Chapter Nine
1698 Words
MAYA’S POV
Exhausted from all the stress of thinking and worrying, I finally feel asleep on my bed and then, finally, much later in the evening of that day, I heard the sound of horses' hooves again, this time growing louder with each passing moment. My heart raced as I ran to the window, my eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of Allan.
And then, I saw him, riding towards me on his white stallion, his armor dented and his face weary. But he was alive, and that was all that mattered.
I ran to the door, my feet barely touching the ground. I flung it open and rushed out into the courtyard, my eyes scanning the horizon for a glimpse of Allan. And then, I saw him, coming down his horse.
My heart swelled with love and relief as I ran towards him, my arms open wide. Allan dismounted his horse and strode towards me, a tired smile on his face. I threw myself into his arms, holding him tightly as tears of joy streamed down my face. His eyes locked on mine, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. He was back, and he was safe. And for that, I was eternally grateful.
"Allan, you're back," I whispered, my voice muffled against his chest.
"I'm back, my love," he replied, his voice husky with exhaustion. "I'm home."
I pulled back and looked up at him, my eyes drinking in the sight of his face. He was tired and worn out, but he was alive, and that was all that mattered.
"Come inside," I said, tugging on his arm. "You must be exhausted. I've had a bath prepared for you, and a hot meal is waiting."
Allan nodded, his eyes closing in relief as I led him inside. I helped him out of his armor and into the bath as I waited patiently outside the bathroom.
When he was finished, we both had a peaceful dinner at the dining hall. As we finished, I reached out and took his hand, my fingers intertwining with his. "I was so worried about you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Allan's eyes opened, and he looked at me, his gaze soft and gentle. "I'm sorry, Maya," he said. "I know I was gone for a long time, but I had to protect our kingdom. I had to keep you safe."
I squeezed his hand. "I know, Allan. I just missed you so much. I was so scared I would lose you."
Allan's face softened, and he pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly. "You'll never lose me, Maya," he whispered. "I'll always come back to you. I promise."
“So how was it? Dare I ask.”
He smiled at me. “It’s best you don’t know the details but all I can say is that we emerged the victors!”
“I’m so happy to hear that. I pray we continue to live in peace from now on, I don’t think I’ll be able to survive you running off into the battlefield every now and then.”
“I pray that too.” He said, smiling as He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in a gentle hug.
But as he spoke, I noticed a faint scent wafting from his direction. At first, I thought it was just my imagination, but as the scent grew stronger, I realized it was something else entirely.
My heart began to race as I recognized the scent - it was Droker's. It was the same one he had on him, the day He killed my parents. That very moment when Loki found me hiding behind a tree and informed Droker. This scent from Allan was the very same that emitted from Droker as He approached me for the very first time. How come I was only noticing this now?
Droker- The same man who had tormented me for so long, who had made my life a living hell. I felt a wave of fear wash over me, and my mind started racing with questions. Why did Allan smell like Droker? Had he been in contact with him? Was he working with him? Oh my goodness! That would explain how He found me in my drunken state at the club! Could it be that He actually plotted with Droker so He could claim me and someday even kill me like He killed my parents?
I tried to push aside the doubts creeping into my mind, telling myself I was being paranoid. But the scent was unmistakable, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. As we walked to the lounge that evening, I couldn't help but steal glances at Allan. He seemed oblivious to my sudden change in demeanor, continuing to chat away, unaware of the storm brewing inside me.
Once inside, I excused myself, claiming I needed to use the restroom. In reality, I needed a moment to collect my thoughts, to process what I had just discovered. As I stood in front of the mirror, I couldn't help but stare at my reflection. What was going on? Why did Allan smell like Droker? I felt like I was living in a nightmare, and I didn't know how to wake up.
I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. I needed to confront Allan, to get to the bottom of things. As I left the restroom, I saw him sitting on the couch, a look of concern on his face.
"Maya, what's wrong?" he asked, noticing the tension in my body.
I took another deep breath before speaking. "Why do you smell like Droker?" I asked, my voice firm but shaking slightly.
Allan's expression changed, a mixture of surprise and guilt flashing across his face. "Maya, what the hell are you saying..." he began, but I cut him off.
"Don’t act dumb Allan? Tell me why do you smell like the man who's been torturing me for years? Are you connected to him?" My voice rose, my emotions boiling over.
Allan stood up, his hands raised in a calming gesture.
I felt a wave of anger and suspicion wash over me as I looked at Allan, my eyes narrowing. "Allan, what's going on?" I demanded, my voice low and even.
Allan looked at me, confusion etched on his face. "What are you talking about, Maya?"
I took a step closer to him, my eyes fixed on his. "You smell like Droker," I accused, my voice rising.
Allan's expression changed from confusion to shock. "What? No, Maya, I don't know what you're talking about."
I felt a surge of anger at his denial. "Don't lie to me, Allan," I snapped. "I can smell it on you. You've been with him, haven't you?"
Allan's face went white, and he took a step back, his eyes wide with shock. "Maya, no, I swear on my honor as a king, I have no idea what you're talking about. I don't even know who Droker is."
I felt a wave of doubt wash over me at his words. Could I have been mistaken? But no, I was sure of what I had smelled. And Allan's reaction only made me more suspicious.
"Don't lie to me, Allan," I repeated, my voice cold and hard. "I know what I smelled. And I know you're hiding something from me."
Allan's face hardened, and he took a step closer to me, his eyes blazing with anger. "I am not lying to you, Maya," he said, his voice low and even. "And I am not hiding anything from you. You are my queen, and I would never betray your trust like that."
I felt a surge of anger at his words, and I turned away from him, my heart racing with emotion. "I don't believe you," I said, firmly. Damn it! I’ve had about enough of men thinking they can manipulate and toss me around. This time, I’m willing to stand my ground.
Allan's face fell, and he took a step forward, his hands outstretched. "Maya, please, listen to me. I don't know what you're talking about. I swear it."
I spun around to face him, my eyes blazing with anger. "Don't touch me," I spat. "You're lying to me, Allan. And I won't stand for it."
Allan's face went red with anger, and he took a step back, his fists clenched at his sides. "Fine," he said, his voice cold and hard. "If you won't listen to me, then maybe you should just leave me alone."
I felt a wave of hurt wash over me at his words, and I turned away from him, my heart heavy with emotion. I didn't know what to believe anymore. Part of me wanted to trust Allan, to believe that he was telling the truth. But another part of me was convinced that he was lying, that he had been with Droker and was trying to cover it up.
As I walked away from him, I couldn't help but wonder what other secrets he might be hiding from me. And I couldn't help but feel a sense of betrayal and hurt that he would deny something that I knew to be true.
"Maya, wait," Allan called out.
But I didn't turn back. I kept walking, my heart heavy with emotion, my mind racing with doubts and suspicions. I didn't know what the future held, but I knew one thing for sure - I wouldn't stand for being lied to. And I wouldn't stand for being betrayed.
As I walked away from Allan, I felt a sense of determination wash over me. I would get to the bottom of this. I would find out the truth. And I would make sure that Allan knew that I wouldn't be lied to. My mind raced with doubts. Could I trust Allan? Or was he just playing me, using me for his own gain? I didn't know what to believe, and the uncertainty was tearing me apart.
I need to get to the bottom of this for my safety and the safety of my unborn baby.
- Writer
