Charades

Chapter 17

     It was lonely living alone. I found my own place. It was a small cabin near the forest, a bit off from the town, but it was mine and it was cheap. But yet, I hated it. Not because there was anything wrong with the petite, wooden home, with a living room, kitchen and bedroom. But because I lost everyone. Everyone, I cared about in Edolas.

     I sighed as I put my cloak on. I had to go to work and because a few soldiers were still around, I had to hide my face at all times. No longer could I be free to be whoever I wanted to be, I was now a secret. One that must never come out.

     After grabbing a handbag, I left my cabin and walked along the stone path to town. The town was busy. People were rushing from house to house, from store to store, and I kept my hood up and over my eyes, so no one could see who I was. Ever since Emir came, the town was a mess of people hunting the princess down, and I feared every day for my life.

     And as I neared the shop near the bustling market, I felt my heart jolt when I heard the voices of some men. My eyes darted to them and I froze. Soldiers.  

     "I'm sure the princess is in Edolas," one solider said. He has a prominent moustache, his black hair buzzed short and his beer belly protruding out of him. He was twirling a sword around casually and I slowed my walk to hear what he would say. "I can feel it. I can sense it."

     "Shut up," said the other soldier. This soldier was frail, tall and thin. He also had buzzed black hair and dark eyes. "You're drunk, Kamal."

     "And you're stupid, Satheesh. Watch the princess sneak right past us."

     I picked up my pace then. They were idiots, it seemed. A bit of relief passed me, but yet, I couldn't help but worry for what would happen to me. And with that, I thought of Ronan.

     It'd been days since I left him, days since he told me to leave, and all I wanted was to see him again. I wanted to explain, to tell him my side at the very least. I hated how things ended. Hated how I broke something special and didn't have the change to glue it back together again. So with that, I knew I had to visit Ronan. At least, once more before I could move on.

*****

     I knocked on Ronan's door, feeling my heart pound against my chest. Terror was all I felt. The memory of Ronan shutting me off, telling me to leave was fresh in my mind. And I trembled as I clasped my hands together.

     Soon, the door flew open and Ronan was in front of me. My heart jolted at the sight of him. Days ago we'd been holding each other, caressing each other and whispering about how much we loved each other. And with Ronan staring at me, his face one of disgust, my heart sunk.

     "Please just leave us alone," Ronan said.

     He want to close the door and I grabbed the door to stop him. He gave me a look, one that made me shrink back.

     "Please, just let me explain everything," I said. "I'm not asking for a second chance. Just hear me out before you hate me for the rest of your life."

     Ronan searched my face. He looked torn, on the brink of falling apart, and then he concealed his expression. He straightened himself out and nodded, and I grew relieved.

     "Okay," Ronan said. "Fine, one last conversation."

     I nodded and motioned for Ronan to come forward. He gave me a look.

    "Let's go to the forest," I said. "Away from everything and everyone."

     Ronan let out a sigh and with that, he followed me to the forest, where I would finally tell him my past.