A Maiden's Heart

After our return to the village, Mia and I embarked on a series of house visits, going door to door to check on those who were suffering the most. Some were bedridden, weakened by dehydration and fatigue, while others bore the visible signs of discomfort and distress. We prepared a concoction for the sick by boiling peppermint leaves with water and sugary plants, aiming to alleviate the symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.

"Boil the leaves with water for a few minutes, the essence should help to soothe the discomfort. If the smell or taste is too strong, you can boil it with the sugary plant to balance it out." I instructed, demonstrating the process with Mia as we visited each villager's house. 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow across the village, Mia and I completed our rounds, checking on each household. The villagers seemed relieved to receive our assistance.

"That should be the last house, Sir Gideon," Mia said, her voice tinged with a hint of exhaustion.

"Thank you for your assistance, Mia," I replied, offering her a grateful smile.

"Ah, no... it's me who should be thanking you," Mia corrected, her cheeks tinted with a slight blush as she glanced at the ground.

("Hmmm? Did I win her over yet? I should be more aggressive then, hehehe.")

"It's getting late... I should head back. Are you sure you don't want to come with me, Sir Gideon?"

"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Have a sweet dream, Mia."

"You too, Sir Gideon," she replied before walking away. I watched her as she made her way back to the palace.

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As I sank into the warm water, a sense of relaxation washed over me. Leaning back against the tub wall, I closed my eyes, allowing the tension to melt away. 

Today, I and Sir Gideon went to the field where the shaman usually collects her herbs, we pick some herbs that we hope could help with the illness. It was surprising to see how knowledgeable Sir Gideon was about plants and herbs. We picked some that we hoped would help with the illness.

It was fun, until we encountered Han...

We've been together since childhood, i've always thought of him as one of my closest and most precious. Not long ago, when we were betrothed, I thought I loved him, I wanted to spend years with him, but now...

It's as if he's not the same person anymore, I saw his eyes when he pulled me forcefully. Is this the man that I used to love?

I feel lost, angry, and utterly useless. The entire village teeters on the edge of collapse, my father's health deteriorates by the day, and even the one I once loved betrays my heart. Just when it seems like the world is about to end, a glimmer of hope emerges...

As the legend foretold, he descended from the heavens bathed in divine light. Another apostle, perhaps this is a sign from God, an answer to our prayers amidst this misfortune and disaster.

I stared at my wrist, still wrapped in cloth with the ointment he tended me with. My cheeks felt hot, my chest burning with conflicting emotions.

Sir Gideon, he promises to help us, to liberate us from the curse. He exudes an aura of wisdom and divinity, somewhat distinct from the last apostle. But to me, he's kind, caring, yet wise and charismatic. When I doubt myself, he reassures me; when Han mistreats me, he stands up for me. He tends to my wounds, he cheers me up.

Every time I hear his words, every time I see his smile, my heart skips a beat. I know I shouldn't feel like this. He's an apostle of God, and I'm betrothed to Han. But my heart yearns for him, his face constantly engraved in my mind. This is so wrong.

God, is this your temptation? If so, then I've fallen for your blessing upon this world.

I'm a sinful woman. I'm betrothed, but my heart says otherwise. Is this love? There's no denying. With a depth and intensity that defied reason or logic. And though the path ahead was fraught with obstacles and uncertainty, I knew that I could no longer deny the truth that lay within my heart.

I love Sir Gideon,

I love him.

White knight manipulation is a form of manipulation in which a person portrays themselves as a hero or savior in order to gain power or control over others. This tactic is often used in romantic or personal relationships, but can also be used in business or social situations.

The white knight manipulator presents themselves as someone who is always there to help or rescue others, even when it is not necessary or beneficial. They may use flattery, compliments, or gifts to gain the trust and admiration of their target, and may make grand gestures or sacrifices to prove their devotion.

source: Excerpted in part from The White Knight Syndrome: Rescuing Yourself from Your Need to Rescue Others By Mary C. Lamia, Ph.D. and Marilyn Krieger, Ph.D.