3 Officially Lost

"How did you manage to cross over?"

"Excuse me?" I blurted out, making me forget entirely of what I was previously pondering about. Why? Because none of his words made any sense.

I caught his emerald eyes shifted uncomfortably before putting on a poker face as though he had only realised he made a huge blunder. The golden-white haired man quickly feigned ignorance and paid his utmost attention to the man in front of us. How daft can he be when I could see right through him?

Away from the officiant's eyes, I secretly pulled his sleeve to make him explain but instead, he gave me a reproachful look as his index finger pointed to the front, gesturing for me to pay attention.

Tsk! Honestly, was it ME who started the conversation first?! WE are definitely going to get some answers once this freaking event is done. There's no way he could escape! ... Right?

Within the next five minutes, we were officially announced as husband and wife. To my surprise, despite my people's obvious cries the past weeks, no one barged in and objected to our wedding. Well at least, not openly that is.

As we paraded ourselves down the streets of Taaffeite Kingdom to supposedly celebrate with the people, it was creepily quiet as though we were walking in a ghost town of a different dimension. Not a single sight to be seen apart from us, our carriage and our fancy entourage.

My heart began to beat wildly against the ribcage as nonsense filled my head, my ears drummed with rhythm as though I was on my way to be a sacrificial offering to some weird lunatics. Suddenly all my worries before the wedding came flooding every crevices of my head.

This should not be possible. Papa assured me that King Wystan would be the best husband for me, one that would protect me for life. It has to be since he SAW it with his own eyes!! I doubt his people would dare to do any kidnapping in broad daylight in this time of era.

However, in this state of confusion, there was only one thing on my mind. I want my Papa! I needed assurance. But where is he?

I turned around, frantically searching for my sense of security on Papa's face, wanting all these fears to be nothing but a mind's play. But there was no Papa. I scanned around our entourage to find my loyal guard when my breathing hitched and my heart suddenly stopped beating.

"They are not Taaffeitians. None of our entourage is Taaffeitians." I whispered unknowingly.

In a panic state through my glassy and blurred orbs, I clutched King Wystan's arm and whimpered, "Where's Papa? Where are you taking me?" I deluded myself, convinced he was out to get me. Out for revenge over something Papa has rashly made!

A blame is all I need to make sense of the circumstances.

It did not matter if I no longer looked elegant. It did not matter if I no longer looked like the typical textbook princess. Because in front of fear, I am simply a normal being who wanted assurance of my safety.

According to the royal protocol, we were going to spend a whole week here before moving to his Empire. So what's with the hostage situation? Are they declaring war? Is that what it is?

My sweaty hand was slowly brushed away from his arm and clasped between his bigger hands.

"If you had paid any decent attention before we left the garden, each of the other nations offered their servicemen to walk with us as a sign of alliance and good fellowship. Right as we speak, I believe your father must be busy attending to the other royalties - the esteemed guests he invited a month ago. I am confident he would be waiting for us in the Great Atrium Hall at the end of our parade."

I tried to search my memories of few minutes ago. Although barely audible, some of the words somewhat rings a bell in my head. Okay... I guess I made a mistake.

Not bothered if his words were filled with sarcasm or sincerity, I finally let out a breath of relief as my body slumped to relaxation and my eyes closed in gratitude. A piece of good news is still a piece of good news.

Throughout the journey I let go of my Princessy behaviour without a care of the man's opinion towards me, allowing my body to be slacked with my back touching the seat, leaving a triangle gap between my bum and the back cushion of the carriage.

It was a euphoric feelings as calm washed all over me and flushed away all my shame.

With the deserted town, there was no point putting a front anymore, be it waving to the non-existent people, pretending to be happy with the wedding or pretending to be oh-so-ladylike in front of the man I now called husband.

Truth to be told, I could not understand what was going on either. Could not comprehend why negative rumours circulated around him or why my people did not crowd the street. I do however, had an inkling that this stranger beside me had something to do with my people's attitude. My bet was either he evoked fear in people, gaining his title of the Warrior King causing people to isolate him or my wedding is truly a curse.

If it is true that he evoked fear, it still struck me as odd - why would that stop the ENTIRE Taffeitians from attending? Would there not be at least a curious little child wanting to see the entourage?

Nevertheless, it was quite an awkward and long silent journey but once we reached the Great Atrium Hall, the bushy but well-trimmed moustache caught my eye, bringing the gladness ballooning within me. In an instant I have forgotten about my ebbing worries that kept flowing ashore. There he stood tall, awaiting our arrival patiently with his swollen red eyes but satisfied smile.

I may have appeared clumsy but the moment the carriage came to a halt, I dashed in my champagne ball gown dress towards him. I was just grateful to see another familiar faces after the 'lonely' ride. After all, he was the only family I have before the wedding.

"Papa!!!"

Waves of awws and praises filled the space as they complimented my intimate bond with Papa. But it all came tumbling down.

Instead of the expected returned hug with my already extended arms, Papa had walked past me and head towards King Wystan.

Uh-oh! I think my reaction was not as he anticipated. What I have done appeared to have caused a misunderstanding as the protective side of Papa awoken rather aggressively.

"WHAT...did you do to my daughter?" He asked in a rather meek threat right after he snarled.

"Nothing," answered my husband calmly.

With his lobster-red face, I thought Papa was going to give him a thorough scolding but it drained immediately after hearing the response.

Not only that, the masses that were crowding around us immediately dispersed doing their own bits as though nothing had happened.

Papa was all smiles now.

I was perplexed by the encounter. How did Papa manage to be raging mad in one second to being cheery the next?