Chapter 19: New Nemesis

- MIYA'S POV -

"Miya, are you okay? You seemed out of yourself since we left that village. Did something happen?" Alucard asked and he looked concerned.

We already reached the border. The horse stopped and Alucard hopped off then faced me.

"Our three-day vacation became a one-day rescue mission to save some villagers. I can't follow you to your empire. I haven't reached the bridge yet but they might've killed me already. Take care of yourself, that's an order." He said seriously.

I laughed at his reaction, "You don't have to tell me that. You too, be safe. I still want to see you, so don't involve yourself to fights, okay?"

He scratched the back of his head and grinned, "I can't promise that."

I rolled my eyes and was about to leave him but he held my arm and pulled me closer to him then planted a kiss on top of my head, "I love you."

My face heated and not sure what to say. That's the first time he said that to me. I didn't expect him to say that at all! Damn, his words again that makes my knees wobble. Should I also..?

"It's okay, you don't have to say it back if you're not ready yet. I'll wait for that day and I'll never get tired of waiting even if it takes forever." He said and caressed my cheek.

I was about to smile when he combed his hair using his fingers, "But I know that it won't take forever since you won't be able to resist my charms."

My smile faded and threw a punch to his chest, "You and your arrogant side as always. Jerk!" I cursed him and went to the horse.

"I still love you!" I heard him shout that made my face red again. Isn't he aware that there are other people around us?? Others are now glancing at me and smirking. Damn him.

We left the border and entered the Light Empire's territory.

Until we meet again, my love...

×××

- KADITA'S POV -

W-Where am I?

The last thing I remember was someone covered my mouth and everything went bla—

Someone kidnapped me!

I sat up on the bed I was lying on, I thought there will be ropes tied to me or a scarf covering my mouth to make me shut up. I roamed my eyes to the surroundings and this room is not familiar to me at all. Where the hell am I??

I stood up and tried to open the door but it was locked so I knocked on it, in case someone is near and can hear me.

"Odette! If this is what I get for lying and using your dad for an excuse then I'm sorry! It will never happen again. Just open the damn door." I yelled while knocking on the door.

The door suddenly opened that made me take a step backward but it was not the person I was expecting to see. I don't know who is this guy in front of me.

"Oh. You're awake. I thought you'll never wake up." He coldly said.

I narrowed my eyes at him, "You! Why did you kidnap me?? Do you need gold? Diamonds? Name your price! I'll gladly give it to you."

He sighed, "I'm not into golds or diamonds. My kingdom is richer than your kingdom. Anyway, I'm not here to brag about how rich we are. My brother sent me to look after you since he can't. So now I'm on babysitting duty."

"There's no need to babysit me, I can handle myself. Can I leave now?" I crossed my arms while tapping my foot on the ground. I'm getting impatient. If only I could just flood this whole kingdom then my problem is already over, but my family is going to kill me if I do that.

"My brother wants to talk to—" I cut him mid-sentence.

"To what? Ask me for a marriage? If so, then the answer is no." I'm not bragging or anything but ever since the news about me being rejected by my mate, a lot of princes or gods in the empire asked me for my hand. Of course, I rejected all of them! I'm not going to give up so easily on my mate.

I went back to the bed where my staff is and took it, just in case he tries to attack me.

"Even if I say my brother is your mate?" I was about to believe him then I remembered that my mate rejected me.

I clapped my hands and smiled sarcastically, "Wow. Great story, you can be a writer someday. Though you read the wrong article. My mate rejected me, in case you didn't know."

He sighed, "That's not him who sent the letter, that was our father. He doesn't like you for my brother since you're from the other empire. My brother, Valir never wanted to reject you. That's why he kidnapped you 'cause he knows that you're not going to come with him willingly. I can see that he really cares about you, he came all the way to your empire even it's too risky for him."

"Valir..." I murmured. I looked up to his brother, I still don't know what's his name yet but I just noticed that there are bruises on his arms and there is blood on his forehead. I covered my mouth because of shock.

"Oh my gosh, what happened??" How come I didn't notice that before? Am I too preoccupied with my own problem?

"It's nothing, you need to go back to your empire immediately. I can't come with you since there is a war happening. I'm also confused about what's happening. Someone attacked our empire but it's confirmed that those people are not from your empire. The Light Empire might be their next target. Go now, they need you."

I froze and still processing what he just said to me.

"H-How long am I asleep?" I stuttered.

"A week. You're asleep for a whole week. I thought you will never gain consciousness again."