Her Trail

14

Right after the down with Donovan, I run towards father, he is standing nearby, talking to some of his visitors.

When I reached him, I tug the hem of his coat, slightly panting because of the short run.

His eyes went to me as well as the people around him. I immediately realized how embarrassing it was, but when Papa crouch to level our eyes, I calmed down.

"Are you fine? Why are you running?"

Nervous, I tried to answer with teary-eyed like a bullied child, "P-Papa, the Crown Prince said I am one of his candidate Queen..."

His eyebrow furrowed, obviously didn't get a liking of what he just heard. But before he could even speak a word, some from the crowd who heard me interrupted.

"The Crown Prince said that? That is an honor, young lady of the Fleyrs!" and the old man whose beard is thick came nearer, he looks like a typical nobleman, his tummy is even big inside that expensive clothing, but he looks like a big shot so...

Suddenly, my moist eyes went dry, and Papa stand up from crouching just to face the old man.

"Without my permission, my daughter can't marry anyone even if it is the crown prince, King Lasos."

King Lasos? I heard of this before... I am sure of it! Or did I read it in one of the books that Sir Adalius recommended?

"Hmm... the rumors are right, you really value your daughter, Duke Dallas, I remember that you arranged your son's marriage at an early age. I am surprised to know that until now she is still available and from the looks of it, many kingdoms will ask for her hand, even the Emperors."

Emperors... not just one.

I'm having chills from the conversation... I mean, marriage is scary, and I am not ready for it, even more, if they arranged me to someone I don't even love. That will be a nightmare, I'd rather run away than marry someone I refuse to spend my life with.

"If only I have a son, I'd like to have your daughter as a family as well, Duke Dallas."

The more the King speaks a word, the more Papa's face is darkening.

"No one is deserving enough to ask for my daughter's hand, King Lasos."

Some old man went to us, there are also some with the same age as Papa. They all greeted me first, I noticed that they are those who are talking to Papa a while ago when I run towards him.

"What a lovely daughter, Duke!" one old man, perhaps, a King too, complimented me.

I bow down like a fine lady, thanking him. A series of compliments flow like a river after that and I received it with a smile on my face.

"How beautiful!"

"My son is also here, young lady Elora, he was so mesmerized when he saw you awhile ago, I told him to approach you but the young lord Memphis and the crown prince are around you."

I don't know what to respond so I laugh awkwardly, looking up to my father to have some help.

"My daughter is too young, and the whole family is not ready to marry her off," Papa said with warning and finality.

Good thing, I was able to escape the talk with the elders when Sir Adalius went to me, asking me to come with him.

When we reach the corner, where there are few people, he stopped.

Curious, my eyebrows furrowed.

"What is it, Sir Adalius? Is there a problem?"

I noticed that he looked serious.

"Some of the aristocrat faction is here," said he.

"Oh," that escaped my lips.

"I'd like you to meet them, Lady Elora, so next time you know who to strengthen your walls."

I roam my eyes around, thinking who from these people wanted more power for the nobles, and are against the emperor.

Somehow, I feel really nervous, as if meeting them will change my view of this world slowly. But I am done with those kinds of thoughts, I know I will grow older and problems are inevitable... something that I forgot in my past life.

To Elora of the past, I am really sorry for being too weak to hold on in life. I was too broken to see tomorrow... I am still sorry that I deprived myself to heal and to find happiness after all the valleys...

Perhaps, that is the greatest lesson I am carrying until this world, and now, I am readying myself for it, I am not strong, but my source of strength is my family, and that... is enough to keep me going. I know my mental health is slowly gathering into pieces, a thing that I am thankful for.

"Let's go?"

I look at Sir Adalius, he gave me a proud smile and nodded, I follow him wherever he is going and when he stopped, I felt like my heart would come out of my chest.

My eyes wander at the people in front of us. They are all looking in our direction, I can see the strictness on their faces, and I can feel the cold aura they are emitting.

A woman smiled at me as she goes towards me. I don't think I will believe that kind of smile because it's creepy, creepier than Amara could ever give, it's just so fake and I felt like she'll do something bad to me.

When I felt her hand held my arm, her long nails dig on that, it doesn't hurt me but that made me a bit scared.

No.

I'm scared because she is like a real-life witch.

"You are very lovely, young lady of the Fleyrs, what do you think your father is doing? He is constantly arranging everything for the poor."

I felt like if I get the answer of her own liking she will recruit me or whatever, but I'm sorry, I think highly of my father.

"He is a great man, Madame. I really love our Father Duke," I answered truthfully.

Her nails on my arms dig deeper but when I flinch she immediately put her hand away, not smiling anymore.

She's so bold!

Their expression screams disapproval and I know how disappointed they were with what they just heard.

"Oh well, you are a Fleyr after all."

I hold the hand of Sir Adalius, I felt his gaze went to me because my hand is cold, but my attention are on the people in front of us.

"Have you heard that they are finally getting ready for the war? King Lasos are so stressed out about that," said one, I know they wanted me to hear it.

"How about you, Lady Elora, I'm sure at your age you know enough."

"I'm sorry but I am not involving myself on a serious matter like that, Sir."

That disappointed them more.

The lady who went to me earlier fan herself using the black and looking so expensive fan.

"I am Duchess Rina, I'm really curious about the well-known and loved young lady of the Fleyrs, and now that I met you with the little knowledge you have, hmm... I think you are not accepted as a part of your family yet," she laughed with a hint of mocking and I am well aware how I paled on that, "kidding... but who knows, right, King Theron?"

The old man that screams authority chuckled, "Don't scare the young lady like that Duchess. My son is interested in her, we can accept her wholly as a family."

One of them look at the silent Sir Adalius beside me, "You are the scholar... that one who had the audacity to oppose the King Javier of the east."

All of them became interested in Sir Adalius, when I look up at him, his expression darkened and the unconscious tight grip on my hand, I know there's something else.

"You are the one who tried to elope with their princess?"

That shocked me in real time.

My eyes widened as I look at them and Sir Adalius.

Eloping with the princess?!

Oh my gosh! That was like a fairy tale!

"That was years ago, King Revine."

The King smirked, "No, I am just curious... you used to be on our side, it's such a pain to lose someone as intelligent as you, too bad, your feelings took over."

Sir Adalius' face is serious, no, the right words for this are he is trying his best not to do anything he will regret, he is enduring the words that are obviously affecting him so bad.

"I regret having those decisions, your majesty. Too bad, eh? My young mind thought everything was alright until I realized that everything is just wishful thinking, no one can really bring down the Emperor's honor and authority, and not even once he will fall for some bratty tricks of some... spoiled silver-spooned children."

I almost laughed because of the unfiltered words he used. Goodness gracious that was so hilarious!

The looks on the aristocrat factions' faces can't be described, they are deeply insulted.

I let go of his hand as I take a step back and I hide on Sir Adalius' back, leaning my forehead on it, there, I laugh without a sound. My shoulders are moving up and down as I try not to make any sound.

Surely he can feel my silent waves of laughter.

"Can't believe you became so bold expressing your thoughts Adalius, you became braver but dangerous kind of brave," I heard one of them said as I calm down myself.

"Excuse me, but it's time to give the gifts for the Duke, he is already waiting on his sit in front."

Sir Adalius face me with a smile and he held my hand to walk us from that group of noblemen.

Older brother spotted us so Sir Adalius let me come with him.

"Where did you go?" the first thing he asked.

"Hmm... I met some of the Aristocrat faction. They are scary, brother," I pouted.

He pinches my nose, his expression still straight like ever. I'm really amused how he and Papa maintain that kind of face, that's so weird!

Sometimes I get tired just by thinking I'll be wearing a resting b***h face the whole day, barely smiling, the muscles on my face will get mad at me.

"They aren't, if you know how father works with them, you will see what real scary is," finally he had some expression on his face when he smirked.

"Really? I can imagine," I giggled.

I noticed that he is holding something in his hand, that is familiar...

My birthday gift for Papa? He already brings it out for me?

"I know you're tired of walking so I get this for you."

I smiled genuinely when he said that.

"Thank you, brother, I love you!" I jumped and I hug him after, I felt his arms wrapped around me, hugging me back.

Feathery kisses landed on the top of my head, which made me feel really loved.

"They said I am not accepted yet as part of the family..." I blurted out the thing that is bothering me.

We heard Sir Adalius talking about the giving of gifts for Papa but we remain to hug each other, I wanted to loosen it but brother refused to.

"You don't believe that, am I right? Elora Ember."

I buried my face more on his chest.

"I was scared that's true. They said you aren't telling me important things because I am not accepted."

I sound so childish even in my own ears. I trust their love in me so how could I say those things...

How could I doubt them, I felt fluids run down my cheeks and his coat absorb it even before going down my neck.

"Silly... we just treasure you so much that's why we'd rather let you live without thinking of bad things. We are not as expressive as others but we wanted the best for you, and you are someone who secures the love of this family, Elora. I am not a good brother, but I am willing to live and even die for you."

I loosen my hug, shock at the last thing he said.

Teary-eyed, I smack his chest lightly, "Don't say things about dying!"

He chuckled, "Alright, alright, I'm sorry, just don't get those words in her heart, do you hear me, bunny?"

I pouted and nodded. He pulled me for a kiss on the forehead before excusing himself because Sir Adalius is already asking for him to give his gift to father, of course, he gave me my gift before walking away.

I roam my eyes around and my vision immediately locked on Lady Inah who is currently dancing with an old man, perhaps her father... it means he's a king?

I walk towards her to have some company but in the middle of walking someone suddenly bump on my side and I felt something cold spilled on me.

"Oh gosh!" I exclaimed.

I check the roll of painting I am holding to see if the juice wet it, to my dismay some parts are ruined by the spilled juice. I didn't even care about my outfit because my gift is very important!

When I look at who bumped on me, my anger has suddenly risen.

Amara!

"I'm sorry! You were walking so fast so I didn't see you..."

Oh gosh, this witch!

I don't give the benefit of the doubt to someone like her!

"Oh my goodness, I ruined your painting, I'm so sorry!" She sounds so fake, "that's your gift, right? You can have mine instead, just throw that away and— ouch!"

I pushed her in anger.

Throw it away? I don't care if everyone is watching us right now! How dare she bumps on me, ruins my painting, and asked me to throw the gift I did for Papa?!

"I said I was sorry, Lady Elora! Why did you push me, I didn't even do that on purpose!" she cried louder and louder every second but I don't care!

My anger boil even higher when she open her painting and I saw Papa's image on that with her on it— oh gosh! And she just told me to give that s**t instead?!

I push her even more because of my anger!

"Are you mocking me?!" I said out of anger.

When I was about to push her again someone stop my hand and when I look at that person, it was Donovan.

And now he's here, wow.

"Enough. You are creating a scene, Lady Elora," he sternly said.

I wanted to laugh so loud, what the hell? It's my fault now? He doesn't even know what happened!

I pull my hand from his grasp, his expression became darker because of it.

"Don't meddle with this!"

"There are a lot of people watching! Calm down, you are not doing the right thing!"

My tears run down my face like a river. I can't believe I became the villain just like that! And they are like this before, the prince charming and the damsel in freaking distress!

"What's happening here?" Papa's voice echoed in my ears, I can't say anything because of the tears and the rapid breathing.

I also saw older brother with him when they reach our side. Papa looks at me carefully down to the dress I'm wearing, of the two of them, brother is clearly mad because his forehead is crease together with his darkened expression.

I knew they are all mad at me, it made me sob louder even though I'm trying hard to contain it. I felt so humiliated in front of all of them, I'm crying like a child, but it felt really unfair because it seems like I'm the wrong one here. I know I was wrong because I acted like that, I was wrong because I get so mad at her for ruining the gift, I was wrong because I push her two times...

But it felt so unfair because it seems like I'm being judged without knowing the context. They didn't know that she asked me to throw my gift, they didn't know that she told me to give the painting she painted instead, it had the image of Papa and Amara. I was so mad about it, I felt like she's getting someone really important from me, I hate that so much...

My tears can't stop falling, when my eyes and Donovan's met, I saw mixed emotions on his, it was like he was so worried but I know I'm not seeing right because of the tears that just won't stop falling.

"I said, what's happening? Elora?" Papa asked me this time.

I shake my head refusing to say anything as I cry.

Brother went nearer to me and he touch the gift I was holding so dear, afraid that it will dear because a part of it is wet.

He get it from me and lend it to Papa, I didn't see his reaction when brother suddenly hugged me, making me burst out from another fresh tear.

"Hush now, did she hurt you? I know you are not the type who pushes someone like that without any reason."

"Brother... huk...."

"Shh...hush now, princess. We got you, alright? We aren't mad."

My rapid breathing and my tears calm down a bit but I really felt scared and hurt because of what happened.

Hurt because of what happened to the gift, hurt because even though I refuse to acknowledge it, I got hurt by Donovan's actions. And scared because I might get scolded by Papa and brother, scared because they might hate how reckless I am with my emotions. Scared because I was easily swayed like this...

And I felt sorry too... for getting physical.

"Elora, my daughter..." I heard Papa's call, when we loosen the hug and I turn to face him, I saw him staring at the gift I made.

"I love your gift," it was short but that made me so happy.

I run towards Papa for a hug and he immediately hugs me back. I cried again, this time on his chest, and he didn't say anything, just patting my back in the middle of the crowd, we made a scene and I didn't care about that.