The Grand General

Galen sat there, on a wooden chair that belonged to this house, too lax and casual for wear. He looked as if he owned the entire place. As if he'd been here for quite a long while.

My friend had his legs crossed, his graceful physical features seemingly out of place in the simple layout of the living room.

"What took you so long, Rosie?" He asked like he didn't already know what was going on, like everything was normal and I was not some runaway princess who had just got busted.

His golden eyes that complemented his deep brown hair were warm and fond, his tan skin glistening underneath the rich streaks of sunlight coming in from the high windows. Galen wore his military uniform, a crystal medallion hanging on the left side of his chest to indicate that he was the Grand General, the person with the highest position in my father's military force.

I took a step back, my throat dry. "H-how did you find this place?"

His mouth curled upward in a sweet smile. I didn't like that kind of smile of his, for it may look beautiful on his elegant face, it was venomous. It basically meant that he knew he had the upper hand. That he had won. And that he didn't doubt for a second that he would be bringing me home.

"Does that even matter, Rosie? You know I can always find you." He had his arms folded, his eyes of honey dew having the same usual sparkling quality to them, indicating his sharpness, his brightness, and everything impressive in this world. Yes, that was Galen. He was all the excellence that existed imbued into one single person.

He was a prodigy, the smartest kid in the academy, the best fighter of our generation and many more. I was very thankful and proud that I was dear to him, and that he was dear to me, along with Lira. But sometimes—such as moments like this—I hated how he was so good at everything he does.

I knew him too well. He would insist on doing the right thing. He would insist on going for what he thought was best for me, and that was being in the palace, where I was guarded and protected. And he was the Grand General, even though he loves me, I was aware that he would put the kingdom's best interests in mind before me. Though if he had a way to do both things, he would do so.

I shook my head. "Galen, listen to me—"

"And you, Lirajane. What in the goddess' name were you thinking?" His knifelike gaze switched to Lira, and she flinched. The both of us flinched. Galen had used her full name, and that usually meant that he was really, really mad at us. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't scared right now.

Lira couldn't answer to him. In a way, we knew he had a point. To him, this might seem childish, and perhaps it truly was. But I was not without hope that he would understand.

My voice sounded small when I spoke, but I remained standing my ground. "Galen, Lira has nothing to do with this. I merely dragged her here against her will. If there's anyone you should pour your disappointment on, that should be me."

Galen sighed, standing up as he said, "Oh Rosie, I am not disappointed. I understand why you had to do it."

My brows rose up. "You do?"

He began to walk toward to my direction, stopping a few inches from me. He picked up my hand, looked straight into my eyes. "Of course, when had I not? Now, it's about time I return you to your parents."

I scrunched my brows, yanking my hand off of his hold. What he said had doused the little kindling of hope that he would truly understand. He was as hard headed as ever, refusing to listen. For Galen, emotions had become a liability, getting in the way of his duties. He had not been like this when we were kids, but certain things had pushed him to become the man that he was now. To be the accomplished youngest Grand General that he was now.

"No, I will not be coming with you." My jaw was clenched. And he must have seen the fire in my eyes for his own eyes shifted, as if he had not expected that I would be responding like this. "I will stay here, and if you tell my parents that I am here, then I will accept it as you betraying our friendship."

He had not seen me like this for a long time. I had not longed for something so bad for a long time. Nevertheless, I was praying to the goddess that Galen would at least see my point and leave me be.

"Fighting back is useless, Rosie," Galen said, the shine of his golden eyes fading. "Doing so will only push me to use force on you."

Behind me, I heard Lira take in a harsh breath. "Galen, you wouldn't do that to her."

Galen's expression was unreadable. "I would, Lira, if I have to."

"I'm not going back there just to be sold off like cattle," I told him, my tone sharp.

"You are not going to be sold off, Rosie," he replied, "you will be married to the Crown Prince. That is your duty as the eldest princess of Orion."

"Galen," I snarled, "you know better that it is not as simple as how you make it out to be."

"But it is. It would not be too difficult if you would not make it so complicated." He ignored my tone, speaking as if we were merely having a normal conversation. He would be like this whenever we argued, composed and calm, thinking he'd have the advantage if he would take this kind of approach. It was effective, but still.

I did not expect for Lira to cut in, saying, "Watch what you're saying, Galen. You're sounding too egotistic and selfish."

I knew that Lira was afraid to go against him, but she still backed me up. I appreciated her for that.

Galen shot her a cold glare. "You watch what you're saying, Lirajane. When will you stop coddling her and let Her Royal Highness act her age and grow up?"

It was as if needles were being repeatedly stabbed into my chest at what he said. I didn't have any words to say to him.

There was a deep sigh. "All right, I don't know what this is all about, but I think you've crossed the line there."

My eyes widened when I heard Ras talk. I cursed inside. We had totally forgotten that he was there.