That Runaway Fairy: To the Doomsday

Chapter2

Chapter 2 The Crown's Demands

The forest was quiet, too quiet. Only the faint rustling of leaves pierced the silence—an uneasy whisper from the wind. I stared at him beneath the Mysteria Tree, his cloak rippling gently though no wind stirred.

“Who are you?” I whispered.

“You will know soon,” he replied. His voice echoed like a distant memory.

I was staring at him. Not knowing how to react or what to say when a sudden rustling sound caught my attention.

When I looked back at him... There was no one. He was gone.

Who was that man? Why did his presence make my chest tighten?

I turned my back and looked at the mysteria tree behind me. It was still as lustrous as before, the fireflies were freely flying around it, giving it an enchanted feel. I looked up and saw its swaying branches, its golden leaves screaming elegance. The tree’s golden leaves shivered overhead, and fireflies circled like tiny lanterns, casting a dreamy glow. The Mysteria Tree never changed.

It’s almost midnight. I had to get back to the palace or my crazy father might totally lose his mind. I silently walked back to my quarters. The hallways are eerie and dark. My footsteps barely made a sound on the moss-covered stones as I hurried through the quiet corridors. The chandeliers had all gone dim, casting eerie shadows along the marble walls. I was halfway to my room when I passed the study—Father’s study.

The door stood ajar. Isn't it my father's study? He usually locks it. My father never left it open, not even for me. Why is it open today? My curiosity got the better of me.

I slowly walked over. I reached my hand and slowly nudged the door open when a cold, angry voice spoke behind me.

"What brings you here at this hour, Aurelia?", who else could it be but my dear father.

I inhaled slowly, steeling myself.

“I took a walk… and saw your door open, father. I thought you were still in your study", I calmly explained, trying my best not to stutter.

"Go back to your chamber, the night is already deep", he coldly replied.

I did not say anything more. I bowed my head and withdrew, aching with questions I dared not ask. What secrets does that room hide? And why am I, his own daughter, f*******n from stepping near it? I calmly bid my goodbyes and walked to my room. What is so special about my father's study that I am not even allowed to peek? I shrugged the thought and entered my room. Tomorrow is another day.

Back in my quarters, sleep did not come easy. My bed was soft, embroidered with silken vines and petals, but my mind was a storm. I kept seeing the mysterious man beneath the tree… and hearing echoes of Father’s command.

That night, I was bothered by a lot of things. His perfect face, his posture, his voice… I keep on seeing it in my mind. I sat up and shook my head. It can’t be. How could I possible think of a stranger in the middle of the night?

I stood up and walked to the window. Guess, there will be no sleep for tonight. I just can’t simply put myself to sleep.

And then there was the engagement.

I pressed a hand to my chest, my heartbeat wild beneath my ribs. An arranged marriage—with a prince I’d never met. Decided behind closed doors, as if I were a parchment signed and sealed.

I should talk to king grandfather tomorrow. He should be able to understand me. Afterall, my grandfather doted on me the most.

I stood there all night, watching the sunlight spill across the horizons. The sun crept across the sky with golden reluctance. I must talk to my grandfather. I dressed without assistance and walked briskly to the High Chamber, letting the clink of my sandals echo like a warning.

I gracefully brisked into the golden gates of the High Chamber. The palace where my King Grandfather’s throne was located. The twins guards guarding the gates bowed as they saw me.

The twin guards bowed deeply. “Princess Aurelia.”

“I seek an audience with the King,” I said. My voice was steady. My resolve had sharpened overnight.

They opened the gate, revealing a stone path flanked by black roses—the ones that only bloomed for royals of old blood. At the end stood a towering golden door.I cleared my throat, “King Grandfather, it is, I, your granddaughter.”

My grandfather's voice boomed, “Come in, princess.”

As I entered his throne room, I bowed my head and recited, “Grandfather, I am here to have a word with you.”

“Raise your head, child”, my grandfather said. I slowly raised my head and there, I saw my grandfather sitting in his obsidian throne, regal and ageless. His chin resting on his palm. No one would have thought that this handsome man in front of me is my grandfather. We would pass as siblings. He has the darkest black eyes I have ever seen. His dark eyes shimmered like mirrors, reflecting truths unspoken.

His gaze feels like he can read through my soul. Like he knows me too well. No secrets could be kept.

“Come here, little princess. What would you like to ask this King?”, my grandfather’s voice was gentle, like a light breeze of wind. But that did not ease my nervousness, instead it made me tremble even more.

I, hesitating, slowly walked towards the throne.

“Grandfather, I would like to end that engagement. I do not wish to marry the prince of Emberveil”, I straightforwardly said.

A silence followed—deep, consuming. Grandfather’s gaze shifted, and his fingers drummed the armrest of the throne.

My grandfather did not answer me. His eyes void of any light. No reaction, no nothing. It is almost like he is looking at something that is not worth his attention.

“King Grandfather”, I called.

“Do you know what you ask?” he said finally, voice low.

“Yes. I ask to live freely. As my own person.”

His lips curved downward. “This marriage seals peace. You are a key, Aurelia. A bridge between warring kingdoms.”

“I am not a bridge,” I said, breath trembling. “I am a soul. A daughter. A woman. Let me choose my life.”

For a moment, he looked at me—not with anger, but with something akin to disappointment. “You are naive.”

“I am awake,” I replied.

“Do you know what will happen if your marriage is cancelled?”, he playfully asked.

“Grandfather, I am sure we can think of a different way to stop the war. I really could not do it”, I pleaded with my grandfather.

I dropped to my knees. “Please…”

But he rose and turned away.

I begged on my knees. My fall made a huge noise. I could feel my knees bruising.

“No”. No? Why would you refuse, grandfather? I can think of a different way. Please, don’t push me towards my limits.

“You will obey,” he snapped. “You are just a girl. Your value lies in alliance. Your legacy ends with compliance.”

“Grandfather…”

“A no is a no, Aurelia. Do you wish to defy me now?”, he coldly said.

“You will marry that prince, whether you like it or not. You will be the crown princess of Emberveil. Besides, isn’t it your responsibility as a princess? You can’t inherit the throne. You are a girl. The least that you could do is bring peace and prosperity to your kingdom?”

Just a girl? JUST A GIRL? Why is it a problem? Why can’t girls have the same rights as men? Besides, how is it my responsibility to marry? Is there no other way?

I refuse to take this. Is the heavens punishing me? What is wrong with being a girl? NONE. There is none.

“Grandfather..”

“Enough! I do not want to here anything from you anymore, Aurelia. Go back to your chamber and reflect!” My grandfather’s voice boomed. He is obviously very angry. I could not do anything. He is the king, and I am just a mere princess after all. A princess that is meant to be a piece to be used.

“This conversation is over. You will marry him. As the crown demands.”

I stood, my cheeks wet with tears, my soul simmering with quiet defiance.

If this kingdom only sees me as a pawn, then I shall remove myself from the game.

“Yes, grandfather”, I whispered as my tears flowed through my cheeks like waterfalls. I bowed and slowly turned my back. I can’t accept this arrangement. Since this kingdom wishes to use me as bait, I shall not give them that chance.

I am now more than determined to go---to fly. There will be nothing to hold me back anymore. Not my guilt. Not my responsibilities. For I will take off this crown and leave the palace. Not as a princess, but as Aurelia. Just as Aurelia.

Author's Note:

Hey, beautiful creature! Could you give me a follow? It'll surely give me a boost and inspire me to write the rest of the story. See you in the next pages! Happy reading!