Chapter 9 (The deal)

About that. Have you forgotten you have a favour to do for me?"

"What?"Azumi asked herself."

"I want you to act as a wife to me?"He said.

A wife?Was that not too much of a favour to do?

"I'm sorry here but my friend here has so much to do."Azumi told Damien."She has a sister who loves her so much. She can't just leave her like that and act as a wife besided we don't even know you."

Damien could see she had a point there. No one would be able to leave their family and just follow a complete stranger.

"Who are you?"

He sighed."Damien."He said."Crown prince of Vilgaria."

"Vilgaria....you. The crown prince."She just didn't want to believe him."Stop the drama. It won't work."

"You don't understand."He cut her off."My father King Oliver wants me to find a suitor for myself or else I will not be worthy to rule his kingdom... I won't harm her I promise. Just act as a wife for just a year."He told them with his eyes fixed on Clara."I will provide everything for you and your family. They will not be harmed. Think about it. Were you not the one who asked if you could do something to thank me?"

Clara could not hide that fact. After all she said it. She didn't know what to do now. Azumi stared hoping for Clara to say what she was thinking in mind.

Yes,Clara did not want her only sister to be harmed. If the forces of nature could not protect her,the possibility of Micah being protected would be low.

She had so much things processing in mind. If she accepted it,it might grant her the opportunity to see other worlds apart from her own.

"Clara let's go."Azumi said bringing her to the present but Clara just stood there contemplating.

Only 365 days."He said."After which you will go back home unharmed."He assured her of that."Don't worry about your sister and your friend. They will be provided the things they will need to stay alive. I promise. Just act as my wife . It's the only way I can succeed the throne of Vilgaria."

"You saved my life Prince Damien and I thank you for that.As long as those I love will be happy,then it's a deal. Only 365 days. Not more than that. I come back and you become successful."Clara said shyly.

"Then it's a deal."

"Clara....."Azumi said shocked."What on earth are you doing?"She cried."So you are leaving me and Micah...for this guy? What if he's lying? You shouldn't trust him."

"But.... Azumi he saved my life."Clara told her nonchalantly."I would have been taken or died. I brought this onto myself. I have to do this."

"But....but...."

"I think she has made her decision."Damien reminded her.

"Clara....."

She just couldn't believe her ears. She never knew Clara would be this kind. Too kind.

Clara had no other choice rather than to accept it. Those she loved was her priority.

Azumi stared at Damien and scoffed. She really hated a part of him she could not fish out.

"Fine. It's your choice. Who am I to change your mind."Azumi said sadly." It's my fault. If I hadn't left you there,all this would not have happened. You will regret this Clara."

With out saying a word, Azumi angrily dashed out.

Clara knew instantly that she had now lost a loved one.

***********

Micah all alone at home became so worried that she refused to eat any food.

"And where are you Clara?"She asked with tears in her eyes.

That was until Azumi barged in and the look on her face was not appetizing.

"Azumi please where is my sister?"

Azumi could not tell her that Clara was almost harmed by two guys and was saved by Damien who has asked her to act as his wife for just a year. It would be too much for an eleven year old to process.

"She's just wondering around."She lied."You know Clara. Always appreciating nature."

"Oh....I thought she was in trouble."Micah said."I had this weird feeling about that."

Even Micah knows when Clara would be in trouble. Azumi said in mind. "I brought some fruits. Let's dig in."

"Okay." Micah agreed and sat with her.

********

"Azumi? We should leave some for Clara. What if she's hungry?"

"Alright. But make sure you are full okay? Or else Clara will not like that."

As Micah ate, Azumi looked at her with pity. Is Clara going to do this? Will she leave her only family left for that whore? Did those guys hit her head that hard? Questions were just flooding in her mind right now.

"Micah why are you not eating?"Azumi asked as she noticed she was staring at one direction happily but confused so she turned to whatever Micah was looking at.

"Clara!..."She shouted and ran for a hug."I was worried. I thought you were in trouble. Don't do that again"

"I won't."

"Micah let's go. Clara is tired and she has a visitor."Her gaze on Damien suspiciously as Azumi pulled Micah away.

********

In the evening.....

"Food is available in case you're hungry prince Damien."

"We leave after tomorrow."He replied."You have this night and the next day to tell your sister everything."

Clara nooded her head in agreement. She didn't know where or how to tell her. She lowered her head and didn't even noticed Damien approaching her.

"An angel like you should not be wondering around alone."He said as he stroked her hair."You could have been taken."

"I'm....I'm sorry. I..."

"Save that for later. All I need right now is an act of gratitude."

"What do you mean?"

"Can you kiss?"He asked staring deeply in her eyes."I'm waiting for an answer. What do you think?"

*************

"Azumi who's that man?"

"He's a friend. Clara knows him."At least she knew she wasn't completely lying.

"He's really beautiful."

"What!?"Azumi was surprised."Micah....! You think that guy is beautiful? He's a guy."She corrected."How can he be beautiful?"

"By sister told me that when someone or something is very nice but you don't know how to say it,you use 'beautiful' for it "

Indeed Damien had beauty and she could not hide that fact.

"Yes he is. But when did you start using beautiful for guys like him? You like him?"She teased.

"No. But I like the fact that he's Clara's friend. Clara is beautiful and she likes beautiful things. Do you think my sister likes him?"

"Why are you asking me that? Of course not. If Clara will like anyone,I will be the first person she will tell that to."she boldly said."Besides you."

"Does he too like her?"

Now Azumi was getting fed up."No."She replied."Now go and rest okay. You have done enough for today."

"Do you like him?"

"Me. Like him. I will rather eat my dress and grind my hair. Now sleep."

She said and went out and did not think of looking back . She knew Micah would still ask questions.

**********

"I'll bring some food and dresses."Clara said and passed by."You will be sleeping in the third room on the left."

"Clara. We need to talk."

"Don't you see she needs some rest?"

"I'm not talking to you."

Surprisingly,he had never encountered such boldness before his eyes. Not even his father would dare to shut him up like that. He was pissed.

I will show you who I am the moment you step into Vilgaria.

"Azumi please leave."Clara said as she gave some food to Damien.

Obediently, without saying anything,she left.

**********

"It seems your friend does not like my presence."

"She's just being a friend. It's not everyone who will be like her."

And that was true."So....where were we?"Damien said in his seductive tone and held her.

But Clara was not ready to answer.

"I am waiting for my kiss."He said."Or should i start first?"

She blushed on hearing that and as he gently caressed her hands,Clara did not know why but her heart suddenly skipped a beat.