15 : THE FAVOURITE

CHAPTER 15

NEOLA

When I said that my Ego was in pieces, I mean it. I am so embarrassed I couldn’t even look at Sebin as he opens the door for me. I scrambled up the stairs, clutching my sketch book tight.

How stupid I am to hide under the bushes! I should’ve gotten inside before they saw me.

Huffing, I remove my boots and lied down on the bed. I can feel my face and neck hot of embarrassment, my hands shaking. My sketchbook is sprawled next to me. I took it and sigh.

The mountain was really majestic.

It made me smile and forget what has happen. Sitting up, I walk towards my table and open the drawer. I took out my journal and sat before starting to cut the artwork I made. I secure it with some tape and, write, ‘Like the mountain that sat on the horizon, the wind grazes the grass and humbly lift my spirits’.

I shook my head at how cheesy it sounds but I love how it seems vulnerable. It comforted me.

The knock on my door made me stop short. I keep my journal inside the drawer and stood. I cringe as the chair scraped the floor, announcing my abrupt movement. I breathe in and out before opening the door. His face is shadowed by the laughter he had enjoyed with her. My chest felt like it was being squeezed. I bit back my lip and averted my gaze.

He smiles at me and said, “Well. It is lunch time. Would you like to join us?”. His voice is full of glee. He is truly having fun with the girl. Saving myself from further embarrassment, I shook my head and whispered, “No. It is fine. I can just ask them to deliver my meal.” I bit my lip once again.

I look up to see his eyes boring into mine. He is only a few centimetres from me. His breath smells so fresh that I can’t help but lean close. His face slowly descended towards me. I know what he is trying to do. I took a step back which made him draw back. I can feel the blush slowly creeping up my face as we were both startled.

“Oh, okay.” He let out a chuckle and scratch his head. “I’ll head back down and help Fleur with the basket, then.” He nods at me and I curtsied back. I slowly close the door and turn my back against it. I lean towards it and slide down, my face in my arms as I rested it on my knees.

Geez.

After a few minutes, I went down to get myself some sandwiches. I am still not used to maids answering to my aid. It made me feel so special but I am not. I am only trying to help him. After he founds the one, I can happily march out of this cell and have my life back. It was all an act.

Or is it?

My heart beats faster every time I see him. Every moment we spend with each other seems magical but it scares me for what we had was fragile. We are only brought together by circumstances. If we hadn’t meet five years ago, and if we hadn’t meet again during the ball, he wouldn’t even think of me as his bride.

The halls are almost empty except for the occasional guards posted on various doors. I saw Edam and Jace on my way down. They merely nodded at me as I passed. I hastily went down the stairs, opening the door leading to the basement kitchen. It was limited for staffs only but I wanted to risk it. I wanted to prepare my own meal because I wanted some distraction.

The cooks were surprised when they saw me. “Your majesty,” they curtsied before they look at me and at what I am doing. I took some of the loaves and peanut butter. I spread some of it and took a jelly. “Your majesty, let me do it for you.” I look at her and said simply, “No, it is alright. What’s your name?” I asked, putting the loaves together and popping it in the toaster.

“Sage Quint, your majesty.” She curtsied and smiled at me. I took another loaf and spread it with some cheese. “ And you?” I ask the lady who was glaring at me awhile ago, “Basil Weiss, mademoiselle.”

“How about you?” I inquired to the girl kneading the bread, “ Brie, miss...” she kindly smiled at me. I took the sandwich from the toaster and put it on the plate. It smells amazing. I bowed at the three of them and walked out of the kitchen.

It took me about ten minutes of walk from the kitchen to my room. Half of my sandwich was already gone by the time I sat by the balcony. The sun has hidden itself behind the clouds that chase each other. I breathe in and took a bite off my sandwich. I lean in and took the bottle of water from the tray.

I am enjoying some time just staring at the mountain when I heard some laughter. I peek through the railing and saw Luke sitting on a blanket. Fleur was feeding him sandwiches which made him smile. My jaw tightened and I felt my cheeks moistened.

What is this? Why am I even crying for seeing them having fun? Shouldn’t I be happy that Luke finally found someone to be his possible bride? I know that he just propose to me but I couldn’t help thinking that he rush all of it for the sake of his Grandpa’s request.

It was all an act.

He have stated it clearly that we are all doing these because he can’t find a more desirable bride. He only have me. But that changes now.

Fleur sat beside him and I was surprised when Luke tuck her hair. They look so sweet together it breaks my heart. I throw the rest of the sandwich inside my mouth and decided to go down.

I grab my denim jacket and put it over my dress. I went out the door and down the stairs to the second floor. The great hall was empty which is great. It was dimly lit seeing as the curtains are drawn. I tiptoed to the back of the room and smiled as I spotted the piano we use during my private dance lesson. I sat on the bench and opened it.

I know I haven’t asked any permission to use it. I’m sure it won’t matter that much if I will be caught. My hands slowly glided on the keys. My brain buffered as I try to remember how to play that song. The song I have played for thousands of times without really knowing the title.

Once I got the hang of it, I started to play. My hands shake a little as I started but as I go along, I relaxed. The song sounded like a lullaby. It was pretty. I first heard it when I was only eight years old at the riverbank of Italy.

*flashback*

I am running far from my Zio Ben. He was very angry for I forgot to buy him some wine from the market. It was because I am so hungry that I spent some of the money to buy food.

Crying, I hid behind the trunk of the tree a few metres away from the river bank. I can hear the father and son having fun as they fish.

“I’ll take this to your ma. Stay here and I’ll get you a drink.” The older man pat the boy and walks away. I peek through the trunk and saw the blond boy taking something out from his bag. It looks old and long but it was pretty to the sight.

I watch him as he put it on his lips and played. The song was very hopeful but his eyes is filled with sorrow. I listen intently, absorbing every note. It sound so comforting that I am feeling sleepy. Settling my head on the tree root, I doze as I listen to that boy’s hopeful melody.

I wish we both find hope.

*end of flashback*

I repeated the song for a couple of times before finally giving up. I stood, close the lid and march out of the grand hall. I nodded at the guards by the doors, greeted the staffs but mostly ignore my surroundings.

Everything is just bland without him.

I reach the fifth floor, counting the painting as I walk. I am surprised when I saw two knights leaving something in front of my room. Holding my breath, I hid behind a statue beside the curtain and wait as they passed.

They were discussing to themselves and I can’t understand most of it for it sounded Dutch. Slowly, I got out of my hiding place and rush towards the box.

I pulled the cloth draped upon it and was surprised to see that it was actually a cage. Looking for the animal leaving inside it, I was surprise when I notice the kitten asleep under the cat litter.

“meow..,” the kitten purred as I touch its cheeks with my finger. I pet it for awhile before standing up. Only then did I notice the letter attached next to the cage.

‘to the favourite, may you always be the one...’

My heart skipped a bit as I realize the king’s threat barely hidden under these kind words. It sounds light but I know him. He is the reason why Fleur is here. He wanted to assure that his plan will be carried out. He needs a plan B.

Geez, I hope I survive this battle. I wondered if I could be brave enough to be able to fight for the one I love.

Oh well, so much for being engaged to a prince.

계속

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