Chapter 7

The doors to the queen's chambers swung open and Amia stormed in looking furious. The queen narrowed her eyes in curiosity at her mood before finally asking her about it.

"What's wrong?"....

Amia took a deep breath as though she were calming her raging self before attempting to speak to her mother.

"I spoke to the Commander today considering Jemima's case. I told him to drop the case but he refused. It is as though he's trying to lose interest in me"...

The queen let out a loud Chuckle that immediately embarrassed Amia.

"Mother, how is this a funny story?"…..she asked in annoyance.

"what did you expect when you turned him down for the prince from China who came to marry Jemima. He is a man after all. He may be in love but he still has his pride, so quit whining and go to your lessons now"...

"But Mother———-"…..

"Not another word of this again!"...she scolded her.

"fine. But what are your plans on making sure Jemima never returns to the palace?"…..Amia changed the topic.

"Mano did a horrible job in taking out the princess and so he must fix it. There is no doubt she's still alive and somewhere. If it goes well this time, this missing princess might never be found "....An evil smile grew on her lips as she fantasized to herself, Amia becoming crown princess.

Yan slowly opened his eyes to meet a worried look on Jemima's face.

"Are you okay?"....she asked.

"Where am I....and…and…How are you here, you were just captured by the——-"…..

"What are you talking about?"…..She confusedly asked again.

He sat up to see her in a dirty looking commoners dress and apron which surprised him a bit.

"what are you wearing and where did you get that?"...

A cute smile lit up her face as she admired the dress on herself.

"I exchanged my dress for this one at the tailor's shop. I think it hides my identity so well"…..she smiled continuously.

An awkward silence roamed the air until Yan broke it with a jumpy question as though he just awoke a trance.

"The bandit"....he mumbled to himself.

"what are you saying?"...Jemima stared at him in curiosity.

without a word, he rose to his feet and grabbed Jemima by the wrist, dragging her along with him.

"Where are we going ?"...she continued to ask Yan who didn't seem to want to answer.

"I said where are we going!".....she raised her tone with a harsh pull away from his grip.

"your life is no more safe here. Whoever wanted to kill you really does want to kill you "….

"What are you talking about?"....

"The same bandits from the forest are after you again!"....he raised his tone , leaving her speechless and a bit afraid.

"Does this have anything to do with you lying unconscious behind the well?"... she fought back her angry tears.

"I'm taking you back to the palace. Believe it or not, it's the safest place for you right now"….. Yan sought to persuade her.

"No, it's not!"….she yelled, bursting out in tears.

" Who knows what has been planted under my bed this time. Who knows the kind of poison awaits me. Who knows how many curse charms are being hidden in my dresses and powder"…..she ranted in tears.

Yan said nothing as he watched the tears roll down her cheeks. A part of him felt pity on her, but a bigger part could not care any less.

"Help me please. I beg of you"....she held unto the sleeves of his shirt .

He let out a sigh and then thought to himself what he could do about the situation.

"Stay here then. Once it's sunrise tomorrow, I'll take you to the palace"…..

"But—-"…..

"Find whomever want to get rid of you and get rid of them first. Hiding and running away will only hurt you and ruin your life. "...he seemed concerned which eased her tension a bit.

"Fine"...she reluctantly agreed.

A loud thunder storm roared in the bright blue sky, frightening Jemima into Yan's arms. She found herself so close to him that her heart raced uncontrollably. It was as though she had seen a different side of him in his brown eyes.

"It's just thunder"…..he mocked her as he pulled her slowly away from him.

She had never felt so embarrassed in her life .

"Why is it so loud in the middle of the day?"….she said under her breath unknowing that Yan had heard her.

"It means a heavy storm would come either tonight or tomorrow night"...he answered.

"Oh"…..she chuckled weakly In embarrassment.

"Go inside the house and stay there until I return. Do not open the doors for anyone unless it's me and most importantly, stay safe"...

"I promise"...Jemima assured him.

"Good, I'll be back. If you get hungry, there is fruits in the store room"….

"Yeah sure "…..she replied without making eye contact with him.

After watching her go in, he went away hoping she would be safe. He wondered to himself why he suddenly cared if she was okay or not; but one thing was for sure, he saved her and was going to return her in one piece.