King

CHAPTER XXX

I woke up and found myself in the castle. I sat up and saw that only Zynrick was with me.

“Where are the others?” I asked while looking around the room.

He was sitting on a chair in front of me and he had his head bowed down but when he heard me, he looked up and smiled at me.

“They’re preparing for the coronation,” He answered and gave me a sad smile.

“That’s fast,” I whispered and bowed my head.

I saw that my hand was covered in bandages so I furrowed my eyebrows, “How long was I out?” I asked and looked at Zyn.

“A week,” He answered.

I nodded and lie down again. “Josefina did her best to heal you but it seems that you were badly injured.” He explained before I heard him stand up.

“Oh,” I said because I didn’t know what else to say to him.

The scene where he was married to Erin entered my head. I closed my eyes but it was all I saw. I could even hear Josefina’s voice telling me that I was jealous.

“That’s stupid,” I whispered and placed my arm on my forehead.

“What is?” I heard Zynrick ask beside me.

I felt the bed sink on the side so I turned and saw him holding a bowl of fruits.

“Nothing,” I answered and sat up.

“You should eat. You’ve been out for a week so you need food in your system,” He said and I sat up.

He helped me prep the pillows so I could lean on the wall. I stared at his face as he fixed the pillows and I couldn’t help but appreciate his looks.

“Is there something on my face?” He asked while standing beside me.

“No, I just missed seeing your face,” I answered which surprised both of us.

Why did I say that?

“Yours and Al’s of course,” I said hoping that what I said wouldn’t make things weird between us.

“Oh,” He said and smiled at me. “Just eat your food,” He said and sat down.

I thought he would hand me the bowl but I was surprised when he took a fruit with a fork and motioned to feed me.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

I could feel my heart beating erratically and I could feel my ears heat up with what he did.

“You’re still injured so let me feed you,” He said but that felt embarrassing.

“I’ll do it myself,” I said and attempted to take the bowl from him but he moved it away from me. “What are you doing? Give it to me,” I commanded but he shook his head.

“I wasn’t able to help you with your fight Felicia so at least let me do this for you,” He said seriously.

I leaned back and stared at him. I could see the evident guilt on his face as he looks at the ground.

“You help me a lot when I was in Josefina’s Phantom Castle,” I said making him look at me.

“I didn’t do anything though,” He said and I saw him tighten his grip on the bowl.

“I didn’t want to tell you this, but seeing you helped me get a grip of myself,” I said making him look at me. “I couldn’t take all of the negative emotions I felt when I had to relive my parents’ death. But seeing you reminded me that there was still something I needed to do,” I said but it seems like he still felt like what he did wasn’t enough.

I sighed and told him, “Fine, you can feed me,” I said and leaned on the wall comfortably.

“Thank you,” He said and started feeding me.

I felt embarrassed because I wasn’t a kid for him to feed but seeing him like happy and content took all of the embarrassment away.

“By the way, why are you the only one here?” I asked because I was expecting to see Josefina.

“Well, Josefina insisted that I should stay and look over you,” He answered and I nodded.

I swear Josefina must be playing cupid.

“Hey, Elle,” I heard him call out so I looked at him and asked, “What?”

“Please don’t put yourself in another situation like that,” He said while looking straight into my eyes.

I smirked and c****d my head to the side, “I’ve been through wars. That was nothing,” I lied. I was never put in that kind of situation when I was still serving Athaeas.

“Also, will you please stop using that as an excuse,” He said in an irritated tone.

I was surprised to see the irritation in his face but I was more surprised to see the frustration in expression. He looked like he was so pained by what I said that I didn’t know what to say to him.

I gulped and opened my mouth to say something, “I know your war experiences are your pride but I don’t want to see you in a life-threatening situation,” He said and looked at me straight in the eyes.

I didn’t know how to respond to what he was saying so I kept my head down low.

“You know what?” I asked with my head still bowed down, “Being recognized for properly leading a war troop was something I’m used to. I’ve never had anyone tell me that they’re scared of losing me because of a battle or a fight,” I said and clutched the blanket.

“I’ll remind you that I don’t want to lose no matter how many times just to remind you that there are people who want you alive,” He said and cupped my face. “So, stop crying,” He said and wiped my tears.

“I’m crying?” I asked and he nodded. “I’m not the only one who’s scared to lose you, Elle, there’s Josefina, Danilo, and Al too. Even Athaeas must be waiting for you to find him,” He said and gave me a small smile.

“Thank you,” I said while looking straight at him.

I saw his lips curve into a huge smile when I thanked him, “You’re welcome,” He responded.

We were like that for a few seconds when we suddenly heard the door open.

“What are you doing?” I heard Danilo say as he approached us.

“Oh, my sorry to interrupt you,” Josefina said while blushing.

“I can explain Mister Danilo,” Zynrick explained but Danilo got on top of the bed and kicked Zynrick out of my bed.

“How dare you do something so lewd to Isabel?” Danilo said with evident anger on his face.

“I wasn’t doing anything!” Zynrick defended but Danilo just chased him out of my room.

“I want to chat more with you, Isabel, but I need to follow those two,” Josefina said and left me with Al.

“It’s good to see that you’ve finally recovered,” Al said and sat on the chair Zynrick was sitting on earlier.

“It’s nice to see you too,” I said but he looked so stressed when he sat down. “Is there ever a time of the day that you’re not stressed?” I asked.

Al raised his head and looked at me straight in the eyes. Is it my fault that he’s stressed?

“Of course, I am stressed because I didn’t expect to arrive here and find out that you challenged a Queen to a duel,” He said with his eyebrows furrowed.

I sighed and looked at him in the eyes, “I wasn’t the one who came up with the idea. She was the one who wanted to have a public duel,” I defended but he just sighed.

“I know that your cousin told me,” He said making my eyes twitch.

“If you knew that then why would you tell me that I challenged the queen?” I asked.

“I just wanted to hear it from you. Who knows, maybe your cousin was lying,” He said and shrugged.

“That woman can never lie,” I said, defending Josefina.

“Okay,” He said and crossed his legs while leaning on the chair.

I stared at him because this isn’t how he usually is.

“Why aren’t you arguing with me?” I asked making him looked at me with squinted eyes.

“Do you want to argue with me when you just woke up?” He asked.

“No, but it’s weird for you to trust my words,” I said honestly.

I knew that I offended him with what I said but it was comfortable telling him what was going on in my head.

“I’ve been with you for months. I think it’s more than a year already. You’ve never given me a reason not to trust you either. I’ve even seen you sacrifice your life for the people who banished you out of your kingdom. So, what reason do I have not to trust you?” He asked which made me smiled.

“That’s sweet of you, Al,” I teased making him clench his jaw.

“Quit teasing,” He said and glared at me but I just smiled at him.

“I’m growing on you, aren’t I?” I teased even more which made him even more irritated.

“I told you to stop,” He said through gritted teeth but I love seeing his irritated expression so I decided to continue teasing him.

I don’t know how long I was teasing Al but Josefina suddenly came in with Zynrick and Danilo.

“You’re done playing chase?” I asked when I saw them about Danilo just glared at me.

Did I say something wrong?

“We need to discuss the relationship between the two of you,” Danilo said and sat on one of the single sofas.

“What is there to discuss?” I asked nervously while looking at Danilo.

“Never mind that,” I heard Josefina say so I looked at her.

I’m glad she’s not into this.

“We have more important matters to discuss,” She said and closed the door.

I heard Danilo sigh and I felt relieved but I was wondering about what could be more important.

“Isabel, we are aware that you’re currently looking for Athaeas,” She started and I felt my heartbeat increasing with what I heard.

“What about it?” I asked when she didn’t continue what she was saying.

“You’re also aware that the duel between you and Felicia was started to show dominance, am I right?” She asked and I nodded.

“So, we’re asking you if you want to continue being with Al and Zynrick or if you want to stay here and rule over Maharlika,” She asked which made me look at Zynrick and Al.

I saw that Zynrick has his head bowed down and I couldn’t see what face he was making because his hair was covering his face.

“You can freely decide, Elle,” I heard Al say which made me look at him.

I saw him gulp before he continued what he was saying, “If you stay here in Maharlika finding Athaeas would be easier.” He started which made me feel like he wanted me to choose Maharlika over them.

“You’ll have help from different kingdoms and you’ll have an army to defend you if you encounter a problem. You’ll even have people to support you if you stay here. Those are everything you can find here that we can’t offer you,” He said which made me clench my jaw.

I can’t believe he’s saying all of these to me. I knew that the way we met wasn’t the best but hearing him say this made me feel like I was just a puppy that they were giving away.

“The decision is yours, Elle,” Josefina said while looking at me.

“Why are convincing me to choose Maharlika?” I asked while looking straight at Al.

“This is your homeland,” He answered without looking at me.

“They banished me and my family,” I countered while looking at him.

I wanted him to look at me and face me.

“Is that the only reason you have?” I asked through gritted teeth.

He opened his mouth to answer but I wanted him to look me straight in the eyes and tell me the real reason why he wants me to choose Maharlika.

“I want you to look straight into my eyes as you answer, Al. I want your honesty,” I commanded.

He raised his head and looked at me straight in the eyes, “We can’t give you what Maharlika can,” He answered.

I scoffed and turned towards Zynrick, “Zynrick, look at me,” I said and he did as he was told.

“Do you want me to choose Maharlika?” I asked while looking straight into his eyes.

“Yes,” He answered which made me ball my hands into fists.

“How can you tell me that now when you told me a few minutes ago that you would always remind me that there are people afraid of losing me?” I asked.

I could feel my chest tightening as I heard their answers.

If I was in their position I would tell them to pick me over anything.

“We started to look for Athaeas together? I know the way we met isn’t the best but we’ve spent more than a year together,” I said.

Am I the only one who saw them as more than people who would aid me? Am I the only one who thinks that they’re important? What am I to them?

“I know I said that but they can protect you more. Josefina and Danilo are still there to tell you that they need you. Heck! It’s not just them. You have a whole kingdom that would be sad if something happens. You have your family here, Elle,” Zynrick said which made me seethe in anger.

“Tell me,” I started but I was surprised when I heard my voice breaking as I continue my sentence, “What am I to the both of you?”

I couldn’t help but ask. If I’m nothing but a companion to them then I’ll stay here but if they tell me that they see me as a friend then I’ll go with them.

“You’re someone important to us, Elle,” Zynrick answered but I just scoffed.

“If I’m someone important then why are you abandoning me?” I asked but no one answered.

“Look at me and tell me why!” I yelled in the room.

I could see the concern in Josefina’s eyes as I yell.

I’ve can’t remember when was the last time I felt this way.

I felt so betrayed that it was becoming hard to breathe.

“Isabel, calm down,” Josefina said and attempted to approach me but I yelled once again. “Don’t come near me!”

“Stop throwing a tantrum, Elle!” I heard Al yell so I turned to look at him. “We’re thinking of your needs that’s why we’re telling you that you should choose Maharlika!” He added.

He stood up as he yelled at me. I could see how his chest rose and fell rapidly as he said that sentence.

“Did you consider my feelings? You had the time to ask me how I feel about you two but you didn’t ask me that earlier!” I yelled back and stood up as well.

I felt my head spin when I suddenly stood up so I held onto the cabinet that was beside the bed.

“Isabel,” Danilo said and walked towards me but I glared at him. “Don’t,” I said so he stopped.

“Why are you so hard-headed, Elle?!” Al yelled making me want to throw the vase beside me at him. “We’re thinking about you!” He added and ran his hands through his hair.

“If it was before, you wouldn’t tell me that! You were the one who forced me to help you so why are you giving me away?!” I yelled and attempted to walk to him so I could slap him but he was lucky that I was still recovering.

“I’m telling you to stay here because I don’t think that I can continue to protect you and Zyn!” He yelled in frustration.

I saw how his eyes tear up when he yelled. I looked at Zyn and saw that he had the same reaction as me, we were shocked.

“What do you mean, Al?” Zynrick asked while looking straight at Al.

“I don’t have anyone I can reach out to if something happens to both of you.” He answered.

This is the first time I’m seeing him lower his pride in front of us.

“We don’t need your protection, Al. We can use magic. We have powers,” Zynrick said and stood up. “Who the f**k told you that we need your protection?!” He yelled which scared me.

I saw Zynrick change when his vampire side overtook him but that wasn’t scary. However, seeing Zynrick mad while he’s still conscious and fully in control is scary.

“It seems that you youngsters have things you haven’t settled,” Danilo said and got off of the sofa.

“Isabel, what do you want to do?” Danilo asked all of a sudden.

I looked at him then looked at Josefina before looking at Al and Zynrick.

“I want to continue looking for Athaeas with them,” I answered and Danilo nodded.

“I’m glad that’s your answer,” He said and smiled at us. “What do you think Josefina?” Danilo asked and looked at Josefina who had a smile on her face.

“I think so too,” Josefina agreed which made me wonder.

“Why would you want me to go with them?” I asked because I thought they’d oppose if I chose Al and Zynrick over them.

“We’ve never seen you show your emotions before. Even back when we were children,” Josefina said and Danilo nodded.

“King Athaeas had been sending us letters about how you were when you were with him. He told us that you were still bottling up your emotions.” Danilo explained which surprised me.

“I never knew this,” I said and they smiled.

“Athaeas kept it a secret. He’s been sending us letters hoping we’d be of help but even we’ve never seen you show much emotion when you were here,” Josefina said and smiled sadly.

“I think being with them changed you,” Danilo said and walked towards me. “A good change,” He said and got on top of the bed.

“I would miss you though if you went away,” He said and hugged me.

“I will too but I think it’s best if you go with them,” Josefina said and hugged me as well.

“Thank you,” I said and hugged them back.

“Now, we’ll bond once you’re done settling your argument,” Josefina said and they left.

I felt the heavy atmosphere return when they walked out of the door.

“That was embarrassing,” I said and sat down.

I sighed and looked at the two of them alternately.

“Do you still want to yell at each other after that? Because, me, I’m done,” I said and plopped myself on the bed.

“No,” Zynrick said but he was still glaring at Al.

I sat up and looked at Al, “You know, Al, you don’t have to keep everything from us,” I said while looking at Al.

“Yeah, don’t bottle everything up, and what you said about protecting us, you don’t need to. We can help each other,” Zynrick said and ran his hands through his hair.

“I don’t care if you have nothing to offer me. I started my search for Athaeas and I’m staying with you until we find him,” I said and smiled at him.

Al sighed and looked away, “Fine, if that’s what you want,” He said and I smiled.

Thank God I met these two.