Chapter 148 A separate story of Layla's past

Layla walks outside in the garden to a large willow tree where she leans against the trunk of the tree while silently crying. A painful memory resurfaces the one that broke her, the one her mother made her forget the memories and love she had for Cynthia. It's from three years ago when she was seventeen, her brother who was abusive to her started to get more out of hand to where he would try to touch her and she'd fight back to where he'd beat her.

One day while she was drawing a picture for her secret girlfriend/ friend, she was sitting under the same willow tree she is at now when she heard a females laughter and she snuck through some of the bushes where she seen her brother kissing a girl. Layla rolled her eyes when she heard the girls voice and her heart broke when she realized it was Cynthia her girlfriend with the man she hates the most.

" I'm not ready to do anything yet and when I am you'll be the first to know...you have to promise to stay away from your sister or I'm done with you though " Cynthia said as the man smiles at her then nods his head while pushing the girl down on her knees.

" of course I won't touch her again, but you know what you must do for me to to quench my thirst...right" Dyl said as the girl smiles up at him then unzips his pants, Layla throws up and runs away, the other two flinch when they heard someone.

Cynthia walks over seeing Laylas back running through the bushes and trees, she turns to the man.

" it was one of my servants, we cannot meet again so keep your word until I speak to my father then I'll be with you " Cynthia said walking away as tears slid down her cheeks and a stinging pain in her heart, she knew that Layla would not understand that this was her only way if protecting the person she loves.

Cynthia makes it to the willow tree seeing Laylas art supplies and a portrait of herself that Layla has been working on, she picks it up as tears fell on the page. Cynthia puts everything back in a bag that layed against the tree when the older servant that works for Layla walks up to her.

" it's best if you leave young miss " The woman said with a stern look, Cynthia tries to hand her the bag and the woman shook her head.

" it's best to take it with you, my master said if not to throw it in the furnace and I'd rather not have to do that since I love her work so much" the woman said with a frown, she has taken beatings by Layla's brother protecting her mistress but there was nothing she could do to protect her heart.

" c-can I see her before I leave " Cynthia said with fresh tears running down, the older lady shakes her head "no" and motions Cynthia to the gate. She turns to look up at the large window where she would always see Layla watch her leave, this time the curtains were pulled and no one was standing there now.

" I'll give her time to calm down then come back next week" Cynthia said, the woman shakes her head with a apologetic look and then sighs.

" well two letters was sent out already, one to your father stating that your presence will no longer be needed here and the other is to that school she's packing as we speak to leave by teleportation any minute now. We won't see young miss for a couple of years until her mother decides who to pass the crown to..I'm sorry miss " the woman said as she turns to walk back inside the castle when Cynthia runs past her to head to Layla's room upstairs.

The older woman sighs then walks after the young girl who has tears running down her face as she runs as fast as she can, she bursts into the room as the portal was starting to close.

" Layla !!!" Cynthia screams as Layla turns with a look of hate in her eyes, Cynthia flinched when she seen how she no longer looked at her with love but now hate like she looks at her brother with.

The portal slowly started closing as Cynthia walks toward it reaching her hand out, Layla turns her back to the girl as the portal closed for good. Layla's mother who is Dylan's step mother watched the whole ordeal and knew about everything that has happened, in a way she was happy Layla caught them but also understands why Cynthia did what she did. She only found out recently what the bastard has been doing and wanted Layla to join the school for a while so she could go through with her plan of killing him later on after framing him with intent to harm the kingdom and crown which was t far from the truth of what he's doing but hard to get evidence that would convince the corrupted council of her kingdom.

Cynthia cried in a fetal position for over a half hour while the queen shakes her head then walks over to her, she bends down moving the hair from Cynthias eyes.

" I know you thought what you were doing was for her sake, but how wrong you were dear she'll never feel the same about you again and maybe this is for the best anyway... she'll now be stronger with her heart broken, you have crossed a line that she will never forgive and yes I do know why you done it but there was other ways than hurting her. The pain you caused is worse than any pain he could cause her, I've also taken liberties to take care of this when I found out last week " the queen said with a stern smile as she stands up, Cynthia was wide eyed with shock at what she said about her hurting Layla worse than Dyl as realization set in.

" she hates me doesn't she and she'll never forgive me again " Cynthia cries out as the queen smiles down at her then motions the old servant to take Cynthia down to the carriage and before she leaves the queen turns back to her.

" do not contact her, May will let her know the reasons why you done it and I promise you this, she needs to move on from this pain so please let her be " The queen said walking out of the room leaving Cynthia and May alone in the room, May sighs then looks back at the door, she motions the older servant away so she can handle Cynthia.

" write a letter to her and I'll deliver it for you, only one will do I can't deliver another...explain your reasons why and maybe when she is older she'll understand, I'll give you twenty minutes to collect the things you have here and write the letter " May said leaving the room, Cynthia wipes her tears away as she sits down at Layla's desk looking over several portraits she drew of Cynthia since they were ten years old.

Cynthia writes a four page letter telling her how Layla's brother used hurting her to have his way and how stupid she is for doing what she did. Cynthia also writes how much she loves Layla and she would do anything to protect her even using her body if she had to. She writes down some memories from their time spent together as well.

May walks back in as Cynthia held on to a stuff animal she made herself with a ring sewn inside of it along with a box that was also carved of the same light pink diamond with runic symbols and their names with the date of a proposal on it, she was going to propose to her on their anniversary and Layla beat her to it hence the box that is carved from the same diamond her ring is made from. May walks over to the desk with a small wooden box taking down all of Layla's art work, Cynthia walks over looking at how bare the room is without them.

" young miss I was instructed to throw these into the furnace and I'd rather not, would you like to take them home to have something to remember her by " May said as Cynthia nodded her head yes, she takes the box and layed the stuff animal down.

" dear I have to get rid of it all " May said as Cynthia helps May pack all of the things up and stores all the boxes inside her storage, she looks back into the bare room then wipes her tears once again as she walks out going to her carriage to go home.

Layla enters a school of magic and starts studying right away, she even put on a necklace her mother sent that suppressed her feelings and memories of the love and now hatred she felt for Cynthia. Layla will have no memory of her time with Cynthia only some of their child hood memories will be all she can remember.

A year later and she became one of the top students of the academy also one of the strongest mages there, she even started to date a girl from her class and they both traveled to her kingdom for her upcoming 18th birthday. Layla was walking hand in hand with her girlfriend of six months around the city, they visited all of the shops that they needed to go to and also her girlfriend was an artist as well.

" Layla is there a good Art store here " Viv asked while holding onto Layla's arm with a happy smile on her face, Layla glanced around then seen a sign hanging above a shop across the street. The necklace has worked marvelously as she has forgot about the romance and love she once felt for Cynthia, she only remembers playing with the girl being close friends while growing up.

Layla was smiling happily with Viv as they entered the art store, they go over to the paper and canvases and Viv smiles when she sees the new 3d canvas that the art moves for a couple of minutes like a video.

" I'm getting these and some of the new pens they have " Viv said looking around for the owner when a woman comes over to them, which happens to be Cynthias mother. Layla was still looking through some colored pencils and had her back turned, the woman kept looking over at Layla's back but then left to get Viv her order together.

" Honey do you see anything you like " Viv said hugging Layla from behind and resting her chin on her shoulder, she hums while glancing over to some regular paper and charcoal pencils.

" I'll probably get the same as you but only a couple, I also need to restock my other supplies while we're here" Layla said turning around kissing Viv who smiled after their kiss.

They walk into a aisle away from the front door, Cynthia just came in to help her mother close the store early and she has kept to herself since Layla left. She hasn't even smiled a true smile since she left, her mother walks over to the counter and hands her a list of things to get together.

Cynthia walks over grabbing items from the list, she waits for her mother to come back with a box set of charcoal pencils that she remembers that Layla liked to use this same set with her work.

When she goes over to stock a shelf she heard two girls whispering sweet things to each other and also them kissing. A sad smile was on her face hearing them and she thought about Layla how she use to say sappy things to Cynthia, she shakes her head trying not to cry.

She picks up a few boxes of quills to stock in the other aisle and walks around the corner seeing one of the girls pinning the other against the shelf while kissing each other.

The girl looks over at Cynthia then whispers to her girlfriend, they separate from their kiss and when Layla turns around Cynthia drops the two jars of quills that clatter on the floor. Layla bends down picking them up while Cynthia stares at her with her hand over her mouth in shock, Viv scoffs at her then helps Layla pick them up.

" I've got it babe take a few of these up to the owner with the other things we picked out and I'll help this girl out " Layla said handing gold to her girlfriend that takes the items to the front.

Layla stands up putting the quills on the shelf and smiles at Cynthia, she then went to walk away when Cynthia pulls her into a hug. Layla's body stiffens as she gently pulls away from the girl hugging her, Cynthia started to cry.

" Layla you really came back " Cynthia cried out pulling her into another hug, Viv walks back around then pulls her off of Layla and Viv glares at her.

" I'm sorry but who are you " Viv said with venom dripping from her voice glaring at the blonde who is still looking at her girlfriend with a smile on her face.

" I'm sorry but...oh I remember you now we were friends right " Layla said with a smile while holding Viv's hand, Cynthia frowned then looks away from their hands back up to Layla's eyes. Cynthias mom was watching when she narrowed her eyes on the necklace that was on Layla's neck and she quickly walks over to help her daughter.

" yeah I'm only in for a few days, um well I've gotta go and I'll be having a party at noon in two days at the castle. Just bring this with you and it was good seeing you um " Layla said when Cynthias mom interrupts their discussion, she smiles softly while holding her daughters hand softly.

" it's Cynthia dear, it's good that your back in we'll see if she can make it " her mom said making Cynthia look at her with a confused look.

" here I put all of your things in this storage ring and here is your change " she said while Viv takes it and pulls Layla by the hand toward the door, Cynthia grabs Layla's hand by reflex causing her to stop.

" can we talk tomorrow" Cynthia said while Viv glares at her, Layla nods her head then smiles softly at Cynthia.

" sure ..um I'll stop by tomorrow evening or we could go out to eat and catch up with each other" Layla said feeling a ache in her heart which she furrowed her brows together with the sudden pain, Cynthia nods her head then let's go of her.

Cynthia watches the two leave hand in hand and then Viv kisses Layla passionately in front of the glass door as the carriage pulls up, Layla glances back at Cynthia seeing her bawling her eyes out while her mother was hugging her.

Layla was about to turn around when Viv grabs her hand, then smiles softly at her and holds her hand.

" honey let's go that has nothing to do with us, maybe she's going through something personal" Viv said, Layla nods her head then boards the carriage with Viv.

Cynthia hugs her mother tightly and cries her heart out while her whole body is shaking, her mother rubs her back gently while kissing the top of her head.

" does she not remember me, is she trying to punish me like I never existed to her,....I messed up with her and I will get her back " Cynthia said pulling away from her mother, she stands up straight gripping her fist tight.

" Cynthia I think she really only remembers her childhood with you, when you all were eleven and knew you both felt something more. Her mother must have done something to make her forget her memories and feelings Baby....you need to let her go " she said stroking Cynthias hair.

Cynthias eyes dilated then she stopped crying, she wiped her face then turns to go back through the store upstairs where they had their home. Cynthia pulls out some red fabric and starts making a dress to wear to Cynthias party.

Layla was inside her room with Viv, she was at her desk drawing a portrait of a girl she just seen yesterday, when she drew the girls eyes a tear ran down her cheek and she quickly wipes it away with a confused look on her face. She heard Viv yawn and she closes her sketch book then lays down beside her, she kisses Viv on her lips and smiles softly at her.

A letter was sent to Cynthia at the store apologizing for not being able to come to meet up with her and she sent a invitation to the party, two days pass now they are waking to get ready for the party.

" wake up we need to get ready for today, I have guests coming and family members" Layla said getting up and pulls the blankets down from the girl who whines.

Carriages started to arrive one by one with people wearing fancy outfits, her friends from the academy are showing up as well to stay here in the castle. The party was going on in the main part of the garden, Layla snuck away and is now sitting under a big willow tree she used to frequent when she was a child.

" why do I feel this emptiness and heart ache since yesterday" Layla said to herself as her hand traces the tree where she drags her fingers over her name and a name Cynthia.

(' the girl from yesterday ') Layla thought as she felt a sting in her heart, she heard a man's voice that brought her out of the stupor.

" what do you want Dylan " Layla said getting up from the root she was sitting on, she walks past her brother who grabs her arm.

" come on sister I just wish to talk " Dylan said as his wife comes closer to them, she waves at Layla since they were friends when they were younger.

" Layla it's so good to have you back, you must tell me stories about it and also I'd like to spend time with you" Syl said hooking her arm with Layla's dragging her away, Dylans face grows dark as they move away from him.

" Syl I'm sorry that you were made to marry that ass, I'm sure we can have it reversed if you wish...I didn't know that they would make you marry that fool" Layla said while walking arm and arm through the rose garden to sit at a bench.

(' I married him to make sure our plan comes to fruition and I won't let him hurt you') Syl thought to herself as she watches Dylan stare at them while drinking, she smiles at Layla.

" well soon all your guest are arriving, have you met up with any of our old friends " Syl said while handing a small wrapped gift over to Layla.

" happy late birthday love " Syl said with a wide smile, while Layla opens the gift and smiles while she pulls out a pen that is made of a flower gem.

" I love it...how did you ever find one " Layla said pulling Syl into a hug, they get up heading back to where the guest was.

Layla was standing there with a group of friends from the academy and here when she seen a beautiful woman enter wearing a revealing tight dress with her hair curled in a design being held up by a jeweled hair pin.

" what is she doing here " Margo said with disdain in her voice, Layla smiled softly at the girl when their eyes met and Syl watches them both from the side.

" of course I invited her here " Layla said, Margo looked at Layla with a concerned look and was about to say something when Syl grabs her wrist shaking her head no.

" well go welcome your guest we'll go hit the snack bar with Viv so we can hear some embarrassing stories about your school life " Syl said dragging Viv and Margo with her, Layla walks over to where she watched Cynthia moving through the crowd while watching Layla.

Layla was looking at her one minute then loses her the next, she looks around while she was standing near some tall bushes.

" she was just there, did she walk into the bushes" Layla said to herself as she walks over to where she last seen Cynthia and finds a path. Layla looks around then quickly disappears down the path that winds behind another willow tree to where a small building was, she walks over to the open door and sees Cynthia standing there looking at some drawings that was on the wall. Layla walks inside standing next to Cynthia, she looks over at a portrait of Cynthia when she looked to be fourteen and she can tell that she was the one who drew this but she can't remember doing it.

Cynthia sees the confusion on Layla's face as she traces the portrait with her fingers, Cynthia stares at Layla with a sad look in her eyes.

" who drew this portrait of you and how old were you in it" Layla asked when she feels Cynthia intertwining their fingers holding her hand.

" you did when we were fourteen, I always loved when you would draw me every day " Cynthia said, Layla frowned and she felt that stinging pain in her chest again, she takes her hand away gently then clears her throat.

" if someone was abusing the girl you loved physically, sexually and mentally, then came to you where you could take all of these punishments yourself would you do that to protect the one you love" Cynthia said while she gave Layla a hopeful look, the other girl seems to be thinking about it.

" I guess I would do anything I could as long as I don't hurt the one I love " Layla said which she turns to leave to only be pulled back into a passionate kiss that she reciprocates back. Layla has Cynthia pinned against the wall while they kiss. Layla pulls back when they need to catch her breath, her hand was holding Cynthias leg up by her thigh. Layla steps back from Cynthia and shakes her head and then walks outside with Cynthia behind her with a pleading look trying to keep Layla from leaving.

" I'm in a relationship with someone special I - I can't do this and we have nothing together, we were friends a long time ago " Layla said when they heard a few women's voices coming their way when Viv, Syl and Margo come into view. Layla pulls her hand away from Cynthia then walks over hugging Viv who kisses her then smiles lovingly at her.

" why don't you three go on back while I speak to Cynthia for a minute so we can catch up" Syl said side hugging Cynthia, when the three nod their heads and walk away.

" she won't remember you and when she does she'll also remember the hurt from then so it's a lose lose for you, her mother has put this plan into motion to rid this kingdom of the corrupted men who have their claws deep inside of this place. They are planning on killing Layla to make sure Dylan is the heir, they have warped that boys mind and I must undo my fathers plans to save my friend." Syl said walking around Cynthia, the other girl was listening intently to what their friend was saying and she nods her head.

" can I stay and help...if it's you then no one will kick me out, I'll help keep Layla safe and I'll follow anything you say as long as I can be by her side " Cynthia said grabbing her hand tightly, Syl smiles softly at Cynthia then pulls her into a hug, she then softly kisses Cynthias neck making the girl go stiff.

" fine I'll help you but don't mess with their relationship, the queen likes Viv and wants her to be her daughter in law, I guess you can remain by her side but is that enough for you " Syl said as her hands slide down Cynthias back to her butt and she gently squeezes, she pulls away and drags Cynthia behind her and they go back to the party.

" Viv how do you like the city of light " Margo asks her while they get refills of wine, Layla was on her fourth glass and Viv was on her sixth.

" I love it...my honey has a lovely home and friends, I don't think I really have met her family" Viv said then kisses Layla, Margo gave a worried look at them both when she seen Dylan staring at them.

" Viv you must stay away from her brother Dylan he only wants to hurt Layla and has done unspeakable things to her" Margo whispers in Viv's ear, she quickly looks to where Margo was looking seeing a well built man who looked alot like Layla staring at her.

A blush crept on her cheeks as she diverts her eyes away from him, Syl and Cynthia was at the side watching her catching the way she looked at him and how she blushed.

" well, well, well I guess Viv isn't the one for Layla, go ahead and win Layla's heart from her then. We'll have to watch her carefully as well as my dear husband " Syl said leaving Cynthia there to walk over to Dylan who she kisses his lips to let Viv see, Cynthia walks over beside Margo who glares at her.

Viv was watching Syl and Dylan talking to a few older men who are sneering while looking over at Layla, Viv gets up then walks by Layla's side.

" You have some nerve coming here after what you done, even this new girl looked at that piece of shit with googly eyes... I guess only time will tell with this one, if you love her Cynthia please leave her be and to think all three of us have feelings for her, yet Syl and I gave up since we knew she loved you and you were dumb enough to fall for Dylan's lies to only hurt her more" Margo said with tears in her eyes, Cynthia pulls her into a hug and then stares at Layla's back watching Viv's hand resting on her lower back.

" well I'm staying here with Syls blessing are you staying as well, we need to watch Viv since she seemed to be attracted to that monstrosity " Cynthia said while Margo shakes her head then holds Cynthias hand, she finishes off her glass of wine. What they didn't know was that Viv would blush at a bull frog because of her shyness whine drinking wine, she wouldnt hurt her by doing that.

" Cynthia she's had alot to drink we need to not judge her by a blush but by her actions, I really think she loves Layla " Margo said looking at Layla having a good time, she noticed Dylan staring at Layla with lustful eyes and pulls Cynthia over to where Layla and Viv are standing.

" Layla were all gonna be staying here with you all including Syl, we can have a sleepover and catch up with each other " Margo said hugging Layla while Viv glares at her.

" sure I'll have May Prepare the room for us " Layla said with a smile, Viv pulls Layla with her into the back door of the castle while Cynthia sneaks behind them to keep an eye on them.

Viv pins Layla to the wall kissing her passionately on her lips then kisses her way down on Layla's neck, they both giggle as Viv slides down to her knees pulling Layla's panties off under her dress while she puts her leg on her shoulder and then takes her tongue up through Layla's folds attacking her bundle of nerves with her tongue.

Layla leans her head back while her hand is in Viv's hair, she bucks her hips then opens her eyes seeing Cynthia watching them. She was about to stop Viv but when she made eye contact with Cynthia she got turned on even more, she started panting and a moan left her lips when she feels two fingers slide inside of her hooking and hitting her spot.

" AHHH HAAH OHHH FUCK HAAH " Layla moans out as Viv speeds up her hand and mouth, getting excited at how excited her girlfriend is right now. Viv feels Layla's walls tightening around her fingers as her body starts to shake and her eyes don't leave Cynthias.

" OHH I'm there baby Ahhh haah AHHHN" Layla moans out while pushing Viv's face deeper into her, while still staring at Cynthia. Layla finally got her senses back and pulls Viv up for a kiss, then voices was coming from the outside door when May and some other servants came in.

" oh May I was looking for you, could you prepare the big room at the top floor for my friends to sleep over and have some snacks and wine...ooh something stronger would be good as well " Layla said when she notices Cynthia not standing there anymore, she looked around but couldn't see her in the other doorway anymore.