Enchantment of the Miss

Chapter 14

Alezzander packed his things on Goshen's back right after lunch. I stood just outside the door as I watched him. He secured the last piece before turning to me. His face is devoid of any emotion and for some reason he influenced me to be as impassive.

"Will you be alright alone?" he asked.

I rolled my eyes. "Come on. I survived for years alone."

Something crossed his eyes that look like worry and something else.

He cleared his throat. "I already gave you the transmitter. Call me if something happens."

"The magic ball? Yeah. I get it already," I assured.

"It's a transmitter," he corrected.

"Yeah... yeah," I shrugged. "The point is I'm going to be fine Alezzander," I pointed.

He took a deep breath. "Maybe you should come with me."

I stared back at him incredulously. Me? Going to the City of Abram? That would be unthinkable! But then, I won't lie. The idea is quiet appealing. What does the city look like? What would it be like to be with royalties? What does Alezzander's family like?

But then, I'm still a commoner.

I chuckled nervously. "That would be absurd," I said, almost a whisper. He is about to say something but I stopped him. "I am fine here. Besides, I still have to talk to the elders. Go on,"

He sighed. "Fine. I'll be back as soon as I can."

He turned to his horse and mounted on its back. He gave me a short curt before guiding his horse away. He fastened his pace and I watched as the horse galloped around the hill and out of sight.

I sighed. He's gone.

I proceeded with my laundry followed by other chores that are meant to keep me busy. For some reasons, I felt like I can do everything all at once. It was four when I started tending my lawn. I have to prepare for the planting season and I'm thinking of planting cucumbers aside from my strawberries.

Alezzander should be far by now. Though I don't really know how he could manage to travel from the City of Abram in just half a day. The City is 12 towns away and by estimate, that would be at least five days by horse.

Unless he's lying.

I froze as a bitter taste formed at the tip of my tongue. Why did I not think of that before?!

Did I just trust him enough that I didn't even consider logic? I groaned in frustration. I'm so stupid!

I was about to murder the grass when I heard a horse neighing at my lawn.

Did he forget something?

I automatically stood and marched out of the door, ready to pounce at Alezzander and equally excited at thought of seeing him again. But I stopped when I saw a carriage stop in front of my house. The silver carriage painted with shades of yellow glistened with the sun. It is immaculately clean like it has only traveled concrete pavements. Well, except for the wheel that is fully coated with mud. Four white horses are tied to it, obviously from fine breeds.

The footman went down from the front seat and walked to me. "Are you the owner of this house?" he asked.

"Y... Yes," I answered. Maybe they're just lost and are to ask directions.

"My lady wants to talk to you," he stretched his hands to the carriage, urging me to go closer.

I frowned. Who could it be?

I walked to the carriage with the footman behind me. I stopped right in front of the carriage door, quiet unsure of what to do. I stood in shock when the footman stopped beside me and kneeled towards the carriage.

Should I kneel too? I hesitated. Why should I? I don't even know the person inside.

"She is here my lady," the footman announced.

The curtain covering the carriage window was drawn, revealing a beautiful young lady about my age. Her skin is white and smooth as if the sun never had the chance to say hello. Her blond, long hair is tied to the right, cascading like waves down her shoulder. She looked like a doll with her brown eyes framed in long lashes. She is wearing a blue off-shoulder gown that is obviously tailored especially for her. She is radiating with beauty and elegance but as she raised an eyebrow, I can only see arrogance and contempt. She is looking down at me, literally and figuratively.

I don't like her. My inner self immediately declared.

"So, you're Alezzander's mistress," she uttered bitterly.

The side of my lip twitched at the word. Mistress?

"How much is he paying you?" she continued as she slightly glanced at my house, as if assessing my net value.

"Excuse me?" I said, horrified. "You came barging in here, accusing me of things but you haven't even had the curtesy of introducing yourself. Have you no manners?"

She smirked in disgust. "You're an arrogant one, I see," she raised her forehead and I can't help but be insulted at how she is looking down at me. "My name is Aleah Reina Castillan and I am Alezzander's wife."

I gaped in disbelief. My breathing came in slow, deep breaths and for some reasons I have an urge to cry. It felt like my stomach is being tied to knots causing my heart to constrict painfully.

Aleah smirked triumphantly when she saw my reaction. "I am assuming Alezzander didn't tell you anything. But then, why would he? You're but a commoner he met in a small town. He will never marry you and I will never allow someone as small as you to tarnish our reputation."

I just stared back at her, still in shock. I am trying to find any signs that she's lying but her confidence never wavered. But she must be lying! Darn!

"I am warning you. Stay away from Alezzander. Do not be overly ambitious to dream that he will marry you. You will never be one of us," she turned to the footman. "Let's go."

"Yes my lady," the footman raised to his feet and rushed to the front seat to start the carriage.

"One more thing, next time we meet fall on your knees. Just to remind you of your place," her lips twitched in disgust. "Not that I want to see you again," she harshly pulled the curtain close as the carriage started to move.

The carriage has already left but I stayed right where I stood. I feel betrayed but more than anything, I felt angry at myself. I can't believe I let myself be fooled!

I replayed my memories of the past week and somehow a little hope whispers lightly to my heart. Surely, Alezzander won't give too much effort if all of this is only meant as a game. But the hope is easily defeated by doubt everytime I remember Aleah's words. After all, they are royalties. Life is easy for them and a little challenge would be a breath of fresh air.

A tear escaped my eye which I immediately brushed away. I cannot feel defeated just because of this! I lived for years alone and I won't fall just because of love!

I shook my head and lightly slapped my face using both palms. What am I thinking? This is NOT love. I just met the guy for goodness' sake!

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I stayed like that for what felt like a long time before I came up with a decision. I need to compose myself. I need to think this through. I need to keep calm. I'll talk to Alezzander as soon as he arrives before making a decision. I cannot be rash and I cannot be a bloody fool either.

But then... darn!