Living in a Fairytale (Completed)

chapter 6

"You...what?" his way of talking did not please me. I didn't give him a glance, nor did I bother for a response, my eyes are set on the trail and my hands clutched lightly at the reins. The morning air is chilly, and my insides are frozen from the cold salad that we had when we broke our fast.

"That means when we arrive in the kingdom, your handmaiden will be free of the oaths she have spoken?" I do not understand why he is creating such a fuzz about this. As if I'm doing such a horrible thing.

"Rose need not serve me. I can manage on my own." I have decided to live in El Malefico until I get my hands on vengeance. And I do not require a handmaiden to see to my every move. Besides, now that she's free, she can marry and have a family of her own. It's not entirely a shame to forsake her vows. I have freed her from it, she needs not care about my well being now.

"But—"

"Shut up. This is not a choice for you to interfere. You're too nosy and noisy." And with that, he kept his mouth shut.

He rode beside me, riding his stallion in the most graceful way I've ever seen. His steed is in the colour of night, a dark shade of blue that it almost looked black. His hair is matted with dust from our travel but he still look magnificent. It's an eyesore so I made sure not to look at him if need be.

The trail became perilous. Huge rocks are scattered, there's a patch of moss, slippery and wet, a small pond or sometimes a river stream ran in between the narrow trail. I kept my mouth shut, but in my mind I cursed and doubted if this Prince really knows where we are headed. Parang naliligaw na kami.

"I know the way. This trail is safest way for us to reach the kingdom. Soldiers from El Suelo will be surrounding the main roads. The forest shall hide us well enough." The Prince began explaining to no one.

When the woods opened up, a vast field of grass lay upon us. The air is sweet, and not an enemy in sight. I glanced at him and said,

"Let us switch into a brisker pace. I do not intend to sleep under the trees again." I didn't wait for a reply, instead, I held the reins and trotted the steed in a fast gallop. And there with the clear blue sky smiling down upon me, I sighed heavily.

The wind kissed my face gingerly, making my hair dance within the air and my mind clear from all the thoughts. For a moment, I wanted it to stay that way. With the wind enveloping me with its tight embrace, the sky clear and blue, the sun warm and still, a serene moment that I can never truly live upon. For when the woods began to darken, and a thin layer of mist started hovering over us, I knew that we are near.

I let the Prince lead the way. His right hand was raised the entire ride, its murky green light casting shadows upon the oaks. The mist began to thicken, until all that is left is the light from his hand aglow. Rose tailed us far behind, she was never a great rider. She wasn't born to be one. I held on the reins even tighter and swung it swiftly, making the steed gain much more speed to catch up with the Prince.

Finally, the mist grew thinner as we gained enough momentum. A smell of withered blooms hung softy in the air. Oaks and redwoods surrounded the narrow trail, and the air seemed stagnant that no gush of wind have stroked our ride. The mist parted and the trail opened up to behold the hidden kingdom.

Trees stood so high that it surpassed even the tall buildings and houses. El Laurel is made with limestone and glass whereas El Malefico is the exact opposite of it. It is huge and vast, filled with greens, bronze, and fire. Brick houses, edifices, and estates have moss and vines crawling up to its peak. Signs are made of iron and some glided with gold. Street lights stood on each side of the roads, bronze and yellow with fire. This kingdom is much ancient and primeval than El Laurel. It's shrouded with something vile and beautiful all alike.