The King's Bride (Book 1 of Midnight Cinderella)

Chapter 12 : No Eye Contact or I'll Fall

<Alyn Crawford>

When Sir Christophe and King Philip finally decided that the best action to take was actually to replace the duke's sister. Louis Howard was furious, of course. I've never seen him that infuriated, and he looked ao disappointed towards his sister as he dragged her out of the conference room. Afterwards, he even stopped his sister from going to the Palace altogether. Their parents sent two separate letters to the King, bidding their apology.

Princess, or rather, Countess Leona was accused of being a manufacturer of illegal drugs, with the same effect as opium, even worse, they said. There were many witnesses, and there are also some possible proofs that might be put against her. However, her image is already tarnished, and the other kingdoms are already being foul about it, so they had to choose the last resort.

And besides, Countess Leona is a big airhead. I don't want a princess like that.

I prefer the new princess, of course, Lady Elizabeth (as she prefers to be called, rather than Your Highness). Even though I must admit she isn't perfect, as she had shown some undesirable qualities such as being annoying, at least to me. But still, at least she has some brains and will be fit enough to rule and find a suitable consort.

I walked along the moonlit corridor of the Stein Castle, marvelling at its beauty. The carpet was soft and I was almost ashamed to step onto it with my dirty boots. There were large windows, where the moon shone through. The candlelights were dimmed, possibly because the night is getting darker and deeper.

I continued walking, taking my mind off things, when I heard a door creak open. I turned around, careful not to make much sound. I peered at the open door where a bright light was being emitted and watched a figure appear from inside. It was a woman.

It was Ianne.

She soon closed the door and leaned back on the wall. I could see her chest rising and falling without rhythm. I watched her, studying what she's about to do next.

I widened my eyes as I saw two large, crystal be reflected and fell down her two eyes. She sniffed and trembled, sinking low to the ground. She was crying. She's crying hard. Ianne hugged herself, and her shoulders trembled while she sobbed on her arm.

I cleared my throat and looked at her with a straight face. It's really hard to stand seeing girls cry. It bothers me so much. "Why is it that when I finally meet you again, you're crying, eh? Why do I always have to be the first one to see you crying?" I asked, barely holding out.

Ianne looked up at me and I saw the path that her tears travelled. She sniffed and sobbed. "Alyn." she said with a soft, cracked voice. She sounds so broken. And fragile.

I hesitated for a moment, but I decided that I have to go beside her. She needs me. I walked slowly, careful not to terrify her, and bent low on the ground. I reached out to touch her hair, but quickly pulled away. This is wrong. She is King Byron's bride. "Hey." I said gently as I pulled off the cape from my back and draped it on her shoulders. "You should get out of here. It'll be trouble if they find you crying here. Come on."

I held her shoulder and propped her up. She looked at me, her cries now silencing, and only a few sniffs can be heard.

"Thank you." she said and at least I was able to produce a small smile, thank goodness.

****

"I thought you're just an annoying guy, but you can actually be sweet when you have to." she said with a sniff as she sat down on the cemented seat near the flower patch. I remained quiet. I didn't know what I am supposed to react to that.