Where she stands, I bow

Chapter 9

Engfa's Pov

As I wandered deep into the forest, I couldn't resist the weight adding up to my heart. It was surrounding my heart and clenching out every blood that it had.

I felt as if someone had taken something from me. My mentor, my protector, and my father died. I felt so lost, so empty, and now I had no one run up to.
Ever since I was little, whenever things used to get bad, i would always run up to him.

I was 9 back then. I was bullied by my neighbour's kid. He had a horse and would always show off. I always wanted one. I never asked my father for it as I didn't want to put more stress on him. He  already did so much for me.
I knew I wasn't his child, and yet, i always chose to tell myself that he was indeed my real father.

One day, the neighbour's kid called me and invited me to take a ride on his horse. I was thrilled. To me, he suddenly became the most kindest person to exist.
And i went to his house without letting anyone know. Charlotte was busy in the garden, and she definitely wouldn't let me ride a horse, so i quietly snuck out.

He took my hand and helped me onto the horse, and then we both rode the horse through the grassy field.
I felt so alive at that point, but then suddenly, he pushed me off.

I fell hard on the surface of the earth and was covered in mud and grass. I badly hit my knees on the stone and couldn't move.
But that boy just scoffed and went away, laughing. I lay there, helpless, injured, and scared. I was just a little kid, and I cried, hoping someone would hear me and help me.

For many minutes, no one did. But then I heard footsteps. I immediately recognised those steps.
"Father !" I yelled for help.
He came running down to me. It was the first time I saw him terrified.
He was always so strict looking and strong that I had never seen any emotion in him except for determination, but there, at that moment, I saw fear in him.

He feared whether I was fine or not.
I quickly hugged him and cried.
I told him everything and then we stayed there a little longer.
I laid on his lap as we talked.
The sun was setting, and the winds got chiller, and I didn't even know when I fell asleep.

All I remembered was that I woke up the next day and found a baby horse, Edwards, on our yard. Charlotte was petting him while Father was holding him tight on his arms.

I sprinted towards him, and he hugged me. From that day on, I spent my whole day taking care of Edwards. And then when Edwards became mature and more strong, Father taught me how to ride him.
He also taught me sword lessons and many more to protect myself in the future.

And whenever things got bad again, I would always run off to the same spot where i once laid, helpless and crying.
Then he would always join me.
He didn't miss even one time.
Even not when he was sick and the weather was very bad. It was raining very heavily, and yet despite his health, he came.

Charlotte never knew about this. It was us. Me and Father......

But now,
Now I had no one to run to. Who would save me ?
Who would I trust to always be there for me when things get hard ..?

I definitely couldn't go to Charlotte.
She is also grieving for our Father, and I can not go to her. Not right now.
I can't face her.......

After some miserable time alone, I went back to the palace. I went to the princess's room but she wasn't there. Then I went to the grounds and spent my whole time training. I didn't even know how much time I spent.

I only came to my senses when I saw the sun rising. Damn, i was here the whole night.
In the early morning, I again went to Charlotte's chamber and found it was locked. I raised my hand to knock but decided against it.
She needed rest.

Then, as I was making my way towards the grounds, I was greeted by the royal soldiers who told me I was required at the royal hall.

I left with him, and wow, the hall was mesmerising. Each thing was made of gold, perfectly carved to perfection. Everything was placed just fine. The windows stood wide against the walls, creating a perfect view when the sunrays entered. The throne stood proud and tall. Even with all those things here, the throne was the most encanting one. It was one of a kind.

As I stepped closer, I was met with the king and the queen. And then at their side, I saw her. Fully dressed up. Wrapped in the perfect silks in the kingdom. Hair flowing like the waterfalls. Skin as glowing as the moon.
She surely was perfect, my heaven on earth.

But she had an unpleasant expression. She must be sad about our father.
Slowly, the king came towards me and handed me a letter.
The royal letter. Even the letter had the smell of luxury.
The life betwee the royals and the commoners were indeed very different.

I opened the letter and my whole life shattered. It was the invitation to the princess's engagement ceremony.
Charlotte was getting married ?
"Distribute this to all the neighbouring kingdoms," the king demanded.

"On my dead body!" I hissed.
"What did i hear !?" The king asked.
"The princess is too young to get married. And are you so old that you can not see that !?" I spat.

"I will neither deliver this letters nor will I let this wedding take place!" I warned.
The king snatched the letter from my hand and gave it to some other guard.
"Fine, then you will be assigned to guard our lands at the border," the king smirked.

"Is that supposed to scare me ?" I laughed.
"General Engfa, you are not to disrespect the king like that. You are assigned to go there, then you will," Charlotte snapped.

"Whether you like it or not ," she countered, looking straight at my eyes.

What the fuck was that!?

Before I would react or say anything, everyone were dismissed and I was taken to my room. It was not that big, but it was quite spacious. It was filled with weapons, and skulls of animals, courtesy of the previous general.
I never spent my time here so it was still very new to me.

As I lay at the bed, i zoned out.
What happened to her ?
Why was she agreeing to all this ?
Why did she agree for the wedding ?