The one you had thrown away //WMMAP//

Chapter 1

I walked around the garden, admiring the flowers that had been planted for decorations. As expected, His Majesty had visited Diana again. Day by day, I feel hope slipping more and more from my grasp. I feel suffocated, conflicted and empty.

Why do I still bother? I know my own worth. I'm not someone who deserves to be treated this way. Yet, why do I still wish to be in his arms?

The magic I had casted on myself to hide that I'm pregnant won't last long. There's only much that I can handle.

I want to run away.

I want to be free from his grasp.

I want to hate him.

but I couldn't.

Maybe I could. If I couldn't run away from him mentally... that doesn't mean I can't run away from him physically.

It's a crazy and reckless idea that may be viewed as treason, betrayal and may cost my life. However this place, it's too much. The amount of suffering that I'm experiencing won't be good for both my health and my baby. Anywhere is better than this huge, cold palace.
.
.
.
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I've made my decision.
.
.
.
I will die.

The Empress of Obedelia will die. Annabelle will live a normal life. For herself, and her child.

Away from this prison.

_______________________________

A day had passed since I've made up my mind. Currently, I'm in a carriage to meet someone. It doesn't matter who I meet. No one will care anyways. I was the Abandoned empress after all. I smiled bitterly.

After the carriage had reached it's destination, I got off and asked the driver to go ahead and asked him to come back after around 3 hours or so.

I stood in front of a somewhat run down bar. Covering my hair with my hood, I took a deep breath in and walked inside. I was greeted with a strong smell of beer and roasted beef. The smell was overpowering and the bar was filled with burly men.

I walked towards the counter and sat down. The bartender soon approached me, asking what drinks did I need. Opening my mouth, I said;

"Can I please have 35 year old Hibiki whiskey with steak?"

As if he was surprised- maybe he was, he answered me calmly after flinching a bit.

"How would you like the meat cooked, miss?"

I didn't think much.

"Medium, seared on the grill and lightly salted, please"

The bartender only nodded, and smiled as he left the counter, tapping on the marbled surface 4 times.

Getting the message, I stood up after 5 minutes and walked towards the bathroom. Seeing the bartender waiting for me, I quietly followed him from behind. After walking towards and down the basement, we finally stopped in front of the door. Nodding towards the bartender, he then left and I stood alone in front of the entry.

Taking a deep breath in for how many times, I knocked on the door. A faint "enter" could be heard, and I opened the creaky door and walked inside.

I grinned after seeing my old friend for so long.

_______________________________

Andrielle Youm, she was an orphan that my family took in when I was a toddler. She became one strong and biggest asset of our family. She is a talented merchant with a strong sense of justice.

I grew up with her, treating her like an elder sister. She is the owner of the bar, the owner of the biggest trading company and she held a high standing in the underground world.

If there's anyone who I would trust with my life,

It'll be her.

_______________________________

I was greeted almost instantly with a warm embrace. I smiled and returned her hug. We stood like that for a while as I bask in the calming sense of 'home'. I finally felt at ease.

We soon break out of the hug though. I can't say that I didn't wish our hug was longer.  She then lead me to the couch and asked the servant for some refreshments.

"It's been a while, Belle. How are you?"