Death-Bound

Coffee

Chapter Seventeen

“All I want you to do is act surprised after your stroll this evening. You will meet that Princess in the town’s bookshop. Apparently, she shares the same fascination on books as yourself.” She said. Margaritta has connections inside and out of the castle that even by just asking around she knows everyone’s move. “But, mind you, she is only on her twentieth year. She has a lot to learn.” She walked to the kitchen then started with her little scheme. I smiled knowingly. I know she will never fail me.

That evening I went on my customary walk through the town. I never did understood why I would stay looked up in my room when I was still the castle and never stand sitting around in the cottage. The walk to town is about fifteen minutes through a forest path. I simply adore the look of the forest especially when the sun is setting. An early evening walk would calm my nerve after just reading all day. The cottage has its own study room in which all the books related to humankind are found. Apparently, too much information about the entire human race would make you dull and depressed to count yourself as one of the most barbaric creature to have ever lived! I once again found myself looking at the landscape. The tree, which stood on the cliff where Solom and I met, was the one that took my attention. I took a wrong turn. I did took a wrong turn. I sighed and started to head back to the cottage when someone stopped me. I was puzzled.

“Where did you came from?” I asked Solom.

“I’m going to the tree, why? Why are you here anyway? Shouldn’t you be with your master?” he said emphasizing the word master as a sign of mockery. I raise my eyebrows as I gave him a questioning look. “Don’t tell me he didn’t tell you?”

“He? My master? What is it Solom?” I asked.

“He told me to stay away.” He sighed. “And never to see you again, he blames me for everything that happened to you…that day.” He was frustrated all of a sudden.

“It’s not you or his fault. I wanted to die, that’s just it okay?!” I said in a higher tone. “And you haven’t taken me out for that coffee you told me about.” He looked at me inquiringly then we both smiled. “Solom we are friends and there’s nothing he can do to stop that.”

“He almost killed himself just to give you blood. He told the doctor that he alone has the same blood as yours. Sad to say we both share the same strain of blood.” He grinned. “You should have seen the look of his face when I told him, that he can never save you alone.”

“Let’s not talk about it, can we?” I asked. “I found him a descent Princess to marry.” He gave me a look, which I could tell that is saying please-don’t-let-it-be-my-sister. “It’s not Agatha.” I reassured him. “I was on my way to town. But I think I made a wrong turn somewhere.”

“You are way too far from town. And even further from your cottage. Are you sure you weren’t walking like a death-bound again?” he asked smiling. “I bet I can still take you on a race, that is if you don’t take wrong turn again and get lost.”

“Is that a challenge?” I asked. “A death-bound can never lose to a king you know.” Smiling I looked at him. “the one who reaches town first will have to buy the winner coffee.” I pointed on the town’s direction. The wind blew.

“When the last leaf falling touches the ground, the race will start!” the last leaf fell to the ground gracefully. And as it touches the ground, both of us vanish with speed, racing toward town. I chose to climb on top of the trees, jumping from tree to tree is a lot easier than running on the ground where many obstacle lies. I saw the town from a far. I grinned until something or someone had a grip on my ankle, which pulled me down with such force I almost, hit the ground at the instant. Solom just attacked me and he deliberately tried to pull me to the ground! And he was grinning as he did it! “Last one there is a rotten egg!” he shouted as he passed me—falling.

I regained my balance and followed him. I am faster for I am lighter in weight. I grinned as I regained my pace and was just running beside him. Our speed could never be observed by ordinary beings, animals could sense us, which was enough for them to hide. “You do not play by the rules Solom!” I hissed at him.

He laughed, “There’s no rules! And you owe me coffee” he then ran faster leaving me behind. I tried to run faster enabling me to run neck and neck with him. I grinned.

“Bye-bye!” I said over taking him and dashing to the town’s entrance. He could not out run me. I was faster. In addition, I won our little contest. I was smiling satisfied with the fact. I looked at Solom as he walked the last yard towards me. “You owe me coffee!” I said pointing at him. “And cake…oh!” I suddenly remembered the plans for the evening. “can we stop at the bookshop? I need to invite someone to a dinner in my cottage tonight.” He gave me one of the smiles which assured me that he will invite himself to the dinner Margaritta planned. “Yes, you are coming. Just don’t argue with the whole set up. Now come on I need to find that Princess before the bookshop closes.” I said while pulling Solom.

We arrived at the bookshop. Since today is the beginning of the week, new books just arrived. So, I couldn’t even stop myself from browsing one shelf to another. Solom himself is amazed of the size of the whole bookshop as well. The Emperor wanted all this subjects to be educated so a system of education was develop on the first year of his leadership. Slaves even are taught how to read and write though they still lack the capacity to study higher educational level. Bookshops were scatter around town and a public library was open for all.

I smiled to myself when I saw the Princess. She was reading a book—one which I’ve read two years ago and I owned still. “Good evening Princess Tashia.” I said bowing as a sign of noble greeting.

“Oh, to you as well, Lady Jem.” She said we were acquainted on one of the tea session of the princesses in the castle. “What do I owe this pleasure of meeting you?” she said timidly.

“I wanted to invite you for dinner, in my cottage.” I said smiling. Solom went me to meet the Princess, he was blushing as he regarded the lady. “This is Sir Solom, king of the Land of Olive.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She said bowing.

“Yes, I to you.” He said holding her hand for a kiss. I raised an eyebrow. But after that he stood close to me. Close enough to make the princess think there is something between us. “I see my cousin do have a very sensible taste.” He said to me referring to the princess. She blushed. “Do you not agree Jem?” then it was my turn to blush. A man to call a woman on her first name was a sure sign of connection, be it romantic or just a manner of addressing a family. I looked at the princess who was confused by our behavior. Solom smiled and placed his hand on my waist, which even more embarrassed the poor girl. I gave him an elbow, one, which he will never forget.

“Forgive him for his actions. We-er-we’re engaged before the Emperor sent me his invitation of visit.” I said, I couldn’t think for a descent excuse to the young princess. “Do not worry dear, he is harmless.” I grinned. She was timid and shy she couldn’t even speak without a blush. She just nodded.

“Did you ask her for the dinner?” he inquired. I nodded. “will you do us the honor?” she looked at Solom and turned bright red as she then nodded.

“It is my pleasure to be invited.” She said in grace.

“Very well, we shall send a carriage to escort you in my cottage, at nine o’clock. Is that a convenient time for you princess?” I asked.

“Yes very convenient indeed.” She said smiling. her smile was heavenly, her beauty was grace. She is perfect for a bride. I smiled back at her. I handed her a little scroll, which contained my invite, and Solom and I continue on to our stroll.

When we were far enough, I could sense Solom grinning devilishly. “That engagement sounds like a very nice event don’t you think, Jem?” he placed his arm on my shoulder. I raised an eyebrow and shot him a black look. “What at least she’s think that the Emperor would have nothing to do with you, right?”

I sighed, he was correct. “Let’s just go back with our deal and buy me that coffee.” He smiled boyishly and we both headed to the coffee shop for an early evening bite.