Empty Void in his Eyes

Holding her breath, his fingers felt cold against her skin. The feeling was as if he submerged his hand in ice. She tried to snatch her hand away but Ramier didn't let go and just peered at her grey eyes.

Feelings of shock and fear overwhelmed her. The effect of his gaze was so intense. She felt like his eyes were sucking her in. She suddenly became flustered, unable to take her away from him either. An animosity was found within like she was looking at his true self for the first time. It was as if he was looking straight through her soul. His gaze was filled with coldness, an empty void in his eyes. When couldn't take it anymore, she glanced downwards to avoid his eyes.

"I-I'm sorry—I just.." she tried to explain but she didn't know what to say.

Her nervous reaction made him come back to his senses. He might've overreacted for him to scare her like that. However, he never liked the idea of anyone touching his face. The feelings he kept buried tried to resurface again and he hated it. If he let those demons control him what could have happened? What could have he done to her? He felt frustration well up within him.

A sigh escaped from his lips, running his fingers through his hair and combing it back to fix it. He glanced elsewhere before finally standing up. His demeanor going back to his usual calm self.

Quietly, Ashley awkwardly distanced herself. Bothered by his reaction and the way he looked at her, she can't help but wonder what angered him for him to have reached that extent. If he didn't calm down he might've killed her. Yes. It was true, she felt his killing intent.

But what did she exactly do?

Did she anger him for waking him up? She wondered and looked at his tall figure whose back was now facing her. She grimaced if she should stand up as well or let him leave first.

Sensing her reluctance, Ramier spoke.

"It's already late.. You have to go back to your room." he said in his calm voice, completely different from the reaction he showed moments ago. However, it was etched in her mind but she buried it deep within. It was not her place to ask him anything.

Ashley stood up immediately and followed him all the way to the entrance of the garden, when he stopped briefly to look at her. Ashley alertly lowered her head cautiously. She didn't know if he was still upset.

He sighed and spoke. "Sorry, I overreacted earlier."

Hearing his apology, she raised her head quickly and gave his her response.

"N-No Your Highness, it was my fault in the first place for disturbing you." she reasoned out.

"No... You didn't do anything wrong. It was me."

Ashley didn't say anything anymore and Ramier turned around. Then they continued to walk back to Ashley's room. Ramier stopped in front of the door and decided to ask her why she was in the garden?

"What brought you to the garden?"

"About that, your Majesty.. I got bored inside my room and decided to visit the garden." she explained and looked at him reluctantly. "Was it alright that I left my room, your Highness?"

"It's alright, I just wondered why you went there."

"Oh.. that's because I saw the garden the other night and wondered how it would look like during the day.."

"Well... The garden is—uhm. A place that can't be casually entered by anyone including me." he said seriously. "If you want. Next time, you can visit the Royal Library. There are a lot of books there to keep you entertained."

It's not that she wasn't allowed in the garden. It's just that he didn't want her there. No one even dared to go to that place. It was a taboo known among everyone in the palace. It's been years since someone visited it and apparently it was only her.

Ashley's lips formed in a thin line when she heard his suggestion. About that.. It completely slipped from her mind to tell him the truth that she didn't know how to read. So his suggestion was pointless. She didn't know if she should tell him about this but she realized that it was useless to keep it as a secret.

"Well.. I might have a small problem..."

"What is it?"

"1-I don't know how to read..." she said embarrassedly. "I mean I know how to.. but your alphabet here is different from mine so..."

"Oh." he exclaimed in surprise.

How can he forget that she was from a different world so she didn't know anything about this world. Knowledge of the Kingdom was important because she will become a part of it. A citizen... Should he call her a vampire or ... It's better to call her the legacy.

'She should study.' he concluded.

Knowing what she had to do, he decided to arrange for this as soon as possible. Though she's only been here for a few days, she needed to learn so she could fully adjust in her life here. Besides, it was his negligence for not thinking of this beforehand.

She observed him as he was deep in his thoughts, wondering what he was thinking about. Not long after, he suddenly looked at her like he had made up his mind.

"It's decided then, I'll look for teachers that would teach you everything you need to learn in Altria." he said. "Besides, it's my duty to ensure that the legacy is knowledgeable about everything here in your stay in Prux."

Agreeing to his decision, she nodded her head. Well, that was pretty fast. She wanted to reject his offer but he seemed like he wouldn't be taking no for an answer. It wasn't because she didn't want to learn it was because she was having a feeling that she'll learn about everything... Like EVERYTHING, including the thing she feared the most of the laws of women in the medieval times. Mostly known as... Misogyny.

Noticing that it was taking so long for Ashley to get inside her room, Ramier decided to leave. He also remembered piled up paperwork on his office desk.

"I'm afraid that I have to leave.. I have matters to attend to." he said and left.

Ashley only looked at his retreated figure hopelessly then opened the door to enter her room.