Chapter 3

After talking at length with the man, Damean excused himself and had a maid direct him to the dining room. He had other things he had to do. When he thought of other things, a certain figure made its way into his head. 'About time I visited' After thanking him, the handsome man walked with the maid to the dining hall. After a sumptuous meal, he was taken back to his room. While on the bed, his mind went back to the series of conversations he had throughout that day. His thoughts lingered on the ones he had about the gods. For some reason, he didn't seem to like the praise given to each of them. He just shrugged it off as his mind went back to the first and most disturbing question he had been harboring since he woke up. Who am I?' At least he would be getting answers soon enough. He was also a bit doubtful about each of them in the royal house. They seemed to be helping him for now, but he was sure that it was not out of charity. 'What do they want from me?' he thought. The only person he felt a bit at ease around was Damean. He closed his eyes to sleep, hopeful that he would be getting his answers soon. With that thought, he went to sleep.

****

The next day came as quick as a mist. It felt like he had just closed his eyes and opened them. He listened closely, but unlike the first time, there were no voices coming from the dining hall. He stood up and looked at the lower part of his body. He had to be sure that he was wearing clothes. He smiled as he remembered yesterday's experiences, but when he tried to go beyond that, there seemed to be some kind of barrier blocking him from gaining his memories. Just like the previous day, a warm bath was prepared for him. He was dressed and led down to the dining hall. He noticed that, unlike yesterday, he would be having his breakfast alone. Just as he shrugged it off and was about to eat, someone walked in. A young woman with black hair and silver eyes walked in. She looked extremely beautiful, and she was someone he was familiar with. "Lydia!" He said this while standing up. A slight blush was apparent on her cheeks. "Good morning. Handsome," she said the last part with a little difficulty. "Good morning to you too." She was a princess and was quick enough to regain her composure. ",Did you sleep well?" She asked curteously. To this, he nodded. She smiled and sat down to have her meal. Immediately after she sat down, he followed suit. This left her thinking. You said you don't have any memory of anything, so where how did you know to wait until I had sat down before having a sit?" "Well, Damean said I should do so if I'm ever in the presence of a maiden. He said it would get me in their good books. I'm not sure what that means." Ooh, did he?" She asked with a surprised look on her face. Damean didn't give two sh*ts about who was going to be sitting or standing at the table. In fact, when others stood or bowed in respect for the king, Damean would sit and keep eating like he didn't have a care in the world. She had seen this play out more than twice. Now here he was lecturing someone on how to be a gentleman. She let out a little laugh as an image of Damean doing the same thing that this guy just did appeared in her head. "Why are you suddenly smiling?" "Nothing; it's just.. you don't know, Damean. He isn't one to follow these ethics." "Do you know why they aren't here?" "They have something they have to take care of. It'll probably just be the two of us for the next few days." He looked thoughtful for some time before he said, "Yesterday, when Damean talked, he would refer to the others as his siblings, but when he was to talk about you, he would simply say Lydia or the... What's the word-?" "Princess?" "Yes princess." "Yeah, he calls me that because I'm not part of this kingdom." So there's another kingdom aside from this?" "What do you mean? There are thousands of kingdoms around the world." She responded with an amused look on her face. "Hmmmm. If that's the case, why are you not in your own kingdom?" She smiled at his question. He was a lot like a child who was getting to know things. An answer always brought a question: "Well, that is a topic I'm not sure we should discuss." "Why?" "Well, because I don't know either. My dad just called me up one morning and said I had to come over here. To be honest, I was paranoid, but it changed when I met them. They're all nice people." "I figured... The fact that they let me stay here without knowing who I am is more than enough proof of their kindness." She just smiled. "So you really don't have an idea of who you are?" He shook his head. "Well, I guess we'll just have to help you make new memories." She stood up and stretched out her hands toward him. After watching it for a couple of seconds, he reached out and held it and stood up to go with her. Only now did she realize what she had done. In a fit of excitement, she had taken him the same way she had taken every other person that she held dear. She couldn't help but notice how soft his palm was. It easily covered her's up. It was warm and comfortable; she felt all the pent-up stress she had been harboring disappear with a single touch of his hands. They seemed to have a soothing effect on her. She couldn't help but let out a deep breath of relaxation. "Where are we going?" His voice pulled her out of her thoughts. "Somewhere I like. Have you ever been on a horse..." She stopped remembering who she was talking to. She quickly rephrased her statement. "Would you like to ride a horse?" "I'm afraid I don't know what that is." "That's why I'm here,To guide you." Together, they held hands as they went towards the royal stables. She walked up front, while he was only a few feet behind her as they walked. She was very much like a little kid, excited to show her friends a new toy. Someone was behind the shadows, watching everything unfold.

****

Scott woke up with a big smile on his face this morning. He had memories of last night's events. He looked to his right to notice that there was no one there. 'Always so careful', he thought to himself as an image of her face popped up in his mind. He got up and went to refresh himself. After doing that, he decided that he would go down to have breakfast. But while on his way there, he heard giggling. He immediately went into stealth mode. He blended perfectly with the shadow of one of the pillars in the hall. He could see the new guy, and with him was the princess. Lydia. 'Won't Travis love to see this?' he thought as he smiled wickedly. He watched them have fun and get acquainted. He even decided to forfeit his breakfast for this exciting drama that was unfolding. And as if to quell his expectations, Lydia stood up and held Mr. 'handsome' by the hand. Together, they were moving towards the stables. Can this day get any better?' he thought to himself as he kept following them within the shadows. He was right to think that things would get even more exciting because, as they drew closer to the stables, 'handsome' immediately turned towards where he was hiding. He felt fear as his golden eyes met with 'handsome's blue eyes. He froze temporarily as he used a teleportation skill to quietly disappear from the place he was hiding and go back to his room. He broke down in a cold sweat. Those were eyes that had taken lives. He knew a killer when he saw one. 'who was that guy really?', Scott thought as he took deep breaths to calm his beating heart. Soon, he had that smirk on his face. He walked out of his room once more with the grace and composure of a prince. The fear he exhibited just minutes ago had vanished without a trace.

***

As they were walking towards the stables, he was feeling awkward. It felt like he was being watched constantly. When he finally determined the source of the gaze, he turned towards it. But almost immediately, the presence disappeared, almost like it was never there. This made him think that he had been imagining things, and when Lydia said, "Is there anything wrong?" He snapped out and said, "No, it's nothing. Don't mind me, um, shall we?" With that, they kept on walking towards the stables. When they got to the stables, they saw that they weren't the only ones there. There were other men and some women there trying to ride horses. Looking far towards the last inn, there was a white majestic looking horse. It looked at the humans and other horses like they were inferior beings. Something about that horse piqued 'handsome's interest. He felt drawn to it. He started walking towards it. Just as he was inching closer to the horse, a man walked in and stood before him. He was standing in the way of him and the horse. "No one goes close to that one miss.." a thick hoarse voice resounded as the man spoke. "Is there a reason why?" "None of your business. Now you can choose from any one of the stable." He frowned "I want that one." He said resolutely. " If you know what's good for you, you'd move out before I loose my patience!" The man said raising his voice. He was in charge of the royal stables and was even recognized by the king for his good work. All these had given him a solid reason for pride. Till now, no one ever refused what he said. 'Just who was this guy?' he thought to himself. From the side of his eye he could notice a female figure drawing closer to them. She came and stood between both of them. "I am Princess Lydia of the Han kingdom and I demand that he rides that horse." After a minute of awkward silence, the tall burly man laughed. He laughed hard and long. After some moments of laughter, he said "perhaps that would work in your kingdom princess, but take a look around you. This isn't Han. It's Netherville." With those words, he grabbed hold of both of them and flung his hands towards the door. Lydia was sent flying but the man stood rooted on the spot. He frowned slightly and lifted his hand which he had formed onto a fist. He was ready to throw a punch on the handsome man's face. No one did anything to stop him. He was someone they were well aware of. This duo wouldn't be the first to have their asses handed over for not listening to him. Just as the punch was inches away from hitting the handsome man, another hand held on to the stable keeper, preventing him from landing a hit. When he turned, what he saw made him regret his actions. A man with white hair and golden eyes with a smile on his lips held a lady in his right hand while that one's right hand, was firmly holding on to his own hand. "Lord Scott." He said as his face turned pale. "You almost started a war there Reinfield." He said turning towards his right hand where he held the princess. "Are you perhaps an enemy of the kingdom?" He asked with a smirk. Reinfield's face just kept getting paler by the minute until it felt like there wasn't an ounce of blood on his face. Being tagged as an enemy of the Kingdom could grant you the privilege of spending years in prison and if there was a crime committed alongside that 'splendid' title, then you would rewarded with the generous price of death. "Need I remind you the consequences of your actions?" Lord Scott asked, the smile on his face widening. "I would never do that my lord" Reinfield said as he fell on his knees pleading. Lydia had a look of contempt as she looked at him. "He should be punished severely for this." She said while pouting. Scott gave her a sidelong glance and smiled. "Guards, let's have him taken care of shall we?" The guards immediately picked up the muscular man and took him away. After ignoring his cries and pleas for mercy, Scott looked at Lydia and scratched his head. The smile on his face not disappearing for one second, he said "Now who'll take care of the horses?" He questioned while looking at her. She gave him a look that said ' how's that my business?' Someone who had been quiet the whole time said "I'll do it!" They turned to look at his smiling face that was beaming with excitement for some reason. "Are you sure of what you're saying 'handsome'? Taking care of these animals is no small task." He still nodded his head resolutely without giving it a second thought. An idea suddenly sparked in Lydia's head as she said " I don't think it'll be nice leaving him to do the tedious work alone so I... I think I'll join him. You know I've always had a thing for horses." Scott's smile broadened. "Let's see what Father has to say about it." "Father?" Lydia asked with a confused expression... Even 'handsome' looked confused as well. "Yeah. You two should spend the day getting what to wear. There'll be a party tonight. Probably you'll get some answers." He said the last part with his gaze fixed on 'handsome'. His expression brightened up instantly. With that said, Scott turned around and said. "Lydia, I'm leaving him in your care." He walked out of the stable. Scott knew his actions would cause a lot of trouble. He knew about Travis' feelings towards Lydia but he couldn't help but still do what he did. He was a vessel to the Greek god Alastor anyway, the god of family feuds. What else could he do than cause chaos.

Lydia looked at 'handsome' barely containing the joy in her heart. She was grinning like a little child who was given a free chocolate bar. "Seems like it's just me and you today." She said. To this he just nodded and smiled. "Come, let's go to my room. We'll get you prepared for the party." She once again took his hand in hers and led the way to her room. He who didn't have any memory of his past life couldn't care less about her touching him. But to her, it meant thousands of things. As they were about to go out of the stable, he turned around and took one last look at the horse. It looked back at him and he literally felt a connection with the horse. They walked to her room. She purposely took slow steps. She wanted to enjoy this moment. He noticed that she wasn't walking as fast as she was this morning when they were going to the stable. He asked "are you alright Lydia?" "Never felt better" she replied with a big smile on her face. They got to her room and she ordered some servants to get some clothes for him which they did. After having them leave the room, she told him to change into a particular attire. It was completely black and had a very bright glow to it. Right in front of her, he took off his shirt and proceeded to do the same with his trousers when she stopped him. "What are you...." Her words stopped when she caught sight of his charming body. She could barely hold her self from running her fingers on his well defined abs and broad chest that looked like the whole world could rest on it. She followed her instincts and before she knew it, she was standing in front of him with her small hands inching closer to his body. When her hands came in contact with him, she shuddered. Her cheeks were bright red. Her head was screaming 'what are you doing? Stop! Stop!' but her hands were doing the opposite. He just stood watching her do whatever she was doing. But he was quick to notice that whatever she was doing was stirring some feelings in him. Just as he was about to act on those feelings, someone came into the room complaining about how hard it was being a princess and how easier it would be if she was a guest in another kingdom. "Did I come at a wrong time?" Glenna asked as her gaze landed on the two love birds in the room. It seemed like if she didn't come in, things would go downtown. Lydia immediately withdrew her hands and started fiddling with her hair. She started removing the imaginary dirt from it. It seemed like someone didn't actually care about formalities. "Why did you stop?" He asked feeling a sense of longing. "I liked it" Lydia practically went mad. She ran out of the room. He watched her go and then, he turned to Glenna. "Did I say something wrong?" He asked innocently. "Nah, you didn't say anything. Maybe she has something to do" she said completely disregarding Lydia's feelings. He told her of what Scott said and how Lydia was to help him. After talking for some time with her, she told him the most vital truth that she had kept hidden. "Don't ever undress yourself in front of a woman got it?" "May I ask why?" " "No you may not ask why. Just do as I tell you and never tell anyone else about what happened today" "okay" he said feeling confused. He didn't actually know what 'happened today' he just played along.

Glenna was having the most difficult time of her life. She knew that she was in love with someone else but looking at this god of beauty here without a shirt on was storming her mind with crazy thoughts. She could totally understand why Lydia couldn't hold back. So far, she had spent less than 20 minutes with this man.... Alone. But it felt like 20 long hours. Soon, Lydia came to her rescue. "We should get him dressed up don't you think?" Glenna nodded and they both walked out of the room giving him space to change. Immediately they walked out of the room, Glenna looked at Lydia with a mischievous smile. "What?" Lydia asked shyly feeling Glenna's gaze on her. "I didn't know you wanted to pillow with him" "shut up!" Lydia retorted sharply. Glenna just laughed. She could understand Lydia. They talked about some other random stuffs and after a minute or two, a knock was heard coming from the room. They both walked in and were as always, left baffled at how a human could look so good. "Do you look good in everything?" He smiled. "It's decided. You're wearing this or nothing else" Glenna spoke. "Now, to style your hair." The ladies both got a comb and started styling. They took hours just figuring how they would style his hair and in the end he got tired of it. He snatched a comb from Glenna's hand and styled his hair the way he wanted it. He combed a large potion of it to the right. This caused a parting to occur in the left side of his head. And the remaining portion, he combed downwards. It was almost time for the party. "Now all you need is a date." "A date?" "A date." Lydia said smiling. Glenna already knew where this was heading and she said " Lydia, you don't seem to have a date do you?" " No I don't and I want him to be my date" she was straightforward. " Do you agree to be her date?" "What's a date?" They both facepalmed. Of course he wouldn't know. He lost his memory. "Well, a date is a person that accompanies you to a party." "Ooh. Ok you can be my date." The girls taught him a few dance moves. Just the basics. It would be enough for him to at least cope. Surprisingly, he was quick to grasp each of the moves and was able to carry them out in perfect sync. He was currently dancing with Lydia and he was practicing one of the moves. He spun her and drew her close to him. They went a step away from each other without releasing each other's hands. Then she drew in close and faked a fall. He held her waist and let her balance on it. She was facing him with a satisfied smile on her face. "You got it." She said. Just then they heard a male voice say "it seems you're ready for the party." They all turned to see Scott looking at them.