The Enchantress

49.

Princess Mina.

They have made a casket made of wood for Rowan. We'll give him a proper one and a burial back home. The Princes walked us towards our horse.

"Please send word once you've arrived." Chaeyoung said to me.

"I will. Thank you for finding his body and what you did for him so we could bring him home."

"That's nothing. Have a safe trip."

"Thanks."

He helped me mount my horse. I looked at Sana who's suddenly got shy around Tzuyu. These two clearly like each other but are both shy as well.

"Thanks for your accommodating us here. We'll go now." Sana said she's facing Tzuyu but avoids his eyes. She then turned and about to mount her horse when Chaeyoung shoved Tzuyu towards Sana.

"Uhm... My Princess? I mean Princess Sana?"

Sana turned and looked at him this time curious about what he'll say.

"I... Would it be okay if I accompany my brother to your kingdom to visit you?"

Sana was surprised and then turned pink on the face. She just nodded then turned and quickly mount the horse. Her cheeks now red in color. I smiled seeing for the first time a guy made her blush like that.

We started our journey back. In almost 3 days we reached our kingdom. My heart broke upon seeing our people sadly bowing at us then eagerly look behind us to check if their love ones are back as well. We heard gasps as we pass them. For we brought not just the wounded and Rowan's body, but also our fallen soldier's bodies as well.

The wounded was taken directly to the hospital. The deceased to the morgue except Rowan's. He will be assisted inside the palace.

As we were about to enter the palace grounds, I heard one of the soldier announced to the people that not all the soldiers who were deployed came back some are still at the barracks. He said they will post the list of wounded and deceased soldiers. To the family of those whom have died in action, they will be given assistance by the kingdom.

We reached the castle grounds. My heart broke as I saw the general holding his wife in his arms along with Rowan's 2 brothers and sister. As soon as we stopped in front of them they bowed at us.

Rowan's mom went to me and hold my hand.

"My Lady, please tell me what my husband said wasn't true. Is he really?..."

I tried my best not to cry in front of her. So I just nodded and led her to the carriage where Rowan's body is.

"No!" she cried as she hugged the wooden coffin... "My son..." I stepped aside as the general went beside her with tears in his eyes. This scene is so heart breaking. I'm already in pain of him leaving me, what more is it for them whom had been with him all his life. I cried for them. Sana went beside me and side hugged me.

After a few minutes the general took his wife from the wooden coffin.

"My dear, they need to take him now and prepare his body."

She looked at him, nodded and went to his arms while the other kids hugged them as well. We all stood there watching as the soldiers drove the carriage away.

Papa went to the general's side and side hugged him. Tears were also evident in his eyes. He always say Rowan was the son he never had. He assured the general and his wife that Rowan will be given a hero's funeral and he thank them for their son's service. He also said he'll help them in any way he can.

Papa sent them home to prepare for the memorial service.

"My dears, please take a rest now. You came a long way."

"I'm okay Papa. I'll... I'll attend the service."

I gave him a kiss on his cheek and then turned to go inside the castle. I asked for servants to ready a warm bath for me.

I went straight to the balcony of my room. My head starts to hurt. I've cried a lot these past few days.

The servants went in and prepare my bath. Later on I stripped and went into the bath tub. The feel of the soapy warm water felt nice. Then I couldn't control it, I began to sob. I spent half an hour crying before actually starting to clean myself.

An hour later I was ready. I went to the balcony and stare at the sky. Somewhere his soul is already up there and might be looking down at me.

I smiled. "You rascal. Who told you to go there early."

I can feel the tears building up. There was a knock on the door before it opens.

"Let's go. Papa's waiting downstairs."

I took a deep breath, not letting the tears fall then I turned and took Sana's hand which she offered. We walked out of my room hand in hand.

The memorial service began a few minutes after we arrived. I was seated in between Sana and Papa. Papa took my hand looked at me.

"My dear, Ryun asked me earlier if we both could give a speech instead of them. Is that okay with you?" He said as he caress my hand. "We'll understand if you don't want to."

Is it okay? Though I know how my speech will end, but It felt like I need to do it.

I looked at Papa and said: "I'll do it."

"Are you sure, my dear?"

"I'll do it if you want to." Sana said.

"I'm okay. I'll do it."

A few minutes later, Papa was done with his speech. I stood and went in front.

"Tonight we honor the loss of the kingdom's son. I gained high respect to our soldiers who bravely fought for their country. Whether they have no choice or they're doing it for their love ones or for the country itself, they still chose to fight. Rowan was the perfect man. He's not just a lover but also a brother and a best friend. He has been taking care of me ever since we knew each other. It wasn't hard to love him for he's so kind. Though he could be daft sometimes. He had a mission a few months ago which he kept from me. You know what he said? He said his mission was to guard the lighthouse. I don't know who's stupid, him giving a lame excuse or me who just accepted it and didn't even question it." The audience laughed. "When I knew how dangerous his real mission is, I was so nervous and afraid for him. When he came back I almost asked Papa not to assign him on anything. I don't know of Papa will allow that, but that really did cross my mind."

"He then proposed, asked me to marry him... but war happened... Then this..." My tears are now falling. "I begged him not to go, to runaway with me but he didn't want to. He said he'll fight for the country. He says he loves me but then chose the country over me. I can't believe I'd be jealous of our country."

I smiled as the audience laughed again. "But that's how he is. He'll do everything for anyone he loves. He's so pure in heart." I said this while holding his necklace that I'm wearing. "We lost a perfect lover, a perfect son, a perfect brother, a perfect soldier. But he'll always be remembered. We love you, Rowan."

Tears started pouring as I went to Rowan's mother and the general and hugged them. Half an hour later the service ended.

I told Papa and Sana I'll just stay by the garden. I cried as this garden has a lot of memories of him. The last time he was here, he proposed and the first time I let him kiss me.

I looked at the night sky. "Thank you for everything specially for your love. I wish I have said I love you often. I do love you Rowan."