The Realm Of The Abyss

Chapter 23: Confession

Quinn’s POV.

At those times, my mind pretty much went blank. Her precise and straightforward words smacked me in the face. The streak of shock could be discerned in the way I looked today. My lips split open, and I gasped for air so I could breathe.

“Based on the expression in your eyes, I’m sure you’ve never heard of the news.”

Varri spoke again, bringing me back to senses. I turned to face her to listen, but my mind was drifting away. I even forgot about Alfaro, who must be getting sick of waiting for me. 

It was getting late, and perhaps they were looking for us in the palace. I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t pluck up the courage. I was unable to speak, as if mute. I was at a loss for words. Thus, I remained silent before Varri.

“As soon as possible, figure out what is troubling your heart and mind. Don’t give in to your fears. Instead, confirm your feelings,” she advised. “Once and for all, be true to yourself, Quinn. You must make a choice. You will never be happy if you continue to mask and suppress what you truly want to express.”

I averted my gaze. I’m afraid to admit that I knew what she was meaning to say, and it was pretty clear to me what she wanted me to understand.

“The weight you’re carrying will only lighten if you stop pretending to yourself,” she added. 

I was stunned by her blunt words that I was hit square in the head. She took a step forward, hung something on my wrist, and whispered in my ear.

“The more you try to deny it, the worse it gets…”

***

I returned to Alfaro with a broad smile on my lips, carrying the fruit Varri had given me earlier. My vibe didn’t match how I felt, but it was better for me to show him I was fine so he wouldn’t worry and ask me more questions. He stared at me as if he was inspecting my entire being.

“Did I keep you waiting for too long? I suppose I did,” I admitted, scratching the back of my neck. “Darkness has engulfed us on the way. Let us return to the palace.”

I felt a cold chill wash over me as the sun set below the horizon. I had a long way to go, though, and the cool night air was the least of my worries…

We traveled for about an hour before arriving at the palace. We were greeted with His Majesty’s interrogation as soon as we walked in.

“Where have you two gone?” King Alfredo inquired when he came across us in the corridor.

Alfaro and I communicated with our eyes, signaling which of us would respond to his father. When he shrugged, I raised my brow at him before turning to face the king.

I bowed. “I apologize for arriving late and failing to request permission to leave, Your Majesty. Please forgive us… We promise not to do it again.”

For a brief moment, King Alfredo was deafeningly silent. Instead of looking into his eyes, I looked down at the floor. I was expecting a reprimand or much worse, but it was quite the opposite. I raised my gaze to him when I heard him laugh out loud.

“I can hear your nervousness in your trembling voice, princess,” the king teased. I bit my lower lip in embarrassment.

Was I that obvious?

“We went out for a walk somewhere, father,” Alfaro answered, suppressing his laughter after seeing my tense expression.

I ought to smack him!