Th13rteen

Chapter 45

Th13rteen

Chapter 45

*

*

Aurelia...

"I don't want to leave you. I-I can't." Alex stuttered, cupping one of my cheeks. As much as he tried to fight it, I could see the fear and sorrow glistening in his eyes. This situation was becoming all too familiar for us.

"It's only for a little while." I weakly tried to assure him, though truthfully, I didn't want him to leave either.

"A little while feels like a lifetime when your life is being threatened."

"I'll be fine. I have my grandma, Harry and Evan. None of them will let anything happen to me."

"Your Highness, it is time to go." William interrupted us with a solemn tone.

After our meeting in the Queen's private office, we headed straight towards the portal room. It was hard to watch my new best friend leave to her Kingdom, followed by my long lost uncle. However, neither of their departures I dreaded as bad as Alex's.

With a sigh, Alex turned to Harry. "Please, please keep her safe."

Harry respectfully bowed to the Prince of Winter. "I will protect her with my life."

I felt something tug on my dress, and looked down to see the little snow bunny I made in the garden a couple weeks ago. I hiccuped as I picked up the small creature who was radiating sadness.

"Well, I made her for you to take with you. Guess she'll be seeing the snow after all."

Alex took the small animal from my hands, cradling it to his chest like it was the most precious part of me. He stared into my eyes with a look of longing. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you more." My voice cracked as I held in a sob. He winced as if the sound physically hurt him. "I love you, Prince Hot Tea."

"I love you, so much, Princess Sunflower." He whispered, leaning in, and leaving a tender kiss on my lips.

"My Prince..." Will urged him again. It was then I noticed the icy portal in the middle of the room.

Unable to say another word without combusting into tears, I silently watched my boyfriend, my safety, disappear from sight.

I collapsed to the ground in a fit of sorrow, not caring if my grandmother and guard saw me falling apart. "This isn't fair. I hate this." I wept. "Screw this 'Darkness' for ruining everything."

"Sunshine," Grandma Daisy crouched down to me, "like you said, it is only for a little while. We will win this war. The Darkness will not defeat us. Not again." Her voice held such certainty.

"I hope so." I whimpered.

"Come now, 'tis getting late. We should all rest. There is much to do tomorrow." She helped me to stand.

"Your Highness, would you like me to escort you to your chambers?" Harry politely asked.

"Can I just be alone for a little while?" I sniffled, and they both nodded in understanding, watching as I slipped out of the room.

I only made it halfway down the hall before I, not so surprisingly, heard Harry's footsteps echoing behind me. I couldn't be annoyed at him for following me, when I knew it was his job.

I was grateful when he didn't acknowledge how I walked straight past my room, and kept heading down the hall towards the guest room Alex stayed in.

Having miscalculated how closely behind Harry actually was, I was slightly surprised when he opened the door for me. "Rest well, my Princess. No harm will come to you." He spoke softly.