Farewells and Greetings

IT is a bright and sunny day outside the mansion, but Selene feels as gloomy as the dark sky before the start of a storm. She's only been packing a few things that she owns, but Selene couldn't finish it because she's been sighing a lot that she already stopped counting. The heartbreaking and pitiful gaze coming from the slightly ajar door also makes her feel even worse. It's been almost half an hour since Khalil has been observing her from afar, and he never dared to knock or step inside the room. Since she told him last night that she is leaving with his brother, he's been giving him the cold stare, which is probably a sign of a silent protest. Well, he's not the type to throw a tantrum. He's been so used to acting all tough and restricting himself that Selene is surprised that he is open about his feelings. She can't help but feel proud. She just wished that he'd grow up experiencing what a healthy childhood life is. He's been through a lot already, that Selene desperately wants for him to be happy.

Not being able to withstand the awkwardness any longer, Selene gets up from the bed and walks towards the door's direction. The moment Khalil noticed that she caught him staring, he darts away from the door, but Selene is still faster than him. Before he can even turn to the left corridor, Selene seizes his arms and carries him back to her room while the poor kid struggles with embarrassment. Despite her height shrinking, she's still taller than Khalil and a lot stronger because of some weird changes in her body.

Selene put Khalil down on the bed before she sat beside him. He is still looking down, refusing to meet her eyes.

"Are you angry with me? I understand what you feel. I mean, I'm taking your brother away from his family. I also don't feel good about it.

Khalil immediately raises his head in alarm and looks at her with a troubled expression.

"No!—I mean, that's not what I meant," Khalil replied in frustration. "I mean, do you really have to go? How can I protect you when you're not here" he added in a soft murmur.

Selene chuckles while brushing away the strayed dark hair, partly hindering his vision.

"This will not be the last time we will see each other. When I'm done with my work, I will be coming back to visit you. In the meantime, I want you to promise me something."

Khalil cocks his head. "What is it?"

"I want you to promise me that you will try your best to live your life to the fullest. Of course, I will also be looking forward to how strong you will become in the future. You must be strong enough not just to protect me, but everyone important to you. Will you promise me that?"

Khalil suddenly embraces her tight before nodding his head. "I promise you that I will treasure the second life that you've given me."

Selene gently pats his back before kissing the top of his head. "Then, I will be looking forward to it."

Khalil slightly raises his head while still hugging her. "I still want to say something important."

Selene meets his gaze with a smile. "What is it?"

Conflicted emotions splayed across Khalil's face that he'd grown silent for a few minutes before breaking away from her and slapping his cheeks until it becomes red. Khalil shakes his head before looking back at her with a determined expression on his face.

"No, I will tell it after you come back. I will do my best to grow up as someone who deserved to stand next to you. Selene, you better be prepared. I will not lose to my brother."

Selene looks at him in confusion. He's not talking about the thing he told her last time, right? And why does it seem like the people around her keep on talking about not losing to anyone? Are they competing about something she doesn't know about?

A loud knock on the door and a familiar voice belonging to Grandfather Kenshin came to her rescue. It looks like he's been looking for his grandson for quite some time now. Selene looks at Khalil with a raised eyebrow while the poor kid stares at her guiltily.

Selene looked in the direction of the door and called out to him. "Come in, Grandfather. Khalil is with me."

Grandfather Kenshin slams the door open, his eyes immediately landing on his grandson, who's sitting beside her. Khalil automatically squeezes in beside her in an attempt to protect himself from his grandfather's anger,

"What did I tell you? You should have told me where you're going. And aside from that, are you bothering her again?"

Khalil looks at his grandfather huffily while close to tears. "I'm not bothering Selene! I'm just saying goodbye."

Grandfather Kenshin bows his head in apology, which made her feel awkward. Since he learned about who she is, Grandfather Kenshin has been acting quite distant, and he refused to call her by her first name just like he usually did. Even Priestess Mauricia, who's been hostile with her from the start, is greeting her politely. It bothers her with how she becomes too deferential.

"I apologize for my grandson's behavior, My Lady."

Selene waves her hand in embarrassment. "You don't have to be formal. You can still call me Selene, just like the usual."

"But—"

Selene walked towards Grandfather Kenshin and held his hands gently. "Since I arrived here, I'm always grateful for the kindness that you've shown me. It may be too presumptuous of me, but I've considered you, Khalil, and Kaden as a family."

Grandfather Kenshin smiles at him and lightly tousles her hair. "It is I who should be thanking you. Not only did you save my grandson, but you gave him a second chance in life. And, because of your help, we didn't have to move to another country in fear of our lives. The temple has graciously offered their protection because of you. My family will always be indebted to you, My Lady."

At first, Selene didn't believe Khalil when he told her that he's completely healed because of her. She really thought that Lucia did it, but when the High Priestess confirmed that it was her doing, she was both surprised and elated. Though she only intended to heal his physical injury, it seems that her magic extended beyond it that ultimately revived Khalil's health. Though, Grandfather Kenshin said that he still has to monitor Khalil closely. Only until he survived his coming of age ceremony that grandfather will be entirely put at ease. There will be two years left until Khalil's birthday. Selene hopes that everything will be finished by that time.

Selene's shoulder slumped, and she looks at him apologetically. "Grandfather, I apologize for taking Kaden with me. He should be with you in this hard time, but…he has to leave because of me. I promised that I would keep him sa—"

"What are you talking about? I told you that it was my decision to leave. So, stop saying nonsense." Kaden responded angrily. He is leaning in the doorway with his arms crossed against his chest. How long has he been standing there?

Grandfather Kenshin laughs heartily. "Don't worry. I've always wanted Kaden to devote himself to something or for someone. As you already know, he likes to play around and lives his life whimsically. It is great my joy to see him taking responsibility."

She can hear Khalil making satisfactory noises while standing beside her and clutching her dress from her left.

Kaden glares at them. "Stop saying garbage, old man. And you, Khalil, stop looking pleased."

Khalil made a face that only further aggravates his brother. Kaden dashed towards his younger brother and teasingly punched the top of his head. And then, a series of playful brawl ensued between brothers while Grandfather Kenshin belts out a deep, loud hearty laughter while affectionately watching both of them. She didn't know until later that it would be the last time she heard the sounds of their laughter.

And it is not until shortly that Selene will agonizingly regret the consequences of her decisions.

HELVITI VOLUNDARHUS. It is the name of the notorious coliseum built in the center of the capital. Its sturdy edifice is made of stone and concrete with a distinctive exterior of three-stories arched entrances supported by semi-circular columns. The coliseum is a massive oval-shaped structure that can seat thousands of people and is arranged by social ranking. The commoners were placed below, while the nobles are usually sitting on the upper floor. The upper deck is further connected to different rooms where the nobles stay for refreshments or if they want to take a rest.

And at that moment, the coliseum is bursting with an excited crowd of spectators cheering loudly in anticipation. Their eyes were glued to the warriors as they enter the arena holding their weapon of choice. The tension, coupled with excitement, is palpable in the air that Selene can even hear her heartbeat beating loudly against her rib cage. As the warriors stand facing each other, they quietly wait for the sound of the drum that will signal the start of their fight to the death. When the loud thump of the drumstick reverberates against the drum like the sound of thunderbolts, the bloody battle began.

The two heavily armored men circle each other like predators, waiting for the right time to attack. However, the brawny warrior with the mace strikes first, only, barely grazing his nimble opponent. The other one holding a sword may lose in the muscle department, but he's quick with his feet and has fast reaction time. He easily dodged his opponent's attacks without breaking a sweat while striking back with his sword. When the nimble fighter finally managed to land a clean hit on his opponent's chest, a splash of blood arched up in the sky, further stimulating the crowd. They go through the same macabre dance beneath the scorching heat while their bodies and weapons clashed with one another with the full intention of bleeding each other dry.

Just by looking at it, Selene can see that each of the warrior's objective is to maim or trap his opponent rather than killing him quickly—knowing full well that a long and bloody battle will please the crowd. And Selene had to swallow her saliva to soak her dried up throat repeatedly. The booming noise coming from the spectators is also busting her ears.

For a pretty wholesome name such as the Spirit Blossom Festival, Selene never thought they would have this kind of game as a part of their program. And it seems that amidst this crowd is where Cessair is. When Selene and her group visited the inn where the caravan was staying, the innkeeper said that Mr. Vanderbilt, along with Cessair, went to the coliseum just earlier. The innkeeper said that he's been visiting the place for consecutive days after buying a cart full of slaves brought by the merchants. For some strange reason, Selene remembers the massive and sealed carriage that he brought in the capital that escaped the inspection. The carriage was also sent not into the merchant's guild but a different place. She's been curious about what's inside it since she first saw it, and now she's having a bad feeling about it.

To avoid suspicions, there were only four of them that decided to search for Cessair. It was her and Kaden, as well as Prince Nicolai and his guard, Augustus. The others will wait by the port for their arrival. At first, Prince Nicolai was adamant about not letting her go with them. He keeps on saying that no necessary talk is needed, and he can just drag Cessair with them. Though, Selene refused to yield. She wants to bring Cessair with her but not against his will. She just needs to do everything to convince him to go with her.

After repeated arguments, Selene went together with Augustus while Kaden partnered with Prince Nicolai. However, it wasn't even less than an hour that Augustus suddenly vanished without her knowing. Although she was explicitly instructed not to get separated from him, Selene found herself lost in the coliseum's labyrinth halls. And that is how she ended up in the upper level where Selene can see a few nobles watching the game.

Suddenly, Selene hears a loud sound of footsteps coming from the right corner at the end of the hallway. She immediately opens the first door that her hand reached and went inside the room to hide. And Selene somehow ended up inside a luxurious reception room that must be intended for the nobles. Once inside, she places her left ear on the door, trying to figure out if the footsteps were finally gone, but to her surprise, the sounds are only getting nearer. Selene draws back when the noise stops in front of the room where she is hiding. She scampers away from the door and frantically searches for a place to hide until she sees the long dark red heavy curtains and made a run for it. When the door slams open, Selene covers her mouth and slows down her breathing. She tries to squeeze further behind the curtain and waited.

"Is there any report about the High Priestess?" a surprising familiar masculine voice asked. Selene is not sure where she has heard it, but the low and rough baritone of voice seems memorable that it prickles her ears and somehow bothers her. Aside from that, why is he asking about Lucia? Do they know each other?

"The trod remains sealed as of the moment, and it seems that the High Priestess has no intention of answering the Queen's summons," his companion replied, but this time, the voice sounds flat and dead that she involuntarily shivers.

Selene hears a loud exhale and the soft thump of the body crashing into the velvety couch. "Are they having some kind of disagreement? Or is the High Priestess hiding something?"

Selene's eyes widen, and her body stiffened when realization dawns on her. She's the only one she could think of that Lucia is hiding about. They're already noticing that something is off. She needs to get out of here before things get worse. Just who on earth are these people? If they know the Queen, then they must be high-ranking officials.

"Anyway, I will be taking a nap. Don't disturb me."

"Are you not going to watch the competition?"

"I lost interest," the same familiar but muffled voice replied. He sounds tired and sleepy. Once he falls asleep, Selene can just sneak out of the room. "You can go watch it if you want."

"No, I will stand guard outside, Your Imperial Majesty."

Selene's mouth slacks open in disbelief, and both her hands grew numb as it dangles at her side. Her heart beats erratically as her brain automatically laid out the repercussions of being caught. Why does she have to run into a high-ranking individual? From what kingdom are they? Damn it! She needs to get out of here as soon as possible!

"No, don't do it! Just go somewhere instead of lurking outside the room. I am more than capable of protecting myself."

A few seconds passed by before Selene hears a short flat reply from his guard and finally leaving them alone inside the room. She can't exactly go out at this point. Selene thinks that she will have to wait until he falls asleep, which she thinks is about half an hour at most. After waiting for quite some time that made her body rigid with anxiety, Selene slowly ducks down and starts to crawl away from her hiding place towards the door. She purposely crawls behind the other massive couch across to the other couch where the Emperor is sleeping. Selene took a quick peek at him, and she sees him sleeping soundly with his right arm placed on top of his eyes. After making sure that he will not wake up anytime soon, Selene continued her escape and instantly rejoiced inside her head when she sees the door only just a short distance away. She slowly gets up while clutching the doorknob, but before she can even turn it open, a pair of arms came around from behind, caging her body and preventing her from opening the door. Selene's heart dropped in defeat. She's been naïve.

"I never thought someone would be brave enough to spy on me. Who sent you?"

His previously low and rough voice that was pleasant to the ears is immediately replaced by something cold and scary that Selene couldn't find her voice. When she tries to open her mouth and talk, she couldn't find any strength. Selene looks like a fish out of the water. She covers her face in frustration.

The Emperor whispers in her ear as he threatens her. "If you don't want to die, don't cover your face and look at me." His voice sends an incredible sensation that made her body involuntarily shiver. And Selene is not sure anymore if it's because she's scared or an entirely different reason.

When the Emperor didn't get an instant reply, he violently punched the door that Selene flinches in surprise. If she's not going to die because of physical injury, it will because of a heart attack. Her heart won't stop smashing against her rib cage that it's getting difficult for her to breathe. Selene stares at the crack left in the door and mutters a silent prayer. "Do it now."

Selene bit her lip and closed her eyes before slowly turning towards the angry Emperor. Is it alright to punch or kick the Emperor for her to escape? However, if she does that and she got caught, it will surely be the day of her death. Maybe, she can just apologize and explain that it's some kind of a misunderstanding, but will he believe her?

Selene quietly waited for what will happen next, but when she hears a faint sob that escapes his lips, her eyes shot open in alarm. And Selene watches as the Emperor shed tears in front of her. Her heart stilled and throbs unexpectedly. It's the first time Selene met someone who suddenly cried in their first meeting. And for some strange reason, the pair of shining silver eyes gazes at her intimately, and she couldn't understand the reason behind the agonizing look he's been giving her that almost says as he yearns for her like crazy. There's no way that he knows her, right? Selene is sure that this is the first time they met. But why does he look at her like that? It's bothering her.

It seems like Selene wouldn't get to hear his explanation because before she can even ask him, he grabs her arm, pulls her towards him, and embraces her tightly that she can feel his cold lips on her neck. In just a matter of seconds, the tears that he's been holding back burst out like a broken dam, and Selene finds herself gently caressing his back.

No matter how weird the situation she is in right now, Selene is somewhat relieved that she wouldn't have to worry about being killed today. It looks like the man who is currently a sobbing mess on her arms is in excruciating pain that it seems like he's dying instead. And every whimper that escapes his lips felt like a knife stabbing her heart.