Reunited!

Imp note :- Whenever a scene changes in the story, I'll use these signs ******* to denote the change. So whenever or wherever you see *******, know that the scene has changed.

On the other side, Selene quickly picked up on the right path which was leading her back to Santok. Her thoughts were predominantly focussed on the pronouncement, but somewhere at the back of her mind, she was thanking the man who helped her getting back on the correct path.

It was only when she was certain that she was about to reach the castle did she heard a rhythmic sound in the dead silence of the forest, which was seemingly pacing in her direction.

She jumped at the sudden shock and rushed away from the path she was walking on only to hide herself in the shadows of the tall trees which were on the either side of the path.

She waited and listened thoroughly to the approaching sounds. She can tell it was the sound of galloping hooves and they were not far away. The only reason she preferred to hide was because if the princess of Bellicus is discovered by some stranger alone in the middle of the forest at this hour, then rumors will spread like fire in the forest.

Meanwhile, Callisto was almost into the forest, aware of the fact that his sister was fond of walking he wasted no time and was almost into the woods. His eyes would wander everywhere scanning the surroundings, looking for Selene.

It wasn't the fact that she was out alone that troubled his mind. He was certain that she can defend herself. She was brought up in a way that she can keep herself out of trouble and can even fight to save herself.

But the reality weighed much heavier in his mind. Of course, Selene was fiercely clever and strong but it was dark and she could be in danger if she goes too far.

The fear of the unknown hunts down on vulnerable minds but it can also encroach around the ones who are perturbed by the pessimistic and fatalistic possibilities. And such was the case with Callisto Cromwell. As much faith he had in Selene he was also aware that time of dark is perilous and can turn the worst of the probabilities into reality of the moment.

He urged his horse into a faster lope and kept a thorough watch on surroundings. The forest appeared like a black wall to him illuminated by a dim light as the moon was cloaked by the clouds. He cursed the timing under his breath and continued with what he was doing.

By the time, Callisto was about to cross Selene, she realized that she can ask whoever this person was to help her get back to the castle, so she can get back before someone notices her absence, especially the commoners. The worse possible case would be if this person can have any ulterior motives.

She was weighing her options before making a move. But as the time continued to pass, she was forced to make a rather compromising choice. She jumped out of her hiding spot and in the way of the horse to stop it just in the nick of time.

Callisto pulled the reins and the horse reared his forelimbs off the ground for a moment before stopping just an inch away from Selene. Callisto was confused too, as to who could be the one to throw themselves in front of a galloping horse. He couldn't recognize his own sister in the shadows of the trees.

Selene's heart was racing like a fury. She couldn't comprehend her own moves. It took a few seconds for a her to realize what she has done and now came the difficult part where she had to ask for help without revealing her true identity to this new stranger.

"Pardon my abrupt invasion milord! But I seek help" She coaxed in a gentle voice.

Though Callisto's eyes were shadowed by the dark, he realized it was his sister the moment he heard her voice. He couldn't thank the Gods enough. Climbing down immediately from his horse he advanced towards her.

"I can't believe you can be this soft with strangers!" He said playfully as he poked fun at her. A smile playing on his lips as he supressed a laugh.

"Brother Callisto!" Selene instantly hugged him as she recognized him by his voice.

Without any further ado, he said, "Let's get back at the castle!"

Selene nodded at him and then both of them set back to the castle.

******

Back at the castle, Artemis had a glass of wine in her hand but she was barely drinking from it. Her eyes roamed from corner to corner every now and then. It wasn't just Callisto and Ariel who noticed that Selene was missing.

The moment Samantha Boyle got involved with some other royal ladies, Artemis began to feel that something was missing from the whole picture. And minutes later she realized it was her youngest daughter, Selene. And almost an hour later Callisto was gone too.

Being a prime member of the family, she knew she cannot just discuss the matter with anyone and her husband wouldn't leave King Hendrickson's side so she bit her tongue and stood quietly at her spot as her eyes wandered the ball room looking for her missing children.

She was low in spirits, partially livid by Themisto's actions and partially disoriented by a glut of disparaging thoughts prominently spiralling around the sudden news of her daughter's marriage followed by her disappearance.

The words of the prophet played in a loop inside her head and her face turned into a forced but gloomy smile.

The curse of the royalty is to maintain one's countenance even if you hit the rock bottom. As it is often said, the show must go on and so did Artemis restrained herself from breaking down and took a final sip of wine from her glass before putting it away.

~~~~~~~

Dear readers,

We have 24 chapters so far and i hope that you are truly enjoying them and the plot of the story. I would appreciate it if you all comment down or write a review for the book including your honest thoughts. It would be so kind of you all!

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hope you all have a good day, thankyou!