Treasures of Andalia Chronicles: Ring of Flames

Chapter Fifteen: It Takes Two to Play a Game

AMARIS

Semira was long gone but the murmurs around us didn't cease. The Caerlonians' scornful gaze bore on us, outlanders, while they were bewildered at Rihaan's decision. They didn't understand the meaning behind his actions. I mean who am I to judge? Even I couldn't read what's on his mind. He was like an onion. One with many layers of disguise, and when you finally peeled the last layer and sliced it open carelessly, it will either make you cry or make you bleed.

Unlike his frightening gaze earlier, he was showing an expression of pure amusement and joy. It was unthinkable that this person in front of me was the same man who threatened to discard me if it weren't for my magic.

Rihaan's delight was cut short when a soldier marched towards his way. He was suddenly summoned by his father, the King of Caerlon. I guessed it has something to do with our sudden arrival and the confrontation with Semira earlier. The soldier who gave the word promptly left after delivering the message as if he expected Rihaan to leave at once. But he looked at me like he was waiting for me to do something and intervene. He was uneasy on his feet as he kept glancing my way. He kept tilting his head, giving signals that I did not understand.

I squinted. I was quite puzzled with the way he acted.

He was pursing his lips, and he would tap his foot to get my attention. He didn't act like this before. If I know any better, I'd say that he was afraid—like a puppy cowering in the presence of a wolf.

The soldier turned his back, and cleared his throat to remind Rihaan that he needed to go see the king. Rihaan reluctantly obeyed the order. But before he left, he leaned towards me and asked, "didn't you mention earlier that you have something to tell me?"

Valerick, Trisna, and I were all clueless. My mouth gaped open with curiosity. I don't remember telling him anything. When I realized my mouth was widely open, I closed it, masking it with a sigh. I licked my lips and told him, "actually, I was planning to talk with Valerick. Can we continue that talk tomorrow?"

He frowned and pivoted on his heel. Dragging his feet like it weighed a ton. He was quite dramatic, and I didn't know why he was like this. Trisna covered her mouth, clenched her stomach with her other hand. She was trembling, but not out of anger or fear. She held back from bursting out of laughter. Valerick and I glanced at each other, baffled.

"Why are you laughing?"

Trisna leaned on the wall behind her and heaved a heavy sigh. "You see, Prince Rihaan was—" And she burst out laughing.

I shook my head. "If you can't talk right now, perhaps you shouldn't. Valerick and I will talk over there." I pointed to the bench outside the hall. "So you stay here and compose yourself."

Her face turned red, still couldn't get the hang of it so she gave me the 'Okay' sign with her fingers. I tilted my head, gesturing Valerick to follow me, and he followed without any question.

I trudged my way towards the bench, completely ignoring poise and grace, and slumped on the wooden bench. Lowered my head in frustration, gritted my teeth. Then, I heaved a heavy sigh. I was waiting for Valerick to sit beside me so we can talk. But even after some time, he remained standing. I turned my gaze at him. His back was straight as a line, never waning even with extreme exhaustion. He placed his hands on the back, his eyes studying the scene laid before him. I stood up and grabbed his arms. His eyes landed on me with shock as I forced him to sit beside me.

"Sit here, and we'll talk."

"Forgive me, Your Highness, but I couldn't possibly do that," he immediately knelt before me and never once looked my way, even when I called his name a few times.