Ithika: Into The Forest

Chapter 19

123 Years Earlier

"I cannot leave you, my darling," Annastella pleaded, her eyes filled with desperation. She gazed up into Spenser's yellow-green eyes, her heart heavy with the weight of their impending separation.

"You must," he breathed, his voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "He summons you, my darling. He is not a forgiving king." His grip tightened around her waist, his hand seeking solace in the touch of her. "And I have nothing to offer you here."

Annastella's face softened, her fingers gently running through Spenser's long, dirty blonde hair. Their connection was undeniable, but the circumstances forced them apart. She knew that time was running out, and she had to heed the king's call.

The forest surrounding them came alive with the flickering glow of thousands of fireflies, casting an ethereal light upon them. The night sky reflected off Annastella's cool, pale skin, and her deep emerald eyes shimmered with a mix of sadness and longing. As a burst of cool summer wind blew, her soft, pale green dress danced around the curves of her frame.

In the distance, clapping sounds filled the air, signaling the arrival of a carriage. Annastella's body moved with grace and agility, resembling that of a doe as she raced towards the end of the path. But before she could reach her destination, a hand gently pressed against her shoulder, turning her around.

Spenser's slender and fierce eyes met hers, filled with a mixture of concern and determination. "I will tell them I am your bodyguard, granted by the council to escort you to the palace. They must allow me to go if they believe the council sent me," he explained quietly.

Annastella nodded silently, understanding the plan they had devised. As the carriage drew to a stop, a small man stepped down and opened the door. Out from the carriage emerged a large, robust man, adorned in a long burgundy cape trimmed with white fur. The cape was held together by a shining golden horse brooch, and his green silk blouse clung to his broad, muscular chest. His mature yet handsome features were partially hidden in the dim night sky, but a warm expression of pride shone through his gaze as he looked Annastella up and down.

"You are even more breathtaking than I had imagined," the man whispered gently, causing Annastella's breath to catch in her throat. She felt uncomfortable under his intense scrutiny, her eyes searching for Spenser's reassuring presence. She could see the anger burning within him, his fists clenched tightly, as he locked eyes with the king.

"And who might you be?" the king growled, his gaze shifting towards Spenser.

Spenser's face flushed with anger, his entire body tense with rage. "I am her bodyguard," he growled, his voice filled with defiance. "The council sent me."

The king eyed him with a mixture of curiosity and respect. "Very well," he conceded. "You will ride atop the carriage with Henry. I will personally ensure that Annastella is safe inside the carriage with me."

As Annastella reluctantly stepped into the carriage, a mix of emotions swirled within her. She glanced back at Spenser, their eyes locked for a brief moment, silently reaffirming their love and determination to overcome the obstacles that lay ahead. The journey to the palace would be fraught with challenges, but their bond would not be easily broken.

Annastella's gaze shifted nervously between Spenser, consumed by his rage, and the King, who seemed unfazed by the tension in the air. Spenser's voice trembled with barely contained anger as he spoke through gritted teeth, "The council requires me to be by her side at all times."

A sly grin spread across the King's face as he focused his attention on Annastella. "That won't be necessary," he commanded dismissively, not bothering to acknowledge Spenser. His hand extended towards Annastella, a gesture of possession. "Shall we?" he smiled, his tone dripping with false charm. Annastella stole one last glance at Spenser, her heart heavy with the knowledge that they would be forcibly separated. She reluctantly allowed the King to lead her towards the carriage.