The Realm Of The Abyss

Chapter 21: The Truth

Quinn’s POV.

My heart cramped up even a short distance and pounded faster in seconds. I gasped for air before walking in their direction and passing by without saying anything. I could feel their eyes glazing over as they watched me walk away from them.

“Princess Emerald!” I heard Alfaro call me.

I pressed my lips together, suppressing my emotions to take over my body. I didn’t want to stop, so I mustered the courage to keep going. 

Every step I took on my way out felt like a stab wound to my heart. The weight it added to my chest and the difficulty it caused.

After a few minutes, I heard no footsteps of the running horse, so I assumed they didn’t follow me and went the other way. Perhaps it’s for the best that we go our separate ways. I forced a smile as I gazed up at the sky.

In the end, I chose not to choose between the two, despite knowing in my heart who I wanted to be with in the first place…

***

I had no inkling of what was going on in my head, and I avoided the two princes. They were not at fault, but here I am, making them feel bad about themselves. Truth be told, I’m at a loss for what to do.

I tried to quiet my mind so I could breathe and concentrate, but it didn’t work. What was more important to me was figuring out how to get out of here so that everything could be over. Furthermore, if I prioritize them ahead of everything else, I will be unable to complete my tasks in the end. I may not be able to keep my promise to myself.

As of now, I’m in the Royal Palace’s garden. The night looked peaceful, with neither the sound of animals nor the breeze hushing through the trees. I raised my eyes to the stars in the night sky. Under the silver light of a full moon, I couldn’t stop my mind from wandering.

I wished I hadn’t come across the two as much as I could, but I knew it was impossible. We were bound to meet because we were both in the same palace. 

I halted for a second and giggled when I realized something. I remembered meeting Alvaro for the first time in this garden after being trapped in this world. I couldn’t believe how long it had been. I was overcome with nostalgia. Time flew by at a swift pace. Everything seemed so recent.

My smile faded away as I turned to see the man approaching. He was looking down at the floor and appeared to be deep in thought. Only when he lifted his head did he notice me. We were both startled and stood there looking at each other for a split second.

I knew he was going to say something, so I broke eye contact and turned away from him. But just as I reached the door, I heard him speak.

“I have no idea as to why you’re avoiding me, but whatever it is, I’ll do my best to understand–”

I squeezed my eyes shut tight and didn’t let him finish his sentence. Instead, I hurried closer into the palace. I am well aware that what I am doing is unreasonable. I didn’t mean to avoid them, but it was the only way I could think of to help them. If I stay away from the two of them, they will do the same and will forget about me when I leave their world.

I entered the bedroom and lay face-down on the pillow until I nodded off. I awoke in the middle of a light slumber. I forgot to close the window earlier, and now I’m freezing. I closed it before leaving the room to go to the kitchen for some coffee. 

When I arrived, there was no one there, neither the cooks nor the maidservants. Perhaps they were all snoozing due to the cold weather.

I heated the water and sat near a propped open window while I waited. I could feel the gust of wind and the pouring rain from it. I was staring into space until I heard the shrill sound of the kettle boiling. I immediately stood up and turned off the stove. I didn’t want to wake up the people in the palace who were sleeping.