Chapter 8

The crown was way too heavy like the responsibilities that attached to it. I'm fully aware of having one of this someday but I never imagined having it this early. Yes, I'm a princess and a princess need a prince who will take her to the altar to marry and be a Queen. But, no, I'm not just a simple princess. I want more of my life. I want independence. I want liberty from all the decisions I'll take. "You're ready to go your majesty," Amber said smiling I nodded then sighed, "I hate parties," I murmured before walking out of the room where the queens were actually arranged. King's men were scattered all around. When they saw me walking. They are automatically grateful. Since I didn't know the whole palace. Amber guide me the way to the ballroom. Where is that man? I remember his threat. I mentally laughed trying to sink in my head that he couldn"t retaliate against me. He's the rabbit and I'm the turtle. I let him sleep first before walking. I"m not even bothered when we reach a big door but Amber seems nervous or excited. The two men opened the door and so many people greeted us in their royalty attires. They plastered their smiles and compliments but I just shrugged it off. Some of them were fake but some were genuine. From a distance, I see Valdus sitting front to his throne. It was located in the higher part giving it a supreme look. His eyes darted at me and he instanly smirked. I was still annoyed with his love earlier so I stared at him. "The gown suits you well," His eyes examined my appearance Although I'm a little lost. I didn"t make it obvious to him. I keep my face stoic while looking at me. I slumped down on the throne next to him with his forehead furrowed. "Can you atleast act like a Queen sometimes?" There is a streak of disgust in the voice I glared at him. "Sorry but I am no delicate," I firmly said He frowned at me, "What are you saying?" "I had the beauty of a princess but I have the blood of a warrior. I am no delicate so stop telling me to act like one," asik ko She averted her eyes and was silent. We were both silent as we watched the little ceremony as well as the dancing of the other middle. Everyone was happy and enjoying each other's company. I wonder if they ever regret what they did so they are cursed. "That's why it's you," he murmured making me look at him "What?" He turned to me and was ready to speak to someone ahead of him. We both looked at the woman in front of us now. My head got even hotter when I saw him. "Good evening to you King Valdus," he smiled at Valdus while turning to me. "To you too Queen Ameerah," I can't read her. I don"t know if what he"s saying is true or just sarcastic. But I decided to smile a little. "Same here Queen Alderie," I replied coldly She gave me back my smile but it was forced and cold before turning to Valdus. "I heard what happened between you and my husband. Please. Don't mind my King, Valdus. He's just like that ... sometimes," Alderie glanced at me before turning to Valdus. "If he was seduced," I frowned at her. Why do I not seem to like what this woman is saying? One, she's emphasizing the word 'husband' as if someone else is grabbing Ephraim and she seems to be jealous of Valdus. Two, are she indirectly telling us that I'm seducing Ehpraim? Because the last time I checked. I hate the gut of that man. I can see that he is working on a way to fool me and ruin Valdus through me as well. How dare she imply that? "What are you trying to say here Queen Alderie?" I have a serious question Feel the tension between the two of us immediately. I can feel Valdus hot stares but I ignore it. I'm too occupied in this woman in front of me accusing me indirectly of seducing his husband! I'm expecting to roll her eyes or act like a bitch but she just smiled without reaching her eyes. Fake. It's obvious that she's trying to remain formal. "Nothing Queen Ameerah. I'm just kind of ... suspicious. Because I notice Ephraim always coming. Not to meet Valdus but you," There it was. She's now accusing me. I took a deep breathe before resting my back. I smiled sarcastically at her. "Excuse me Queen Alderie. I'm not trying to seduce your husband. He's the one who approaches me and offers to tell me your history. Like ... What is it again," I act like thinking but I'm just mocking them. "Like ... how you married him when Valdus was still your boyfriend. Hmm. Yes. That's it. Anyway, I don't care about Ephraim just like how I didn't care about Valdus. I even let you talk before , isn't it? For a whole day " The annoyance was obvious in the voice so before I exploded here. I got up and started walking away from them. I really hate it when she's close to us. I noticed that his face turned red. I don"t know if in shame or in anger. I haven't been able to get away from someone holding my arm. I turned around to see who it was. That's how my heart beat when I saw Valdus smiling. His genuine smile somehow melt the anger in my heart. "It's true. You're a warrior and I want to have you," He whispered softly I gulped when I see him coming closer at me. Although I was disgusted with him earlier. I couldn"t push him. Especially when he folded our fingers. He gently pulled me in the middle were some couples were dancing. They gave us a way and smile at us as like they were mesmerized by us. "What a-are you doing?" I stuttered the question I want to slap myself for my ignorance. Of course. He would dance for me so he brought me here but I can't still grasp this idea of ​​us dancing in a slow music when we both know. We're just King and Queen but not in love with each other. "Don't think too much. I can read you Ameerah. Just let it flow," My heart hammered inside my chest when I felt him putting his hands in my waist before swaying us in the music. I gulped and closed my eyes, wondering if this was true. If it's true how I feel. I absentmindedly wrapped my arms around his neck. When I did that, our bodies became even closer. We're more like hugging each other while gently dancing in the music. "I'm not doing the same mistake again Ameerah. I'm not," he whispered My other arm was still in his neck while the other one was slowly going down in his turso where I can feel his hard body and beating heart. Beating heart. "I now fully understand why. Why it's you," she whispered I was so relieved of the hug and was surprised to look into his eyes. He just smiled at me which again reach my heart then he put some of my hair behind my ear. He cupped my face, "Because you make me feel alive and new," His words were so sincere to not believe. Slowly his face came closer to mine and I let him go. I let him not because my body was responding to him. But because my heart was into him and his lips on mine moving in passionate way makes me realize what I truly felt for him. Valdus ... Please save me from this fall.

Ameerah's POV

The whole crowd disappeared and all that matters to me was him. He was the only one lovingly kissing me on the lips. We were still swaying to the music and his hands were now in my waist pulling me closer.

I closed my eyes and smiled slightly when I felt him kissing my jawline, to my cheeks and lastly in my forehead. But that beautiful scene was ruined when someone sneezed in the distance. We both looked at who it was.

The expression on Valdus' face changed quickly when he saw Ephraim just smiling. I noticed that his aura was gone then as if someone was always planning something bad. He was simply smiling at us.

"What are you doing in my palace?" There was a threat in Valdus's voice

He hold my hand and keep me beside him. It was as if he was letting Ephraim know that I was only his. Which makes me smile mentally. Am I obsessed? It's just an assuming thought Ameerah!

"I'm here for peace. I cross the bounderies and I'm sorry for invading you especially your Queen. I'm deeply sorry for my embrassing acts Valdus," Ephraim

Valdus's eyes narrowed for a moment then smiled. The mischievious look in his eyes were back again. He interwined our hands making me look at him.

"Apology accepted. Just stop pestering my Queen. You have yours and I have mine. You know I hate traitors stealing someone who's important to me. I won't think twice of firing back," Valdus threatened

Ephraim smiled like it wasn't bothered. "I won't. But ... we can be friends, right, Queen Ameerah?" Ephraim turned to me

I shrugged my shoulder, "It depends on my mood," I replied with a slight laugh from Valdus

"Badass," He murmured

-

The mixed face of Valdus because of annoyed me. I keep pestering him to send some of his men to the upperworld to get the big box that contains the most important thing to me.

It was a special gift I received from my mother that Papa objected to but he did nothing.

"Damn Ameerah! I need to go somewhere to check my people. Stay here!" He disgusted the command

I glared at him before crossing my arms, "I'm asking you just one thing Valdus and that is take the box under my bed. That's important to me!"

He sighed in annoyance before he turned to me again. "Alright. You can tell one of our soldiers to go there secretly to get ... that thing you were saying," he said in a surrender.

I smiled widely before kissing him in his cheeks which I knew surprised him. Amber smiled when she saw Valdus staring because she didn't seem to expect it. Oh guys, this man will easily fall into my traps if I wanted too.

"Thanks your highness," I sighed gratefully

He shook his head and kissed me on the lips as I turned around. The soldiers who saw what I did stopped the laughter. I even heard him calling my name to look at him but I ignored him until we got to our room.

I sit on the sofa before releasing my laugh. I imagined what he looked like when I turned away. He's surely gaping at me like crazy.

"He'll surely punish you for that later your highness," Amber laughed

I turned to him and smiled, "He'll sure doubled it later because of what I did to him last night," I laughed again as I remembered how disappointed he was because I was luring him to get revenge.

He looked at me in surprise as if he didn't understand what I said. Which is true. I don't have any intention of telling her either.

"Can you call me one messenger?" I order

"Yes your highness," she bows

I watched Amber as she left. The way she acts and speaks. You wouldn't think she was a princess then and worst, Valdus' sister. He is fulfilling his responsibilities well. I wonder why the cursed hadn't break yet?

A soldier came and bowed before me in respect. "You called me your highness?" He nodded in question

"I called you here to get the box placed under my bed in ... upperworld. It was important with me so please. Handle it with care," I commanded in a gentle voice

"Is that all your highness?" He asked then stood up straight

I nodded, "Yes. Thanks in advanced," I thanked

He was obviously surprised so I looked at him curiously. Does he think I'm cruel? He shook his head then smiled before bowing.

"You'll be a great Queen, your highness. I'll take my leave now," he said goodbye

I followed him with my gaze until he came out. When he disappeared. I turned to Amber.

"Do I look bad?" I will ask

He quickly nodded, "Of course not, majesty. It's just ... saying thank you or saying sorry here was rarely used. Like how a person used the three magic words. It's big deal but good to hear especially from the Queen," he explained

At the length of his explanation. I was the only one I understood. Valdus said sorry before. Does it mean something?

If it's a big deal for everyone. Valdus probably took all his strength to said sorry to me and that means, he's willing to forget his ego and pride.

That means something.

That's what my father King Dwight said.

-

Because Valdus isn't here yet and I'm bored in the room. I had the pleasure of wandering around the whole palace which was really oversized. This palace also occupied several hectares due to its sheer size.

I was in the garden where the gaze examined the dried plants. It carries deep meanings to me. Like sadness and grief. I still love plants and animals so it's sad to see such a scene.

I touched the dried rose which was pitch black due to dryness and freezing due to the cold. Even though I knew there was no life in it, I couldn't help but smell it. My eyes widens when it smells like a fresh rose. I stepped back slightly and looked closely at the plant.

"What the—" I tried to smell again and so on. It smells like a fresh alive rose. "Is this true?" I can"t believe the question to myself

I used my thumb to trace the rose before leaving it. Amazing. Just now I saw a withered rose smell before sugar cane.

"Queen Ameerah,"

I turned to call me. I frowned to see Ephraim smiling broadly at me. He and his men even bows at me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked directly

"I just got there. You're driving me away. That's bad Queen Ameerah," she said laughing

"I'm not telling you to get the hell out of here. I'm just asking you why you're because Valdus isn't here," I seriously explained.

He stopped laughing but the smile was still there. Fortunately, it doesn't appear creepy or suspicious. Just a normal smile of a person having a happy day.

"I came here for you. Don't get me wrong. It's just a friendly visit. Nothing more," he said

I nodded to him then walked away. Amber is still beside me but she doesn't speak and it's just like the wind following me. I felt Ephraim running close to me.

"Looks like Valdus and you were getting along,"

"Of course. What do you expect from a Queen and King? They should love each other not kill each other. That's what my parents thought me," I seriously explained.

He was silent for a moment as if thinking carefully about what I said. I mentally shaked my head in disappointment. Ignorants.

"I want to feel that loved,"

I stopped walking because of what he said. I turned around and saw that he was very serious so I had the courage to face him.

"Love is not easy to find. Because you can't find it. It came along the way when you least needed it. Then love means a lot. You can't even feel Alderie's love for you. I'm sure someone can make you feel loved, "I explained

He raises his brow, "And who's that someone?" He asked

I was shaken because he gave malice to what I said. "If you're thinking that I'm referring to myself. You're wrong. I'm referring to your people, parents and sibling. Friends too," bawi ko

"I don't have any of them. What should I do?" He seems very interested in my answer ah

"No one will love you if you're not being you. You can never love someone who can't believe it. You can love someone who can't even love himself and treat his friends like his brothers. You know what I'm referring to "I may not know your past. But I know it's still blocking your mind like and deadly disease that will soon kill you," I explained at length.

It's true. I get it. Maybe something happened before so he can't love or maybe he's already there but he's not doing anything because he's blind.

"Such a smart mouth," he chuckles. "Where did you get that?" He asked

I smiled, "From my mother. She taught me alot of things in personal, kingdoms and even battles. My parents were my idols and I loved them both," I proudly replied.

"You're like your mother. I heard what she did back then and she was so unbelievably smart and strong. The blood of Ihmapuleyan," smiled

We went back to walking and sewed for a while until we reached a railing where I could see the vast sea of ​​red water. It's creepy.

"Ameerah, did you know ...," he trailed off

I turned to him and he looked at me in surprise, "Know what?" I have a curious question

He looked at me seriously. "Ihmapuleya was the right hand of Alvanticus back before we vanished,"

That left me speechless.

Ameerah's POV

"Are you trying to decieve me again? I thought you wouldn't be—"

"Chill there Queen," he laughed heartily. "I'm just trying to tell you your mother's country history,"

I just avoided looking at him and stared at the sea. It's true. The kingdoms are on top here. I can't believe we're right handed? Of Alvanticus? Does my mother know about this?

"Before. There were 20 kingdoms and Alavanticus was the supreme. Like the king of all kingdoms and Ihmapuleya was the judge. Mine was the messenger. It's peaceful. Beautiful. But Late King Emmanuel, Valdus father, was addictive to supreme power. Nahalina he is in eternal life. Since he was the leader of all kingdoms. He convinced everyone Kings to practiced witchcraft about immortality. Some agree some was not and with Ihmapuleya among those who did not consent. They were the most righteous kingdom before 'til now "So I won't wonder why you act like that. You're hurting but you keep acting fine because Queens don't act like a delicate flower," he said.

I wanted to ask but I let him speak. Seems like a lot more I need to know. It's as if the reason why they're like this now is branching out and it doesn't seem like it's all over yet.

"They successfully succeed in doing the rituals. They become immortals but that's not where the story ends. King Emmanuel was practicing rituals about having not just immortality but extraordinary power which triggers the Aldafors, the witches to cursed us for being greedy in power. In just snapped, here we are. Living outside the true world and acting like we never existed, "

To be continued...