Royal Disaster

Chapter 11: Brave Decision

Emrose

"Come with me to court."

I'm not sure if I ever heard that right, but things escalated quickly when those words left Alas's mouth. Elchard and father stiffened and mother nearly fainted. It was true. What they predicted came true. Alas was taking me away from my family...

"You didn't mean what you said earlier, right?" I didn't have to turn around to know that it was Elchard. "Tell me you're seriously not considering what that bastard is saying."

I didn't want to answer him. I knew if I told him what my heart truly wants, it would crush him.

But then again, maybe he already knew.. "Yes, I am." I answered, not having the guts to face him.

"Rose, have you completely lost your mind! Why would you want to be away from your family? You're going to kill mother with your decision!" Elchard roared, which I expected.

I finally turned around, cupped his face and looked straight into his steel blue eyes. "Elchard, I'm doing this for me. I need to find my place in this world." Fighting back tears, I continued. "I've always wanted to do this. You know that. This is my chance, I'm finally going to court. We talked about this remember?"

"Rose, you have all my love and support. Whatever you do, we will always be right behind you." Elchard's sad eyes stared at me. "But never at the extent of losing you."

"You left too, remember? You left us. You left me. We suffered too, but look where it got you? Look what you've achieved. Don't you think I deserve that too?" I pleaded, hoping he'd understand.

"It was never my choice to leave you, Emrose! You know that! I left to save our family. I left so you and mother would continue to be fed by father! You have no single idea what I had to go through without you and our parents by my side all those years!" Elchard was trying to choke back his tears, I can feel it. I've seen this familiar face when he decided to tell me he was going to leave three years ago.

"I know, and I'm truly sorry you have to go through that for our family. I prayed everyday that you'd return to us, Elchard. I never ceased in hoping you'll come back and change your decision. But you never did." I know this was not the opportune time for me to start resenting, but this was the only way he would let me go. I looked away, not wanting to meet his eyes. I couldn't leave if I ever have to look at my brother's eyes again.

I felt his familiar arms around me. "I'm sorry, Rose. I truly am. Please. Don't leave us." He whispered, his voice breaking.

I closed my eyes. I can't do this, I can't hurt my family like this. It's already breaking my heart that Elchard is this miserable.

Puppet.

That word rang in my mind. What Alas told me before he left yesterday stung. Perhaps because it was true. I have been a puppet all my life. Whatever they say, I obey. With no objections, like what a dutiful daughter should be. I love them, but I need to prove to myself that I can stand on my own. I will never break free from my family if I wouldn't do this now.

"Elchard, please. You're making it harder than it is. Let me go." With that being said, I grabbed my things and went downstairs where Alas was waiting. He was sitting, head down, on our rusty old chair one made by father and Elchard many years ago.

"Your family will hate me." Alas stood up when he saw me. "But I'm willing to risk that to give you what you want."

"Thank you." It was all I could muster. Before heading outside, I went to the kitchen where my parents were sitting down. Both their tears were dried now, but their eyes were still red.

"You take care, Emmy. We will always be here. Whenever you finally decide to return, home will always be waiting for you." Mother said. We were both crying now. I hugged her, because there was nothing else I could do. I made my bed, now I have to lay in it. Mother hugged me one last time, and father joined in. I don't know when I will see them again, So I'm soaking this moment up.

"It's time to go, your majesty" I heard Lord Benley call for Alas outside. I hugged my parents tighter. Even for just a few more seconds, I want to make it last.

"Rose, we have to go." This time, it was Alas who called me. I slowly broke free from my loving parents' embrace, knowing it would be a long time before I could feel it again.

If doing this was a mistake, I hope the lesson I'd be learning after everything would be worth all this pain.