Chapter 9

Eloise

I rushed to the chamber amazed what I have seen. I blinked my eyes several time just to be sure it was real. That I was not dreaming.

On my way I pinched my neck. I was not dreaming I told myself. It was real. He had the mark of Ambra on his chest. He was the reborn child of Ambra. He is destined to die a tragic death.

I poured myself a glass of water and sipped it. Coldness hit the back of my throat. The thoughts of me being backing from the revenge vanished away he was still the target. He will be the one to lead me to the rose. The thing that would bring my mother back.

I sunk deep in to the soft chair, how had been these two days of the realization that it was not him to be punished. Killing him was never the answer and that I made this decisions on my beliefs and not on the friendly feelings I felt towards him.

The fact that I had put away the idea of revenge and started to concentrate or gaining the rose. If he knew who he was he won't think the same for the world.

Instantly the pieces of puzzles were put to their places. King Arthur knew it. That why he always guarded Keres like a glass doll. Little did he know when his time comes no one would be able to stop it.

***

I walked in the dining pavilion to meet my gaze with Blaze. He looked curious and I was sure he could tell something was wrong with me and hid it instantly with a smile and a mask that I pulled upon to become the Eloise. The swords girl known for her bravery and swords ship. But alas the talent had gone hesitant beneath the hold of a princess. The one who beard more than one could in thousand years.

"What's for the dinner?" I opened the lid of one of the platters for a rich sent to hit me. The chicken looked delicious and I would have eaten it if I hadn't lost the appetite the following evening.

"Prince Keres." I sat back in the chair. And he looked up from his food indicating me to go on. Blaze seemed to go back to his normal behavior.it looked like they had a nice talk before the dinner.

"The king is worried about the decreasing army and watch rate on the boundaries."

"I know, but I can't do anything about it." He chewed down his food and my gaze landed on Blaze who stared at me like I was up to something.

"You can obviously, you are their future ruler and everyone knows about the wish their king has opposed about going on vacations when his wife is expecting."

"I never accepted the offer, Eloise. Make it clear to your king as well." Keres mood turned to anger.

"And as a friend I need to tell you."

"Then don't. Eloise." I flinched, the sound was commanding and angry and high like my fathers. Without knowing it had shook me. Why? Why did I ever let my weakness show?

I gushed out of the private pavilion assembled for the prince and his mates and rushed up in the chamber that I was appointed to stay in for the night.

Still a dull hint of orange and purple seeped in through the window. The sun was still above the horizon.

Why did his words hurt me? Who was this man to me? I inquired myself on this.

Rage and regret poured through me, no one had provoked the emotions that laid deep down in my heart. The feelings that I pledged to keep them locked till my death.

I sat down beside the foot of the bed, legs folded as I dipped my head between my folded bodies. Tears burned my cheeks as they rolled down. Realization took over me.

That man had started to make me feel alive, the fact that he befriended me without wanting anything in return. The truth that was hidden from him made him do that. My mind argued back on this. But there was more to the present that the secrets did not matter at the moment.

He had not push me back when I hugged him out of care and a relation that we built in a short period of time. The way his eyes sparkled to my crazy ideas. The fact that he had never escaped the castle after the curfew except with his friend that he had known from the moment he came to senses. Keres was willing to trust me and go out with me knowing the consequences.

The first person to move me after the release form the torture cell.

Door opened and the light flooded in before it was closed again. Strong arms wrapped around me and without looking I could tell he was not Keres. But at the moment I adored the deed. He did not speak, no doubt Blaze was a gentle man. He cradled me in his embrace, silence.

He did not speak or ask questions. And I was thankful for that. It was not his place to comfort me. When he knew who I really was including the motive I was there. Blaze showed affection but maybe he fell pity. I did not need that.

"Keres is engaged." That statement stunned me. He understood everything a normal person would not observe. But I never needed the prince, it was the care and affection I wanted. I told myself.

The only thing that little Asena wanted. The love I never got as the princess. It was the warmth that got missing from me at an early age. But I never needed a boy for that, my mother will be with me after a while. I had to bring her back to life.

"Asena." There was worry in his voice.

I was happy he did not call me Eloise, for once I had to be reminded who I really was? What was I here for? And what I have been through.

"You are mistaken." I told him.

"Am I?" he asked obviously knowing the answer.

"Hmm." My gaze fell on the scene outside the window, it was almost full moon I had to rush. I stood up from his hold as I reached my hand to strapped thigh.

"God. Don't follow me." I added on my way down the stairs.