19 She has something that you don't have

Zen stood at the doorstep staring at her retreating back. He himself didn't knew how to handle the situation and including the elders in his private life matters was what he disliked the most.

"Wow ! I don't really get it  either elder brother.  Our own family member , Zenia was no less than our child ! A princess was made to cry before our eyes and we couldn't do anything . Seriously ! This is all because of that outsider ! That crazy woman who knows what else ability she possesses and has manipulated Zen . How is that we favour her before our dearest Zenia ! "

"Rajhi ! It's nothing like that ... " He frowned and turned to Zen .

" You go and complete you work Zen . Don't worry about Zenia I'll talk to her mother "

"Yes Father  "Zen nods and moves to the council meeting . Zenia sobs her heart out sitting in her room . She was furious and couldn't bear Zen marrying any other woman than her . All through her life she imagined and dreamed Zen as her husband and someone she would spend her entire life with but these sudden change in events brought her immense sorrow . It was difficult to give up . Very difficult indeed . Alisha was coming out of her classroom with Neil as she finished her daily study . Zenia approached her with a non pleasing look on her face .

"I challenge you to a horse ride Lisha "

"What ? What's this supposed to mean ? I... I m sorry but I have to pass I'm already tired . Neil even took a special class today I seriously want  to rest besides are you okay ? You don't look good ."

"You don't have to worry about me . Lose in the race and you will be sorry for yourself as I won't let him marry you . Deal ?"

"Wait ... Hold on.  I'm really not good at .... "

"Right now ! And don't give me lame excuses . I'll be waiting outside " She said and walked away leaving Alisha amd Neil completely baffled .

"Did something happen Neil ?"

"I have no idea My lady . Guess we should go and check for ourselves ."

"Yeah right . "  They both leave as all the members of the palace gather outside to witness the race Zenia had it arranged and they were all waiting for Alisha . Hearing all the commotion Zen comes out of his quarters to check what was going on and much to his surprise he sees Alisha getting on the horse .

" What's going on ? Zenia what are you doing ?"

"You will see for yourself who's better for you Zen . " She smirks . Zen looks confused and turns to Alisha 

"Do you even know this thing ? A girl who was shut her life indoors can't possibly ride a horse !"

"This is my second time but I prefer you don't interfere in this Zen . This is my fight .... my fight to prove myself and I have to win . So have some faith in me okay ?"

"Huh... fine but don't overdo it ! Be careful "

"I will . Thanks " She smiles and soon a pistol is shot to which Zenia moves with her horse . Alisha follows her rather clumsily but she manages to catch up to Zenia after recalling her past time spent with Zen it was little but the most amazing time of her life . Zenia goes berserk and almost falls from the cliff but Alisha gives her hand for her to hold on .

"Hang in there!  Just a little longer ... " She puts every ounce of her strength and pulls her up . They begin to pant heavily as soldiers come to their rescue.  Zenia accepts her defeat but she feels much embarrassed to confront Alisha and rests in her room .  The nurse tends to Alisha as she got some scratches while rescuing Zenia . She visits Zen who was busy with his paperwork .

"You are going off track with your writing Zen " She says as he runs his hand through his hair . A habit he developed whenever he was tensed or frustrated .

"Oh God ! I need to rewrite everything now ..Jeez "

"Is something ...wrong or something bothering you ? May be you can talk to me about it if you feel like "

"I don't know myself so stop bothering me ." He looks aside and starts rearranging the papers he was working on .

"I'm sorry . I don't know what happened but Zenia looked sad . She was not her usual self today it would be nice if you spoke to her and ... "

"I don't want you to teach me what I must and mustn't do ! I never asked for your opinion . You can leave if you have nothing else to say .  " He removes his glasses and keeps on the table . Alisha stepped back from Zen . Looking downwards she left the room without saying a single word. Zen did feel bad but it was against his ego to apologise. He thought he would see Zenia and explain things to her so that she can stop expecting unrealistic things . Curled in her duvet Zenia was sitting with her back resting on the headboard . Her arms wrapped her legs as she looked to her right outside the window . A knock followed the harsh rustle of leaves in the garden .

"Zenia ..... can I have a word with you . " Zenia looked at him with sad eyes and said .

"Zen ..Sure but  . Aren't you busy today ?" 

"I didn't feel like doing any work . I wanted to talk to you "

"Oh really ! That's bizarre . Usually it's me who has always initiated a conversation but today it's different . So very unlike you . "She remarked .

"I know . " He sits beside her on a chair .

"Something has changed about you Zen no ... not just something but a lot of things ... I ...I wonder why . There is no doubt you changed completely 3 years ago . It was as if I lost you . But now I feel you are going back to the Zen I knew . To the person you were before you underwent that strange transformation "

"Transformation?  I changed ? I'm afraid I don't get you Zenia "

"Yes . You would never understand . So no use breaking your head on that . Forget what I just said . Anyways what did you want to talk about ? "

"Well ... I ..."

"It's alright . I know you won't make any sense because you can't open up to people . I know exactly what you want to say . "

"You know ? "

"It's fine . You want to marry her then go ahead . I'm sorry to interfere . It's your decision and I'll respect that . Deep in my heart I know if I force you I would never be able to achieve true happiness and the happiness I desire but just tell me this one thing... what did you find in her that you don't find in me Zen ? What's that piqued your interest in her and I lacked ? Was it the colour of her hair if that was the case then I would have bleached my hair or dyed it to the same colour until I die . Honestly I would do it !" Zen smiled .

"No.... I'm afraid it's not her hair . To be honest I don't know myself Zenia . I really don't know but I feel she has something that you don't have . That she can give me something you can never give . Not just you but any other woman in this world "

"And what is that something she had and I lack Zen . "

"I'm sorry I don't know Zenia . " He looks down as tears keep wetting her face .

"Don't give me that sad look . You are very honest Zen and that makes me fall in love with you even more ! May be I understand you now..... . She has changed you and that's more than enough for me . She brought that sincere smile on your face when I strived to get it all these years so I guess she is important"

Zen raised his eyes bewildered at her words .

" All I want is for you to be happy.  If that girl is your happiness then I have no right to take that happiness from you but the fact I'm your lovely sister won't change okay ? PROMISE me !"

"I promise . It won't . " He takes her hand in his with a promising look in his eyes . Zenia smiles . She leaves his hand .

"I'll go pack up then . I'll be leaving tomorrow . "

"Tomorrow ? But why ? Didn't you want to see Erwin ?"

"Oh who knows when that jerk  would show up . He never fails with his surprise entries . I have something to do back home . Don't worry I'll come here very soon "

"Sure then . As you wish . Thank you Zenia "

"For what ? " She lets out a chuckle . " Since when have you become so modest . Lol if you really have changed then I guess I'm no longer in love with you as I loved the cool Zen you were not the one who thanks and apologises. Anyways I'll get some sleep I'm tired  ... " She turns around pressing her lips together . She was sad . She tried her best to control those tears so that they won't break out of their realm and never stop flowing . Zen watched her back as she slept . He switched the lights off and left the room closing the door .

"I'm sure you will find someone much much better than me Zenia who would love you immensely! " He murmured and left .

"I will never find someone like you Zen . Never ..." She said to herself with words barely coming out of her throat as she cried and cried all night long . Alisha gazed the stars from the balcony of her room wondering about the day's events . Though Zen tried to make Zenia understand what their relationship was he was himself unaware of his true feelings for Alisha . He had to spend his entire life with her but was he even ready for it ?