The Realm Of The Abyss

Chapter 18: New Character

Quinn’s POV.

“What happened?!” Queen Adelana yelled as she stormed into the king’s chamber.

Except for the maidservants and bodyguards in the palace, we were all there. The uproar that occurred earlier must have spread throughout the kingdom. It was fortunate that the king first ordered that no one leave their houses before King Philip arrived, because they could have been affected by the upheaval.

“Philip launched an attack with his troops,” explained His Majesty.

With a frustrated sigh, the queen approached her beloved son, Alfaro, to examine his condition.

“Were you hurt, dear? Did you get a wound? I’ll have a physician check on you.”

I kept my head down, while Alvaro stood beside me, unbothered. Alfaro took a slow exhale and shook his head. 

“Mother, I’m fine. Nothing bad has happened to me.”

I wanted to tell her that nothing bad had happened to her son. Rather, it was her son who was plotting something bad. He was not in any way harmed. 

Why is she being so dramatic?

“Adelana, where have you been and why were you not present when everything happened earlier?” asked the king, which prompted the queen to pause.

She twitched her lips, unable to explain herself. She was speechless and stumbling for words. All she could do was glare at me before turning back to face her husband.

“I-I went to a feast,” she stammered, which I find strange. “I hurried back home after hearing that there was a commotion going on in the palace.”

“Go get some rest, especially you, Princess Emerald. I don’t think you’ve slept yet. I apologize for involving you and having you witness the chaos,” His Majesty said, dismissing the queen’s answer.

I only responded with a polite nod and bowed my head before turning my back on them. I had no idea Alvaro was following me, but I let him be.

We were on our way to our room when I was struck by a sudden idea. I planned to go for a walk tomorrow. So I can take in some fresh air and loosen up. Even if it is only for a day, I would like to have a little peace of mind and forget about the recent stressful situations.

“Prince Alvaro,” I uttered his name, and he turned around to face me. “Could you accompany me to the market tomorrow morning?”

He took a moment to pause before nodding, agreeing to come with me tomorrow. I smiled and waved to him before entering the room. I flopped down onto the bed and covered myself in a blanket.

“What a day,” I mumbled under my breath.

Today was a long day. A lot happened in a single day. Reminiscing about everything terrible that had occurred today made my head hurt. There were so many thoughts racing through my mind that I wished I could get rid of them all at once.

I stretched and yawned when I started to feel sleepy. I tucked myself into bed, closed my eyes, and soon fell asleep.

When I woke up the next morning, I made my bed and noticed that my clothes were on the couch. It must have been prepared for me by the maidservants. I rushed through taking a shower and getting dressed. I didn’t spend much time fixing my hair because Alvaro could have been waiting for me for a while. He gets up early because he is a morning person, whereas I am the polar opposite. I’m a night owl, and I’ve been having trouble sleeping lately.

I wasn’t mistaken when I stepped outside the palace. Alvaro was sitting on his pet horse, arms folded, looking bored. I came running up to him and gave him a jovial smile.

“Good morning!” I greeted him with a high level of energy.

Even if it’s only for today, I’m going to make myself happy, just like I used to when I didn’t have any problems or frustrating thoughts.

“Good morning,” he greeted back.

I ought to punch him in the face!

I grimaced at his lack of energy. He sounded forced, as if he had no choice but to greet me back because I had greeted him first. I kept a cheerful face while calming my nerves. I didn’t want to sour the mood.

He assisted me in riding the horse before following. We took a tour of the entire Kingdom of Narva. We were having a good time as if nothing had happened the day before. This is exactly what I needed. I needed space to unwind.

Because of his speed in riding the horse, I nearly had a heart attack again from nervousness. I couldn’t get used to feeling like I was flying through the air.

We stopped in our tracks when we arrived at the market. I considered going shopping for groceries and other necessities. A red hair clip caught my eye while I was looking for certain products. I moved my gaze to Alvaro and motioned for him to bend. His brow furrowed in perplexity.

“Would you mind bending a little?” I asked him. “I’m going to put this one on you.”

He shook his head as soon as he saw the hair clip I was holding.

“No, thank you, princess. I believe that would suit you better.”

“Please! Just once, Alvaro–”

Both I and he were astounded. I had no clue it would come out of my mouth. I bit my bottom lip and looked away, my face flushing when I realized what I’d called him.

“I’m sorry, Prince–”

“No, it’s fine,” he cut in on what I was saying. “Please address me by my name. I like it better.”

My lips curved into another smile. When I lifted the hair clip, he couldn’t help but bend so I could reach his head. He averted his gaze when I put it on him, unable to meet anyone’s gaze. I burst out laughing.

He’s too adorable.

I approached the saleswoman and took money from my pocket as payment for the hair clip. Alvaro insisted on paying, but I told him that today was my treat. He knew he couldn’t win an argument with me, so he agreed and let me.

“I’ll take these two,” I said, looking at the saleswoman.

All of a sudden, I was nailed to the ground when she looked up at me. Her face looked familiar. I felt as if I’d seen her before, but couldn’t place her.

“Excuse me, Miss. By any chance… Have we ever met before?” I questioned.

She wobbled her head. “I don’t think we’ve ever met, princess. I only saw your face today.”

I frowned. I was baffled. I’m certain I’ve seen her somewhere, but my brain isn’t working right now to recall when and where.

“Could you tell me your name?” I asked, eager to hear a response that would provide answers to the unanswered questions.

“My name is Varri Carter,” she proclaimed, leaving me dumbstruck.