Beyond Destiny ~ A Saga Of Timeless Love

07 ~ Confused Emotions

"Here we go again with your mixed signals and my second thoughts."

Ruhanika

“I trust you, Rooh; I don’t think you’re stupid enough to put poison in my food while you’re in my land, are you?” His voice oozed with sarcasm, accompanied by a sneer that stung more than his words. He was mocking me, reminding me that despite his earlier trust, I was still under suspicion. He didn’t trust me at all, and this was his way of ensuring I knew it. They were watching me, waiting for a single misstep. But why? Why do they suspect that I’m a spy?

“Yes, as you wish, Your Highness,” I muttered, lowering my gaze. It was pointless to argue with him now. Any protest would only make things worse. The rest of breakfast passed in strained silence. He ate, while I stood motionless, like a statue, every fiber of my being on edge.

Once he was done, he wiped his hands and spoke. “You can leave now. You’re free to do whatever you want while I’m out. Just... stay out of trouble, okay?”

Where is he going? My mind instantly questioned before I could stop myself. And then, like the fool I had become around him, the words slipped out of my mouth. "Where’re you going?"

Seriously, what is wrong with me? Let him go to Hell. Why am I even concerned about his whereabouts? He’s the enemy, Ruhi.

His demeanor shifted instantly, the playful tone he had earlier replaced by a cold, serious one. “I don’t think I need to inform you of my whereabouts, do I?” His almond-shaped eyes bore into me, a hint of warning in them.

“Do not forget your place,” he continued, his voice sharp enough to slice through my fragile pride. “You’re only an attendee. Just because I’ve spoken to you casually doesn’t mean you have the right to question me.” His words cut deeper than I anticipated. It felt as though he’d physically struck me. My heart tightened, the pain creeping in unexpectedly.

Why does it hurt so much? Why on earth did I ask him? Stupid girl. This is what happens when you can't control your tongue. He’s right, of course. I’m just an attendee, nothing more. I must remember my place.

"You may leave," he ordered, dismissing me with the same coldness as before. Without another word, he turned and disappeared into his chamber, the sound of the door shutting resonating in my chest.

I walked away aimlessly, unsure of where I was going. My mind was racing, but my body felt like it was on autopilot. The tears that blurred my vision refused to stop, no matter how hard I willed them away. My throat felt tight, and my heart felt like it was being squeezed, harder with each step I took. Since when has he had such a hold on me? When did I become so vulnerable to his words, to his moods?

It’s absurd, really. He teases me, he toys with my emotions, and then he scolds me like I’m a child. Yet here I am, hurting over it. It’s all my fault. I should have known better. All royals are the same—distant, arrogant, and indifferent to the feelings of those beneath them. They don’t know how to treat others because they’ve never had to care.

I don’t know how far I walked, but eventually, I found myself by the pond. The gentle sound of water lapping against the shore and the sight of the ducks gliding across the surface offered a strange sense of solace. I sat down on a nearby rock, my body still trembling from the emotional weight I was carrying. Tears continued to stream down my face, though I didn’t even feel them anymore. I was numb, my mind lost in a whirl of confusion and pain.

How long I sat there, I don’t know. Time seemed to lose its meaning. The tears had finally stopped, leaving behind a hollow emptiness in their wake. I stared blankly at the ducks, my mind racing to piece together a way out of this situation. Crying over that foolish prince wouldn’t get me anywhere. I was stronger than this. I needed to focus, to plan.