I DIDN'T EXPECT THIS FATE.....OR RATHER THE CURSE

Part 14

Lauras pov:

I dashed out of the mansion, my pace fueled by the urgency of the moment, knowing full well that my father—no, the emperor—would likely be at Nathaniel's residence. Hastily, I retrieved the last flower from my mother's bedroom, my heart pounding with each step as I fled like there was no tomorrow. Nathaniel and a horde of castle guards pursued me relentlessly as I plunged into the woods, my feet pounding against the forest floor. Barefoot and breathless, I reached the estuaries where the siren awaited. Upon my arrival, she handed me the hidden flowers, her eyes betraying a sorrowful tear at my disheveled state, though there was no time to explain. I sprinted with every ounce of strength I possessed, but exhaustion soon overtook me, causing me to stumble and fall. The delay in retrieving the flower from the castle had allowed my pursuers to close in on me. Nathaniel brandished his sword, demanding my return in silence and the surrender of the flowers. With dwindling energy reserves, I shoved aside my assailants and resumed my desperate flight, only for Nathaniel to seize my wrist and drag me towards him. In a desperate bid for freedom, I sank my teeth into him, forcing him to release his grip. I pushed forward once more, my body weakened and bleeding, limping towards the rock giant. Finally reaching my destination, I offered the flowers to the Nine-Tails, only to be struck in the heart by Nathaniel's sword.

Nathaniel's perspective:

My body gradually regained strength, and I felt someone's touch upon my chest. Opening my eyes, I beheld the sight of the mage hastening away. With no other recourse, I swiftly rallied the guards and secured my sword at my side. Pondering over her inexplicable act of healing, we hurried towards His Majesty's castle, where we observed her fleeing towards the woods. Following her trail, she paused momentarily by a lake, and for a moment evaded our sight before resuming her flight. Later, she stumbled over a log, blood trickling from her knee. Seizing the opportunity, I leveled my sword at her, demanding her silent surrender and return, yet she thwarted us with her powers, pushing us back and limping onwards. As she approached the giant, she presented the flowers to some entity. In my desperate attempt to halt her, I inadvertently pierced her heart with my blade, causing her eyes to lose their spark as she collapsed to the ground. It was never my intention to harm her; it was merely a misguided effort to apprehend her. His Majesty, clad in armor, arrived, his fury palpable as he implored her to rise. In my futile bid to aid her, I withdrew my sword, unaware of the consequences it would bring. Blood painted the scene, and fear gripped me as well. I pleaded for her to awaken, but my entreaties fell upon deaf ears until the fox with nine tails approached and touched her. Suddenly, beams of light emanated from her form, and she was enveloped in a radiant glow. Darkness descended as she bestowed upon me a serene smile as if conveying a message. I continue to question why she didn't flee.

Flashback:

As I was engrossed in signing some documents, a knock interrupted my concentration, prompting me to invite the visitor in. To my surprise, it was Liam. Setting aside my pen, I inquired about his unexpected visit. He expressed his desire to speak with Laura. Initially hesitant, I relented after his persistent pleas and escorted him to her, pretending to depart but secretly lingering nearby to eavesdrop on their conversation. Liam implored Laura to return to the forest, yet she adamantly refused. When Liam mentioned my impending engagement, I noticed a profound emptiness in Laura's gaze, which unsettled me deeply. Why did she harbor thoughts of self-harm? I pondered this unsettling revelation, though I couldn't muster much concern. Laura confessed feeling heartbroken and isolated, admitting her fear of the dark. As a tear escaped her eye, she confessed her actions were driven by her feelings for someone, but when Liam asserted, "He doesn't love you anymore, Your Majesty! Come back to us, who actually care for you," Laura erupted in anger, demanding his departure. Liam, visibly distressed, offered an apology before taking his leave. A pang of sorrow gripped me as I overheard this emotionally charged exchange.