Kingdom of isolation - you can't hide

Thirty Two ~ Aurora

Aurora

"There have been some recent developments in the tragic case involving the young princess of the Hart Kingdom who had been presumed dead. Hart Kingdom and House of Hart, a titan in the realm of clothing and fashion, lost the young heiress in a freak accident. Our sources tell us that she has been found alive after nearly 12 years of searching and is currently reuniting with her family. This was made possible because of the generosity extended by the recently crowned king and new face of the Stone Kingdom who left no stone unturned in the search to find the young princess. Rumours have been circulating around the relationship between the two but that's all they are, folks! We will keep you updated as the story develops. For now, we are glad to report on a happy reunion and perhaps the resurgence of Queen Athena's work in the near future."

I switch off the tv and throw the remote down on the table in front of me. He did not find me. I was dumb enough to get caught in his trap like a fish. Damn my curiosity for doing this to me like I'm an addict in need of a daily fix of stupidity. I slap my face a few times until it stings to the point of pain. The haunting images on the screen throughout the news bulletin are a painful reminder that this is all real. He is real. Worse, there's footage playing on loop of a distraught looking me in the arms of Mama while we both kneel on the hard ground. It's from the night when I first arrived home, injured and out of my mind. I thought I was alone but it turns out, someone managed to get some type of drone footage and had it leaked out to the media.

"Stupid curiosity! Damn you for this!" I screech into the cushion, punching it a few times before it escapes my wrath and lands on the floor with a phantom whimper of despair.

"Kinda wish you stayed in Canada now, huh?"

Nocturnal eyes watch me with amusement, casually leaning against the doorway. A stream of light filters through the Venetian blinds, dust particles dancing around him as he moves to cover his eyes.

"Don't start that again, Uncle No." I groan, slumping against the sofa and tapping my now stinging face. I'm regretting a lot of things and I don't need to be reminded. I already freaking know a reclusive life in Canada was better than this. I'm betrothed to a demonic entity because my dad made a blood pact with his best friend but was unaware of what it would cost him until it was too late. That in itself is enough to make me want to hurl myself into the abyss. Oh, Canada.

If I ever come across Uncle Lucas—which is highly unlikely, seeing as he's a virtual ghost—I'm going to kick his tyrant ass for forcing my Papa into doing this. I don't know what his story was, except that he fell in love with someone and didn't want to carry the crown, nor do I care for it. Because of his inadequacies, my Papa had to step up to the challenge which ultimately led him into making a life altering decision. A decision that involved me, many years later. And now that my death, or presumed death, is no longer an option, my other options are few and far in between. In fact, they are so scarce, I wouldn't even consider them as anything but slim pickings. I've been left with more questions, especially in regards to how this side of the world works, than solutions to my problems. It's frustrating! I listened to Caspian when he said not to do anything and let him deal with it. I really did listen. In fact, all I've been doing is resting for the last 12 hours or so since my family truth bombed me. I think I took it well, all things considered. But I'm tired of waiting around. Judging by what I've just seen, the first move on the chessboard has been made. My mind goes back to what my brother told me last night. I can't believe it. I don't want to believe a word of it.

"I don't blame you but you kinda ruined all of our efforts in one day. Now, the fucker's made it national news and we can't really go around jumping one city to another anymore. You're famous, gremlin."