The chamber felt bare and lonely as I sat staring at the fire in the hearth. Kesar had gone to fetch me some hot tea. Then there was a soft knock on the door before it opened. I lifted my eyes from the hearth. Amarisa was standing inside the hall, and she was alone. The princess looked at me with tearful eyes. Though I was pleased to see her, my heart sank as I stared back at that brilliant face.
"Why are you here, Your Highness?" I asked. "I'm not your dazzling prince you must marry."
Her eyes widened in shock. Hurt was written all over her face. I realized I had unknowingly made her the target of my frustrated rage that buried inside me.
"How dare you said that to me!" she cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. I wished I could reverse the role and not make her the victim of my sorrows, but perhaps, it was easier this way.
"I don't deserve you," I said again, ignoring her pain. "You should forget me."