40: Promise

The young prince's word remained echoing in my mind even after he left. It's been three days since our talk and I haven't seen him since, not that I even leave the Silk Palace to look for him.

I don't stroll around the Palace, I remain inside the Silk Palace unless King Skylark requests for my presence or unless we have a meeting.

To be honest, the young prince's words affected me as it slowly sank into me that I… I am, for a fact, no longer the Queen of Astrae. Apart from my knights, Zairo, and king Skylark, no one else will recognize me as the Queen of Astrae as my throne had fallen into the hands of Ezra and Katrina.

If I don't reclaim my throne soon, I will lose right to the hands of those greedy people, and worse, it may lead to the downfall of Astrae as it's currently being led by selfish and greedy people. I would not like that to happen, I am still alive, I must keep the Astraeian legacy and I must not let the kingdom that my ancestors had built to crumble back into dust.

"Your majesty," I looked at Dame Maia when she arrived

"Rise, what is it, Dame Maia?" I said and turned around to face her

"The kings have sent me to inform you that the knights are in place, we're only waiting for the rooks to be in place." She said and I nodded

"I see, tell them that we are to push the knights and bishops forward in three days." I said and she nodded

"As you wish, your majesty," she bowed down and stood before leaving

"I wish to take a stroll in the garden." I told the servants and they immediately took the coat hanging on the wall and draped it around my shoulder

"Do you wish to wear…" I looked at the maid who trailed off and I saw her looking at my gloved hands.

I am wearing my gloves for safety purposes, I would not like to wrap my room with ice as I am sleeping, it is dangerous and it is a threat to keeping my identity. The rumors of a royal blood hiding in the Silk palace can easily be put out if there is no proof and there are many kingdoms near Holland, it's quite unlikely that I, the fallen queen who was announced dead, would be suspected to be the royal blood staying in the Silk Palace.

"I'll be strolling alone, I do not wish to be disturbed." I said seriously

I quickly stepped out of the room not looking back, there are times I'd unintentionally act like a queen. I wasn't like this before… I don't know why but… but it feels as if I'm becoming more of a queen… a monarch… as my gift improves.

I headed to the garden and went to a gazebo, I removed my gloves and gently placed it on the table.

I touched a small rose that is on the column of the gazebo and wrapped it in ice, covering it to preserve it from withering along the fall season.

I touched the vines and a small smile escaped my lips when I saw that I managed to cover the vines with thin ice, it was beautiful, especially that the sky had started to change its color, I can see it clearly from where I am as the gazebo is facing the west.

I looked at the vine and once again, the young prince's statement echoed in my mind.

'I might not be a prince anymore'

My smile faded when I realized that if I were to fail, not only will I lose my throne and status but I will also be dragging Arcadia and Holland down with me.

I clenched my hand when I suddenly recalled my dreams back when I was just a princess, how stupid that was…

I almost scoffed when I recall how I wished everything to be okay, I was so naïve to think that once I had fixed Astrae's feud with Arcadia, I can finally live in peace and happily, with my mother, Ezra and everyone I love. I even thought of inviting Zairo over to help me convince our people to welcome change, improvement and innovation.

How stupid and pathetic that was, how pathetic I was to be so idealistic and believe that such absurd stupidity can actually happen.

"Wow," I snapped back into my senses and immediately took hold of my gloves and wore it in my hands.

"I could feel your power running wild from the training ground, my queen," I turned around and looked at Zairo

"Was it running that wild?" I asked and he shook his head

"I just felt it… your emotions were running wild, isn't it?" he asked and I averted my gaze and sat on the chair

The vines have all been crystalized, only the plants were covered with ice, I didn't notice that I was holding on to the vines that tightly.

"Patrice," he called and sat across me

"What if I fail?" I looked at him and his stormy grey eyes met mine

"What if you don't?" he asked

"Zairo, I'm…" I shook my head

I was so certain of my plans but… after realizing some things… I'm starting to doubt myself and my credibility to rule. I wanted to tell him that but I couldn't say it out loud.

"I can read your thoughts, Pam." I looked at him in surprise because of what he said

"You can?" I asked and he shook his head

"Not literally, just basing on your expression." He said and I sighed

"I'm willing to listen, Pam, I'm always willing to listen." He said and I sighed before putting my hand on the table

He reached for it and held it, he squeezed it a little before smiling at me.

"Zai… what if I fail? I don't want to lose my place to them. I don't want to lose my place, Zairo." I said and looked down

"You won't lose it, Pam, you won't." He said and I looked at him then shook my head

"I will if I lose this war, I don't want to lose this war." I said and he smiled at me

"You have us, Patrice, you're not alone, we won't lose this war." He said and I pursed my lips

"Cheer up, nothing's going to go wrong, okay?" he assured me

"You're not sure about that…" I mumbled

"We promised to celebrate Reagan's birthday together, remember? I'll make sure we will do that." He said seriously and I nodded

"Want some good news?" he asked and smiled at me

"The general's doing good, you've chosen well, Pam." He said

"Is he really?" I asked and he nodded

"He could get the knights to follow him now, he knows the power he holds." He said

"Do you think he'll be okay in the war as well?" I asked

"Just trust him, he placed his trust on us, so let's put our full trust on him." He said and I nodded

"As you say so," I said and he smiled at me

"You're not wearing your mask." I pointed out

"Hmm I want you to cheer up after seeing my handsome face." I couldn't help but chuckle because of what he said

"Zairo…" I couldn't help but chuckle because of his words

"Why are you laughing? I'm saying the truth." I shook my head and took my hand back to cover my mouth as I'm giggling and laughing

"You're really unbelievable, Zairo." I said shaking my head after recovering from laughing

"Of course, I am your king after all." He smirked at me and I heaved a breath

"Thank you, Zairo." I said

"Anytime you need me, I'll be there, I promise." He said and I shook my head

"Don't make promises you can't keep." I reminded him

"Come here," he said and stood up

"Where to?" I asked and he offered his hand

I reached for his hand and stood up, I went near him and he wrapped his arm on my shoulder then we both faced the setting sun. I looked at him when he held my hand with his other hand and intertwined it with his.

"As the sun sets today, I, Zachary Iverone Ruiz Oliver Arcadia, promise you that I will always be here for you." He said and kissed the side of my head

"You're being overly romantic, Zai." I chuckled and removed his arm from my shoulders

"Pam," He called and made me face him and he held both of my hands.

"What is it?" I asked him and looked at him seriously

"Promise me that we'll keep our promises," he said and I smiled and nodded

"Promise."