Short lived

The day was longer and eventful for the whole family who had thought that the messenger was like a messenger of god for them who had brought the news of better life for them. Not even in their dreams had they thought that their happiness was short lived! Now the man was gone so as their chance to be the family of the future empress of the Alienore empire.

While everyone was lamenting in the hall, Hazel was taken away by Elie in her room as she was still sick and needed rest after an exhausting day!

"You should rest, my lady. You spent the whole day in the woods and then had a long discussion about your marriage.`` The girl brought a wet cloth from the bath and wiped Hazel's face. She looked at Hazel with a worried face. Her eyes filled with concern making Hazel feel guilty. Though she acted all the time to gain the sympathy and concern of everyone, she did not want to manipulate the mind of a young innocent girl!

"No! I am fine. It was just an exaggeration to get rid of the discussion.'' Hazel did not know why she told the truth to Elie, but she did not want to worry her. But contrary to her expectations, Elie looked at Hazel with more worry! Her eyes were filled with sympathy and she nodded.

"Yes, yes, elder miss. I understand, you do not need to talk about it! Shall I bring some tea for you? It will help you in relaxing your mind and you will feel better." The girl was trying hard to make Hazel feel better.

"But I am fine." Hazel shook her head. Did she not tell Elie that it was all drama? Why was Elie acting like she was suffering from mental trauma or heartbreak?

"Yes! Yes! My lady, I know that you are fine. But a warm cup of tea will make you feel better and you will get a better sleep. Shall I bring one?" asked the girl trying to cover her with more blankets. Elie was still looking at her with worry. Still not satisfied, Elie moved and adjusted the pillows of hazel so that she would feel more comfortable. But Elie was still looking at hazel as if she was made up of glass.

Hazel felt like crying again. This time the tears would come out of frustration. She did not know how the girl would believe in her.

"What happened my lady? Is it still not comfortable?" asked Elie with a bit of panic in her voice and Hazel took a sigh!

Hazel realized that the more she would explain, the more Elie would think that she was lying! So she let go of the matter and took a deep breath,

"Tea will be better. Thank you!'' Hazel replied with a forced smile on her face. Elie nodded as if she finally got a chance to make her feel better. It was like a mission for her.

"Yes, yes. I will make the best cake for you too." Elie nodded her head and then bowed as she ran out of the room as if she was chasing the gods!

Hazel shook her head. But her cold eyes had already turned soft when she looked at the disappearing figure of Elie.

But when she was left alone, her eyes turned cold.

"Ha! Now I would see how you would punish the man whom you think is the key to your future?" her eyes filled with evil glint when she thought about Jonathan. If not for him, she had to work hard to find an excuse, but the moment she saw him, she knew he would be the escape she was trying to find.

She opened her hands and looked at the conch in her hands. How could this small piece of sea shell be able to call him? She brought it closer to her mouth, ready to blow in it when his narrowed eyes flashed in her mind.

"Do not blow it without any reason. As it would work only once!'' His strict words ran in her mind and she halted.

Though she did not believe it, she did not want to go against his words. She did not know why but she felt like he was still there looking at her.

But no matter how many times she turned towards the window, there was no one!

She shook her head! She did not know why she was being paranoid.

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes when she felt his presence again. His strong smell wafted in her nostril and she frowned. This was the first time she was feeling so close to a man she did not even know.

Shaking her head, she covered her face with the blanket!

Richard was feeling uneasy all the time. He was not sure how she would handle her family. He paced in his room but did not feel peace.

He stood with a deep sigh. He would only feel better when he would see her with his own eyes. With that thought he jumped from the window of the inn they were resting in and went back to the count's palace.

Jumping straight to her window, he hid in the dark. But no matter where he hid himself, her eyes kept following him. His brows knitted into a thin line. He was sure that she could not see him yet her instincts were so strong that she always ended up looking towards her.

Finally, he took a deep sigh when she covered herself with a blanket and moved closer to see if she was fine when she spoke,

"I better get some sleep before I go completely crazy for him. Why was I behaving like a maiden who had seen a sexy man for the first time in her life and now can't get over it!!!" she cussed herself loudly as she slapped her face.

"........"