Anamaria

Chapter Twenty Three

Anamaria

"Have you heard? The Prince declares war on Ravernica!"

"Prince Harper isn't the person to declare war easily, there must be something going on."

"His highness is getting marry next week, I don't think that's a good time for him to deal with violence."

"Drysdale doesn't have enough arms to defeat the Ravernica!"

Everywhere I go, the war is all I heard throughout my path to every shops. They were right there's no way we can defeat the Ravernican. Ravernica military is much more successful than us. Ravernican became a threat.

I need to talk to Prince Harper to fix things up. This is not how happily ever after should end.

"Anamaria, there you are!" Aunt Monica said as she made her way toward me. "I forgot to tell you that the royal family invited us to dinner tomorrow night, I looked through your closet-"

"Aunt, you look through my closet?" I raised my voice a little, I don't like when people go through my personal stuff.

Aunt frown, "yes, anyways...your gowns is so old and....boring."

I rolled my eyes.

"Don't you dare rolled your eyes! That is improper for a lady!" Aunt shriek. "Back to the subject, we need to get you a new gown."

I frown, " I don't need a new gown."

"Yes, you do. Do you know how rare it is to get invited to the palace." Aunt asked.

Not really, I went there multiple time.

Aunt studies my face, "yes. I know you been there multiple of time but I've never been there since your parents were still alive!"

"I don't think the Duke is going to be there, aunt." I said softly.

"It's not about the Duke," aunt raised her anger voice. We were both serene until aunt clear her throat, "anyway, we're leaving at 5. Come on, we don't have much time." Aunt grabbed my arm as she drag me to a emporium.

The shopkeeper ran up to us and curtsy. "My lady," she glare at me and then at aunt, "madam. How may I assist you today."

"Just looking around first," aunt said, "thank you."

She drag me to the dress section.  I have to admit that these dresses are beautiful. But they're not for me.

Aunt pick out a beautiful pink gown with ribbon on the back. The front were lace pink with silk flowers design. She insist me on trying it on, I did.

I stared at myself in the mirror. All I see is my usual self. Not Anabeth. Not my mom. But Anamaria. The olive skin, blonde hair girl with hazel eyes isn't the same. She doesn't smile or look happy.

"We'll definitely taking that gown," aunt said beside me. "Anamaria, I have a business to do so I want you and Anabeth to be at the palace at five, I might be a little late." I nodded.

"That's okay, aunt. Where are you going?"

"Alistair, I have some business to do there."

My body froze. The engagement.

Everything Anabeth said was correct.

The lady came back with my gown in a bag. We thank her as we walked out of the emporium. Aunt was quiet as we made our way to the carriage.

There, Anabeth was waiting with groceries bag in her hand.

"No more sword, Anabeth?" Aunt asked as Anabeth shook her head.

Anabeth can't survive without sword or weapons. She was trained to be self protection. There's something wrong with her.

I took a seat next to Anabeth across from aunt.

When aunt was looking at the window, I poked Anabeth. She look at me in perplex as I smiled at her.

"What's wrong with my sister today?" I asked her.

She shook her head, "nothing." She reply and she fake a smile. A smile of pain.

I touch her arm, "you can always tell me."

She shook her head. "I can't, Anamaria. I just can't."

"Why not?"

"You will hate me...forever."

"Are you going to tell me?"

"Not today," she lean against the window.

I sigh as I hug her. Aunt was too busy focusing on the view that she probably didn't hear us.

"Oh my! Look at that cow!" Aunt yelled, shaking our hand. "Look at what the evil people are doing to them!"

Anabeth and I exchange each other a glare. "Aunt, they're just milking. The cow doesn't get hurt."

"I know but-"

Anabeth cut her off, "Aunt Monica, cow doesn't-"

I tap Anabeth's shoulder, "you should stop." I whispered to her ear.

Aunt did something that I've never thought she would do, rolled her eyes and pretended like nothing happened when it just happened.

I bit my lip, trying to hide my smile.

The carriage stopped in front of our mansion as we got off. Aunt was talking to a servant as I gave Anabeth a signal to go inside. I looked back to make sure that aunt is still talking before close the large door.

"Do you need something?" She asked.

"Yes, how close are you with the the princess?" I asked.

She thought for a moment, "why?" She asked.

"Just answer."

"A little." She admitted. "Why?"

I sigh, "I want you to ask her to talk to Prince Harper about the war. There's no way we can defeat the Ravernica."

"I thought you didn't care about the war," she reply.

"Anabeth, since when were the last time we defeat them?"

Anabeth look at me, "none?"

"Exactly, Ravernica is a threat to us. Our military isn't that powerful."

Anabeth nodded, "that's true but like people said, we can never predict the future."

"You need to talk to her," I begged.

"Why don't you talk to Princess Erin," she asked. "Aren't you close with Princess Erin?" I frown.

"I was," I admitted. "Prince Harper doesn't like Princess Erin as much as Princess Elle, his youngest sister."

"So what are we going to do?"

"We, Anabeth and Anamaria are going to end this war."

"But-" she started to protest.

"No but," I smile at her walking away. I stopped in track realizing I didn't get Anabeth's answer to my question. "Wait," I paused. 

"What is going on with you?" I asked.

Her face turn more pale and her hand were shaking.

"I have a fever," she said as she walked away.

Anamaria