Substitute for the Princess

Love is a healthy emotion that allows the two people involved in the relationship to grow in life and appreciate each other's differences. In contrast, obsession is an unhealthy sentiment where the obsessive partner does not allow the other person to grow and pursue his or her interests.

I guess it's hard to explain that definition. What should I do? Explain at length until I'm foaming at the mouth, or answer something else? But what?

He chuckled, probably laughing at my silly thinking face.

"Something is easier to understand when it's done," he told.

I bit my lower lip. For some reason, I felt his words carried danger. I looked down again.

"Seer, can you tell what I'm going to say next?"

I shook my head.

Bandung Bondowoso chuckled again. "You said destiny can change, right?" he asked.

A hand came close to my face. It moved down my chin, then his index finger pushed my chin, making my face look up.

Do you know how people propose? On one knee while offering a ring. He was now doing the same. However, there was a difference, and that was grinning. I've never seen anyone smile like this. My body got goosebumps.

"Before you were here, did you guess your destiny?"

I didn't even think I would be thrown here. After all, I'm not a seer.

"There doesn't seem to be a prophecy for you."

Bandung Bondowoso let go of my chin, then stood up straight. I almost choked on my saliva. I wished for all the world that something would bump into me and then return me to my world.

"The bride-to-be has already left, the ceremony preparations are almost complete, and it would be a waste if there is no wedding."

"Your Majesty, I will find the princess soon," Sagara said.

"No."

His feet swung back toward the throne. The King paused at the first level of the stairs, staring up at the ceiling of the main hall. The old fortune teller and the shouter were silent as they looked at him in confusion. Even Sagara.

Bandung Bondowoso turned around, facing me. A small smile was on his face.

"Why go all the way to find a girl who has already left?"

There was a moment of silence and everyone in the hall shut up. A cold wind blew through the window and made the fabric decorations move.

I held my breath as his gaze fell on me. Why was he looking at me like that? I'll stay safe, right? Nothing will happen to me, right?

"Just take the girl nearby."

The old fortune-teller walked up to the King. He made a small bow until her long, white hair bowed down. He made a suggestion, "Your Majesty, there is a small kingdom nearby. They will gladly accept a union with this kingdom."

"I said a nearby girl," he repeated.

The old fortune teller looked back. His wrinkled eyelids narrowed as he looked at me. Then, he turned around.

"Your Majesty, I see the princess is still in the village."

"Is your hearing deteriorating as you grow older? Are you going blind?"

Hearing those cruel words, I was stunned. How could he say that so easily? Poor old man.

"Your Majesty, she's just an ordinary girl. There's nothing she can do."

He clucked loudly.

"You're just good at blabbing," he said, then turned to the shouter, "Tell the butler to take care of the girl."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The yeller saluted. Then, his big steps headed toward me. I slowly backed away, but it was futile. Now he was standing in front of me, towering like a cliff. I felt the oxygen around me dwindling. Should I faint?

Yes, fainted.

I closed my eyes and acted like I was losing my strength. Before long, I fell backward in a side-lying position.

***

The plan of fainting to avoid new troubles just pushed me further into it. I didn't know fainting for so long could make someone fall asleep naturally. Honestly, I regret it.

I sat on a chair, while these servants were busy going back and forth in this room carrying clothes and jewelry. There were also those who brought food that was still warm. The aroma made me feel like I was flying into space.

I glanced at the head of an elderly maid. She was busy giving orders to her workers. It seemed she felt me staring at her because she turned her head next.

"Miss, is there anything you need?" she asked.

"I'd like to eat."

She paused for a moment, then told me, "You can eat after taking a bath."

"Why should I take a bath?"

"Miss, I'm here to prepare the bride. As per the king's orders, please cooperate."

I looked away from her. Her words made me remember my struggle to escape. I should have just run instead of fainting. The moment after I pretended to faint, I was brought to this unfamiliar room, to be prepared to be the princess's replacement.

In the novel, the male lead who is obsessive about the female lead won't let her go easily. In this case, that doesn't apply. Was he trying to use my closeness to the princess, then one day the princess would come to my rescue?

I don't think so.

"I want to sleep, I'm so tired," I pleaded.

The two servants who approached me looked at each other. Then, they looked at the butler.

She approached me, then said, "Miss, you can eat and sleep after bathing."

"Why should I take a bath?"

"Because you're dirty."

I looked at my feet. I realized that the soles of my feet were cut and dirty with dirt. Now I could feel the greasy skin of my hair as well as the unpleasant odor of myself. I smelled like trash.

"I'll take a bath myself."

The butler shook her head.

I shook my head with a frown. I, Citra was already 17 years old and I was capable of bathing myself. "I can bathe myself," I said.

"Miss, please cooperate with us."

"No, I will bathe myself!"