Chapter Seven.

"For the love of the gods! You're BACK!" Lucius screamed out the moment he noticed her eyes slowly opening.

Lucius had not expected it of her. Of course she was mysterious, but he didn't think to that extent. "What in the gods name happened to you?" He asked rushing towards her to sit beside her on the bed.

When her eyes opened to reality, she was happy. At least, she got to see her father one more time. Heartbreaking as it might had seem, she learnt something new. Chantara slowly sat up, scanning through her environment — ignoring Lucius of his exaggerated welcome and the big smile on his face — and noticed she was in a small room that struck no form of resemblance in anyway. Where she stayed at the High Realm boasted of mighty rooms with golden coated decorations and items, whereas this room was nothing but a tiny stuffed place with cluttered items everywhere. The only thing she could make of relevance was the small dolorous bed she laid on. Two old chairs rested in front of her.

"At last, she awakens." A roguish voice said, causing Chantara to scan the room for another presence. Just by her far right at the entrance of the door, strode in a fair slender lady. The lady Chantara could instantly recognize. Her cloak was not on, revealing medium length black hair that weren't exactly silky soft and straight. She advanced forward, few inches away from the bed, arms akimbo. Chantara wouldn't deny it, but her bold attitude interested her in some kind of way. The way she carried herself so gallant and the little bit of pride in her eyes. She was a daring devil. "Welcome back, Princess."

"What is she doing here, human boy?" She ignored Tina, focusing her intense green eyes towards Lucius.

"Human boy?" He asked, displeased with her words. Lucius found it amazing at first, but now, she was starting to get on his nerve. "What is wrong with you? Don't call me that again."

"What? Aren't you a human, and a boy?" She asked.

"Then that makes you human girl." Said Tina.

"None of your business, thief."

"Thief? How dare you!"

"You should really learn to respect people around here, Moon. And I know your name is not Moon!"

"Moon? Is that really the best name you could come up with?" Scoffed Tina.

"Again, thief, you're not really invited to this discussion." Chantara replied.

"You have a lot of explanations to do-" Lucius was about to question before Chantara screamed out.

"In the Orbs name! Why am I naked?" She realized that her outfit had been stripped off of her. She was not the type to stroll around in these mortals fancy gowns and luxurious jeweleries. Even while she was at the High Realm. How would one wear an outfit and not be able to walk swiftly and smart? How do they even manage fight in those kinds of lengthy long gowns? She didn't know and she would never care. When she checked, a brown maiden dress had been exchanged with her comfy tunic and trousers and boots.

"Uh, not what you are thinking, but we needed to bath you and-"

"Bath me!?" Screamed Chantara, causing Lucius to jump off the bed.

"No no no no. Not in that manner-"

"I was unconscious for how long and you're already undressing me!?"

"No. Of course not. We just needed, I just..., well that's why she's around!" He said, pointing towards Tina who only waved and gave a pleasing smile, certainly excited with what was happening.

"You dared touch me?" How dare you-"

"Would you have rather allowed me touch do it instead?" Lucius asked, folding his arms. She gave no reply, then returned her disgusted stare at the dress that was now on her.

"You have such a nice body." Tina teased from where she stood, forcing a deadly glare from Chantara that crept the hell out of Lucius.

"So, what information did you receive from your journey of days?" Lucius asked, preventing any form of future arguments.

Chantara did not hear him clearly. "Days?"

"Yes. Days." He replied with a straight face.

"I've been out for only a few minutes. What do you mean by, days?"

"A few," he said, one hand suddenly clapped to his mouth to silence his next word.  "A few days you mean. You've been out for four days, Moon. Please stop making me call you that, will you? What is your name exactly?"

It didn't make sense to her. Four days was gone already with no steps closer to her goal.

Advancing closely to her, reciprocating glances between Chantara and the bed before finally choosing to pick the option of going to his grave at his early age. When he finally sat down, he expected Chantara to had pounced on him but she only stared and instantly switched her gaze towards one of the empty chairs. Tina thought she was being gestured to sit on one of the chairs so she reluctantly did. The room became silent with only the loud heartbeats of Chantara's.

"So, did you get any message whatsoever?" Lucius asked again, and this time, Chantara gave them an answer. She gave them the answer she never ever thought would spew from her mouth.

Life had ways of working miracles. All in all, it will get better eventually. The real mission had already begun, and she didn't care what they'd think of her. Her father, the High Realms, the Councils and all of humanity were counting on her. She would not let them down. She was about to become as brave as she would ever be, and with the power of the Orbs, she would seek nothing lesser than a glorious success.

****

Back at the Silver City, Honora did not appreciate the vicinity of the palace anymore. As proud as she could be, she did not fit the type of ruler that would sit in one place and attend to boring palace businesses. She wanted to be a warrior, not some princess. Sitting at the palace all day annoyed her and it wasn't long before Honora ventured into her city.

She loved the attention and fear that came with the glances of the villagers each time they saw her. It soothed her mind for some reason. People hailed her from left and right as she strode the village. Everybody at the Silver City knew her. The city had two mighty walls — one at the entrance as you advance into the city, and another one inside the very walls. The first gates welcomed anyone of any class, once they could pass the questionings from the guards. Then once inside, if some abled men and women with hefty pockets wanted a place to reside, they were always welcomed to the second wall. So, it's other walls were habitants of wealthy nobles. To Honora, those kinds were unamusing to her. They were too respectful and willing to oblige to her rules at once. The people on the first wall however, that was where the rogues reigned. There was always a fool to punish every single time she went there.

Then, just like she'd predicted, he was around. Maybe she didn't love coming to the first wall because of the stubborn villagers. Maybe it was only because of him. Maybe she just wanted him to finally give in to her wishes and just respected her like they all did in the city. He struck a mysterious feeling towards her that she just couldn't explain.

"We meet again." She walked forward to him and smiled as she saw him frown with detests. Hurt a little in her heart, but she didn't show it. A warrior never revealed her sadness, rather, she must be strong all the time.

"I'm not so pleased about that." Replied Theon. Honora was proud, so full of herself, depraved and an immoral girl to him. Theon was just trying to get past life and Honora, who didn't know of the heavy weight he was facing, did little effort in cheering him up the slightest, other than causing more heartache and traumas to him.

The vicinity was rather quiet compared to the opened area of the first wall where people were many with, most of the time, big trading. Theon did not like to be seen by people so he avoided them by all means. His favourite spot there was the book store where various types of works were always sold. Not so many people fancied reading so it was easy for Theon to walk by without any familiar or unfamiliar faces calling him here and there. He feared Honora already figured out his spot. He would have to change it real quick so he could avoid their unplanned encounters soon.

She chuckled out loud like anything he'd said amused her someway. "Theon... Theon what again?"

"Nora, leave me alone please." He frowned making it very obvious she was bothering him.

"You're a funny one, aren't you? Theon Bardson of the-"

"Your highness." Quickly terminating any conversation from happening, he cut her off with a slight bow, only to show a form of respect so she wouldn't punish him like the last time, then rushed out of her way.

"Get back here boy." She called and he paused. Slowly with a slight grin on her, she walked towards him, but stopped behind. She ran her fingertips down his hair from behind him and even after he yanked her hands right off, they were soon back on his hair again. "You amuse me, young man." She majestically walked her way to his front, with one hand gently lifting his lowered head up, she smiled again. "I offer you a great deal. Must you be so blind?" She said, whispering out each words as she spoke.

When Theon looked at her, he could have sworn he saw a bit of sincerity in her eyes. She was beautiful, yet flaunted effortlessly this rage and anger. It was sad and pitiful. Theon always thought no one had it like him, yet seeing her now made his heart felt compassion. "When was the last time you smiled so genuine?" He asked, not taking his eyes off hers. Her mouth opened up to reply but he asked her again. "Be honest. When?" Few moments of intense stare and she still could not come up with any reply. "You deserve more than you think."

"Then grant me of my request. Be by my side in the end days. Rule by my side and make me happy." Honora was not one to beg, but as she stared at Theon, nothing else mattered. It was true. She couldn't place her mind on a moment when she was truly happy. Years when she was a child perhaps? When her mother was still by her side and her father, ousted of his madness. He was still sane back then. Honora enjoyed her level of freedom because back then, she was such a sweet and lively child. She wished she was still filled with all of those innocents and ... Sinlessness. "For old time sake. I miss us. We can still go back to those times." As she spoke, she smiled in between, hoping he would remember just how close they used to be. Hoping he would just stop shutting her off.

He gently held her hands that was pressed on his face, then, he lowered them. "You deserve to be happy. Sadly, I'm not the man to give you such joy."

Her ears were completely fed up of hearing those words and her heart had crumbled so many times already. She wasn't supposed to be surprised, yet, she couldn't breath. She was slowly dissolving in her own misery. She didn't cry, at least on the outside. Deep down, she feared she would die of exhaustion. She was confused and sad and he was supposed to be the only one to help her. "Am I that miserable? That worthless to you, that evil, that-"

"I'm sorry, but Nora, I'm not the one for you. I'm sorry." He searched for words to say again but only the apologetic ones filled his mouth. "I'm sorry."

She blinked hard, her lips parted when air seized from flowing through her nose as she heaved in a deep sigh. She slowly inhaled and exhaled, slowly calming her nerves down. She was stronger than that and maybe love was not meant for someone like her. She would be brave. Without saying anymore word, she exited herself from his sight.

Theon felt bad, but he would had felt worst if he had given her a false hope. He was sorry, for himself and more for her.