The Mountain's best kept Secret

6. A prince’s deception

(Leo’s POV)

Hidden deep within the Delliingham forest lay the Stone Arrow Tribe. The inhabitants had dark hair, skin, and eyes. Most of the tribe’s younger men had to join the Valgi warriors, in order to protect and provide meat for the villagers. As soon as a young man got named to become part of the Valgi, he had to endure three days alone in the wild. In order to survive, the men had to rely on their fishing and hunting experiences. If they triumphed, a 2-year period of a vicious training awaited them. After the recruit’s skills, strength, and speed met the commander’s approval, he could attend the initiation night. At initiation, they receive the Valgi burn mark on the back of their shoulder that served as a proud reminder of their status within the tribe.

Price Leo wasn’t exempt from the harsh handling to become a warrior. Because his brother was the powerful king of the Stone Arrow Tribe, they excepted more from him. According to tradition, all princes had to become commanders, so it left him no alternative but to join the Valgi. He trained day after day without resting, to excel above the rest. His commander praised his strength and speed. Leo realised early on that he had to develop into the toughest warrior, to protect his people from Rogan’s future wrath.

King Rogan ruled over his tribe with fear and little mercy. Leo disagreed with this type of leadership, but Rogan did not receive his advice kindly. Rather, the king thought of his own brother as a threat to his position. The good in Rogan’s heart disappeared after they witnessed their parents’ death. He got absorbed by his anger that festered inside him. As time passed, his brother’s heart became darker. Leo left the family castle, and went to live with his grandmother on the edge of their village, after a failed attempt on his life. Leo never learned who was behind his attempted assassination, yet considered his own brother.

After Leo’s grandfather died, his grandmother settled down in her small cottage close to the large willow tree. Although Sesa didn’t visit the tree as often anymore, and never spoke of the tree’s importance, Leo knew it meant a great deal to her. Many of the villagers believed the great willow held powers of keeping one young. Others believed the tree harboured dark powers and would rather avoid going there. She expressed her desired for peace and quiet, after entertaining the castle’s politics for far too long, and her small cottage provided this. 

Thinking of Sesa, Leo expressed a sad smile lying on this bed. Her spirt was still young, but her body frail. She didn’t carry her years well. They enjoyed each other’s company and living together under one roof. Sesa the caregiver and Leo the provider. Tradition pressured all the village’s young men to find a wife after they turn twenty-one, but not Sesa. She never suggested marriage and kept to herself. He had no desire to take a wife yet, because his own troubles tangled his heart. Also, no woman has caught his eye, although many tried.

The sun shone brightly, but he gave a big yawn and turned his head from the window. The previous night’s events left him in desperate need of some rest. ‘How did king Cronos came to be Sesa’s husband and not her twin sister’s…’ He pondered while drifting a sleep. He remained motionless on the bed, but his dreams couldn’t be kept at bay.

Leo was once again, his younger self traumatized by the sight of this parents s*******r on the battlefield. Leo felt a dull pain at the back of his head and tried to move his hand to the painful spot. The earth moved underneath him; bouncing and bumping as it swayed from left to right. Still blinded by the pain, Leo faded in and out of consciousness. He noticed the sun peering through treetops rushing by above him. A bird’s call in the distance, coxed him to close his eyes again. Suddenly, he’s awakened from his semi-conscious state as the wagon’s wheel hit a large rock. He opened his eyes to find himself on the back of a fast moving wagon. His body throbbed and could not move. He frantically looked around for help and heard two men talking. He stared up to locate the voices and saw them steering the wagon.

“Shortly, Rogan will be named king.” A deep male voice said, “It’s such a shame, we will all deeply miss king Cronos.” Another replied. “But what’s going to happen if he finds out about his bother’s true blood relation?” The deep voice asked while glancing back at Leo. “How will he? Everyone that knew the truth is now dead, except us.” Before he could call out to them, he bumped his head against the side of the wagon and lost consciousness yet again.

After a few hours of sleep, Leo woke up still lethargic. Numb, he sat up and brushed his fingers through his hair. He stumbled to the kitchen and found his grandmother. “Your awake.” She said. “Hmm…” He could only manage a moan. “Sit down, let me get you some porridge and tea. You’ll feel much better after a full stomach.” She gently smiled and walked to the fire to retrieve the freshly boiled a pot of water. Before long, she placed a bowl of porridge and hot tea before him. “Thank u, Nana.” He said and ate a spoonful. “I’ll go out hunting later. I should come back before nightfall.” He saw his grandmother wasn’t listening to him. “Nana, did you hear me?” “My apologies, son. Yesterday’s events occupy my mind.” She explained. “Would you mind telling me more of your past?” Leo asked before eating another spoonful. Sesa nodded her head at his request. After sipping her tea, she continued her story. “The great willow was my sanctuary, a quiet place to escape to…” Sesa smiled at the memories that seemed as if it only happened yesterday. Leo carefully listened to her and got carried back into the past –

The young Sesa sat down against the trunk with knees pulled up against her chest. Deep in thought, she didn’t notice the stranger approaching until he stood only a few steps away. “Why are you sitting all alone at the c***k of dawn, princess?”. The stranger asked. Startled by the unfamiliar but charming voice, she jumped up and slammed her back against the tree. “Ouch”. She panted while investigating the most handsome face she has ever seen. He smiled and reached out his hand to help her, but she refused. “My apologies for startling you. That was not my intention.” The stranger apologised. Sesa sneered; “You did! Since when does a respectable man go looking for venerable girls in secluded places.” Saying this out loud, she realised how dumb her own actions were coming out here alone. However, it didn’t seem as if her words offended him, rather he gave an amused grin. “You look nothing like your sister. Aren’t you her twin?” He pleasantly asked. Without waiting for her response, the handsome stranger continued; “Yet, you have a kindness in your eyes that she does not.”

“You don’t even know me. How can you say such a thing?” Sesa got caught off guard by his remark. He stopped and turned around. His eyes now serious as he closed the distance between them. He came closer and bent down as if to whisper in her ear. “I don’t have to know you to appreciate your beauty.” He answered. Sesa’s heart pounded and face burned red as his breath touched her skin. She turned her head aside to hide her blushing face, but without warning he cupped her face in his hand. “Please don’t hide your emotions from me.” He spoke. She could simply look back at him in disbelief.

After their meeting under the great willow, the new acquaintances spend most of the day exploring the fields outside the castle. They enjoyed each other’s company, and Sesa didn’t wish for the day to end. With every passing minute, she fell deeper in love with the stranger she knew little about. Everything about him charmed her. Before long, he ignited a fire within her, burning away her heart’s sadness. Never has she thought that someone could wake such a powerful passion in her.

As dusk neared, the king sent out his warriors to search for her. “Princess Sesa!” They heard in the distance. “It’s late. I need to go!” She gasped, jumped up, and ran toward the castle. Suddenly she stopped and turned back. “I never asked your name.” She said to him, still standing in the same spot. He grinned at her bright smile then answered; “Go back quickly, I will see you later princess.” She had no time to press him for his name, because the guards were getting closer. If her father learned that she spent the day with a strange man, he would surely have her head. “Good bye!” She cried and ran off.

Upon her return to the caste, the guards took her to the king. She had her mother worried, Ceci annoyed, and her father relieved she got home safe. “Where were you?! You had me very worried.” Her mother tightly hugged her. “I… um… went for a walk and got lost”. Sesa stumbled over the words. “Do not dare lie to me, miss! You know the forest well,” Her mother scolded. “Never mind my love, she is back safely.” Her father stroked her mother’s back. “Get ready for the dinner, Sesa. Quickly, go!”. The king instructed.

Tonight was Ceci and price Cronos’s engagement party. Even if Ceci didn’t want her sister to attend, it was only proper to be there, and the king demanded Sesa’s presence. For the first time, she didn’t care about her sister’s crude remarks or meeting the price. She only dreamt of seeing her charming stranger once more. “Why are you smiling?” She heard Ceci ask from behind. “No reason. I’m delighted you’re getting engaged tonight.” Sesa answered before withdrawing to her room. Falling on her bed with arms spread out, she realised she was in love… In love with his smell, his bright smile, and muscular physique. The look he gave her before she left made her weak in the knees. He made her feel like the most beautiful woman in this world. The mere thought twisted up her gut. Then, her heart sank as she realised they most probably wouldn’t see each other again. When the time comes, her mother would choose a husband on her behalf. It was rare for members of a royal family to marry for love.

Yesterday she longed to meet the prince, yet today she dreaded going to the celebration. It saddened Sesa, as she had to witness the happy couple’s engagement. But what about herself—when will she get to meet her stranger again? ‘Was this how it felt to be in love? Like someone ripped open your chest and removed a piece of your heart?’ She muttered to herself. Simply thinking of him made her gasp for air. “Why the sad face?” Her mother asked after Sesa joined the festivities. “Nothing…” She lied. “Go mingle amongst the other guests.” the queen straightened out Sesa’s dress. “I am here, aren’t I? Look, Ceci’s making conversation with them. After all, it’s her party. Please let me be.” Sesa complained. “You are a prince and the intended’s sister. You too will need a husband soon. Now, put on a proper princess smile and go enjoy their boring conversations.” Her mother warned.

As soon as Sesa opened her mouth to object against her mother’s orders, the main doors flung open. The prince’s commander announced; “Dear guests, please welcome Prince Cronos” and stepped aside. The prince entered the room while Ceci hurried through the crowed to greet her intended. Guests from all over the kingdom filled the large room and huddled around the prince. “Come, let’s introduce you to prince Cronos, since you missed out on his welcoming dinner yesterday.” Her mother kindly spoke and took her by the arm.

At last, Sesa would meet a prince. “Please make way for the queen!” A voice called. The queen respectfully nodded at the guests as they slowly walked through the crowd. Unexpectedly, Sesa froze… Staring at the prince standing in front of them, her mouth fell open. “Sesa?” Her mother asked, questioning her bizarre behaviour. “It can’t be…” She whispered. Prince Cronos came closer and respectfully bowed before them. “My prince, it is lovely to see you again. I…” Without allowing Ceci to finish her sentence, he turned to Sesa and spoke. “Nice to meet you at last, princess.” Prince Cronos stared at her with same charming eyes her stranger had. “You… how…” Sesa stuttered before he took her hand in his. Softly he whispered for her ears only. “Meet me outside after dinner.” Tenderly, he kissed her hand.

The story that unfolded in Leo’s mind as his grandmother spoke, collapsed as soon as he understood the magnitude her words carried. “You mean to tell me that the stranger you fell in love with, was prince Cronos all along?” He asked in shock. “Yes. He never told me his name, nor have I seen him before. How could I have known it was him? If anyone was to blame, it should be him. By not telling me who he really was when we first met, he deceived me. He allowed me to fall in love with my sister’s intended.” After a moment of silence, he asked; “How did Ceci react when she found out you secretly fell in love?”. “Not well…” Sesa sighed.

He struggled to make sense of his grandfather’s deception. This was not the man he knew; the man he remembered was kind and kept his word. Baffled, Leo pressed for answers; “Did you confront him about his deceit?” “O yes!” She nodded her head. “I was furious, because he broke my heart! I fell in love with a man promised to my sister. Determined to find answers, I met outside after dinner as he proposed. To my disappointment, he stood calm and composed while I unleashed my anger towards him.” She laughed until she grabbed a hold of her chest. “Water please my son.” Leo quickly stood up to fetch her a glass of water. Her laughter confused him; it was as if she recalled a happy memory. Both characters in her story sounded nothing like his grandparents he once knew as a young boy.

He handed her the water and sat back down. “Thank u.” She said and took his hand. “Love—genuine love destined by fate is something else. It consumes your entire being. Everything makes sense, yet nothing matters anymore.” She said with a glimmer in her eyes. “I hope to find a love like that someday.” Leo replied. “Mmm… you will.” She answered, sure of herself. “You were telling me about your confrontation with grandfather?” He changed the topic as his love life was not up for deliberation. “As soon as I Iain my heart bare before your grandfather, he said nothing, yet did not look shameful of his actions. The next thing I remember was being taken in to his arms and he kissed me! Can you believe such a thing.” She chuckled.