14 : THE OTHER GIRL

CHAPTER 14

NEOLA

I bolted up, my vision blurry. The ring coming from the alarm startled me. I took my robe and padded my way out the door. Knights are running to and fro. I was about to retreat back to my room when a knight stopped in front of me. His eyes held worry and determination as he took me by the arm. "Faster, we need to get you downstairs." We started to walk down. I could hardly see in front of me because of the thick smoke coming from the west wing. He tighten his hold on my arms and lead me towards the safe room where the other members of the royal family and guest are currently located.

"Excuse moi, but what is your name?" I asked as he guided the way, " Edam, mademoiselle, Je suis Edam." He nods once again before he pulls at my arms and hurried me through a staircase. We descended down to the room and he push me towards the door. "They are already here. I will go up and see for other distress members." He gave me a nod before he closes the door in front of me.

I look around to see the king huddled near the door with the queen close by. The maids are assisting the members of the royal family including the guest. I was looking for Luke when I spotted him, sitting at the far side of the room. There's a girl settled next to him, giggling as he put his hand on top of hers.

What the?

My scowl deepened. I bit my lip and decided to sit beside the maids. I took the blanket they have given me to hide my face as I observe the two. Geez, they look like they were the one engaged. I gritted my teeth as I see him patting her head. What is she, a dog? Pfft. I couldn't hear what they were saying to each other. It was making me more and more frustrated.

I averted my gaze from them only to make an eye contact with the queen. She gave me a sympathetic gaze before she sigh. The king, on the other hand was smirking at me. His hands grab the sides of his wheelchair as he wheeze. I guess, this serves as an amusement to him.

I counted one to ten and prayed. I hope that we will be sent back to our room soon.

*

The slight nudge on my shoulder is enough to wake me up. I expected that it will be Luke, but it wasn't. "Mademoiselle, you can go back to your room now." I look around to see the room almost empty.

I guess, Luke doesn't care. He did not even recognize me sleeping here. He did not even bother looking for me last night.

My chest tightened as I bit back a sob. I wipe the tear that slid down my face and the cold metal made me shudder. I look down to see the ring he have given me, its diamonds mocking me. I grip my robe tight and started marching up the stairs and to the great hall.

I can feel my heart crumbling as I thought of Luke speaking to that girl with no care in the world. I entered my room and was startled when Luke was there, waiting in front. His back was turn against me. I silently made my way towards him.

I momentarily stop as he turns, his appearance taking my breath away. He look so handsome in the morning.

I bit my lip and pathetically ran my fingers through my hair in hopes that they stay as tame as possible. "Good Morning," he greeted with a nod and a smile. I gave him a timid reply before nodding back. A few moments passed before I decided to turn the knob and was surprised to see it locked. "oh, that is another reason why I am here.."

"What do you mean?" I ask, still trying to turn the knob.

"This won't be your room starting today."

I turn towards him, and said "What?" he nodded enthusiastically before he took my hand and lead me up the stairs. "But why? Did I do something wrong?" I closed my eyes and reminisce each memory. As far as I can tell, I did not do anything wrong. "You didn't" he replied as he looks at me.

We reach the fifth floor where the royal family is staying. I can't help my eyes as I hungrily take in every bit of elegance. The halls smelt of roses. The carpet is so soft, its like I am walking on clouds. I close my eyes for a moment and breathe in.

"And here it is, your room," I watch him as he produce a key out of his pocket and inserted it. He turn the knob and smiled, "Tada!" I entered slowly. The room was elegant in its own way. Everything was in pale cream colour with dashes of gold here and there. I ran my hands on the velvet sheets and shivered. It was cool and light. I can feel a smile forming on my lips. I stare at the far side of the room to see the wide doors.

Luke nods at me as I look at him for permission. I quickly push the double doors and the light breeze of autumn lifted my spirits. The snow capped mountain can be clearly seen from here. I held my breath and turn to see the sea lapping at the stones under. Everything was beautiful. It was like I stepped inside a fairy tale. I close my eyes and pulled my hair out of the string I tied it with. The wind caressed my face and sweetly graze my hair.

"You look like you belong here." His voice came closed. I open my eyes to see him looking at me intensely. His hands are gripping the rails, he look like he was scared. I ignored his look and said, "Do I?"

He nodded before he went back inside to sit on the bed. " Everything you need is here. The maids have taken your personal belongings as soon as the fire was controlled." He laid back and collapse on the bed, "You just tell me if you want to change anything, the colour of the room, the furniture, or anything. I'll see to it that you 'll be comfortable since this is your official room as princess."

Me, princess?

His words resonate inside my skull. It sounded so heavy that my heart bit slowly as I try to process it. I will become royalty as I marry look. I will be queen. The responsibilities dragged my shoulder down that I can feel the room closing in on me. I turn back towards the scenery and tried to forget what he said. "Alright. I will make sure to inform you if I wanted to change anything."

A few minutes passed and I thought that he has already left. I turn only to be startled to see him still sitting on the bed. He gave me a smile and said, "By the way, my room is only adjacent to yours. Don't forget that, my love." He winks before he stood, making his way out.

The door echoes like my heart. I grab the railings and slowly collapse. It took me all my might not to crumble in front of him. How could he be so confident?

I ran towards the bed and collapse on it. It felt like a hundred of marshmallows is swallowing me. Now I understand why he wouldn't get up on this fluffy bed. It's just so comfortable. I spend another hour just lying down, enjoying the breeze when I decided to bath.

I open the door to the bathroom only to gasp. It was more beautiful. I can live in here forever. I hastily filled the tub with warm water and pop some essence in. Thankful that the maids are not present to pamper and assist me. The bubbles rise up and I happily plunge in. The water soothes the sore muscles I'd had for lying on the floor last night. As I bath, a million thoughts ran inside my head.

I am confused of my feelings. Why does he have to be so sweet to me in the morning after spending some time with a girl last night? I am giving him the impression that he is only being friendly but I couldn't remove the doubt in me. It felt different.

It took me a while before I decided to dry myself. I chose a white summer dress before deciding to grab my denim jacket seeing as the breeze is quite cool. It was very delightful.

My hands paused on the door knob as I momentarily stopped. I look at my table and saw my sketch pad. I snatch it up and smiled. I decided to do some artwork today. I would love to try going out to the garden overlooking the mountain and paint it.

"Mademoiselle," the knight held my gaze as I tried to get past him. His eyes were cold as he looks at me, his azure iris accentuated by the golden sun.

"Oui?" I halted, my eyes widening. It was like being caught by Gabriel's gaze. I have to think again and remind myself that this is a knight and not my brother. Geez, they look almost the same when they glare. "I'm sorry but you can't go out to the gardens, it's currently-"

"Jace," I look towards the owner of the voice only to see Edam marching towards us with two other soldiers. "Edam,"

"Mademoiselle," he curtsied before looking back at Jace. He look so small next to Jace but his confidence can clearly be seen with the way he stand. He puff his chest and hummed. "Why don't you go to the grand hall, Jace? The king ask for you. Instead, Sebin and Kent will take your place." Jace looks at me before diverting his gaze to Edam. Jace saluted before he marches off to the direction of the grand hall.

I smiled at Edam as he push open the doors to the garden. He curtsied and directed his commands at Sebin who looks clueless and odd. Sebin's blond hair looks fake, like he have coloured it. I can see the tip of his hair, black in the sunlight. He diverted his eyes on me, so dark like chocolates. He gave a kind smile and I return it.

Well, at least he is friendly.

The other knight whose name is Kent accompany us, his stature and curly hair reminding me of a college student. He looks so young like Sebin. Edam leads me towards a bench, bowed with Kent before they went back inside.

The sun shone bright and I am delighted at how it beam on my curls. It turns gold and delicate under the sun. The breeze touches my skin lightly, I settled on the bench, took out my brush and started.

I am halfway through outlining the landscape when I hear laughter. I quickly took my tools and hide behind the bush. I took a peek and was surprised to see the girl from last night riding a white stallion. Luke was following close behind. They were ecstatic. They are having fun.

I crawled across the adjacent bush and prayed that they won't see me. But the odds is not in my favour. The stallion whinnies as it senses me. Because of my shock, I stand from my hiding spot and startle it even more. The action made the stallion snap at me, merely missing my face.

I ran back to the castle with my ego in pieces, my heart broken as echoes of laughter chase me back inside.

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