Beyond The Realms

Chapter 40

Just because my journey is smooth so far doesn't mean it has been totally safe.

In some places a few people were aggressive but the guards never let them near me.

I tried to talk to as many as I could , but I knew I couldn't convince everyone to believe in me.

As for Ayelet , twice now, her assassins have tried to get to me but the Prince as he had promised eliminated those threat before they could so much as even get a mile near me.

He didn't speak to me though ,and I didn't initiate any conversation either.

Besides he is always busy instructing my guards . Always on the look out for potential threats .

What is it that we could talk about anyway? I can't think of anything.

But the silence makes me feel hallow inside .

I want someone to talk to but Jabeen was left behind in the fort to be the incharge of things if something were to happen there.

The days are busy but the nights feel twice as lonely.

Now that I had seen my kingdom , the people who depended on me and my decisions I feel the full burden of my responsibility .

It's not that I want to run away from my responsibility , I just wish I could talk to someone about .

Khsjc is here. He and I shared meals together but I never stay in his company longer than that because more than once now I saw him looking at me in that strange way . Once he even tried to touch me saying there was a bit of gravy on my cheek when I knew there was absolutely nothing on my face.
Such behaviour from him made me feel awkward and uneasy around him and I've decided to set things straight " Khsjc , I want to tell you that I really value your friendship " I look at him silently praying that he would understand what I'm trying to say and not destroy the friendship between us " I have always seen you as a friend and.. "

His face visibly dropping his entire posture slumps .

I feel like apologizing to him but I know I shouldn't give him any hopes just because I want to be kind
" I will always think of you as a friend" I wish there is an easier way to say this " Nothing less than a friend and nothing more "

He abruptly stands up
" It's ....it's alright " giving me a shaky smile he walks away.

I instantly get on my feet ready to go out and talk to him but I think better of it.

He needs some alone time.

With a sigh I move away from my bowl of soup that had gone cold and turn myself in for the night .

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" Our next stop is Isreol" Says Prince Ruslan to the armed men a warning in his voice " It is the most hostile province"
For a brief moment he raises his eyes to look at me " People there are known to be very violet and aggressive. I don't think you should risk emerging out of the carriage."

I don't say anything and my silence is enough to let him know that I'm not backing out of making public appearance there.

He doesn't say anything more to me but sets about giving grueling set of instructions to all of my guards and soldiers .Who are grim faced but determined .
I don't envy their job but neither do I envy the job I hold. I just hope I can manage to live up to the legacy of my ancestors.

I know my guards won't fail me. I'll be safe.

But anxiety is like a living thing inside me.