Chapter 6

The last two days at the palace was peaceful. The King's decision to marry his son and me earlier than expected was now the talk of the town. Preparations were undergo and the prince was rather acting odd as of late.

I walked around the halls, getting to know the servants, cooks, and even the royal guards. So far, I met one girl named, Notetali. She was assigned by the King himself to be my caretaker. Getting to know her at first, I knew she was nervous. But during these two days, I realized we weren't that different. We were both scared and lonely. Lost people we loved and cherished. She was like me but in a different world. She was like a younger sister, and she had no idea how lucky she was to not have the world I lived in currently. Lies, secrets, and manipulation covered me in golden but yet ugly armor. I could hardly look at myself, even when I was dressed in the finest jewels and silk. It didn't cover up the fact, I was a breathing lie—with a brooch out there, that I couldn't find.

The night Mal left my room; I sneaked out in search to gain what I had lost. I've literally spent that night looking like a mad woman. There was not one part of that garden I hadn't searched. I began to clinch my hands around the floral patterns of my dress as Notetali combed my hair. She saw me through the mirror "Mi Lady, are you alright?" I followed her gaze in the mirror and calmed my shoulders making me release the grip I held on to my dress. Smiling, I calmly said "It's just all this wedding planning. Just nervous about fully becoming Queen." she smiled at me, stepping back knowingly after finishing my hair "Mi Lady, you'll be a wonderful, Queen. I'm sure the prince shares your fears." I give her a fake smile as the prince was bought up in our conversation. I nod at her as she left the room, leaving me to myself.

Moments later, the day continued like normal. I was greeted, talked to, with wedding plans on the go, and bowed to. Every day may have seemed normal, but I knew fully well this wasn't my life. As I went around the ballroom, Prince Zoran approached me "I see, you've made yourself at home." I look at him, but his gaze was on anything but my own. I giggled and saddened all at the same time "I'm sure you're hoping I'd die in a ditch somewhere, no? Sadly, I can't grant you that wish." He finally looked at me, however his gaze held something to it, but I didn't bother to read into any further "For the best passing of two days, I've come to realize you won't easily obey me and follow my command like law. However, I've come to accept that." the feeling of surprise dawned on me but not for long "What are you up to?" he only smiled at my question "Nothing you mustn't worry about. I'm sure in time you'll come to know what I know." his words were like a dance, playing on every letter and word. My mind was blank, and he walked away with nothing but a smile on his face and a knowledge I had no clue about. This set me more uneased.

The King called for a meeting; I was told to be present because I am the future Queen. A big round table stood proud in the middle of the room, with what I could make out as a battle plan in motion. The Prince, the King and I stood beside each other; the make-up of the room held the General of the Royal Guard; General Cane. Following close to him was his second in command, Lt. Ortan. It wasn't long till the room was filling up with faces I haven't met. Councilmen, Nobles, and other Kings from across the land. Nerves played on me but the prince quickly grabbed my hand. I looked at him out of the corner of my eye and soon realized he didn't do it to comfort me. It was to make a statement; I knew the room was filled with tension. This was his way of making it look like the royal family is still as strong as ever. My comfort was the last thing on his mind, his family was main priority, and I shouldn't have expected anything different. I regain my composure and look at everyone in the room. I had to make them feel that I belonged here. They had to believe that I was their Queen and not anything else. I held my head high and so did the prince. We had to be united or everyone in this room would question our ability to run this nation and its people. I at least knew that much. Power was the union and union was the power. And Zoran and I was that union and that power. Well, in their eyes at least.

The meeting was going as planned. Knights were moved all across the table; plans how to better attack their rival kingdom, Morodun. I've learned Clover City had been in war with Morodun for centuries. Long years, of endless and countless lives lost. Was it even worth it? I couldn't just seat by and watch lives go to waste for nothing. My body moved before my mind could process but when it did, everyone stopped to look at me. The prince wasn't happy about that, and the King just remain silent looking at me. But my heart needed to say this "You claim to be protecting, Clover City. But have it ever crossed your minds that there was a better way?" Prince Zoran got up to stop me, but the King grabbed his arm to stop him and finally spoke "What do you think we should do?" I smiled when he asked and looked at everyone almost saying the King gave me right to speak and I did "Clearly, we're not getting anywhere with this war. We've lost men. Children's, sons and even husbands. To continue this path will only make us lose more lives and it's pointless denying the rate of men we lost. I say, we draw back, recollect, and bargain for a peace treaty-" One of the Noblemen got up in protest "This is an absolute disgrace! You dare to demand that we make peace with these imbeciles when you are not even our queen! — Absolute ludicrous!" The King got up "Nobleman Fin! Allow me to remain you that she is to be your queen soon enough! Remember, you are in my presence; and while you're in my presence you will treat her with the at most respect! Recall your still on thin ice for the last stunt you pulled." Noblemen Fin glared at his King but bite his tongue from specking further. I took this as my sign to continue my point "Hear me out. These are people we've been in war with for too long. This war isn't getting us anywhere. Let me ask you this, did any of the former Kings consider a peace treaty between the two fallen fronts?" everyone look towards each other; whispering echoing across the room and to each other. However, the King spoke up "Silence!" the room went quiet again at the King's voice and he looks to me "None of the Kingdom's dimmed it necessary considering the time." I looked at him questionably "Than let's dim it necessary now. By what have been said, we as a whole have nothing to lose considering we've lost so much." Prince Zoran finally spoke and grabbed my arm as he got up "I'm sorry, allow to speck to my future wife for a moment." He hurried me out of the room and out into the hall and I brushed him off. He was wearing his anger and it almost made me shiver under his gaze "I told you to mind your place." I stared at him in disbelief "Have you gone mad? People has died! And you want to get mad at me for defending these people?!" he points his finger in my face and glared "Have you forgotten that you aren't Queen yet? Have you forgotten that these people need to see you as Queen not the rebellion of one?" I smacked his hand away and sadden "I'm not going to pretend that I belong here. Just sitting in that room and hearing about all the lives, the deaths, and the endless war between these two civilizations. How do you expect me to just sit there and act like it doesn't affect me?!" He yells "This isn't your war!" I yelled back "It is! Have you not had any idea of what I've lost?! There are lives outside these walls that gets caught in the fire of this war—Starving villages! So, don't you dare say this isn't my war! Because, it might as well had been." I began to turn my back on him, but he grabbed me "Don't you dare turn your back on me!" I turned around and shoved him. I could feel my insides boiling, growing more impatient with his attitude towards me.

"You call yourself a future King?! You watch millions and millions of people die but yet do nothing to stop it. And if you hate me so much, be the first to cast the stone. Because I can't stand to be here just because of some immoral promise. I was a fool to think you could be anything else." I bite my tongue before I could say anything else. All I could do was stare at him. To see this was the man I thought could help my dying village...

Ms. Fataya was right. My journey here was a lost cause. I was a fool. I couldn't get the prince to help me and I lost the brooch. The only thing close to finding out who I was. I was a lost cause and a hope that vanished. He sighs, taking me in with a sad look "I don't hate you. What I hate were your lies." He dug into his robe of silk and fine jewels and pulled out something. He held it to my face for me to see it clearly and when I took it in. It was my brooch!

I felt the color from my face drain and a newfound terror taking place. He looks at me, completely sure of himself now "I knew there was always something wrong with you. But now, I'm sure." glaring at me, he takes a step closer "You talk about saving people and about morals, however you're a liar. I may not hate you now, but I wouldn't say I'm far from it. Now explain, why is the brooch of the long-lost daughter of Ki Kan Valley, doing in my kingdom?" I took a step back, feeling cornered. I knew very well I couldn't lie myself out of this one. But it wasn't like I got out of my first one anyway. I felt paralyzed.

"Speak!" he orders me, and I felt myself crumble. I sadden "I'm from a village that adopted me. I was told four days ago about that brooch in your hand after my adopted father was killed by Zuko soldiers. It was in my hair when he found me on the side of the road. Believe me when I say, I'm looking for answers just as much as you." his voice grew more angrier "Why are you here? Why lie about who you are?" this time I grew more offended "I don't know who exactly I'm supposed to be! The reason my journey was necessary was because that village that took me in, is dying! —The soil is dry, the elderly is weak, there is no food and hardly any water. I came because I needed your help. However, Elizabeth found me and made me her pawn in a game of chess. I was only lucky to find out she knew and was to marry you. I saw an opportunity and I took it. It was no different from what anyone would have done in this kingdom."

"It was immoral." he said.

I laughed sourly "But yet, I didn't have to shed blood to get it. You may say what you want of me, but the truth of the matter is that no matter what... I may have been a liar, but I'll never be a cold-blooded killer. Not like you—and definitely not like the rest of your family." He moved so fast that I couldn't see it until it was too late. His hand was around my neck, squeezing out the air in my lungs. As I looked into his eyes, all there was, were murderous intent "You dare talk about my family when you know none of yours?! I will not let you dishonor my family when you've done nothing but earn my disrespect. The next time, my family's name is bought up in such distain. I'll be sure to have your head on a stick!" he lets me go and I fell to the floor, trying to catch my breathe. He walked away with little care of what I was thinking in this moment. But I knew damn well enough, he was no future king. He was a monster...

Later on, I didn't dare look for Prince Zoran, I was compelled to stay alive no matter what; though I may have lied, that doesn't mean death should come knocking on my door. I walked around as my legs bought me to the servant quarters. If there were more words, I could use for how the servant quarters looked, it would be simple. Plain floors, plain walls, and even plain beds. Their living space was almost the make-up of their life. Simple...as long as they obeyed.

As I made my way in, a hand grabbed me from behind and into the small of two walls. I went to scream but a hand cupped over my mouth, as I stared into the eyes of my captor. His eyes were made of the forest. A beautiful set of hazel greens. Below it, his nose is perfectly shaped, along with his lips that was so ever full. His hair, that prefect shade of ashy brown. But even though this man was beautiful, my panic didn't wavier. He glares into my eyes "You... Are you Moonjira?" I felt myself nod and he sighs in relief "Mal, he asked me to take you from here and back to Riverband." shocked pushed through me and gave me the strength to push him away. He stepped back far enough but just enough that the walls allowed him too "I don't even know you and you dare say that traitors name?!" His glare grew on me "Sweetheart, you think you have a choice. That is rather cute—but I didn't come all this way for a no deal. Your friend paid and I plan to deliver." he grabbed my arm and began pulling me, his grip was hard and strong, I knew very well I couldn't get out of it. We passed halls and reached a door that was outside of the palace. He lets me go and began getting a horse for the ride, that was already waiting outside when we got there. He looked around and moved rather quickly.

"I'm sure you know this is kidnapping." as he saddled in the horse, he briefly laughed "If I heard correctly, this town doesn't sound too keen on keeping you." I glared daggered at the back of his head "I'm still their future quee—" he cuts me off, turning sharply to me "You don't need to lie to me, princess. I know who you are. And trust me, I know your no future queen. I was paid to take you back to your village, and I plan to do just that." We both look at each other for a second, and as nothing happened, went back to doing what he was before. I breathe in my frustration "Fine. You know who I am. But I find it rude that you know who I am, but I know none of you." turning his neck slightly to look at me, he said gently "My name isn't important. After I complete what I've come to do, you'll never see me again." he looks away. I take a step back "You know, I don't find your attitude very much appealing." he laughs "Join the club, honey. I wasn't made to be liked." I quickly turned to run and before I knew it, he appeared in front of me. I took a step back in surprise and he advanced "You shouldn't try to run." my voice shook "You're a Witching." his face twitched at the name "I prefer not calling myself that." I grew fearful "Who really paid you?" He sighed and walked around me; his steps were like air. You hardly saw him touched the ground "I told you, your little pal Mal. I have no reason to lie to you. I'm just doing a job." as he went back to tending the horse for takeoff, I asked him curiously "Does he know what you are?" he faces me, almost surprised by my question but he quickly masked that with a sense of knowing "No. He doesn't know what I am. Witching's, are supposed to be dead—well the most of us are. Only a few of us are left in this place you call a home." I stared at him, in a sense of relatability "Funny you should say that. I haven't felt much of a home since my adopted father died. Since then, it's just been a dark tunnel and I don't even know where it's heading." his face was covered in sympathy, stepping away from the horse, he saddens "Look, I'm not going to pity you. God knows, how much of that we can handle... But I'm sorry to hear about your father. I know how it feels to lose someone... That pain you carry; it makes you stronger." I stepped closer to him, hoping in some way I could make him understand "Than you should know why I can't go with you." He glares at me, turning away from me as he picked up a bag "I told you this is my job. I get it, you're trying to do good. You think some sad tale of your life is going to change what I got to do? This isn't a pity party, sweetheart. I'm not here to feel sorry for you." I glared back at him "Than feel sorry for me. We're strangers. You can say you did your job and leave."

"And then what? Should I fake my death while I'm at it?"

I shake my head disapprovingly at his outlook on the situation, but this wasn't enough to hide my anger "You think, Mal is going to do anything about it? Surely, you don't know him but let me tell you. He wouldn't be able to stand his ground towards a regular man, let alone a Witching. He's a coward. That'll never change." he looks at me with a smile "Sounds like you two didn't get along. And, here I was under the impression that you guys were close." jumping on the horse, he looks down on me "Personally, I don't see why a person would go as far to break someone like you out of the palace." I rolled my eyes "Clearly, I'm more than just a liar, as of late." he stretched out his hand to me "Well, how about you tell me about it on our journey. I'm sure, you've got some story to share."

I looked at him, without blinking, I knew what I had to do. I stretched out my hand towards him "Your right, I do." swiftly grabbing his hand, I pull him off his horse, causing him to lose balance. This alone caused the horse to panic, making him fall to the ground, and before he could react. I kicked him in his face, as he groans in pain, I yelled "Guards! Guards! Intruder!" In a matter of seconds, if not a moment, guards surrounded us with spears and pointed it right at the man. Two guards kneeled to pick him up and I glared at him "Be careful with this one. He uses magic." A guard nod and put on special handcuffs on him, one of them approached me "Your Highness, has he hurt you?" shaking my head, I reinsured him "He didn't get the chance." he nods and gave orders "Bring him down to the dungeon. His Majesty, will deal with the lots of him later." They all salute and did as they were told. While turning around, all I can see was the Witching's face filled with pure anger. There was no doubt, that I'd be paying for it later.

The guard looked at me and bowed "Your Highness, I'm first Commander, Michael. Allow me to escort you back to your quarters. I'm sure today has been an ordeal." I smiled sweetly at him, resting my hand on his shoulder "Please, don't bow. I'm not even your Queen yet." standing up straight he looks at me seriously "You shouldn't parade the grounds on your own. Please don't take your safety lightly, Your Highness." I sadden, not for one second have I took my safety as lightly considering my situation. And though, I wanted to reply to him with a bit of arrogance, my logic of the situation was clear. Shut up. Smile. Nod.

"But of course. It was silly of me to walk around without any protection. Forgive me, for being neglectful of my well-being." I could almost spit out the words I said, but it was the most royal answer I could give. I had more depressing issues than my well-being right now. The prince knows my secret and now I have a Witching who probably can't wait to spill my blood. He might just have to get in line right after the prince himself.

But I got a feeling that the prince wasn't going to be happy about this…