The door to the kings chamber opened and her heart skipped a beat.The king stood at the entrance with his gaze fixed on her, and his expression had something she couldn’t describe.
Regret.
Anger.
She couldn’t name it.
Elira stared back at him and at that moment she forgot how to bow.
She let her thoughts run wild as to why he might be staring at her like that.
The physician didn’t reveal to the king or did she?
“Come in!” The kings soft voice snapped her out from her thoughts and she slowly walked in.
“You look pale” he said but she didn’t answer “As though you care” Elira spoke in her thoughts.
He looked at her again and his gaze landed on her neck, and his eyes darkened.
“Who gave you the necklace?” Elira lowered her head to look at the necklace which clung perfectly to her neck.
“The queen!” She answered and there was a silence.
Then slowly, the king walked up her.
He stared at her for quite a long time before speaking.
“Last night at the banquet, what happened?” That question was sudden, though she expected it but it still felt sudden.
Elira was silent.
‘What happened?
She thought and slowly, fragments of what happened returned little by little.
“I… I can’t remember much.
But I was given a drink and….and!” “And what?” “And I ….
I felt dizzy!” She answered “That’s all you can remember?” King Budegha’s asked eyeing her skeptical.
“Yes!” She answered, looking everywhere but him.
How could she tell him that she remembered hearing voices while being held by a hand that made her felt safe, and a voice that sounded like a melody to her even though she didn’t see the face.
King Budegha stared at her, trying to figure out something he wasn’t so sure of, but she avoided his gaze.
Doesn’t she remember?
He thought, but looking at her innocent face, he chose to believe.
“You passed out after taking the drink, but I will make sure I find who tried to hurt you.
I will make them pay” he spoke before he could stop himself, and Elira raised her head and looked at him.
She didn’t know how to react , but she didn’t feel relieved.
He can’t treat her like a nobody for years and decides to treat her like one whenever he wants.
She definitely won’t buy that.
“I have something to tell you,” The king said breaking her little thoughts.
He placed a hand over her shoulder and led her to a single chair across the room.
“We’re at war with Nebuzza” he began.
“I know!” Elira responded calmly and the king nodded.
“Nebuzza is ruled by king Zareth.
You have heard of him.” he said and Elira nodded.
“I have heard of him!” She responded.
“King Zareth, he is waging against Elarion, and we cannot stand a chance against him once he succeeds.
Elarion will be laid to waste, our people will be killed and taken to slavery and our kingdom will be taken over by him.” He said and Elira felt her innocent heart in pain.
Although the people of Elarion didn’t treat her as a princess, they are still her people and this is still her kingdom.
But then she thought.
Why would the king tell her such things.
For all she could remember, she wasn’t considered as someone important enough for such news.
Something isn’t right.” “Father…” her eyes darted toward him.
“Elira there’s only one way to end this war without shedding blood..” “What way?” She asked as her heartbeat increased in a way she couldn’t explain.
She felt like clutching her fragile heart before it got broken but she wanted to be so sure..
“I’m sorry, but peace must be obtained.
You will marry king Zareth!” King Budegha said while turning his back towards her.
Elira almost collapsed to the floor but she was already seated down and she clutched her chest.
She felt speechless at that moment not knowing what to say.
Although, her words would be meaningless right now.
But she tried… “I’m just your illegitimate daughter, not the full blood of the royal house.
If he finds out he will kill me…..” “No he won’t…!” King Budegha said and turned towards her.
“You’re not sure father” she said, allowing those tears to fall without holding back.
“Elira…..” the king tried to speak but she shook her head, stopping him from doing so.
“I have been despised, by you, by the royal house, ever since you brought me to this cage of a home.
You never treated me as your daughter and now you want to get rid of me by offering me as a peace token to a bloodthirsty man…..” The kings heart ached at her words.
“I didn’t offer you Elira… he chose you”the king said and he watched her face changed from surprise to confusion.
He had also had that same reaction when Zareth mentioned Elira as the bride.
King Budegha had wanted to offer Mirelle as the peace bride, but it took a long time even with the council of Nebuzza to persuade King Zareth only for him to accept only if Elira would be married to him.
“How is that possible?” Elira asked “I also want to know how possible it is.
Tell me Elira, have you been leaving this palace walls?” The sudden question took Elira by surprise that she didn’t know how to react for a moment.
But there’s definitely no way she’s going to let herself get caught up in her acts.
Then she shook her head.
“No Father!” She replied and for a moment king Budegha didn’t know what to say.
He stared at her.
He felt something warm up in his heart and he dismissed her before it became obvious.
“She had called him father” “Go back to your chamber Elira.” he said and Elira looked at him.
She wanted to say more but she didn’t want to bring more trouble to herself so she quickly exited the chamber.
Her thoughts kept running wild, she is carrying Adrian’s child and she would be beheaded if the king finds out.
There’s no way she’s going to let herself be a broken piece for the second time.
She was still in thoughts when she heard footsteps walking towards her.
Elira raised her head only to come to face with Mirelle.
The room stilled for a moment as a dark tension began to rise between them.
Elira lowered her head and tried avoiding her but Mirelle blocked her path.
She tried to walk away through the other side but Mirelle caught her arm before she could take a step.
“Afraid to meet your dear Sister, Elira?” Mirelle asked, a chilling smile hung on her lips as her eyes stared down at her.
Elira snatched her arms away from Mirelle’s arm and forced a smile “I’m in hurry, I’ll take my leave now.” She bowed slightly and took a step brushing past Mirelle.
There’s no way she was going to talk to her scheming stepsister.
But before she could take a step,the two guards behind Mirelle blocked her again and forcefully held her while she struggled to get free.
Mirelle slowly walked towards her, and snatched the necklace from her neck with a force that left a mark on her.
And Elira whimpered in pain.
“My plans with it didn’t work, so I will be needing it back.” Mirelle smiled devilishly and leaned more closer.
“you look so terrible, I guess father’s words has impacted so much on you.
Try not to think too hard dear stepsister.” Mirelle laughed.
And with that she left, walking towards the king’s private study.
Elira got to her chamber and collapsed on the ground.
She has been wanting for a day like this that she would disappear from Elarion, but she never imagined it to be this way.
There’s no way she was going to marry an old bloodthirsty king while carrying Adrian’s child.
Never!
With that thought, she immediately got up and began packing few useful things that would be needed for a while.
**** **** King Budegha angrily smashed a vase and punched the wall.
His rage intensifies each second as his eyes turned bloody.
Looking at Mirelle’s face, he knew this was no plot but a reality.
What will happen if Zareth finds out his bride to be is having an affair with a commoner?
Elarion is yet to escape a war that he started, his family is yet to escape his wrath for messing with Elira, now Elira wants to be the one bringing disaster to Elarion.
He called in a guard outside the chamber doors.
“Fetch me Glomon now!” He ordered and the guard left.
“Father….” “And you Mirelle,” he turned towards her fiercely.
“I never planned to raise a mischievous daughter but I think I already did.
How did your necklace ended up with Elira if you were not in side plot with your brother?
I am trying to protect Elarion, trying to protect the palace and also trying to protect my family.
But it’s sad that the people I’m trying to protect are the ones trying to destroy the kingdom.
Leave!” “Father I…” “I said, LEAVE!” He yelled and Mirelle hurriedly left.
The first time her father was scolding her this much.
And she felt more irritated towards Elira.
Heavy footsteps soon echoed as it led into the king chamber.
it was General Glomon.
“Your Majesty, you sent for me!” He said as he lowered a knee to the ground and his head bowed.
“Yes I did” **** **** Night came and Elira sighed for the fifth time.
She had to leave before her servants would arrive and try to stop her, she wanted to leave with them but can’t risk their lives.
And as for Adrian, this would be a turn in his life but he would have no choice because his life would also be in danger.
Elira felt selfish with what she wanted to do, but she knew that was the only way to survive if she wants her child and lover to survive too.
She kept thinking as she sneaked out like usual.
Halfway to where Elira knew she would definitely meet Adrian, she stopped.
She had a feeling she was being followed.
Elira looked around, just to ensure her safety, but instead, it became intense as the feeling of being watched and followed intensified.
Her instincts kicked in and she took to her heels and ran as fast as her legs could carry her.
Elira kept running without stopping until she reached the spot she was familiar with, but Adrian was not there.
She looked around.
The woods was dry and lonely and no sign of Adrian.
And her heart shattered while the fear intensified.
She was doomed!
Tears began rolling down her face.
Adrian wouldn’t do this to her now that she needed him most.
But before she could cry out loud, she felt a presence behind her and relief began seeping in.
“Adrian!” She called and turned around only to see that the people standing before her were not Adrian, rather, her father’s soldiers.
Elira was so shocked that she screamed.
They tried to grab her, but before they could get their hold on her, a sharp whistle split the night.
Thwack!
One soldier staggered.
An arrow buried in his chest.
The other soldier’s eyes widened.
But before he could recognize what was going on, an arrow was flying toward him.