The Realm Of The Abyss

Chapter 24: Decision

Quinn’s POV.

I breathed a sigh of relief as I made my way to the king’s room. I could say my breathing has become more relaxed now than it has been these days because I’ve finally confessed my feelings for Alvaro. Finally, I was able to let go of the weight on my chest.

Being true to myself has not been easy, but it was the only option I had. I suppose I could say that of all the decisions I’ve made in my life, this is the one I’ll never regret.

I realized that all of Varri’s meaningful words were correct. The advice she gave me has stayed with me.

Every time you chose to be true to yourself, you forgot how heavy it was.

Alvaro didn’t say anything after my confession, but I could tell he was taken aback. I wasn’t going to complain, though. And, more importantly, I don’t have to hear his response because, first and foremost, I wasn’t asking for anything. I wouldn’t force or beg him to feel the same way I do. I only expressed my feelings for him to lighten my load. I wasn’t hoping he’d like me back.

When I arrived, the on-duty guards opened the door and let me in. I walked inside and searched every corner for King Alfredo.

I had intended to say goodbye to him after Alvaro, and then to Alfaro last. I wanted to show my appreciation to him for everything. He’s been nice to me, compared to other dominant kings I’ve seen in royal movies. I’ll be forever grateful that throughout my time in their kingdom, I felt like I had a father on whom I could rely.

Looking back on the first time I set foot into their palace and met everyone in the royal family brought me to tears. I began to feel emotional.

I felt like I was at a fork in the road, torn between the safety of the known and allure of the unknown. The familiar sensation filled me with dread because I knew where it would lead. There was some uncertainty in my mind, but I ignored it. Every hesitation I have must be banished. I won’t be able to stay much longer. It’s best for everyone if I leave the palace.

“How can I help you, princess?”

I swallowed hard before turning to face the king, who had come out of the vast library. My throat felt heavy, as though a huge rock had been placed on it.

Will I be able to say my final farewell?

“Your Majesty, may I speak with you?” I was hesitant to ask, but I did so anyway.

“Of course, princess. What are we going to talk about?” he inquired, taking a seat on the couch and folding his arms.

The king’s smile was too wide at these times, and I didn’t want to see it vanish in a split second.

“I came here to inform you that I will be leaving–”

Before I could finish my farewell speech, someone grabbed my wrist and pulled me out of the king’s room. I was taken aback when I realized it was Alvaro. I immediately drew my arm away from him, and we both came to a halt in the palace’s corridor.

As his eyes locked with mine in a fiery stare, I felt a wave of emotions wash over me. I was about to spout off when his words caught me off guard.

“Don’t leave…”

I felt something I shouldn’t have felt at the time. I wanted to scream at him, yell at him, and vent my rage, but it didn’t come. My chest hurt a lot.

Is it appropriate for me to be feeling this way?

“You don’t have to go. I never said I wished you were gone. It’s not what I want, so please stay,” it sounded almost begging.