The Red

CHAPTER-15

Stella's P.O.V.

 I was wearing this plain white gown that every other female server were wearing. I had no choice since I was offered to wear the dress. It was a quiet palace. I could hear every footsteps of those who passed by my door. If I focused, I could hear them breathe too.

"I know it's you," I mumbled as I wrapped my hair up. My bangs were annoying, not less than the color of my hair.

"Pretty sharp, eh?" he slid out of the closet and rolled in the bed.

He was perfectly dressed, shining on his Golden Royal attire. His oceanic blue eyes were nibbling on his sun kissed tanned face. That one-sided smirk- was always able to con me. Ahh- how much I wished if I hadn't fallen for this evil minded jerk. The more I got close to him, the farther he seemed.
His ambition.. that throne.. I wonder how far can he go? Actually, how far can he take me? ... I wonder if he sees me in his future.. for me, there's no hope on us...

I thought as we shared a long silent stare.

"What?" I caressed my last remaining hair off my forehead. At the same time, I tried to keep my heart calm. His eyes that were following my every move- was making me nervous. I couldn't understand myself but my red cheeks were spilling the whole truth. 

"I told you, not to let your bangs up," he flipped and faced his whole body toward me.

I could remember what he was trying to remind me. But I played this forget game. After all, I had a pretty tough time because of this hard-headed man. 

"I don't get what you say and you better get out of my room," I said and picked up the veil that was supposed to cover my face. 

"Whatever. I am fine as long as you hide under that veil," he chuckled and pulled himself up. 

Ahh!! I thought as I looked at that piece of cloth in my hand. I knew I worth so little from the start. But it pained a lot when it came straight from his mouth. I really had thought I was over it. No! The nightmare was still there and it was still haunting me.

"Of course, you would be," I choked, covering my face.

"Tell me if I should hide this whole body in some corner," I added with a bitter tone.

I didn't dare to turn around to see his face. He was the person that I loved the most. Yet, he was the most despicable person for me at that time. I could feel his gaze hovering on my back, trying to perceive what I was trying to convey. Hell to that- I just wanted some space.

"Look, I can see you getting the wrong idea. Get it some slack and relax," he sighed. 

I didn't respond. More like, I didn't want to see his "don't care" face. Really, I wasn't an emotional person. But every action of his mattered. 

"I don't know what you mean and I don't care either. Tell your people, just because I am on this attire, I won't be bound to serve you. I will be joining the field right at the moment," I scowled as  I rubbed my fingers around my dragger. 

"Your red is flowing in your eyes," he replied, poking me on my forehead. 

"But I like it better- those blood thirsty eyes," he added. 

I rubbed my forehead as I looked him smile. I remained there with my shrunk face. How could I smile at him after he had me suffer my life out?

EAST WING FIELD 

I walked around the castle, following every step of his majesty- stupid prince Erwin. Of course, the pretty little angel was cuddling on his right arm. Aside from that, she didn't forget to give me that evil glare. I wondered what was her true color? 

"Attention," Erwin shouted, only his harsh loud voice echoed in that huge wide space.

"Aye Sire,"

"Since all of you have gathered here, I know you survived well. We will give a proper funeral to those who couldn't make it on the full moon night. For now, you should train yourself. Remember, you are strong- your country is strong," he talked with pride and I could see the soldiers getting motivated.

He wasn't just about talk. Rather, he was all about action. He never hesitated to join the field with his soldiers and no matter the strength, he considered all of them as his warriors.

I moved into the crowd and I could realize those surprised glances. Of course, there would be. I was a woman and to be intact, a young girl. There were those who already  knew about me and the rest were the soldiers that were serving in that castle from ages.

"Miss, you shouldn't be here," one of the soldiers tried to make me cautious.

I looked at him. I showed no emotion. I wasn't disgusted at him neither I felt angry. It was the society that made him had these thoughts.

I then, looked the other way and fixed my arrows.

"I want to learn something else," I said  to his majesty that was standing by my side.

"No you should first.." he hadn't even finished his words, I pulled the string and hit the bulls eye.

"I already mastered it. Teach me swordmanship," I replied.

He tilted his head, trying to figure out the response. Next, he moved his hands but was still struggling with words.

"Take it," he handed his sword to me and stood still.
It was heavy, too heavy for me. I tried to pick it up. However, I ended up wasting my energy on balancing it.

"This is heavy."
I was breathless when I dug the sword on the ground.

"We need to find a sword of your match," he responded to my effort.

I figured that out. While I was fussing to learn swordmanship, I didn realized the hard part.

We exchanged a few glances before he chuckled. I couldn't quite understand what he was thinking. There were many such moments and it had made me adapt to his weird action.

While I tried to make sense out of his action, he didn't took his time to get close to me. I start to get consious with the every steps he took.

He bent and eyed my face closely. He still had that weird smile on his face.

"I really want to..." he said and forwarded his hand on me. I shrunk but he was able to trap my head within his hands. The thing I knew then was, everything turned blank. I could neither see neither hear. I was out of my sense.

"She is mine," he declared.

"Huh," I squealed and looked at his face. His lips had those pinkish balm that I wore that day. He wiggled his brows while I blankly stared at him.

"I see a lot of you getting amazed at her skill. Not the less, my fiancee is beautiful. But she is mine, warriors." He laughed as he pulled me in his arms and held me tight.

"What.. do y..ou think you are doing?" I whispered, furiously.

"Marking my territory." He whispered back.

" I am not an object," I screeched. I moved my shoulders and tried to escape his grasp. But it was impossible. My built was no match for him.

"Your highness, struggle is fruitless. Accept the glorious honor and be mine," he smirked. At that time, it felt as if he could devour me at once.

The kiss wasn't that bad. Infact, it felt sweet.