The successor : warrior of north

Chapter 9

ZANDER

The next day the major families were all summoned inside the room where the Heirloom was kept. The major families from all states according to the list passed infront of the stone. The stone didn't show any sign. Before I was about to pass everyone asked the queen to pass the royal family members. I can see that disgusting look in their face just because I came from a tribe. The royal family's decendents passed infront of the stone, still it didn't show any sign. A little girl touched it, it was late fourth prince's daughter. The Queen didn't say anything. At last it was my turn. Some major family representative stood up to leave. But as I stepped forward the stone began to emit blue light. I wasn't even surprised. Everyone looked at me in terror. The dark valley ruling the Arrdiva was the last thing they ever wanted. The queen looked at me and came closer, then she turned to the people gathered and said, " He's the next ruler of Arrdiva". I sat on my chair in the middle of the audience. A huge discussion was going on but I was looking outside of the window. Della was reading a novel under my guard's care. After sometime the queen decided to give each and every people in Arrdiva to give a chance to pass through the stone. Every state will be given one day. Poor major families was in joy because they thought they could find someone other than me. But as a matter of fact they will not. You'll know why.
                        As the meeting was concluded I instructed my guard to lead her to the carriage. When I arrived , she was already in the carriage. Seon , my personal guard and my best friend today chose to sit in a different carriage. He knows me well. As I sit in the carriage I noticed her dress. I handpicked the dress by myself. The dark blue gown with white laces and showing very little of her cleavage, not too much for unnecessary attention but as an attraction, the white pearl necklace complimented her dress very well. She was simply beautiful. She sat right opposite to me and looked everywhere except me. " You're nervous. I'm not gonna do anything to you. Just relax. If you're worrying about the dress, it is bought for you, so you can keep it. Also I don't use pearl necklace , it's for you. Don't even think about giving it back to me". As I stopped I could see a relief in her face. We passed her friend's home , she looked at me with her big eyes in surprise. We just spoke about random things and I asked about her friend. Just as I heard, a teenager who lost her parents and forced to attend every party also have to look after her grandmother. But as I hear the story from Della I really feel sorry for her. I wasn't like this. Little bunny is changing me little by little. I can feel it. But if I become the king I can't talk to her like this. That's why I chose this time.
                        My carriage stopped right infront of the dark valley. It was already evening. We walked a little inside the dark valley. There was a cottage inside the dark valley, not too far from the Arrdiva. I can see her shivering like a dried leaf. I covered her with my coat. As we entered the cottage, the servants give her a cup of hot tea. She asked me so much about the dark valley. Finally I told her a secret way to the heart of the dark valley, where most of us lives. I told her to come there if someone ever tried to harm her. From yesterday night onwards I wasn't just talking to her about stars but I was observing her. This girl has an undeniable memory power. Every single person in Yearwood family , the former royal family had this trait. I guess she's an exception. That's why I taught her the way to our place. Anyone who doesn't know the way will end up lost in the woods and eventually become prey for the wild animals roaming around. We had a little bit of chit-chat and I personally send her to the Mayfield's mansion. Before getting into the home I hugged her, she didn't refuse me. I could feel her chest pressing along mine as I bent over a little to match her height. I took a deep breath from her neck. I could hear her gasp. Before doing anything further to her, I stopped myself and said goodbye. I stood there as I saw her getting inside. She was really like a little bunny. Sometimes she's funny, sometimes so cute that I wanna eat her alive. I don't know whether I'll meet her again, but I hope I could.

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