In Another Life

CHAPTER 4

I’ve managed to walk through and around the place in search of the balcony. From a far, I could spot a balcony door ajar and in between the slightly open space, I could see a tall familiar figure standing on the balcony. A smile curved on my lips and I walked towards the balcony excitedly. However, my steps grew slower when I realize that he is not alone on the balcony. He’s actually having a conversation with someone.

“...Your majesty.” Are the words that I heard before I decided to hide behind the walls next to the door. To not look suspicious, I took a drink from one of the waitresses’s tray and thank her gracefully. I stood there while taking a few sips.

“You failed to even harm a single hair on her, Theodorus. I am rather disappointed with the outcome you’re giving me.” That voice... is foreign to me but why does it sounds so familiar.

“I have no rights to give you any more excuses, your majesty. But I wish for you to give me more chances, simply because she is hard to be harmed. Her instincts are very sharp and even a slight waver can she feel it before her eyes.” Theo said with his head hung low. I furrow my eyebrows, ‘Who are they talking about?’ I thought.

The female voice sighed, “If its Richard or Sebastian, they could have already killed her instantly — Then I shall grant you another chance until you can suck the life out of her petite body. I want to see the lifeless body of Wisteria Hardenbergia lies before me, I hope you understand that, Theodorus.” The moment I hear my name let loose from her lips my stomach twist into a knot. This conversation regarding assassination suppose to not be heard by me, but I decided to act it cool so that its not obvious that I’ve overheard the conversation.

“I will not disappoint you, your majesty.” The fact that Theodorus is agreeing to this hurts me even more. Quickly, I leave the place as quiet as possible and went back to my table.

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As soon as I’ve returned to the table I receive stares from the group of men I’m sitting with. “You look like you’ve just been stung by a hornet or being bitten by a venomous snake.” Jonathan implied.

I took a seat before replying, “I shall take it that everyone of you on this table knew the plan on assassinating me.”

They grew silent and I could see the colours on each one of their faces draining away except for one. Richard. He look extremely calm as if he have been preparing for this moment itself to happen. He lean against the chair with a relax demeanor and not even showing any single waver to my statement only heaving a heavy sigh of relief.

“Well now that you knew, perhaps I got nothing more to owe from you.” He said.

“You knew that I was going to find out about it anyway, why don’t you try to stop me from going?”

“Like you said it yourself, you ARE going to find it out yourself anyway. Princess, you are a very sharp one and an observant herself that Theo is having a hard time carrying out his mission that he received.” Richard replied immediately not even stuttering with his words. I stare at him in disbelief.

“So my marriage with him—“ “Is actually a trap.” Jonathan cut me off.

“Although, we do think that Theo’s feelings are actually genuine, that is why he is having a very hard time eliminating you himself.” Sebastian said.

For a moment, I grew silent. My head piled up with thoughts. I felt betrayed. ‘Was everything that happened up to this just an act that he show so I won’t suspect him on planning an assassination for me?’ I thought to myself.

“Chin up, Princess. He may sound like the cruelest man now, but deep down he is actually just a crying child seeking for warmth and assurance from someone who can give him one.” Samuel said.

“We too, are unable to defy certain missions. It was Richard who suppose to be the man who is sent to charm you, however—“ Hayes’s words were cut off as soon as they saw something behind me. I follow the direction of their eyes and saw Theo walking towards our table. I flash him a smile before turning back around to face the gents. I demanded, “Please act like this conversation had never happened. Richard, mind having a word with me over some tea tomorrow morning at our place?”

“I shall grant you your wishes, Princess.”

A short while later, a weight was placed on my left shoulder along with a voice from behind me. “Did I miss anything?” Theo asked.

“Dearest!” I greeted excitedly as I turn around on my seat but was also greeted by his face close to mine. I yelped, surprised at the sudden personal space invasion.

“Such lewd act to be made as a show to the publicity, Theodorus!” Samuel scolded him. Theodorus laughed at the gents expressions, especially the young one, Jonathan, whose face turns tomato red instantly from what he is seeing.

“My bad, I was just trying to tease my beloved wife right here. Not going to lie, she looks extremely beautiful up close.” He smirked while stroking my shoulder with his thumb.

“Hey Theo, I think it is best that you bring the Princess home. Look at that pale of a face, poor thing must be extremely tired.” Hayes said, making Theo turn his head around to look at me.

“My dearest, are you okay?” He asked while furrowing his eyebrows. I smile gently before replying, “I am okay, Although a rest would be absolutely perfect.”

He took out his hand, gesturing me to take it before saying, “Well then, shall we go back to the palace?”

I took his hand and nodded briefly, “Yes.”

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In the carriage, I stare outside of the small open window, immersed by the wonderful night view of the City of Filbenardich. My thoughts is still filled by what happened today and what I heard coming from Theodorus’s mouth himself. I felt betrayed. Devastated by the thought of how our marriage is just a form of a ruse to assassinate me. I guess this is what others meant by keeping your enemy close.

“My dear?” Theo called out. I turn to look at him.

He took my hand in his and said, “I love you.”

‘Even if the thought of you marrying me is just to make your assassination to go smoothly. The words that have slipped through your lips until now felt so genuine.’ I thought. I place my other hand on top of his’ while stroking it gently.

“I love you more, my love.” I replied.

Just when I look over behind him. I could see a brief shine above the trees a few metres away from our carriage. I realize where its targeting at. The moment I pull Theo in my embrace and slightly turning my body to the side, an arrow breaks into our carriage and pierced through my left shoulder blade . My grip onto Theo’s shoulder tighten as I moaned briefly in pain. I coughed out blood and turn my head to look at Theo.

The look of terror when I look at Theo’s blood splattered face clears enough tells me that he did not anticipate any of this to happened. An enemy attack? Or is this a rush attack made by the mastermind to annihilate Theo for his poor attempt on assassinating me? Before I could process anything, the footmen yelled on top of his lungs to alert the coachmen, “AN ENEMY ATTACK!”

Before the coachmen can even whip the horse to increase its speed, the horse neighed and the carriage came to an abrupt halt. The footman went to our door and with the look of fear on his face, he informed that a group of bandits have blocked our path and we are completely surrounded by them.

Theo gently sat me down on my seat. Instantly, his expression changed into the look of someone in extreme rage. He lift up his seat’s cushion and took out his sword. As soon as he stepped out of the carriage, he turned to look at me one last time and said, “I will be quick, my love. Please hang in there.” Then the door was closed shut.

‘Don’t say those words when you’re just going to purposely let me die here and now. Isn’t this you goal? To make sure I am assassinated?’ I thought with a smile curved on my lips. This excruciating pain I felt in my heart tells me a lot. I love this man. No matter, how many times I tell myself that he is going to kill me with his own hands. I still love this man. Deep down I felt like I have known this plan for so long already that I am always prepared for whatever is coming towards me. ‘Did Wisteria knew about this plan long before I do?’ I thought for a moment. For a moment, I feel like Wisteria really wanted to be killed by Theodorus, she ONLY want him to be the person who take her own life. I would love to know more about Wisteria’s genuine thoughts about Theo, but sadly, my time is running out faster than I ever expected it to be.

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To be continue...