Kissing the Fae

Chapter 7 - The Battle

"Rani Letisha!"

Harshness to me is giving someone false hope. Silly me as I expect a lot from him only to be turned down mayhap because of the past. In the first place, why did I set my hopes too high?

I should have thought of it. Alistair is far different from Deniz and Terran who were willing to help me despite what happened before. It was stupid of me to neglect it, too dumb to expect too much.

Why did I overlook the idea that among them, Alistair was the one who planted seeds of anger? 

Of all people, his name was the first thing my mind recalls to ask for help and I'm demanding myself to dig in why?

Instead of him, why not the other two? Was he right that I still got a hang of the past?

Bold of me to come and seek guidance from someone I cursed. I don't know where I got the courage to have a word with him.

Rani Letisha, never again.

"Rani..." Deniz halted in front of me on my way back to the hall.

Meanwhile, Terran stayed behind, perhaps to convince Alistair to help me, which I don't need now. It was all on me; the future of my division depends on my hands and no matter what, with or without anyone's help, I pledge to save my people from the future blast.

"Deniz, I need to go. Stop blocking my way," I muttered calmly, not wanting to pick a fight.

"Look..." He breathed deeply. "I don't know what has gotten into Alistair's small mind, Rani. But whatever it is, he's a big as shole for neglecting you."

I walked to the side to escape from him. Yet, he still followed me and now he's trying to keep up with me.

"I understand why he can't," I retorted. "Stop following me, Deniz. I still have something to attend to."

"We are here with you, Rani..." Finally, he stopped and reached for my wrist to keep me in place. "Terran and I will gladly offer you our hands. You just need to ask, Rani. We're waiting for you to ask."

I harshly removed his hand wrapped in my wrist.

"I don't need you anymore."

Shaking his head, he stared at me intently. His glacier eyes were dazzling but the anger inside me didn't lessen.

I hate to admit it but Alistair badly stepped on my ego. Everyone knows how prideful I am, they knew how competitive I am since we were young, he knew how rare it is for me to bespeak a favor, nevertheless, he still chose to be selfish.

For me, it was an act of selfishness.

"You need us," he insisted. "Of all people, it's us that you need at times like this, Rani. We both know that."

My upper lip rose up, teasing him. Showing him my confidence to get through it all, alone, despite knowing that yes, it's them that I need the most.

"I can do it, Deniz. You know me, I don't back down that easily. They'll need to walk through my corpse first before they could force renounce me."

He shook his head in disapproval. "At least don't let your heart decide for you. Don't make the same mistake again, Rani."

With that, he left and I just stood there, dumbfounded as memories from the past struck me. Why do they choose to pester my mind when I need peace the most?

C'mon, Rani Letisha. You are better than being affected by mere speculations. Those were nothing.

I didn't do anything that made our hearts all broken. It wasn't my fault, and it will never be my fault. No one deserved to be blamed for something she didn't do.

No one.

Sighing, I closed my eyes to calm my nerves.

"Where were you?"

Only if I didn't feel her, I would have jumped in surprise.

"Just somewhere to breathe."

I opened my eyes to see Rin flying around me, her little wings leaving their spark as she soars high in the air. She was too tiny... A hard slap will probably put her at sleep if not forever, but for days.

I only saw her shift once and she never tried it again for a reason.

"Are you ready though?" I could sense the concern in her small voice.

We started to stride inside the hall. The people were decreasing as time passed, and my heart thuds faster and faster as I saw them leave one by one.

I'm terrified of what it would be. I'm petrified to disappoint anyone from my region if I lose, and totally scared at the idea that I might not conquer it. The image of me bowing out is the last thing I wanted to see.

I may not like the idea of great obligations my name carried, the thought of letting go of my reputation and the life that welcomed me since I opened my eyes, pains me.

Just thinking of leaving everything behind, by the mere thought of anyone taking my position angered me.

The world has to remain as it is. The only people that needed to leave the Acres Kingdom were those directors who thought highly of themselves.

Growing up, it has been my desire to see my world be filled with only goodness. The people, the surroundings, and making sure that our power is used only with a purpose. With that, we could make a better place.

However, the world really is divided into halves.

Good always comes with bad intentions. I don’t know what the world is without it. Maybe some might find it boring yet peaceful. Imagine the universe with no dark auras surrounding the area, just full of good things; the people, genuine purpose, and with the same immeasurable path. 

Sighing, I closed my eyes shortly. 

Just forget Alistair's help, Rani Letisha. Don't expect him to come for you. After all, you throw them first and you don't swallow what you spit. 

“I am ready,” I replied.

Slowly, people disappear from my sight. The place started to change, too. The long table was now gone and the ground opened, revealing a golden staircase towards the meeting place.

“Rani Letisha...” Rin called worriedly.

“I will be back after this, Rin. Don’t worry about anything...”

This is the time that we’re all waiting for. The battle of strength to prove our worth to remain in the position.

“We’ll be waiting for you...”

I know... I should not think of those who loathed me; my leadership and me, as a woman. The important people should always come first. A lot of them are waiting, and I will come back, bearing our name; the Faye region’s wins. 

There were always hindrances in one's life. It doesn't matter if you're privileged or not, it doesn't matter if you're an ordinary creature living in our world or not. If life hits you, then you either ride the waves or just give up without trying. 

Which one was sick? Mayhap it was the latter. 

But then, will I be happy fighting for something that won't make me shout in glory? Will I be satisfied winning the battle for the position I'm not passionate about? 

It was tricky. 

I know I wanted to win. However, winning means tying a knot with the consequential commitments that will forever chase me. Otherwise, I'd be free, and would definitely lose everything. 

How should I weigh it? Is it worth it though? Fighting for something that literally doesn't pique my interest. I'm doing this only to save my division from the dirty hands that would lead them if I failed, and to end the directors' upsetting games. 

Why can't they accept that we, women, can rule?

I don't know their reason. Or maybe they just solely see us as weak who are not capable of leading a big group; a region that has a great contribution to our kingdom. 

"Rani Letisha..." I halted when I heard the King's voice behind me. 

It took me a second to face my father who had a small smile on his lips. 

"Pa..." I called. "I'm about to go to the underground for the meeting."

"I can see that," he retorted, walking to get near me. "I've talked to your mom about it."

"About what?" 

He let out a deep sigh. And now he looked concerned.

"We knew you didn't want a position, Rani Letisha. You were forced to accept it, thinking that it was your duty to lead the Faye region for your mum was the head before," he remarked. "We want you to be happy doing the things you love, princess. You don't have to sit on your throne with regrets in your heart. We could choose someone to lead, and we'll make sure that she or he'll be like you who rule with purpose."

I don't know where this would lead to but one thing I'm for sure, I won't back down. 

Shaking my head, I speak with a hint of disapproval. "Pa, I'll be fine. I won't give up even though it wasn't my will to lead. I will fight for my rights..."

"You can always say no," he refuted, not wanting to give up the conversation. "Ever since you learned that you were going to lead one of the regions in the Acres Kingdom, you've stopped saying no. Rani Letisha, if you don't want it, say no."

"I don't want to," I insisted. "This is my responsibility and I should attend to it, Your Majesty." I bow my head to leave. 

"Princess, you are our daughter. Your happiness always comes first."

I understand them. After all, they are my parents who only want the best for their daughter. But I hope they'd respect my decision, too. Giving up is not on the list of my options. I'd wither first before I drop my people who expect me to manage them.

You may face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated. 

"Alright, everyone!" 

The announcer has come down with us. Each of us settled in our respective chairs, half of the counselors were smiling wickedly as if they had already won the victory. 

These conceited jerks should wither.

It was the King, the twelve counselors, and I, added the one who will witness everything for tonight's agenda. 

I let myself be bothered. Deep inside, I knew it won't be easy, thus, the directors will probably give something that is out of my capability. It's unfair but I have to accept it, considering their hatred towards women, they'd probably go easy on me. 

"We don't have enough time to discuss the agenda for tonight," one of the directors said. 

Three of them were the fathers of the three idiots. They were the only ones whom I don't see smirking, nor even the slightest desire to kick me out of my region. 

At least there were people left who didn't let their mothers feel regret for bearing them.

"We all know what this is all about. With that—"

Suddenly, the King interfered which stopped the director from talking. 

"Rani Letisha," he called seriously. "We will give you enough time to decide whether to accept the challenge or not. But as we can see, you are eager to take whatever it is."

I didn't talk.

"Alright, read it..."

Silence...

"Rani Letisha, the leader of Faye region must prove her worth by having the power of Glamour, and by developing her wings."

Frozen, I gasped. 

"Your Majesty..." I stared at him with my eyes wide open. 

"That's the conditions to remain in your position, Rani Letisha."

I shook my head mentally, clearly clueless. I don't possess the power of illusion, and I've been known as a wingless fairy...