The Elven King's Consort

Chapter 6: Cutting Ties

Pacing back and forth in front of Cesteil's room, I couldn't help remembering the embarrassing moments that happened the night before. How could I grovel in his arms like that?! My face planted itself in my hands, blushing the heat radiating off it, warming my palms. Shaking my head, I straightened my back and reached confidently to knock on his door, but I paused just inches from it. What am I even going to say to him? Sorry, I'm a blubbering drunk. I didn't mean to grope you like some starved pervert. Pretend it never happened?

I've already done so much harm to him. That bandage neatly adorned covering his eyebrow kept me up all night. How bad will it scar now because of me?

Why was I so worried about him? I suddenly thought. Wait a minute. I backed away from the door, resting my index finger atop my chin and staring at the floor. This was all a good thing. He probably is so turned off by my behavior he'll want to cancel the engagement, and then I'll be rid of him. I slammed my fist gently into my free hand, smiling brightly.

There's no need to try and fix anything. I'll let it be, and then I'll be free! No harm done!

Turning on my heels to walk away, I froze mid-step when my ears caught wind of some noise. At first, I didn't quite hear it right. Slowly, I tip-toed to the door and leaned my ear against it. Even held my breath so I couldn't miss a single sound by accident.

For a long moment, I couldn't hear anything, and when I was about to leave, thinking I'd simply gone insane, the same noise happened that first caught me off guard. It was giggling! Was this bastard doing what I think he was?!

Slamming the door open, enraged, I scanned the room with eyes of those filled with murderous intent, only to land on two extremely startled maids holding cleaning supplies.

"Where are they?" I spat, breathing heavily.

I left the door now damaged from the force under my hand and searched the room. The two maids trembled and watched me tear up the room, mortified their scent of fear entering my nostrils and choking me, but I didn't care. This bastard was out here tussling with a maid right under my roof!

"Where are they hiding!" I commanded, and surely I looked like some possessed demon, for one fainted in the others arms at that moment.

"W...who...your...h...highness?" Only trembling words escaped her face, stained with tears.

"Don't play dumb!"

"We don't know who you are referring to."

"Crown Prince Cestiel! He's here with a maid entangled and now hiding from me! I heard the giggles!"

"My...l...lady...his highness....his highness isn't here anymore.... he left..."

"I'm not a fool to fall for such a lie so easily! If you don't tell me, I'll rip that throat of yours out and watch you bleed out."

"Please no, Your Highness! I speak the truth! It was she and I that were speaking so comfortably to each other! He's left on an urgent matter before dawn this morning, I swear it! You may even confirm with the queen and king, for he said he had to speak to them first and had me awaken them! I was not allowed to stay, so I know nothing more than this! Please....please spare me..." She sobbed, slumped down, holding the unconscious maid.

Calming down, I brushed a hand through my thick, curly hair and walked past them.

I was on edge more than usual, and it was all his fault. Why had I gotten so worked up? If he was with a maid, it shouldn't have bothered me. Rather, I could've broken this engagement off because he was committing infidelity so carelessly. Yet, I found myself enraged with jealousy and even wanted to kill the maid wrapped in his arms. Was I always this pathetic? Losing my damned mind over a man I hardly knew. Ridiculous.