Hearts Betray

Chapter 9- Nature Unites

Esmeray's POV

The closer to the edge of the forest that Theodore and I walked, the happier I felt with each new step. His Palace was extravagant and fancy; it was the perfect place to stay for important celebrations and parties. But I hadn't quite felt at home within its walls. My place was undoubtedly with nature, among trees and overgrown grassy plains in which you could find the most random of flowers and weeds. My tiny hut was my home, the one that was surrounded by massive deciduous trees that I had managed to grow attached to at that point.

I stopped and inhaled the fresh, crispy morning air that filled my lungs, leaving a fuzzy feeling in my chest. For a split second I forgot that Theodore had been walking with me, so I turned to the nearest tree and hugged it. Its energy vibrated strongly against my chest and a genuine smile graced my lips.

"As above, so below. As within, so without. As the universe, so the soul." I recited the well-known Witch saying that my Mom always repeated since I was a child. Nature would always be my best friend, that I knew for sure.

"You know, I'm only now realising that registering you as a lone vampire was probably the best decision made for you." Theodore remarked as he joined me at a tree next to the one I hugged mere seconds ago. "I love to see you so happy and in your element. Your Witch half is definitely your dominant one." He smiled kindly at me as he talked.

"It is the part of me that nobody can take away." I replied confidently. Being a Witch was my favourite part about myself.

"That I don't doubt." He replied.

We resumed our walk in a comfortable silence, as Theodore allowed me to simply bask in the beauty of the fields and the forests around us. He knew that this was my way of recharging my mental state and didn't want to interrupt the process, which I was beyond grateful for. However, I knew that his offer to walk me home wasn't without reason.

Very unwillingly, I stepped away from the elated feeling that came from Mother Nature herself and faced my emotions that I temporarily locked away. Anxiety came at me like a gunshot out of the blue, as if it was waiting there all along; waiting to be let in. Truth being told, men in power like Theodore made me feel too small to be acknowledged. I hated it and I wished I could say that I hated him too. That, of course, wasn't the case though. I didn't hate the Prince, I simply didn't trust him.

Theodore slowed down his pace, allowing me to catch up to him on the path ahead of me. I reluctantly did so, but remained focused on the walkway that stretched right in front of us in what seemed like never-ending meanders.

I heard the Prince sigh quietly next to me. "You're doing it again." He stated quietly, but not quite in a whisper.

I laughed, but even I heard how fake it sounded. "Doing what?" I asked.

"Laying low. Looking down or ahead of you to avoid eye contact with me. This is the respect that you have been talking about, isn't it?" He commented.

"Well yes, is it wrong to do?" I asked again, still refusing to look at him. "It's what I've been taught. You're of a much higher rank than I am, your status exceeds the ones of all vampires in existence currently. Respect is the least that is expected from me. Or anyone else for that matter." I continued my explanation.

I had expected a cocky laugh from the leader of vampires, but none came. I stole a quick sideway glance at Theodore to see if he had even heard me. He looked at me, and his expression held no trace of amusement to my surprise.

"My rank shouldn't matter. Everybody is deserving of respect." He stated.

"That is true." I said. "But you do as you please."