The Man in My Dreams

CHAPTER 5: The King's Secret

Chapter Five: The King's Secret

"Van, where have you been? I've been looking for you for almost an hour!" Gia's worried voice echoed through the hallway as I walked toward my room, with her trailing behind me.

"Why are you looking for me, Gia?" I asked irritably. I couldn't understand why she was always so interested in my whereabouts. She wasn't my guardian or my girlfriend. I couldn't figure out why she constantly followed me around!

"I'm worried, Van. Can't you see? Can't you feel it?"

"Tsss!" Was all I said.

I turned around to see a rushing servant.

"Sir Van, Primo wants to see you." I nodded to the servant and quickly left the area.

"Glad you're here, Van. I need to talk to you." Primo said as he stood from his throne and entered his private room. I followed him.

"What is it about, Primo?" I asked respectfully.

"Have a seat first." I sat down, and servants approached to serve us something to drink.

"My daughter will be returning this evening." He began. "I don't have an exact time, so I need you to be here by 6:00 PM." I checked my watch-it was only 2:30 PM. I nodded in agreement.

"And I want you to stay by my side until she returns." I looked Primo directly in the eye. What if his daughter returned late? What about Yorris? I'm her last dance. Her party starts at 8:00 PM. I didn't want to break my promise.

"But what if your daughter arrives late, Primo?" I asked bravely.

"That's why I want you to stay by my side, Anthony." I lowered my gaze at his response. "Have you ever wondered what my daughter looks like, Anthony? I mean, no one, except for me and my son, knows or has seen her appearance." Primo added. I was confused by his question.

"Personally, I've asked myself many times about your daughter. I'm still curious about her." I admitted honestly. Primo laughed heartily, which surprised me. He was usually a serious king, rarely smiling. Seeing him laugh so hard was a first for me.

"You're actually blessed, Anthony. You see my daughter every day, and sometimes you're with her. In fact, you were with her a while ago before coming here." I was puzzled.

"You mean Gia? Gia is your daughter, Primo?" I was stunned, but Primo was laughing, which only made my surprise grow. Gia was the only one I had been with recently.

"Gia is not my daughter, Anthony." Primo chuckled. It wasn't Gia? Then who? She was the only one I'd been with before coming here.

"Then who?"

"You'll find out later." He said, standing up and leaving me alone.

I was still pondering Primo's words. Now, I was lying on my bed, watching Yorris's place through my hologram. It was already 5:30 PM, and some of Yorris' guests had already arrived.

I got up to get ready. I had only 30 minutes to prepare. As Primo said, I needed to be at the headquarters by 6:00 PM.

I checked my reflection in the mirror. Once satisfied, I left for the headquarters. As I passed through the corridor, all the servants were busy. Some Tellurians were already there by the time I reached the headquarters. I scanned the area; the decorations were perfect. It was clear that a lot of preparation had gone into it. The red carpet was impeccably laid out at the entrance.

I greeted Primo when I approached him. He simply smiled.

An hour had passed, and the hall was filled with people, almost to capacity. Many were watching from the second floor, peering down. I couldn't sit still, anxious because Yorris's celebration was about to start, yet Primo's daughter hadn't arrived.

Time flew by quickly. It was already 8:30 PM, and I was restless. Yorris's celebration was starting, but I couldn't leave because Primo's daughter still hadn't shown up.

"Are you okay, Anthony? You look worried," Primo asked. I didn't know how to respond.

"Primo, can I leave? I'll come back in 20 minutes."

"But-"

"It's an emergency, Primo."

"Okay, go. Just make sure you return in 20 minutes." I smiled and bowed to Primo. Not wasting any time, I quickly made myself disappear.

I arrived at Yorris's place. The emcee had just announced the eighteenth dance of the evening. It was me. I was almost late. I hurried to the center where Yorris was. She revealed her true beauty. I was in awe of how stunning she looked. Her beauty was truly breathtaking. She smiled when I reached her.

"You're a goddess." I complimented her. Her cheeks flushed red. What a cute tomato.

"Happy birthday again." I added as we began to dance.

"Thank you, Van. I thought you wouldn't make it." She said.

"I promise to come." I replied, kissing her forehead. I heard gasps from the audience as I kissed her. I had almost forgotten there were so many people around.

"I wish I could stay longer, but I really need to go back as soon as possible. I was only given 20 minutes. I'm so sorry, baby. I have to leave." Her smile faded at my words. I felt a pang of guilt.

"Please don't be sad. I did keep my promise, didn't I?" She reluctantly pulled away, and I felt even guiltier, but I had to go.

"It's okay. Go now!" She said, not looking at me. She turned away, but I stopped her.

Her eyes widened when our lips met. I kissed her in front of everyone, but I didn't care. The crowd reacted loudly to my gesture.

"I'm really sorry, baby, okay? I really need to go back now." I said, holding her face in my hands. She simply nodded. We kissed again, and I turned to leave. I couldn't vanish in front of so many people. Once I was outside, I disappeared immediately.

When I returned to the headquarters, chaos erupted among the Tellurians. I approached Primo.

"Primo, what happened?"

"Finally, you're here. My daughter has arrived." As Primo finished speaking, we heard the sound signaling the grand door of the headquarters opening. No one spoke; everyone was focused on the entrance. The large door slowly creaked open, revealing a woman in a very familiar gown.

My eyes widened in shocked. I couldn't be mistaken. Even from a distance, I knew who she was.

"Zarianna?" I whispered.

I immediately looked at Primo, who only smiled at me. Zarianna was Primo's daughter? The Zarianna I had been protecting since she was five?

I turned back to the entrance. Zarianna's eyes were as wide as mine. She, too, seemed shocked. From the look on her face, she was completely confused about why she was here.

"Zarianna Yorris Rhalia Villamor has returned." A booming voice announced. Everyone bowed to her. Zarianna's eyes widened even more.

So, that's why Primo said I saw his daughter every day. Why hadn't I realized it?

It meant Zarianna was the king's daughter?

Zarianna was not human.

She was one of us.

She was my kind.

My baby is a Tellurian.

-Anniarian