Another World

CHAPTER 8

Chapter 8

''Oh mother Teresa on Earth!" Quinton says and he leaps towards me like demons are chasing him.

''Relax Quinton ! Relax ." He stumbles and I catch him just in time before he falls to the ground.

''Thanks." he says and smiles a little . He points to the huge room and I just nod because I'm used to it by now. We stand aside to let the rest of Kio's men pass by . Eventually they're all teleported and Kio speaks up, ''Isabelle . Quinton . Hanna over there will show you to your rooms and where everything is." He points with his little finger to the receptionist . She smiles and waves at us.

I wave back to her with a complementary smile and Quinton seems a bit hazed. He gives a nervously smile and says ''hi", like always.

Kio and his men march through the palace halls to the rose garden. Hanna walks towards us in a proper way, almost like a real queen .

''Good morning! Just follow me upstairs to your rooms . We have tried to design them as comfortable as possible ! Each of you have a guard outside your room day and night. Jake is your guard, Isabelle, Quinton's guard is Auriella. I'll give you some time to settle in and have a conversation with the guards if you like to." Jake ? He's also human , so are all the staff. As I walk up the stairs I see him . Black hair, like mine , white and pale skin, muscular and tall. He's talking to Auriella across the hall and when they see us , they're quiet. Jake shoots me a glance and it's clear he's blushing. I'm not bragging or anything but it's true !

''Jake. Auriella." Hanna says and nods a greeting. They nod back. I watch Quinton and he's clearly staring at Auriella and her red hair. Seems like the so-called 'crush' between us has quickly faded. I must say that my guard is very good looking..... Hanna leads us right to our rooms and heads back downstairs to do whatever she does. Probably calling cleaning services, considering how spotless this place is . Suddenly I realize that I've been staring at Jake for a few moments there. I start blushing and find the courage to say something , ''Hey Jake. The name's Isabelle!" I sound so nervous . And ridiculous ! He must think I'm a wreck !

''Your majesty , Isabelle. I'll make sure nothing happens to you . Give a call and I'll be with you . "

''Okay. Thanks! I'll try not to bother you as much ."

''Princess , I have been trained for years at the Chicago Security Force to be by your side . I insist you call for me . " He smiles sweetly at me and opens the door to the room . My room . I walk in and admire all the beautiful portraits of nature . Hanging above the king-size bed is a portrait of an eagle flying through the desert sky . Next to my closet is a picture of a cabin in the woods surrounded by butterflies ! On each side of the bed are cabinets with little vintage lamps. The room theme is obviously nature and purity. But everything seems to be in the range of red . My favorite color!

''Wow" is all I could get out right now. Never in my life did I think that I would live in such royalty . The only reason I never expected it is because I am so unfortunate and never put myself first. Now - believe it or not - other people will be serving me ! I don't know if I deserve it . There are lots of other people out there who are desperate for food, money, and even clothing !

''I know . When I first came here I was just as amazed as you guys were. But it's actually nothing more than a really big house with people doing their daily duties. But Quinton and you have the hardest job around . Your majesty must make sure of security , royal duty schedules, and of course protect the Zandigord community . There's an exciting new conquest to be completed. It's going to take courage , trust and bravery to win this battle up ahead. You and I , Quinton and Auriella and the Zandigord are going to fight against the Python Warriors. They always try to harm nature into poisoning it and cutting down the trees and plants . But their main goal is to steal the heart of nature in the underground base. Do you want to see it?" Jake says.

''Of course ! Let's go !" I throw my bags on the huge bed and walk to the hallway.

Jake smiles and closes the door behind us.

He leads me down the stairs and through a narrow passage wich are lighted by candles in holders against the wall.