Reunion 11

It was fucking insane, I thought this person was my enemy. How did he manage to save me from getting branded? But the question is that, did he really save me? He must have some hidden agenda. There was no way he wants to save me. He had already said that I was his enemy and he will make sure I don't mess around. Maybe he wants to seduce me. Whatever his game, I wasn't going to fall for him today or any time in the future. He would always be my enemy, just like his father.

I was taken away again and joined the others. They looked OK everyone sporting bandages now they are branded. The minute I entered there was a pause, then the chattering continued. I sighed my relief. The news might not have reached here. Mina came towards me with a knowing smile. I wanted to avoid alienating myself from them. The prince doesn't care for me. I don't know why he was giving the impression that he did. He was a thorn in my side. I didn't know how to get away from him. But since I'm going to sleep tonight with him, I wonder if it was possible.

"We all heard about how the prince saved you today", Mina said, her voice full of teasing. There goes my last hope of becoming uninteresting. I gave her a forced smile. "Anyone in your position would be gloating", she added happily. "I didn't know any cause for gloating ", I said unhappily. She laughed. She was a human sunshine, nothing could faze her.

There was a commotion and someone entered the room. I saw a woman whose back was turned against me. Her posture was slightly hunched." That's King Igor's consort. She usually keeps to herself. King has her with him all the time, but also visit some other girls too. But he hasn't changed her so far. You were the only exception ", she said. "What I don't understand? ", I said. "The king was about to offer you,, but the prince cut him off", she said. I think I owe the prince, he saved me from sleeping with Igor. I didn't even want to think about that possibility. I was fucking insane to consider this idea in the first place. Who would willingly become a slave in order to save someone from slavery. But I have made my bed, and now it's my turn to lie on it.

The woman suddenly turned, and it made me shocked to the core. It was my aunt Lima. I noticed a bandage in her hand, which she was nursing. I was enraged. Who did that to her? I would promise whoever who did that will pay with their life.

"Are you ok ?", Mina asked me. I nodded my head and muttered an excuse to catch up with my aunt, who was walking on. "Aunt Lima ", I called her in a low voice. She stiffened and turned towards me. I saw recognition flicker in her blue eyes. But glanced warily at the guards,, but they were busy shouting orders at the girls. There were hundreds of us at least. The guards were severely understaffed, maybe they thought managing girls weren't that tough.

She shifted her feet uncomfortably and said, "You must be mistaken ". I controlled my rage, being ignored by my family was more than what I could bear. "Am I? So, you are not Lima", I told her with a cold smile. "I'm, but I don't know you", she said, her eyes downcast. "Alright. I'm sorry. Let me introduce myself I'm Mara, daughter of Sairee and Assam", I said. She sighed and with a shrug, she went away. I stared after her, feeling surprised. How's that possible?

I thought once she saw me she will hug me. She was kind of my replacement of mom. But alas, life moves strangely every so often. Why does she not recognize me? Maybe she doesn't love me anymore, an ugly voice told me from inside.

"She your aunt? I see the resemblance now. Don't blame her. When we live here long enough, we sometimes forget who we are?", said a kind voice beside me. It was Mina. I gave her an awkward smile. "I wasn't following you or anything. I just wanted to give this to you ", she put her hands out, it was a small brooch.

"I wanted to give this to you because my mom gave it to me. She said it will cast away your unhappiness", she said awkwardly. "So you don't need this?", I asked her. "Now because I have you now as my friend. Only if you want me to be my friend. No pressure ", she said. "I would love to be your friend ", I said smiling, my eyes were moist. I swear I wasn't a crying person at all, but life is changing me. This castle is nothing but dark and unhappiness, the only way to survive is to have friends. I guess I learned that.

I was keeping watch on my aunt all the time,, but she didn't even look at me at least once. I was suspicious now. There is something, even though I couldn't put my finger on it. My Aunt did remember me, it was obvious the way her eyes recognized me. But she wasn't going to acknowledge me. I have to do something to make her admit it. She fears something, or rather someone. For now, I will blend in. The conversation flowed easily, we were a family. All of us girls. I chatted with Mina mostly and one other girl. The girls were all very kind and nice.

All of a sudden, two guards came and my aunt who was chilling with us was taken away. I tried to stand up. But was immediately pulled down by Mina, she was scared that I was going to pick a fight with guards.

"Poor girl. Even though she is king's woman, I pity her. I hate the Lycan king", said the girl beside me quietly. It was as if someone shot through me. My aunt is sleeping with the same person who killed her cousin. It wasn't possible. How could she? Maybe she wasn't given a choice. You can save someone if they wish to be saved. I remember my mom telling me. How could I save my aunt when she is living with the king? Even if she wanted to be saved I will just end up dead if I tried.