Ghosts are born after people die, but Crystal was special. She was born as a ghost, right from her mother's womb, because she sacrificed herself to save her own sister. She can't touch anything or anyone with a life force.
Crystal dislikes her siste...
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Oscuro tempting me. Miss Maud being choked. Princess Crystal. Then, a slap.
I have no clue as to why I would ever commit such horrifying acts, but I was responsible. Judging by the situation, I best bid goodbye to King Lexon and leave, without further humiliating him or the Celion Kingdom. I could no longer meet the eyes of Princess Crystal or Miss Maud for I had failed as her guard. An immense amount of guilt and sorrow filled me as I darted glances at Miss Maud and Princess every few minutes. With all the courage I gathered throughout the years, I finally mumbled, "Princess Crystal, Miss Maud, I have no words to describe the guilt I feel and I understand that no matter how many times I apologize-"
"It is fine, Hedwig. It happens sometimes when we travel into minds. Now, why don't you just wait right here, while I speak with Crystal for a few minutes," Miss Maud spoke, trying to maintain her breathing that I nearly stopped.
I nodded in response, what else could have I done? I did not deserve even this kindness from her, I did not deserve anything.
"I hope he doesn't remember."
I heard, in Miss Maud's voice and instinctively I asked her, "Miss Maud, did you say something?"
She gave me a puzzled look in return, and answered, "No, I didn't. Perhaps you aren't in your senses, I will give you something to help once I come back."
She turned her back on me, but then I heard Princess Crystal's voice, "Why do I always get enticed by fate-cursed men? I must stay away from him, for everyone's sake. Right. I will do that."
But I did not observe any movement in her lips and I am aware of that because I was staring at them the entire time. I still am.
Those thick and almost sweet-tasting lips of her somehow managed to stay in my memories, it would surely be a topic for me to keep dreaming about as I patiently waited for them to return. My head was bursting with a headache when I heard someone knock at the door.
Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
Four times again, it must be the Elder Royals or King Lexon. I peeped through the hole to see Sir Alvaro waiting for me to open the door for him and the others to enter.
The ancient wooden door creaked as I pulled the knob to make way for the Royals; my headache was still increasing rapidly as I sensed some warmth on my skin. It was Miss Maud, touching my hand, gesturing me to not say a word. I had no idea of her saving me from the wrath of the Royals, but I assumed she knew what she was doing.
"Your highness, I do apologize for the delay in response. I'm sure you understand that in such rituals, it can get a little exhausting."
"Yes, maud, I know. I was wor- I mean, we were worried about you, that is all," Sir Alvaro remarked with a rather polite tone.
"So, Maud, tell us about the discoveries you have made!" Lady Aquata enquired, glancing sideways at me.
Miss Maud gulped. "I can't tell her the truth. It's okay, I'll just lie to her, again."
I heard her say, but her mouth had been shut. When it finally opened, she declared with doubt in her tone, "Aquata, this man, Hedwig, is innocent. He is no sorcerer or evil man, just a loyal Knight. As for the reason behind his ability to touch dear Crystal, I promise you, I will find it out."
"Maud, I knew I could trust you. No need to make any promises now, I am your friend, and Crystal is like your niece, isn't she? I have faith in you, Maud. Until then, the wedding is not happening, do the needful arrangements, Lexon and Nebula," Lady Aquata announced.
I heard Queen Nebula yell, "Why does she keep doing this to me? Soon, everyone will know of the baby and once they realize it isn't Lexon's heir, they will be furious! Why does Mother always ruin my life?"
For the fourth time now, I heard someone speak but no physical movements. Clearly this was no example of ventriloquism nor any trickeries, what was it then?
From the back, Princess Crystal arrived. Her face still sweating, her hands still trembling, and her eyes still not meeting mine.
"Oh boy, are you feeling alright? The ritual can be a little demanding of physical health," the Priestess asked me, with genuine concern reflecting in her words.
"I think I might have a headache, but nothing too serious, I am sure." I did not want to capture anyone's attention regarding the occurrence anymore.
"Oh well, you have a fever, so I suggest you get some bed-rest before your condition deteriorates any further." Miss Maud seemed uncomfortably kind, especially after she requested Princess Crystal to look after me.
"Oh, Maud. Why would Crystal look after this Knight?" Lady Aquata did not like me and it was a little obvious by this point.
"Trust me, dear. The more they stay together, the easier it will be for me to observe their interactions and figure out the reason," Miss Maud came to defend me, again.
She then signaled Princess to come nearer. The Princess did exactly that.
"Crystal, honey, please look after him while I figure out the reason, would you?"
She only nodded in response, her eyes still not meeting mine. The priestess, Miss Maud, gently embraced (or tried to) the Princess into a hug and patted her head after planting a kiss on her forehead.
Again her lips were sealed, but I heard, "This is all my fault, all our fault. Crystal's condition is because of me. What would she think of me once she knows? I have to meet him tonight. Yes, I must."
I sensed goosebumps on my arms, it could be due to the fever or because of what I had just discovered. I realized three things: Queen Nebula is pregnant with someone else's child, Miss Maud had been lying to Princess Crystal, and I could read minds. I could hear people's thoughts.
A/N
OOOOH, alright. So, this might be a lot to take in and I totally understand if you have any confusion/queries/suggestions or even nice compliments, so drop them in the comments down below so I can reply to them. Also yay I'm on a writing streak!
Also also also in the last chapter, I kept saying 'Ruya' when I meant 'Maud. Ruya is the wife of the healer back in Chapter 3 or 4. Sorry for that confusion, but I fixed it now :))
I wanted to take a quick minute to thank a few people who are genuinely the nicest people I have met on this platform and they have been continuously supporting me and helping me!
Also a big THANK YOU to everyone who chose to read my book, even if it was the first chapter or more! All your support means a lot to me, you guys!!! * gets a little emotional*
