My Angel from the Star

CHAPTER 4

TAVIAN P.O.V

I rode as fast as I could by the light of the moon., driven by an inexplicable force. I didn't know my destination, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something—or someone—was calling me. The wind whipped past me, the landscape a blur as I sped through the countryside, past sleepy villages and quiet towns.

Hours later, I arrived at a bustling area on the far outskirts of town. Unlike the peaceful hamlets I had passed, this place was teeming with activity. Merchants shouted, haggling over prices, and the clamor of a market filled the air. I dismounted and pulled up my hood, trying to blend in as I tethered my horse.

As I walked around, I realized where I was: a slave trade area. The scene before me was brutal. Men and women, shackled and beaten, were being auctioned off like livestock. My stomach churned at the sight of the abuse, and I couldn't fathom how I had ended up here or why this place seemed familiar.

Men approached me, their eyes sharp and calculating. "Looking to buy a slave?" one asked, his tone greasy and insincere. I shook my head, keeping my gaze down and my mouth shut. Drawing attention was the last thing I needed; it was clear I was an outsider here, a novice in this grim marketplace.

"What am I doing here?" I thought, the question echoing in my mind. Just as I was about to leave, something made me turn around.

My eyes locked onto a group of slaves being herded into a cargo hold. One of the men roughly pushed a young woman forward, and she stumbled, her eyes momentarily meeting mine.

In that instant, it was as if time stood still. Her eyes, wide with fear and defiance, seemed to pierce through me, and I felt a strange connection, as though our souls were silently conversing. My heart ached with a longing I couldn't understand.

The man who had bought her barked orders, oblivious to the silent exchange between us. She was pushed into the cargo, her gaze still locked with mine until the last possible moment. I stood there, rooted to the spot, my mind racing…….

The ride back to the palace was slow and contemplative. The moon had guided me through the night, but now, as dawn broke, my mind was consumed by the events of the previous evening. The image of the young woman's eyes haunted me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a deeper connection, something I needed to understand.

Upon returning to the palace, I found myself restless, replaying the scenes in my head. The King had ordered a family dinner that evening, and despite my turmoil, I had to attend. The dining hall was abuzz with trivial conversations—my brothers discussing the upcoming ball and the latest gossip from neighboring kingdoms.

As I sat there, barely listening, I decided to steer the conversation toward something more significant.

"Your majesty," I began, my voice cutting through the chatter, "I was thinking about your decree some years back to abolish excessive slave trade within our kingdom. How has that been enforced?"

The King looked at me, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Yes, Tavian, I did consent to that. The slave trade has indeed been reduced significantly. We implemented stricter regulations and increased penalties for those who break the law."

Before I could respond, the Queen chimed in, her tone dismissive. "A kingdom cannot be successfully run without slaves, Tavian. They are essential for maintaining order and ensuring the prosperity of our lands."

I clenched my jaw, biting back a retort. Her words stung, not just because of their content, but because I knew she aimed to undermine me. The King nodded slightly, acknowledging her point but not wholly agreeing.

The rest of the dinner passed in a blur of inconsequential conversation. As soon as I could, I excused myself and retreated to my chambers. The night's events weighed heavily on my mind, and I needed solitude to think.

Sleep did not come easily. When it did, it brought no peace. I was plagued by nightmares, the same voices from before echoing in my mind. The young woman’s face appeared again and again, her eyes pleading and desperate. The voices grew louder, more insistent, and I woke up several times, drenched in sweat and shaking.

"Why is this happening?" I whispered to myself in the darkness. My mind raced with questions, but no answers came.

PRINCESS JANDRA'S P.O.V.

I followed the soft clinking of metal down the stone corridors, knowing it would lead me to Tavian. As expected, he was in the martial arts chamber, practicing his sword skills alone. I stood at the entrance, watching him from a distance. His movements were precise and graceful, each twist and turn of his sword a testament to his unmatched skill.

After a few moments, Tavian spoke without turning around. "You shouldn't stare at me so much, Jandra. I know you're there."

I smiled, impressed as always by his keen instincts. "You never cease to amaze me, brother," I said, stepping into the room fully. I found a seat and placed my book on a nearby stool, watching him intently.

"You should consider resting as a way of calming your mind," I suggested, my eyes following the graceful arcs of his blade.

He paused for a moment, then resumed his practice. "There’s no rest for a warrior," he replied, his tone resolute.

"There’s always a moment of rest for every man, brother," I countered, picking up my book and flipping through it absently. We sat in silence for a few moments, the only sound being the swish of Tavian's sword through the air.

Eventually, I stood up and walked over to him. "If you continue this way, brother, it’ll be obvious you're tensed probably cause of the ball," I said, looking into his eyes.

Tavian stood still and met my gaze. "I'm never weak," he said with a smirk.

"Someone once told me that not keeping to responsibilities equals weakness," I paused, watching his expression. "And guess who has his maids waiting for him outside his chambers?" I added with a mocking look.

He frowned slightly, clearly understanding my point.



"Brother, you have a big day ahead of you. Focus on choosing your bride and quiet down everything else," I advised as I turned and walked out of the room, leaving him and hoping he contemplates my words.