Anamaria

Chapter Twenty Two

Anamaria

I gasp as I turn to face the direction of the voice. I breathe softly, my fast heart beat started to calm as I stare at the black hair girl in a black cloak. She ran up to me and give me a hug. Typical Anabeth.

"I scared you, didn't I?" She smirked as I nodded.

"You have no idea," I said. "Why would you scared me like that?"

Anabeth was perplex, she wrinkle her forehead. "When did I scared you? I just got back and I saw you walking upstair?"

My body froze, "what do you mean? So you weren't at the stable?"

Anabeth shook her head, "no I did not take my horse with me. Is there something wrong?" She asked.

I shook my head, "nothing."  I gave her a warm smile. So the man in the cloak wasn't her. The guy doesn't look like Anabeth at all. He has olive skin, muscular arm I couldn't see his whole face. One thing I noticed was that he has a scar on his face.

"Anamaria, do you want to go grocery shopping with me?" Aunt asked from behind.

"Let me go bath first, Aunt." I said as I made my way to the bathroom. As I turn on the hot water and let the soap dissolved, I can feel the relaxation. I close my eyes, not thinking of anything else.

"Forget it, Anamaria. Just let it decay. Past is the past." I whispered to myself.

I feel like, something isn't right. Something isn't right. I open my eyes to see nothing in the bathroom. Nothing.

Maybe I'm overthinking too much. I slowly close my eyes again. I put my leg up and cross my arm, letting the water cover my body.

There was a soft knock on the bathroom door, "come in!" I yelled.

No respond. The door never open.

"Anabeth? Aunt Monica?" No reply.

I blew the candle next to the bath out as I grab my towel to wrap around my body before walking out of the bath. I slowly open the door to see nothing but darkness.

Gently, I tip toe to my chamber to change. I guess you can say there were fear inside of me. My body were trembling as my leg felt like a butterfly wing.

I quickly put on my gown and brush my hair.

"My lady?" My maid knocked on my chamber door. "What is it?" I yelled at the door. "Madame Monica want leave right now." The maid answered.

"I'll be there!" I yelled back. "Stop, worrying." I muttered under my breath. I can't believe how a farmer's son can change my life. All I can think about is His Highness of Ravernica, it's just not the same.

His scent, his smile, his eyes and his lip seem to followed me. This is not the same. I close my eyes to prevent my tears from breaking the wall. When I told myself I will not fall in love, I mean it....but this is not going well. I admit it, I love Prince Garrett.

As I got downstair, aunt and Anabeth was waiting for me. They both sent each other a weird glance as they looked at me.

"Is there anything wrong?" I asked. Aunt shook her head, "no of course not! There's nothing wrong!" I nodded as we exist the mansion.

I tapped Anabeth on her shoulder, "I didn't know you were coming," I whispered quietly so Aunt couldn't hear.

"Do you have anything to tell me, sis?" She asked. "I have something to tell you." She gave me a serious glance.

"What is it that you have to tell me?" I asked. Anabeth looked at Aunt and mouth 'I'll tell you later.'

Aunt Monica was talking about jewelries the whole carriage ride. Anabeth and I were both irritated but none of us dare to speak.

When we arrived at the market, Anabeth drag me away. Telling aunt that we'll be back. Aunt nodded and went shopping with Nancy. Typical.

"Anabeth, don't do that. That's just rude."

"Anamaria, as much as I miss you I don't think you should stay here. I was hoping that you'll stay in Ravernica for a while since the Royal family is out of town.

I put my hand on my hip, "why would I want to stay in Ravernica?" I turn around as I started to walk away.

"Look, I know you have been having issues with Prince Garrett but I really should think that you'll leave. Do you have any idea that Aunt is going to get you engage?!" I stopped walking and turn to Anabeth.

I sigh, "this isn't a another game, Anabeth."

Anabeth breathe, "it's not. Prince Alec is asking for your hand in marriage."

"Alec, the Prince of Alistair?" I asked.

Anabeth nodded.

"Why does he want to marry me, I don't get it." I said.

"I don't either," she reply. "Anyway, as a legal guardian, aunt is going to arrange you a marriage with Prince Alec."

"He's a Prince and I'm just an heiress, how does that fit? Beside I am nineteen, I am considered an adult and I don't need a legal guardian to arrange me a marriage or tell me what to do."

"Another thing," Anabeth said and I rolled my eyes.

"Hurry up before aunt see us," I said.

"One," Anabeth started. "Prince Harper declare war on Ravernica," I gasp. "And two, Prince Garrett is getting marry."

My heart sank as she said those words.

"How do you know that Prince Garrett is getting marry?"

"This is the Ravernican's Royal Family decision. The twenty one years old crown prince need to take responsibility for the kingdom and must have his queen before he can become king. The Ravernican King is ill, he's not doing very well. Prince Garrett must prepare to take the throne."

Anabeth studied me for a moment, "Anamaria, I knew you would react this way. It's hard to get over someone you love."

"I don't love him," I said harshly. From the corner of my eyes, I can feel that the man in black cloak watching us. I didn't look at him. I know if I do then he'll fled.

Anabeth studied my face once again, "Anamaria-"

"Who is he getting marry to?" Those words came out of my mouth.

"Princess Abigail of Bavaria." My heart sank. I didn't expect him to get marry this quick.

I can't do anything about it, because....I hurt him. It's painful for him. This is all my fault, but there's no way into going back and fix it.

It just happened.

Prince Garrett is getting marry.

"Anabeth," I said softly.

"Yes?"

"Tell Aunt Monica that you told me about Prince Alec."

"Sure why though?" She asked with a question mark on her face.

"I will marry Prince Alec."

"Are you sure about all of this?" She asked.

I nodded, I am. I am physically not sure with all this. I have no choice. I hurts him, I can't have him back.

"I was actually more worry about the war." She said. She glare at me, "you really love him don't you?" She asked.

I shook my head and fake a smile, "no I never love him! Weren't you the one who told me not to love him? I do not love him."

Lie, Anamaria. Lie. You love him.

"Sure," she said.

I look away from Anabeth to hide my tears. I look at the corner that I saw the mysterious man. He suddenly disappeared again. He was gone. So is Garrett and my heart.

"I'm not okay with this Ravernican hurting you," she said.

I shook my head, "it's all my fault." I said and walk away, leaving in Anabeth in confusion. Anabeth isn't a stupid girl. She probably realized that,
I love Prince Garrett....

Anamaria