The Enchantress

50.

Princess Mina

After I went at the garden I walked back to my room and as soon as I hit the bed, I fell asleep right away.

That next day I wrote a letter to Chaeyoung informing him that we arrived safely and that Rowan's burial was held last night. I asked a servant to make sure it'll be delivered right away. I joined Papa and Sana at our garden for breakfast. I don't have much appetite so after I forced some bread and eggs, I excused myself.

I took my horse and rode out to my favorite place. I let my horse roam as I walked towards the tree. Me climbing the tree near mount Kion came in mind. Then the night we spent on the branch even the night he told me about Rowan.

I sat at the foot of the tree and looked at the view. Chaeyoung went his way just to save me. He left his post as well as his brothers while at war. Why did he do that just to save me? I can't help but think that he chose me over the country. One thing that differs him from Rowan.

I shook my head. Yes they're very different from each other. Rowan went to Chaeyoung and ask for his help in saving me. If he wasn't shot, probably he and Chaeyoung will bring soldiers to come to me.

Yet Chaeyoung went by himself. He fought, heaven knows how many Tyrians he killed just to get to me. He even kept me alive in the forest. He's very reliable. Another good thing to add up to his list of good traits.

What? I said to myself. This is not the time to think about him. You're mourning. I shook my head to shake the thoughts of him.

I do blame myself but I couldn't at the same time. Rowan wouldn't let me blame myself too. I couldn't blame him either for just loving me too much. I couldn't blame Chaeyoung, he already helped by assigning him away from the battle while he's in the middle of it fighting for his life.

There's only one to blame, the Tyrians. They're the reason why there's a war. If it's not for them, Rowan would still be alive.

I can't believe I couldn't see Rowan anymore. He would no longer be popping out of nowhere to surprise me. He won't bring me different kind of food whenever he goes somewhere. He will no longer ask to lean his head in my shoulder whenever he's stressed or pressured. I would no longer hear him calling me "My love"

Here I am again with tears falling on my face. I miss him. I closed my eyes and leaned my head unto the tree. His face pops on my mind's eye. It's still fresh on my memory, that smile he had on his face when we saw each other again at the garden. That pure joy when I said yes when he proposed specially when I finally said I love him.

I try to savor those memory while I still can remember. I know someday I will try to remember him yet what I'll retrieve would be just a vague memory. It's his fault, I told him many times to have his portrait painted. I smiled remembering when he said he can't stand it. That he hates being still for a long time to have his portrait painted.

"That smile is a much prettier sight than this view." I suddenly hear man's voice not far from me that brought unpleasant cold shivers to my body. I quickly opened my eyes and stood.

A man was staring, standing a few feet from me.

"Relax princess. No one will hurt you." He said.

He's tall and have a big muscular body. But there's something on his face I can't figure out what because of my poor sight. He walked proud as if he owns the land. He walked towards me slowly. I haven't seen him around. He must be from another kingdom. Yet his accent is kind of off.

"You're mistaken. I am not a princess."

He smiled. His blue eyes never left mine. Something about his stare I find intimidating but I fought the urge to look away. I am so scared right now but I tried not to look it.

"You're not from here. Are you lost?" I said pretending to look around but I was trying to find my horse.

"I'm not. Actually I have now found what I'm looking for." He said his voice felt like he's mocking me.

Is he here for me? I do hope not. I finally saw my horse. I called him and luckily he came to me right away.

"If you're looking for a place to stay. I'll lead you to the nearest kingdom." I said going near at my horse.

"That won't be necessary." He said in a chilling voice that brought chills up my spine.

I then heard a swoosh and then something prevents me from walking any further, like something's pulling my dress. I looked back and saw my dress was caught by an arrow. Suddenly I felt like a big boulder have crushed on me when I saw the end of that arrow. It has a red feathers on it's end.

Oh no, Tyrians. I immediately looked at him. I noticed two more men coming from my right side, one of which is holding a bow.

"What do you want from me? Money? I don't have."

"What I want is something more valuable than any treasures. There are only few, one of which... Is you." He gave his most devilish smiled that made me shiver.

No one knows I'm here and I shouldn't led them to the castle for they might kidnap Papa. Though scared, I said to myself: is this the way I die? If it's my fate, so be it. I'll be with Rowan anyways.

"Who are you?" I bravely asked. He started walking towards me

"You look smart. I think you do know where we're from." He then stopped in front of me and bowed.

"My name is Jaryu. They call me ruthless barbarian, the King of Tyrian and the conqueror of all of Aevar."

Oh no. He confirmed what I've been suspecting. He's the one Chaeyoung has been trying to find for days. When he came nearer, that's when I was able to see his face. Half of his face was burnt and have deep cuts. It's him.

He stopped in front of me, put a finger on my chin and raise my face.

"You will help me seek my revenge."