14 FryCourt

Cassadrei's POV

I can distinctly remember my dream now. It's no longer a fragment tucked at the back of my mind, but a solid and vivid reality prodding before my very eyes. This alley. I always thought that the alley in my dreams seemed familiar, but until now I didn't know how. 

Of course I had visited FryCourt numerous times with Linda. I had walked along this very alleyway countless times. We had taken this path all the time when we came to the Cafe. Weird how the brain plays tricks on you, I suppose. I should have remembered this...it isn't a very forgettable place. 

I was glad and heaved a sigh of relief when we passed the alleyway unscathed. I chided myself for being so petty….it was just a stupid nightmare and I let it get into my head and play all sorts of tricks with my gullible mind. 

FryCourt was situated one block away from the alley, flanked by SpiceCourt, it's sister restuarant and a Burger joint. It was our favourite food destination in town, specialising in everything related to Fried food and they had the most awesome French Fries. I have always been fascinated by these Fried potato sticks and have marveled at the Mortal's ability to create such delicious platter. In Mafhaelore, we never indulged much in food. Our food is mostly bland Vegetables, steaks with minimal spice and everything that can be grown in our fields. Most of the trade routes ran through Arphoelus and procuring spices was always a luxury. We always used to grow our own crops, never dependent on other Nations and likewise, we never had enough luxurious products. Mafhaelore being a landlocked country, trading by the sea routes was also not an option. We did have ships though, gargantuan warships that never found any use other than decorating our Military base. I don't know why we spent so much on War machinery when, we could have simply established an elaborate spy network and infiltrated Arphoelus….we spent money more than our brains and look where it had landed us.

Then, I reminded myself, it was Magnus. I should have seen it coming. Wondrously attractive Magnus, brilliant and cunning, an excellent Soldier and an even better General….how could I miss his menace? It was all his doing, even though I had spent days imagining otherwise, conjuring up stories where he was helpless, pitiable, compelled to bend to the wills of his tormentors. I knew, even then, my image of a pitiable Magnus could never have been true... Magnus was never one to bend to anyone's wills….Magnus would prefer death to submission. No, the tormentor, it was Magnus all along. It had always been him. 

I shaked off the feeling of insatiable sadness that threatened to consume me every time I thought of him. It wasn't that I still loved him, no, it was never love. Love never makes you so selfish and abominable, I know that now. It was simply an infatuation, an admiration culminating into wild teenage fantasies. Magnus was the first one to notice me for who I was, not just a Crown Princess but a human being with her own soul. He laughed at my silly jokes, never chided me for being less royal, never looked down upon my peasant-like attitude, never complained that I wasn't womanly enough. In retrospection, it was never love between us...it was simply my desire to be normalized and him being cunning enough to see through me and provide me with all I had ever craved for. 

And then he had snatched it away. 

The taxi halted in front of the restaurant and after we got down, it went away without taking the fare. I knew from previous experience that our ride was paid for by Linda's extremely rich dad, still it bothered me to keep taking favours from her. Michael and Jacob were standing in front of the restaurant, Michael in a Blue shirt and Jacob wearing what looked like a rainbow printed suit and trousers. I almost choked in laughter. 

Ignoring me, Linda flew her arms around Jacob and they were engaged in a moment of intimate affection that lasted way too long for my comfort. I heard Michael coughing a little, and taking the

cue, they parted. 

"You look so lovely Lin! I don't think I will have my eyes on the plate today, because it'll be focused on you the whole time!" Jacob said adoringly and Linda blushed a little. 

Michael and I were visibly discomforted and I realised this might turn out to be a really bad idea after all. A double date with Linda and Jacob, what was I even thinking?!

"Er...Hello" Michael said, extending a friendly hand which I took graciously to avoid the public display of affection from Jacob and Linda, which was very, I must admit, distracting. 

We entered the restaurant and as expected, it was also booked and paid for. Apparently, Linda's father had paid them enough for us to order any dish we liked twice over. I saw Michael muttering under his breath, and it comforted me to see that he shared my ideas about not taking favours from other people. Jacob, however, seemed completely oblivious of the fact. 

"So, Lin says that you have a crush on Mike!" Jake winked at me out of nowhere.

"Crush! WHA-AT?!" Michael stammered. 

I froze in my seat, stunned as to what to reply. I had not expected this question as a conversation opener. Hell, I had not expected this question at all. 

I glanced at Linda who nodded enthusiastically, encouraging me to bypass my fears and make a confession. 

"Cassie, I know it's an awkward situation but remember, we only live once and we get to choose only once. Our choices define us babe...and now it's your time to make one. You can either choose to remain silent and keep your conflict of emotions within you, or you can let your heart out and see how wonderful that feels! Me and Jaky are proponents of the latter. Don't be shy now, Cassie.." Linda said with a hopeful smile. 

"Emotions…. choices...What is happening here??" Michael was clearly at a loss. Poor fellow. 

I cursed Linda inwardly. I mean, obviously it's not of her fault….she is only trying to help here. It was all Sofosys' doing... I could imagine him smirking at my predicament right now. I cursed him vehemently. 

Then, I said in a tiny voice, "Well... I admired the fact that Michael helped me out that day at the Carnival. He tended to my wounds and I was really thankful for that. It's not any crush or anything. It's just gratitude. Nothing more. Thank you Michael." 

Linda and Jake looked at me skeptically. Even Michael shifted in his seat. I was fooling no one. 

"Let's order dinner, Shall we?" I said a little too cheerily. 

Michael looked at me wearily. I have really made a mess out of the situation. I wondered what he must be feeling right now. How weird I must seem to him...a stalker who had claimed to be a mythical creature, one that can talk with wolves and heal them, suddenly confessing her hidden feelings about him. 

Even if he were my key, he would never be convinced that I was sane and harmless enough to warrant his help. 

I wanted the conversation to turn back to normal and more than anything, I wanted to disappear.