Beautiful Scar

Chapter 12

Dylan was disturbed.

When he saw those scars that adorned her body, he didn't know what to make of it. What a horrifying thing.

And then, there was the weight of her body on top of him and the soft floral scent that lingered. Her clear eyes that were penetrating.

He shuddered.

No, no, no way there was nothing desirable or attractive about that girl!

The last time he showed mercy, pity or an ounce of interest, he ended up being the fool.

Oh, women he had known and associated with were really snakes, he had closed off himself of kindness for the sincere ones. If he could find ones, in the first place.

He watched, overheard and experienced himself, as he was compared and ridiculed by even meager castle servant girls about his worth, his existence.

His Mother was no better. Always pushing him to do things that would make him favourable to the throne even though he had become disinterested to even battle for his rights at this point.

Making him mingled with ladies of higher class, to only be declined for a richer Prince or noble. They only stayed because he was the rightful heir and there were high benefits to be associated with an heir, and his face was rather dashing...but not for long until they found other males to mingle.

And when he did show kindness to the lesser fortunate ones, they turned their backs on him, parading how he was naïve and a fool. His Mother who was not keen on his association with the commoners only further lowered his sense of self-worth by chastising for such naivety and consideration to the commoners.

And after that, he started to find ways to escape from his cage. He associated with group of peers who were pompous and pampered and had little care for the world, but themselves, where they would meet up, dissed about people and girls who were easy to be joked of and laughed at, to cover their own patheticness.

They toyed with women's heart and made fun of those that they believed were beneath them. Because when he noticed some of them did not retaliate and instead were submissive to him, he thought, maybe some people shouldn't be born to be standing in the same room as him. And maybe, some women, would so much better be docile and gentle, they were easy in the eyes and to handle as well.

And for the moment, it felt good.

He felt a sense of power over the people he bullied and made fun of. A sense of power over his helplessness self.

But it was only short-lived. As long as he stayed in the castle with his Mother, he would always be suffocated under her command.

He was never enough for her.

Coming here was rather a reprieve. But he did not expect or was his castle so lacking of intel, that he did not know about the scarred lady captain and the friendship between her and the Princess.

It intimidated him.

Two ladies with power and influences. Almost like his Mother. No, almost like what his Mother wanted to be.

And those eyes that were undermining him.

Trying to be groom-worthy was out of the picture already. And even if he did not get himself in trouble, he would never really tame the Princess even he willed it, now that he had an idea how her character was.

And besides, what was Mother even thinking? Did she thought, she could exert her influence into the Princess, into this kingdom? That she could get some of this kingdom's riches as well?

Well, all of them thought of that at first.

Night came to pass as quiet as a clean death, and dawn slowly washed over the earth, like a child slowly rousing off from his slumber, stretching his arms – stretching its tendrils of lights across the plains and mountains.

Breakfast was quieter, the remaining five suitors ate together but barely said a word except for a mere greeting and nod.

After what happened last night, they were drained from trying to attempt anything. Either to the Princess or to the Captain, or to anyone for that matter.

Fina did not join the men today, as the news had circulated in the morning. How Prince Ronald from the Ire Kingdom was tried for his past crimes. She and the King would be busy.

"Why so glum, young men?" an old lady's voice brought them back from their daze. It was the elderly maidservant, Martha.

She was picking up their plates which still had quite a bit of food left there. "Ah, my apologies", Martha covered her mouth sensing the lack of response, "Our custom has no barrier to exchange greetings and talks between a servant and a royalty. I forgot this way may be foreign to you. I was out of my line. I apo-"

"It's okay", Dylan waved her off before she finished.

Martha's eyes widened, and then softened at the realization that he didn't want her to apologize.

"No worries, Martha, was it?" Neville suddenly spoke as well. "We just had quite a day yesterday". He flashed his smile.

Dylan controlled from rolling his eyes.

The other men meekly smiled to acknowledge Martha.

Martha only beamed, "Gentlemen, I understand there's pressure and expectation of each of you. But while you are here, you are free to explore and learn of the people and customs here. We are not scary people, you know. The Princess and the Captain as well are some of the kindest people", Dylan almost snorted at that, "And besides, I'm sure there would be many young women who would like to help when you need assistance around here".

"Then", Neville perked up, "If I may, may I ask for your company today after my session with Captain Scarlet is done for the day?"

Martha only chuckled, "My, my, I am flattered but Prince Neville, maybe you would like to ask younger ones around here, instead of this old lady. And besides, I am always tending things in the castle. I cannot simply leave my duty".

"Oh", Neville looked crestfallen, but he managed a reply like any other he had been taught, "Well, then I will try to catch you when you are free, Martha", he even slightly bowed his head.

Martha chuckled further and nodded. And then she continued pushing her cart away.

Dylan who noticed merely shook his head.

So eager.

Zuber, Jackel and James only ate in silence. Some felt that Neville was really steps ahead of them in this battle royale. While they thought that all of them had resigned with what laid ahead in this competition, it seemed there were still people who were sharp.

Who was not going to be taunted by yesterday's event. Someone like Neville. Indeed, he was intimidated by this Kingdom's prowess, it was true. But he was not giving up that easily. He would surely pursue in his willpower to best the system in his way.

But unfortunately, this was easier said than done.