and ran to the door but couldn't open it.

"Did you lock the door?"

She was already back to her calm self.

"Of course I did. I didn't want us to be interrupted.

-I played along for long enough. I want to leave. My best friend is waiting for me."

Rorhena slowly walked up to me with cold shining eyes:

"You came with a friend.

-With my best friend."

She pinched her lips and I could feel the air grow cold around her body:

"A friend.

-And she must be worried sick about me.

-What's her name?"

I felt a chill go down my spine. I couldn't tell her. I knew that if I did something bad would happen to Lenora. Rorhena was a genius war strategist but everyone knew that she didn't care about human lives and would sacrifice anyone to get what she wanted. I couldn't put my friend in danger.

"I won't tell you.

-Are you worried about your little "friend" now?

-Of course I am. She is my only family."

The more I was talking the worse it was getting and I started to be scared for myself. Rorhena's eyes started glowing more and more and I knew that wasn't good. I was even scared that they would catch on fire.

"You can't force me to do something I don't want to do. I'll hate you if you do."

It seemed to catch her attention so I decided to try reasoning with her:

"The more you try trapping someone, the more they will try to run away."

Rorhena seemed very interested in my words. She was acting as a spoiled child. It was comprehensible. She was a Crown Princess and never had to adapt to anyone before. Hugh rich people.

"Will you stay in the capital if I let you go?

-Yes."

She suddenly smiled. I was so surprised that I almost fell. Was she that happy because I said I would stay?

"You are lying."

Nevermind.

"What do you want me to say? You won't let me go if I say something else.

-Please... Could you just stay by my side?

-Your Highness...

-Call me Rorhena.

-I can't.

-I give you permission."

I frowned.

"Well thank you so much for this honor.

-Why are you mad again?

-I always was. You dragged me out by force after all.

-I just wanted to talk to you."

I wanted to hit her. She really didn't see anything wrong with what she did and didn't question herself at all.

"I can't stay in the capital. My restaurant is waiting for me at home.

-Did you open a restaurant? You hate cooking."

I was a bit taken aback. She did get it right but that wasn't that surprising. She had one chance out of two after all. Let's call it luck.

"I am not the one doing the cooking. I own the restaurant."

She smiled again and this time her whole face illuminated:

"I am proud of you."

I was so touched that I almost cried. This was pitiful. How could I be so moved by a stranger's words? One that wanted to confine me moreover? I had to get it together. She reacted when I threatened her that I would commit suicide. Maybe that was the best approach:

"I won't stay here no matter what you say. And if you force me you will regret it."

The Crown Princess seemed genuinely worried and thought about it for a moment.

"You may go. But you can't disappear."

I rolled my eyes and left the room as soon as she opened the doors. I started walking back to the ballroom but heard Rorhena follow me closely. I didn't pay attention to her and hurried to my friend who was waiting for me at the entrance, white as a sheet. As soon as she saw me she jumped in my arms and started crying:

"Sela! I have been looking everywhere for you. Are you okay? What did the Crown Princess want? Did she hurt you?

-How could I hurt her?"

Hearing the Crown Princess, Lenora suddenly let go of me and looked at Rorhena, shaking from head to toe. The way Rorhena was detailing her wasn't helping at all and I was scared that Lenora would collapse any second:

"Is this your new family? How pitiful.

-Rorhena!"

Everyone froze. The ones around us because I called the Crown Princess by her name and Rorhena smiled because I finally called her by her name. I wanted to hit my head against the wall. I didn't do it on purpose but those few minutes that I spent talking to this crazy person felt like ages and I was out of patience.

"I meant, your Highness.

-I know what you meant."

Her smile was irritating. She looked all high and mighty and I wanted to tear that smile off.

"We will take our leave now."

I grabbed Lenora's hand ready to drag her away but Rorhena grab the hand with which I grabbed Lenora and smiled:

"Are you leaving already? I see that your friend really likes social events. If you want I could introduce you to my half brother. The one with blond hair. I believe that you would really appreciate his company."

The one Rorhena was talking about was none other than Lenora's crush. Was this a coincidence? How could she know exactly who Lenora had a crush on? Did she spy on us? How? When?

Despite being terrified one second, Lenora suddenly wavered and of course Rorhena saw it and rushed into this fault with a terrifying smile:

"You two could stay at the Palace for a bit longer. We have plenty of empty rooms here. During your stay my brother could escort you personally to the best gatherings in town."

I didn't think that Lenora would jump on the occasion so quickly and she grabbed my sleeve, looking at me with pleading eyes:

"Could we stay a bit longer?"

I rolled my eyes. Was my friend that weak to luxury? She always dreamed of meeting her Prince and maybe this felt like a sign to her. I had no idea why but I agreed and Lenora jumped in excitement. Rorhena on the other hand didn't seem happy for some reason. What was wrong with her again? Didn't she get what she wanted?