Kissing the Fae

Chapter 6 - I’m Sorry

I will never know what I'd become tomorrow if I don't challenge myself.

In the past, those fail moments of my life have contributed to my growth and there were tons of realization growing up in a world full of competition. The Queen has trained me to be strong mentally, and the King was in charge to make sure I'm fixed. I was surrounded by strong-willed people and I must be one.

It has always been my obsession to win until the end and; to be a role model for every woman. If I can't, then perhaps it wasn't really meant for me.

"Rani Letisha, why don't we join them?" Rin invited.

My eyes were just fixed on those mortals enjoying the feast. The majority of them were smiling, laughing at every stroke of their partner's hands gliding in their bodies as they danced the night away.

The dark demeanor was replaced by twinkling small fairies flying in the air, hovering the shade party with their magical powers.

Faes can read minds. We can see the future, we have the power of Glamour but it is rare to find in our kind. Even la Reine doesn't possess the power of illusion, and she thought I was still too young to have it and until now, I'm waiting for it.

I look at Rin flying in mid-air.

"You should go and find the other two and enjoy," I said, clearly wanting to be alone for a moment.

"You want to be alone?" She stopped flying, weighing my expression.

"Yes. I can't seem to focus my mind now, Rin. I think I need a moment." I reached out to place a hand on the railing, looking for someone below the crowd.

After the small talk with the king, he left to attend to his queen in her palace and said he'll be back for a later meeting.

Opening up to my father somehow lifted the doubts I had for myself. My father has always been the supportive one in spite of wishing to have male offspring.

Honestly, it didn't really affect me as he showed he cares for having me.

Knowing that they trust my ability just drove my eagerness to pass the tests.

I continued to roam my eyes around. It wasn't my father that I'm looking for, but one of the three idiots.

It was only Deniz that I saw dancing with one of the Sisters. As expected from him, it would be a big surprise if he stays in the corner with no girls clinging into his arms.

"Alright. You know where to find me, Rani Letisha."

I nodded at her. She was hesitant to leave but she did anyway.

When Rin was out of my sight, I deliberately walked to climb down the stairs to look for him. I didn't know I'd demand him at times like this but if I am really eager to win this game, I have to lower my pride to ask for a favor.

Making sure that I don't bump into anyone, I continued to roam around. Yet why do people show up when they're not the ones you're looking for?

Just like Terran, who rocks his cloak that represents the color of the soil.

He had a smug smile on his face when he approached me.

"Rani Letisha!" He appeared at my side and was about to put his arm on my shoulder when I glared at him.

"Don't you dare..."

He let out an evil smirk. "C'mon, princess. This isn't the time to let your heart decide for you. We know you need us and we're here to help in any way we can. Just tell us."

"Terran, shut up..." I jabbed, aching to deny it but how when all he said was a fact.

I need Alistair.

Hell, the three idiots would be a big help for me to survive! They'd help me, and I don't want to be hypocrites believing that I could do all things with only my power. Alistair has passed the challenge I'm about to receive, and the guys helped him get through it.

However, asking for help from someone whom you loathed for years was kinda not my thing, and yet I'm here, looking for Alistair.

F uck the pride, Rani Letisha.

My victory isn't just to embarrass the directors for having the audacity to look at me with their disgusting belief. My eagerness isn't just to prove myself to myself, but me — passing the obstacle would give hopes to those who are slowly losing theirs.

A lot of fairies were expecting me to return and lead them. If I lose, my position would be given to someone else, and letting go of my home is something I don't want to happen. The Faye region is mine. My people are mine and they ought to stay in my reign, forever.

"Where is he?"

"At the usual spot. You want me and Deniz to be there, too?" Terran stepped closer when someone walked past behind him, pushing him a bit.

I stepped backward as my eyes followed the woman who rolled her eyes at me. Based on her clothes, she came from Terran's division.

"Deniz is busy, I don't want to disturb him," I hesitated, turned, and walked to withdraw myself from the crowd.

"And who said I'm busy, Rani Letisha?"

Of course, he heard.

Among the three, Deniz has an access to gossip. He literally knows everything about people's secrets but not the hidden panel to escape the Acres Kingdom. Though he lives underwater, Deniz always spend time dealing with land creatures than be with his shells.

Besides, all of us have limitations. We can only use our concealed power if the goddess wishes to.

"You should have just stayed with the Sisters," I rebuked.

He chuckled and we began to make our way out of the hall.

We were silent at first. It has been ages since we last tread together in the same direction, and at the same time. It was awkward, and I'm hesitant whether to continue asking for help and just let myself handle it alone.

These guys are not the ones who chide you away if you're in need of help. In spite of their wickedness, the three idiots are willing to lend their hands. Now that I need them, I don't want them to think that I just remembered them in a time of crisis.

I'm clearly not a user but if they think of me that way, it's alright.

I sighed. That's when I heard Deniz laugh.

"Alistair can't seem to forget what happened in the past, Rani. He still goes to the place where your first kiss took place. Uh, if only I could go through his mind, I'd play it over and over again."

"Please, shut up..." I whispered, wanting to end his manipulation.

"Save your game later, Deniz. Our Rani Letisha will ask us a favor."

"Oh..." Deniz doesn't look surprised. "Is it about the tests, huh?"

"Yes," Terran answered for me. "Of course, what could it be?"

My heart thumps a bit. I'm not liking this idea, nevertheless, I will go on.

"You'll probably suffer in their hands, Rani. You are a woman, and the whole Acres Kingdom knows how sexist the directors are."

"It's not like I will let them win, Deniz." I walked slowly. "The directors are a bunch of losers and I don't want to be included in their group. But in order to win it, I will need your help."

Silence...

We stopped. The two trade glances and their eyes that differ in colors were powerful. Thus, it looks playful, like always.

"In one condition," they said in chorus.

I stopped. Why did I think that they would say yes without asking anything in return?

Of course... We are in the twenty-first century. Even in our world, nothing is free.

I was about to ask what when they started laughing. Their deep voices surround the dark alley. The flying creatures have stopped for a while to listen to their giggles, admiring the two idiots.

"Why are you laughing?" I asked, feeling irritated. "If you don't want to help me, it's fine."

"No, no... It wasn't like that, princess. Of course, we are willing to help. Whatever it is, we're here to help."

"Then why are you laughing?!" I snapped.

They stopped, exchanging glances as they cough fakely.

"C'mon! I think Alistair knows we're coming. We need to get there before the fete ends, Rani Letisha. So, you'll have an idea what it could be."

The next minute, we arrived at the destination and the calming yet cold place welcomed me.

The familiar feeling started to spread in me. It has been years since I last came here, and the place never fails to astound me. The goodly woods that covered the entire area, it even serves as the roof, with the ends of its branches meeting the others across it. It has been our haven before.

The four of us, this place was a big part of our childhood.

We took our time building this. With the help of our powers, we made this place a better spot. No one has access to this aside from us. And no one has the right to destroy it.

But at first sight, I know something has changed.

It felt cold. The last time I went there wasn't a good memory. We fought and that made our friendship break down.

"Sorry, Rani..." I heard Deniz. "We have tried our best to take care of this place but yeah. I think it wasn't enough. It makes a difference to have a girl with us."

"Why didn't you invite the Sisters?" I tittered, roaming my eyes around the place, feeling its familiar sensation.

"D amn, no! We promised not to let anyone invade this aside from us. And if ever, it will never be one of the Sisters."

Shrugging, I glanced at him.

"You were happy dancing with Hyra."

He acted like he was about to throw up. Meanwhile, Terran was holding back not to laugh.

"Shut up, Rani. I was wondering what it would be like to dance with her."

I didn't delve anymore.

"These hamadryads have been silent since then. They didn't even move a little to at least give us a signal if they're still alive."

I looked at the trees. They are still alive.

These hamadryads can shift into beautiful women. But it takes a lot of time and due to the past, they stopped showing themselves. Some of them withered, and it was sad to know that these beautiful trees had to hide their comeliness.

"They are still alive, there's nothing to worry about."

I walked in the street. But then, I stopped when I saw a figure in the dark.

"That must be Alistair," Terran moved to the side.

It's him... Even from afar, I could tell that it's Alistair.

"He probably stayed near the puddle where your first kiss happened."

Oh, crap. Shut up, Deniz! That was three years ago! That meant nothing for Deniz played with us.

"Let's just go to the sole reason why I'm here."

When Alistair went near us, he halted in front of me. He stared at me for a second before withdrawing his eyes, then it fell back on the other two.

Hope started to grow inside me. He's here, and I have faith that he could help me but only to be crushed when he finally opened his mouth to speak.

"I can't tell you anything about the obstacle. I'm sorry, Rani Letisha."