~Learn to be Tough~
Night...
Niamh was in her room chatting with her maids when they suddenly mentioned about Rialorna being taken to the Dark Valley.
"What's wrong, M'lady?" Kieran asked as Niamh sprang her feet up.
"I need to go see the prince, lead the way" Niamh rushed her words and almost immediately, the door opened and Lansel walked in.
"Leave us" there's a sudden authority in his voice as he urged, the maids bowed and scurried away.
"You're looking for me?" Lansel took graceful steps towards her.
"Your Serene Highness, I'm sorry to ask but can I ask a favour?" Niamh bowed politely. Lansel stared down at her, amused and he muttered "ask away"
Niamh took a deep breath "did you really take Rialorna to the Dark Valley?" She asked and Lansel's gaze hardened instantly, his aura turned freezing cold, chilling her more than the freezing temperature that she froze on the spot.
"And if I do?" His voice was smoldering with all the coldness in the world that got Neev wondering if he's really that soft Lansel that was teasing her. For some reason, she felt her heart pounding hard. With the way the prince looked, it's obvious he doesn't like it when she brought the topic and he was giving her the look of 'there is nothing you can do about it'. She won't love to provoke her prince charming so, she just shrugged.
But she's still worried, what other way could she get Rialorna out of there. Even though she tried killing her, throwing her into that dungeon is deadly. Niamh sometimes acts like a headless chicken, how can she save someone who tried to kill you?
Though natural feelings would demand revenge, but Niamh believes the good noble woman controls her feelings. She wanted to forgive Rialorna because it's a matter of virtue and not the result of satisfied revenge.
So, Niamh is is decisive and clear-headed. But the world is a cruel place, what if she forgave Rialorna and she tried killing her again? Is that how she'll keep forgiving her? Nay!
"I was just asking though" Niamh shrugged her shoulders elegantly.
"I know what you're trying to ask, Neev. But believe me, no one gets to live when one tried hurting you. She's paying for what she has done. The while of Elvkinles cannot save her. Even if you're thinking of saving her, sea dead by now for the dungeon is deadlier than you think" Lansel stated firmly, boring his sea green eyes int her silver ones.
He took a step forward and his gorgeous face loomed over hers.
"You need to learn how to be tough, silver cat. Don't be too good to anyone or you'll hurt yourself at the end. Damien is an example" he whispered and Niamh instantly got the point he's trying to make.
Yes, she needs to be careful. If not because if Lansel, who knows where Niamh will be by this time? Famine could have taken her for his own selfish interests.
"You need to sleep silver cat. Don't think too much, I'm here to protect you" Lansel added. Niamh could see the sincerity and compassion in his eyes.
"I appreciate, Your Highness" she bowed.
Lansel smirked and let her to her bed chamber and tugged her to bed. He sat there and waited till she dozed off.
Niamh saw herself in a dark forest. She was tired and thirsty after running for a long while. She suddenly saw a figure emerged, clad in a cloak of darkness. The figure moved further and she instantly recognized him- Damien.
"Long time love" his deep voice was heard and Niamh recoiled in fear.
"Come Neev, I will save you from him" Damien added, stretching his hand. Niamh looked utterly confused. She suddenly remembered she was being chased and the person appeared. It. Was Lansel, holding two sharp daggers, his eyes were dangerous, there were traces of blood on his face that made him look scary.
He was walking towards her in steady steps while she moved back and when she was few meters away from Damien, Lansel raised a dagger ready to stab her and Niamh let out a tremendous scream.