The Only Princess of Ember World

31

“Why did she want it? I mean, they could live together if Guardian Rey gave her another life,” the princess asked in disbelief.

Guardian Chase slightly smiled. The innocence of Princess Erysthea amazed him. Though he’s bothered about the time the princess will marry one of the princes. Her innocence might have left her uncomfortable with her new life then. Sometimes, he can’t control himself by questioning what kind of tradition their world has.

“There is a consequence if a guardian brings back the life of her royal,” Guardian Chase seriously said.

“And what is it?”

“Princess Monica will not remember him. So even if the princess came back, they still couldn’t be together. And that’s what the princess doesn’t want. What is the purpose of being alive again if they still can’t be together?” the guardian answered.

Princess Erysthea couldn’t believe it. Whatever happens, the two still can’t love each other. It might be the most forbidden relationship she knew.

“I am curious. For the many royals you guided already, did you fall in love once?” the princess asked her guardian directly.

Guardian looked at Princess Erysthea. He’s hoping that the princess is joking, but all he sees is seriousness on the princess’ face. He doesn’t want to answer the question, but he also doesn’t want to look guilty.

“Of course, I loved all the royals I guided,” he answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

Princess Erysthea rolled her eyes. “You know what kind of love I am talking about,” she said.

“Well, of course not. Because if I do, then I am not your guardian,” Guardian Chase said.

It’s true. He didn’t feel any romantic feelings towards his previous royals. All he felt was general love that is common to a guardian like him.

“Are you not tired of being a guardian? I mean, you have already lived hundreds of years and served several royals. Did you think about your future? Loving someone and having a family?” the princess curiously asked.

Guardian Chase never thinks about it, but since the princess asked, he can’t help but think. What if he is just a normal person in the Ember World? What kind of life is waiting for him if he is not a guardian? Can he find his greatest love? Can he have a happy and complete family?

“Honestly, your curiosity brings some trouble to my mind,” he said jokingly.

Princess Erysthea smiled. “Why? Because you haven’t thought about it ever since?”

Guardian Chase shook his head. He didn’t think about it, although his best friend Guardian Rey asked him about it. He was focused on comforting his friend, so he didn’t have time to think about all the what-ifs of Guardian Rey.

“And now I am asking you, what are you thinking now?” the princess added.

“I am thinking that you should read more romance novels, but not the forbidden loves,” Guardian Chase answered.

Princess Erysthea let out a heavy sigh. Reading the most famous novel doesn’t answer all her questions in mind. Instead, there are more questions that arise. She thought that reading this novel would help her, but it was the opposite.

"I just read this book because I thought it could help me," Princess Erysthea said in a low tone.

"Help you in what?" her guardian asked.

"To understand what world is waiting for me there," the princess answered.

Guardian Chase nodded. He can't blame the princess if she's now curious about the outside world. Knowing that she was destined to marry one of the three princes, Guardian Chase knew that the princess was thinking about how she could treat her husband. It's hard for a person to marry someone that she never knew.

"I am sorry, Princess Erysthea. I know it's hard but we still need to obey the tradition we had," Guardian Chase seriously said.

"I just have one wish for you, Guardian Chase."

"What is it?" he asked.

"I know you told me that I am the worst royal you ever guided, so I think it's impossible to happen, but I still want to say this. Don't ever fall in love with me, Guardian Chase. I don't want you to be a mortal. I must die first before you. You know that you're the only one I have, so I don't know how to live without you. So please, don't ever fall in love with me."

Guardian Chase was dumbfounded. He didn't expect that the princess would say those words to him. He doesn't even know what to say. He just stared at the princess that was currently looking at the garden of the palace.

"I don't want you to promise me because I read that promises are meant to be broken. I am ordering you this as the only princess of the Ember World. I forbid you to fall in love with me," the princess added.

Guardian Chase let out a heavy sigh. "Don't worry, Princess Erysthea. It's impossible to fall in love with you. Like I told you, I love all my royals, but it is a general love."

Princess Erysthea slightly smiled. She's sincere about what she said to her guardian. She doesn't want to repeat the history of making such an unforgivable mistake. But what she didn't expect was the pain she was feeling right now. She must be happy now, but she doesn't understand why she is sad.

"Thank you, Guardian Chase. Thank you for being by my side. Just hang on a little while. I have this feeling that you will guide a new royal," the princess said in a serious tone.

"What do you mean?"

Princess Erysthea just smiled. She doesn't want to answer already. She doesn't know if she will live that long. Going outside and meeting the three princes was a huge mistake and she didn't know how difficult the consequences would be. And if the fixed marriage were cancelled also, she would be punished and she knew that it would not be that simple. Her life will be at stake because of her plans.

"I will now go to my room. Just call me if my lunch is ready."

She was about to walk away but her guardian quickly grabbed her hand.

"Tell me, Princess. What are you planning to do? Don't tell me you fell in love with me. That's why you're saying that I will have a new royal to guide," Guardian Chase seriously said.

"What? No. I mean, like you, it is impossible that I will love you in a romantic way," she quickly answered.

Guardian Chase slowly let go of the hand of the princess. He realized what he had said and now, he couldn't look straight at the princess.

"I am sorry," he said in a low tone.

Princess Erysthea just nodded and started to walk again. She quickly went to her room and decided to stay there for the rest of the day.