Afterlife

XXIII. Forfeit

Chapter 23 :
Forfeit

"You're not Chloe?" I heard Dad's voice as I turned my gaze to him and found him standing next to the balcony door. My chest stopped throbbing spontaneously as his confused eyes hit mine. He looked at Faris as he clenched his fist. "What is the meaning this?"

"N-no.. I'm Chloe-"

"Don't you dare lie to me. Who are you?!" he fumed. I caught the attention of everyone inside and they were all already staring at me. My heartbeat started to quicken. "You're not Chloe."

Shit. "L-let me explain,"

"You, imposter!" akmang susugurin niya ako but Faris intervened between the two of us and blocked him as I step back. "Faris! L-let me go, you dimwit!"

"Y-your highness, let us explain-"

"Explain what? Magkakampi pala kayong dalawa! Mga hayop kayo ginawa n'yo akong tanga!" he cut him off as I covered my mouth and my tears flowed incessantly.

A soldier approached us as he tried to take Faris away from the king but he tried to struggle. Another soldier approached and help him until they held him in both arms. "Let me go! Your highness, with all due respect, don't hurt her."

The king stared me straight in the eye as my knees weakened as I knelt infront of him. I tried to straighten my speech as my face was almost bathed in tears. "I'm really sorry, your majesty. L-let me explain," I sobbed as I paused for a moment. "Y-yes. I'm not Chloe. And I'm here to pretend to be your daughter."

"For what? Seize my child's position?" he infuriate as I shook my head.

"Every night, Artemis goes out of the palace to look for Chloe. She had almost no rest. Faris wanted to come but he couldn't," I stated as I suddenly remembered our professor. "We had no idea until I found out I was another version of Chloe, in another life." I added. "I-I don't remember if our professor said what the solution was-"

"Get lost." he cut me off, under his breath as I raised my face to align our faces. "Get out of my sight." he added, full of authority as I tried to erect my legs. I nodded my head as I averted my gaze and slowly stepped to my feet.

Their eyes were on me as I walked past them until I reached the door. I heard Faris repeatedly mention my name but I ignored him and went out the door.

The street is getting dark while someone is lighting poles with fire. As I walked down the pathway, someone stopped in front of me as I looked up at him with puffy eyes. Eagan gave me a concern look.

"Are you okay?" he asked while I remain my mouth shut as I shook my head. He sighed as he offered me a ride on his horse.

We headed for the high hill which overlooked the whole town of Kestrimore. We sat on the grass as he placed his glowing lamp between us. The wind eddied, swirled and ambient as it lifts my hair into a dance. As I watch the strands at their confluence of tether and vortex, a sense of calmness comes.

"I was going to the funeral to offer my condolences, but I met you. I'm sorry for you lost. She seems important to you," he said in low tone.

I hugged my legs as I rested my chin on my knees. "Things got worse. My world seems to be falling apart."

"It looks like you have a serious problem. May I know what is it? I might help you, I'll listen,"

"I don't think you can help me."