Not so Different

Chapter 7: Threats

Baron walks down the rich cream colored halls, not even noticing how gorgeous they are. His head is killing him. Why does he have to think about this now? He groans and holds his head in his hands before bumping into someone.

"Watch it!" Baron snaps before looking up.

It was Arthur. His eyes darkened as he looked at Baron.

Baron grits his teeth, his fangs bearing.

Arthur speaks up.

"I told you if you tried anything on the princess there would be consequences."

"What are you talking about? I didn't try anything." Baron snaps, looking slightly down at him, since he was taller.

"I suppose you didn't. But you tried to take her from me."

"No shit. We're engaged." Baron scoffs.

"...look." Arthur begins.

"I love Serene. With all my heart. I grew up with her. We've played together since we were children. I love her and I plan to make her mine. You won't take her away from me." He glares at Baron.

Baron raises an eyebrow. He kind of already knew that but what should he even say? He'd love to piss this guy off, but, he doesn't WANT to have feelings for Serene. But...the feelings are still there.

"...good luck with that, human." Baron says quietly. Arthur smirks a little and turns and leaves again.

Baron watches him walk away, clenching his fist. Why does he feel like this about Serene. He likes her, but hates her kind. There's no way he could...love her. At least he thinks so.

~

Eventually the week in Alora passes. Many glares were given to Baron and the king. No matter. They ignore it. Baron was about to go back in the carriage before someone called him. It was the princess. She catches up to him. Baron turns to look at her but his eyes were glued to the ground.

"Baron...?" She begins.

"...um...if you ever need anything. Anything at all, you can write to me."

Baron looks at her hands. They're fidgeting again. Why does she do that? It's ridiculous. Is she nervous?

"Mm. Understood." Baron responds dryly before quickly stepping into the carriage.

"Um! Baron?" Serene says hesitantly.

"Yes, princess?" Baron looks at her hands again before finally looking back at her face

What the?

She was blushing. A small tint of pink on her pale cheeks. She brushes a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Be safe okay?" She looks away.

"...yes....y-yes understood. You too." Baron nods and one of the butlers' closes the door. They drive away as Baron looks a bit shocked. She's never blushed before. Not in front of him anyway. Was she blushing because of him? He shakes his head and remembers what Arthur said. It's not like he loves her anyway.

Barons father, next to him coughs a few times. He turns to look at him.

"Are you alright father?" Baron pats his back gently.

"Yes, son, I'm fine." He nods. Baron looks down at his hands. The hands that danced with Serenes.

"..."

"...i hope you've grown a bit closer to the princess." The kings raspy voice states.

Baron looks up.

"...mm...just a little, father."

"... your mother and I, were just like you two. We didn't like each other at first."

"Don't compare her to mother, pa." He huffs.

The king hums.

"...very well. But you must know, you have to get past your differences. You're going to marry her."

"I know, father... I know." He nods and plays with his hands again. He realizes he's almost doing the same fidgeting Serene does. Immediately he stops.

~

They both make it back to the kingdom of Salhai. Baron was excited to be back. He can finally see Magi again after a whole week. Baron sets his stuff down near the entrance, sprinting up to his room with a goofy smile.

"Magi!!" He calls out before opening the door to his room.

He looked around but Magi wasn't there. 'She must be downstairs' he thinks to himself. 'let me double check up here.'

"Magiiiii...." He calls again. He turns the corner to his giant room. "Quit playing hide and seek, girl. I missed you-"

His smile fades immediately. The window was shattered in the corner. Like someone broke in. He looks down at the floor.

He finds Magi there. Covered in blood, not breathing. A blank stare on her face.

Not a single whine or bark coming out of her.