Crown in The Mist (ENGLISH)

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

"How dare you!" Nobody stopped me when I marched towards Ares and punched his face. Or maybe they were too shocked to move. Ares stepped back because of the impact. Then he touched the side of his lip. 

We were in an abandoned building and I don't know how we managed to get in here.

"Your gratitude is truly overwhelming." He sighed as he saw a little blood on his fingers from when he touched his mouth. Then he looked at me. "Nice to see you again, Rainia." 

My eyes narrowed into slits. "Drop the bullshit, Ares." 

Pierce and Natasha were on the other side, carefully observing. They're the ones who rescued me earlier. If not for them, I would have been captured by those men. 

"I don't care if you ordered them to rescue me--" 

"I didn't order them to rescue you." 

"Why," I said, breathing in, "did you order that shipowner tried to kill me?" 

His brows furrowed and looked at me curiously. "From what we saw on the shore and seeing you now, I think it's you who almost killed the poor man." 

"What?" 

Pierce got down from where he was sitting. "We found the shipowner's body on the docks. He was still alive but unconscious." He stepped beside Ares. "We then realized that was a bounty hunter. We didn't know. And I am very ashamed to face you right now, Rainia, for putting your life at risk." 

I looked at the two of them. And then to Natasha who was also looking at me, smiling. My lips quivered. Maybe it was the loneliness that came pouring in. Maybe for the short time we've been together, I somewhat got used to their company. Maybe somehow, deep inside, I considered them the closest to being friends. And that leaving them all a few weeks ago and seeing them again made me realize how much I miss having companions. And all this time, I thought Ares betrayed me. I immediately wiped the tear that escaped my eyes. 

I let out a laugh. More like a relief chuckle as I slowly realized what Ares had done. What he's always done since the moment he decided to. So I let another tear fall.  Ares just looked at me. Something glinted in his eyes but it was gone as fast as it came. 

"All this time, you thought I was the one who told that shipowner to kill you?" he asked, still baffled. 

"It's what he said. I did not miss one day without cursing your name, you know that?" 

He adjusted his tie as he cleared his throat. "Actually, I do," he said before he stuffed his hands into his pockets. 

"Ares has been following you," Natasha said and Ares just rolled his eyes. The latter laughed. 

Pierce chimed in, "The moment we saw that bounty hunter on the shore, almost dead, Ares has been watching you." 

I looked at Ares who is now playing his tongue inside his mouth. 

"Perv," I said, feigning disgust on my face which made Natasha and Pierce burst into laughter.  

He jerked his head towards Pierce. Clearly not so keen on entertaining jokes at the moment. 

"You heard him," he said. "Someone from Dalian informed me of your whereabouts. I followed you until Xian. I was the one renting the room next to yours and your resounding 'f**k you, Ares Magnussen' disturbed the whole building."  

My jaw dropped. A lot of information to process at once so I asked the most important one. "And who is this someone from Dalian? Lance?" He's the one who's so hell-bent on getting rid of me from that place. 

But Ares fished something out of his pocket and the very familiar pocket watch dangled on his fingers. "And apparently, you've stolen a few things of mine." 

I muttered a swear under my breath. So it's Kiera. 

"My god, Rain," Natasha said in between laughter. 

I shrugged at her and then I faced Ares once again. "I feel really bad for stealing and selling that now that I know you didn't sell me out to the bounty hunter." 

I heard Pierce chuckled and tapped his brother on the shoulder. 

"How was your wound?" Asked Ares. I paused for a moment trying to remember what wound he's talking about. Then I touched the wound I got a few days ago. It was starting to heal but because of all that running and fence climbing, I think it opened up again. I winced. I heard him sigh. 

"Pierce, Natasha. I can handle it from here. Thank you," Ares said. 

Natasha stood up and gave me a brief hug. "I'm glad to have you back," she whispered before she followed Pierce outside. When we heard them leave, Ares walked closer and held my wrist.

"We have to treat that wound," he said.

But then I remembered something. "My things. We have to go to that motel. I left my suitcase—"

"In the trunk." He jerked his head to the back of the car. And indeed, my case was there, much to my relief.

We arrived at a posh-looking inn. I immediately wore my scarf as we walked inside. There aren't a lot of people in the lobby as most of them were probably in their respective rooms. But I did see a lot of people wandering the streets, enjoying the walks. 

I walked at a safe distance from him as we made our way to the room he reserved. We arrived at an elegant room, as expected.

"On the bed," he said and removed his coat. I immediately went for the bed after I put my suitcase on the floor.

"My ship—"

"Remove your shirt," he said.

"Excuse me?"

He rolled up his sleeves and went to get the first-aid kit. When he got back he looked at me, confused.

"Why are you still wearing your shirt? Take it off." He crouched down in front of me that I had to blink several times to see if he was joking. But he stared at me, eyes questioning. He was serious. 

"Is ... that necessary?"

"How am I supposed to treat your wound?"

I looked At my shirt and a patch of blood stained it. I held the hem of my shirt and took it off. Leaving me with my brassiere. His expression didn't change and I don't know if I should be glad about it or not.

"Lean back," he ordered and I did. Using my arms I leaned back on the bed.

"Do you have any experience in treating wounds?" I asked.

I heard him scoffed softly. "I do."

I flinched when he rubbed alcohol on it. "Hold still."

"So you really followed me to Xian? Was that you renting the room next to mine?"

"Yes."

"The bounty hunters knew my face. That's how I got the wound."

"They were all taken care of," he said as he got a bandage from the kit.

I looked at him. "So, you..."

"I did."

"There were Royal Guards there."

"They don't work together. The bounty hunters are more hell-bent on capturing you." He glanced at me. 

I ignored the touch of his fingers on my skin. I cleared my throat. "So you've seen how that bounty hunter tried to stab me in the middle of the crowd?" 

"I did, yes." 

And he didn't say one more word. Maybe it was the silence or maybe it was his fingers grazing on my skin as he treated my wound that I feel the need to talk.

"So, how did you know Kiera?" 

"She was a merchant. She has been to Oregon several times and I had several items in her care."

My brows rose. "Why do you have several items in her care?"

"I was young and a bit rebellious then. I  had guns and other things that are ... inappropriate for me. She hid it."

"What ... other things?"

His eyes found mine. "Things you don't need to know," he said and I scoffed.

"So the great Ares Magnussen also once was a rebellious teenager, huh."

He only shrugged.

"I thought you're like that ever since you were born."

This time, it was his turn to quirk up a brow. "Like what?"

I shrugged. "Perfect."

He stopped tending my wounds.

I continued, "You give people the impression that you're this perfect guy, that you're always right. You have a perfect judgment to just...everything. And you are not someone who doesn't make mistakes. And you," I got up and straightened my back, "are a walking contradiction."

"A walking contradiction?"

A small smile tugged on his lips. He is clearly enjoying this. So I nodded. "A walking contradiction." I gave him a saccharine smile. 

"Who would have thought the perfect Ares Magnussen also had a rebellious side?" 

He went back to wrapping my stomach with bandages, requiring him to move his hand around me. I hitched my breath whenever he has to get the bandage from behind me. 

"You know, if you were another man, I would think you're doing this on purpose so you can take a closer look at my breasts,"

He looked at my chest and then to my face. "Why would you say that?" 

"You don't seem like someone who would be seduced with this." I jerked my chin downwards. 

"I beg to differ," he said, giving me a half-smile, and my cheeks heated when I remembered that time we made out on his couch. I could definitely feel the evidence of how seduced he was. How could I forget that?

He suddenly stood up and eyed my state. "Somehow, they know what you look like now. What's your plan?"

I don't know. 

I wanted to say I don't know. 

"I guess I'd have to sail a little more." 

"Going where?" He crossed his arms. 

When I didn't answer, he continued, "You might want to go back to the Central." 

"For what?" 

He stuffed his hand into his pocket and the other, he used to adjust his glasses. "Your dear friend, Aizen, is on death row. He'll be sentenced to death soon." 

"What?" I stood abruptly and regretting it afterward when I felt my wound. "Why? And how soon is soon?" I asked.

I heard him sigh. "He turned himself in and told them he was Shadow. But the Queen somehow knew he was lying and told everybody you are Shadow. So no, she'll have free reins to execute you. Publicly, if she wishes to." 

I muttered a silent curse. Damn you, Clarence. 

"That's very reassuring, thanks," I said but my mind wandered somewhere else. It would be faster to go there with Ares but I don't think I can go with him. I'll be shot on sight and I would put them at risk. And besides, he isn't going there. I've already troubled him enough by saving my ass every time.

"My ship is at the dock. Is it possible for you to get me there?"

He looked at me. "You're going to the Central with a ship?"

I crossed my arms. "How else am I going to get inside the Central? I have to get there illegally. And I know where I can pass through. So, can you get me to the docks?"

"I'll figure it out. There are an awful lot of officials there." 

"They like money. I gave some to that one officer. If I can find him, I can get my ship and sail away from here to the Central."

He shrugged, realizing that he won't change my mind. "But sailing to the Central would be dangerous for you," he noted. He walked to the couch and settled himself. "Going to the Central would require you to go to the West seas, risking yourself to be captured by the Coast Guards of Varsis City."

I gulped. Varsis City. That's the last city anybody would go to or get captured by. It's an infamous city and nasty rumors about that city have been circulating around. I don't know if it's true but I don't have the luxury of time to find out myself.

"I'll be careful not to be captured," I assured and sat on the bed. Even after what Aizen did, I have to save him. After what he did, I have to pay my debt. He saved me when I was young. This time, I will return the favor. 

"Will you be alright?" Ares looked at me still not convinced.

I gave him a look. "I've had several men trying to kill only to fail."

"Because I was there or other people were there. What makes you think they won't succeed this time?"

I smirked and stood up. His eyes remained on me as I walked closer. He did not budge as I reached for his tie and twirled the end of it between my fingers.

"I'm sure because you're there. You're always there to save my ass," I whispered.

His eyes narrowed, clearly not enjoying what I'm doing. Such a bore. "I'm not always there, Rain. If they capture you, I won't be there. Stop thinking that I'd always be there to save you. Our arrangement is done." 

I smirked. And here I thought the great Ares Magnussen couldn't be fazed by anything. 

"Exactly. Our arrangement was long done yet here you are," I crooned, pulling him slightly using his tie and I leaned closer. "Tell me, Your Highness," I said in a low voice, "why did you save me this time?" 

He just stared at me and I did not back down. His eyes were even intense this time and I had to fight back and stare and it was so satisfying to see him look away. I let out a soft scoff. Maybe it was the moment he looked away that gave me confidence that I decided to place both my hands on the armrest of the sofa, completely cornering him. Realizing it, he looked back at me, confused. 

I tilted my head. "You were worried," I confirmed. But it seemed like he has gained his composure and now he's back to being expressionless. And the next thing I knew I was the one sitting on the sofa and he's the one cornering me, bracing his arms on the armrest. 

He then leaned and whispered in my right ear, "Don't start if you aren't compelled to finish what you started. I'm still a man, Rainia. Don't think for one second your seduction won't work on me because as I've said before, and I will say it again that you," he breathed and tilted his head, "are an attractive woman." 

Heat flared my cheeks. I forgot this man could make s*x-talk seem like he was just giving his opinions on clothes. He makes it so casual. And I wasn't used to hearing compliments especially from someone like him. I don't really care about compliments before but hearing it from him makes me want to hear more.  I shook the thought away. I was about to push him but he pushed me back, leaning closer. His stormy gray eyes were intensely drilling into me that I had to look away.

"Promise me," he started, touching my chin and making me face him, "you will get to the Central in one piece." 

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