Chapter 37

Iowyrthe stood in a balcony with a glass of red wine. Eugenie soon came joined in.

"Nice show, Your Highness."

"What show?"

"It is a show, isn't it? To make people believe you've changed."

"…"

"But I know you. I know you better than anyone else."

"…"

"You didn't forget it, did you, my love? Your promise to me 13 years ago."

"I didn't. But…" Iowyrthe paused, "You know, Eugenie, I will never love her…"

That last sentence was heard, not only by Eugenie, but also Iris. She intended to calm herself in the balcony but noticed it was occupied. When she was about to turn around, that particular one sentence after pause. "I will never love her."

She was about to cry. But she wanted be alone. She never wanted somebody else see her heart broke. It is ugly. Those familiar abandoned and unwanted feeling is ugly. The most beautiful dress won't cover it up. She run outside. She entered the maze garden just across the banquet hall.

"…I don't love you either. I will still pretend I was saved by you. But I have to break the promise."

"Iowyrthe Lleuelyn what are you talking about?"

"You didn't actually save me Eugenie. Don't lie anymore. Let us just count it as draw. I forgive you."

"Forgive me. Who are you? So, the rumours are true that the Princess changed you."

"I said I don't love her. It has nothing to do with her."

"Then why, why you said I lied."

"The noir, will make your blond hair turn black. That's the apparent proof."

Eugenie's eyes grew darker, her only retaliation she can muttered was, "Oh, so now, you in love with a black-haired lady?"

"…"

"If I cannot have you. She won't either. You will lose what you have, Iowyrthe. Also noted, Iris the healer is only a myth, Iowyrthe. Good luck finding her." Eugenie turned around and left him.

He saw from the balcony; Iris was running a little and entered the maze garden. Her dress was still shimmering and shining when the moonlight hit it. He wished who he saw was Iris the Healer that he was looking for. He looked away and take another sip of wine.

She was getting nearer to the centre of the maze. A pond with fountain. Her heart grew heavy and heavier. She finally arrived at the center of the maze and cried. She was sobbing so much that she didn't notice the ring has turned its colour into dark red.

She poured her tears in the pond. Tonight, she fell in love the moment her eyes meet Iowyrthe hazel's eyes. Tonight, she also knew she will never be loved. Her heart broke into pieces.

She covered her ears and keep whispering in repeat, "It was just a story. It was just a story. It was just a story."

Felix barged in and reported to Marquis Kvasir that he sensed something dark and ominous in the maze garden. They can't find Iowyrthe. So, they came to look for Iris. To kept her from the maze garden. They can't find her either in the banquet hall. They started to called her name outside.

Hearing her name was called, she quickly wiped the tears and stood up. Pshyuuuu… an arrow flew over her. The same message, a note attached. "I WILL HAUNT YOU" Suddenly she felt so weak. She braced herself and started to move to the direction she was came in, but now it is covered by bushes. She looked for another way. They keep calling her name. She replied but it seems they didn't hear her.

Iowyrthe noticed something was off, since some of her man started looking for her. He looked into her direction and saw the maze garden changed its map. He jumped from the balcony and find Felix. Felix explained what happened.

Meanwhile, Iris felt so exhausted and cold. Her tube top dress made it worse. Whatever route she took, it always brought her to the fountain. She saw the note again and again. She felt like already tried so many routes, but it took her to the same fountain with same notes. Her body gave up. She staggered and fell. Her breathing began laboured. She knew she have to go out but her body refuse. She could barely sit up and breath. "Maybe it's the end. It is time to give up. Let's end the story here. What the use of loving someone who will never love you back."

A pair of hand suddenly embraced her. A cape then covered her trembled body.

"Let's go." The voice was so familiar. The same voice that broke her heart.

"How do you know?"

"I can see you from up there. Quick. My time-freeze won't be long."

They both got up safely. The knight and Rosetta were waiting outside to escort her back.

"Take her back to her chamber, June is waiting there," Iowyrthe gave her to the knights and Rosetta, "I have contacted Metuselah. He will come to take care this shit maze. Felix, Jude investigate here. Find clues. I have to do something."

Iris heart was overwhelmed. Why tonight? Why she fell in love with him and at the same time it was the end of them? Her tears were falling. Until Rosetta help her change and took her to the bed. Iris asked Rosetta to leave her alone. Rosetta closed the door. She saw her fall asleep with tears running down on her cheek. She wiped it and looked for Doctor June to check on her, while the knights were on guard.