Chapter 18: THE MEETING
857 Words
Princess Nuri's POV:
We moved as quickly and as silently as possible, keeping our presence hidden. No one saw us move, none of the clan members, none of the mortal villagers as well passed the clan border and moved through the human villages.
No one knew what had happened, no one would understand my pain. And though Octava kept thinking soothing thoughts, and reassured me that Roark was not my mate, how could I just accept that. He had been my mate, at least to me, for the past three years.
We finally reached a bus stand and waited for a bus heading towards the city.
We had always been taught that the mortal world, and especially its cities, were dangerous places. So we had to move with extreme caution.
The bus arrived rather quickly and I paid for the ticket to the last stop. Being fascinated with the currency used by mortal’s had been a consolation, as I had collected different currencies of different denominations and from different regions. This was one of the benefits of being the daughter of the King who had to travel from time-to-time for clan work, and he would make sure to bring multiples of every denomination from all the places he travelled to.
During the bus ride, I tried to distract myself from my misery, by admiring the beautiful views outside the window.
As the bus got closer to the city, it began to fill up further and encountered some traffic.
This was my first ever bus ride, and so an altogether different experience for me.
My parents had never let me leave the clan territory, which led to the development of my desire to see the world, inclusive of the mortal cities. And though I was not permitted to leave the territory, I did read and learn about the different places, countries, continents; about different cultures; multiple scientific discoveries and developments... The list was endless. This has always made me wonder and want to see how mortals live without magic and how they lived their lives, among many other things.
The bus driver announced we had reached our final destination, and I got off the bus with the mortals.
I moved around till I found a place I had always wanted to see and live in... A Hotel!
It looked extremely exquisite on the inside, and on entering it felt like I was entering into an alternate reality.
I headed over to the counter marked as reception and requested for either a sunrise view or a sea-facing room. Once the formalities were completed, I was given a room key and directed to the elevator.
Octava and I were both stunned by how quickly the elevator took us to the 11th floor. This mortal invention was amazing!
Once we entered the room, I crumbled.
“How can this happen to us Octava? How could our mate betray us?”
“Nuri, he is not our mate, I am sure he must have cast a powerful spell to make you feel that he was your mate. And since you can hear me now, it seems he must have had something to do with us not managing to connect as well. But believe me, when I tell you, I did not feel the mate bond tingle when your eyes met for the first time. I am sure our mate is out there, we just need some time. But for now, you are not going to let this bother you.”
“How can this not bother me, Octava. I love him.”
“The fog created in your mind by him will dissipate, the moment you meet your true mate. No magic is strong enough to interfere with the mate bond. But for now, answer my question. Do you still trust me?”
“Of course I do. That is something that will never change.”
“Then freshen up, and let’s go shopping to one of the mortal boutiques. I can’t wait to see how you look in mortal fashion. Do you think it is similar to ours? What about...”
“Relax Octava! First I freshen up and then we are out that door.”
I could feel Octava smile at my statement and even relax a bit. I could tell she was extremely worried about me, and not being able to successfully connect with me over the past three years had made her more protective than ever.
“I have missed you Octava, I am so glad to have you back.”
“Likewise. Now get ready..!”
I quickly freshened up, and we headed out. From what I could feel, Octava was almost bouncing with excitement.
We went to multiple shops. Purchased multiple outfits and accessories. We then finished picking up lingerie and finally shoes.
On stepping out of the shop, Octava was squealing with excitement, I had never experienced this side of her, and without realising I bumped into someone.
I almost lost my balance with all the bags I was carrying but was supported by this strong hand around my waist, which sent strong bolts running through me. What is wrong with me?
I could tell this person was a mortal and had yet saved me from embarrassing myself. I looked up to apologize and met the eyes of the mortal to hear myself and Octava say one particular word at the same time.
“Mate.”
- Writer
