Treasures of Andalia Chronicles: Ring of Flames

Chapter Twenty One: The Grim Reaper pays a Visit

AMARIS

I picked the book on the floor and tucked the clumps of hair that fell on my face. My knees trembled but I forced myself to remain standing. The linens fell from my hold, which revealed the book to Val. He froze when he saw the leather book resting on my arms. I covered it hastily but it was too late since he already saw the book himself. He knew right away that the book I was holding was the history of the first Queen of Andalia and her aides during the first war.

"You're still looking for historical records? Where did you even get that book?" He asked, pointing to the book.

"I...borrowed it," I lied.

He stared at me, unconvinced.

"You mean you took it," he said. "Without permission."

"—no—well, yeah. But I promised to return this later."

He was eyeing the book intensely, a crease formed on his forehead. He thought of something as he stared at the book I was holding but he wouldn't tell me what it was. He heaved a heavy sigh, and scratched his head. But before he could say anything about it, I opened my mouth first.

"You know something, do you?" I asked. "What are you keeping from me?"

He gritted his teeth. "Your Highness—"

"—Aleiah," I insisted, for a thousand times. "Call me by my name."

He took a breath. "Aleiah," he emphasized. "I don't see why this issue is of any concern with regard to aurenteus."

I scoffed. "Valerick, why won't you tell me anything? I'm so sick of not being able to make sense of my current situation. I'm being hunted by assassins but I still don't know why. Heck, I don't even know who my real enemy is, and yet you still won't say anything to me."

He leaned closer and patted my shoulder. "You shouldn't concern yourself about trivial issues. You just have to believe me. I'll protect you with all my life."

"For God's sake, Val," I cursed. "Just tell me!"

He was taken aback by my reaction.

I panted, furious at this waste of time. Frustrated at this clueless situation I was in. I never asked to be brought into this world but I was forced by my twin sister, who I've only known recently, and she vanished in front of me. Reduced to nothing but golden specks of dust.

I was suddenly thrown into a world filled with magic, acting like a distinguished lady from the royal family. But at the end of the day, it's all just an act that I had to maintain. I may be tied to them by blood but as long as I know nothing about the origin of this family, I will never become a part of it.

"If you would just tell me, I wouldn't have had to raise my voice. So please, what are you hiding from me?"

I breathed in and out, slowly but continuously. Trying to calm the raging waves, taming the upcoming storm brewing in both my heart and mind. However, Val was eyeing me curiously.

"If I may be honest," he started. "I'm quite surprised by the drastic change you displayed after your accident. Even Katya thought so. She mentioned that you were different than before. Your hair, your taste in fashion, your mannerism, your speech, you've become vulgar and reckless. You've always been careful and gentle. You no longer want the things you used to love before. And..." he paused, biting his lower lip. "I can no longer see my reflection in your eyes. I don't even know if you were still the same lady I pledged my alliance with, eight years ago. You are a completely different person than the princess I knew my whole life."