《Ensnaring His Dark Moon》


 Chapter 1 - No More

    ''Rumble''


    Her heart raced wildly as she gripped the small cushion tightly in her arms, the silk material of the pillow slipping off her grip.


    Thunder roared in the sky as defeaning sounds resounded from miles away.


    She wiped the sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand. The gold-embroidered purple silk counterpanes crumpled as she moved towards the step before descending the bedsteads with the help of the railing that numbed her palm.


    As the sound of the thunder diminished, the large chamber seemed to have turned eerily quiet except for the soft crashing of droplets against the window panes.


    The sounds of cackling of chains got her attention amidst the quietness.


    Grabbing a fur coat from the armchair, she wrapped herself in it and walked out of the chamber with a lamp in her hand. Usually, there will be guards standing near the door but today, there were none.


    ''Whoosh''


    The whistling sound of wind echoed past the massive hallway. Except for the light lamp in her hand, the whole place was drowned in darkness as the lamps were all extinguished by the storm.


    Luckily, her maids had closed the windows before they left. Waking up in a dark room with weather like this might have scared her.


    She followed the direction of the noise.


    Even though it was very minuscule, but she was gifted with good hearing ability. She could hear the sounds of the chains rattling.


    She lifted her long nightgown so that it won''t sweep the dirty floor. After walking past a few chambers, still following the sound of the chains, she wandered around in the dark hallways. The more she walked, the more the noises increased, she could hear some muffled groans.


    Was Royal Uncle refining his powers? It was the first thought that came to her mind. But why would he make such sounds?


    They all had dinner together and he said he was going to sleep as he was exhausted.


    No matter how she contemplated, she could not think of anything.


    So, holding the lamp in her hand, she walked closer to the source of the noise in hopes of discovering the cause of it.


    Suddenly, a hand was placed on her shoulder.


    She gulped softly.


    "Esme?"


    Every inch of her body relaxed when she heard the voice. She turned around and smiled slightly, "Aunt."


    "You should not play around with the fire," Her Aunt, Marlene said disapprovingly, grabbing the lamp from her hand, "What are you doing here in the middle of the night?"


    "I heard some noises and came over to check," The little girl replied, glancing at her face under the fire from the lamp.


    "And why don''t I hear any noises you are talking about?" A frown graced her beautiful face.


    "Because your hearing is not as good as mine," Esme''s honest reply got her frown deeper but the girl simply grabbed her hand before walking towards the source of the noise.


    "I don''t hear anything," She could feel her Aunt''s stern gaze settled on the back of her head but that did not discourage the girl from dragging her.


    Weirdly enough, there were barely any guards in the castle today.


    Esme''s footsteps came to a halt when they reached a chamber that had its door slightly ajar but it was not enough to see anything going inside, "Here it is," She pointed her finger towards the door.


    "Ahhh!!" A loud muffled scream resounded right at that moment as if to prove her point which was followed by an authoritative voice.


    "Tell me where it is."


    "It''s Royal Uncle," Esme softly mumbled, recognizing the voice.


    "Your Majesty," A man''s polite voice was heard soon after, "His Highness Prince Adrian is no more."


    P-Prince Adrian? Esme took a few steps back in disbelief, "What do they mean by Elder Brother is no more? How could these servants be so audacious? They-"


    Marlene pressed her palm on the girl''s mouth, "Shhh," Tears rolled down her cheeks at the realization.


    Esme opened her mouth to say something, to shout that her brother couldn''t be dead but the woman pressed her palm harder on the girl''s mouth so much so that she found it difficult to breathe.


    ''Rumble''


    Thunder roared in the sky as a strong gust of wind invaded the castle halls. The wooden door to the chamber was pushed open by the strong wind as it collided against the concrete walls, the flower vases fell to the ground.


    The fire lamp in Marlene''s hand landed on the floor and the large white silk curtains caught flame, lighting up the whole place.


    Esme stood rooted to her spot, unable to move an inch.


    From the moment she glanced inside the chamber, she found her gaze stuck to a small cage in the middle of the large chamber. That familiar figure inside the cage was handcuffed to the bars. Head hung low, blood-soaked tattered clothes, he stayed there stagnant with his silver hair framing his face.


    "Catch them," Her Royal Uncle, the King ordered his men. No longer was his voice as gentle as she remembered it to be during the family dinner.


    But she did not look at him. She wasn''t looking at him. She was not able to... Not when she couldn''t take her eyes off her brother who was not moving at all.


    "Esme, run!!'''' Marlene grabbed her hand as she dragged the girl with her.


    The fire escalated and Esme''s fur jacket fell behind, burning inside the fire.


    The cold breeze hit her face and her body through the thin material of her clothing, snapping her out of the reverie. She clutched the nightgown in her fist and fastened her pace.


    Marlene took a right turn before the King''s men could catch up to her as she ran towards the chamber in the corner. Before they could reach there, she lifted her left hand and moved her wrist. A glowing red ball formed on her palm and she aimed it at the door which was shattered in the next moment.


    "Catch them," Esme could hear the guards shouting behind them but that didn''t stop her Aunt who ran inside the chamber without looking back.


    As soon as they entered inside, she let go of her little hand that was clasped in hers as she picked up the young boy from the bed and embraced him.


    She held Esme''s hand once again and dragged her towards the window.


    Just as the guards barged inside and approached them, a red light shone in the dark chamber as the wall in front of them was blasted to smithereens, and Esme was pushed off the height.


    Every inch of her body shuddered and she struggled to move but what could she do in the air? Filled with a sense of helplessness and confusion, she just let herself fall freely.


    But in the next second, her Aunt jumped off the place tightly embracing her younger brother and soon she was almost closer to her.


    Esme could hear her heart thumping loudly in her ears as the big droplets of rain crashed on her skin harder as they fell.


    Marlene grabbed her hand, hugging her tighter and soon Esme saw an illuminating crystal red surface forming under their feet.

 Chapter 2 - Damaged Main Nerve

    Yellow for level 1, Orange for level 2, Red for level 3, and purple for the highest level that is level 4. The four categories in of the magic she was aware of.


    Esme did not know if there is anything else as she has not seen much of the world. As much as she remembered, her life has always revolved around the castle, the beautiful gardens, flowers, catching butterflies, paintings. It has all been everything nice.


    "Esme, hold me tightly," Marlene''s voice snapped the little girl out of her thoughts.


    She glanced at the woman''s worried face. Her aunt has already attained level 3 despite her young age. In the lands of Nevesray, she is said to be the most powerful woman after her mother.


    "But, we can''t escape. There are guards all around us," Esme tilted her head as the water droplets slid between her long lashes, gliding across her small face.


    Marlene smiled, "They are but weak humans," She spoke in her gentlest tone as she stroked her niece''s head, "Nowhere as strong as your Aunt. Be good, Esme. Hold me tightly."


    Her gentle yet stern tone prompted the little girl to obey her and she did as she was told.


    "Princess Marlene, you should surrender," The head of the guards pointed his sword at the woman.


    "How bold," A red ray of light shot from her index finger slitting his neck, and in the next second Esme found her vision blocked by her Aunt''s palm to prevent her from seeing the sight of blood.


    "Anyone else wants to try?" The gentleness in her voice was gone as she removed her palm from the girl''s eyes.


    Esme looked at the guard who provoked her Aunt earlier, his body was on fire and it turned to ashes in the next moment.


    She tightened her grip on the woman''s hand feeling her heart race rapidly. She was taught to stay calm in all situations but she was losing it slowly today.


    Esme closed her eyes and after inhaling a deep breath, she opened them with a hint of clarity within.


    ''Everything will be over. We will get through this together,'' She convinced herself over and over again.


    Nobody dared to come closer to them. No matter how trained these guards were, the magical abilities are only possessed by the people with royal bloodlines. In front of her Aunt, they all were weak.


    "Uh..." A soft groan prompted the girl to look at the little boy sleeping in her Aunt''s arms.


    Marlene let go of Esme''s hand and patted his back, "Sleep, Arlan. Everything''s fine," As if her whisper worked, he stopped moving and continued to sleep.


    The sky was still dark with the occasional thunder and heavy rain reigning the sky.


    Esme clutched her Aunt''s gown in her fist tightly, not letting it go for a second. Her body was turning cold.


    "Move," Marlene looked at the guards blocking their path. Even though they did not try to attack, they were not making the path to let them go.


    When they didn''t move from their spots, two shining rays shone once again taking their lives on the spot.


    Esme closed her eyes. It was an instinct or fear, she didn''t know.


    She was not used to all this. Their family has always been a loving one or that is what it has always looked like. She has been taught to be respectful to everyone, even to the guards. And the events of today are all haunting her, every inch of her thoughts.


    Marlene made her way out of the castle gates holding Arlan in her arms while her other hand remained fixed on the little girl''s shoulder, giving her a sense of comfort amidst the dread she has been feeling.


    "Stop right there, Marlene!"


    Esme could feel her Aunt''s grip on her tightening the moment they heard that fierce voice that had them freeze in their spots.


    Her Royal Uncle no longer felt like an uncle to her.


    Not after she witnessed the way he treated Brother Adrian.


    Marlene turned around as she pulled the girl closer to her, "Do you have to be so ruthless, Brother?" Her tone did not sound familiar. No longer was it gentle neither was she talking to the King respectfully.


    The man''s goldwork thread embellished tunic shone as the lightning struck. On top of it was the surcoat depicting the emblem of the Reis Family.


    He has always worn it but for the first time, Esme felt like she was standing in front of the King, not her uncle. His indifferent eyes made the girl shrink back.


    As if noticing her discomfort, Marlene gently stroked the girl''s back, her gaze still locked with the King.


    "I can be more ruthless if you don''t go back to the castle right now," His emotionless voice was colder than the weather.


    Arlan who was already awake arms was put down on the ground by Marlene.


    "What do you want me back in the castle for? So that the world won''t know how the King has taken the life of his nephew?" Marlene was bold with her words but there was no lie in them.


    Esme bit her bottom lips. Her brother Adrian was...no more...Her hands trembled, her eyes burned as she felt weird stuffiness in her chest.


    Endure. She told herself. She can''t break down. Not right now when their family has turned into enemies. Not right now when her Aunt is standing alone, ready to fight everyone for their sake.


    "Marlene!!" The King''s angry voice boomed and in the next second a purple ray of light shot in our direction.


    Marlene did not back down as she faced it head-on striking her power straight at him.


    The King was promoted to level four a few days ago. Even though he had attained the powers, he had yet to refine it and that made it possible for her Aunt to face him head-on until a strike was aimed at her.


    It was too late by the time she realized it. Esme pushed Arlan away and closed her eyes but the pain she expected never came.


    Her breathing was still uneven as she opened her eyes. The sight that greeted her made her stagger.


    Esme covered her mouth with the back of her hand at the sight of her Aunt''s bleeding wrist.


    "Y-You are despicable," Marlene glanced at the King who was standing aloofly with her eyes filled with hatred.


    Esme felt like her feet were no longer in her control as they made their way towards the woman.


    The girl grabbed her wrist, her heart prickling painfully as the woman''s blood tainted her small hands.


    The red imprint on her Aunt''s wrist glowed before it started disappearing bit by bit.


    Her Aunt was losing her powers. Her main nerve was injured. It didn''t take her long to realize that. The royals possess magical powers as they are born with the main nerve that only shows up after they are ten years old. But once the nerve is destroyed, a person will either lose some of their abilities or all their powers.


    "Esme, run!" Marlene pointed her chin towards the boy who was wailing behind her, "Take Arlan with you and run from here. I''ll hold them back," She pushed the girl away from herself.


    Esme looked at the woman''s face in the darkness. As the lightning crackled, those concerned eyes came to her view. She walked back to her and held her hand again, "Hold them back with your remaining powers?"


    Marlene looked at the girl, not knowing what to say.


    "We won''t survive. Since we can''t escape, let''s die together," Esme had imagined a long life ahead with little big wishes in it but since it has come to this, she will not be deluded. She was not young anymore, She will have to accept the truth.


    She was 14 but she didn''t have an ounce of power in her. There was no awakening of the main nerve in her body when she turned 10. Even if they make it past the gates, they will be dead outside.


    Marlene looked at the girl blankly as if she was looking at her for the first time. She did not realize when that tiny Princess she had held in her arms grew up like this.


    Unaware of her Aunt''s thoughts, Esme looked at the King who was looking at them in impatience and anger, "You can-"


    "Brother," Her words were interrupted by Marlene.


    ''Thump''


    Esme looked at the woman in disbelief as she knelt on the cobblestone path, "Please let them go."


    A burst of derisive laughter echoed making the girl shiver, "Never had I ever imagined that there will be a day when my arrogant little sister will kneel like this," The King''s voice was filled with delight, "Beg me. Maybe I''ll spare these wild seeds."


    Was he the same Royal Uncle who wouldn''t sit at the dinner table until she and Arlan weren''t present there?


    Esme''s fingers curled into a fist as her other hand gripped her Aunt''s hand, "N-No..." Her voice was hoarse.


    "I beg you, Brother. Please let them go," Marlene did not spare a glance at the girl. The helplessness on her beautiful face was apparent to everyone.


    Why? Everything was fine the way it was, wasn''t it? Where did it go wrong? Why did Brother Adrian leave us? Why was Aunt kneeling and begging in front of the King to spare us?


    Esme couldn''t cage those tears anymore as they burst forth. The small droplets of rain caressing her face told her that it was not a dream, it was a reality.


    She wished she wasn''t so powerless, so weak.


    The tears that she has been holding all this while broke all the barriers and rolled down her cheeks.


    Suddenly, the small droplets of water crashing on her face turned fiercer so much so that her body hurt. As she looked around, everything appeared foggy around them.


    Marlene stood up and held both Arlan and Esme in her arms. Gritting her teeth, she moved her fingers creating a shield atop their head but unlike before, the red glow in the shield was wavering.


    "Catch them!!!" The King''s cold voice cut through the whistling wind.


    But that did not stop Marlene. She was not going to let go of the opportunity that God has graced them with.


    She must escape.

 Chapter 3 - Stop Crying, Princess

    "The butterfly shuddered lying on the sidewalk. The man picked it up to his palms. It was locked in a desperate struggle to free itself from its cocoon..."


    "Cough..."


    Esme stood up from the shabby bed as she looked at her younger brother, "Are you feeling unwell?"


    Arlan opened his mouth to speak but he ended up coughing once again.


    Esme hurriedly pressed the back of her hand on his forehead, "It''s burning."


    Just as she turned around to leave, Arlan grabbed her hand, "W-What happened to the butterfly?"


    Esme paused, "Nothing much. After a long period of torment and pain, it freed itself from its cocoon." She wasn''t good at storytelling but since he insisted, she told him whatever came to her mind, "Close your eyes. I''ll go get some herbs for you."


    With that, she stepped out of the small room and glanced around the shabby hut, looking for her Aunt.


    Escaping the Castle was not easy for them and especially with her Aunt losing her powers, they could have been caught any moment if not for the help they received in that crucial moment.


    Hearing some noises near the front, she walked towards the half-broken window.


    Standing on her tiptoes, she put her hands on the windowsill and glanced at both the people standing under a tree outside the hut. The heavy rainfall has stopped by now.


    The man standing beside her Aunt was the person who picked them up in his carriage just a moment before the King''s men could catch up to them.


    She recognized the tall, handsome man as her soon-to-be uncle too.


    Unaware of her niece''s presence, Marlene tilted her head to look at the man standing in front of her. Her gaze focused on his deep eyes for a moment before she lowered her gaze and bowed, "I don''t know how to repay Duke Elias for lending us a helping hand."


    "Marlene, do you have to be so formal? You are my fiancee. We are going to get married-"


    "It was a political marriage so I shouldn''t drop the formalities," Marlene hid her hand inside her layered gown.


    "Was?" Elias narrowed his eyes at the young woman who had her hazel eyes shining in determination.


    He raised his hand towards her face but she took a step back before he could touch her.


    "We should end it here."


    The man''s fingers curled into a fist, "Is it because of your brother? I''ll talk to -"


    "You''re the duke and I, as the duchess won''t bear you any children," Marlene interrupted him.


    "What do you mean?" Elias glanced at her, lost for words.


    "I have Arlan and Esme to look after. They won''t accept a woman who can''t give them a child."


    He knew the ''they'' she was referring to was his family, "They don''t have to. I''ll accept Princess Esmeray and Prince Arlan-I''ll look after them like they are my own. You are just 21 and I''m 24, we have a long life ahead of us to think of our child."


    "I have nothing to do with the King anymore. He is no longer my brother. I don''t want to be tied with all this anymore," Marlene''s eyes remained indifferent, "I''m leaving the lands of Nevesray."


    "Will you bother to elaborate on what exactly happened?" Elias''s voice went a pitch higher as he grabbed the woman''s shoulder.


    But there was no reply.


    He nodded, "You''ve decided about this? What about me?"


    "As I said, it was just a political marriage I wasn''t willing to be tied in," She took a brief pause as she bowed slightly, "It was once again an honor to be engaged to His Grace Duke Elias for four years."


    The man''s face turned cold, "Was it nothing more than a political marriage to you?"


    "No," It did not take long for her to answer his question.


    A mocking smile appeared on his face, "Fourth Princess is heartless," The man bowed slightly, "I''ll send a carriage to this place so that you can go wherever you want to."


    Her eyes widened, "You don''t need to."


    "Take it as compensation for not breaking our engagement earlier," The man''s dark eyes flickered as he glanced at her emotionless face under the mild rain, "I''ll take my leave, Your Highness."


    And just like that, he was gone.


    Marlene stood there looking at his retreating back and as soon as he was out of her sight, her legs lost strength as she fell on the ground, the dirty mud splashed on her, soiling her exquisite gown but she buried her face in her knees and soon soft sobs sounded in the vast forest.


    The small droplets of rain gradually turned larger and fiercer but the woman did not move from her place.


    Tears rolled down Esme''s eyes as she looked at the woman. If she hadn''t seen her Aunt who disliked needlework making a handkerchief for Duke Elias, then she might have believed her words too.


    She clutched her gown in her hand and ran as fast as she could.


    "If it was not because of us, then she wouldn''t have to suffer like this..." Her innocent whisper was lost in the heavy rain that seemed to be showing no signs of stopping, just like her gradually increasing tears.


    "Ahh..." She tripped on her long nightgown and her hand grazed past the thorny bushes as she fell to the ground.


    The big droplets hit her face as sat there holding her hand.


    Blood oozed from her soft palm as her tears flowed down her cheeks landing on the blood that was washed away by the heavy rain.


    A soft glow encased her as those teardrops rolling down her cheeks turned into small pearls as they landed on her red gown.


    Her sobs gradually diminished as she picked one pearl from her lap and looked it curiously, left with astonishment.


    The rain curtailed as she sat on the ground holding a few pearls in her palm.


    "You should not cry, Princess."


    That soft low voice had the hair on the back of her neck stand.


    Did the King send someone to catch her?


    Despite anything, she got to her feet first, her grip loosened and the small pearls slipped off her palm. She tried to act calm but her trembling fingers betrayed her facade.


    Esme slowly turned around, "You are....?" Her voice remained cautious as she looked at the copper-skinned woman who was standing there wearing a strange silver attire donned on her body that revealed her small waist.


    The young woman walked closer to her and Esme took a step back causing her to pause in her tracks, "I am Ruby."


    "Ruby?" Esme tilted her head to the side, "Do I know you?"


    "You don''t but I have been there with you since I was five and you were just born," The woman answered looking at the girl eyeing her doubtfully, "I am your protector."


    "Pr-Protector?" Esme''s eyes widened. Why would she have one? She didn''t remember anything like that, "Did you get the wrong person? I have never seen you before."


    "I have never shown myself," Ruby walked towards the girl who did not retreat this time, "The day you fell in the pond two six months ago, I had saved you."


    She remembered. Just the moment when she felt like she couldn''t breathe, she was out of the water but when she looked around, there was no one. "Are you there with me all this time?"


    "No, but I''ll be there when you call for me or when you''re dying," The woman''s long black hair swept past her slithering body, "So, you should stop crying, Princess. Lest you cause a flood."


    "C-Cause a flood? Who are you? How can you come and go as you wish?" Esme has never once seen someone so mystifying.


    The woman''s eyes narrowed slightly, "That''s too much for me to answer. I''ll be there when you call for me. Just don''t cry," And in the next moment, she disappeared in thin air, leaving Esme standing there in disbelief.


    ''Am I dreaming?'' The little girl couldn''t help but wonder. Everything that happened today seemed so surreal.


    Blinking, she looked at the place she was standing in. It was the middle of nowhere in the vast forest.


    Why did she run away in the first place? Her Aunt must be worried. The realization came a little late.


    She could hear the sound of a waterfall nearby as the downpour reduced.


    "Aunt Ruby, can you show me the way?" Left with no choice, Esme could only try that.


    "Sister," The eerily soft voice swept past her ears making the hair on her whole body stand.


    She rubbed her hands only to realize that the blood from her hand has disappeared.


    Just as she opened her mouth to ask something, she heard some rustling sounds behind the trees.


    Holding her damp gown that clung to her body, she tiptoed towards the tree.


    It was a big forest and she wondered if there were hunters nearby. If they saw her, will they slaughter her? She gulped and hid behind the tree before peeking her head out.


    And the sight that she witnessed made her gasp. More than twenty large men were standing near the cliff with their weapons drawn at a young boy whose back was facing towards her.


    All she could see was his ebony short hair and his ordinary clothes as he stood straight right in front of the men without flinching.


    ''He is brave,'' She thought to herself. If it had been her, she would have run away the moment she faced something like this.


    Just like what she is going to do right now before they see her here.


    She turned around to leave.


    "A weak boy like you shouldn''t look at us like that."


    Esme stopped in her tracks as she heard the gruff voice.


    She turned around once again only to find the tip of the sword pointed at the boy''s neck.


    Her fingers trembled. Weren''t they all alone like this with no one there to stand up for them some time ago? But, her Aunt did not give up till the last moment. Despite all the risks, Duke Elias helped them.


    Won''t she be a coward if she ran away?


    "Count the seconds as you die. We will try to make it less painful..."


    Esme gulped as she stepped out of her hiding place. She held the trunk of the tree for a moment but as she took another step, her hand fell to her side.


    "Y-You are calling him weak, but there are so many of you out to kill him," More she spoke, more the timidness in her voice disappeared, "Aren''t you afraid of being laughed at?"


    Her beautifully clear voice had a hint of softness penetrating the heavy atmosphere around the cliff, getting everyone''s attention.

 Chapter 4 - Aleister Daven

    "Count the seconds as your die. We will try to make it less painful..."


    With a sword pointed at his neck, the boy stood there lazily.


    His fingers moved in swift motion as a golden glow formed on his fingertips swiftly transforming to a small dagger.


    "Y-You are calling him weak, but there are so many of you out to kill him. Aren''t you afraid of being laughed at?"


    The slightly trembling yet confident voice had him pause in his movements. The sword pointed at his neck was taken back and he tilted his head to the side.


    "I will protect you," The girl said, not sparing a glance in his direction as she kept her gaze set on the men who were out to assassinate him.


    Her damp wine-shaded tresses framed her small face but that did not stop him from looking at those wistfully ambitious grey eyes.


    The dagger in his hand slowly transformed into a small grey flower before dissipating in wind.


    If Esme had seen this, she would have been shocked as she had never once seen someone possessing such magic.


    But her focus on the moment was somewhere else.


    "Little girl, you should run away when there is time. We have no enmity with you."


    Esme pursed her lips. She didn''t run away when she was hiding behind the tree. Now that she claimed that she will save the person, it will be irresponsible of her to run away.


    She tilted her chin slightly, "I give you a chance to leave."


    The assassins laughed amongst themselves before one of them spoke up, "Since you are not willing to leave, then die with him," The tip of the sword was pointed at her neck.


    "Aunt Ruby~" She called out quickly before things would be irreversible.


    The assassins paused as they looked at each other before looking around. Was there someone else here?


    Even the victim in the scene, the boy who was wearing baggy clothes folded his arms in front of his chest looking at the girl with a hint of curiosity.


    Esme stood rooted to the spot when the silver-clad woman did not appear anywhere around her.


    The assassins burst into laughter, "Girl, are you stalling for time? A weak little girl-"


    "Sister Ruby," A hint of impatience was apparent in Esme''s as she interrupted the man.


    Before anyone could comprehend what was going on, they found a copper-skinned young woman standing in front of them donned in a silk silver dress that revealed her smooth waist. The slit that started from the thigh revealed one of her long legs that had them marvel at the sight of her.


    One of those assassins glanced at Esme, "Did you call this woman for us to have fun with?"


    Not used to hearing such vulgarities, Esme felt a bit uncomfortable.


    Although one of them said that, a few of them were cautious of the woman who appeared out of thin air.


    "Sister Ruby, you can help me with this, right?" Esme blinked.


    "Why else would I appear?" Ruby rolled her eyes at the little princess as she looked at the assassins disinterestedly.


    And in the next moment, a white fog appeared in front of her eyes blocking her vision. Esme could hear some screams but she could barely see anything.


    Within a few seconds, the fog disappeared and Esme could not see the assassins anymore. Her gaze landed on the cliff before she looked at the dark woman who lazily stretched her body and disappeared in a slithering motion.


    ''So strong,'' Esme''s eyes glittered slightly.


    Noticing a presence behind her, she tilted her face to the side only to find her gaze locked with a pair of pale blue eyes.


    "Are you-?"


    "What do you want?"


    She noticed the boy was wearing some shabby clothes, his face was dirty because of the mud. A hint of pity appeared in her eyes.


    Perhaps, he also had some issues. Did he need help?


    But his question got her curious, "What will I want from you?"


    "Wealth or my attention? You must have some goals to take the risk."


    A small frown settled on her little face, "What makes you think so?"


    His gaze measured her from head to toe, from her drenched gown to her messy condition, "You look pitiful."


    ''Less than you,'' Esme held back the urge to argue. It was not proper for her. She turned around to leave.


    "What''s your name?" Came the question that had her pause in her tracks.


    She turned around and tilted her chin slightly upwards, "You are not worthy to know my name," A hint of haughtiness remained in her grey eyes.


    With that, she walked away without looking back at the person who snapped his fingers and in the next instant, the rags on his body disappeared as he wore a loose black shirt with a black velvet cape that reached till his knees. His raven black hair was coiffed to perfection as his sea rover-like eyes shone, looking in that direction even after the girl disappeared.


    "Aleister, I found him," A man in his early 20s walked towards him, raking his fingers in his Teutonic gold hair.


    The boy turned around and tilted his head downwards to look at the white tiger that was following the young man, "I had to travel seven seas away to find you."


    As if it could comprehend his words, the beast lowered his head in guilt.


    A stellar smile appeared on that devil-may-care face as he patted its head, "I just met your younger sister.''''


    ''Growl''


    "You want to meet her? She already left."


    The man frowned, "Did you meet someone here? Did something go wrong?"


    Aleister tilted his head to the side, ''''Nothing unusual. Just another assassination," The corner of his lips tugged up, "Just another girl falling for me," But a special one.


    "How do you know she fell for you?" Rowan ignored the first sentence as he glanced at the seventeen-year-old boy.


    ''''She couldn''t take her eyes off me. She was ready to sacrifice her life," His eyes wandered in the direction the girl disappeared.


    But it appears like you can''t take your eyes off her. But his subsequent words contradicted his innermost thought, "You are Aleister Daven. They throw themselves at your feet. So, there is nothing strange in it," The man said with a straight face.


    "Your finger twitches when you think bad about me," Aleister lazily stated.


    Rowan pressed his hand to his sides before bowing at him, "My Lord, it''s time to go back before it turns chaotic there."


    "Are you trying to get away with it?" A golden ray shot from the boy''s finger and in the next second, Rowan found himself tied with a rope.


    "We grew up together, Aleister. Can you not hold grudges?" He shouted looking at the boy''s retreating back.


    Aleister did not pay attention to him. He glanced at the glow forming at his fingertip as it took the shape of a grey flower.


    ''You are not worthy to know my name,'' The girl''s word resounded in his mind as that slight arrogance in her tone lingered somewhere around him.


    The white tiger growled as if it was demanding its Master''s attention.


    "Leo," Aleister patted his head, "She is indeed your younger sister.''''


    "Aleister...My Lord...Don''t leave me behind~"


    The beast and human duo ignored Rowan''s pleading as they walked away.


    ...


    "It is all my fault. How many times have I been taught that I shouldn''t interfere in other''s matters? But I had to go ahead to save that pitiful boy and my kind intentions were not appreciated anyway," Esme walked ahead as she tried her best to recall her way back to the small hut they were currently staying in, "One should always listen to what the elders say, unlike me."


    The rain had completely subsided and the sky was gradually darkening while Ruby wasn''t responding to the girl''s words anymore which made her panic a bit.


    Her stomach made a small noise and she quickly pressed one of her hands on it as a soft blush crept up her cheeks. She glanced at her left and right thinking whether someone witnessed it only to realize that she was not in the Castle anymore, "I am hungry too. What do I do now?''''


    "Esme..."


    Her eyes lit up the moment she heard that familiar voice. "Aunt?" She turned around to look at her only to be pulled in her warm embrace in the next moment.


    "Can you stop scaring me like that? Do you know how I felt when I couldn''t find you anywhere?"


    Esme was taken aback by her Aunt''s outburst. She extended her hand towards her face to wipe the tears off but she was too short for that. She took her hand back to her side, "I''ll never do that again. Can you please wipe your tears now?"


    Marlene could not stop herself from smiling at her niece''s antics. She stroked her head, "Where did you go?"


    "I..." Esme paused before showing the herbs clenched in her fist, "Arlan had a fever and you were injured as well."


    Marlene paused as she took the herbs from her hand before sniffing them. Her eyes widened slightly, "You got the right ones. My little girl is grown up now."


    "I''ve been studying hard," As they walked back towards the hut holding each other''s hand, Esme thought about something, "Aunt, will I not go to the Academy anymore?"


    Marlene was taken aback, not expecting the sudden question from her, "You can''t," she answered after a few seconds.


    "I won''t study anymore...'''' Esme lowered her head slightly.


    Education was not something that was considered important to many people in their kingdom. She had seen many of them not going to Academy or not being allowed to go there.


    But she wanted to continue her studies.


    "No, my girl. Who said you cannot study anymore? I am here for you. I will teach you both well."


    Esme tilted her head to look at her. Her eyes twinkled. Yes, how did she forget that her Aunt was magnificent in studies?


    "Did you face any trouble here?" Marlene looked at the girl questioningly


    .


    Esme shook her head, "I saved someone," Her Aunt nodded slightly to which she could not help but be curious, "You won''t ask me more about it?"


    "You are safe now and that''s all that matters. But from the next time, remember to do it only when you are sure you can defeat the enemy."


    The girl nodded.


    She wanted to inform her Aunt about her newfound Sister Ruby but she had warned her not to do it before she disappeared. According to her, it might get her Aunt''s life in danger and Esme did not want to take such risks.


    "Although I saved him but he said that I did it because I wanted something from him." She frowned.


    "Who was he?" Marlene was intrigued by it. It was rare to see her niece getting angry so randomly. Even though she was trying her best to not show it but it was still visible on her little face.


    "A rude boy with beautiful eyes," came the girl''s short reply.


    What kind of description was that? Marlene did not whether to laugh or cry. "You should not phrase it like that."


    "You think I am wrong?" Esme bit her bottom lips, "One should be grateful to their savior instead of doubting their pure intentions. Why would I want something from him? Am I that greedy?"


    Marlene was curious as to who this person was who managed to irk her calm and composed niece to this extent. She sighed looking at the girl''s begrudging expressions, "You''re not wrong but maybe it is the same with them."


    "What does that means?"


    "When I was young, I had many friends. Many people reached me every day," As Marlene spoke, Esme listened to her attentively, "But as time passed by, I realized that some of them were eager to be my elder sister''s suitors, some people were good to me because of my status while some were out to get my Brothers'' attentions. They had their reasons, I understand but that did not stop me from being cautious when I made friends. The person you''re talking about might have some reasons for the way he behaves."


    "But Duke Elias is not like that. He is not after anything else, he is just after you, Aunt," Esme tilted her head upwards. Why that boy behaved so ungratefully had nothing to do with her as their paths will never cross again but her Aunt''s happiness mattered to her.


    Since she did not want her to be hurt, Esme was very cautious about mentioning Duke Elias who would have ended up being her uncle if not for everything that happened.


    Marlene stiffened for a split second before recovering her senses, "We''ve reached. Go, Arlan is waiting for us. I''ll get some fruits first for us," She said, blinking rapidly to not let her tears fall.


    Esme glanced at her silently for a few seconds before stepping inside the hut.


    At night.


    Marlene sat on the floor as she glanced at the moon through the broken window.


    "Aunt?"


    She turned around to look at Esme and Arlan who were standing near the wooden door which was slowly swaying back and forth because of the wind as it produced creaking sound occasionally.


    "Come here."


    She patted the space beside her.


    Arlan sat on the floor as a small frown made its way on Esme''s face.


    "You won''t sit?" Marlene glanced at her.


    "Can I keep standing?"


    "You find it dirty?" Marlene smiled as she pulled the girl to her lap.


    Esme shifted uncomfortably, "Aunt, I''m 14. You shouldn''t do this."


    "14 or 40. You will always be my Little Esme," Marlene glanced at the silent young boy, "Arlan, how do you feel now?"


    "I feel better after Sister gave me those leaves," The boy blinked.


    "Herbs," Esme corrected him before looking at her Aunt''s hand, "How do you feel now?"


    "It''s much better."


    "You lost your powers?" Esme stood up from her lap.


    Marlene paused, "I did. But it does not matter anymore. We will be leaving this place by dawn."


    "Leaving? Why will we give up so easily?"


    Marlene held the girl''s hand, "Can''t you see? You''re no longer the little princess. This is their kingdom, Esme.''''


    Esme lowered her head, "But my mother, your elder sister is the real Queen," her voice was soft.


    "The real Queen who abandoned everything for a man."


    Esme flinched at the sudden harshness in her tone.


    Marlene closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath before stroking Arlan''s back softly to calm him down from his frightened state, "I don''t have powers anymore. I don''t want you both to be involved in any power struggles where you will be putting your life at edge and I could just watch helplessly from a distance. You want to study? I''ll teach you. You can do anything you want..." She paused as she looked straight into the girl''s stubborn gaze before adding, "But you will live just like a commoner from now on. This is all to protect you both. But I will leave it up to you to decide whether you see this as a shield or a cage."


    Esme turned around to leave and Marlene did not stop her knowing that the girl needed some time to accept this.


    "Sister," Arlan called out to her before she could leave. Although he did not understand much about what they were talking about but he had something he wanted to ask.


    Esme paused but did not turn around.


    That prompted Arlan to quickly ask it before she leaves again, "That butterfly...When the man saw it in pain, why didn''t he cut its c-cooco...cocoon to help it?" He was confused about it from the moment she told him the story.


    Esme tilted her face to the side as she glanced at her Aunt from above her shoulder with a hint of indignance in her eyes, "If he had cut the cocoon, it would not fly. The more it was caged, the more it will struggle. Struggle till the cage gave up and the cocoon fell, till blood filled its wings, hardening them enough to let it fly," With that said, she turned around and left.


    That child-like voice speaking those words of depth made Marlene''s heart tremble for a moment. The unbending rebelliousness in those grey eyes made her proud yet scared her at the same time.


    "The pain made the butterfly stronger," Arlan smiled upon realizing the cause. He glanced at his Aunt, "Will we leave, Aunt?" As she nodded in a daze, he continued asking, "Will we never come back here?"


    Marlene snapped out of her daze. She stroked his head, "No, we will never come back to the Nevesray."


    "Where will we go? What place is that?"


    "We will go Seven Seas away to the Lands of Visteria."


    ...


    "They caused the death of Brother Adrian. It is an unpardonable sin," Esme glanced at the moon as she stood near a pillar, "How could I run away like a coward? Is there no other way?''''


    "For now, no."


    The soft whisper made the hair on the back of her neck stand as she turned around, "Sister Ruby, why would you say that?"


    "Do what your Aunt says if you don''t seek danger."


    "You said you are my protector."


    "I am but I won''t come out unless it is a life and death situation for you. My duty is your protection. You threw yourself in front of danger for a stranger today and I helped you. Take it as a present of our first meeting," Ruby''s silver dress shone under the moonlight as she stepped closer to her, "But it will never be repeated."


    "But I..."


    "No buts," The woman''s graceful steps came to a halt as she pressed a finger on her lips, "You have secrets, little Princess,"


    Esme''s eyes widened. "Secrets?" A whisper escaped her mouth when the finger on her lips shifted.


    "Yes, secrets," Repeated the woman, "Secrets that might destroy everyone around you."

 Chapter 5 - 7 Years Later

    ''Pak''


    Her face wheeled to the side as her long silky tresses framed her face. Esme staggered by the impact of the tight slap on her face. A burning sensation arose on her cheek while her eyes turned red but she did not make a single sound.


    "Sister," The seventeen-year-old Arlan quickly came to support her as his furious eyes snapped at his Aunt.


    Marlene had her gaze fixated on her niece, "How many times have told you to not provoke anyone here? But you ended up slapping that man. He works for a minister in the royal court. You know that, right?" When Esme remained silent, she glanced at her nephew who was staring daggers at her, "And you...You burned his hair using your powers. Arlan, Esme, how many times do you want me to repeat that you can''t be wilful? You will have to bend yourself according to the situation. You will have to bow to the people according to their status.''''


    "He touched me. He wanted to take me as his mistress," Her grey eyes slightly narrowed slightly as she tilted her face, a drop of blood trailed down the corner of her lips, "I would rather be executed than bowing to him."


    Marlene''s fingers curled into a fist as her face turned pale, "Whatever it was, you should have run away from there instead of offending him...Cough...Cough..."


    "Aunt!!" Arlan''s eyes widened.


    Esme quickly went to support her as she helped her towards the small bed, "You should take a rest, Aunt." She softly said before standing up, "I will not repeat it."


    "Esme...I didn''t mean it..." Marlene grabbed her hand as a teardrop rolled down her cheek when her gaze landed on her swollen cheek.


    Esme sat on the bed as she held the woman''s hand "I understand," She stroked her Aunt''s wrist. There were no scars but after her main nerve was partially damaged back then, she lost most of her powers and even suffered from internal injuries.


    Marlene followed her niece''s gaze as she looked at her wrist, "Esme, the herbs you collected from the mountain yesterday were all rare ones. I''ve already sold it to the auction house. Why don''t you both go and get the gold coins from there?"


    Arlan scoffed, "Don''t try cozying up with us after you slapped my sister."


    "Arlan!" Esme narrowed her eyes at the boy.


    He gulped and pouted begrudgingly. He took out a handkerchief from his pocket before cleaning the blood from the corner of her mouth.


    Marlene moved from her sleeping position slightly as she shifted the pillow that was below her head. She grabbed a few silver coins and passed them to the boy, "Also buy some meat and vegetables. I''ll make your favorite food as an apology...Cough...Cough..."


    Esme patted the woman''s back, "You don''t need to. Just take a rest."


    "I want to cook for my children, you won''t even let me do that?" Marlene glanced at her.


    Esme stood up from the bed, "Alright, we will buy it."


    She glanced at their retreating backs, "Esme," She called out.


    Esme turned around. Her long wine-shaded tresses fell over her shoulder as her grey eyes looked at her questioningly.


    "Come here.." Marlene stood up from the bed.


    Esme walked back towards her and Marlene quickly tied her hair in a messy braid. She walked inside the small kitchen and came back with some coal in her hand before smearing it on the girl''s face, her clean pastel green dress, and on her hands.


    Esme glanced at herself blankly before she tilted her head to look at her aunt. She opened her mouth to say something but gulped her words when her eyes met the woman''s concerned gaze.


    "Aunt, are you jealous of my sister''s beauty?" Arlan has seen many such scenes in the past years to not doubt this point.


    Marlene did not pay attention to her nephew as she looked at her niece, "They won''t hover around you for now. Go. Be careful on your way."


    ...


    "Sister, why do you endure this torment every day?" Arlan asked as he glanced at his sister''s dirtied face and dress, "Today, she even slapped you. Aren''t you angry?"


    "She has sacrificed a lot for us," Esme fiddled with the leaf in her hand.


    "So, now you want to sacrifice your life in exchange?" Arlan muttered as they walked in the empty alley leading towards the marketplace.


    "She is doing all this for our safety," Esme glanced at her younger brother, "If it was not for her, we would not have been alive till this day. She is our only family and I don''t want you to hurt her with such words."


    Arlan pursed his lips as he lowered his head, "Alright, I apologize. I will just admit that our grumpy Aunt really does love us a lot."


    Esme smiled as she ruffled his hair.


    "But sister, it was really fun making that insolent man bald," He laughed as a small flicker formed on his fingertip before transforming into a small fire, "He could not see this because his back was facing me. And he thought there is a ghost. Whenever someone tries to come near you from now on, I will deal with them in this way," He raised his hand as the fire transformed into an orange glow, "So what if you don''t have powers...?"


    Esme paused for a moment as she blinked.


    "...I have them. I will try my best to level up faster so that I can be stronger to protect you."


    "You are so young. Don''t think much about it. And I can protect myself."


    "But..." The boy furrowed his brows.


    "Don''t let anyone see this," Esme interrupted the boy as she pointed her chin at his palm.


    He nodded and the glow in his palm soon disappeared. They walked towards the marketplace, unaware of the presence of a shadow on the tree. A man walked out of his hiding and looked at their retreating backs.


    He discarded his all-black attire and followed after them, dressed in ordinary clothes.


    While all of this was going on, there sat another man on the highest branch of the same tree, munching an apple lazily. He had witnessed everything from the point Arlan revealed his powers to the very end when the man in the black acted sneakily. He raked his fingers through his silver hair and sighed softly.


    On the other side, Esme frowned looking at the gradually darkening sky before she shifted her gaze to the busy marketplace.


    Arlan saw through his sister''s concern, "I will go to the auction house to collect the gold coins and you can buy the vegetables."


    She glanced at him.


    "I am 17 years old already and this is not the first time I am going anywhere alone. Aunt will be worried about us if we are late."


    Esme nodded, "Alright. Be careful.''''


    Arlan smiled at her as he waved his hand before disappearing into the crowd.


    Esme stood rooted to her spot for a little longer until she could not see him anymore before entering the marketplace.

 Chapter 6 - Arlan Is Gone

    Some of the villagers looked at her in disgust but she acted like she was unaware of it as she covered the basket of vegetables with a thin cloth. She knew the cause behind all this was coal that was smeared on her face and clothes and her messily tied hair.


    It wasn''t like they have not seen her real looks but it was just that whenever she walked out like that, there will be a few men around her trying to act nice while having other intentions for her.


    Esme lowered her head. Something like that happened in the day when a man tried to touch her with the intention of having her as his mistress. And she ended up...slapping him. If her Aunt has not dealt with the situation delicately, then they might have been in trouble.


    There was a time when she despised it having the edge of her gown dirtied but it seems this is her fate now.


    She inhaled a deep breath and walked in the direction of the auction hall.


    "Esmeray..."


    Her footsteps came to a halt as she turned around, "Aunt Mary, what happened?" She glanced at the slightly plump middle-aged woman who panted with her hands on her hips. Back then when they came to this place, she was the one who helped them to find a proper roof above their heads.


    "Arlan...He is taken away," She said in between her gasps.


    ''Bam''


    The basket of vegetables landed on the ground as Esme glanced at her in disbelief, "What do you mean by taken away? He just went to collect the gold coins for the herbs from the auction house. I will go look for him."


    Mary grabbed her hand, "You won''t find him."


    "What do you mean?"


    "He is taken away by the Royal Family."


    Esme was stunned, "But why...What did he do? The Royal Family has nothing to do with us."


    "He was walking out of the auction house and a royal carriage stopped in front of him and a woman stepped out of it. She said something to your brother and..."


    "And what?" Esme grabbed the woman''s shoulder.


    "And after that, Arlan went with him willingly."


    "That''s impossible," Esme knew her brother very well to be sure of his cautious nature. He didn''t trust people easily then how could he go with a stranger?


    Mary sighed, "I have seen you both growing up in front of my eyes. I don''t have any reasons to lie to you. I called out to him but he did not look at me even once. They have already left and we can''t catch up to them anymore."


    Esme closed her eyes as she took a deeper breathe, "Royal carriage... The royal family..." Her eyes snapped open, "I will go to find him."


    "Where will you find him?" Mary glanced at her helplessly.


    Back in their home.


    Marlene walked back and forth near the door as she waited for both of them to come back. The sky had already turned dark by this time and she could not help but be worried about them.


    Her nephew was impulsive and arrogant all the time. Moreover, since his talent in magic is also good along with the growth of his main nerve, he was ambitious. If somebody offended him or his sister, then he would never let the person go even if the opponent was stronger.


    On the other hand, her niece could be the calmest person until she was genuinely angered. The girl was stubborn with her views and morals and would never bend to situations.


    And living with both of them, Marlene felt like her heart was at edge every day. She was afraid that they would end up offending someone powerful if it goes like this and then they would have to leave this-


    She snapped out of her thoughts when she heard the sound of the hurried footsteps.


    "Mary," The middle-aged woman came to her view first before her gaze landed on her niece, ''''Esme, what''s wrong?" Although Esme''s face appeared calm, but Marlene could feel something was amiss given the way Mary was panicking.


    Esme grabbed her hand, ''''Come with me," She walked inside the house and Mary followed after them.


    "Esme, what''s going on?" Marlene asked once again as Esme made her sit on the armchair, "Where is Arlan...?"


    "Aunt, calm down first," Esme squatted in front of her as she held her hand.


    Marlene glanced at Mary, "Where is Arlan?" Her aura intensified this time.


    "H-He is gone..." Mary stuttered as she shrank back, intimidated by the woman''s cold gaze. She has always seen Marlene as a soft-spoken and kind lady. It was her first time witnessing this side of her.


    "What do you mean by gon...cough cough..." Blood splattered out of her mouth as her chest heaved up and down.


    Esme stood up as she moved behind her to pat her back, "Calm down..." She stroked her back softly. Ever since her aunt''s main nerve was injured that night, her internal organs have suffered many damages along with the loss of her powers.


    "How do you expect me to calm...cough...where did he...go?"


    "He is taken away by the Royal Family," Esme glanced at Mary as she pointed her chin towards the glass of water kept at a distance.


    "R-Royal Family? But why?"


    The middle-aged woman brought the water to them with trembling hands and she passed it to Esme, still a bit afraid of Marlene after her outburst.


    "Drink it," Esme passed it to her, "I don''t know what happened but I will get Arlan back, safe and sound."


    Marlene gulped down the water under her niece''s stern gaze, ''''But you...You can''t go there. It''s so dangerous."


    "No one has to know me.." Esme softly muttered.


    Mary could not understand what they were talking about except for the part that Esme was adamant about going there. "My niece works in the Royal Castle. Maybe she can help you get inside and find you some work."


    "I''ll go with you..." Marlene grabbed the girl''s hand.


    "Your condition is not good. Believe me, I will not let anything happen to him..."


    "I..."


    "Aunt, no one knows," Esme reminded her once again.


    Marlene lowered her head as her fingers curled into a fist when she thought about what her niece was trying to say. As long as Esme pretended to be an ordinary girl working in the Royal castle, no one will have anything to do with her. With her poor health, she will only drag her down and they both won''t find Arlan in that way, "Promise me that you will blend yourself properly with rest," That was what bothered her the most.


    No matter what she did, Esme had always attracted unwanted attention towards herself. While they lived in this village, people despised them for being poor and she made sure to keep Esme away from the prying eyes but despite that, some men tried to lay their filthy hands on her again and again.


    "I will have everything under my control," Esme reassured her.


    "What are you both talking about?" Mary was confused.


    Esme glanced at her for a moment before averting her gaze, "Aunt Mary, do you remember the woman''s face?"


    "Which woman''s face?" Mary''s attention was diverted in an instant.


    "The one with whom Arlan left."


    Mary''s eyes visibly widened as her cheeks puffed up in anger, "How can I forget her? She had the looks of a vixen. She must have charmed our young boy."


    Esme blinked, "Wait here," She quickly ran inside her room and pulled open the door of the old, creaking cupboard. She removed her clothes to the side and grabbed an old thick diary and the ink before walking back to them.


    "Take a seat," She offered the woman before settling on the opposite chair, "Can you describe how she looked?" She opened an empty page and dipped the brush in the ink.


    "You know how to paint?" Mary asked in astonishment. It was very rare for villagers like them to know about all this. She has heard that only royals spend time in such things during their leisure.


    "She...has learned a little from here and there," Marlene quickly spoke up.


    According to the woman''s description, Esme managed to paint the outline of the woman with a few simple strokes. "Is this how she looked?" She turned the diary around.


    Having never seen a painting before, Mary gasped. She has heard that there are many paintings in the Auction house and the royal castle but she never imagined that she will see such an exquisite painting up so close. The paper was yellowish at the corners but the painting was so magnificent that it overshadowed the low-quality ink and paper.


    "Yes, she looked like this," She spoke up, snapping out of her trance, "And she had copper eyes..."


    Esme glanced at the alluring woman in the painting for a few seconds before she stood up from the chair, "Thank you," She nodded at the woman before glancing at her Aunt, "I should leave now."


    Both the women stood up.


    Mary grabbed Marlene''s hands before placing a small bag of gold coins in it, "Arlan had dropped it when he went with that woman. It must be the coins for the herbs you sold so I brought it with me."


    "We should rent a carriage with it," Marlene suggested to which Mary agreed.


    Esme shook her head, "I''m not taking a carriage. I want to reach there as soon as possible."


    "The journey to the royal castle from our village will take more than two days and one night. How will you travel so far?" Both the women glanced at her in confusion.


    Esme pursed her lips as she looked at her Aunt, "I have an idea, only if you agree."

 Chapter 7 - Capital City Of Visteria

    In a kerbside stall.


    "Brother, where are you from? And where are you heading off to?'''' One of the three men looked at the delicate-looking man in front of them, dressed in ordinary clothes.


    "Are you a traveler?" Another man asked, looking at the black horse that looked expensive.


    Esme adjusted the hooded scarf on her head slightly before dismounting the horse. Her waist ached as a sudden tremor shot through her back. It has been years since she rode a horse last. And her whole body was sore at this point.


    Despite her pain, she managed to school her expressions as she pointed her finger at her throat before shaking her hand.


    "You can''t talk?"


    She nodded. Disguising herself as a man was easy but she could not change her voice.


    "Come here..." One of the men patted the seat beside him.


    A hint of hesitation appeared in her grey eyes but it was quickly replaced with resolve as she sat beside them.


    "Where are you going?" He asked swinging his muscular arm around her shoulder.


    She stiffened before shifting in her spot, her face remained a little uncomfortable.


    "What''s wrong brother?" There were three men near the place including the owner of the stall and they all seemed amicable which came off as a surprise to her.


    She pointed at her shoulders before pursing her lips hesitantly.


    "He has been on a long journey. His muscles might have been sore," The man on her other side swatted away the arm from her shoulder, much to her relief.


    She pointed towards the front.


    "Are you going to the Capital City?"


    She nodded.


    The land of Visteria is a land filled with all kinds of wonders: from the great and powerful Empire to the majestic race of its kings who has been ruling it centuries after centuries. In the center of Visteria, encircled by the Empire, lies the beautiful capital city, where the Royal Castle is situated.


    Visteria is seven seas away from the lands of Nevesray which was her birthplace. When they fled from their kingdom and came here, their aunt managed to settle them in a small village near the borders. And all these years, they have been limited to that place. She never thought she would have to come to the capital city one day.


    "You have already stepped in the borders of the capital city. Where do you want to go from here?"


    Esme glanced at them blankly. It was impossible to tell them that she was looking for the way to the Royal Castle.


    "You don''t know the way?"


    She shook her head.


    All the three glanced at her in contemplation.


    She quickly ran her fingers on her face. She had smeared some coal here and there to make herself appear as dirty as possible. They should not be able to find anything wrong with her.


    "Don''t panic, brother. We will help you."


    She blinked. These people were so kind and helpful, unlike the ones in their village and that really surprised her.


    After listening to their advice, she handed them two gold coins and they were astonished. One gold coin equal to 10 silver coins was enough for a family to survive for months.


    They refused to accept it but she forced it in their hands before mounting the horse,


    "It seems like this little brother is a rich man in disguise," One of the men spoke up.


    The other two nodded.


    As Esme proceeded further into the forests, everything started getting dark around her as the trees and bushes were intertwining with each other from above, hiding the sunlight.


    What was clear to her was that they strongly convinced her to not wander off towards the northeast way which will lead to the Royal Castle of Visteria. If only they knew that her destination was that place, she wondered what would their suggestions have been.


    Though most people live in the center of the land, the forest to the northeast of the kingdom was shrouded in mystery. The forest was called Enchantment Forest and no one knows what or who is there in it.


    The Visterians spend their lives in the center of the land, in the big and small villages. But the Enchantment Forest is a forbidden place to them.


    It was dangerous but it was the shortest path to the Royal Castle. From the information she gathered, the other way might take a few more days more to reach the place and she did not have much time.


    The woman with whom Arlan left was someone from the Royal Family and the faster she caught up to them, the easier it will be to get her brother back.


    The deeper she went into the forest, the darker it became. The small rays of sunshine pervading through the gaps of the dense trees seemed to have disappeared as the birds returned to the trees, indicating that it was nighttime already.


    She tightened her knees and thighs near the saddle and her grip on the reins increased as the horse neighed, slowing down its pace.


    The moonlight made it possible to look at the way ahead even though her vision was not clear.


    "You must be exhausted," She patted the horse''s back and ran her fingers through his hair before alighting. She grabbed the oil skin bag hooked near its saddle before looking inside. "There is no water left," She mumbled while holding the empty water bottle in her hand.


    Even her throat was parched by this time, let alone this poor thing who has been running with her weight on him. She leaned her head against his face, ''''What do we do now...?"


    The horse made a small noise as if retorting with a ''How would I know?''


    A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she glanced at the sky only to be met with the darkness of the dense forest. But the moonlight still managed to escape from the gaps between the leaves and branches.


    She missed her Aunt so much. She wondered what was she doing alone at this time and whether she had her dinner yet.


    Esme inhaled a deep breath.


    She stood up straight before closing her eyes and focusing on her surroundings.. Her eyes snapped open, the exhaustion from before was replaced by a sparkle of excitement.

 Chapter 8 - Everything Except Kitchen

    "There is a sea on the other side of this forest. Let''s go there...." She paused as a sudden realization dawned on her, "I haven''t named you yet. I''ll call you..." She thought for a proper name as they proceeded further into the Enchantment Forest relying on her instincts, "Jack. How is that?"


    The horse made a grunting sound as if it could understand her.


    Esme could not help but be amazed by this. There was something special about Jack.


    Traveling so far with carriages would have taken her many days. And that is why she convinced her Aunt to let her travel by a horse to which her Aunt had strongly disagreed as it had been years since she rode one but she gave in to her in the end.


    So, Esme bid farewell to Marlene and Mary and promised the former that she would pen letters to her if her stay in the castle got extended by any chance. She disguised herself as a man before entering the auction house.


    The village they lived in was a small one and it was impossible to get a horse on such short notice which is why she decided to buy an auction horse. And to her great luck, while all the other horses cost tens of thousands of gold coins, Jack was the cheapest amongst them, which was the reason why nobody bid for this black horse even though it appeared just fine.


    Humans are unusually suspicious about such things. If it was cheap, there must be some faults in it, they must have thought like that. And she took the chance without delay.


    "It was a good decision on my part," She stroked its hair as they walked further ahead under softly scattered moonlight.


    Esme remained wary all the time. After all, the rumors'' regarding the Northeast weren''t that pleasant. She just hoped they would not encounter a beast or any monster that the villagers spoke about.


    Beside the vast sea, in the pale light of the moon, a man stood on a boulder inside an invisible barrier around him. The wind blew his dark hair as he pressed his hands to the barrier. In his hands shone a golden light casting a pale glow around him.


    Suddenly, there was a rustling sound from behind.


    The man''s eyes remained closed as the waves of the sea got fiercer, the golden glow on his hand intensified but in the next second, it flickered slightly.


    A frown graced his face as his lips pinched together. The glow stabilized a bit only to end up flickering once again. He heard once again, a sound behind him, as of someone stepping on the dried leaves.


    The golden glow on his hand shifted towards his fingertip as it transformed into an arrow before shooting in the direction of the noise.


    Esme''s eyes widened the moment she saw an arrow moving in her direction out of nowhere. She slightly bent back but the arrow ended up taking her hooded headscarf along with it setting her long hair free. Before she could take a breath, another arrow came in the direction of her horse.


    Well prepared this time, she grabbed the shaft of the arrow before looking around. Her eyes narrowed slightly, "Why would you hide and attack like some coward? Come out," She looked around but found the place empty.


    Aleister paused. Having one of his hands on the invisible barrier around him while the other hand was holding a sword in it, with its tip pointed towards the back.


    Esme glanced at her horse who looked unbothered by everything. Wasn''t Jack afraid? Even a little bit...?


    She patted his face twice and stepped forward carefully still holding the arrow in her hand. She was sure that there was someone around them or elsewhere would the arrows come from? In front of them was the deep sea and behind them was the vast forest. If there was someone, then why couldn''t she see the person?


    She stepped forward to pick up her scarf from the ground but as her feet landed on the marshy part of the land with tall grasses, all of a sudden lights flickered around her as countless fireflies appeared out of nowhere, lightening the dark place.


    Aleister withdrew his sword as he tilted it slightly and the reflection of an astounded pair of grey eyes appeared on the surface of the metal. A slight shift of his expression and the sword in his hand moved once again such that it was standing vertically showing half of the face of the girl who stood rooted to her spot with her eyes marveling at the sight of the fireflies that were surrounding her.


    His unwavering gaze locked onto that figure dressed in a male''s clothes. Her long wine-shaded tresses moved with the wind stroking her face.


    The arrow in her hand disappeared as small grey flowers landed on her feet. The horse made a noise and Esme snapped out of her daze.


    She looked at her surroundings which were lighting up with the fireflies but she could barely see a human around. And that made her wonder...who shot an arrow at her? And these flowers...where did they come from? She has never heard of something like this neither has she seen someone possessing such powers.


    She grabbed her hat and mounted the horse before stroking his head, "Let''s go further ahead, Jack. This place is... strange," She glanced at the sea that was shimmering under the moonlight and the fireflies dancing atop it. Her skin glazed, "Let''s go," She tightened her grip on the reins of the horse.


    The sword in his hand gradually disappeared as Aleister closed his eyes. The golden light on his hands intensified this time and the invisible barrier around him blasted to smithereens. He turned around and gazed at the place where she was standing earlier.


    Striding towards it, he squatted and picked up the grey flowers from the seashore. The fresh flowers in his hand turned rigid as a sweet wild scent lingered in the air. "Leo," He called out before standing up.


    A white tiger sprinted out of the forest before running towards him.


    The man patted his head, "People don''t fear this place anymore?"


    The beast growled as if he was saying ''They do.''


    "They don''t," Aleister chuckled as he brought his hand closer to his face to look at the firefly sitting on his index finger. His ice-blue eyes flashed with mirth, "Perhaps beautiful things don''t fear death, now do they?" He tossed away the firefly from his hand and glanced in the opposite direction where she had disappeared.


    Leo let out a confused growl, wondering why his already odd Master was acting odder.


    By dawn, Esme found herself standing in front of the Royal Castle of Visteria.


    "You''re Esmeray?" A girl in her mid-20s walked towards her.


    Esme nodded.


    "I am Liz. Aunt Mary has written to me about you. I have been waiting for two hours. You are late."


    Esme opened her mouth to say something only to be interrupted by her once again.


    "I don''t have time to dawdle with you. I''ll take you to the Butler. Be careful here and if you cause trouble then don''t take my name from your mouth." The girl named Liz rudely said as she gauzed her from head to toe, "And don''t dress like a harlot. It seems like you are here to seduce someone."


    Esme glanced at her plain white gown. She opened her mouth to say something but decided against it in the end.


    It took her days to reach the Capital City of Visteria and her whole body was numb and aching because she was not used to horse-riding anymore. After what happened in the Enchantment forest yesterday, she did not want to spend any more time there anymore because it looked like the rumors about that mysterious place were really true.


    There were probably frighteningly powerful and unknown creatures there that nobody has ever seen.


    By dawn, they reached the capital city.


    She found an isolated barn near the marketplace where she left her horse under the care of an old man and gave him some gold coins to take care of Jack. She bought this cheap gown from a shop and got changed before coming here.


    "You are the one she was talking about?" The old butler gazed at her.


    "I am."


    "She was recommended to me by one of my Aunts. I hope you can give her a chance," Unlike her harsh attitude towards Esme, Liz was very respectful to the butler.


    "You can go," The butler nodded at her before turning his gaze towards her, "And you...come with me."


    Esme followed after the man as her gaze occasionally shifted towards the high walls, shiny statues, beautiful crystal flower vases, and the long empty hallways. The chandeliers hanging up so high made the walls shine along with their gems.


    Having the Enchantment forest at its border and with a sea flowing behind it, the royal castle of Visteria was ethereal. She found it more beautiful than the castle of Nevesray where she was born.


    "What are you good at?"


    "Huh?" She snapped out of her daze.


    The butler''s footsteps came to a halt as he turned around to look at her, "Girl, working for the royal family isn''t a child''s play. Be attentive to your surroundings and the orders of your superior," The old man sternly said and she nodded, "I was asking what jobs are you proficient in?"


    Esme paused for a moment. She would be kicked out if she said that she was not good at household works, let alone the jobs of a Royal Castle. Despite their current condition, her Aunt has never let her do any of those rough work even if she has insisted on helping her.


    Duke Elias made proper arrangements for them to escape Nevesray back then and on their way to Visteria, Marlene sold whatever jewelry she had on her at that time. And the money acquired from it helped them for years. Staying true to her promise, Marlene educated both Esme and Arlan. She also pampered them to bits despite them being poor.


    And as Esme grew up, she insisted on going to the mountains to collect herbs in which Arlan tagged along with her. And it had been enough for them to make a living.


    "I can manage everything except for the kitchen," I can learn, she thought. Not that she was going to stay here. She will try her best to find her brother as soon as possible and escape.


    The old butler frowned, "It is not going to be easy for you," He sternly said, "There are other candidates too. In the next two days, there will be a selection process going on and only a few of you will be hired. Come, I''ll show you the quarters where you will be staying temporarily. If you are hired, you will move to the servant quarters then."


    "I appreciate your guidance," Esme slowly said.


    The Old butler glanced at the graceful girl standing in front of him.. His brows tugged together for a moment but he eventually nodded.

 Chapter 9 - Prince Aleister

    Why is it so high? Esme wondered as she stood inside the dungeon.


    The past three days, she went through the selection process and eventually got a job in the castle solely relying on her wits. All the while, she has been looking for the woman with whom Arlan had left but she could not find her at all.


    Left with no choice, she started looking for the dungeon in the castle. Although Arlan left with the woman willingly according to what Aunt Mary witnessed, but she wanted to make sure that he was not trapped or tortured here. It was possible that he offended someone which landed him in this situation. And that was not impossible if one considered how stubborn her brother can be.


    But finding the dungeon took her two nights and when finally she found it, getting inside with elite guards at the entrance was further challenging. But now that she finally managed to get past every obstacle and enter the cave-like dungeon, she was once again stuck.


    Inside the cave-like dungeon was a cliff where she was standing and beneath it remained a deep lava river that was responsible for the temperature rise inside the dungeons. Her skin was burning at this point.


    She wondered how would the king visit the prisoners if he wanted to do so? Her gaze wandered off to the vines near her head. By using this?


    Esme caressed her arms as she looked at her reddening skin.


    "So daring."


    The sudden voice made her alert as she quickly turned around. "Ah..."


    Her eyes widened and she lost her balance and stumbled backward. A strong gust of heated air hit her body. She closed her eyes instinctively, her arms curling around her body.


    But in the next second, the rolling waves of heat disappeared as she found herself being soothed by a cool sensation.


    ''Am I dead already?'' She stuck closer to this source of comfort without opening her eyes.


    Heavens, I have never sinned in twenty-one years of life. Must you do this to me?


    Esme wanted to cry so bad at this point but she lacked tears.


    "Let go."


    The deep voice had her open her eyes within an instant. The first thing that came to her view was a pair of ice-blue eyes and that handsome face like that of an immortal.


    She glanced behind. They were standing on the other side of the lava river. She still remembered that feeling of being almost engulfed by the fire.


    How did she manage to come here? Who is this man? What kind of powers does he possess? The questions flashed in her mind one after another.


    "As irresistible as I am, I don''t appreciate someone clinging to me like this," The man said, his eyes filled with mirth.


    Esme blinked as she glanced at her hands that were indecently tangled up in his clothes. Her fingers trembled, "Neither do I appreciate someone holding me," She softly said, looking at the powerful arm wrapped around her waist.


    "The King won''t appreciate having someone break inside the dungeons in the middle of the night, either!" Aleister said, taking a step back as he created some distance between them.


    Esme glanced at the man dressed in ordinary black clothes, "I am new in the castle. Forgot my way and entered this place. But will the King forgive you?" she looked into his eyes, her mind wandering to a faraway time. She could not put a finger on what she was thinking.


    "So, you''ve got the excuse ready, little thief. We can try," Aleister chuckled, "I think I should take you down."


    "Even at the cost of your life?" Esme was confused. This man wanted to expose how she barged inside the dungeon even knowing that, he too, will be executed for doing the same?


    She was not his nemesis. Why must he do this to her?


    "Nothing will happen to me, you see," He shrugged.


    Esme frowned as she lowered her head. Her fingers tapped on the side of her dress, "You...Are you a guard here?" She hesitantly asked. Although his face did not resemble the guards standing outside this cave-like dungeon but his clothes did.


    The man did not respond.


    Her shoulders slumped for a split second. It seems like her guess is on point. Esme sighed, "I-I am sent here by someone..." The last time she remembered she almost blasted the kitchen, she could not lie to her Aunt properly.


    Lying was not her forte but the situation was demanding it.


    Aleister feigned shock, "Sent by someone? Who? By the enemies?"


    "Ah, No...It is His Royal Highness Prince Aleister who sent me here," Esme thanked the heavens that she managed to say it without stuttering.


    In these past days, she has been hearing the mention of this man again and again, about his fearsome reputation, his weird antics, and his ruthlessness. So much so that this Prince seemed to have overshadowed the presence of the King of Visteria and it was stuck in her mind.


    "Oh? You know Prince Aleister?" Aleister glanced at her in amusement.


    "What has it got to do with you?" One more lie and she will end up exposing everything.


    She already spotted a wooden door on the other side that was slightly opened revealing the castle walls. This place was less dungeon and more of a maze. She turned around to leave.


    "Prince Aleister is still a Prince. I want to take this matter to the King," He chuckled when she paused in her tracks.


    Esme turned around as she inhaled a deep breath, "What do you want?"


    Everyone in the castle seemed to be fascinated yet frightened by the mention of the name of the Prince. Then, why was he so calm? As if he did not fear anyone.


    But what he said sounded true to her. There is a certain difference between a King and a Prince. What''s more...She was already lying about knowing Prince Aleister. If this matter came to light, she will be thrown in this lava river she just escaped from.


    Aleister folded his arms in front of his chest as he walked towards her.


    "I am poor.. I don''t have money," She gulped when his gaze trailed past her neck and below.

 Chapter 10 - Dear Will Do

    A/N: I have decided to not give up on this book. Thank you for motivating me as it really worked :)


    ...


    "I-I suffer from a contagious ailment...." Esme retreated a few steps under his daunting gaze.


    "You think I want your body?" Aleister chuckled as he looked at her mockingly, "With that hideous face and ugly body, you sure have a good amount of confidence."


    "H-Hideous?" Esme stiffened. All these years, her Aunt kept smearing dirt or charcoal on her face so that she would look unsightly but nothing worked. Those men in their village still glanced at her with those lustful expressions. She hated those looks. The villagers despised their family for being poor too.


    But this disgusted look was foreign to her. She would be lying if she said that she was not offended.


    She glanced at the man standing in front of her. Even though he was wearing plain black clothes, he seemed to be glowing under the orange hue that came from the lava river. Encased in the soft glow of lava, he stepped closer to her, looking like an immortal. So handsome that it created a mirage of perfection. All the reason for him to be so proud.


    She stepped back.


    "Ugly duckling," He spoke in disdain.


    "It is a pity that such a pair of beautiful eyes are blind..." Esme mumbled under her breath, only to realize that she overreacted. Why did she care if someone found her ugly? It was good for her anyway.


    A past event flashed in her mind. She sighed as a realization dawned upon her. She must have had some sort of enmity with blue-eyed people in her previous life.


    "I heard that," Aleister looked at her amusement. Such creatures were rare to pass by.


    "Kind sir, you don''t want my money neither do you want my... body.." Esme bit her lips. If her aunt was here, she would have been reprimanded for saying and doing inappropriate things but over these years, she has realized that acting timid and playing shy was not what she ever wanted. Rather than going around in circles, she preferred to be straightforward.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow, looking closely at her face. Any woman would have gone red while saying such vulgar things but her words and her face looked ever so pure as she stared at him in confusion. Truly a rare creature, "Yes. So?"


    "So, what would it take for you to let me go without bringing up this matter to the King?" Esme glanced at him hopefully.


    "That means you admit that you sneaked your way inside the dungeon?"


    Esme shook her head, "I forgot my way and ended up coming here."


    "Liar. An ugly liar."


    The corner of her lips twitched. As expected, he won''t buy her excuse. Since he knew she was lying then why did he bother asking whether she sneaked inside this place or not? And what is with this ''ugly liar'' thing? It has been 7 years since she is living in Visteria and three days since she started staying in the Royal Castle, but for the first time, she was starting to wonder whether all the Visterians were like this or this one man standing in front of her was an exception.


    "Sir, what do you want from me?" She looked at him.


    "Sir sounds old," The man nonchalantly said as he stepped closer to her.


    Esme stepped back. That''s how maids are supposed to address someone out of respect. What did he mean by it sounded old? "How am I supposed to address you then?" She spoke through gritted teeth, inwardly wondering whose face she saw in the morning.


    "Dear will do," The corner of his lips tugged up as he took another powerful step towards her, his tall and muscular body easily towered over her.


    Whether it was the heat of the lava river, or the strong aura of this man, or the proximity between them, Esme wasn''t sure which of these factors were affecting her but she felt suffocated. "D-Dear?" Her voice came out as a whisper as she stepped back, inwardly thinking whether she misheard him.


    "Dear," His eyes glimmered the moment he saw her nonchalance gradually disappearing, her wine-shaded tresses fell on her glossy cheeks as she slightly raised her head to look at him. A pinkish hue making its way on her face when she turned her face to the side within an instant, refusing to meet his intense gaze, "You can also address me as..." He took a deliberate pause when she looked back at him with those oh so beautifully hopeful grey eyes.


    "As?" Since all it would take for him was to be addressed as he wished and he would let go of her, burying today''s matter, then she could only place her hopes on that. If his second option was decent, then she will gladly address him as such to escape this place unharmed and unseen by anyone.


    "If dear is not intimate enough for you, then you can address me as Love. Sounds good right?" He stepped closer to her as he watched her face turning redder.


    Esme looked at the ground. It would take one crack for it to split open and take her inside. Dear? Love? Not intimate enough? Embarrassment coursed through her nerves as her face started turning hotter. What has she gotten herself into?


    She closed her eyes before taking a deep breath, "How I address you doesn''t matter. You can tell me what you want from me."


    "Why do you think I want something from you? What do you have to offer to me?''''


    "Because-" She paused when her back hit the wall. He pressed his hand on the wall next to her. She turned to the side but another hand was placed there in an instant, trapping her between his muscular arms.


    "Yes? Because?"


    ''You should keep your distance from ugly people'' The words were resting at the tip of her tongue but she held herself back. She did not want to offend this man who might drag her to the high ranked officials or the King for the crime she has committed by barging inside the Dungeons and the consequences of it will be unimaginable, "Because you would not hold me back here unless you want something from me," She said, her voice neither servile nor overbearing.


    "Smart," Aleister nodded as he leaned closer to her.. "I do want something from you," he added.

 Chapter 11 - My Dear Savior

    "I do want something from you," Slowly and casually, he enunciated each word as he leaned closer to her until there was no distance between them yet their bodies did not touch.


    But Esme felt as if thousands of waves were rolling inside her body. Her sharp hearing picked up every minute detail from the surroundings. The dungeon was quiet and eerie and amidst the stillness, she could hear the sizzling sounds of the lava, his breathing, and his voice.


    He had her trapped inside his arms and he was standing so close to her yet there remained a distance between them. He did not touch a single strand of her hair but still her heart picked up its pace as she pressed her back further on the wall. "W-What is that?" As long as it was not something impossible, she could give it to him in return for his silence regarding this matter.


    Esme lowered her head. But if he asked something that she could not afford, then-


    "Your name."


    She snapped out of her thoughts and glanced at the man as he stepped back from her. Her heartbeats gradually returned to normal. "That''s it?" She asked hesitantly. All it would take for him to set her free was her name?


    A small lazy smile made its way to his face that looked no less than wicked to her, "You want to give something else? Then how about-"


    "Esmeray," She interrupted before he changed his mind. With that said, she glanced at his face and this time he did not seem to have any intentions of holding her back. She slowly clutched her gown in her fist and glanced at the wooden door on her left before taking small steps towards it as all the while, her gaze remained on his face.


    Aleister looked at the girl who resembled a little fawn at this moment. Her slow steps, her hesitant gaze, her sweating face, the way she bit her bottom lips every time she noticed that he was not moving from his spot, it was as if she was afraid that he would go back on his words and hunt her down.


    Did she know how inciting her actions were? And how provocative it could be to normal men?


    As soon as Esme reached the door, she let out a sigh of relief inwardly and quickly turned around without looking at the man again. Once she was out of here, she will make sure that their paths will never cross again.


    Aleister clicked his tongue "Tsk.."


    Esme stiffened when she heard the voice right beside her ear. Her eyes widened as she clutched her gown tighter than before. How is it possible? He was standing at a distance when she turned around then how...? She could feel his presence looming right behind her.


    "I expected you to say something like ''You''re not worthy to know my name''..." He looked at her side face, his fingers moved towards her hair as he tucked the loose strands beside her ear before leaning closer to her, "What a disappointment, my dear savior!" He whispered, his breath fanning her neck.


    Esme''s breath hitched at the sudden proximity but the moment she heard his words, it was as if she was struck by lightning.


    A distant memory played in her mind.


    ''What is your name?'' An arrogant boy with the most beautiful blue eyes and dirty appearance had once asked her.


    ''You''re not worthy to know my name,'' was her reply.


    Esme snapped out of her daze as she turned around, "Are you-" She paused, finding no one behind her. She stood rooted to her spot as she looked around. He was standing right behind her then how did he disappear.


    She heard the sounds of approaching footsteps from the other side of the lava river. It was coming from the direction she entered the dungeon.


    Pressing a palm on her mouth, she slowly opened the wooden door behind her with her other hand.


    The man who stepped inside was one of the guards who was standing at the entrance of this cave-like dungeon. She had distracted them with some tricks to get inside.


    "Who is there?''''


    Esme''s eyes widened.


    Just as he was about to look in her direction, another man came from behind, "How could there be someone here? We are guarding here the whole time."


    And it managed to distract the man momentarily.


    She took the opportunity to open the door and get out of the dark corner she was standing at. And surprisingly the door led her to the halls, unlike the cave-like entrance she entered from. She picked up her gown and ran along the dark hallways without looking back at the place.


    After she was at a safe distance, she held a pillar and panted with one of her hands resting on her knee. Hiding behind the pillar, she glanced in the direction of the dungeon. Giant chandeliers with four layers of candles were lit and raised to the ceiling to light the grand hallway but all she could see was a vast stretch of the walls. There was no wooden door that she escaped from.


    Probably the door was designed in such a way that one would not differentiate it from the wall. Like a secret exit. She concluded as her gaze wandered around the place.


    "Is she the same person who almost sacrificed her life to save you when we were in Nevesray?" Rowan glanced at the man who was casually leaning against the wall, his gaze fixed on the girl dressed in an ordinary white gown, hiding behind the pillar seemingly looking for someone.


    It has been seven years since that time but Rowan would never forget how he was tied with a rope while Aleister and that white beast of his walked away leaving him alone.


    Aleister narrowed his eyes, "Clingy girl," He mumbled looking at her retreating back, without bothering to answer the man.


    ''You were the one clinging to her inside the dungeon, not the other way around,'' The words remained at the tip of his tongue but Rowan did not dare to say it aloud.


    Aleister snapped his fingers and the invisible barrier around them disappeared and within a blink of his eyes, the man was nowhere in sight.


    "Al-"


    "Sir," The voices had him turn around.


    Rowan glanced at the guards of the dungeon who were now standing behind him as he stiffly nodded at them, "What are you doing here? Do your work properly unless someone breaks inside."


    The guards nodded as they bowed and left, not wanting to offend the Prince''s right-hand man who had the power to have them executed in a moment.


    Rowan glanced in the direction where the girl disappeared.. It was an instinct that a certain Lord also went in that way.

 Chapter 12 - Dark Moon

    Esme entered the room provided to her in the servant quarters. The room was much bigger and cleaner than their house in the small village where they have been staying for over 7 years but it was much smaller than her chamber in the Royal Castle of Nevesray, her birthplace.


    She has been getting mixed feelings since the day she stepped inside this room and the butler told her that she would be staying here from now on. She felt like she did not belong here.


    But today, her mind was racing with countless thoughts, and such chaotic thoughts made her forget all the uncomfortable feelings, the sense of homesickness that she was experiencing for staying away from her Aunt for the first time in her life.


    She closed the door behind her and held the lantern hanging on the back before running towards the bed in the middle of the room. Squatting down, she stretched her hand below it and took out an old thick diary hidden near a dark corner under the bed. It was the same diary where she painted the woman with whom Arlan had left.


    She sat on the floor and leaned back on the bed before turning the pages quickly until something finally caught her attention. Her fingers trembled as she paused.


    The corner of the old page had turned yellowish but the painting on it remained visible. The delicate strokes of a pair of ice-blue eyes.


    It reminded her of the youth she saved back then. That poor and dirty-looking boy. Or that was what she thought until he said that she was pretending to be kind just because she wanted something from him.


    "Ill-mannered..." She mumbled under her breath. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that she would meet him after all these years.


    She disliked him from their first encounter and now that she met him for the second time, her dislike for him grew even more given the way he cornered her in the dungeons.


    And in the end, when the guards came, he somehow fled from that place leaving her alone in trouble.


    And she was not a fool to not understand what it meant. He lied to her about being a guard in the dungeons. He too had intruded in that place just like her.


    "I see you are obsessed with me."


    A cold shiver ran down her spine as she stiffened as someone''s hot breath stroked her neck. That voice was unfamiliar to her...before today.


    Her fingers that were holding the page of the diary trembled slightly as she gulped. She thought she had gotten rid of him then how could he be here?


    She closed the diary tightly in her hands and moved to the side before standing up. "What are you doing here?" Her accusing gaze landed on the man who was sleeping on her bed so comfortably as if it belonged to him.


    She remembered locking the door properly then how did he manage to get inside?


    "I am here to discuss your name," The man repeated her question as he sat up on the bed before pushing himself to his feet and walked towards her.


    Discuss her name? She glanced at him weirdly.


    That pair of ice-blue eyes seemed to be shining under the moonlight reminding him of the painting in her diary, the boy from the past and the sick man from the dungeon.


    "I know you are not a guard. You lied about it," She stepped back, "Now, if I take this news to the Prince, you will be executed. You don''t have any evidence that I was there," She wanted to have nothing to do with this man and for that, she tried her best to scare him away.


    "Am I supposed to call you smart then?" He asked, catching up to her within a few steps.


    "You..." Esme was astounded. Everyone dreaded the mention of the Prince as much as she has observed but why wasn''t this man the least bit intimidated? "What are you doing here? What do you want? How-"


    "Let''s discuss your name.''''


    "Huh?" Esme wondered whether she misheard him. As he stepped closer to her, she retreated a few steps back in advance only to have her back hit the wall next to the window. The man pressed a hand right next to her body as he stood beside her with a hand on the windowsill.


    "Moon," He whispered looking out of the window, at the vast sky before averting his gaze to look at her, "Dark Moon."


    "Huh?" Esme could barely understand anything. Her mind was still stuck on why she had to meet this man here. Why? After all these years, she never wanted to see him again because of the way he repaid her kindness with ingratitude.


    "One should judge the book by its cover," Aleister said tilting his head to the side, his eyes holding a mocking gaze.


    "What?!" Esme tried to escape from the space between his hand but the man lowered his hand as if challenging her to try it. She was speechless.


    ''''You look dumb. You are dumb.''''


    She closed her eyes to take a deep breath. This man was angering her on purpose, probably. Or worse he is mentally unstable.


    "But I am kind enough to explain it to you," The man removed his hand from the wall, setting her free, "Esmeray means Dark Moon."


    She glanced at him blankly before turning around and patting her chest. So, he was talking about her name. Probably, she misunderstood him-


    "I never thought you will follow me all the way here. But I knew you wanted something from me in exchange for saving my life. Your persistence has my attention now. Say, what do you want?"


    His words interrupted her trail of thoughts.

 Chapter 13 - 19th Maid Who Died

    ''''You are obsessed with me."


    "What do you want in exchange for saving my life?''''


    "You even managed to follow me all the way here...''''


    ''BAM!''


    Esme rolled down from the bed before landing straight on the cold floor, "Ah..." She groaned slightly as she sat up, gently stroking her back. Her hair framed her face messily, a thin layer of sweat covered her forehead. Rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand, she looked around.


    Esme exhaled the breath that she did not know she was holding until. So, it was a nightmare probably... She slumped on the floor only to snap out of her half-awake state a second later.


    She pushed herself to her feet and walked towards the door. The place where she used to hang a lantern was empty and her heart picked its pace as she walked towards the bed before slumping on it.


    Her gaze shifted towards the window. The sun was shining behind the morning mist as it was the crack of dawn.


    The memories of last night played in her mind one after another. She was initially thinking of making peace with the man but he infuriated her to no end by proclaiming that she was here for him, to get something from him.


    How could someone be so unabashedly brazen? Since when did she demand anything from him?


    And as if it was not enough, that man took her lantern with him when he left...without a pinch of shame.


    He could not even afford a lantern for himself and was acting all mighty.


    She had bought that lantern from the market the after she was given this room. Alas...


    Esme pouted.


    Her brother is gone...Her new lantern is gone...Her peace is gone...


    "I was being careless yesterday..." Or else with her sharp hearing, how did she not hear the sound of footsteps in the dungeon? And she probably did not lock the door properly which is why he managed to get inside her room to scare her.


    She sat up on the bed. Her eyes flashed with determination, "Today, I will lock the door properly and I will stay alert during my working hours," Under no conditions did she want to bump into that man again.


    With that decided, she felt relieved.


    Esme sucked in a cold breath when one of her legs rubbed against the blanket. She slowly pushed the blankets aside and pulled her nightgown upwards.


    The skin around her ankle was almost peeling off and a hint of flesh was visible through it.


    "This..." Her brows tugged together slightly as she tried to recall when it happened. And that made her remember that she almost fell inside the lava river yesterday if not because of that man.


    But then, he was the one responsible for scaring her off.


    Closing her eyes, she ran her palm above her wound and her injuries started healing at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    The scene might have shocked anyone who witnessed it including her Aunt, Marlene.


    After a few hours, Esme was back to her duties in the castle. She felt glad that she was not yet assigned to attend a royal lady or higher-ranking noblewoman.


    Even though she passed the test process based on her wits, she told the butler that she was clumsy with things and requested him to assign her minor and unimportant works.


    And that surprised the Butler as usually, people would ask for important tasks so that they can rank up faster and earn more money. And serving the Royal Ladies meant that one can receive expensive jewelries or gifts whenever they are pleased. But the girl denied all that because she believed she was not deserving of it.


    Only if the Butler knew that Esme rejected it not because she thought that she was undeserving of the work.


    Working in a castle was not something she wanted either but the situation has forced her into this. But other than that, she can never bring herself to serve someone personally. Massaging their feet, gossipping with them, bootlicking them....she would never be able to do all that.


    "Another one...?"


    Esme''s footsteps came to a halt near the kitchen where a group of maids were standing discussing something with serious expressions on their faces.


    "17 maids have died this month. This one was 18th..."


    As much as Esme did not want to entangle herself with the Royal Family matters, she could not help it when she was gifted with exceptional hearing.


    Now that she heard this much, she was naturally curious.


    ''I''m a maid now. If I know about it, I can take some precautions to not become the 19th maid that died,'' She thought to herself with utmost seriousness.


    "Are you the new girl?" One of them glanced at her and the rest followed on cue.


    Esme paused for a moment before nodding.


    "Come here."


    She walked towards them quietly.


    "Say, weren''t you recommended by Liz?"


    "Yes."


    They measured her from head to toe with their scrutinizing gazes until a middle-aged woman said, "You look like a pampered princess, not a maid."


    Esme stiffened slightly but she schooled her expressions before they found something amiss.


    "Don''t you think it was a foolish decision on your part to choose those odd works? Gardening?"


    "I''m good at it," She smiled slightly.


    "We know. We have heard the butler mentioning it. But there are many gardeners here and how much would you even earn from it?" One of them asked her.


    Esme pursed her lips.


    "Ah, I am sorry. I did not mean in like that," The young girl quickly apologized realizing that she might have offended her.


    "That''s fine," Esme shook her head. She was not offended. She remained silent because she had no answer to her question. And even if she had one, it could not be said aloud.


    "What are you doing here?" The middle-aged woman who remarked on her looks earlier spoke up.


    "I was just passing by," Esme answered.


    "You came at the right time. We were just discussing your friend''s fate at the moment."


    "Friend?" Esme glanced at the group of maids surrounding her. She did not remember having a friend all her life.


    "She is talking about Liz," The young girl explained, "18 maids have mysteriously died this month and today it is your friend''s turn to serve His Highness, Prince Aleister. We could not help but wonder what will happen to her now."


    As Esme walked in the enormous hallway, her mind unconsciously drifted back to the group discussion in the kitchen.


    A sense of dread was hanging on her head, weighing her shoulders down. She gulped realizing how much trouble she was getting herself in.


    She blatantly claimed yesterday that she was working under Prince Aleister and now this Prince turned out like this.


    If he came to know that she used his name, her Aunt would not get to collect her full body for the last rites.


    Esme rubbed her arms feeling goosebumps popping on them. ''Nothing can go wrong,'' She convinced herself, ''That weird man from yesterday is nowhere to be seen now. And I am never going to meet this Prince in question,'' In short, her little lie would be buried forever.


    She tucked her hair behind her ear.


    "Esmeray-"


    Her footsteps came to a halt as she turned around to find Aunt Mary''s niece, Liz running towards her.


    A bad premonition rose in her heart but she forcefully tamped it down.

 Chapter 14 - Someone Elses Job

    Esme glanced at her questioningly.


    "Do my job today," Liz said as she panted because of how fast she ran after her. Why was this girl walking so fast anyway?


    "Yes?" Esme''s brows tugged together.


    "Are you deaf?"


    "On the other hand, my hearing is just fine," Esme softly said, "But your job should be done by you."


    "You look very happy with the gardening thing you do," Liz scoffed as she placed her hands on her waist.


    "I am," Esme glanced at her expressionlessly.


    "Don''t forget why you are here. If I had not recommended you to the butler, then stepping inside the Castle would never have been this easy to you. Don''t you think you owe me one?"


    ''The Prince is rough in bed. So rough that the maids end up dying one after another. Those who can''t please him properly are killed by him. And what he hates the most is lies.''


    These were a part of the discussion back in the pantries. Esme could not get all this out of her head. Unknowingly, she ended up using such a cruel man''s name for her lies. If he came to know about it... she shook her head as she gulped, "Ask for something else," Serve a man? There was no way she was going to do that.


    Keeping that aside, she did not want to have anything with such a heartless man.


    "It''s up to me to decide what I want to ask for," Liz pursed her lips, "Don''t get blinded by all those hearsays. No one has ever witnessed the Prince doing it with their own eyes..."


    "Then, why do you insist on not serving him?" Esme raised an eyebrow at her.


    Liz choked on the rest of her words as her face turned red slightly. She lowered her head as a blush crept up her cheeks, her two-sided braids fell in front of her shoulders, "I..." She inhaled a deep breath, "I have someone I like. Serving the Prince might give him the wrong impression."


    And that caught Esme off guard. Was this the same girl who called her a harlot in front of the gates?


    The next thing that Esme knew was she was standing in the infamous Prince''s room. It has been a few minutes when she had decided to stay away from him.


    The good thing here was that the mysterious man from yesterday has disappeared. He was probably afraid that she will expose his lies to someone that''s why he did not come back to bother her.


    And with him gone, this Prince would never know how she used his name to get out of trouble. She convinced herself.


    Esme sighed in relief as she tiptoed towards the middle of the lavish room which had its walls covered in paintings. There was not a shred of light inside the room except for the light provided by the crackling fire in the fireplace. The floor beneath her feet was built with a fine taste of woods.


    There was another thing that was bothering her at this moment and that was what if this Prince really had some fetishes? Or what if he tried to kill her?


    Just how powerful was he to be feared by everyone?


    Esme did not know why she fell for this either. Liz continuously begged her and she agreed knowing that she owed her for her help. If it was not because of her recommendation, she might not have gotten this job so easily.


    Moreover, she was strongly rejecting this until she was told that she just had to make the bath arrangements for the Prince and nothing else that she was thinking of.


    And only then did she realize it was not that kind of serving.


    ''Seems like there is no one here,'' Fully attentive towards her surroundings, she quickly walked towards the bath built like a pool adjacently to the magnificent room, separated by a sheer curtain and a few pillars.


    Starting from the candles to the fragrance, she properly arranged everything as she stood beside the pool looking at the warm water which was creating a mirage of fog atop it.


    Her fingers twitched slightly as she extended her hands towards the water.


    The sounds of approaching footsteps snapped her out of her daze. Her eyes widened as she quickly stood up only to end up stumbling. As the sounds of footsteps came closer, she ran towards a pillar before hiding behind it.


    ''Why am I hiding like a thief?'' The realization came too late causing her to lean her forehead against the pillar. It was not like the Prince was aware of her lies and he was going to get her executed for it.


    The term ''man'' was enough to make her lose her composure since yesterday. She was worried that one small mistake by her, and she will be either thrown into the lava river or be burned alive like a witch.


    She raised her head when a man stepped inside the bath having his back facing her. As he stepped inside the pool, he untied the black satin robe and she quickly closed her eyes.


    Hearing a splash sound, she hesitantly opened her eyes. And the view that greeted her made her gasp softly. The man was sitting completely immersed in the water with his hands pushed back, his broad and muscular shoulders and forearms remained in her view.


    His strong back muscles clenched when he moved his hand before propping the side of his head on his fist.


    Her face turned hot in an instant but just as she was about to avert her gaze, something caught her attention.


    There were some markings below the man''s left shoulder. Holding the pillar tightly, she slightly leaned forward and glanced at the rough strokes of the butterfly inked on his left shoulder in black and golden linings. But the wings of the butterfly had splashes of red, making it appear like blood.


    It was something she has never seen or heard of before. And her eyes sparkled with curiosity.


    She did not know how long she stood behind the pillar before the man stood up. She closed her eyes once again and held her gown in her hands tightening it closer to her body.


    She walked towards the side when she heard the sounds of the approaching footsteps moving towards the other pillar. The absence of the candles made it possible for her to do so without getting caught.


    The sounds of footsteps went farther and farther away until she could not hear them anymore and it ensured her that the room was empty.


    Letting out a sigh of relief, she tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear and stepped out of the bath to escape before the Prince comes back.


    She was told that he did not like having lots of servants or guards around him and that made it more so easy for her.


    "Won''t you look at me a little longer?"


    She froze.


    Blood drained from her face as her footsteps came to a halt.


    She slowly turned around to look at the man standing behind her. The light from the fireplace encased his face in an ethereal glow.


    Ice blue eyes. Intimidating gaze. His powerful movements.


    The man was not a sight to be forgotten.


    Her heart skipped a beat as her palms turned sweaty.

 Chapter 15 - The Prince

    "You..." Her heart was palpitating like it would come out anytime soon.


    "Serving me includes wiping my body too," The man stepped closer to her and she cowered back slightly, "But you aren''t fulfilling your duties well, are you?"


    How could he think she was going to wipe his body? It was impossible. She was fine with her gardening and was stuck with this job for a day.


    Suddenly reminded of something, she glanced at the man in front of her. He was naked in the bath. How did he wear his clothes so fast? She blinked, her face turned red realizing the direction of her thoughts. Why did it matter how he wore his clothes anyway?


    "Look at that little face going all red. Having thoughts about me, huh?"


    Esme lacked words to describe what was going on in her mind, "You are the Prince," A whisper left her lips. A statement sounding like a question.


    "What do you think?" The man raised an eyebrow, neither denying nor accepting it.


    It was probably because the boy she saved years ago had a dirty appearance, tattered clothes that she had assumed he was poor.


    But now that she was connecting the dots, everything started falling in place. Why would there be assassins behind a poor boy who had nothing?


    Who can barge inside the dungeon so confidently and outrageously without having the fear of consequences of being caught?


    And not to mention that he walked into the servant quarters without getting caught which means he possessed magical powers as well.


    She inwardly chastised herself for believing that this man was a poor nobody yesterday.


    Maybe her mind was so fixated on Arlan that she forgot to observe things properly.


    "My Lord," Now that wind has changed its direction, Esme decided to change her attitude to smoothen out things before it gets late, "Apologies for my misbehavior yesterday," It took every ounce of strength in her to act servile like this.


    "You don''t need to apologize to me since you are my woman now," He watched in amusement as her expression changed from a docile girl to a fierce tigress in an instant.


    "Since when did I-" Esme halted, realizing her mistake. She might provoke this man if she acted like this, "My lord seems to have some misunderstandings," She looked down at her feet. This Prince was really sick from the head.


    Her thoughts betraying her calm facade.


    "Oh? Didn''t you say that you work under the Prince?" Aleister pinched her chin as he tilted her face upwards, "The men working under me are my men. So, in that way, you should be known as my woman."


    Embarrassment coursed through her nerves. What did she do to deserve this? Esme closed her eyes, regretting uttering this lie. Lying is not a good thing.


    She moved her face slightly but the man''s grip on her chin tightened as if he knew she was thinking of running away from here.


    "Am I wrong, my dear moon?"


    H-His dear moon? Her eyes widened as a blush crept her cheeks, "My lord, what would it take for you to let me go?"


    "Your death," The man spoke without a change in his expressions as he let go of her.


    Her blood turned cold. Was she going to be the 19th maid who died mysteriously in the hands of this moody Prince?


    "I was joking," He teased.


    "You are not good at it," The words left her mouth before she could stop them. She pressed a palm atop her mouth when his eyes narrowed at her, "I''ll take my leave, My Lord," She mumbled before pressing her palm back on her mouth again.


    Aleister glanced at the girl who was saying this while looking into his eyes. Those customs were meant to have her bow to him if he did not remember them wrong.


    7 years can do much to a person but the one in front of him has not changed that much. She was still proud to her bones, just like the first time he saw her.


    Esme quickly turned around to leave before the man came up with another quirk to bother her.


    Holding her gown in her hand, she made it in her mind that as long as she did not stumble anywhere, she would manage to escape from here.


    "Ah..."


    The moment she stepped forward, the man grabbed the tip of her thick braid.


    She turned around to look at him questioningly. Did he change his mind? He is not letting her go anymore? "My Lord...This is INAPPROPRIATE," She spoke through gritted teeth, trying her best to not come off as impolite.


    "That''s what I wanted to say," He nodded, surprising her.


    Was he agreeing to her on how ill-mannered he was? Esme blinked.


    "It is inappropriate to watch me from behind the pillar. The next time, you can join me," He dropped her braid.


    She blinked again. Once. Twice. Thrice. And then it dawned on her that he knew she was hiding right there.


    Her face turned hot as she quickly secured a palm around her braid and ran out of his room.


    As soon as she got far away from his room, she leaned on a wall for support with a hand on her waist as she panted. All of this was out of her expectation.


    She lied to a man that she worked for the Prince. But the man turned out to be the Prince himself.


    Moreover, she was looking at him hiding behind a pillar during the bath and he knew it.


    "What have I done?" Esme leaned her forehead on the wall with a conflicted expression on her face.


    She had yet to find her brother in this enormous Castle but she has already gotten herself entangled with a trouble.


    The sounds of footsteps made her raise her head all of a sudden. They were unhurried and in a distance but her sharp hearing has been a blessing. Someone was nearby.


    ''Is it him again?'' Esme pursed her lips. Her luck shouldn''t be that bad.


    She looked at her surroundings only to realize that she did not know where she was standing.


    ...


    A/N: Vote a lot so that our book can quickly rank up and you will get to enjoy more extra chapters at that time. Yes, do comment and drop a review to let me know about your thoughts :)


    And stay safe everyone <3

 Chapter 16 - The Dark Hallway

    Prince Aleister''s room was in the innermost and most magnificent part of the castle and attached to it were two hallways. One in the front and the other in the back.


    In her attempt to escape from him, she seemed to have ended up in the back hallway which was usually vacant as per what she was informed when she came to ''serve the Prince''.


    Confused about the way, she slowly looked around.


    The high walls had large paintings hanging on them.


    There were candles on either side of the hall but the place was enormous causing the lights from the candles to fall short. She grabbed a candlestand from the side and walked ahead looking for the way out of this dark hallway.


    Her eyes marveling at the sight of the beautiful paintings.


    The azure sky, high trees were interwoven together, people standing near a large well. She recognized the place in the first painting. It was near the beautiful gates of the Capital City of Visteria.


    The next was a beautiful art of the Royal Castle. The art was done with details highlighting the sea and forest behind the grand Castle and in the front remained the busy marketplace at a distance from the Castle gates.


    Then, there were portraits of several men in a row with their names and their reigning years written beneath it.


    She concluded they were the previous Kings of Visteria. All of them had their pitch-black eyes in common.


    Her footsteps came to a halt in front of the portrait of the current king. Powerful and Kind. The words came to her mind as she glanced at the man sitting on his throne with a sense of serenity around him.


    He too has inherited those pitch-black eyes from his ancestors. She thought as she walked forward only to stop a second later.


    Then why was the Prince blue-eyed? "It is probably from his mother..." She frowned, "But what has it got to do with me....?" She slapped her forehead but the slap landed a little too hard.


    She stroked the spot before walking forward deciding to not think about things that had nothing to do with her.


    She had to go back to her room in the servant quarters before the nighttime so that she can look for her brother during the night.


    But where was the way out of this place?


    The sounds of footsteps that she heard earlier seemed to have disappeared.


    But there were some movements around her. She heard the whistling sound of the wind.


    The candles flickered slightly because of the wind and in the next second, the vast hallways were enshrouded in darkness.


    The fragrance of the scented wax lingered in the air and Esme placed the candlestand down on the floor as she rubbed her arms, feeling a gust of chilly wind sweeping past the place.


    Amidst the darkness, she could barely make out where she was standing.


    She placed her hand on the wall and stepped forward in the direction she was looking at the paintings before the candles went off.


    "Ahh..." She yelped when she lost her footing all of a sudden as something came beneath her feet.


    She stretched out her hand to touch the things but nothing came in her grip.


    "Who is there?" She softly asked, hearing the sounds of approaching footsteps once again.


    The hair on the back of her neck stood up when she felt something wet falling on her shoulder, drop by drop. Her skin shriveled because of the coldness of it.


    She ran her fingers on her dress and then towards her skin. The sticky liquid smeared over the tip of her fingers.


    ''Drip Drip Drip''


    It was landing on the floor too. "W-Who?" She wiped her sweaty palm on the fabric of her gown while trying to stand up.


    But her ankle had twisted so badly that she ended up stumbling once again.


    ''Swish''


    Her head turned in the direction of the sound but before she could close her eyes to focus on the sound, she was slammed into a rigid surface.


    "Ahhhh!!!" Esme yelled with all her might until her throat turned dry.


    Suddenly, a palm was pressed on her mouth and her screams turned muffled, "Noisy!" That familiar mocking voice made her pause, "Stop shouting!"


    She heard the sound of the fingers snapping and in the next second, the candles lit up lightening the dark hallway.


    She was not surprised seeing this now that she knew that he too possessed the magical powers.


    For the first time in the last few hours, she felt relieved to see that breathtaking handsome face up so close to hers.


    Her fingers clenched his robe tightly as she glanced at the man who had her embraced in his arms. Her eyes met his and she softly gulped. The close proximity made her uncomfortable but she did not dare to pull away.


    She did not know the way out of this place and she did not want to re-live what happened a few moments ago.


    Aleister frowned looking at her deathly pale face. She looked just fine when she hopped out of his room like a fawn on escape.


    Unaware of the man''s thoughts, Esme was thinking about what happened here just now. Something clicked in her mind and she quickly placed her fingers on her neck.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "N-Nothing," Earlier, she had felt some fluid dropping there on her skin but now the place was completely dry. As she looked at her palm, there was nothing on it too.


    She quickly distanced herself from the man realizing how inappropriate their position was, A moment ago she was so scared that she saw him as a savior but now that she was coming back to her senses, she was reminded that the man in front of her is someone who has killed 18 maids within a month. On what basis, will he come to save her?


    "My Lord, are you here to kill me?" She asked without hesitation.


    "Yes," Aleister replied as he glanced at her expressionlessly.


    She could not spot a hint of lie in that pair of eyes.


    Her eyes widened as she tried to back away from him but in the next second, she was pulled into his arms. Her head bumped into his rigid chest.


    "What..."


    "Quit making noise or I don''t mind killing you without any delay."


    Her feet were swept off the floor as he carried her and walked in the opposite direction of the paintings.


    "My Lord, where are you taking me?" She struggled in his arms as her face turned red because of being carried like that. But then she scolded herself mentally. This is not the right time to think about it. She will have to find a way to escape from him before he truly killed her. His grip on her kept tightening the more she struggled.


    His menacing gaze landed on her, "Keep quiet."


    "Am I bound to?" Her voice rose as she snapped at him, "You are taking me who knows where. My Lord, you, possibly want to kill me off after performing some rituals on me as the witches do in the tales I have heard. Or worse, you will throw me inside the fire, burn me alive, eat my flesh, drink my blood...And after all that, you want me to keep quiet?" She breathed through her mouth as loose strands of her loose hair framed her face, her eyes narrowed at this man who was hanging above her head like a sword since yesterday.


    ...


    A/N: When you comment, don''t use censored words like ''Bit*h, F... or S...etc''. You can write them using ''*''.. Otherwise, your comment will disappear because of the system >.<

 Chapter 17 - An Arrow

    His footsteps came to a halt as he glanced at the girl in his arms, his eyebrows rising slightly.


    Her chest rose and fell rapidly because of how fast she spoke but the anger in her grey eyes was pretty evident to him, "No!!!" Her voice went another pitch higher, "I won''t keep quiet. I will shout here until the walls break down or someone overhears it. The Great Prince of Visteria kills helpless maids unreasonably for his pleasure..." She shouted as loudly as she could, her face flushing out of exasperation.


    "Helpless?" Aleister raised an eyebrow, "You''re a rebel, my dear moon."


    "You..."


    Not giving her a chance to say anything, he walked towards his room.


    Esme had the urge to hide her face and she did so. She covered her face with her palms. Even if he wanted to kill her, he should leave her with the least bit of dignity. The last thing she wanted was to be witnessed by someone when they are in this compromising position.


    As soon she found herself falling on a smooth surface, she slowly removed the palms that were covering her face. "My Lord, don''t do this," She mumbled looking at the bed she was sprawled on. She sat up in a flash.


    "I''ll do this. So what?"


    Her head snapped in his direction. "There will be conseq-" She paused when something caught her attention. There was an arrow in his hand which was broken into two pieces.


    Because of their position, she failed to notice that he was holding it in his hand earlier, "That..." She pointed her chin towards the arrow, "Was it meant to kill me?" She had heard some sound a second before he came there. Was it this arrow?


    "You must have provoked someone other than me," Aleister glanced at the shaft of the arrow that had some intricate markings. He placed it on the bed before squatting.


    Only now did she realize how rude she has been to him given his status. If he really wanted, he might have killed her by now. She yelped when he suddenly grabbed her leg.


    She tried to pull it back but he placed it on one of his knees. "Stop struggling unless you want a broken bone," He said without looking at her.


    Her lips pinched together as she glanced at him confusingly, not knowing what he wanted to do. For a Prince, he did not seem to care about his status while squatting in front of a maid.


    "Ah..." Lost in her thoughts, she did not realize when he grabbed her foot and twisted it. For a second, she felt like she was dead. Taking deep breaths, she tilted her head to look at the man who was now standing in front of her.


    His arms were crossed in front of his chest as he gazed at her.


    She continued looking at him, waiting for what he had to say.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow, "You don''t want to leave now?"


    "Huh?" She blinked as she stood up only to realize that there was no pain in her ankle anymore.


    "I''m not stopping you here but you look reluctant to part from me. Are you that eager to serve me for the night?" His voice was laced with mockery.


    She came back to her senses. It was her biggest mistake to think good about him for even a second. Her plain white gown twirled when she turned around and walked out of his room.


    "She looks better when she is angry," Aleister laughed when she tried to slam the large door with all her might but it won''t just budge from its place. In the end, she stomped her feet and ran away.


    He found her adorable when she dropped the titles and courtesies and snapped at him.


    He settled on the bed before picking up the cracked arrow.


    "Come here, Leo."


    As soon as the words left his mouth, the white beast walked out of the bath as the sheer curtains glided past his huge body. Leo walked towards his Master before circling in front of him.


    "Did you see anyone there?" Aleister patted his head.


    The beast growled in a low voice.


    A frown graced his handsome face. "There should be someone otherwise where would this arrow come from?" His expressions darkened slightly, "Keep an eye on that hallway."


    He did not have any intentions to follow her earlier as he wanted to give her some peace. But little did he expect that she ran in the wrong direction in a hurry to escape from his clutches and ended up in trouble.


    Did she think that he was going to let her leave so easily like the first time when they met?


    Far away from his lavish room were the servant quarters. And in the innermost corner was the room which was assigned to Esme.


    Esme sat on the bed with her legs folded as she glanced at the lantern in front of her in focus, trying to come up with something.


    When Arlan disappeared, she thought she just had to come here and look for him. After that, she can take him back with her and leave.


    But what happened today changed her beliefs. Surviving in this place was not easy as she thought.


    She could have stopped that arrow in time with her instincts but she was not sure whether she would have escaped unscathed after that if...if that man did not come to her rescue.


    At the thought of him, Esme lowered her head and glanced at her swollen ankle. The marks were superficial but the pain was long gone from the moment he did something with her feet.


    "I don''t want to see him anymore..." Esme pouted. She wanted to thank him but he humiliated her on purpose saying that...that she wanted to serve him for the night.


    Her face turned a deep shade of red, "He must have injured his head when he was a child..." She fiddled with her fingers.


    Releasing a soft sigh, she touched the marks on her ankle and they soon disappeared.


    She glanced at her fingers in a daze. How many years has it been since she started awakening such strange powers within her body?


    She sighed remembering the night when she was warned about it by the woman dressed in silver.


    She was the one who helped her fight the assassins that were out to assassinate Prince Aleister whom she thought was a poor boy.


    Ruby. Esme remembered that name very well but after that fateful night when Ruby suggested her to listen to her Aunt, Esme did not get to see her again. That was the first and last time she saw her.


    Esme inhaled a deep breath as she glanced out of the window. Her main concern was to look for her brother at any cost but she did not how or where to start?


    Should she ask for someone''s help? Someone who would be familiar with the way everything worked here. But who?


    There was no one she could rely on or nobody whom she could trust.

 Chapter 18 - Ugly Flowers

    Days seemed to pass in a flash as today, it marked a week since she came to the Castle.


    Esme sighed as she glanced at the blooming blue roses. When she was a child, she had heard a lot about the rare blue roses that only bloomed in the gardens of the Royal Castle of Visteria. She had always wanted to see them. For once, at least.


    In any Kingdom, the people of the lower class or middle class did not have sufficient land for gardening. Some people planted vegetables or fruits in the small space behind their houses but that could not be counted as a garden.


    Gardens could only be found in the manors of a few upper-class officials and aristocrats.


    But none of them could be compared to the gardens in the compound of Royal Castles. What made them truly different and rare was the magically nourished soil. There was a rule according to which the King of a land had to shower the soil with their magical powers at least once after their coronation.


    It was declared to bring prosperity throughout the kingdom.


    After passing through it for years and showering in all the Kings'' powers for centuries, the soil in the Castle premises has become


    holy. Anything cultivated here will grow rapidly within a few nights and the flowers and fruits are more extraordinary as well.


    This has also happened back in their Kingdom...In Nevesray.


    These were the plants she had planted a few days ago. Seeing them in full bloom gave her a small sense of satisfaction amidst all sorts of conflicting emotions she has been feeling.


    She tried everything but she could not trace the woman she had outlined in her diary. She wanted to go back to the dungeons but the guards have been doubled and she can''t distract all of them to get past their barrier.


    She wiped the sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand and glanced at the roses helplessly. She couldn''t just do gardening forever, could she?


    "Are you done here?"


    Esme turned around to look at the man who was walking towards her, "Mr. Reiner," She nodded at him.


    Keith Reiner was the Head Gardener of the gardens in Daven Castles.


    He glanced at the flowers in satisfaction, "I have never seen them so beautiful and glowing before. You have a magical pair of hands," He suddenly felt a weird coldness on his back. As he ran his hand behind his back, a few icicles came on his fingertips.


    Astounded, he glanced at the glaring sun before looking at his palm. But this time there was only water left instead of those icicles but he could still feel that piercing coldness on his fingertips.


    Esme had her gaze settled on the blue roses so she missed what just happened. She smiled before shaking her head, "You''re overpraising me."


    Her words snapped him out of his reverie. "You deserve it, my lady," He held her hand before placing a chaste kiss on the back of her palm.


    Caught off guard, Esme quickly retracted her hand.


    "I don''t have any contagious illness," Keith let out a small laugh as he glanced at her. He was intrigued by her. It has happened for the first time that a girl selected as a maid asked for odd jobs in the gardens, letting go of a golden opportunity to climb the ladders of status in Daven Castle.


    "I did not mean to offend you...I..." Esme frowned, not knowing what to say.


    Keith laughed, "I must admit you are really different."


    Esme glanced at him awkwardly, not knowing how to react. She did not have friends while growing up neither had she interacted with many people. And she was not that good at it. Talking to people, understanding what they wanted or how to respond to them, it was all a little complicated to her.


    "There will be a fair in the Capital City starting the day after tomorrow. Would you like to join me, Miss Esmeray?"


    "I don-" Esme paused as she contemplated over it. From what she heard, Mr. Reiner has been working in the Castle since he was a child and that means he must know about everyone here. Maybe, she could find a way to ask him about that woman. Hope glimmered in her eyes as she looked at him.


    Keith was taken aback by her intense gaze but a pleasant smile made its way on his face. He has been thinking about how to approach her to ask about this so that she won''t reject him but it looks like he was worried for nothing. She looks so excited at the mention of going to the fair with him.


    Unaware of his thoughts, Esme made a decision, "Yes, I''d love-"


    "Tsk~ How ugly," A disdainful voice interrupted her words.


    Esme paused. The pleasant expression on her face disappeared and she had the sudden urge to pick up her gown and run away.


    She slowly turned around and glanced at the man who was looking at the flowers.


    After the incident in that dark hallway, later being carried to his room, getting her ankle treated, and being humiliated by him, her paths did not cross with this man. And she thought that he stopped coming after her to irk her. She thought that the Prince of Visteria has gone back to his duties. That he finally realized how improper it was for him, a great descendant of royalty to hover around a maid like a ghost.


    But now that he was standing in front of her with that disdainful expression on his divine face, she was reminded of what her Aunt used to teach her and her brother when they were young.


    ''Blessed is he who expects nothing for he shall never be disappointed.''


    And Esme just realized that she expected too much from this man.


    "My Lord," Keith bowed to the Prince respectfully, quite confused by the meaning of his words. What is the Prince referring to as being ugly? The magnificent garden was filled with beauty no matter how one looked at it.


    His thoughts were interrupted when he noticed the girl standing beside him, rooted to her spot like she was frozen there. Her expressions were blank. Worried that she was intimidated by the Prince''s aura, he extended his hand towards her so that she can snap out of her daze and greet Prince Aleister before her behavior offends him.


    "No wonder the flowers are growing so ugly," Aleister''s words made the man pause, "The gardeners here are busy cultivating affections," He said, his gaze still fixated on the flowers as if all he cared about was the nature and the roses.

 Chapter 19 - Come With Me

    Esme glanced at the man in disbelief. Her face felt like it was on fire, not because of the glaring sun but because of the embarrassment. She was ashamed to hear such things. Did this Prince think that everyone is as shameless as him?


    Keith glanced at the girl beside him before looking at Prince Aleister who was busy looking at the roses without looking in their direction, "My Lord, we-"


    "We?" Aleister interrupted sharply.


    "That''s not what I mean, My Lord," As he spoke, Keith felt a prickly sensation on the back of his neck. Since the Prince''s attention was not on him, he slowly raised his hand only for his fingers to graze past icicles which landed on his fingers. Confused, he glanced at the sun before looking at the melting icicles on his hand. Where would they come from in such weather?


    "What do you mean then?" Aleister asked without bothering to look at the gardener.


    Keith snapped out of his reverie, "My Lord, I and Miss Esmeray are-"


    "Sounds horrible," Came the Prince''s disdainful voice, interrupting Keith once again.


    Keith looked around at different types of birds in the garden which were left here to enhance the beauty of the place. He then glanced at the Prince who did not seem to be in a good mood, "What sounds horrible, my Lord? We can get it removed.''''


    "Oh? Can we?" Aleister tilted his head to look at the constantly chirping gardener, "Her name rolling off your tongue is not up to my taste. Shall we cut your tongue off, hmm?"


    Keith was tongue-tied and the man''s piercing gaze made his blood run cold. He retreated a step back knowing that the Prince does not make jokes. Neither does he follows rules. He does whatever he wants and even the King can not stop him.


    Esme''s was displeased. This man lacked shame and grace. He hovered around a maid like a ghost. He also lacked manners. Who made him a Prince?


    He should be the devil.


    A Prince should be like her elder brother, Adrian Reis. Elegant, strong, kind, and well-mannered. She lowered her head to look at her feet. The reminder of him made her throat tighten. The distant memories started playing in her mind one by one. She recalled how the King of Nevesray, her Uncle had chained her brother in a small cage and tortured him endlessly until he died.


    Aleister tilted his head and glanced at the girl who had her head lowered. Her fingers were clutching her dress slightly. A small frown was gracing her beautiful face. "What is it, my dear moon?"


    Esme snapped out of her thoughts as she tilted her head to look at him confusingly. "Did you say something..." She asked, her face remained a bit listless, "...My Lord?"


    Keith''s brows tugged together at the way the Prince addressed Esme. And looking at the way she responded to him without a hint of surprise on her face, it looked like she was used to it and this was not the first time he addressed her as such. But he has never seen them together and Esme was assigned to the work in gardens. So, she couldn''t be one of the maids who serve the Prince.


    "The flowers are growing ugly," Aleister raised an eyebrow at her, "Because you are busy in nurturing affections with him," And he watched in amusement as her listless eyes turned to furious ones within an instant, "That''s what I was saying."


    "They are growing just fine, My Lord," They are beautiful, it''s you who is blind. Her inner self added. Esme felt her face burning out of embarrassment yet again. She reminded herself again and again that this man is the Prince of the Great lands of Visteria and that she might end up being dead if she offended him. "Mr. Reiner is my superior. You have a misconception about us."


    Keith glanced at her in apprehension. Did she know what would be the consequences of her actions? How could she talk back at Prince Aleister in that way? The man was known for his bad temper and ruthlessness.


    If he wanted to do anything to Esme, then he would beg for pardon on her behalf. Keith decided it in his mind.


    "If you say so," Contrary to Keith''s expectations, Prince Aleister was seemingly pleased with the sight of the fuming girl glaring at him with furious eyes. It was not every day that the Prince gets to see such interesting creatures in flesh, "Come with me."


    He was commanding her to follow him. But Esme stood rooted to her spot without showing any intentions to go anywhere. She will stay within her boundaries since he is the Prince with power and might and she is just a nobody. But that did not mean she would dance under his fingertips like a puppet. She was not going to let him control or corner her every time.


    A smile danced in Aleister''s eyes. The more she acted this way, the more he found her captivating. He tilted his head to the side to look at the blue roses before he plucked one of them.


    Keith took the chance to lean closer to her, "Miss Esmeray, you should follow the Prince''s command before he is offended by your actions," He spoke beside her ear.


    Esme slowly and discreetly stepped to the side to create some distance between them. She felt apologetic towards him in her heart. Mr. Reiner has been helping her understanding her work properly all this while, he is very kind and patient with her. And right now, he is being a well-wisher as well.


    But she was not used to such intimacy with a man. All these years, after almost every man in the village had looked at her with those disgusting gazes and after all their attempts to touch her inappropriately, it felt like something crawled under her skin when a man got too closer to her.


    Aleister tilted his head to glance at the man, his icy gaze locked onto him for a moment before he averted his gaze towards Esme.


    Keith felt his back going cold once again.


    "It is about the arrow," Aleister said, looking at Esme as his fingers played with the petals of the rose.


    Esme''s eyes widened slightly. She was very curious about it from the day she unexpectedly ventured into that hallway and the arrow that was aimed at her.


    "Will you come with me now?"


    Esme nodded after hesitating for a few seconds.


    Aleister stepped to the side as he extended his hand in the way that led to the outside of the garden.


    Esme walked ahead, lost in her thoughts.


    Persuasion works where coercion doesn''t. And he just got to know that her preference leaned towards the former.


    The man followed after her, the corner of his lips tilting up in a small curve.


    Keith glanced at their retreating backs in confusion. Arrow? What were they talking about? They seemed to be very familiar with each other.


    And suddenly a chill spread on his mouth. He pressed his fingers only to feel the icicles sticking on his lips and in the next second, icicles grew on his right hand freezing up to half of his arms. His eyes widened in astonishment.


    At a little distance from the garden, a man and a beast were standing behind the tree, witnessing everything that occurred. "Wasn''t it the same hand that grabbed her palm and the same lips that kissed it?" Rowan frowned, "Your Master is being petty.''''


    The huge white tiger, Leo, growled slowly baring his fangs at the man.


    Rowan raised his hands in submission. What a loyal beast!


    Back to Keith, the man''s panic was getting evident on his face as the icicles on his lips and hand kept growing. But he could not even call for anyone''s help.


    He tilted his head to the side and his gaze landed on the Prince who stepped out of the gardens. And in the next second, the icicles on him miraculously disappeared followed by a lingering golden glow.


    He glanced at his right hand and touched his lips only to feel nothing on them. Golden? Something clicked in his mind.


    The powers in the members of the royalties started from yellow which stood for the weakest, orange, red, and then from purple which stood for the strongest and highest level of power.


    But to this day, it has only been Prince Aleister who was known to be gifted with the rarest powers. It was golden. Something unseen and unheard of before. Nobody knew the extent of his powers. Some say there is nothing extraordinary about it while some say such mystifying powers can cause calamities yet no one knew what was the truth.


    But what just happened with him...Keith''s brows tugged together. Did he displease the Prince in any way? He shook his head at his assumption. There must be some instability when the Prince refined his powers. He has heard that many people fail in it causing their powers to burst and go unstable for a few days.


    That must be it. He thought to himself.. Because if the Prince was displeased with him, then there was no way he would have survived till now given the man''s fearsome reputation.

 Chapter 20 - Pushing Her Buttons

    "This..." Esme glanced at the arrow in her hand, her brows tugged together in contemplation. That day, she did not get the chance to take a proper look at it. But now, she could see the intricate markings towards the shaft of the arrow.


    In the past when they were in Nevesray, she has seen the archery manuals of her elder Brother, Adrian and she still remembered a few things from it. Any arrow or bow which has such markings are never ordinary. They either hold magical powers.


    When she reached the Capital City of Visteria, she was attacked by someone near the sea. And she remembered that the golden arrow which was shot at her also appeared very rare. She has never heard anything about a golden arrow.


    But this one...Esme averted her gaze back to the arrow in her hand. This one was not rare. She was sure that such intricate markings on an arrow only meant one thing.


    "Is it someone from the royal family? Why would they come after my life?" Esme mumbled absent-mindedly. She did not even know anyone in the Daven Castle, let alone offending them.


    Aleister who was sleeping with both his hands beneath his head and his feet swinging off the round bed changed his position slowly.


    Propping his forehead on his fist, he glanced at the girl who was standing near his feet while holding the arrow in her hand, "You know about that?"


    "Huh?" Esme blinked, realizing that such things are only known to the members of the royal family or aristocrats, not the ordinary people like her. She was not supposed to say that aloud.


    But Aleister did not seem to be surprised as he pushed himself up before pointing his hand towards the spot beside him.


    "I am not supposed to sit there, My Lord," Esme was not very late to respond.


    "I was saying there is some dirt here. What are you thinking about?" The man visibly rolled his eyes.


    Her eyes widened and her lips thinned, "I''ll clean it," She said while trying to spot the mentioned ''dirt'' on the pristine silk counterpanes.


    "No need," Aleister snapped his fingers in front of her face getting all her attention back onto him in an instant, "You want to sit beside me, on my bed?" His ice-blue eyes stared at her unblinkingly.


    "No, My Lord, I misunderstood your intentions earlier," He was just pointing at some dirt and she thought that he was asking her to sit beside him. Esme was a bit ashamed but then, he must have done that on purpose.


    "But if you are that desperate, you can take a seat here," The man said, pushing her buttons playfully in the process.


    Esme opened her mouth. She paused and closed it. She then closed her eyes, inhaled a deep breath before opening them to look at him, "My Lord, let''s talk about what you have called me for."


    "Oh? You want to talk while standing there?" Aleister stroked his chin in contemplation before he nodded in understanding, "You must be getting a better view of my face while standing there in front of me."


    Esme sat on the bed without a moment''s delay, her gaze never once settled on his face to let him know that she was not fond of any such views. She moved towards the corner of the bed keeping an appropriately large distance between them.


    "You seem to be very shy looking into my eyes. What''s the matter, my dear moon?"


    Her head snapped in his direction as she looked at him in disbelief. When she was looking at him, he insinuated that she was appreciating the view of him while standing there, and now that she was not looking at him, he was saying that she was being shy.


    "You are hallucinating, My Lord."


    "Aleister."


    "Huh?" Esme blinked, "I don''t get what you are trying to say, My L-"


    "Aleister.''''


    She blinked once again. Was he asking her to address him by his given name? It was no less than a sin for a maid to address a Prince by his name. And that too, when it is the great Prince of Visteria who is known for his fearsome reputation. Was he doing all this on purpose to make her uncomfortable?


    Out of curiosity, she followed him here when he mentioned the arrow. But now, she felt like she walked right into his trap only to become his prey for the day.


    It isn''t too late to run away now, is it?


    She clutched her gown in her fists.


    Noticing her little movements, Aleister raised an eyebrow, "It is not only the royals who possess magic, you know?" He lazily spoke dangling the bait in front of the fish.


    "There are others too?" Esme glanced at him, her eyes widening slightly.


    And here the fish took the bait.


    The corner of his lips tugged up, "You should have heard about them."


    Esme''s brows tugged together as she tried to remember anything like that and something clicked in her mind.


    Sister Ruby.


    The copper-skinned woman dressed in a silver attire.


    Esme was reminded of her. She has not seen her since that night when they talked and Ruby had mentioned that she had secrets that she was unaware of.


    But till this day, Esme did not know whether that woman was a human or not because she just appeared and disappeared at her own wish.


    Was he talking about her? She glanced at the man doubtfully. After all, it was Ruby who had helped them the day she protected him from his assassination and he has seen her.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow, ''''Don''t look at me like that. you will fall in love,"


    Her face flushed and she quickly averted her gaze, wondering whether there was a sense of shame in him.


    "Think harder," The man said.


    She frowned, suddenly reminded of something else, "....Witch?" A gasp escaped her mouth as she looked at him in disbelief. Other than humans, they were the only creature who can possess magic. Dark magic.


    "Smart girl," He nodded.


    "How is it possible?" Esme shook her head. After the war that broke out between humans and witches centuries ago, witches perished. And now, the lands were dominated by the human race.


    The normal humans, the subjects of land don''t have an ounce of magical powers in them. And then the members of the royal family are blessed with the main nerve in their body which makes it possible for them to possess and cultivate magical powers.


    "Anything is possible."


    She wished it was not true.


    The folklores had it that once a witch laid her eyes on someone, the person will only await their death. As a child, she has heard countless tales about a witch, who fed on a human''s age and suck their life essence and blood to make herself more powerful and youthful.


    Right now, she wanted to look for her brother as soon as possible. But if a witch was after her, Esme would not know what to do. The strange powers in her body were all imbalanced and in a disarray...


    A burst of deep laughter beside her snapped her out of her thoughts. She tilted her head to look at him.


    "You seem to be taking my words very seriously," He glanced at her in amusement.


    She pushed herself to her feet, "Were you not being serious?" She asked, trying to simmer the rage in her eyes.


    "Who knows?"


    For a moment, she almost believed that witches exist and it nearly frightened her. "You did not let me talk with Mr. Reiner and interrupted us then you just lied about knowing the origins of the arrow and brought me here with you..."


    "When did I say that I know the origins of the arrow? You assumed it," He pushed himself to his feet and glanced at her blank face. She was tongue-tied knowing that it was a mistake on her part and he took the pleasure looking at the way she awkwardly bit her lips, "And what did you want to discuss with that gardener, huh? Tell me, I can be the best listener to you," His ice blue eyes flashed while he stepped closer to her.


    She retreated when his powerful body towered over hers.


    "I shall leave now," She nodded at him and turned around to escape from the devil''s clutches.


    "Stop right there, Princess," came the devil''s words that had her halt in her tracks, her face going pale at the realization.

 Chapter 21 - Ugly Collection

    "Stop right there, Princess," came the devil''s words that had her halt in her tracks, her face going pale at the realization.


    "You know?" She turned around to look at him, her breath caught in her throat.


    No wonder, he was nonchalant when she deduced that the Royal Family of Visteria was after her. He should have been shocked that how a maid knew about something like Archery manuals but he was not. And then, he was sure that she must have heard about witches. The normal subjects of a kingdom don''t know about the existence of the witches or folklores about them. Such things are only recorded in the Royal Archives and are recounted to the descendants of a Royal Family.


    "Know what, my dear moon?"


    "T-That..." Esme stepped back as she gulped.


    "That you are Princess Esmeray Reis?"Aleister quirked a brow.


    Her feet constantly tapped on the fine wooden floor while she glanced at his face under the glow of the crackling fire from the fireplace, "How?"


    "Does it matters?"


    "Yes."


    "To me, no!" He held her wrist and pulled her closer shortening the distance between them, "You will be working for me from today onwards," a small pause and a deep sigh from the man before he continued, "When I am happy, I might tell you how I recognized the little Princess of Nevesray."


    "I am not working for you."


    "You want to work with that gardener?" He stepped closer to her.


    She blinked, "What?"


    The man glanced at her uninterestedly.


    Esme lowered her head as she glanced at his huge rough palm that had enveloped hers, his thumb grazed on the back of her palm with gentle strokes. "What...." She peeked at him through her dense lashes "...are you doing, My Lord?"


    "Cleaning your dirty little hand," He spoke in disdain.


    She glanced at her palm which did not have a hint of blemish on it, "It''s clean now. I shall leave."


    He let go of her hand, "I have not stopped you here."


    She stood rooted to her spot as he looked into her eyes with something different in his gaze. Something that she could not comprehend.


    "You''re free to go," He turned around, his broad back was facing towards her.


    But her feet seem to be not listening to her as they did not move a single inch.


    "Are you that reluctant to part from me?" Aleister teased, his serious tone was replaced by his usual playful one.


    It must have been her illusion. Esme shook her head and walked out of his room before he comes up with something else.


    As she walked in the vast hallways, her mind wandered off to many things. Why would someone attack her?


    And how did the Prince get to know about her identity? Has he known it all this while which is why he was keeping an eye on her?


    "My My...."


    Her footsteps came to a halt and she raised her head to look at the woman standing in front of her.


    "...We almost bumped into each other," Liz tilted her head from the exquisite golden bangle that she was holding, "You were two steps away from breaking my precious. You could not have compensated for this even if you do gardening for your whole life."


    Esme nodded, "My bad. I will be careful next time."


    "There is going to be a next time?" Liz sighed, "Oh dear, you should be more careful when working for the Royal Family. If you stay in your dream world all day long, then you would offend someone one day."


    "Thank you for your advice," Just as Esme was about to walk past her, Liz grabbed her wrist.


    Esme glanced at her questioningly.


    "You really are taking gardening too seriously," Liz laughed looking at her head.


    Esme frowned in confusion.


    "Anyways, Esmeray, I could not thank you enough for what you have done for me. I owe you a favor," Liz''s words diverted Esme''s attention, "That day, you served Prince Aleister in my..."


    "It''s fine. I just had to prepare the water and aromas for his bath and you don''t owe me anything. Since you helped me get a job here, I paid your favor back now," Esme removed her hand from the woman''s grip.


    Liz nodded, "And I apologize for misbehaving with you the day you arrived here. I did not mean to call you a harlot..." She lowered her head, "I-It''s just...you looked so beautiful and the man I-like was looking at you so out of a moment of envy, I said that...I did not mean to be rude."


    Esme frowned but she eventually nodded, "Doesn''t matter," Her tone remained aloof as usual. Looking at her disappointed expressions, she opened her mouth, "It will look good on you," She softened her tone as she spoke while pointing her chin towards the gold bangle in her hand.


    Liz''s disappointed expressions turned into an excited one, "It was given to me by Her Grace Duchess Flora. She was so impressed with the way I made her hair...." She paused, "You should leave gardening and serve the Royals too. Other than the head gardener, anyone else will not benefit from that job. You-"


    "I shall leave now. My work for the day is over," Esme interrupted her as she turned around to leave.


    All the way to her room along the servant quarters, she could feel everyone''s gaze fixated on her. Without looking back at them, she stepped inside her room and closed the door behind her. Running her fingers through her long hair, she sat on her bed before letting out a soft sigh.


    She paused when her fingers came across something inside her hair. She did not use any hairpiece which made her wonder what was stuck in her hair. She ran her fingers again inside her tresses and caught the thing which was trapped between them.


    Her brows rose slightly as she unblinkingly stared at the blue rose in her hand. She did not have to think that hard to know who placed it in her hair but when he did it, it was certainly something to be thought about.


    Esme fell back on the bed as she raised the flower towards the ceiling.


    He called her ugly. He called this flower ugly. Then what was the need to pluck it and put it in her hair?


    Was he making a collection out of ugly things?


    "What kind of person are you? And what do you want from me....?" Her voice grew soft towards the end as the long day of exhaustion started taking over.

 Chapter 22 - The Only Prince

    The next day, Esme finished all her work within the garden before sitting under the shade of the tree while holding the blue rose in her hand. The same rose that a certain Prince had placed in her hair who knows when.


    Some noises from behind shifted her attention. She stood up from the ground and dusted off her gown with her hands as she turned around to look at the entrance gates opening. Soon after, royal carriages entered inside one after another before queuing up in front of the grand castle.


    "What''s going on?" Esme mumbled. She could see numerous ladies getting off the carriage with the help of their maids. All of them looked like royals and aristocrats.


    "They are the candidates for the marriage."


    Esme turned around only to find Liz standing behind her. Her eyebrows rose slightly finding it weird that Liz was standing under the glaring sun for so long as it was not usually her place to be here in the garden. But she did not point it out.


    "Marriage?" She asked, confused. Was the king marrying once again? Kings are usually allowed to take as many wives as they can but most of them keep mistresses instead just like her Uncle. But the situation looked different here, "Are they here for the king?'''' She asked nonchalantly.


    Liz frowned as she looked at her expressionless face. What would it take for her to show some expressions on that pretty face? She wondered.


    "They are not here for the King," came a polite voice.


    Esme and Liz turned around to look at Keith Reiner who made his way towards them.


    "Mr. Reiner,'''' Esme greeted the man as she nodded slightly at him.


    Keith smiled at her gently, "Miss Esmeray."


    "Mr. Reiner," Liz smiled as she bowed at the man.


    "Miss Liz," Keith nodded, polite and distant.


    "You were saying?" Liz asked the man.


    "Forgive me ladies but I overheard your conversation," Keith smiled apologetically at Esme as he spoke, "But those ladies over there are not here as the candidates to be the King''s wife. They are here for the Prince."


    "Which Prince?" Esme glanced at them curiously.


    Both Liz and Keith glanced at her silently for a few moments until the former could not keep quiet anymore, ''''How many Princes are here?"


    "How would I know?"


    Keith sighed, "The only Prince in Visteria is Prince Aleister," He glanced at her expressionless face as he wondered where she was from. People of almost every kingdom, big or small, were all aware of the infamous Prince of Visteria and regarding him being the only son of the King.


    Esme paused as she glanced at the blue rose in her hand.


    Liz sighed, "Our King is the most benevolent ruler in all the lands but other than that, he is also a loyal husband. After the Queen passed away, he never wed another woman and hence Prince Aleister, their son is the only Prince. Since the Prince has turned 20, the King has arranged many banquets for him to select his future wife but his hopes were crushed each time with the Prince''s new and weird quirks. I remember he once beheaded a Princess in front of the court officials but the reason remains unknown¡­." She stopped when Keith glanced at her warningly. Liz quickly looked around, hoping that nobody heard her or else she might become the next one to be beheaded.


    Esme was not that surprised. What more can be expected from a man whose mood is more unpredictable than the weather in Visteria?


    "Since the Prince has turned 24 a few months ago, it is only right for the King to find a Princess," Keith said after thinking about it a bit.


    "Alright. I shall leave now since my work is done," Esme nodded at both of them before she turned around and walked away.


    "Miss Esmeray is rather¡­" Keith paused, not being able to find a proper word to describe the girl who left nonchalantly.


    "Rather cold?" Looking at his strange expressions, Liz continued, "She is always like this. She rarely smiles or shows any reaction to anything," She did not know much about Esme but this is what she had observed within these days. The girl was too detached from everything around her. They only got to see her in the hallway in the servant quarters in the morning when she came to the garden every day, and then she would go back to her room after finishing her work. Neither did she talk with anyone nor did she sit with anyone.


    Keith glanced at Esme''s retreating back, "She is indeed very different.''''


    Liz tilted her head to look at him.


    Esme gently rubbed her aching wrist as she glanced at the rose in her hand which was still as fresh as before. She walked in the direction of the servant quarters.


    "Princess, I have bribed one of the maids here. There is something interesting that you should know to achieve the goal we have here."


    Esme halted in her tracks. She tilted her head and glanced at the two ladies standing at a distance. One of them had her back facing towards her whereas she recognized the other. She was one of those noblewomen whom she had seen outside in the carriages. She quickly slid beside a huge pillar when both of them looked around to make sure that there was no one. Since she had heard them already, there was no way they would let her go easily if she walked out even though she had no interest in what they were talking about.


    Leaning her forehead against the pillar, she continued massaging her wrist. Working under the sun for too long had her body aching and her throat was parched by this time. Yesterday, she was looking around in the castle with hopes that she might find the woman with whom her brother had left but she got no leads. And by the time she went to bed, it was almost dawn which is why she could not get adequate sleep yesterday. And now she was stopped here.


    "What is the thing that got you so excited?" came the Princess''s voice.


    Esme slowly turned around to glance at the lady dressed in an elegant red gown who had her chin tilted slightly as she looked at the other person, who seemed to be working for her given her plain white gown with a black layer towards the bottom.


    Esme could not see her face as the servant''s back was facing towards her.

 Chapter 23 - My Lady

    "Princess, do you remember the rumor regarding¡­.the prince?" The handmaiden asked.


    Esme easily picked up the hesitation in her voice as her keen ears instinctively pricked up at the mention of the ''Prince'' which she noticed after a few moments. Maybe in the past few days, he hovered around her like a ghost and that has gotten him stuck in her mind. But then another thought followed, ''Why is his name mentioned in all the rumors?'' She thought.


    Because he is evil. Came the answer soon after.


    Shaking her head, she wondered when will these ladies leave. She wanted to go back to her room and sleep.


    "You are a little different today. I have never seen you doing all this before. Anyways, it is good that you are growing up and understanding how everything works," The lady in the red gown asked. "The rumor that he beheaded a Princess in a banquet around last year?"


    "Yes, Princess," The other replied, "I was informed that that woman was trying to seduce the Prince with her subtle moves. And Prince Aleister was irked by that. It is believed that he likes bold women."


    Esme''s lips twitched. The Prince wouldn''t be this petty, would he? Well, it is possible when it is him.


    Esme watched as the Princess tilted her chin higher, arrogantly, "Who likes those bitches? They will act decently in public but are immoral in the private. So, what do you want me to do? And why are you telling me this?"


    "Since you are here to marry him, I thought I should inform you about it. But I know that given how bold our Princess is, she is bound to have Prince Aleister''s attention all on herself. The rest of the ladies will pale in your comparison. You just have to defy him and he will be hooked around your finger."


    As unpredictable as that man was, Esme believed it was not the truth. If something like this has really happened then people like Liz or Keith who have been working in the Castle and have higher positions in the servants'' hierarchy should not be unaware of it. So, either one of the servants has lied to the Princess'' handmaiden in the greed of rewards or this handmaiden is manipulating her on purpose.


    ''This Princess would not be a fool to fall for it,'' Esme thought. Prince Aleister was not the kind of man who would take a single disrespect well. And being bold in the court, in the presence of the King and the royal family would have consequences in the powerful kingdom of Visteria.


    ''''I am born like this, arrogant and unbending. I don''t have to pretend," A victorious smile made its way on the Princess''s face as she turned around and left, her steps arrogant as ever.


    Esme was left speechless. It was clear that she is looking for her doom.


    But it had nothing to do with her. She patiently waited behind the pillar so that the Princess'' handmaiden would leave and she would be allowed to go to the servant quarters but she just stood rooted to her spot without showing an intention to move.


    When the Princess had walked far enough, her handmaiden turned around.


    Esme''s eyes widened the moment she saw the woman''s face. She placed a palm on her mouth to refrain herself from making any noise.


    Striking copper eyes. Looks of a vixen. Mary''s voice floated in her mind along with the painting she had drawn in her diary.


    This was the same woman Arlan had left with.


    But wasn''t she supposed to be a member of the royal family? Then what was she doing with the Princess of another kingdom?


    Esme could not comprehend it as all that happened was too sudden. Hiding herself properly behind the pillar, she watched as the woman stood there for a few moments before walking in the direction in which the Princess left.


    Without any delay, Esme followed after her.


    Although Aunt Mary had said that Arlan left with this woman on his own, without being forced to do so, but Esme did not think it was so simple. At that time, she believed it in her panicked state. But she realized over time that her brother was not so impulsive. There must be something that compelled him to do so.


    But what?


    Only this woman can tell her.


    As she followed her, Esme found herself venturing inside the unseen side of the castle. If the woman was the handmaiden of a princess from another kingdom who was a guest here, then how would she know so much about this place? She wondered.


    There were guards along the way and she tried her best to act as normal as she could.


    And soon, she found the woman stepping inside what looked like the grand ballroom. She stood near the huge floor-to-ceiling windows and glanced at the woman who was standing inside the empty ballroom which was partially dark because of the lack of sunlight in the closed place.


    Esme slowly walked towards the wall and glanced at the woman''s back from the doorway.


    She suddenly turned around, "Having been following me for so long, won''t you come inside now?" came her question which almost sounded like a whisper.


    Esme was caught off guard, goosebumps rose on her skin as her grip around the stem of the rose tightened. She was acting differently from earlier when she was talking to that Princess. There was something unusual about the woman.


    Esme could tell it in the way her body was tingling so uncomfortably just at the sound of her whisper


    But it was no time to retreat. Either she will brace up and face this or she will run away. But the latter won''t help her in finding her brother. And she will have to be further shackled to her duties as a servant in this place.


    She stepped forward.


    No angels would come to fight her wars.


    Her Aunt had already sacrificed everything for them and the least she wanted was to be a burden to her anymore.


    If she let go of this opportunity, there was no other way to look for Arlan.


    "You eavesdropped on us for so long. You followed after me. You have something to say?" The woman asked, her voice airy.


    Esme rubbed her arms as she continued to look into that pair of striking copper eyes. She stepped forward until they were standing at an arm''s length, "Where is Arlan?" She softly asked.


    ''''Who?"


    Esme pursed her lips as she glanced at that playful smile on her face. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she kept looking at her, her breath gradually quickening.


    The woman''s eyes widened, "Wh-What are¡­.."


    ''Plop''


    She dropped to her knees, "My lady," Her eyes turned blank, the playful expressions on her face disappeared.


    Esme stepped back, ''''Where is Arlan?" She repeated her question, looking into the woman''s dull eyes.


    "Who is Arlan, My Lady?" came the question in an emotionless tone.


    "You¡­" Esme''s eyes widened. How could she not know Arlan? Is it possible that I got the wrong person?


    Her breathing turned irregular as a drop of blood seeped out of the corner of her mouth. Her vision turned blurry.. She bit her lips and tightened her grip on the rose, letting the thorns pierce into her palm, "The boy who left with you in¡­."

 Chapter 24 - Powers

    Esme''s keen ears picked up the sound of multiple footsteps in the distance. Blood trickled down from the corner of her mouth and her palm which was pricked with the rose thorns. Her momentary distraction broke her control over the woman''s mind and the kneeling woman fell on her back.


    Hearing the sounds of the footsteps approaching closer, Esme ran towards the darkest corner of the ballroom before hiding behind the layer of thick curtains. She clutched the material of the curtains in her fist and leaned back on the wall to support her limp body.


    "Your Grace, is this the place where you heard it?"


    ''''Yes, I think so,'''' came a gentle voice like that of tranquil water.


    Esme slightly shifted the curtains and glanced in the direction of the voice. Her gaze landed on the lady dressed in an elegant lilac gown. Her blonde tresses were arranged in a beautiful braid as it fell in front of her shoulder. There was a small frown tugging on her small face.


    "Ah¡­" The lady screamed all of a sudden attracting the attention of the guards walking after her.


    "Are you alright, Your Grace?" One of the guards stepped forward towards her.


    She pointed her trembling fingers towards the center of the ballroom which had the reflection of sunlight through the glass chandeliers amidst the dark corners. "S-Someone is there?" Fear was evident in her voice.


    One of the guards stepped forward towards the woman lying on the floor. "The lady here looks like a guest from the distant kingdoms," The guard spoke politely, ''''There is blood around this place."


    At the mention of blood, Esme glanced at her hand instinctively. Because of the darkness, she could not see it but she could feel her sticky wet palm. It was her blood.


    "We should take her to the physician before her condition worsens," The lady spoke concernedly.


    The guards bowed at her while a female guard stepped forward and picked up the woman lying on the floor.


    Esme sighed in relief as soon as they left. After making sure that they had gone far, she stepped out of her hiding. Her eyes dimmed looking at the empty floor. She was about to ask her question when they came.


    Her knees trembled slightly. She wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand walked out with the support of the wall. Her throat ran dry and she paused near the door. She inhaled a deep breath and stepped out of the place with her back straightened.


    The moment she stepped out of the ballroom, the drops of her blood on the exquisite hardwood floor disappeared.


    Unaware of anything that happened behind her, Esme kept her chin straight and walked past the guards in the subsequent hallways. By the time she reached the servant quarters, her legs could barely keep her standing. She glanced at the group of servants talking about something.


    "Esmeray, come here. You might not know but today-"


    "I-I have work left," She nodded at them and walked away. What to do? Where should she go? These people would stop her to talk with them and there was not much that she knew about this place to know where she could go despite living here for so long.


    Her gaze landed on the rose in her hand. After contemplating over it for a few seconds, she quickly went to the Prince''s room.


    As usual, the hallway remained empty and there were no guards at the door. She hesitated for a few seconds before knocking on the door, "C-Can I come inside, My Lord?"


    Sweat trickled down her face as she waited for him to say something but he said nothing. ''Is he not here?'' With that thought, she pushed opened the slightly ajar door. The room was dark as usual but the candles on the crystal chandelier casted a warm glow inside the place.


    Her eyes roamed around the place looking for any signs of him but he was nowhere to be seen. Just as she expected. She walked inside the bath and her eyes glimmered at the sight of pristine water in the huge pond-like structure amidst the place. The pool was surrounded by pillars.


    As soon as she descended inside the water, the fa?ade she used to get past the guards dropped. Her straight back slightly hunched forward. Her body slumped, her legs in a trembling mess.


    From the day she started noticing these strange powers in her body and used them on people by mistake, she used to feel such pain. But it was never this painful and it will go away within a few moments. She had no control over these powers inside her body, she was controlled by them once she used these powers.


    A gasp left her mouth when there was a sudden prick in one of her ankles. The rose in her hand dropped inside the water as she lifted her leg to the side. The prickling sensation intensified and she closed her eyes.


    She glanced at her ankle where something was piercing out. Her eyes widened as she touched the spot. It felt hard to her fingers, unlike the previous times when it just appeared and disappeared like an illusion. Like a toenail, the hard pearly things stuck to her ankle.


    "Why am I like this?" A teardrop glided down her cheek, turning into a pearl as soon as it fell into the water. She wiped her teary eyes with the back of her hand and rubbed her ankle until the skin turned red, the silver thing was plucked leaving a cut on her skin. Blood seeped through her white gown tainting the pure water


    She struggled to stay awake but her consciousness started fading away.


    In the hallway.


    Aleister walked back to his room with the white tiger walking beside him.


    It growled again and again trying to get his Master''s attention.


    The man uninterestedly spared him a glance as they stopped near the door, "Are you hungry?"


    ''Growl''


    "You have thinned quite a bit," He measured Leo from front to back with his gaze.


    The tiger''s eyes brightened as if he believed he would get something to eat.


    "But you won''t get food for now," The corner of his lips tugged up, ''''There is a feast waiting for you by the night in the court. All exquisite food from various kingdoms."


    Leo growled again. He had to eat to survive till then first. Letting out another earth-shattering growl, he walked towards the opposite wall and sat with his back facing the man.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow, "Even she never tries to get my attention with such tricks," Completely unfazed by his sulking beast, he pushed open the door and stepped inside the room.


    His footsteps came to a halt when his gaze landed on the floor.

 Chapter 25 - You And I...Us

    Esme struggled to move but every inch of her body was limp, refusing to move. The salt water of deep seas grazed past her lips as she blew with her mouth to breath. Her motionless body continued to drown deeper and deeper until her struggles became hopeless.


    ''No! Save me¡­'' The water started getting inside her mouth as she tried to scream desperately, to ask for help as she was losing her breath. Her consciousness. But the dark water seemed to be adamant on swallowing her as she felt herself getting deeper and deeper until she was suffocated.


    "No-'''' Esme sat up on the bed as her chest rose and fell, her eyes were covered in a layer of sheen. The nightmare continued playing inside her mind like she just lived it and she shivered, feeling a gust of chilly air sweeping past her body.


    "What is it, Princess-"


    Aleister did not get to finish his words as the girl pounced on him. Her arms encircled around his torso while her head was pressed on his chest, her soft gasps reverberated in the room.


    A frown tugged on his forehead as he stroked her back, "Did anyone cause troubles for you?" There was no response from her, "What happened Esme?" His voice softened when her breathing turned uneven.


    It was only then did she snap out of her reverie. The hands wound around his neck loosened as she slowly moved back to look at him, her fingers still clutched the material of his robe near his shoulder, "I am scared,'''' Her eyes turned misty as she blinked rapidly.


    "Of what?" His gaze darkened as he cupped her cheek. His tone low and dangerous, his ice blue eyes held her captive the instant they looked into hers.


    For some reason, for a moment, he looked like he will eliminate anything she was afraid of. The man she was treating as an enemy since the first day they met made her feel like he wanted to protect her from everything that intimidated her.


    "I-" She lowered her head slightly before inching away from him, realizing their proximity. "I apologize for troubling you, My Lord," The moment of illusion was over as she recovered from her confused state.


    The palm on her cheek slid down and she tilted her head upwards to look at him.


    Aleister pushed himself out of the bed as he stood there, his thumb roughly grazed past his prominent jaws and she looked at the visible scratches on the spot, "I always knew you had those kind of intentions for me," He said while glancing at her pale face, "But little did I expect that you will go all wild on me just at the first chance you got," He pursed his lips looking at her like a disappointed elder.


    Her face flushed slightly and the corner of his lips tugged up at the sight of her blushing cheeks.


    Esme lowered her head and gripped the sheets in her hand, for a moment forgetting all her discomfort. She pushed herself out of the bed before looking at him, "I did not do it on purpose."


    "Are you talking about this?" He grabbed her hand and placed it on his chin, letting her fingers graze past his sharp jaws as he felt her fingers tremble. Her grey eyes widened, "Or this?" He tugged at her palm ever so gently and she crashed in his arms like an aimlessly flying dandelion.


    Esme felt like her heart was about to burst. It was so conflicting. She has found it uncomfortable even when any man gazed at her. But why did this man manage to trespass every wall around her? And despite that, she was just left helpless and confused, not knowing what to do.


    Aleister distanced her from himself without letting go of her delicate hands. He intertwined their fingers as he looked at her reddening face, "What exactly did you not do on purpose, Esme?"


    Her head snapped at him. Esme? No man has ever addressed her so intimately. She glanced at their intertwined fingers. His long slender fingers and broad palm were clearly overpowering hers, "I-I¡­" No words formed in her mouth and she bit her lips. Her eyes looking at here and there for anything that could possibly distract him, or something that can be used by her to escape his powerful clutches.


    "You?" Aleister raised an eyebrow, tightening his grip on her hand when her rebellious fingers tried to sneak away.


    ''''I-I¡­" Her heart picked up its pace when he lowered his head and stared at her unblinkingly. She gulped, "Y-You..I.." No longer did she know what she was trying to say. She closed her eyes feeling ashamed of her dumb actions.


    "Mmm¡­.You and I¡­Us" He chuckled when her eyes snapped open in disbelief, "You are being desperate to claim me as yours, aren''t you?"


    "I-I should leave,'''' Her voice could not hide her anger and shock. He was too much. How could he accuse her of doing and thinking such shameful things? She tried to pry her hand out of his grip.


    "You are not leaving," He let go of her hand and pressed his index finger on her shoulder. With one gentle push, Esme fell back on the bed and settled upon it after bouncing twice. The velvet sheets lifted upwards by themselves and tucked her inside. She speechlessly glanced at the sheets like they were some rare creature.


    What just happened? She could not comprehend at all. She tried to sit but the sheets pressed her down, "What is this?" She pursed her lips, "I want to go. You can''t cage me here against my will even if you are the only Prince of this powerful Kingdom-"


    "Oh~ Eager to be caged in my room? That reminds me¡­" He stepped back and in the next second, crystal bars rose from the exquisite wooden floor encircling the bed, "I do want to ensnare you, my dear moon," His lips tugged up forming a devious curve on that face.


    Esme glanced at the cage before looking at him, waiting for him to grow two horns above his head. She would not be shocked this time.


    She has lived 14 years of her life as a princess and 7 years as an ordinary villager who collected herbs to earn a few silver coins. But she has never seen or heard of such powers within 21 years of her existence.


    Maybe, if Aunt was here, she might have known it. Esme thought to herself.


    At this moment, she was more curious about him and his powers rather than thinking about escaping from his clutches.. But she had yet to notice how her thoughts were leaning towards him.

 Chapter 26 - To Chose A Wife

    "My Lord, His Majesty has asked for your presence in the court," One of the King''s guards stepped inside the room. Other than the King and a few of his personal servants, no one else had the permission to step inside the Prince''s room unless they were asked to.


    Aleister averted his gaze from the girl in the crystal cage as he turned around to look at the man, ''''Why? The pigs have been prepared to be slaughtered?"


    The guard choked on his saliva as a conflicted expression appeared on his face, not knowing how to respond to the Prince. He quickly tilted his head to look at the Prince with his upper body slightly bent, "It is his Majesty''s order. The Princesses and other noble ladies are waiting," He said after thinking about it a bit. All the ladies arranged this time were top beauties of their kingdoms with incomparable wealth and status yet the Prince managed to compare them with pigs, "My Lord, you must choose one of them this time around."


    Although he was speaking to the Prince, he could not control himself from looking at Esme from the corner of his eyes.


    From her plain white gown, he concluded that she was a maid here but he did not think he has seen her before.


    Esme who was now sitting on the bed after getting rid of those stubborn velvety sheets frowned a bit under the guard''s gauging eyes. All this did not faze her anymore but she felt a bit uncomfortable about it no matter how she tried not to.


    "She is beautiful, isn''t she?" Aleister stepped closer to the man as he spoke beside his ear.


    "Yes, she is," The guard could barely control the lust in his eyes as he looked at her from head to toe. Since she was a maid and was sitting on the Prince''s bed, it meant the Prince must be done playing with her and she is his discarded woman now, "My Lord, can I¡­Ahhh¡­"


    Esme''s eyes widened when that animalistic growl resounded in the room. She glanced at the guard who had his palms pressed on his face, his eyes were gouged out ruthlessly. Her throat tightened as she turned to look at the Prince in disbelief while he stood there with an emotionless face.


    "Is she beautiful?" Aleister repeated his question in a soft voice.


    "I-" The man toned down his growls as he panted, the pain was making him feel like his head was about to burst, "I don''t know. I have not seen anyone, My Lord," He spoke politely, enduring the pain which gradually decreased.


    "Good."


    And that was enough for him to know that the Prince wanted him to leave. He placed his palm on his face as blood seeped between his fingers. Bowing to the Prince, he turned around and left relying on his instincts before he could lose any other body part after his eyes.


    Aleister glanced at Esme who was looking at him unblinkingly, ''''Are you scared?"


    "You are unreasonable," Esme mumbled under her breath but he managed to catch it.


    "Why would you say that?" He asked while glancing at the pale-faced Princess.


    He just asked you to go to the court to select a wife for yourself under the King''s order but you dug out his eyes. As much as she wanted to say, but it was not her place to do so. She was just a maid here whom he was entertaining because he probably found it fun to play at this moment. Once she tested his limits, it would be her limbs or head getting chopped off just like the guard''s eyes were gouged out. The ghastly sight of it was still imprinted in her mind.


    "You can''t cage me here¡­" Esme softly said, "¡­My Lord."


    "I can cage you here, My Lady," Aleister smiled as he snapped his fingers and the crystal cage disappeared, "But I won''t. Stay here until I am back. Be obedient."


    Esme speechlessly looked at him. Did he think she would listen to his commands and sit here on his bed until he comes back? What made him so sure that she won''t leave?


    And why was he addressing her in such ways which sounded so intimate?


    He chuckled as if he was well aware of her thoughts, "Your elder brother won''t let you escape. Don''t worry."


    "Yes?" The corner of her brows twitched slightly as she asked in confusion, "Elder Brother? I don''t have one¡­." After the death of her Elder Brother Adrian, she did not have one.


    "Oh? No, I am not talking about the one you share blood with," Aleister clicked his tongue, "Rather the one you share the same temperament with. He is equally wild and untamed but that makes me more fond of him just like I am fond of you," With that said, he turned around and walked ahead only to pause near the door, "I will be back soon, my dear moon," And this time, he left without looking back.


    Esme blinked as she tried to understand what he meant. Elder Brother? Fond of him? And fond of you¡­.?


    Her thoughts settled on the last phrase as her face grew warm. She patted her cheeks and shook her head before pushing herself out of the bed.


    ''Roar''


    Her long tresses flew to one side as she lost her balance and fell back on the bed.


    Craning her neck, she glanced blankly at the majestic white beast standing near her feet.

 Chapter 27 - Disguise And Infiltrate

    "Is this real?" Esme curiously tugged at the tiger''s fur and his ears. Her eyes growing wide in amusement. It was not everyday that she got to see real tigers.


    There aren''t any tigers in their kingdom and as much as she knew, they were equally rare in Visteria but still she had never heard of the existence of a tiger with snow like furs.


    The beast roared at the audacious woman.


    Esme''s hair flew back as the tiger''s saliva drenched her face. She wiped her face with the sheets on the bed before tugging at his ear again, "This is the last time. You are so beautiful¡­" She sighed, ''''Can I rub my face on your fur?" She glanced at him hopefully.


    Leo roared once again. Indecent woman! He opened his mouth to bite her hand.


    She quickly retracted her limbs which wanted to play with the tiger a little more. She stood up from the bed, "I want to stay here with you but I have to leave, pretty¡­" Esme blinked, finding the tiger too adorable, "I will get you some meat before the Prince returns," She patted his head.


    Leo, who was ready to act on his Master''s orders, to hold her back in the room wagged his tail at the mention of food. His eyes had an expression of ''You human girl, are not that bad after all''. Unlike the man who is starving him since morning.


    Esme smiled, looking at his obedient expressions.


    She could not say that she was not shocked or scared when she first saw him but a second later, even when he scared her, she just felt like petting him.


    Esme escaped from the Prince''s room before he could come back and put another crystal cage around her. She went back to the servant quarters. After going inside her room, she closed the door behind her.


    The events of the day were still alive in her mind.


    She walked towards her bed and sat on it before looking at her ankle from where she had plucked a silver scale out of anger. There were no wounds on her skin which she had initially predicted because her wounds heals on their own¡­.most of them.


    While her powers, they come at their own wish. Sometimes, no matter how she tries, she could not use them. And at other times, those powers will awaken inside her body even if she was asleep.


    What happened today was just so similar. She pushed herself out of her bed and walked towards the window.


    She was so close to knowing the truth and finding her brother if those people did not came over there to the empty ballroom all of a sudden.


    All the pain she went through after using her powers were for nothing.


    And other that, she lost her reputation. Esme lowered her head as her face turned hot at the thought of how she jumped on Aleister.


    ''''Why is he like the way that he is¡­?" She mumbled out aloud before shaking her head. He was too unpredictable for her to predict. She still could not believe that he compared her with a tiger and made her his little sister.


    When she woke up, she was already on his bed. But she wondered what happened after she fainted in the water?


    Esme sighed. Rather than thinking about him, she should be thinking about how to get closer to that woman but how?


    She did not even know where she was.


    Something came to her mind. Today was the day the Prince would be choosing a wife and the Princesses and noble ladies will be all there in the court along with their handmaidens.


    Yes, along with their handmaidens.


    That means that woman will also be there.


    ''Knock Knock''


    Her thoughts were interrupted by the constant knocks. Esme opened the door only to be greeted with the Butler standing in front of the room with a woman beside him. From the woman''s dress, she concluded that she was also a handmaiden of one of the Princesses.


    She politely nodded at the butler, "Good Evening."


    The butler nodded back at her, not that shocked by her natural elegance anymore. The first day, he was taken aback because the way she carried herself did not make her look like a servant. But now, he was getting used to her nature.


    "Lady Esmeray?" The woman walked towards her.


    Esme nodded.


    "The butler told me that you are proficient with herbs. Can you help me?"


    Esme glanced at the butler questioningly, ''''Our guest needs your help. Make sure to look after her," With that said, the stoic man turned around and left.


    "How can I help you, Miss?" Esme stepped aside to let her in.


    The woman stepped inside her room as she removed the veil covering half of her face, "I have been having a fever since morning and with such conditions, I won''t be able to serve or accompany the Princess to the court after some time. I need your help," Only the royals get treated by the the physicians while the servants don''t get any of such treatments as they are required to have a strong body and mind to be able to serve the royals.


    Even the handmaidens go through tough training for that but in the end they are just mere weak humans, compared to the royals who have a main nerve inside their body and immeasurable powers. Their health is unpredictable.


    Esme glanced at her pale face as something flashed in her mind. ''''I will get some herbs for you from the garden. They might not work immediately but they will help."


    The woman smiled at her thankfully as she turned around to leave.


    Almost after an hour, Esme stood in front of the mirror as she glanced at her reflection in satisfaction. She adjusted the veil covering the lower half of her face before running her fingers through the ugly hairpiece on her dry looking black hair. Her wine shaded hair was easily dyed with the help of a paste made of a few flower petals. This should be good enough to not attract anyone''s attention.


    She walked towards the woman sleeping on the bed. A hint of guilt appeared on her face. The herbs she gave the woman was so strong that she would not wake up for a few hours even though it would work well for her fever. She will be fine by the time she woke up.


    Disguise herself as a handmaiden and infiltrate amongst the Princess and their servants. That''s what she settled on.


    Now that she has a way to go inside the court as the Princess''s handmaiden, she hoped everything will go just according to her plan.

 Chapter 28 - His Wife

    "You must choose a wife for yourself,'''' The King said, his brooding stare fixated on his son who was sitting on the throne chair on his right with a dark expression on his face. He noticed how the servants trembled while serving him the tea.


    "Alright," Aleister nodded slowly.


    Esme, who was standing behind the queue of princesses and noble ladies, glanced at him blankly. In front of her, he was pretending like he did not want to be involved in some political marriage but he looked alright with it right at this moment. She shook her head. What has it got to do with her?


    She averted her gaze towards the Princess standing in front of her. She was the one whose handmaiden is sick but the Princess looked unaware of it.


    Around twenty noble ladies were standing in the royal court with two people standing behind each of them. One is their maidservant and the other is a male guard assigned for their protection.


    Esme glanced at the woman standing beside her. She is the same woman who was inciting the Princess to act as haughtily around Prince Aleister to attract his attention but there was something different around her. The discomfort she felt around her earlier was no longer there.


    "I will marry her.''''


    Esme sighed at Aleister''s words. Was he choosing a wife for himself or a pet? It was done that fast?


    She pitied the poor girl in her heart. It would be a miracle if she would not end up dead by the dawn for offending the Prince.


    Suddenly, she felt something amiss.


    She tilted her head only to find that everyone was looking at her. Esme blinked. She was just keeping an eye on the mysterious handmaiden before she disappeared once again but it should not be noticed by everyone else right?


    Then, why were they looking at her like that?


    From the princesses to the King and the court officials, everyone''s pointed stare left her confused. She adjusted the veil settled upon her face and glanced at Aleister from the corner of her eyes. Whenever something strange happened, he had a hand in it. Was he the cause of this?


    "Come here, my future wife," The man extended his hand towards her.


    Esme''s lips twitched. He never disappointed her. She knew it had something to do with him. She sighed inwardly but suddenly her breath was caught in her throat as her head snapped in his direction once again.


    What did he call her? His w-wife?


    Disbelief marred her face. Was he so obsessed over the idea of troubling maids in one way or another? Did he not know how many eyes would be settled on her the moment he said something like this?


    "Come here, my dear moon.''''


    Esme''s heart skipped a beat.


    So, he was not fond of troubling maids. He was only fond of troubling her.


    There were gasps all over the court as this is the first time that everyone witnessed this merciless man addressing someone with so much adoration in his voice.


    The King had his focus settled on the girl who was standing with her chin raised despite having everyone''s prying gaze on her.


    Esme walked towards him, knowing that it would be an offense if she didn''t.


    She glanced at his outstretched hand blankly.


    Aleister pushed himself to his feet looking at the pair grey eyes who were all set to cut him down. She was burning with rage yet she had to tamp it down, ''''Take my hand, Esme,'''' He spoke beside her ear such that only she could hear him.


    "You recognized me,'''' Her voice came equally low. He recognized her from the moment she stepped inside the court but he pretended like he didn''t.


    ''''What made you think that I won''t?" He asked with amusement dancing in his eyes, his powerful body towering over her delicate one.


    "I am not taking your hand,'''' Esme was determined, "You are using me as a shield to avoid this arrow called a political marriage.''''


    "Will you take my hand if I say that I mean it and you are not a shield?"


    She blinked, looking at the serious expressions on his face. She could feel countless burning gazes on her but that was not what she should be worried about. What they think about her was unrelated to her as it is their Prince whose mood fluctuates like the weather of Visteria where it could be humid in the morning while brewing a snowstorm by the night.


    Moreover, she did not think anyone else would recognize her. They all just see her as the Princess''s handmaiden.


    ''''No."


    Aleister chuckled. He did not expect an affirmation from her either, "You''re clever, Princess. But you must take my hand.''''


    "What if I don''t?"


    "Then everyone will know who you are. How does that sound?"


    Her mouth parted slightly as she glanced at him, "You are¡­'''' She lacked words to describe the kind of man he was.


    "I am all yours, princess," He grabbed her hand and pressed a kiss on the back of her hand.


    Esme felt a flutter in her heart, the feeling disappearing before she could catch onto it.


    Just when she struggled to get her hand out of his grip, he spoke again, "That woman is captured.''''


    "Who¡­?'''' Esme paused as the realization dawned on her. She turned around to look at the maidservant who she was keeping an eye on but the woman was nowhere to be seen. In a court filled with the officials, under the sharp eyes of the King, she just seemingly disappeared in thin air and Esme had no doubts about who was behind all of it.


    And if he knew, he captured her on purpose so that she would agree to play his wife.


    "Clever girl," Aleister stroked her fingers, knowing how she comprehended everything within an instant.


    ''''How did you know who I was looking for her?" Her hand stopped struggling in his grip.

 Chapter 29 - Beauty And Beholder

    Aleister smiled, ''''Good girl,'''' He whispered, not bothering to answer her question. She was a curious one and it certainly pleased him to no extent whenever she asked her doubts with those doe-like innocent eyes which would be throwing knives at him most of the time. It was like she had no one to lean on other than him.


    He shifted his attention to his father, the old man who was so desperate to get him married for a decade. He was amused that how he did not arrange a wife for him when he was born, "Here''s my wife."


    "You have yet to marry her," The King said, his deep-set of eyes staring straight at his son''s and the girl''s entangled fingers, "So, she is not your wife yet.''''


    ''''I will only marry her," Aleister stared at the man emotionlessly, "She will be my wife eventually," There was no humor in his tone.


    Esme adjusted her veil properly. As long as it was settled properly, no one was going to come after her neck. Neither the King or the court officials who seemed like they would burn her at any point nor the Princesses who have traveled from faraway kingdoms in hopes of marrying him.


    ''''My Lord, you can''t marry her.''''


    "You have the royal blood flowing in your veins. The future Queen should be someone who would be worthy enough to stand beside you.''''


    The court officials protested, though their tones remained polite. The thought of offending the Prince terrified them. If they offended the King, there is a chance that their lives will be spared for how kind their ruler was. But Prince Aleister was different. Hands tainted in blood, the man only spoke the language of bloodlust. Fearsome and merciless, he had carried the aura of a ruler since the day he was born when their kingdom was covered in a miraculous golden glow. Nobody knew the extent of his powers.


    It shocked them to know the extent that this cruel man was bewitched by a servant but there was no way they could let her be the queen.


    Aleister did not glance at any of them, ''''Marks the end of wife hunting.''''


    The King raised an eyebrow.


    ''''Your Majesty, you have to do us justice¡­.''''


    Esme recognized the voice. It was that Princess from the northeast who was talking with the maidservant when she overheard them in the noon.


    "¡­How can My Lord marry a servant of the lower class? This is an utter humiliation to all of us.''''


    ''''Yes, My Lord, you can not take this decision like this.''''


    ''''A lowly servant cannot be accepted as our queen.''''


    The higher-ranking officials agreed with the Princess on this.


    "You have anything to say about this?" The King, Alexander, glanced at his son, wanting to see to what extent would he go for the girl.


    Aleister did not say anything, boosting the Princess'' confidence.


    What her maidservant said was the truth. The Prince has a preference towards bold women which is why she was still standing unharmed given the man''s fearsome reputation. Though she was sent here for a political marriage, but the moment she saw him, she wanted to stand beside him. A man so powerful and breathtakingly perfect. He had to be hers.


    The Princess tilted her chin arrogantly as she gauged Esme. Though her white veil covered half of her face, there was nothing remarkable about her dry and rough-looking raven hair.


    Esme turned to look at the Princess. Their eyes met briefly before the Princess turned to look at the King.


    "Those light and ugly eyes of hers¡­" Those eyes were the most beautiful pair of eyes she had come across but she will never admit that an ordinary servant could be more beautiful than her in any way, ''''Your Majesty, they are ominous. They might be inauspicious to the lands. It is said that some people are born with curse in their blood¡­''''


    A small smile made its way on her lips under the veil as Esme closed her eyes. It was ironic that she felt like she was cursed. Her powers were nothing more than a curse to her. So, what the Princess might not be entirely wrong.


    She felt the grip on her hand tightening. Esme opened her eyes to look at the man who was already looking at her. She glanced at their intertwined fingers and her face turned hot. The moment their eyes met, the corner of his lips tugged up. She averted her gaze, not knowing what was going on in his mind.


    "And this lowly servant here has high ambitions that she even seduced¡­.AHHH!!" A golden ray shot at the woman''s neck as blood splattered everywhere, while the arrogant Princess''s cold body laid under the pale glow coming from the crystal chandeliers hanging high up in the courtroom.


    Silence reigned the place as the murmurs and whispers tamped down. Everyone''s gaze settled on the man who wore nonchalant expressions. Their protests of not accepting a servant as their Queen dissolved in the thick stench of blood lingering in the air.


    The heavy atmosphere had them dread at what was about to come, whether they will be the next to be beheaded.


    The other Princesses were trembling yet there was relief apparent on their faces. It was not them who humiliated the servant girl and they were content with their self-restraint.


    At this moment, the King''s gaze was however focused on the girl standing beside his son. Her eyes were nonchalant, her fingers weren''t trembling neither was she pale. It bemused him how she remained so unaffected in the presence of his son who killed a princess in the blink of an eye. Wasn''t she afraid that she might become the next?


    He glanced at the dead Princess. The moment she opened her mouth, he knew there was no going back.


    "Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder," Aleister''s casual words reverberated in the court as he left the place, not letting go of Esme''s hand all this while.


    Esme did not take his words seriously for she knew that the Prince was just involved in this pretense at this moment.


    Nobody dared to protest as they watched them leaving like they owned the lands they were stepping on.

 Chapter 30 - Possessed?

    "Walk slowly. I don''t have legs as long as yours," Esme mumbled when she couldn''t catch up to him, her breaths coming in soft pants.


    He paused, a charming smile made its way on his face as he glanced at her, "Shall I carry you?"


    Her face flushed, ''''I can walk," Why would she want to be carried by him?


    ''''You don''t look affected by what happened," His steps were as powerful as before but his pace slowed down.


    "I expected that from you," She lowered her head. For whatever reason, she was not that scared like before. Maybe because after hearing about him from everyone, she was getting used to what was laid before her eyes, or maybe because she knew how inhumane he was that she was unfazed.


    "I assume you like everything about me."


    Her footsteps came to a halt as she glanced at him confusingly, "What?" As it settled on her, her eyes widened, "My lord likes to assume a lot. When the Princess started acting that way, defying your decisions, I knew you would not spare her. You like to hold grudges.''''


    ''''Oh no, I don''t," He leaned closer to her.


    "You do.''''


    "Isn''t it better to end the person before any grudge is mentioned?"


    She pursed her lips, knowing that he meant it while a lazy smile drawled on his face.


    "I did hold a grudge against her for she called you ugly," said the man while she blinked in confusion, "She is dead. So does the grudge.''''


    "Because she called me ugly?" Esme blankly stared at the man, ''''Why does it matters when you call me ugly most of the time?" A person''s thought process was always deciphered by their face or their words or by their expressions and she had been looking at him for a few days already but what went on in his mind was still a mystery to her.


    Only then did she notice their intertwined fingers. She tried to pull it back but the man''s hold on her was firm as he pulled her into his room and dragged her towards the huge mirror on the wall.


    ''''You take my words way too seriously," He helped her on the exquisite wooden chair and placed his palms on her shoulder, "What makes you think that you are ugly?"


    "People say countless things, they have countless opinions and none of them matter to me," Esme murmured, "I won''t find myself ugly just because someone said it," She glanced at their reflection in the mirror, he was standing right beside her.


    Aleister smiled, "I would not accept anything less from you," Satisfied, he tugged at her veil which fell onto her lap, revealing her face. She was a sight that had his heart skip a beat since the first time he laid his eyes on her and he was not in denial about that. He gently removed the ugly hairpiece, freeing her long dark rough hair that she had forcefully dyed to disguise herself. His fingers ran through her tresses as they returned their natural wine shade, flowing like silk straight down her back.


    Esme felt a shiver running in her body at his soft touch. Her lips parted slightly but she closed her mouth. She slowly placed a palm where her heart was beating wildly, something that had her wonder whether it was not working properly anymore because of her strange powers. It would start beating faster than galloping horses at any given time without any warning.


    She glanced in awe as her hair turned back to its natural shade. She thought she would have to wash it for hours after using that paste made out of herbs and flowers.


    ''''Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?" He whispered, looking at her reflection.


    Her heart skipped a beat when their eyes met and she quickly stood up, "No, you haven''t. You said that I was the ugliest creature when we met back in the dungeon."


    "You are holding grudges, my dear moon," He tucked the loose strands of her behind her ear, his eyes narrowing when she took a step back.


    "No, I am not. On the contrary, I think¡­" She licked her bottom lips, those plump and inviting lips had his whole attention on them while she continued, "I think there is something wrong with you today."


    "What do you think is wrong with me?" He grabbed her hand, playing with her delicately slender fingers.


    Her hand trembled slightly, "You¡­" She pulled her hand back only to be tugged towards him as the distance between them lessened, ''''I don''t know what''s wrong with you. Can I see her?"


    "Sure. Let''s go there now.''''


    "You¡­are coming with me?" She glanced at him, a bit conflicted.


    "Or you can walk around the castle with a lantern in your hand like a little thief? What do you think?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.


    Instead of being offended, she was relieved that he was back to his own self. Earlier when he said that he killed that Princess because the woman was badmouthing her and then he called her beautiful, she was bewildered.


    "I-I¡­I have some work. I will finish it first and then come back," Her heart raced a bit faster under his intense gaze.


    He grabbed her hand and pulled her towards himself, a thread of distance lingered between them as her palm settled on his back before she could fall.


    Her eyes widened, "What are you doing?!" She glanced at him in disbelief. Was he possessed today?

 Chapter 31 - Pretty Little Mouth

    "Are you going to meet that gardener?" There was an edge to his voice.


    "I''m going to my room," Just as she removed her hand from his back, he grabbed it once again intertwining their fingers, "Even if I meet him, that''s not something you should interfere in. And you should address Mr. Reiner more respectful-"


    "Shhh. Don''t take his name when you can do much better things with that pretty little mouth of yours," He pressed a finger on her lips, feeling them tremble right under his touch, a hint of blush remained on her fair skin perhaps because the depth of his words settled in her mind. She wasn''t entirely na?ve and he was sure of it.


    His gaze darkened as he stepped back from her, putting an appropriate distance between, "Come back soon. I might not feel like going anywhere later.''''


    She felt the immediate loss of warmth that had enveloped her body. She glanced at the lazy smile resting on her face. He was mean and he might do what he said. She wanted to argue that she had not told him to capture that woman and he did it for his own sake so that she would pretend to be his lover in front of the King but then, this man was just petty.


    He will hold a grudge and won''t take her to that handmaiden so she just held herself back.


    Shaking her head inwardly, she walked out of the room, her footsteps matching the pace of her heart. Did he ever feel ashamed when he said such twisted words? Because even if he didn''t, she sure did to hear them.


    Aleister sat on the window sill, his index finger fiddled with the velvet material of the curtain, "Her lips are softer," The curtain burned to ashes as the man leaned back on the wall, letting out a deep sigh. He raked his fingers through his hair, frustration apparent on his face, ''''What have you done to me?"


    "Aleister," Rowan stepped inside followed by the white tiger who was visibly guilty given the way he walked towards his Master, wagging his large tail.


    Aleister glanced at the beast in disgust, "What are you, a cat?" He clicked his tongue.


    Leo roared in protest, wondering whether his Master was angry. There was no way he could have known that that human girl was fooling him as the promised meat was never given to him.


    "Don''t worry. You will have your fair share of punishment," Aleister glanced at Rowan, "Smear some coal on his white fur and do some art on him before hanging him upside down in the hallways. Make sure she hears about it."


    Rowan frowned, "What do you want to do?"


    "Catching the prey by throwing a bait," Aleister glanced at Leo who was glaring at him.


    "Shall I do it now?"


    "Tomorrow,'''' He glanced at his right-hand man, "Did you find anything?"


    "She is a human and an ordinary servant. She has never heard anything about Lady Esmeray," Rowan replied, his keen eyes did not miss the burnt curtains. He wondered what was their sin that they had to suffer this Lord''s wrath.


    Aleister was quiet for a few moments before he spoke, "Look into every part of the castle where she went today. Gauge every living person and dig out the corpses if needed. Find out who has ill intentions towards her.''''


    Rowan bowed slightly at the man before he turned around and left. Except for her unparalleled beauty, what qualities did Lady Esmeray possess that had this cruel man sparing his attention to her? He couldn''t help but wonder about it.


    Aleister''s expression darkened when he thought back to the events that occurred in the day. When he stepped inside the bath, the first thing he witnessed was the water that had turned entirely crimson, while her blood-soaked body laid in the bottom of the pool. He could not have seen her because of the depth of the water if not for the edge of her gown which was floating in the water and the blue rose that he had placed in her hair when she was not noticing. When he carried her out of there, she was just like a lifeless twig in his arms, which might break with any wrong move on his part.


    Paler than a blank canvas, she laid there on his bed, trembling like she was left frozen on a chilly night.


    Once the person responsible for her condition stood before his eyes, it will be good to tear them apart. Flesh to Flesh and bone to bone.


    A ruthless curve made its way across his lips which soon faded the moment his eyes landed on the moon which had half of its face hidden in the clouds, amidst the darkness.


    She was equally mysterious, wasn''t she?


    As soon as Esme stepped inside her room, the woman sitting on her bed stood up.


    "Lady Esmeray," She bowed.


    Esme grabbed her shoulders, "No need for this," She was not a princess her and even if she was, she just found all this unnecessary, ''''How do you feel now?"


    "I''m feeling really well now for I had a really good sleep. I have been a bother to you as you had to replace me in court. Apologies for the inconvenience and I am grateful for your help.''''


    Esme smiled, "It''s alright. The Princess did not recognize me," She glanced out of the window. It was getting late. She had to go back to him so that he could take her to meet that woman.


    "Who was selected to be the Prince''s wife?" The woman asked curiously.


    "Me¡­'''' Esme paused as she snapped out of her trance¡­"

 Chapter 32 - Hateful

    ''''I mean the Prince had a lover and so he rejected all the noble ladies," Esme corrected herself.


    ''''To be adored by a man like him, his lover is very lucky,'''' The woman sighed, ''''I won''t bother you any longer. Now that Princess is not chosen, we will have to leave for our kingdom by the dawn.''''


    Esme sat on the bed as she glanced at her retreating back. Adored? He was just treating her like a shield to escape this marriage without breaking his father''s heart. That was her conclusion about everything that happened.


    She glanced in the direction where the woman went. Her Princess might assume that it was her who was Prince Aleister''s lover but it will be alright once she tells her that she was sick. And by the time they become aware of the truth that involved her, they would have reached their kingdom.


    Esme leaned her head forward as she swung her legs back and forth, her tresses glided in front of her shoulder. For some reason, the sight of her hair reminded her of the man who was weaving his fingers through them a few moments ago.


    ''''It is all because of him that I got into this. It will be better if nobody recognizes me," She grumbled while arranging her hair in a braid.


    "You look more beautiful like this," A finger pressed on her thumb and she stiffened the moment she heard that deep voice.


    She turned around to look at the man who was sleeping right behind her, on her bed, with his head propped on his fist while his other hand was engaged in playing with her hair.


    "This is my room,'''' Esme frowned with a look of disapproval in her eyes at his audacity that was getting on her nerves.


    "Oh?" Aleister raised an eyebrow as he pushed himself up to sit on the bed, his chin settled right above her shoulder while their lips were inches apart, "This is my kingdom, my dear moon. And you are my lover, my soon be wife, my Princess and their future Queen."


    He sounded serious but she was sure it was an illusion on her part, "And except for what you said first, everything is a lie and a pretense that you have started.''''


    She pulled her body back but his chin did not stagger like she expected as he sleekly pulled it up and pushed himself out of the bed, ''''Any second late and I will not take you to meet her.''''


    "Petty," Esme mumbled under her breath as she stood up and walked after him. What was his enmity with her?


    "But you are pretty."


    Esme pursed her lips, refusing to entertain him further. She was sure there was something wrong in his head.


    She quietly followed after him while he led her to who knows where and she even could not remember the path properly as it got darker the further they walked. Is he trying to bury me here for all the times I have offended him?


    She glanced at his back doubtfully.


    "I don''t have such intentions," The man casually remarked as he slowed down his pace to let her catch up to him, without her noticing it.


    Esme still glanced at him doubtfully, "Can you read minds, My Lord?" She won''t be surprised if it was true. She just had to be cautious around him in the future.


    Aleister scoffed, not bothering to reply to her.


    Her brows tugged together, "¡­My Lord?"


    "Call me that one more time and I am not taking you there.''''


    Realization dawned on her. Was he offended because she did not address him by his name as he wanted? "I don''t want to overstep my boundaries,'''' She calmly said while looking around the place they were in.


    Aleister glanced at her under the glow of the flame of the candles on the chandelier. "Had I known how to read minds, I would have looked up into yours for thousand times," He spoke before walking forward, leaving her behind. Such a small mind but it is always occupied in establishing boundaries with him. Hateful girl!


    Esme halted in her tracks as she blankly glanced at his retreating back. How did she offend him again? And what is with his disdainful tone? If she disdains him to this extent, then he should stay away from her instead of entangling with her all the time.


    "You don''t want to come?" The man paused as he turned around and glanced at Esme who was standing at a good distance from him.


    Esme glanced at him quietly for a few moments before she tilted her chin and walked past him, "Lead the way," Her tone was aloof.


    The corner of his lips twitched. What happened to her? He should be the one doing this, treating her in this way, "How am I supposed to lead the way when you walk ahead?"


    She paused and turned around, pointing a delicate arm ahead, "Lead the way¡­" She paused for a moment before adding, "¡­My Lord," She enunciated on it.


    His expressions darkened as he walked past her without looking back.


    Esme narrowed her eyes as she followed after him.


    And after walking a few steps ahead, she finally recognized the place they were in. The sight of the lava river reminded her of the day she almost fell inside it only to be saved by Aleister later. This was the dungeon.


    She glanced at his back questioningly, "What are we doing here?" She finally asked when he stood in front of the lava river, looking at the fire like he was admiring the weather, without having intentions to explain things to her.


    "We are here to meet your friend," He snapped his fingers and a throne appeared behind him while a sack was extended from high above with a rope attached to it.


    She stepped back while the man sat on the throne with one of his legs folded above the other.


    She glanced at the sack doubtfully before looking at him. Was he going to stay here? Moreover, where is that handmaiden?


    Aleister raised an eyebrow, "You don''t have questions to ask?"


    "Where is she?" questioned Esme.


    "Right in front of you.''''


    "Wh-" Esme paused while her eyes widened at what she witnessed, the rest of her words getting stuck in her throat.

 Chapter 33 - Bring Her Down

    From the sack that was swinging back and forth above the lava river, a head popped out and that beautiful face, she recognized it in an instant. It was that maidservant. That woman. She seemed to be hanging by a breath. She looked like she will die within a moment.


    The heat of the lava waves made her face red as she was hung there, her body tied in a rope, while her long hair was hung upside down. Once they caught flame, they will burn.


    Esme glanced at the man who was lazily sitting on the throne, "I didn''t tell you to keep her like this. She will die."


    "Getting soft-hearted, are we?" Aleister glanced at her disinterestedly.


    "It is not about getting soft-hearted. Once she died, I will never get to know the truth," And even if she did not admit it, but she has never seen someone so ruthless and it made her uncomfortable despite knowing that he helped her capture this woman.


    "And how do you want me to keep her for you? Should I have invited her over for tea? Do you think she would have been honest with you in that way?" Aleister raised an eyebrow, "Isn''t it better like this? Once we trace something wrong in her, we drop her down and it is the end of her story."


    Esme pursed her lips, "A life doesn''t matter to you at all. You truly are cruel," What he said was true. The woman would not confess anything unless she was on the edge. But it deeply shocked her how casually this man spoke about ending a life when this woman hasn''t even done anything against him.


    "A life? Life is the most fragile thing I have ever seen. Unless you are strong, you will be fed on. Who lives and who dies. That''s not something which really affects me," He stated emotionlessly before he started playing with the flames on his fingertips.


    Esme glanced at him quietly for a few seconds before looking at the flames on his fingertips. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity at how he did it but she refused to question him on that.


    Esme glanced at the woman who was tied in the sack. She was slowly regaining her consciousness. "M-M-My Lord¡­" She spoke slowly despite her parched throat, "My Lord, I beg you¡­Let me go¡­I have not done anything¡­I beg you¡­'''' She cried as tears rolled down her cheeks, her breathing turned uneven. With such a beautiful face, she looked like a fairy while sobbing.


    Esme glanced at the man who was sitting on his throne, playing with the flames, unfazed by everything.


    When the man did not respond to her, the woman glanced at Esme with begging eyes, "M-My Lady, I haven''t done anything. I beg you to spare me-''''


    "Bring her down,'''' Esme glanced at the man who was seemingly unfazed by everything.


    "Beg me?" Aleister raised an eyebrow.


    Esme narrowed her eyes.


    ''''Tsk..'''' The man snapped his fingers and the rope snapped while the woman was thrown to the ground still wrapped in that sack.


    Esme retreated a few steps back, "We met in the afternoon, inside the ballroom. Don''t you remember me?" She was astounded by the naivety in her eyes.


    "This is the first time I am seeing you, My Lady," The woman earnestly said as she looked at Esme. Given her looks, one would never forget her if they came across her even once and she was sure that she has never seen this lady before.


    Esme''s eyes widened, "You¡­. Have you been to Seran village before? It is a small village in the outskirts of Visteria," From the corner of her eyes, she saw the man pushing himself to his feet as he walked towards her but his presence did not affect her neither did she felt conscious about revealing anything. Perhaps because she knew that if he had intentions of harming her in any way, he would have done so the day he got to know who she is.


    "My Lady, it is the second time I have come to Visteria. The first time I came here was two years ago as Her Grace Duchess Flora is our Princess'' distant Aunt¡­But I have never been to anywhere here. I don''t know anyone," The woman came on her knees while begging her with her hands clasped.


    She wanted to believe that the woman was lying to her but her instincts told her that she was speaking the truth.


    "How could you not?" Esme''s brows tugged together. If it was not her then whom did she paint? How could it be? She did not look like she was lying but then they met in the ballroom today and there was no doubt in it.


    The heat around the place made her feel burns on her skin as the more she contemplated about it, the more her head ached. She pressed a palm on her forehead and her vision blurred.


    ''''Esme!"


    She heard his voice filled with concern the moment before her consciousness faded.


    ¡­


    Aleister did not know what was going on in her mind. He wanted to tell her that the woman was telling the truth of not knowing much about Visteria but he was sure that she would not listen to him given how adamant she was on her stance.


    She was losing her calm the more she spoke and he could sense that while standing behind her. Just when he was thinking about it, she fell back suddenly. "Esme,'''' He grabbed her hand as he effortlessly pulled her into his arms. He patted her cheeks, "Esme!'''' Her face was burning. His eyes darkened as he carried her in his arms before walking out of the dungeon.


    The guards bowed to him, shocked by his presence in the dungeon as they did not where he went inside. They glanced at the lady in his arms, thinking that it must be the Prince''s rumored lover.


    They watched as the man carried her in his arms like a treasure while his powerful steps never came to halt.


    As soon as Aleister was out of the place, he walked towards a wall and closed his eyes. The next moment when he opened his eyes, he was standing in front of his room.


    "What happened?" Rowan who was walking towards him frowned looking at Esme.


    Aleister''s brows tugged together, "Call the physician," His voice rising towards the end as he stepped inside his room before making his way towards the bed.

 Chapter 34 - Curious About Him

    Esme sat up on the bed, her breathing uneven. She was drowning with her last shreds of consciousness slipping away. The same nightmare again.


    She placed a palm on her chest, feeling her erratically racing heart. She gripped the sheets tightly in her hand.


    Except for the glow of the fireplace, there was nothing she could see as the room was enshrouded in darkness. Her gaze frantically roamed around.


    "Awake?" came a deep voice that had her attention within an instant.


    Esme glanced at the man standing near the door with his back leaning against the wall. Without having any second thought, she quickly jumped off the bed and ran towards him, her footsteps coming to a halt only when she was one step away from him. She gazed around the empty room once again before extending her hand towards him, her hesitant finger grazed past his wrist.


    Aleister quietly glanced at her, letting her do whatever she wanted without any interruption from his side.


    She gulped slightly before holding his index finger, her gaze still hesitant. But her grip on the finger tightened as her anxiously beating heart gradually calmed down. ''''Why is it dark here?" She asked in a soft voice, trying to get her mind off those horrible dreams that have been haunting her since noon.


    "To let you have a good sleep,'''' he replied, looking at his finger which was tightly held by her. Something deep inside his cold heart melted at the sight of it like never before.


    His gaze softened as he enveloped her small palm in his before intertwining their fingers and she did not struggle against it either, "Are you afraid of the dark?" He stepped inside and the door closed behind them.


    Esme flinched, only to realize a moment later that it was him.


    His eyes narrowed while his thumb stroked her palm.


    "I-I am not afraid of the dark," She spoke in a small voice as they walked inside. She glanced at the cackling woods in the fireplace, "I used to be very afraid of it when I was young, but as I grew up, I have not been afraid of it anymore. But something is unsettling in this place-'''' She paused realizing how much she was speaking.


    Aleister glanced at her quietly before he tried to get his hand out of her grip.


    Her brows tugged together but her grip tightened, her fingers digging into the back of his palm.


    "I will be back," He raised an eyebrow.


    She lowered her head, "I will follow you."


    His eyebrows rose further, "Don''t you think you are placing too much trust on a cruel person as you call me? The amount of hate you have towards me doesn''t sit well at how you are holding onto me," He whispered, the taunt evident in it.


    She tilted her head to look into his eyes, "Perhaps¡­" She averted her gaze, "Perhaps because I believe you don''t have ill intentions towards me.''''


    The corner of his lips tugged up, ''''At least, your little mind was able to appreciate that," He clicked his tongue and pulled her closer to him.


    "Where are we going?" She asked, not offended at how her mind was humiliated because he was just trying to irk her on purpose and she was very sure of that.


    He walked towards the table set in front of the huge fireplace. He pulled a chair for her with one hand as his other hand was still held by her, "Take a seat, Princess.''''


    She let go of his hand, looking at all variety of food arranged on the table. "I am not-'''' Her stomach protested before she could reject it. Embarrassed, she lowered her head and settled on the chair.


    He took a seat opposite to her, "You are fond of starving yourself?" His index finger played with the tip of the spoon.


    Esme glanced at him. She hadn''t starved herself but she did not get the chance to eat properly today. After she finished her work, she ended up overhearing the conversation between the Princess and her maidservant, and later, she followed that woman to the ballroom and after that, she ended up in his room. Later in the evening, she disguised herself to enter the court. Amidst all this, food was not in her mind.


    He glanced at her, "Eat now. Finish everything.''''


    She glanced at the wide variety of dishes on the round table, "I don''t have the appetite of a beast¡­'''' She mumbled.


    "Eat!"


    "Rude," She whispered softly.


    "You think I am deaf?" He narrowed his eyes as he picked up the fork before stabbing it in a piece of meat.


    She pursed her lips as she started eating. After having her fill, she tilted her head only to realize that he was still looking at her.


    "Is there something¡­" She grabbed a silk napkin before cleaning her mouth, "¡­on my face?"


    "Are you not eating anymore?" He questioned, not bothering to answer her.


    "I am done," She glanced at the untouched food on his plate, ''''What about you?" She licked her bottom lips.


    His eyes shifted to her slight movement, his gaze paused on her lips for a moment before he looked back into her eyes, ''''I am full.''''


    ''''What are the powers that you have? I have never seen or heard anything about it before,'''' She ignored the unsettling feeling in her heart as she talked about something that has been holding her curiosity for a long time.


    Aleister picked up the glass of wine from the table as he leaned back, his fingers tracing the hilt of the glass, "Why would you ask that?" He asked after a long moment of silence.


    ''''Because¡­'''' She glanced at him as she placed both her hands on the table, "¡­I am curious.''''


    ''''Aren''t you too curious about me?'''' He leaned closer to her, ''''A little too much¡­that is to say.''''


    She lowered her head realizing that what he said was the truth, "I was only curious. I don''t mind if you don''t want to tell me.''''


    "I will tell you when it gets past curiosity," He sipped the wine from the glass as he slowly leaned back on the chair.


    "What?" She could not understand what he meant by that.

 Chapter 35 - Tiger Meat

    The corner of his lips tugged up in a smirk but he did not explain himself further.


    She glanced at the mysterious smile on his face while he gazed at her unblinkingly. She tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear before averting her gaze, "What did you do to her?" She asked, looking at the fireplace.


    "She is still kept here in Visteria," He glanced at her face which had recovered from its earlier pallor. Satisfied, he placed the wine glass on the table, "But just to let you know¡­she is innocent.''''


    ''''She is not,'''' Esme glanced at him.


    "She is."


    "Do you think I am lying?" She stood up from the chair, "Or am I sick? I mean it when I say that it is her.''''


    ''''I did not imply that. Listen to me-''''


    "It''s getting late, My Lord. It''s inappropriate for me to be here. I shall leave now," She interrupted him before she could lose control over her emotions, "I appreciate the kindness you''ve shown to me all this while,'''' She said, pointing her chin at the food.


    With that said, she turned around and walked out with her shoulders squared like there was nothing that could faze her.


    But her clenched fist betrayed her brave fa?ade.


    Aleister leaned back on his chair as he grabbed the glass of wine from the table, ''''Stubborn,'''' He took a sip before letting out a helpless sigh.


    He wondered...What was he getting himself into?


    As soon as Esme walked out of his room, she let out a sigh of relief. The walk from the table to the door in the dark had scared her. Like she told him, she was not scared of the dark but this place was making her feel unsettled.


    He looked sure about what he said about that woman and she would have believed him after the way the woman behaved but she had painted her and there was no mistaking that the woman in the painting and the one in the dungeon were the same person.


    She was grateful for his help but their paths were not meant to coincide. He was dangerous. Emotionless and ruthless. He was everything that she should stay away from.


    She did not know why he was entertaining her right now, but there might come a day where he would not mind killing her just because he felt like it. To him, human lives were fragile and they meant nothing. A person who could kill a Princess in the middle of a court without a shred of hesitation¡­.what else can he not do?


    Neither did she want to push her limits nor was she fond of playing with fire.


    With countless thoughts in her mind, she dragged her exhausted body back to her room.


    The next morning.


    Esme was faced with countless judgmental gazes from the moment she stepped out of her room. Even after she finished her work in the garden, she could feel many such gazes on her.


    Not paying any attention to it, she finished her work and walked towards the barrel of water in the distance. Squatting down, she splashed some water on her face. A pungent smell entered her nose as she felt a sticky sensation on her palms. She slowly opened her eyes and her expression morphed into horror. "AHH!!" She fell on her back, far away from the barrel.


    The barrel filled with blood. She glanced at her blood-soaked palms in disbelief as she quickly wiped her face with the back of her hand.


    "Miss Esmeray, are you alright?"


    "Mr. Reiner-" Esme quickly turned around to look at the man.


    He grabbed her shoulders and helped her up, his brows tugged together at the sight of her horrified face, "What happened to you?" He glanced at her in concern.


    ''''There is blood¡­"


    "Where?"


    "In that barrel¡­There is blood. It is filled with blood.''''


    Keith glanced at her like he did not know what she was saying.


    Esme raised her hand so that he could take a look at the blood that soaked her palms¡­but she stiffened at the sight of her pristine white palms without a hint of blood in it.


    She quickly turned around to look at the barrel but there was nothing unusual. Just plain water.


    She blinked.


    Feeling a strong grip on her, she glanced at her shoulders which were held by Keith. She retreated a few steps back hastily, "I am tired. Perhaps that''s why I got a bit confused.''''


    Keith looked at her quietly for a few moments before nodding, "Since your work is over, you should take a rest now.''''


    She nodded back at him, wondering whether she was that exhausted that she has started seeing things. Lost in her thoughts, she walked away.


    "Miss Esmeray,'''' He called out just when she had taken a few steps.


    Esme paused as she turned to look at him.


    "Is it true?" He asked.


    "What?"


    "The rumor regarding you being the Prince''s lover¡­.are they true?" He repeated the question.


    Her eyes narrowed as her lips thinned.


    ¡­


    The moment Esme stepped inside his room, her footsteps came to a halt.


    Aleister was sitting on the bed with a glass of wine in his hand. A lazy smile was drawled on his face as he glanced at the middle of the grand room.


    Slowly, she followed his gaze and her mouth dropped open at what she witnessed. A white tiger was suspended upside down in the air while the fire was burning on the wooden floor right beneath him.


    Her heart ached at the sight of the beast''s pitiful face as he looked at her hopefully.


    She glanced at the man who now had his attention on her.


    "You are right on time, Princess. Come here and join me,'''' He nodded at her.


    ''''Join you for what?" She avoided the way he called her ''Princess'' even though she wanted to correct him that she was no longer a Princess.


    "Join me for lunch. Tiger meat is a rare delicacy. Won''t you have some?" Aleister raised an eyebrow.


    Esme choked on the rest of her words as she glanced at the beast who was pitifully flying in the air, right above the fire, his snow-white fur had turned black while parts of his body looked red and swollen.

 Chapter 36 - Pretense To Protect Her

    "You tortured him?" Esme glanced at him. Her voice was soft as she tried her best to not overstep her boundaries.


    But he did not miss the flashes of fury in her eyes. He could bet a flower that by this time, she was setting him on fire inside her mind. "Leo is being disobedient lately," He shrugged only to have her temper flare up once again. He watched as she closed her eyes, inhaled a deep breath, and looked at him once again. She opened her mouth and closed it like a little fish.


    She was trying to not snap at him, her little temper was working up and he was certain that he was getting on her nerves.


    ''''You¡­''''


    The corner of his lips tilted, "Yes? What about me?"


    "You are inhumane¡­" She spoke slowly.


    "And?"


    Her eyes widened. Didn''t he feel ashamed at all? She glanced at the tiger whose life was hanging by a thread. Once he fell on the fire, his life will end. Maybe, she was the one responsible for his condition.


    "What would it take you to let him go?" She asked instead of arguing with him. For some time, she forgot the cause of coming here. She wanted to fight for justice for this innocent life that will be gone within any moment.


    "What makes you think that I will spare him?'''' He glanced at her curiously.


    True, I should not keep such high expectations from you. She wanted to say that but then he might change his mind from tiger meat to Esmeray meat.


    ''''Because I am the cause of his punishment," She filtered her words. As he raised an eyebrow, she continued, ''''My Lord, yesterday you asked me to stay here inside the room but I left this place under his watch. It was my fault, not his. I tricked him,'''' Even though he did not mention it, she was certain that he was holding the grudge against his pet for this only. Had it been anything else, she would not have paid attention to it but she could not bear to let this harmless beast die right in front of her eyes.


    ''''Since you know, you know,'''' Aleister sipped some wine from the glass as he nodded.


    "Are you sparing him?'''' Her eyes glimmered. It seems like he is not that unreasonable.


    ''''If you are willing to take the punishment, I have no reasons to be harsh on Leo,'''' He flashed her a ''Am I kind enough?'' smile.


    Kind like a devil!


    Her lips thinned.


    She glanced at the fire. Just the sight of it made her feel like her skin was burning.


    ''''Work for me from now on.''''


    Her attention shifted to him within a moment. Was that what he meant by punishment?


    She did not want to work for him.


    But¡­


    She glanced at Leo hesitantly.


    ''''You don''t look like you are determined enough to save him," Aleister pushed himself to his feet as he walked towards her.


    Just as she was about to say something, something caught her attention. Leo looked too nonchalant for someone who was about to die. The pitiful expression on his face was no longer there.


    Aleister followed her gaze as he narrowed his eyes at the white beast.


    Leo flinched.


    ''''Meowww!!" came a pitiful voice in an instant.


    Aleister glared daggers at the fool while Esme''s eyes narrowed.


    She walked towards the fireplace and pulled a log of wood from it before walking towards the middle of the room where there was a fire while Leo was suspended in the air.


    ''''What are you doing?" Aleister cleared his throat as he placed the glass of wine on the table and walked towards her.


    "I''ve changed my mind, My Lord," Esme smiled at him, ''''I want to eat tiger meat now.''''


    She extended the wood towards Leo''s tail which was an inch away from catching the fire.


    Leo smoothly jumped onto the floor on his fours as his cold eyes looked at her in a protective stance. He let out a ferocious roar.


    But Esme was unfazed by it as she glanced at Aleister with a matching ferociousness in her eyes.


    "OUT!" Aleister narrowed his eyes dangerously at Leo, who let out another threatening roar in Esme''s direction before walking out of the room.


    Esme threw the piece of wood on the floor.


    Before the room could catch fire, Aleister snapped his fingers. Except for the candles on the chandelier, all the fire in the room was extinguished.


    ''''You are being harmed. Again and again. You will be safe here," He stepped closer to her, his strong body towering over hers as his ice-blue eyes shone through his dense lashes, glancing at her intensely.


    So, all this pretense was because of it. Because she did not agree to before, he tried to deceive her like this. She instinctively stepped back from him as she laughed mockingly, "You want to protect me? Hah.''''


    "What was there to laugh about?" He took another step closer to her and she stepped back, "Tell me. I will join you in it," Despite his casual tone, his expressions were frigid.


    He continued stepping towards her while she retreated until her back hit the cold wall, a soft gasp escaped her mouth as she tried to walk to the side but both his hands were thrust towards her as they settled on either side of her body, caging her body in between his strong arms.


    "You said that you want to protect me¡­But then, who will protect me from you?" She tilted her chin upwards as she snapped at him without holding back, "You kill those innocent maids¡­18 of them within a month, you killed a Princess in front of the royal court, you eagerly hung a woman above the lava river who had no enmity with you. What else can you not do?"


    "I can''t kill you," The corner of his lips tugged up.

 Chapter 37 - In Need Or In Longing

    "For how long? A few days? A few months? Till you are done playing cat and mouse?" She looked at his face. It was still expressionless but there were swirls of fury, "You are heartless and cruel-''''


    "I am way worse than that, my dear moon¡­'''' He whispered.


    She paused, looking into his fathomless eyes, trying to read his expressions but he was unreadable, ''''¡­which is more of a reason for me to stay far away from you,'''' Her voice softened, ''''From the day I have met you, I have just found myself getting in troubles, one after another,'''' The day she was here to serve him was the day when she came to know his identity as the Great Prince of Visteria but it was also the day when she ended up walking into the hallway behind his room from where everything strange started around her.


    ''''I am a curse to you?" His voice was low yet dangerous.


    ''''You are not a blessing either,'''' Perhaps because it was her anger speaking this time or for what reason she did not know but she was certain that she had to make everything clear today, ''''It was not enough to you and you made everyone believe that I am your lover. It was supposed to be a secret between us that nobody knew of. I was wearing a veil. No one recognized me at that time. But I don''t know what you did that everyone is looking at me with disgusted or envious eyes.''''


    ''''I did not do anything. It was because-''''


    ''''I don''t want to know. I just want to stay as far as possible¡­" She looked into his eyes adamantly, "¡­from you. Your presence bothers me, My Lord. I want some peace. My identity in the past has nothing to do with who I am today. I have no ulterior motives against your kingdom or your family if that is what bothers you. I will soon leave this place. Till then, I don''t want to see you. If I''ve offended you, you can give me a death sentence right here but if you are not killing me now, then don''t ever come to me in the future. It will harm your dignity if you hover around a servant. I hope you understand my intentions,'''' and stop bothering me.


    She skipped the latter part realizing the way she talked with him out of anger.


    The man pulled his hand back from the wall as he took it closer to her face, his finger stroking her delicate cheek. Amusement glimmered in his eyes as he watched her turning red wherever his finger grazed from. He leaned closer to her and she closed her eyes¡­.whether out of dread, or anything else, it remained a mystery. ''''Sure, I do,'''' he spoke beside her ear.


    Her eyes snapped open as her skin tingled when his warm breath blew into her ear.


    She placed a palm on his chest to distance him from herself but his powerful hand captured her wrist as he pulled her closer to him. A soft gasp escaped from her mouth when her body collided against his while his gaze darkened looking at her delicate lips, the small mole below her bottom lips. ''''I won''t come to you anymore,'''' He tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear as she blinked. Ah, the innocence! His ruin. The mouth could have been pierced for the words it uttered but here he was, admiring the view of it.


    She nodded after some time, ''''I will be very grateful,'''' Her soft tone lacked the traces of anger from earlier. She struggled to distance herself from him only to feel an arm snaking around her waist. Her eyes widened while her heart skipped a small beat.


    He nodded, ''''But¡­''''


    She tried to step away from him but he thrust her closer to his body, his arm tightening around her waist. She pressed both her palms on his chest, ''''What are you doing?"


    ''''Talking with you before you try to run away,'''' Aleister glanced at the woman safely tucked in his arms. Much better like this.


    ''''I won''t run away¡­'''' Esme replied to him, ''''¡­not until you finish what you were intending to say," Was he holding her like this because she always ran away from him? She frowned.


    Aleister nodded, ''''You said that," He stepped back from her. While she was not looking at him, he rolled his eyes.


    ''''You were saying?"


    She ran her fingers on her dress, smoothening the creases on it.


    ''''I will not come after you anymore,'''' He nonchalantly said, walking towards the table where he left his wine glass, "But I don''t mind if you come to me. When in need or in longing,'''' He picked up the glass of wine from the table before raising it towards her.


    ''''In longing?'''' Esme mumbled in confusion.


    ''''You don''t want to leave now, Princess?"


    She glanced at his nonchalant face quietly for some time.


    ''''Can''t take your eyes off?" Aleister walked towards the bed.


    She blinked slowly before walking out of his room, letting out a relieved sigh inwardly.


    As the sound of her footsteps disappeared, so did his smile.


    After a few seconds, Rowan, his right-hand man walked inside his room, followed by Leo.


    ''''Everyone in the Castle knows that yesterday, it was her whom you claimed as your lover,'''' He was busy with some matters which is why he was not able to go to court, and when he got wind of the news that how willfully the Prince claimed a servant as his lover, he was more shocked by it than the rest of the people.


    A few days ago, he also got to know from Aleister that she was Princess Esmeray, the daughter of the previous Queen of Nevesray and it had given him quite some shock already. He could not help but wonder when did they progress so fast?


    As much as he remembered, the Princess treated his friend like a contagious ailment.

 Chapter 38 - Treasure

    ''''Deal with the guards who were at the dungeon yesterday,'''' Aleister swirled the glass of wine, remembering something else that had a shade of it. Her long wine-shaded tresses that framed her face every time she lowered her head in contemplation.


    Rowan could not help but wonder if the man was daydreaming. It was a rare sight. ''''Yes, it will be done,'''' After all, it was those guards who must have seen them together and were loose-lipped about it. Otherwise, how would everyone have known about it? They should have thought of the consequences before speaking about this man.


    The Princess was a rare beauty and just the mention of her appearance and her clothes was enough to let the people know that the mysterious lover of the Prince is none other than the girl who has recently joined her job in the castle and she even rejected all the jobs assigned to her to work at the garden. She already had everyone''s attention but this incident amplified it.


    His thought went back to what she said, about everyone looking at her with a judgmental gaze. ''''The Princess is a shy one. Dig out the eyes that look at her more than necessary and make her uncomfortable. One or two pairs should serve the lesson for everybody,'''' Aleister took the last sip of his wine before he stood up, placing the glass on Leo''s head who stiffened, sensing his impending doom.


    Rowan paused. It was even rarer to see him treasuring someone to this extent when he was unfeeling towards most of the things, ''''Will be done,'''' He glanced at Leo who was not breathing too loudly for the glass placed on his head, ''''It''s time for his lunch,'''' He said while contemplating whether the beast has somehow offended his Master.


    ''''He can suck nectar from a flower,'''' Aleister picked up the glass and dropped it on the floor and the white tiger disappeared into thin air.


    Rowan looked around only to find a white butterfly hovering above his head, "What did he do? Do you have to punish him like this?"


    ''''Even I can not bring myself to raise my voice at her, what made him think that he can do that?" Aleister clicked his tongue.


    Rowan was speechless. He pitied Leo in his heart but there was nothing he could do about it at this moment.


    ''''Protect her properly,'''' Aleister glanced at the butterfly who hovering around Rowan''s head for some time before he fluttered his wings and flew out of the room.


    ''''Your father, Uncle, and Aunt are aware of this now. What are you going to tell them?"


    ''''Anything else?" Aleister raised an eyebrow.


    Rowan sighed, "The magistrate and his friend will be visiting the King tomorrow and the cause remains unknown.''''


    ''''Friend?"


    "We''ve never seen him here before,'''' Rowan''s lips thinned, "Shall I dig into his background?"


    ''''You need to ask about that?"


    Rowan nodded, ''''I''ll take care of it. Anything else you want me to do?"


    ''''No," Aleister waved his hand only to pause a moment later. He glanced at the setting sun through the gap between the curtains, "She had her lunch?"


    ''''The Princess left your room a few moments ago,'''' Rowan felt gooseflesh on his skin. It did not settle well with him when this man who was indifferent to all worldly affairs paid such attention to a woman.


    Unaware of Aleister''s concern for her, Esme walked back to her room, finally getting her freedom from that ill-tempered tyrant. But instead of being relieved, she was just confused. He did not look like the person who would let anything go so easily.


    At that time, she lost control of her emotions, and out of anger, she snapped at him. But knowing how brutal he could be, she expected the worse later only for him to let go of her like that.


    ''''It''s good¡­'''' She mumbled, standing in front of the door.


    ''''Good with the Prince?"


    Esme turned around only to find Liz standing behind her with a meaningful smile on her face.


    ''''You are something. How did you hook the devil around your little finger? It must be like really good to be with him..." She exasperatedly held her shoulders, ''''He is so indifferent to everything and everyone but who knew he would be so worried when you faint?"


    ''''Worried?" Esme stepped back from the woman who was shaking her shoulders in excitement, ''''What do you mean?"


    ''''You¡­Are you this na?ve or just pretending?" Liz glanced at her doubtfully but looking into her confused eyes, she shook her head, ''''How do you think did all of us know that you are the Prince''s lover?"


    Esme blinked. She did not know the cause of it but it must have something to do with him.


    ''''You don''t know?" Esme shook her head while Liz let out a drawled sigh, ''''The Prince was seen carrying you out of the dungeon in his arms like you are precious. The guards there witnessed it and the words traveled throughout the castle. I wanted to ask...What were you doing in the dungeon with the Prince?''''


    Esme glanced at her blankly. Carrying her out of the dungeon?

 Chapter 39 - His Family

    ''I am doing fine here. Everything will be alright soon. I hope you are taking care of your health¡­.''


    Esme glanced at the letter for one last time and she folded it before placing it in the envelope with a seal on top of it


    ''''How long are you going to stare at it?" Liz, who was standing beside her bed chided before snatching the letter from her hand.


    Esme glanced at her, ''''Thank you,'''' While she was still sleeping, the woman knocked on her door to tell her that she was writing to her family and whether she had to send something to anyone.


    It has been a long time she wanted to write a letter to her Aunt to let her know of her wellbeing so that she would not worry much. She wanted to tell her about everything that was happening here but she did not know whose hands the letter would pass through and if it was safe to mention anything which is why she kept her words precise.


    ''''What will I do with your thank you? If you want, you can give me something precious,'''' Liz rolled her eyes.


    Esme stood up from the bed as she smoothened her nightdress, ''''Precious? Like what?''''


    ''''Like a beautiful pearl necklace or an exquisite gem.''''


    Esme pursed her lips.


    ''''What?" Liz glanced at her questioningly.


    Esme shook her head.


    ''''But you have yet to tell me how did you seduce the Prince that he rejected all those Princesses just for you.''''


    Esme, who was squatting near the lawn behind her room, paused for a moment.


    ''''Don''t tell if you don''t want to. You don''t have to be so scary,'''' Liz wondered why was this woman like this. She never laughed, rarely talked, and only opened her mouth when she was asked something as if the words coming out of her mouth were precious and she was saving them. For some reason, she just felt so distant as if she did not belong here.


    Esme glanced at the barrel of water, not paying much attention to Liz anymore. ''I must have hallucinated it yesterday,'' She thought, looking at the plain water for a few moments before washing her face.


    She had been overthinking a lot and she was exhausted so it must have led her to see that blood instead of water. She convinced herself.


    There was a knock on the door and Liz opened it while Esme stood up.


    They were greeted by the sight of two guards standing at the door.


    ''''Lady Esmeray?"


    The guard glanced at her, recognizing her at once since it was supposed to be her assigned room while Liz was known by most of the servants of her equal status because she served Duchess Flora, Aleister''s Aunt as much as Esme knew.


    She nodded, wondering what got them here to look for her.


    ''''His Majesty, His Grace and Her Grace has summoned you.''''


    The King, the Duke, and the Duchess? Her eyebrows rose slightly. ''''Why?"


    ''''Be there in the garden soon,'''' The guard did not reply to her question as he turned around and left followed by the other.


    Esme narrowed her eyes. As far as she could think, they would have asked for her because of their Prince. There was nothing else she could think of other than that.


    "You¡­" Liz glanced at her worriedly, ''''You will be alright. Don''t worry. The King and the Duchess are very kind people. They won''t do anything to you.''''


    ''''What about Duke? How is he related to the Prince and what kind of person is he?" Esme glanced at her questioningly as the woman did not mention anything about him. Initially, she wanted to stay away from the royal family so she never asked anything about them. But now that she had to go there, it will not be good to be unprepared.


    ''''Duke Maverick is the King''s younger brother and he is just like him, very kind and gentle. They are all good people,'''' Liz smiled at her.


    Kind people? She knew better than to believe it after witnessing her Uncle''s kindness in the past. Esme frowned. Initially, she was thinking that Duchess Flora was the King''s sister but it turned out she is his sister-in-law. She wondered¡­.what could be done to let them know that she was not Aleister''s lover without offending them?


    After Liz told her yesterday that it was the guards who were the cause of the rumors, there was a pinch of guilt in her heart for the way she talked to him believing that he was the one responsible for everything. But¡­at this moment, she had the urge to go to him for help before his family gets her beheaded to save their reputation.


    Esme closed her eyes, shooing away her wayward thoughts. Asking him for help? So that he can taunt her later.


    She could almost imagine his sarcastic face when he will say, ''But you asked me to stay away from you, Princess.''


    Esme opened her eyes, horrified at the thought of it. She would rather face it by herself than going to him.


    Liz took a few steps back looking at the strange expressions on her face. Why did she look so scary?


    ¡­


    In the Royal Gardens.


    ''''Your Majesty, here have some tea,'''' Duchess Flora poured some tea into the man''s cup as she said so.


    The King, Alexander shook his head, disapproval apparent in his eyes, ''''Sister-in-law, how many times have I told you to not do that?" The man shook his head.


    Duchess Flora paused, ''''It''s improper to not address you as such, Brother.''''


    ''''I prefer that only,'''' He laughed before averting his gaze to his brother who was sitting beside his wife, deep in contemplation, "What are you thinking about?"


    Duke Maverick tilted his head, ''''I could not help but wonder which lady caught my nephew''s attention,'''' He could not be there in the court for his health and the curiosity was now at its peak for it was very rare to see Aleister paying attention to women.


    Duchess Flora giggled at her husband''s trail of thought, ''''It is for the best that she caught his attention.. We all don''t have to arrange banquets every year in attempts of finding a suitable wife for him and the princesses don''t have to die miserably,'''' She sighed towards the end.

 Chapter 40 - Acceptance

    Alexander laughed heartily. "When will she be here?" He asked after calming down.


    ''''Within a few minutes,'''' replied Duchess Flora, ''''I also invited the Prince over here to join us but he has been busy with some court matters.''''


    Duke Maverick glanced at his wife for a few seconds, ''''That''s even better. We would get to know her better without any interruption.''''


    Both his elder brother and wife nodded, agreeing to him.


    ''''She is here,'''' Duchess Flora announced as she glanced at the woman whom a guard was leading towards them. Dressed in a plain peach gown, she walked towards them, her steps slow yet graceful, her long wine-shaded hair shone under the sun rays but nothing could hide her ethereal beauty.


    Esme''s rushed footsteps slowed down when she felt three pairs of glowing eyes settled on her. She quickly looked around the place where they were standing. It was the forbidden part of the royal gardens where servants were not allowed. Except for a few guards in the distance, she could not see anyone else.


    Amidst the sea of flowers, under a high wooden roof which was supported by pillars with a pond around the place, sat the three people around the long table. The lady sitting over there looked familiar to her.


    ''''What happened, My Lady?" The guard asked, realizing that she was left behind.


    Esme shook her head before walking onto the wooden bridge atop the pond. Her keen eyes did not miss the long face of the crocodiles peeking out of the layers of lotus leaves in the pond. The Prince was nowhere to be seen. She wondered if these people will have her fed to them for they know she had seduced the Prince¡­according to hearsay.


    Shaking such thoughts out of her head, she bowed slightly, greeting them with their respective titles.


    ''''I am good with Aunt,'''' Duchess Flora waved her hand as she smiled at her.


    Esme was taken aback by the kindness in the lady''s eyes even though she did not show it on her face. She expected harsh words and humiliations even before she came here. Now that she looked at her up so close, she remembered this kind lady was the same person who had walked into the ballroom followed by the guards when she was interrogating that servant with her mind-controlling ability which was still out of her control.


    ''''I am good with Uncle too. You should address me just like my nephew does,'''' Duke Maverick quickly said.


    Duchess Flora glanced at her husband.


    ''''Don''t look at me like that. There is no Aunt without Uncle.''''


    ''''Hmmm¡­'''' The blonde-haired lady glanced at her husband in disapproval, ''''She should address me as Aunt first.''''


    Esme noticed his sunken eyes, his blackened lips, and the fact that he was sitting in a wheelchair but on the contrary, his gentle voice¡­.


    She blinked.


    Why was any of it not sitting well with her expectations?


    ''''Take a seat,'''' The King motioned his hand towards his left with a frigid face.


    Esme glanced at him quietly for a few seconds before taking a seat. She was fine with this face but if the king had asked her to address him as father, it would have been a scare.


    Her fingers played with her dress under the table while she contemplated what would be the right thing to do. She could just tell them it was all made up by the Prince to avoid political marriages but he has saved her life and also helped her many times. Her conscience pricked just at the thought of doing it.


    "What''s your name, daughter?"


    Esme glanced at Duchess Flora, "Esmeray,'''' They should have known it already. Everyone in the Daven Castle knows her by this time.


    Amidst the countless thoughts running in her mind, a small ''clink'' sound caught her attention. She glanced at the bowl in front of her and a hand holding a serving spoon, filling the bowl with soup. Her eyes widened when she recognized whose hand it was, ''''Your Majesty, you don''t need to do it,'''' Esme spoke in disbelief apparent in her voice.


    Alexander cleared his throat as he slowly withdrew his hand, ''''Esmeray is a beautiful name. You can call me father,'''' He said expressionlessly.


    Esme pursed her lips. ''''Your Majesty, I-'''' It would have been different if they had not accepted her but when they are like this, she found it wrong to keep lying to them.


    ''''Am I late for the breakfast already?"


    The voice had Esme''s eyes glow within an instant and she stood up from the chair, "My Lord,'''' She greeted Aleister, thanking the heavens for sending him here. It was not every day that his presence pleased her but at this moment, he was a savior to her.


    Aleister glanced at her. The woman who stormed out of his room yesterday after declaring that they had nothing to do with each other and now here she was, still stubbornly addressing him as ''My Lord'' and looking at him like some helpless rabbit who just saw its food.


    She looked beautiful. His gaze roamed on her for another few moments before he smiled, ''''How is your morning going, Love?" He tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear.


    Esme''s lips twitched as she glared at him but she quickly masked her expressions feeling their burning gazes on both of them.


    The Duke and Duchess looked at their nephew like he was growing two horns above his head while the King''s eyes sparkled.

 Chapter 41 - KIND LADY

    ''''Rowan said that you were engaged in court matters,'''' Duchess Flora said, noticing the smile on the man''s face when he looked at Esme. Young people. She sighed, despite her astonishment for the Prince had never been like this towards anyone.


    ''''It is done,'''' Aleister nodded at her before pulling a chair for Esme.


    Rowan, who just reached there, almost stumbled on the way. Done? The man dropped all his work to come here when he heard that the Princess was invited by his family for breakfast.


    Initially, she was sitting towards the King''s right but he pulled the chair next to it.


    Esme glanced at him confusion but she settled on the seat while the man took a seat next to his father.


    Alexander raised an eyebrow in amusement. He even changed her seat, quite possessively and glanced at him with a ''Don''t scare her'' look before looking back at her.


    But alas, he was the father here. ''''When did you both meet?" Alexander asked, eyeing his son who had his eyes fixated on the girl since he stepped here.


    Esme quietly focused on her food as she believed that Aleister will talk with his family to clear their misunderstandings about them.


    ''''When she saved my life at my most vulnerable time,'''' Aleister let out a deep sigh.


    Esme choked on the water she just drank.


    Aleister stroked her back, ''''Slow down, love.''''


    She kicked him under the table without holding back.


    He placed a hand on her knees and her eyes widened in disbelief.


    "What happened?" His Uncle and Aunt glanced at him in concern.


    ''''Well¡­she saved me from an assassination years ago. That was the day when I knew she was mine,'''' Aleister drawled out, slowly lazily twirling the glass of water in front of his eyes.


    Rowan held the urge to roll his eyes but he was speechless at his friends'' antics. Vulnerable? When was this man ever vulnerable?


    The King glanced at both of them, ''''It seems like you know each other from a long time.''''


    ''''Since a few lifetimes,'''' Aleister smiled.


    Esme pursed her lips swatting away the man''s indecent hand from her knee. At times, he was so desperate to irk her that he forgot that he was a man and she was a woman.


    ''''Is it true?" Duke Maverick glanced at her questioningly, not quite believing that his nephew needed anyone to save him but then he did not seem to be lying. Perhaps it was a half truth and the rest half of the truth might be revealed by this little lady.


    ''''I just saw a poor boy in tattered clothes and saved him out of pity,'''' Esme smiled politely but her words tried to throw some knives at the man. Had I known who he was, I might not have saved him. And it is known to everyone that the Prince of Visteria is born with extraordinary powers.


    Instead of being offended, Aleister smiled instead, ''''My dear is so kind hearted. Always thinking about others.''''


    Esme pursed her lips. What was he trying to do?


    Duke Maverick, Duchess Flora and King Alexander exchanged meaningful glances. Their Prince seemed to have gone too deep in it this time.


    ''''Little Lady, what are your thoughts about the Prince?" Duchess Flora glanced at her. They had to get her opinion on this too so that they can take a step ahead.


    ''''I don''t-''''


    "Yes, Princess?" Aleister interrupted her.


    Esme glanced at him. Others might think he was calling her Princess out of love but she knew he what he meant by it. He was threatening to reveal her identity to them. ''''I don''t think I can imagine my life without him," Esme indifferently said without taking her gaze off him.


    The King cleared his throat.


    Duchess Flora and Duke Maverick exchanged shy glances. Children these days¡­ are not quite reserved as before.


    ¡­


    ''''You look bothered," Aleister remarked as they walked in the empty hallway.


    ''''You were not supposed to do that,'''' Esme tilted her head upwards to look at him.


    "What did I do?" Aleister asked, playing with the long strands of her hair.


    Esme grabbed her hair from him, "You threatened me there and kept lying to them. I don''t want to be a part of this anymore.''''


    "Oh well, what would you like to do then?"


    "Tell them the truth,'''' They are so kind and good people that her conscience was pricking for doing this.


    "Well Well, then I don''t want to be the part of your secrets. Just let them know who you are and we will see how well they treat you, a person who disguised herself to sneak inside the dungeon and has hidden her identity from everyone," He whispered the latter part beside her ear such that only she could hear him.


    She grabbed his hand when he stepped forward, ''''You¡­''''


    He turned around and twirled his hand slightly, grabbing the delicate hand that was holding his wrist, "Lady, do you see how inappropriate is this?'''' He raised an eyebrow as he intertwined their fingers, ''''You also do this most of the time. No matter how much you desire to take advantage of me, you should restrain yourself. More so when you have asked me to stay away from you. So, kind ''LADY'', you keep my secret safe and yours will be treasured by me. You let the cat out of the bag¡­." He leaned closer, "Then, I won''t hesitate doing the same. Have a nice day, LADY," He emphasized on his last word and let go of her hand, his eyes savored the sight of her as she stood there looking at him blankly, her small mouth opening and closing again and again, her tongue wetting her bottom lips.


    His gaze darkened slightly but the corner of his lips tugged up in a satisfied smirk as he turned around and left.


    ''''A-Advantage?'''' Esme whispered as she pointed her finger at herself, ''''Lady?!" Disbelief marred her face.

 Chapter 42 - Help

    "Mr. Reiner, you don''t need to be this polite to me. I am still working here," Esme glanced at the man who bowed at her.


    ''''Miss Esmeray, you should not work here since you are soon going to marry the Prince. It is not appropriate for your status,'''' Keith glanced at her face, studying her expressions.


    Esme shook her head, ''''There is nothing like that-"


    "You mean to say there is nothing between you and the Prince?'''' The man''s expression brightened visibly.


    But Esme, whose mind was still hung on Aleister''s proclamation that she was taking advantage of him, did not notice it, "Even if there is something between us, the Prince won''t stop me from doing what I want to do,'''' She reluctantly prolonged the lie. As much as she would like to be honest, she can''t trust Aleister. That man might really reveal her identity.


    On the other hand, she did not want to let go of her job because this pretense of being his lover won''t last long. And if she lets go of her work, then there would be no reason for her to stay here after the truth comes to light.


    Keith was disappointed, ''''So, you are-''''


    ''''Isn''t it improper for you to talk with our future Princess in private?" Liz walked towards them.


    Esme glanced at the woman.


    "You should keep your distance from other men before people start saying that you have loose morals,'''' Liz glanced at Esme.


    "Miss Liz, it is not what you think-''''


    "Think twice before you speak..." Esme interrupted the man as she glanced at Liz, her voice lowered, ''''...For your words can have consequences.''''


    Liz felt scared at the coldness in her eyes. ''''I-I just said it out of....'''' anger. She realized how inappropriate she sounded. Her words were yet to be finished as Esme walked past both of them.


    ''''Mr. Reiner, I..." Liz lowered her head, "I apologize for my rude behavior. I-I was just afraid that if Prince misunderstands you both, you will be the one to suffer.''''


    Keith though back to the time when icicles had appeared on his lips and body when he was talking to Esme. It seems it was the Prince''s warning for him to stay away from her. He just did not understand it at that time. His anger towards Liz vanished as he nodded at her, "You should be careful with your words. You''ve now offended Miss Esmeray,'''' He patted her shoulder, "But I am grateful for your concern.''''


    As she looked at his retreating back, Liz glanced at her shoulder where he just touched.


    ...


    Esme glanced at the evening sky through the high glass windows, wondering whether her Aunt had gotten her letter and-


    Her thoughts trailed off when her gaze landed on the man who was walking in her direction.


    Aleister, who was talking to the magistrate turned to look at the woman who had turned a statue just at the sight of him. He was certain that she was reminiscing his words from the morning, "Good evening, ''LADY''.''''


    She wanted to say something to him, but in the end, she toned it down for there was another presence beside him, ''''Good evening, My Lord,'''' She nodded at him before walking past him.


    Aleister pursed his lips.


    The middle aged man beside him shivered, feeling a bit cold all of a sudden.


    ''''Ah..'''' As Esme had taken a few steps absent-mindedly, she bumped into someone. Her eyes teared up at the pain of her chin bumping into something hard as an arm supported her back before she could fall.


    "Are you fine, my lady?"


    Esme tilted her head only to be greeted by the sight of a pair of gentle and concerned eyes. She dazedly extended her fingers towards his face but in the next moment, her hand was grabbed and she was yanked away from him.


    "My Lord,'''' The silver-haired stranger greeted the Aleister.


    "You should walk properly or else what is the use of these eyes?"


    "The hallways in this Castle are quite disturbing,'''' He said, eyeing Esme who was still looking at him in a daze. The man smiled politely even though his words did not match it.


    Aleister narrowed his eyes.


    The magistrate quickly walked towards them, "My Lord, he is my friend, Aiden-''''


    Aleister raised a hand slightly, motioning him to stop speaking. He shot them a warning glance before looking at the woman in his embrace who was still looking at the ''blind'' man.


    He wrapped an arm around her waist, "Let''s go.''''


    Esme nodded, her footsteps complied with him even though she kept turning around to look at the man.


    As soon as they stepped inside his room, the door closed with a loud noise, snapping her out of her reverie.


    "You can''t take your eyes off him?'''' Aleister narrowed his eyes.


    ''''He-'''' Esme paused, "What has it got to do with you?"


    She really was never afraid of him, was she? He found it amusing. ''''It has got everything to do with me.''''


    "Yesterday, we talked about it. Once you let me go, you won''t be coming after me. Are you eating your own words...'''' Esme stepped back from him, ''''...My Lord?"


    ''''Oh, my words are vulnerable in your presence. Their meaning changes with your actions,'''' He raised an eyebrow and stepped towards her until her back hit the wall, ''''So when I say I am letting you go, I don''t really mean it.''''


    She pressed her palm on his chest, "Distance,'''' she mumbled.


    "What''s that?" He grazed his thumb past her chin and the redness slowly vanished, "Keep your eyes open when you walk. We don''t want you to keep bumping into strangers,'''' He stepped back from her.


    She rubbed her chin. So, he was helping her reduce the pain. "He-'''' She paused, realizing that she was once again going to share her inner thoughts with him. She must be possessed. Shaking her head, she glanced at him, "I''ll leave.''''


    "You can stay. I don''t mind,'''' came his lazy voice.


    Esme almost tripped on her footsteps.

 Chapter 43 - Dont Leave

    A white butterfly painstakingly flew towards Esme who was sleeping on the bed. Looking at her peacefully sleeping face, Leo growled but his voice could not compare to the sway of a leaf. Keeping his grievances to his butterfly heart, Leo flapped his wings before settling on the brass bedstead of the ivory bed as he closed his eyes.


    ''Rustle''


    When the clock struck 12, Esme sat up on the bed, the sheets sliding off her body.


    Leo''s eyes snapped open when he heard the small noises.


    Esme stood up from the bed, her dazed eyes glanced at the door as she walked out of her room.


    Leo hurriedly chased after her as fast as his small wings could take him.


    ''''Princess...'''' Rowan, who was walking in the hallways, paused in his tracks as he glanced at her but Esme kept walking ahead.


    Leo circled Esme''s head.


    Rowan''s brows tugged together in confusion as he glanced at the woman who was not showing any intention to stop like she was possessed. He grabbed her arm in a hurry, "Princess, is there something you need? It''s not safe for you at this hour...ugh...'''' He choked on the rest of his words when Esme turned around, grabbing his neck.


    He struggled slowly, not wanting to hurt her unintentionally but her grip continued tightening. Left with no choice, he grabbed her wrist but his enormous strength failed against her iron grip.


    ''''Take your filthy hands off me," Her cold voice was barely above a whisper.


    Rowan''s grip on her arm immediately loosened and so did hers on his neck. She emotionlessly turned around and continued walking.


    The man looked at her retreating back, too stunned to react. "Go after her,'''' His voice came out hoarse as he talked to Leo, ''''I will look for the Prince.''''


    Esme placed her palm on the wall, her fingers sliding forward on the wall with each step she took while her gaze remained on the path.


    Esme continued walking all the way through the hallways that led to the back of the castle.


    She stepped inside the Enchantment Forest that was enshrouded in darkness. The moonlight sparkled through the tiny gaps between the leaves of the dense trees, lightening up the path.


    Wild thorns pierced through her feet and blood gushed out, the grass she stepped on turned crimson. She continued walking for a long way ahead until she was standing on the seashore.


    Her gaze took in the vast expanse of the dark water sparkling under the moonlight. She stepped forward, walking inside the sea. The water reached her knees and she continued walking forward until the water was reaching her neck.


    A strong wave crashed against her body and she lost her balance, her body rolling along with the wave.


    "...Cough...Cough...''''


    Esme pressed her palm on her mouth as she jolted awake. Water seeped through the gap between her fingers and she felt herself sinking, ''''Mmm...Cough....'''' She removed her hand from her mouth and moved them in the dark water but her legs pressed together, refusing to move.


    Her lower body was numb as she continued falling inside the depths of the sea. She extended her hand upward, desperately trying to reach out to grab something. The seaweeds broke, coming inside her fists as she fell.


    A rush of helplessness sunk inside her as she struggled to move.


    As her vision started getting blurry, she noticed a faint silhouette on the surface, coming towards her.


    It was him.


    Hope glimmered in her eyes when she saw him and she extended her hand, trying to reach out to him.


    His fingers grazed past hers slowly but in the next moment, he grabbed her wrist yanked her towards himself as her eyes closed, her consciousness fading along with his distant voice.


    ''''Esme...." Aleister grabbed the back of her head and pressed his mouth on hers, his other hand caressed her back. A golden glow enveloped them as they disappeared from the sea.


    ....


    Esme sat up on the bed, gasping for air. ''''Ah...'''' She gritted her teeth, feeling a prick on her feet.


    ''''Shh...It is almost done.''''


    Esme clutched the sheets in her fists as she glanced at Aleister, who was sitting with her legs on his lap.


    Aleister gently pulled out another thorn from her delicate feet and a golden appeared on his fingertips, healing the wound. He glanced at her, "Does it hurts?"


    She shook her head.


    ''''Good,'''' He placed her legs on the bed before pushing himself to his feet, "How do you feel now?" He brought a glass of water from the table before extending it towards her.


    She glanced at him quietly.


    ''''I promise you won''t drown in this.''''


    The corner of her lips twitched as she laughed softly, despite the heaviness in her chest.


    He smirked, placing the glass table.


    As he stood up, she hurriedly grabbed his palm, feeling the roughness of it on her fingers, ''''Don''t leave,'''' When he did not turn around, she continued, ''''....Stay.''''

 Chapter 44 - A Spiritual Person

    He turned to look at her, ''''Thought we were staying away from each other?"


    She let go of his hand, ''''I apologize for that. I thought you were the one who revealed my identity,'''' She lowered her head, ''''But it wasn''t you.''''


    He placed a finger below her chin tilting her face upwards, ''''That doesn''t make me a good person, does it?"


    ''''You won''t harm me,'''' She slowly pushed away his finger.


    He raised an eyebrow at how ''understanding'' she was.


    ''''Or you would not have saved me.''''


    ''''Took you long enough to realize,'''' Aleister muttered under his breath.


    "Huh?" Esme blinked. He said something so fast that she could not catch it.


    ''''What were you doing there?"


    Esme shook her head, ''''I don''t know,'''' As he glanced at her quietly, she pushed herself out of the bed, ''''Believe me. I don''t remember anything. When I woke up, I was there...'''' She was worried he won''t believe it for it was something that sounded strange to herself. But she was not sick neither was she lying.


    "Has this happened before?"


    ''''No, I have dreamt of it once,'''' The day when she fainted in his room, ''''But I am not lying.''''`


    "Come with me.''''


    ''''You believe me?"


    ''''What do you think?" He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to himself.


    Esme frowned, "Distance.''''


    ''''What for?" He glanced at her lips, the softness of them still lingered somewhere on his.


    ''''You are a man and I am a woman.''''


    His gaze roamed past her enticing figure as he stepped back from her, "A woman, I see.''''


    Esme covered her front body with her arms, "W-What are you doing?" She asked, a bit flustered.


    ''''When have I ever done something?" He raised his hands motioning to surrender.


    She pursed her lips, wondering why she could never understand what he was trying to say.


    Aleister wrapped his arm around her waist, ''''We should be more than just a man and a woman. I know your secrets and you are my lover.''''


    She glanced at him, ''''Lover for pretense,'''' she corrected him.


    He nodded, "That makes us close confidantes, doesn''t it?''''


    "Allies?" She quirked a brow.


    ''''Whatever suits you,'''' While she lowered her head in contemplation, he rolled his eyes, tightening his grip on her waist.


    ''''But where are we going?"


    Aleister smiled mysteriously, "Who knows?"


    You do. Esme''s lips thinned. Why was it so difficult to talk to him properly?


    ''''You wanted to bring me here?" Esme asked when they reached her room, ''''You did not have to walk me to my room. You could have just asked me to get out of yours,'''' She mumbled.


    Aleister crossed his arms in front of his chest, ''''Either you like to walk barefoot or you want me to carry you. Pick the one that you want,'''' He was leaning towards the latter.


    Esme blinked as she glanced at her feet. She was not wearing shoes. ''''I''ll come back quickly,'''' She dashed inside her room without waiting for his subsequent taunt.


    A certain white butterfly settled on Aleister''s finger, swaying his wings pitifully.


    ''''You did a good job,'''' Aleister waved his hand, shaking it off his palm. He snapped his fingers and Leo regained his original form, ''''Did you sense someone else''s presence around her?"


    Leo growled softly.


    Aleister frowned, ''''No one,'''' He muttered, as he glanced at the dark hallways. She was assigned the room in the innermost corner, ''''Go.''''


    Leo walked away before his Master changed his mind. He did not want to be a butterfly anymore. The nectar of the flowers wasn''t as delectable as the meat.


    ''''Where are we going?" Esme could not help but ask as he led her to a carriage that was waiting for them outside the castle gates.


    It was some time past midnight and the sky was at its darkest.


    "We are running away from this place. Going somewhere far away," He whispered, "How does that sound?"


    If Esme did not know him better, she might have believed him, ''''Were you the one who dried my dress?" She asked. She was drowning in the sea, but still, there was not even a drop of water on her when she woke up. She noticed it much later.


    ''''Make a guess?" Aleister extended a hand towards her.


    Esme glanced at the high carriage before placing her hand in his.


    His fingers curled over her palm and she climbed the carriage, holding her gown in her other hand. As Aleister settled beside her, the door of the carriage closed and it started moving. Placing a hand on the railing, she still glanced at him questioningly under the glow of the lantern.


    But the man just leaned back, closing his eyes.


    ''''Is it painful somewhere?" Aleister asked.


    ''''Huh?" She realized she had been staring at him too intently. She averted her gaze.


    His eyes snapped open as he tilted his head to look at her, "Are you in pain?"


    "No,'''' She shook her head, her eyes looking at everywhere but him.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow looking at Esme whose composure was slipping, her face turning a light shade of red. Oh, what he would do to know the little thoughts running across her mind!


    "We''re here,'''' He announced when the carriage came to a halt.


    Esme slowly glanced at him. She could barely see anything in the dark. The small lanterns hung at the front door of the houses provided some light on the path.


    After getting off the carriage, he extended his hand towards her.


    She placed her palm in his and stepped out. Esme glanced at him and he quirked a brow. She quickly averted her gaze and looked ahead.


    ''''Coming to the church at this hour, you don''t look like a spiritual person," Esme mumbled under her breath, taking her hand back.


    He let her palm slip from his grip, ''''And you, my dear moon, look like either you know me well..." He stepped closer to her and stood behind her, ''''Or you want to know me well,'''' He spoke beside her ear.


    Esme turned around, only to find his face dangerously close, ''''We should go inside now that we are here,'''' She stepped back from him.


    ''''Certainly, we should,'''' He walked after her.

 Chapter 45 - In The Library

    They washed their hands before stepping inside the church from a path where there were no guards. The pleasant sound of the soft music drifted off to her ears and Esme stepped towards the front. "Come here and pray,'''' She pointed her hand at the place beside her.


    Aleister glanced at her quietly.


    Esme averted her gaze as she closed her eyes. After she was done praying, she opened her eyes and only to find him standing beside her, intently looking at her. "Now? What are we doing?" She wondered whether he prayed or not.


    ''''What did you pray for?" Aleister asked, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.


    "It is not supposed to be told. They say it won''t work if you tell it to someone else.''''


    ''''Or you can try me,'''' Aleister stepped towards her, ''''I am certain that you will get it. Anything you want will be laid at your feet.''''


    Esme tilted her head upwards.


    Aleister lowered his head, his powerful body towering over hers.


    ''''Why did you bring me here?" she averted her gaze.


    Aleister stepped back, ''''Come with me.''''


    She glanced at his back as he stepped towards the pillars in the church. There are five pillars in a church, each standing on its different values.


    And his footsteps came to a halt in front of the fifth pillar, the pillar of faith. A golden ray shot from his fingertip and the stone floor split open.


    Esme stood beside him looking at the wooden steps that came to her view. As they descended the stairs, the floor closed and a small gasp escaped her mouth as she glanced at the vast library in front of her eyes.


    ''''This is not open for villagers or any ordinary people,'''' Aleister said, coming to stand beside her.


    ''''Only the Royal Family can come here?" She asked him curiously.


    He nodded, "And some other people here and there.''''


    She pointed a finger at herself, "What am I doing here then?"


    ''''You are special, don''t you think so?" He walked towards a wooden shelf and she trailed after him.


    ''''How so?" It was strange to be talking to him without the exchange of taunts and disputes between them.


    He glanced at her, ''''You are a Princess so you are counted as a part of a royal family.''''


    ''''But I am not a part of the Royal Family of Visteria,'''' So, she should not be allowed to step inside. She was only able to come here because of him. ''''And I am no longer a Princess.''''


    His fingers rested on a book ''''You are my queen,'''' He said without looking back at her.


    Esme, who was looking at her surroundings, paused, ''''Under pretense,'''' she corrected him, ''''I am grateful that you brought me here....'''' Or else she would not have been able to come here no matter how much she wanted to.


    Aleister turned around as he leaned back on the shelf, "Tell me what happened to you.''''


    Her brows tugged together, ''''I dreamt of drowning in the sea the day I fainted in your room,'''' She mumbled, trying to remember if anything like that has ever happened before, ''''I don''t know how I ended up walking there today,'''' That choking sensation in her throat was still alive in her mind.


    But something should have happened. When she went to bed in her room, how could she end up waking in the depths of the sea? Why did she not remember anything?


    As she tried to think about it, her head started spinning slowly, some distant voices ringing inside, she pressed a palm on her forehead.


    Aleister straightened up. His brows tugged together as he stepped towards her, "Are you fine?"


    "Don''t come near me,'''' She retreated a few steps back from him.


    His gaze darkened.


    ''''There is something wrong with my body. I-I...'''' Her fingers dug into the side of her head which felt like it was about to burst, ''''Stay there. I have strange powers inside my body. I don''t know how to control them and I don''t want to harm you,'''' She whispered, trying to reduce her pain.


    Her words did not affect him as he was right in front of her with two powerful steps. He grabbed her wrist and yanked her closer into his arms, ''''Nothing happened to me. I am fine,'''' He stroked her head, ''''You will be too. I am here with you.''''


    Her lips pinched together as her head pressed onto his chest. She bit her bottom lips, trying to repress the pain and gradually, it disappeared leaving a mild ache on the left side of her head. ''''You remember when we met for the first time?" She panted softly.


    ''''I do. You looked like a cat.''''


    She pulled her head back from him, her fingers gently massaged her neck soothing the ringing in her ears. A cat? She frowned.


    ''''An abandoned one. Drenched, sad, disappointed, a little broken, a little lost..'''' He stepped towards her as the corner of his lips tugged up just at the thought of that distant memory, ''''But still as fierce and brave, the reason I called you Leo''s younger sister,'''' He chuckled.


    She laughed softly. Initially, she found it strange too.


    ''''...with lots of hopes and kindness in those beautiful eyes despite everything that hurt your soul. That''s the Esme I met for the first time,'''' He crossed his arms in front of his chest, leaning back on the table behind him.


    She glanced at him quietly for a few seconds.


    And he did not take his eyes off her either.


    It was Esme who broke the trail first as she averted her gaze towards the bookshelves, ''''Everything started that year. I was fourteen then. Very naive,'''' Esme lowered her head, ''''I stumbled upon something I should not have, I witnessed everything that I was not supposed to see and ended up making noise. My small mistake placed our lives in danger and my Aunt had to flee from our own kingdom, taking me and my younger brother with her.. Her main nerve was severed and s-she lost her powers,'''' Her voice trembled slightly towards the end.

 Chapter 46 - The Sea Creatures

    The vulnerability in her words was reflecting the vulnerability hidden somewhere deep within her heart. The one she never showed on her face. She was showing it to him and Aleister could feel it...Her affecting him in ways he hoped she would not.


    "I am the cause of everything that ruined us,'''' Esme felt her throat choking and she gulped, a tear rolled down her eyes, turning into a pearl as soon as it fell ''''That day, I saw these strange powers in me for the first time...''''


    His hand reached out to grab it before it could fall, a small furrow rested between his brows. He reached out to hold her hand, ''''There is nothing strange about you. You are you. It is all that matters.''''


    She blinked slowly, looking at his unfazed face. Was he not shocked at all? Did he not find her different?


    The corner of his lips tugged up as his eyes twinkled, ''''Are you moved by me, Princess?"


    She pursed her lips before pushing away his hand but the heaviness in her heart disappeared, ''''Do you remember that woman who fought with those assassins who were after you?"


    "I do,'''' Initially, he had wanted to end them up at once but then Esme came running towards him, with her little arms shielding him as she claimed that she would protect him. He was amused and he was very certain that she would soon run away but she proved him wrong, "You were so determined to protect me that you called her.''''


    Her face turned red gradually, ''''Don''t repay me with your taunt,'''' She found him pitiful at that time. There were so many assassins and he was all alone. But it took her 7 years and some months to realize that who was the pitiful one amongst them.


    Aleister chuckled, ''''Who was that woman?" He remembered that she appeared out of thin air and he could not trace her moves that clearly


    ''''Ruby. That''s the name that she told me,'''' Esme answered, thinking about the copper-skinned woman clad in a silver dress, ''''I have never seen her again after that day. She disappeared just like she came out of nowhere.''''


    He glanced at the pearl in his hand, ''''Esme...''''


    ''''Yes?" For some reason, her name rolling out of his mouth like that had her shiver. She shook her head inwardly, finding herself incomprehensible.


    ''''Have you heard of the creatures of the sea?''''


    ''''Fishes?" Esme asked, confused.


    The corner of his lips twitched as he held back his laughter.


    She was speechless, ''''Tell me. I have never heard of anything as such."


    He stood up straight, looking at the pearl in his hand.


    She attempted to snatch it from him but he raised his hand upwards.


    ''''That''s mine,'''' She pointed her finger towards it.


    "Who asked you to cry?" He raised an eyebrow, ''''I am keeping it now.''''


    Esme gave up on it. There was nothing in it in the first place. He could keep it if he wanted. "The c-creatures of the sea that you speak of are...?"


    "Merfolk,'''' He walked towards the bookshelf, approaching the smallest one in the corner of the dimly lit library.


    ''''Merfolk...I have heard some tales but I don''t know anything more about it and I also don''t remember much,'''' She stood beside him as he pulled out a thick book from the shelf.


    ''The sea creatures'' was written in bronze carvings on top of the ancient book.


    ''''You can read?" He asked.


    She nodded, "My aunt was a scholar, how would she let us grow up uneducated?" She grabbed the book from his hand before walking towards the wooden table.


    "When are we meeting Aunt then?"


    Esme paused.


    ''''...Your Aunt, I mean."


    She continued walking towards the table. He pulled a chair for her and she settled on it, ''''Why would you meet her?"


    ''''I should meet the one who raised my brave savior,'''' Aleister said unabashedly, taking a seat beside her.


    She covered her face with the book, ''''You can stop talking about it.''''


    As Esme opened the book, it was blank. She turned the pages but all of them were blank.


    She glanced at him questioningly, ''''There is nothing in this.''''


    Aleister touched the pages, and a golden glow layered above the book but it disappeared, leaving the page blank like before. He tried again but it remained the same.


    Esme frowned, ''''Either this book has nothing inside....''''


    ''''Or there is some way to read it that we are unaware of,'''' Aleister completed her words.


    Esme nodded, wondering how he always knew what she was thinking.


    The church bells started ringing, indicating that the time of dawn was approaching.


    "We have to leave," Esme whispered.


    Aleister pushed himself to his feet before extending his hand towards her.


    "I don''t need it to stand up," Esme stood up from the chair without taking his hand.


    Aleister grabbed her wrist, "But I''m still offering it to you," He said, holding her hand and walking with the book in his hand.


    Esme glanced at their intertwined fingers as he dragged her with him, "We are not taking it with us?" She asked when he stood in front of the bookshelf.


    ''''They are bind in this library with spells. We can take this but it will alert people,'''' Aleister glanced at her solemnly.


    Esme frowned, ''''Let''s leave it here then. We have not gotten to the bottom of it, it is better to stay away from unwanted chaos,'''' She glanced at him only to find him staring at her, "Something on my face?" She touched her face as she asked.


    ''''No,'''' He admired the way she comprehended things, her wittiness and perception were not something that he saw in many people. She was rare, in ways she was not aware of.


    Esme blinked as she tucked the loose strands of her behind her ear, her face turning a slight hot probably because of the warmth of the lantern near the wall.


    As Aleister turned around to place the book on the shelf, she grabbed his hand.


    He glanced at her.


    "There is something written there.....''''

 Chapter 47 - Stay Here With Me

    Since she was standing at a distance, she could see it under the soft glow of the lantern, ''''But I can''t read it. It is dark there,'''' This bookshelf was the only smallest one amongst all others in the library which reached the ceiling.


    Aleister stepped back from the bookshelf before squatting in front of it. A golden glow appeared on his palm.


    She looked at him in awe, having never seen someone possessing golden magic before. She has never even heard of its existence.


    He raised an eyebrow at her and she quickly averted her gaze before squatting beside him.


    The small carvings on the wood were laid out before their eyes.


    ...


    When they reached the castle, both of them went to his room together. Esme closed the door while Aleister walked towards the desk in the room. He pulled out the throne chair before looking at Esme who was standing beside him.


    Esme settled on the chair and he slightly pushed it, his fingers resting on the armrest graze past her arm when she moved slightly.


    She stiffened.


    He removed his hands from the armrest of the chair before opening the drawers to her right. He picked up a scroll of parchment along with an ink bottle and quill as he placed it in front of her. ''''Can you write?" His hot breath stroked her neck and Esme looked at anywhere but at him.


    ''''S-Since I can read, I can write too,'''' What kind of question is that?"


    Aleister raised an eyebrow, ''''Of course, you can. Why are you so flustered, my dear moon?"


    Esme tucked her hair behind her ear, ''''A lot has happened in a night. Maybe that''s why...'''' She picked up the quill before dipping it in the ink, ''''Take a seat, will you?" She slowly raised her head to look at the man who had his chin almost touching her neck. She moved back from him a little.


    ''''Beautiful days on the way...'''' Aleister stood up straight before pulling the chair next to her as he settled beside her, ''''I am asked to sit in my own room.''''


    Esme paused, ''''I-'''' She sighed, ''''I forgot.'''' How could I forget it is his room? She chastised herself.


    ''''You look sweeter when you forget things. You should do that more often,'''' Aleister leaned back on the chair.


    Esme blinked at him, ''''...You mean?"


    ''''You want to continue talking to me? Sure, we can..'''' He paused when she quickly looked back at the parchment before she started to write.


    ''''Can you recite it for me?" She did not remember it word by word.


    Aleister nodded.


    After she wrote it on the parchment, she brought it towards the middle of the desk for him to have a better look at it, ''''What do you think does this means?"


    ''''As beautiful as you...'''' He mumbled, looking at her handwriting.


    Esme glanced at him quietly, only to avert her gaze when he looked up but he was quick to catch her gaze on him and a devious curve made its way on his lips.


    Esme gulped, ''''Tell me what this means,'''' She pointed a shaky finger at the parchment.


    Aleister grabbed her finger, letting his thumb graze on it, ''''The little shaking finger of yours means... something is going on that little mind of yours.''''


    Esme pulled her hand back before pushing his hand away with a finger, ''''I mean... what''s written on this parchment. What does it mean?''''


    Aleister glanced at the words on the parchment, deciding to not tease her anymore...for the moment.


    Esme exhaled softly before following his gaze, looking at the words which were written on that wooden shelf in the library.


    ''Not to be tamed, not to appear


    Neither by a battle hymn nor by holy water


    Sin in the pulse, blessing in the eyes


    A part divine, two parts in rise


    Unseen until the rebel blood is dripped twice.''


    ''''Is it about the words in that book? They will not appear until... the rebel blood is dripped twice..'''' Esme paused, ''''But who is the rebel? And how will we get their blood?"


    Aleister frowned before letting out a deep sigh. He picked up the parchment and ran his fingers on it, and the words written on it disappeared. He placed it in the drawer, ''''Don''t think about it. We will look into it later.''''


    Esme nodded as she stood up from the chair after a few seconds, ''''It is almost dawn and you have not gotten a wink of sleep,'''' She lowered her head for the realization of this came late, ''''I should go back to my room.''''


    Just as she turned around, he grabbed her hand, ''''You are staying here from now,'''' He pushed himself to his feet.


    Esme turned around, ''''Why?"


    ''''You don''t know it?"


    How could she not know? ''''If it is because of what happened today, even then I can not stay here with you,'''' She shook her head, ''''This is inappropriate,'''' truth to be told, she was a little scared of going back to her room. Although her eyes are demanding sleep, she knew she would not be able to close them with the fear that she might wake up in that dire situation again where she would be dying.


    ''''Oh, and when did I say that I am asking you?'''' Aleister grinned, ''''It''s either you stay here by your own will or I will have you caged in this place. The choice is yours to make.''''


    Her lips parted in disbelief. As expected, he cannot be peaceful around her for a long time. ''''You want me to stay with you, in one room. Do you realize how inappropriate that is? And what people would say?"


    Aleister snapped his fingers and a curtain appeared beside his bed, ''''Your bed will be arranged here,'''' he said, ''''And no one will say anything. Leo is fond of eating tongues the most,'''' The corner of his lips tugged up slightly.


    Esme blinked at how easily it slipped from his mouth.


    But everything he said... It looked enticing because no one will talk about him in open. She was afraid of what will happen if she was left alone in her room. No matter how much she tried, she can not, not sleep forever, ''''But-''''


    ''''Don''t tell me you are afraid that you will not be able to resist me?''''

 Chapter 48 - We Are Lovers, Arent We?

    Esme awkwardly shifted on the bed, her eyes wide open as she glanced at the thick curtain, wondering whether the person on the other side was awake or sleeping.


    She could not believe that she gave in to his wild demand of her staying here. Her Aunt will probably hang her upside down if she came to know that she is living in one room with a man.


    Aleister was adamant on this, and she knew he won''t hesitate in putting her in a cage if she disagreed. Moreover, the man unabashedly claimed that she must have some wrong intentions towards him for which she was hesitating on staying with him. What wrong intentions could she possibly have?


    But for Esme, her life came first. She was scared of going back to the room and closing her eyes there, not knowing where she would wake up the next time she opened them.


    A few days only... It should not be too much to deal with and by the time she will go back, her Aunt also won''t know.


    Till then, she will have to survive and not think about anything else.


    ''''Don''t feel like sleeping?"


    Esme''s head snapped in his direction. He wasn''t sleeping? "Uh... No,'''' She quickly got off the bed before walking towards fireplace.


    Silence.


    Esme took a seat on the chair in front of the fireplace, her mind stumbling over the words they found carved in that wooden shelf.


    ''Not to be tamed, not to appear


    Neither by a battle hymn, nor by holy water''


    ''''Who won''t be tamed and who will not appear?" Esme asked after contemplating over it, ''''Do you think it is about the book or a person?"


    There was a knock on the door and Aleister pushed himself out of the bed as Rowan stepped inside. He paused, sensing another presence in the room.


    Esme stood up as she slowly nodded at the man.


    Rowan pressed his palm on his neck.


    A small gasp escaped Esme''s mouth. Even from a distance, she could see the glaring red marks on his neck, ''''How did this happen?" She pointed her finger towards it curiously. She knew Rowan was Aleister''s right hand man then he must be strong. Who could do this to him?


    Rowan glanced at her in disbelief.


    Esme was taken aback. Why was he looking at her with accusing eyes?


    Aleister narrowed his eyes.


    ''''I-It''s Leo, Princess,'''' Rowan cleared his throat, ''''My Lord, His Majesty has summoned you in the court. Two other maids have died last night. The magistrate is here as it is said that...''''


    Esme''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    ''''...That you have killed them along with the other 18 maids that have died this month,'''' Rowan completed his words under Esme''s piercing stare. He wondered if she remembered something and was blaming him for touching her hand.


    Aleister nodded, completely unfazed, ''''I will be there.''''


    As Rowan left, Esme walked towards him, ''''It was not you. You were with me last night.''''


    Aleister glanced at her.


    ''''Do you want me to be the witness that you were with me the whole night...?'''' She paused when he took a step towards her.


    ''''Do you hear yourself, Esme? A man and woman together for a whole night. Do you understand how people will perceive it?" He tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear when she looked at him through her dense lashes, ''''You are willing to claim it in the court without thinking of your reputation. Since when did you care about me that much?" He waited for her to go red in the face.


    But she surprised him, ''''We are lovers, aren''t we?" She asked with a straight face. As he raised an eyebrow, she continued, ''''They should not be shocked for they think that we are lovers. We are living in one room so there is not much reputation left for me to save. You have done so much for me. This is the least I can do for you.''''


    Aleister was stunned for a moment before he cupped her face, with his thumb stroking her cheek while his other fingers rested behind her ear, ''''No one will ever talk about you. I assure you of that. Get some sleep. I will be back after proving how innocent I am about this matter,'''' A glint flashed through his eyes as his thumb stroked her face for one last time before he turned around and left.


    Esme glanced at his retreating back before walking towards the bed, which was newly arranged in his room. She settled on it with a blank expression on her face. Her grew warm gradually as her cheeks flushed. She grabbed the sheets before covering her faced which turned red like a cooked lobster.


    Even she was surprised at her words. And what he said really made her wonder that why would she want to be the the witness for him putting her reputation on stake? She managed to conceal her thoughts at that time so that he won''t taunt her.


    Esme shook her head, ''''He has helped me so much. It is only right for me to ask whether he needs my help.''''


    That''s humanity.


    But...


    Since when did she not feel shame saying such things blatantly?


    ...


    Duchess Flora poured some tea for Esme, ''''Little lady, see yourself in the mirror. You look so pale.''''


    ''''My Lady, is this...her...Our Prince''s future wife?" An old woman came to stand beside Duchess Flora.


    ''''Yes, it''s her. Lady Esmeray,'''' Duchess Flora smiled before looking at Esme, ''''She is my nanny. She has looked after me since I was born. I call her Aunt Greta.''''


    ''''Meanwhile, Lady Esme can call me Grandma,'''' The old lady smiled, wrinkles appearing on the corner of her eyes as she stood there with her her back bent, holding a cane in her hand.


    Esme shook her head, ''''Then, you will have to call me Esme.''''


    Both the ladies ended up laughing at her words.

 Chapter 49 - Proving Innocence

    Esme did not get a wink of sleep after Aleister left the room. Every time she closed her eyes, she would be reminded of how she was drowning. In the end, she went back to her room to take a bath only to be invited by Duchess Flora for breakfast later.


    Aunt Greta picked up some black salt from the plates on the round dining table before sprinkling it near Esme''s feet.


    Esme blinked as she came out of her reverie.


    ''''Aunt Greta, our Prince won''t take it well if you end up scaring her,'''' Duchess Flora sighed.


    ''''I apologize if I scared you, my Lady,'''' Aunt Greta stepped back from her, ''''You are so beautiful and kind. I was just warding off the evil from you. No witch will cast her eyes in your direction-''''


    ''''Witch?" Esme stiffened.


    Duchess Flora shook her head at Aunt Greta who immediately went quiet.


    And this exchange between them did not escape Esme''s keen eyes, ''''Do they exist?" She glanced at Duchess Flora who immediately averted her gaze.


    ''''We should not mention unpleasant things,'''' Duchess Flora said after a long time but Esme''s persistent gaze made her sigh, ''''They do,'''' She was not surprised that Esme has heard of witches when ordinary people don''t know about their existence. She assumed that she heard it from the Prince.


    Esme''s brows tugged together.


    A maid came running towards them all of a sudden interrupting their discussion.


    ''''What''s wrong?" Duchess Flora glanced at her.


    ''''My Lady, I just heard that the Prince was summoned in the royal court for the mysterious deaths of two other maids that happened yesterday.''''


    Duchess Flora frowned while Esme was not surprised. She was there with him when he was summoned and even though he said that he can manage it, she was still a little worried for him.


    Suddenly, another maid also came.


    "What is it? Did the Prince proved himself innocent?" Duchess Flora asked, visibly restless.


    ''''M-My Lady, h-he did...'''' The mad stuttered.


    Esme exhaled, relieved after hearing that. She picked up the cup of tea before taking a sip.


    ''''M-My Lord killed a m-minister in the court...''''


    "Cough...'''' Esme choked on the tea, coughing violently.


    ...


    ''''My Lord, 20 lives are not something that can be avoided...'''' The magistrate spoke, despite his dread towards the man, ''''...We will have to look into this matter and take actions accordingly...'''' Despite his words, Aleister did not move neither did he glance at them.


    He sat on the throne chair with the side of his head propped on his fist as his elbow rested on the arm. Uninterested and unbothered, he glanced at the tea and wide variety of delicacies placed on the table.


    They wanted to compensate him with this for inviting him here during the time of breakfast. His gaze wandered off to a certain small pastry sitting on the corner with a layer of wine-colored cream on the top.


    The ministers all exchanged glances while the magistrate narrowed his eyes.


    The magistrate turned to look at the King, his eyes slightly cold, ''''Your Majesty, things are not like the previous times. I, the Magistrate, of Visteria, have a say in this royal court now. Since it is the Prince behind...''''


    In the previous years, Visteria was solely controlled by the Davens but over the years, after a particular incident, the royal family lost control over some of their powers which later went to his father''s hand, to their Magistrate''s house.


    ''''How are you sure of that?" King Alexander narrowed his eyes, ''''How are you certain that the Prince is responsible for this?"


    ''''Rumors are running amok throughout the castle about the Prince''s infamous deeds. He killed a Princess in the royal court and all these maids who died have been bedded by him before their deaths...''''


    ''''Didn''t expect you to hide under my bed to eavesdrop on us,'''' Aleister said without raising his head to look at them, ''''You have some kinks, old man.''''


    Rowan who was standing behind the Prince, lowered his head, as he tried to stifle his laughter.


    The magistrate burned red in the face.


    Alexander cleared his throat.


    ''''My Lord, it is not, I, who witnessed it but there are many witnesses of your cruel deeds,'''' The magistrate spoke through gritted teeth.


    ''''If I may say something, Your Majesty...''''


    Alexander nodded at the man who stepped forward, ''''You can speak, Minister Theo.''''


    Minister Theo nodded, ''''The Prince cannot be the person behind these heinous deeds and you have no evidence to prove your claim,'''' He shot a glare at the Magistrate, ''''Are you finding ways to defame the future ruler of the lands of Visteria on purpose?"


    The magistrate pursed his lips.


    ''''Your Majesty, I think the Magistrate is muddle-headed at the moment,'''' The minister turned to look at the King with a subservient smile as he bowed, ''''I only want to plea that the Prince changes his decision about marrying that servant girl. It is not appropriate for her to become our Queen.''''


    The rest of the officials nodded, inwardly agreeing to what Minister Theo said. They had wanted to bring this up for a long time but they did not get a proper chance.


    ''''Well said,'''' Aleister tilted his head to look at the man.


    Minister Theo proudly straightened up because Prince Aleister rarely praised anyone. Initially, he was scared of bringing this up, but this thing has been bugging him for a long time and now he felt glad that he mustered his courage to this. The Prince must be satisfied with the praises that he sang.


    ''''Come here,'''' Aleister moved his fingers in a come hither motion.


    ''''Yes, My Lord?" The man stood in front of him with his head lowered.


    ''''Cut the fruit,'''' Aleister pointed his chin towards the apple on the table.


    Minister Theo followed his gaze before holding the knife as he stood with his body bent, carefully cutting it. His position in the court was strong and he won''t do such things for anyone, but the person ordering him was not someone one would want to offend.


    Aleister picked up the little pastry as he pushed himself to his feet.


    Minister Theo shivered slightly when he came to stand beside him.


    ''''Cut his throat,'''' spoke the man and in the next moment, a head rolled on the clean floor, blood splattering in all directions.


    Rowan placed his sword back in the sheath before pressing his hand on his chest in an obeying motion.


    ''''Very well,'''' Aleister nodded. While the whole place had splatters of blood, not even a single drop touched him, ''''Have a nice day, gentlemen.''''


    The man glanced at the exquisite pastry in his hand, the red cream reminding him of Esme. He tilted his head to the side before placing it in his mouth, his tongue slowly grazed past his bottom lips as he made his way out of the court without looking back at anyone.


    A good day indeed.


    The morning court was drowned in silence. He did not say anything but his actions implied one thing loud and clear.


    The King stood up from the throne before descending the stairs followed by his guards. He paused near the Magistrate who was standing stunned on his spot, ''''I''m certain you should know by now,'''' His words remained vague as he walked out without looking back.


    He decided to have a conversation with his son later regarding the dropping counts of officials.


    The magistrate tried to regain his composure. The realization started sinking in his mind. A man who won''t hesitate to kill a minister in front of him, why would he need to kill women sneakily?


    There was more to it.

 Chapter 50 - The View

    Esme placed the back of her hand on her face as she pulled the sheets upwards before moving to the side.


    As she slowly opened her eyes, she abruptly sat up on the bed, stunned by the presence on her bed. ''''It''s you...'''' She patted her chest, her heart still thumping wildly.


    ''''Are you scared of me?" Aleister asked as he leaned back on the bed before lifting his leg from the floor as he crossed it in front of him, one of his hands rested on his knee while the other on her pillow with the side of his head propped on his fist.


    She glanced at his deep fathomless eyes, ''''I thought it was someone else. I was waiting for you to come back. I didn''t realize when I dozed off,'''' She glanced at the gradually darkening sky through the window. It was evening. How long did she sleep? ''''Is everything alright now?'''' She tucked her hair behind her ear.


    ''''Everything was dealt with...amicably.''''


    Esme''s lips twitched. Had she not known what it was, she might have believed him, ''''Your description of amicable is certainly strange-'''' She jolted when his fingers grazed past her neck as he shifted closer to her.


    Her heart unknowingly sped up as he leaned closer to her, his warm breath stroked her ears while his rough fingers grazed past her neck, moving towards her back. The sudden proximity with him made her muddle-headed for a moment as her fingers gripped the sheets.


    He fisted her long hair in his hands before bringing it in front of her shoulder and she bit her lips restraining herself from breathing too loud. Her face felt slightly warm as his breath caressed the nook of her neck.


    She pressed a palm on his chest as she glanced at the side of his face but the man suddenly pulled back from her.


    ''''It''s done,'''' He said.


    ''''W-W...'''' Esme gulped slowly, ''''What''s done?"


    ''''Your dress was...'''' He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear as he stood up from the bed, ''''...unkempt.''''


    She glanced at the messy sleeves of her plain white gown, her grip on the sheets loosened as she pulled it up to cover herself.


    He looked at her quietly and she averted her gaze under his intense stare.


    Her face burned a shade of red only for it to be camouflaged in the warm hues of the fireplace.


    ''''Get ready,'''' said Aleister, his tone low and deep.


    She tilted her head to look at him, ''''Are we going somewhere?"


    ''''Yes.''''


    ''''I''m ready,'''' She just needed to fix her dress a bit.


    ''''Wear that.''''


    She followed his gaze looking at the distance where there was a huge rack of dresses beside the mirror. It was not there in the afternoon.


    The sounds of his retreating footsteps snapped her out of her daze, ''''I did not agree on wearing that.''''


    His footsteps came to a halt as Aleister glanced at her from above his shoulder, ''''Neither did I ask for your opinion, Princess.''''


    And with that said, he walked out of the room without looking back at her.


    Esme let go of the sheets as she stood up from the bed before walking towards the mirror in the distant corner. She settled on the chair and glanced at her reflection under the glow of the fire from the fireplace.


    The slight redness on her cheeks did not escape her gaze and she lifted her fingers, grazing them past her neck, remembering the touch of his rough fingers on that place. Her face burned a shade deeper and she patted her cheeks. She closed her eyes and covered her face in her palms.


    Hearing the sounds of approaching footsteps, she tilted her head upwards.


    ''''My Lady, the Prince has sent us to help you,'''' Two maids bowed near the door.


    Esme stood up, ''''You can leave. I don''t need help.''''


    And the maids simply bowed and left.


    She sighed in relief. At least, he did not persist on this.


    After getting ready, Esme walked out of the room only to be greeted by Aleister who was standing near the wall.


    As soon as his gaze landed on her, he straightened up before walking towards her. She was wearing an olive green gown. Her long hair cascaded down in front of her shoulders and as she glanced at him with a bit of hesitance in her eyes, his eyes darkened, ''''You want to ask something?" He extended his hand towards her.


    She glanced at his outstretched hand quietly and his jaw ticked, the impatience in his eyes grew. After a little bit of hesitation, she placed her palm in his and he tightened his grip on her fingers before pulling her towards him.


    ''''Where are we going?"


    ''''You will know soon.''''


    ''''Why these dresses? I don''t need them,'''' She glanced at him confusingly as they walked through the hallways. The guards lowered their heads from where they walked by but she could feel everyone''s astonishment.


    Word must have spread that she was living with the Prince, in his room. But out of their dread towards him, nobody dared to say anything.


    ''''They look beautiful on you,'''' Aleister said nonchalantly as if he was talking about the weather but Esme lowered her head slightly.


    Compliments coming out of his mouth... felt quite not right. Her face flushed as she looked at the walls.


    ''''I heard about something today,'''' She glanced at him, suddenly reminded about it.


    He glanced at her, "And what is it?"


    Esme blinked, ''''You can tell me where we are going then I will tell you what I heard,'''' She stepped away from a little from him, getting her hand out of his grip as they neared the Royal Carriage.


    He raised an eyebrow, ''''Then you will have to wait,'''' He helped her inside the carriage.


    Throughout the journey, Aleister kept his eyes closed and Esme believed that he was sleeping since he has not slept since yesterday.


    She glanced at his face quietly.


    ''''Do you like the view...?" The man mumbled as he opened his eyes before turning his face towards her, ''''Or do you want me to sit like this?"


    She averted her gaze, ''''I was wondering where we are going.''''


    ''''And you can''t take your eyes off me while wondering whatever it is?" He raised an eyebrow.


    She pursed her lips, ''''You can sleep. I won''t look at you this time,'''' She regretted as soon as the words escaped her mouth. Didn''t she just admit that she was looking at him?


    ''''You can look at me. I don''t mind,'''' said Aleister as he glanced at her slender neck that was exposed to his view. His gaze trailed higher to her lips that she licked slowly out of nervousness.


    Esme closed her eyes, ''''I think I need some sleep,'''' And some peace.


    She wished she could see through him to know what was on his mind.


    The carriage came to a halt after two hours and Esme who was pretending to sleep all this while, slowly opened one eye.


    ''''Awake?" Aleister glanced at her teasingly and it was too late for her to close her eyes again, ''''Did you dream about me?"


    Esme smiled slightly, ''''No, I am not fond of nightmares.''''


    Aleister alighted the carriage before extending his hand towards her, ''''But I am very fond of you,'''' He whispered playfully beside her ear and Esme stumbled on her footsteps, almost falling on him.

 Chapter 51 - We Are A Family

    Only after getting off the carriage did Esme noticed the other two royal carriages behind them and she wondered who there were people inside. She noticed that there were not many people to be seen in this place where they were standing.


    Her gaze landed on the small house in the distance and confusion appeared in her eyes. Without questioning him, she walked beside him until they reached the house.


    She slowly peeked at him through her lashes. From the first time that she met him in the dungeon, she was repulsed by his antics of cornering her repeatedly, of him being so ruthless. No matter how fatally attractive the man was, she did not have a measure of the dangers that lied beside his fa?ades and she was inclined to stay further away from him.


    But at this point of time, he was the only person whom she trusted in Daven''s Castle. He was intimidating but she was not scared of him. It was ironic.


    ''''I can feel your gaze burning right through me,'''' He spoke without looking at her.


    The tips of her ears turned slightly red.


    Esme, who was teased endlessly, got a little grip on her expressions, ''''I can''t help looking at you. I want to know what goes on in your mind,'''' She mumbled rather than giving him the pleasure of watching her being flustered.


    ''''Regarding what?" Aleister glanced at her.


    ''''Like why you would bring me to such a place at night,'''' She replied without looking at him.


    ''''And still, you came here with me to this abandoned place, in the middle of the night without hesitation,'''' He leaned on the door, looking at her like she was the most marvelous thing that he has ever laid his on, ''''I wonder whether you are hopelessly naive or dangerously wise,'''' He crossed his arms in front of his chest.


    Esme tilted her head as she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. She took a step closer to him, ''''Take a guess,'''' A low whisper escaped her mouth and a glint flashed in his eyes, surprised at her little move.


    She knocked on the door twice before stepping back from him, ''''Might as well as do what we are here for.''''


    Aleister straightened up, ''''Why not?"


    Esme tapped her feet slowly on the floor as she looked around the place. The house was small but well built with fine materials and was cozy. It was built at a distance from the borders of the Enchantment Forest in the Capital City, far away from the crowd.


    While she was lost in her thoughts, the door opened causing her to raise her head. And as soon as her gaze landed on the person at the door, Esme froze as her eyes widened slightly.


    ''''...Aunt?"


    Marlene smiled as she pulled her into a warm hug, ''''How are you, my girl?"


    Esme could hear her voice trembling. She pulled back from her, ''''I am fine,'''' Despite her curiosity, she consoled her first.


    Marlene cupped her face before kissing her forehead gently, ''''It must have been hard on you.''''


    Esme shook her head, her eyes brightening at the sight of her Aunt. How many days has it been since she saw her!


    Her heart ached at the thought of her brother, her purpose of being here. No matter how hard it was, she wanted to find him as soon as possible before anything went wrong. but Aleister did not believe her when she said that...that maidservant is the culprit she is looking for. She did not know where to start finding. The only clue she had was that woman...


    ''''How are you here?" Esme asked, pushing her thoughts aside for the moment. ''''...When?"


    Aleister placed a hand on her back, ''''How about we go inside first?"


    Marlene glanced at the man whose presence was so powerful and intimidating but reuniting with her niece after a long time had her undivided attention which is why she had yet to acknowledge his presence.


    Just as she opened her mouth to say something, her gaze landed on his hand that was resting on Esme''s back. She frowned.


    For the great Prince of Visteria to send people to her doorstep to invite her to the Capital City, she knew that things were not that simple. Out of her desperation to see Esme, she agreed to come here after hesitating for a few days.


    But now that she glanced at them, some things felt out of place.


    Esme was there under the disguise of a maid, but now she was dressed in an elegant gown, reminding her of the little Princess who was always doted on, pampered by everyone until that night from where she never saw her cheerful and warm little Esme ever again.


    Marlene blinked her tears away as she bowed at the man, ''''My Lord.''''


    Aleister grabbed her shoulders before she could lower herself further, ''''No further formalities, Aunt.''''


    Both the aunt and niece glanced at him, their eyes snapped wide in disbelief at his words.


    ''''We all are family after all,'''' said Aleister, pushing their buttons a little more, his lips tugging up slightly as they both glared at him even though they tried hard not to.


    ...


    As they took a seat, Esme noticed the living room was vivacious. The house looked just decent from the outside while it was like a small castle from the inside.


    She could feel the tension in the atmosphere, her Aunt''s eyes boring into her, Aleister''s teasing gaze on her. She could feel it but she refused to meet them.


    ''''Esme, will you bother to tell-''''


    ''''Aunt, why you are here?"'' Esme hurriedly interrupted her only to watch her narrow her eyes.


    Marlene glanced at the Prince, the man who had sent his men to bring her here to the Capital city. Initially, she was doubtful of them until they showed her the Royal Family Emblem and when they revealed her real identity, she was certain that there was something between her niece and the most dangerous man of Visteria, the Prince.


    Marlene knew that Esme would never reveal her real identity to anyone and that only made her further wary of this situation.


    Esme followed her gaze as she glanced at the man whose presence seemed to have made the house smaller, her mind lingering on how her Aunt seemed to have known him. Was it him who brought her here to the Capital City?


    But she had only mentioned her Aunt to him yesterday and it will take days to reach the Capital City because the village they lived in...Seran Village was on the outskirts of Visteria.


    And she had never told him about it before then how...?

 Chapter 52 - Hold Tightly

    While Marlene did not say it explicitly, Esme could understand that her Aunt coming to this place had something to do with Aleister. She was confused but she decided to ask him about it later.


    ''''If I may ask...'''' Marlene averted her gaze from her niece as she glanced at the man who was sitting in his chair like he has been a part of their family for a decade, ''''My Lord, what''s the relationship between my niece and you?" She tried to keep her tone respectable for two reasons.


    First, this man was infamous for his cruelty and brutality, and second, he knew about their origin. Marlene could not help but wonder why Esme would take this step and let him know about their identity.


    Esme glanced at Aleister, ''''We-''''


    ''''Your niece is the love of my life,'''' The man said casually, interrupting her.


    Esme''s eyes widened as Marlene glanced at her as if asking her if it was true.


    She pursed her lips.


    Marlene stood up, ''''I want to talk to my niece alone if My Lord doesn''t minds.''''


    ''''I don''t mind, Aunt,'''' Aleister leaned back on the chair putting one of his legs above the other as he placed an arm on his forehead, ''''Can I have that apple, my dear moon?"


    Esme grabbed the apple from the fruit basket kept on the wooden table before she passed it to him, ''''Don''t choke yourself,'''' She said, smiling kindly even though the kindness did not reach her eyes.


    ''''How can I? I won''t want to worry you, my love,'''' He grabbed the apple from her hand as he munched on it.


    Esme scoffed as she turned around to look at her Aunt who was staring at her blankly, ''''Let''s go.''''


    Marlene took Esme to her room. She closed the door, locking it properly, ensuring that the man won''t be able to hear them.


    ''''What he said was true...'''' Marlene said, her words were more of a statement than a question.


    Esme lowered her head, not knowing what would be a proper answer to this, ''''I...'''' She wanted to tell her the truth about everything that was going on inside the castle, but after getting her main nerve severed forcefully, her Aunt''s body had gotten weaker. Arlan''s sudden disappearance was already weighing down on her shoulders and Esme did not want to worry her as much.


    Marlene sighed as she grabbed her hand before walking towards the bed, ''''Sit here...'''' She said and as Esme sat there, she took a seat beside her, ''''I am happy as long as you are happy. All these years, I have not been able to protect you well so I always wished there was someone you could rely on. I never got to find a decent man for you...'''' Two years ago when Esme turned 19, Marlene started looking for a husband for her despite her protests. While some detested their status, some eyed her solely with lust, ''''He can protect you well, but will he?"


    Esme blinked.


    ''''Aleister Daven is a man nobody dares to offend. Even when he was a child, his brutality was talked about in every land. He is dangerous and heartless...''''


    ''''Not to me,'''' Esme interrupted her. There was nothing between them other than the fact that they just became friends yesterday with a little exchange that she will pretend to be his lover and he will help her with her identity. Nothing more and nothing less. But one thing she was certain of was he was not a person who would stab her in the back. He won''t harm her.


    ''''I can see,'''' Marlene sighed. She saw the way the man was looking at her niece like he could not see anything else, ''''But I want you to be cautious. It has been mere weeks since you went there and I hope he doesn''t have any other motives towards you....''''


    Marlene could feel her head ache just at the thought of the Royal Family of Visteria.


    ''''Don''t degrade yourself for a man like your mother-''''


    ''''You don''t know. You haven''t seen it so don''t say that about my mother when she is not with us to defend herself,'''' Esme stood up from the bed, ''''I have been looking for Arlan all this while and I will find him no matter whatever it takes.''''


    All the way back to the castle, Esme remained quiet until Aleister could not take her silence any longer, ''''Are you offended?"


    ''''You could have not said it,'''' Esme replied without looking at him as she glanced outside, leaning her head on the railing.


    Aleister glanced at her quietly as the carriage came to a halt in front of the Castle gates. As they alighted the carriage, Esme walked ahead without looking at him.


    He grabbed her hand and she was pulled into his arms, ''''Did I say that you can leave?"


    ''''And do I have to ask for your permission before I do something?" She struggled in his arms, his grip on her waist kept tightening.


    He sighed before letting go of his hold on her waist but his grip on her wrist did not loosen as he walked past the castle gates dragging her with him.


    Esme frowned, ''''Slow down. I don''t have legs as long as you.''''


    His steps slowed down as they walked inside the royal garden. The guards bowed at them and he kept walking inside the garden until all she could see was darkness, there was no one around and it was just him and her. Just the two of them.


    He extended his other hand towards her and she glanced at his face under the pale glow of the moonlight, confusion apparent in her eyes.


    ''''Hold tightly,'''' He whispered.


    After a little hesitation, she placed her palm in his and he tightened his hold on both her hands before pulling her towards his body.. Her heart skipped a bit and just as she opened her mouth to say something, her eyes widened at what she witnessed.

 Chapter 53 - Like What, Esme?

    As soon as she placed her hands in his, a golden glow appeared around their feet. Her mouth parted in disbelief and all of a sudden her vision blurred. She closed her eyes, her grip on his hand tightened and the next time she opened them, they were not in the garden anymore.


    They were standing on the seashore, ''''...How?" was all she could utter as she stepped back from him.


    ''''Some of the powers that I have,'''' Aleister grabbed her hand as he stepped towards her.


    Esme glanced at him for a few seconds continuously before averting her gaze, ''''You have powers that are never heard of....'''' She sighed, ''''Does anyone knows about this?" She asked, trying to retract her hand from his hold.


    ''''Other than Rowan and Leo, no one knows,'''' He loosened his grip on her and just as she was about to take her hand back, he intertwined their fingers.


    ''''Then why would you show me?" Wasn''t he worried that she would go around telling people?


    The corner of his lips tugged up as he glanced at the shock apparent on her face. He knew she wanted to ask more about it but as stubborn as she was, she will never ask it after the last time when he refused to tell her anything.


    ''''Because it''s you,'''' came his short reply that had her undivided attention within a moment.


    She tilted her head slightly, looking straight into his eyes as her teeth nipped on her bottom lips.


    His gaze moved to her lips as he stared at them intently, plump, soft, and enticing. He averted his gaze from her lips after a while as he looked into her eyes, ''''Is there anything that you want to say?" His voice was lower this time.


    Her heart skipped a beat, having her doubt if there was really something wrong with it. ''''I... I know you don''t mean any harm to me but...'''' Esme paused, not knowing how to phrase her words without fumbling here and there. As much as she wanted to deny, his intense gaze was making her nervous, ''''Stop looking at me like that,'''' She averted her gaze.


    He leaned closer to her, ''''Like what, Esme?"


    She felt gooseflesh on her body when he whispered beside her ear, his hot breath stroked her neck. She pressed a palm on her ear as she glanced at him.


    He stepped back from her, letting go of her hand. A whisper was able to get her to this, if only she knew the thoughts he had regarding her, ''''Is it good now?" He asked.


    Esme rubbed her ear as she glanced at the sea that was sparkling under the moonlight, ''''I was rude to you that day but you saved me. We don''t have anything to do with each and I know that you can get any woman to pretend to be your lover. I am not needed...'''' She was aware that her words were not coming like she had wanted them to. She sounded nervous...but why? ''''What intentions do you have for you to keep coming after me when all I''ve ever wanted was to stay away from you?'''' She turned to look at him.


    He glanced at her quietly.


    Esme did not take her eyes off him. The more she did not know about something, the more bothered she would be about it. And he made her confused at every point. She could not understand who he was, what he wanted. The man was uncaring and unfeeling of everything only except pushing her buttons.


    He took a step towards her and she discreetly took a step back from him, hoping that he did not notice it. Her slightly sweaty palms rubbed against the material of her gown.


    ''''Don''t take another step back since you are curious about my intentions.''''


    ''''Y-You can speak from there,'''' She averted her gaze.


    He placed the tip of his finger under her chin, tilting her face upwards, ''''No,'''' His tone was firm and clear as his other hand moved towards her hand. He stroked her fingers, ''''You are trembling. Why don''t you tell me what it is?" He whispered, lowering his head such that his hot breath stroked her lips.


    She could hear her heart pounding in her chest, loud and clear. She opened her mouth to say something but no words came out. She tried to avert her gaze but the finger under her chin shifted as he placed his thumb there, his other fingers rested below her ear, weaving through her hair near her neck and her neck arched slightly, her lips parted, a layer of sheen covered her eyes.


    She pressed her other palm on his chest, the one which was not held by him as she tried to push him away, but he leaned closer to her until she felt a cool sensation on her cheek.


    Her eyes widened slightly as she gazed at his face which was dangerously close to hers, his lips almost lingering on her skin.


    The palm that was pushing him away fisted the fabric of his shirt as her eyes closed slightly, her heart racing like galloping horses. A shiver went down her body, either because of the cold or because of him.


    She opened her eyes, feeling the lack of warmth on her body, ''''You are cold,'''' He grabbed both her hands as he took a step back from her, ''''Let''s talk in the room, shall we?"


    Esme glanced at him in a daze. Did she perhaps... misunderstand his intentions a moment ago?


    She slowly nodded at his words and he pulled her closer to her, her heart skipped a beat.


    ...


    Esme sat on the bed swinging her legs back and forth. As soon as they appeared in his room, he left for some work, and here she was, still thinking about... what happened. Was it her illusion that he...?


    She broke the trail of her thoughts forcefully as she stood up before walking towards the window. Leaning back of the windowsill, she glanced at the moon that was partially covered in the clouds.. She hoped that he will be back soon because there were some things that she wanted to tell him.

 Chapter 54 - Esmes Identity

    While Esme was in the room, a few servants came to set the table for dinner. She let them in, concluding that they must be sent here by Aleister. Esme noticed their gazes settling on the two beds in the room, divided by a huge thick curtain in between.


    The corner of her lips twitched but it did not take them long to avert their gaze as they settled the food trolley near the table. They were mindful of their behavior, just in case they offended the Prince.


    ''''You all can leave,'''' Esme blinked looking at their rabbit-like movements, small and steady. Even though the Prince was not in the room, she noticed them trembling.


    And as soon as the words escaped her mouth, they bowed at her. Their faces remained stoic but Esme could sense their relief and gratefulness for letting them leave the devil''s den before he came. ''''Is he that scary...?" Esme mumbled to herself looking at their fleeing backs.


    She walked towards the round table near the window which was arranged with a velvety cloth on it, with candles in the center. Plates, forks, and knives were laid down at their proper places. She carefully shifted the food from the table to the trolley.


    ''''Why are you doing this?"


    Esme paused as she turned around to look at the man who had a menacing expression on his face. She noticed that his hair was particularly unkempt today and under the hues of the moonlight, his ice-blue eyes seemed to be shining.


    He snapped his fingers in front of her eyes and she came out of her reverie.


    ''''Huh?"


    ''''What are you thinking about?"


    ''''Nothing,'''' she said for saying ''I was thinking about your eyes'' was sounding pretty much improper in her mind.


    He grabbed the plates from her hand before arranging them on the table.


    ''''I don''t think you should do this,'''' Esme said.


    ''''You think too much,'''' Aleister walked to the other side before pulling out a chair for her.


    Esme could feel her mouth watering at the sight of food. After a long and exhausting day, she did not notice how hungry she was until she saw the food in front of her.


    "Let''s start?" She glanced at him through her lashes with her spoon already dipped inside the soup.


    Aleister nodded and that was enough for her to start eating without looking at him again.


    Usually, she would eat slowly and unhurriedly but today''s scene was different as she stuffed the food in her mouth, her cheeks puffing up.


    He glanced at the food that had her undivided attention at the moment. The corner of his lips twitched as he leaned back on the chair holding a glass of wine.


    The glow of the candle fell on half of her face as she ate, her long deep hair fell in front of her shoulder and she had one of her palms resting near her ear as she restrained the locks of her hair from coming on the food. As she leaned forward, her delicate white nightgown clung to her body, enhancing her soft curves.


    His eyes darkened as he gulped the glass of wine he was holding, a predatory glint flashing in his eyes.


    And probably the prey had very strong instincts as Esme tilted her head to look at him feeling his gaze on her, ''''You are not eating?" She asked after gulping the food in her mouth.


    His expressions turned casual as he took a sip of his wine before he placed the glass on the table.


    Waiting for his response, she stuffed the spoonful of honey tart in her mouth.


    Aleister pushed himself to his feet as he walked towards her and she paused when he stood beside her.


    Esme tilted her head to look at him questioningly.


    Without speaking anything, he raised his hand towards her, his thumb grazing past the corner of her lips, ''''Food should never be wasted,'''' He clicked his tongue before bringing his hand to his mouth, licking the tip of his thumb, his tongue slow and deliberate.


    Esme''s cheeks turned pink slightly as she averted her gaze. He...He... How could he do that?


    ''''I have something I want to tell you,'''' She diverted her attention from his bizarre antics. He just liked to get on her nerves.


    ''''I''m all ears.''''


    Esme picked up a napkin before cleaning her mouth.


    After the servant cleaned the table, Aleister left to do something while Esme sat on the bed waiting for him to be back. Her thoughts running back to how they disappeared from the garden and when she opened her eyes, they were standing on the seashore.


    She wanted to ask him about his powers. Why he possessed golden magic that was completely unheard of? No manuals recorded it. He could teleport; disappear from one place and appear at other. She has heard about this power when she was a child but it was believed that this power does not exist. He could make things appear out of nowhere, like the cage that day.


    As much as she wanted to ask him but she didn''t. The last time she asked, he brutally denied from telling her. So be it. She did not want to know it.


    She was just...a little...tiny bit curious about him.


    Yes, only that.


    Hearing the sounds of approaching footsteps, Esme tilted her head upwards to glance at Aleister who was walking towards her with a huge pile of thick books in his hand.


    Esme blinked, ''''These are...?"


    ''''Don''t you want to find the meaning of that verse written on that bookshelf?"


    ''''You mean...I can find something from these books?" She glanced at the books which were twice thicker than her arms.


    Aleister placed the books on the bedside table before taking a seat on her bed, ''''We can try,'''' He shrugged, leaning back on the headboard of the bed.


    ''''They can wait,'''' Esme frowned, ''''I want your help with something.''''


    ''''Yes?"


    ''''Let go of that woman. I will talk to her by myself.''''


    ''''That maidservant?" Aleister straightened up.


    ''''Yes,'''' Esme nodded. She paused for a moment as she glanced at her fingers, ''''She is the one responsible for my brother''s disappearance.''''


    Aleister narrowed his eyes, ''''Your younger brother? You mentioned that your Aunt took both of you with her when you fled from Nevesray.''''


    Although Nevesray was not as vast as Visteria, the Kingdom was very powerful because of the alliances that the former Queen had formed during her reign.


    The Queen had two brothers and one sister. The oldest brother died during a war and that was when she ascended the throne. After her mysterious disappearance, her younger brother took over the throne while Marlene, Esme''s Aunt was the youngest of them. And it did not take Aleister a long time to understand that Esme is the Queen''s daughter.


    He had heard about the Princess'' mysterious disappearance and the eldest Prince''s death but he barely paid attention to it because Nevesray had nothing to do with him.


    Esme nodded. ''''I forgot to ask you...how did you know in which village my Aunt lived? And why did you bring her here?" There were many things that she wanted to ask but since he was engaged in court matters, she did not get the chance to do so.

 Chapter 55 - Not Eating You Up

    ''''So that you don''t feel homesick.''''


    ''''What?" Esme asked confusingly.


    ''''Didn''t you ask why I brought your Aunt here?" Aleister raised an eyebrow and as she nodded, he also gave her a small nod, ''''That''s what I am saying. I brought her here so that you don''t feel homesick. We can go together to meet her whenever you want.''''


    ''''But why would you go with me? I can go alone...'''' Esme paused, feeling something amiss with his words. Why did he sound like she would be staying in the Castle forever? ''''Once I find my brother, I will be leaving. We will go back to Seran and live like we used to.''''


    Aleister glanced at her quietly as he leaned back on the headrest of the bed. One of his legs remained on the bed with his hand on his knee as his eyes looked at her with an unfathomable expression.


    Esme blinked, ''''What''s wrong?"


    He shook his head quietly.


    She nodded, ''''How did you know that I have an Aunt? I just told you about her existence yesterday. And how did you know that my Aunt is in Seran?"


    The lands of the Visteria are so vast. It was almost impossible for him to find her Aunt in a small village.


    ''''While we were in the dungeon and you were interrogating that woman, you mentioned it to the servant. Thought you have some relatives there so I got it investigated...''''


    Esme remembered it. ''''I am grateful that you brought her here. I was worried about her health...'''' She thought about something, ''''When we went there today, I saw two other carriages behind us. Who were the people inside?"


    ''''Royal physician and his disciples. I left them there so that they can get your Aunt back to her health. The damaged main nerve will not regrow but her weak body can be helped.''''


    ''''How did you know that her main nerve is damaged?" Esme was astounded.


    ''''Too many questions,'''' Aleister''s brows tugged together.


    Esme blinked. Was he...avoiding her question on purpose?


    She did not ask him anything about it, ''''Thank you...'''' She lowered her head for a moment, ''''Will you let that woman go?"


    ''''She is not aware of anything.''''


    Esme glanced at him, ''''Why are you certain?"


    ''''Why are you certain that she is the culprit?"


    ''''Why are you so certain that she is innocent?" She blinked.


    ''''Answer me first,'''' Aleister stared at her without much expression on his face.


    Esme shook her, ''''I asked you first.''''


    ''''Are we playing a game here?" He raised an eyebrow.


    ''''I didn''t start it,'''' She pushed herself to her feet as she grabbed her hand, ''''Come with me. I will show you something.''''


    He glanced at her delicate fingers that had settled on his palm.


    Esme followed his gaze. Her face burned slightly and she quickly retracted her hand from his, ''''L-Let''s go.''''


    ''''Where do you plan on taking me?"


    ''''It''s not like I am eating you up,'''' The words left her mouth when she glanced at his hesitant expression, ''''I just want to take you to my room to show you something.''''


    ''I don''t mind being eaten up though'' He pushed himself to his feet.


    ''''You said...?" Did he say something or she misheard it?


    ''''To your room then,'''' He grabbed her hand and they disappeared together, appearing in her room in the next moment.


    Esme shook her head, to wave off the dizziness, ''''You should tell me before you do this,'''' She was not prepared.


    He grabbed the back of her head as he pulled her closer such that her head was leaning on his chest, ''''Or you can lean on me for support. I am a kind man and I won''t mind,'''' He casually said.


    Esme ignored his words but stayed in that position for some time until she did not feel like the world was spinning any more. She stood up straight and took a few backs away from him, looking everywhere but him.


    Aleister sat on the bed as he looked at her questioningly, ''''I thought you were showing me something.''''


    ''''Yes,'''' Esme squatted near his leg before taking out a diary that was safely hidden under the bed.


    He tilted his face to the side as he glanced at the diary, ''''Isn''t it the same one where you have painted my eyes? Showing it to me again and again, do you know how shy I feel?" Contradictory to his words, his tone was very laid-back and relaxing as he shifted his teasing gaze from the diary to her face.


    The corner of her lips twitched slightly as she stood up before sitting on the bed, placing the diary between them, ''''I have always been fond of painting things that look pleasing to my eyes.''''


    ''''Do I look pleasing to you then?"


    Esme tilted her head upwards, looking at his face under the moonlight. He had the kind of face that would make anyone unable to take their eyes off once they looked at him. And it was always accompanied by his formidable presence which was fatally attractive, ''''Just those,'''' She pointed both her fingers at his eyes as she averted her gaze.


    ''''So...''''


    ''''I will show you something,'''' She quickly interrupted him before he could speak about something else. But as she flipped pages, her expressions changed. She stopped at the old page where she had folded the corner of it. The painting was no longer there. She was certain that she had painted it here only, on this page but it was blank.


    Looking at his questioning expression, she sighed before recounting the events as they happened. From the moment she went to the market and her brother was gone to the auction house, she told him everything. ''''...I painted her and I remember her face.''''


    Aleister grabbed the diary from her hand, ''''But it''s not here.''''


    ''''I don''t know how,'''' Esme shook her head, ''''If it was not for the painting, there was no reason for me to doubt that woman,'''' For one moment, she could even assume that Aunt Mary lied to her about it but then how did she describe the woman''s features so accurately?

 Chapter 56 - Asking For A Pat

    Aleister was quiet for a moment before he said, ''''If you want, you can meet that woman to interrogate her. But it is the truth that she is innocent,'''' After the tortures she went through, she was still truthful about it. And the investigations also proved her innocence. She had only once come to Visteria before this and this was her second time.


    That night, Esme struggled a lot with her thoughts before she eventually fell asleep. As more time passed by, she was more worried about her brother.


    At the first crack of dawn, Esme moved to the side of the bed as she slowly opened her eyes.


    Suddenly, her gaze came in contact with a pair of dark menacing eyes.


    Esme sat up on the bed as she looked at Leo who was standing beside her bed.


    ''''What are you doing here?" A soft smile played on her lips as she stroked his white hair, running her fingers through it.


    The white tiger growled at her.


    And she slowly took her hand back, assuming that he did not want someone to play with his hair.


    But Leo roared this time so loudly that her eardrums started ringing.


    ''''What do you want?"


    Leo paced in front of her for a few times before sitting in front of her with his head extended towards her as he blinked his large eyes.


    Esme blinked back at him.


    He blinked again, stretching his neck a bit more towards her.


    Was he asking for a pat? She placed her hand on his head, running her fingers in his smooth fur before she patted his head. And she could clearly feel him retracting his feral aura. Not that he ever scared her before.


    A chuckle escaped her mouth, ''''If you want a pat, why not ask for it instead of pretending that you don''t like it? You should stop being as unpredictable as your Master.''''


    ''''It is the first crack of dawn and you are already talking bad behind my back.''''


    Esme''s smile stiffened as she tilted her head to look at the man who was standing near the curtain. Despite her keen hearing, she did not realize when he came here. Unlike the last night where he looked disheveled, his dark hair was now coiffed to perfection as his eyes stared at her waiting for a response.


    This man... He always came and left like a ghost. Even with her exceptional hearing, she did not hear his footsteps.


    ''''We were just talking about the unpredictable weather of Visteria. It was quiet last night and it is raining now,'''' Her fingers which were stroking Leo poked his head sneakily, ''''Isn''t it like that, Leo?''


    Leo growled immediately, backing her up. The girl''s hands were too soft. He nudged his head closer to her.


    Aleister''s lips twitched. This clingy thing. Did he forget that he is a tiger, not a cat?


    ''''Why are you here?" Esme regretted it as soon as the words left her mouth.


    ''''Whose room is this?" Aleister glanced at her, folding his arms in front of his chest.


    ''''Yours. I just spoke it in a moment of haste,'''' She told him seriously as she stood up from the bed, lifting her hand from Leo''s head who made a small protesting sound. Esme patted his head once again.


    ''''Take a bath and come outside later,'''' His gaze grazed past her white nightdress, her visible neckline as a few strands of her hair fell in front of her shoulder.


    Aleister averted his gaze before she noticed it.


    ''''I will go back to my room first then,'''' Esme nodded at him.


    Aleister stepped towards her, ''''Here.''''


    She pointed her finger in the direction where the bath was, ''''Here?"


    ''''Yes,'''' Noticing the hesitation in her eyes, he continued, ''''It was a different thing when we were staying in different rooms despite being lovers....'''' He took a deliberate pause towards the last word before he continued, ''''...under pretense. But now that a pair of lovers are staying in the same room, it would look very strange if one person goes back to their room to take a bath. That''s not what lovers do.''''


    Why was his wording sounding very unusual? She wondered.


    Esme staggered back when he stopped in front of her, the back of her knees touched the bed but before she could fall, he grabbed her fingers and intertwined them with his fingers as he pulled her up.


    There was a small distance between them and she almost lost her balance.


    Her breath was caught in her throat as he leaned closer to her. Her heart skipped a few beats in a trail as Esme opened her mouth to say something but no words came out.


    Aleister glanced at her wet parted lips before looking at her lashes that were fluttering like butterfly wings.


    His eyes deepened as he stepped back from her while holding her hand.


    Esme stabilized herself on her feet, ''''You are right about that.''''


    ''''Then I will go deal with some work while you can get ready. There will be maids outside. Call them if you need any help.''''


    Esme nodded wordlessly.


    ''''Your clothes...''''


    ''''I know. They are there,'''' She pointed her hand in the direction of the ivory poles near the wooden chest on the opposite wall without raising her eyes to look at him.


    He nodded, ''''We will leave then.''''


    As the Master and the beast left the room, Esme patted her chest, inwardly thinking whether there would come a day when she would stop falling and crashing like this.


    Esme picked up a silk robe before stepping past the pillars surrounding the large pool-like tub.


    Her thoughts drifted off to the time when she had seen him bathing here while hiding behind the pillar. Whether it was because of the warm water or closed space, her cheeks flushed slightly and she quickly patted her face.


    The water had a layer of fog over it and her nose picked up the faint scent of medicinal herbs and flowers diffused inside it. If she did not remember wrong, these should be the herbs used to soothe the nerves and calm one''s mind.


    Placing her robe on the edge of the wooden edge of the tub, she stepped inside the water. Her white nightdress landed near her feet followed by the chemise and her corset as she submerged her body inside the water. A soft sigh escaped her mouth when the warm water grazed past her body.


    Just as she was about to close her eyes, her sharp ears some movement.

 Chapter 57 - An Intimate Whisper

    Her eyes narrowed as she glanced at the pillar in the distance, her eyes met with a pair of dark eyes and a flash of white grazed past the sheer blue curtains.


    Her alert expressions disappeared, ''''Leo, is that you?" Was he here to ask for a pat again?


    But he suddenly disappeared from behind the drapes.


    She frowned but did not think much about it.


    Outside the bath.


    A certain tiger stood pitifully with a huge swollen area around one of his eyes.


    ''''Do it once again and you will be blind,'''' Aleister folded his arms in front of his chest.


    Leo wanted to cry but he lacked tears. He just wanted a pat. Only a pat. He did not have any other intentions for his Master to be this cruel to him.


    After Esme was ready, she stepped out of the room.


    The maids standing outside glanced at her with a little envy and awe in their eyes.


    After all, to them, Esme was also a maid once but she managed to climb the ladder so soon.


    ''''You look beautiful, My Lady,'''' Unlike the others, the head of the maids praised the lady dressed in a pale blue gown.


    She was already very beautiful in the servant''s uniform but now that she was dressed in a fine gown, she looked like an elegant Princess.


    Esme smiled softly, ''''Thank you.''''


    ''''You''re most welcome, My Lady. I will show you the way,'''' As Esme nodded, the woman turned around and walked ahead.


    ''''What''s your name?" Esme asked her.


    ''''Clara, My Lady,'''' The woman said. Her face was quite delicate but her stern expressions contradicted her soft features.


    While on the way, Esme''s gaze landed on Liz who was walking past them. The latter paused and called out to her with her name.


    The head of the maids, Clara, frowned, ''''Miss Liz, you should address the future Princess with the proper title...'''' She said with a strict countenance, ''''...Unless you want to offend the Prince.''''


    Liz turned pale at the scolding. She lowered her head, ''''I didn''t mean it...''''


    ''''Let it be, Clara,'''' Esme interrupted them.


    After what happened in the garden, Esme did not have any intentions of having anything to do with Liz. But since she had helped her in her initial days with the job, Esme did not hold any grudge against her.


    Clara bowed at her as they left the placing, leaving Liz standing there, with her expressions gradually shifting. Her fingers curled into fists as she glanced at Esme''s retreating back.


    ''''Here it is. The Prince is waiting for you inside the chamber.''''


    Esme nodded and the maids left. She stepped inside the chamber which was very small compared to the Prince''s room.


    As soon as Esme stepped inside, her gaze landed on the maidservant who was kneeling on the floor, trembling and wailing. She tilted her head to look at Aleister who was leaning on the wall with his arms crossed in front of his chest.


    Aleister made his way towards her as he came to stand beside her, ''''What do you want to do with her?" He asked, his roaming on her body, noticing how well the dress he chose for her was sitting on her.


    Esme glanced at the woman who trembled even more as she heard the Prince''s words.


    ''''My Lady, I am innocent. Please spare me...'''' She sobbed but she stopped talking when the Prince''s casual gaze grazed past her.


    Unlike the first time when she saw her, Esme noticed that the woman was looking very pale, her lips were dried.


    Esme closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath before she turned around and stood on her tiptoes. The corner of her lips twitched when her mouth still did not reach his ear, ''''Lower your head,'''' She mumbled while looking everywhere but him.


    ''''You never leave the opportunity to take advantage of me, Princess,'''' Aleister whispered, without showing any intention of lowering his head.


    Esme pursed her lips. She raised her hand slowly and placed her palm on his shoulder for support, slowly raising her body. She craned her neck and whispered something besides his ear.


    Aleister was distracted as her warm breath stroked his ear but as she spoke like it was an intimate whisper between lovers. But when he heard her words, his expressions changed slightly. ''''No,'''' He said before she could finish speaking.


    Esme shook her head, ''''I have to do this or else I won''t be at peace,'''' She had to find out whether this woman was innocent or not.


    ''''You''re not doing that,'''' His words were firm.


    Esme stepped back from him, ''''If anything happens, you are here. I can try.''''


    Looking at her stubborn gaze, he relented, ''''Be careful,'''' He said after some thought. At least, this would give him a hint of her powers and it would be easier if she learned how to control them.


    Esme turned around to glanced at the woman who was kneeling, ''''You can get up...'''' She stepped towards her.


    ''''My Lady, I...'''' Her knees buckled as soon as she stood up but her elbow was grabbed by Esme. ''''Thank you...'''' The woman froze when she looked into the pair of grey eyes.


    Esme continued looking into her eyes with all focus. Sweat droplets appeared on her face and she bit her lips until a sweet taste filled her mouth, a few drops of blood oozed out of her bottom lips.


    ''Plop''


    The woman landed on the floor on her knees, her expressions turned blank.


    Aleister glanced at Esme''s back. He extended a finger towards her body and a golden ray shot from it before encasing her.


    Esme, who was initially in pain, felt a warmth inside her body and her stiff shoulders relaxed. ''''Have you taken a young boy from the Auction house of Seran Village?" She asked, still looking into her eyes.


    ''''No, My Lady,'''' The woman replied with a blank expression on her face.


    ''''Have you ever been to Seran before? The Village is in the outskirts of Visteria,'''' A small frown tugged at her face.


    ''''No, My Lady.''''


    ''''How many times have you been to Visteria?" Esme''s frown got deeper, ''''Why are you eager to go back to your Kingdom? And what is your purpose of your coming here this time?''''

 Chapter 58 - Mind Control

    ''''I have been here twice. Both the times with Princess. Since Princess has been beheaded by My Lord, I want to go back to our Kingdom before they think I am a traitor and punish my mother who is my only family. I came here with Princess because she was one of the candidates for the marriage.''''


    ''''And when and why did you come here for the first time?" A trail of sweat droplets appeared on her forehead.


    She was unable to control her powers and she was doing this forcefully but the more time passed, the more painful it became.


    ''''I came here two years ago to meet Her Grace Duchess Flora who is our Princess'' distant Aunt,'''' All of the woman''s answer matched what she has been saying all this time. There was no lie in it.


    ''''But...'''' Esme''s eyes suddenly closed as she fell back but Aleister effortlessly supported her body from the back.


    ''''That''s enough,'''' He softly said as he adjusted her body before carrying her in his arms.


    The woman kneeling on the floor snapped out of the trance as her body jerked forward. She looked around the place in confusion. There was no one around. Was she hallucinating things?


    She could not be blamed for thinking that way because the tortures inflicted on her to get the truth out of her mouth had made her a little dazed.


    ...


    Esme''s lashes fluttered slightly as her fingers moved. She raised her hand to her neck and stroked it gently as she opened her eyes before. She glanced at the sky out of the window. It was snowing now unlike how it was raining in the morning.


    How long did she sleep?


    She slowly sat up on the bed before looking around the room. Her gaze landed on the huge white tiger who was curled up near her feet on the bed.


    He raised his head when he sensed some movements from her.


    ''''Were you guarding me while I slept?" Her voice contained a trace of amusement.


    ''Roar'' This complacent girl. Why would I guard you? His ears twitched as he turned his face away.


    Esme shifted towards him as she stroked his large furry ears, ''''What are you shy for?'''' She patted his head, her mind slowly drifting off to the events of the morning.


    Sensing her low spirits, Leo stretched his head a bit more, letting her pat him as she wanted.


    ''''Awake?" Esme tilted her head to the side as she watched the man who was making his way towards her.


    Following him were a few maids who walked inside with the food trolley. Esme noticed their trembling shoulders. They were visibly scared, not only because of Aleister but also Leo.


    They left the room as soon as they arranged the food on the table quietly.


    ''''You knocked me out,'''' Esme mumbled after a few seconds.


    ''''I had to,'''' Aleister extended his hand towards her and as she placed her palm in his, his thumb curled on her fingers as he helped her out of the bed, ''''You were at your peak of enduring it. Any longer than that and your body might have suffered a backlash.''''


    He was certain that Esme knew that the woman was not lying but she panicked when she did not get her desired answer.


    Esme kept questioning her to trace some lie in her words but there was nothing amiss but she refused to accept it.


    Esme was quiet for a moment, ''''I know you helped me there. I did not feel as terrible as the previous time.''''


    ''''Previous time?" He pulled a chair for her.


    ''''When you found me inside your room, that day....'''' She explained to him in detail, ''''She was the same woman that I followed to the ballroom but for some reason, her temperament seems to have changed entirely. That day, she was provoking me again and again....''''


    ''''Were you able to control her mind that day?"


    Esme nodded, ''''With much difficulty. But I could not get any answer out of her mouth. Your Aunt came there with some guards and she took her to the physician. Later, I fled to your room when I felt something wrong with my body,'''' Saying that, she started eating without paying much attention to him.


    ''''I should be very honored then.''''


    Esme tilted her head upwards, her cheeks puffing up slightly as she paused. She raised an eyebrow at him as if asking him what he was talking about.


    ''''At the first sight of danger, you run to my room. What more can I ask for?" Aleister leaned back on the chair as he glanced at her gradually widening eyes.


    ''''Cough...'''' Esme patted her chest as she gulped the food before picking up the glass of water and drinking a few mouthfuls of water.


    In the noon, Aleister left her alone in the room as he went to handle some court matters.


    Esme did not know what it was. As curious as she was, she was sure about not showing it on her face because the more she came to know about the royal matters, the more she would end up getting entangled with them.


    In the end, she played with Leo for some time before she picked up one of the books from the pile that Aleister had given her. As she read further, there was nothing that caught her attention. Most of them were the things that she was aware of.


    The main nerve, magic powers that the royals possessed, the level of the powers, the cultivation method.


    While looking through it, Esme did not realize when she dozed off, falling into the abyss of an unknown place.


    As she stood there, all she could see was darkness. There was no one. There was nothing around her. Everything was so dark that she could not even see her own hands.


    Esme stepped forward aimlessly but her body bumped into something rigid, ''''Ah...'''' She placed her palm on her forehead, ''''Is someone there?" She looked around but she could not see anything other than the vast stretch of darkness.


    She tried to walk in the other direction carefully but it was as if those rigid walls moved forward and slammed into her forehead causing her to stumble back.

 Chapter 59 - To The Fair

    Just as she was about to push herself up to her feet, she felt something crawling on her wrists. She stroked it with her thumb and a frown tugged at her face, ''''Vines...?" They felt like ordinary vines to touch but how could they move like this.


    As the vines tightened on her hands, Esme struggled to move. The vines slowly captured her legs, binding her to the place.


    Esme frowned and she pursed her lips while attempting to move. ''''Leo....'''' She called out to the white tiger when she was reminded that he was there with her. The vines tightened around her wrist, ''''Leo...Al-''''


    Her chest heaved up and down as she sat up on the bed.


    She blinked slowly as she tilted her head to the side, ''''When did you come back?" She asked as she found Aleister sitting beside her on the bed.


    ''''What happened?'' He asked instead of answering her question.


    He raised his hand towards her face and just as she was about to back away from his touch, he placed his other hand on her shoulder while placing the back of his hand on her forehead.


    Esme blinked as he retracted his hand from her forehead, ''''I am not sick.''''


    Aleister quietly glanced at her. When he stepped inside the room, she was quivering on the bed while Leo was standing near her head, trying to wake her up. ''''Did you have a nightmare?"


    Esme glanced at the ceiling blankly, ''''Perhaps,'''' Her brows tugged together, ''''I can not remember it. I was just... alone somewhere.''''


    The small frown on his face got deeper as he looked at her listless face, ''''Good thing that you called my name so intimately,'''' He said in a teasing voice.


    Esme snapped out of her daze, ''''What did I call you?"


    ''''Al?" The corner of his lips tugged up.


    ''''You must have misheard it,'''' Esme shook her head.


    ''''Do you think I am lying?" He leaned closer to her.


    She pressed her back against the headrest. He did not look like he was lying...''''I was in deep sleep. I don''t remember,'''' She hesitantly averted her gaze as she glanced at Leo who was standing near her head, ''''You...look good,'''' An awkward smile made its way to her lips.


    Leo''s concerned expressions were replaced by sheer disdain. Crafty woman, are you using me as a shield to walk out of your shame?


    Esme was certain that she saw him rolling his eyes at her before he turned around and strutted out of the room elegantly.


    She slowly tilted her head to the side to look at the man who was still looking at her quietly.


    After Leo was gone, both of them were left alone in the room.


    Esme tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her hair.


    ''''But I don''t mind when you call me like that,'''' he said all of a sudden, surprising her.


    Esme''s lips parted slightly but just as she was about to say something, he spoke up, ''''Let''s go,'''' He stood up from the bed.


    She glanced at his outstretched hand, ''''Where are we going this time?" She paused for a moment before adding, ''''I will not go with you if you don''t tell me,'''' She averted her gaze.


    He chuckled.


    She looked at his hand that was still extended towards her before looking at the genuine smile on his usually stoic face. The corner of her lips tugged up slightly and she placed her palm in his before getting off the bed, ''''I am serious.''''


    He would never tell her anything when they went somewhere and then she would be the one to be shocked.


    ''''We are going to the fair.''''


    She tilted her head, ''''The fair in the Capital City?" As he nodded, she raised an eyebrow, ''''Why will we go there?" Did he perhaps get some new clue?


    ''''Why? You only want to go there with gardener?"


    The corner of her lips twitched, ''''Did you eavesdrop on us?" Many days hhavepassed since the day Keith Reiner had asked her to go to the fair with him and she had agreed because she thought she could know more about the workings of the castle from him.


    ''''I was passing by and happened to hear it,'''' Aleister cleared his throat.


    ''''But the fair should have ended days ago...''''


    ''''It has not,'''' He did not explain any further and she did not ask how.


    Esme nodded, ''''Let''s go then...'''' She paused for a moment as she looked at herself, ''''...But not like this.''''


    Later that evening.


    On the busy streets of the Capital City, two men garnered the most attention when they arrived at the entrance gates of the fair.


    One of the men was tall and muscular in the black clothes he was wearing. He looked like a rich aristocrat with a small silver mask on his face. Despite his mask, his aura and looks were extraordinary.


    While the other man looked like a delicate youth in his white brocade.


    "There was no need for us to come here like this," Aleister mumbled near her ear.


    Esme placed her palm on her ear which felt itchy at the contact of his warm breath on her skin, "T-There was..." She whispered, "Your face attracts attention. And if someone recognizes you, there will be a commotion."


    "Are you worried about me?"


    She averted her gaze, "I am worried that the crowd will bury me here," She slowly fixed the hooded scarf which had restrained her long hair.


    While the crowd initially thought they were two aristocrat brothers but their assumption wavered when they noticed their interaction. Certain wild thoughts started flying in their minds.


    Finding everyone''s gazes on them, Esme grabbed his hand and walked faster towards the less crowded street.


    The fair in the Visteria was glorious. Small shops and kerbside stalls were found on either side of the streets.


    There was a large ground behind the shops with carousels.


    While she was in a hurry to avoid everyone''s attention, Aleister was taking small footsteps lazily, letting himself being dragged by her.


    As they stepped away from the crowd, Esme sighed and slowed down her pace, "Why did you bring me here?"

 Chapter 60 - Brother-in-law

    "You overthink when you stay at that place all the time," He nonchalantly said.


    She turned to look at him. She was not as slow to not understand what his words meant. Was he perhaps....caring for her?


    He shook his head, "..And it affects my good spirits."


    Esme rolled her eyes, "You also have good spirits?"


    He raised an eyebrow.


    "I thought your good spirits meant killing people," She laughed looking when the corner of his lips twitched.


    "It was..." He said teasingly, relishing the sight of the genuine smile on her face. She rarely laughed like this, "...until you came along."


    Esme''s smile disappeared as she glanced at him, somewhat stumped, "Don''t say things that can be easily misunderstood," She shook her head.


    "We are accomplices so it is better to look out for each other," He said nonchalantly.


    Esme ended up smiling at his words, "I feel like I have found myself the most powerful backer in Visteria," It has to be said that the King should be the most powerful person in these lands but even though she was not a royal anymore, that did not mean that she could not gauge out the truth laid in front of her eyes.


    It was not said explicitly but Prince Aleister held more power in the Royal Court than his father, King Alexander.


    She concluded it was because of the mysterious powers that he possessed. People always fear and worship the unknown. And on the other hand, the Prince was not just about his strength but also his wits. Aleister could make a white paper look black with a few words.


    And his cruelty and ruthlessness made him more suitable for the position of the King rather than his father who was kind and gentle.


    Esme understood all of this even if she acted unaware.


    The corner of his lips tugged up at an angle where she could not see. Backer?


    "Let her go," Esme said after some time averting their discussion.


    "You don''t doubt her anymore?" He did not need to ask her to know who she was talking about.


    Esme thought about the woman who kept begging and kneeling while claiming that she was innocent, "My mind was refusing to accept it because she was the only lead to find Arlan. But now that I think about it, we can''t keep holding her here, torturing her endlessly just because she is the only lead."


    Aleister shook his head, "Don''t blame yourself. What makes you certain that she is not lying?"


    "My powers are unreliable. They don''t work when I try but when they work, they don''t betray," Esme murmured, "And I trusted you when you said that she is innocent," She just had a long time accepting it.


    Aleister glanced at her side face, and a faraway look appeared in his eyes which was fleeting. "How do you want me to deal with her?"


    "Set her free. Send her back to her Kingdom. And if it is possible, help her and her mother escape," Since the Princess is killed, it would be difficult for her personal maidservant to survive unscathed. The royals there would be suspicious and they would kill her to avenge the death of their Princess, assuming that she betrayed the Princess. That''s how it always worked.


    Aleister did not take a long time comprehending her thoughts, "It will be done."


    Esme nodded but she paused a moment later as she glanced at him. They were walking on the empty streets and the shops on either side kept decreasing as they walked further.


    "Why do you always agree to what I say?" She asked curiously. He initially always liked going against her words.


    "You want me to say no?" His tone held a little teasing intent that Esme missed because of the lack of expressions on his face.


    She shrugged as she tilted her head to the side.


    "Rowan is sent to the auction house in Seran from where Arlan disappeared. He will look into this matter. Don''t think much about it."


    Esme''s head snapped in his direction again, "Thank you," she softly said.


    "I had to do this for my brother-in-law," Aleister said with a straight face as he watched her eyes widening, "...Under pretense," He added before she could say something.


    Esme laughed as she shook her head.


    "Does nothing suit your taste? You don''t want to buy anything?" Nothing looked appealing to him in this fair held amongst the subjects but he saw women flocking towards the shops but Esme looked uninterested in everything.


    For a man who brought her here just because she agreed to the gardener''s offer of accompanying him to the fair, Aleister was rather bewildered.


    "No, I don''t want anything," Although she could see many beautiful things from clothes to gold and gems, all of that did not hold her attention for long. She had seen plenty of these in the past.


    "Then is there something that you want?" A realization dawned on him that perhaps she agreed to the gardener''s offer for some other cause.


    As meticulous as she was, it could be the only reason.


    Esme glanced at the stars in the sky as the snow kept falling on her shoulders, "I want my brother back, that mysterious book, the way to open it and..." I want to know more about you.


    The last part of her words remained unsaid because he did not seem to have any intention of revealing it.


    Aleister glanced at her quietly, his fingers reached out to remove the snow that was near stuck near her neck, on the collar of her pristine white clothes. "And?" He asked when she jolted under his touch.


    Esme blinked, "Nothing else for now. Why do you ask?"


    "To feed my curiosity," A lazy smile drawled on his face.


    All of a sudden, his brows tugged together as he glanced past the shops, looking in the direction of the border of Enchantment Forest, "Stay here. I will be back soon."


    Noticing the sense of urgency in his tone, Esme nodded, "I am fine here."


    He looked at her face and she nodded assuredly again.

 Chapter 61 - He Disappeared

    Esme glanced at Aleister''s retreating back.


    He was initially reluctant to leave her alone but truth to be told, she did not think she was in a perilous situation.


    As long as she was awake, she could save herself in any ordinary situation.


    Heaving a soft sigh, she continued walking forward on the street which was covered with a layer of snow as she glanced at the small shops on either side of the road.


    The shop owners had their own hierarchy here in Capital City. When they stepped past the gates of the fair, the crowded shops belonged to the owners who had more fame.


    And as they continued walking inside, the shops kept decreasing in their size and magnificence.


    Her gaze landed on a small hut-like shop in the corner which looked like it would fall any time soon.


    Something on the slightly bent wall caught her attention and she stepped towards the shop, "How much is that?" Her tone was a little masculine unlike before, sounding like that of a young boy who was in his growing age.


    The owner of the shop was an old man who was sitting at the corner, playing with a few flies that hovered around his face, "Hundred gold coins," He said, without looking up.


    Esme glanced at what looked like a half-torn, old paper with its corners looking yellow. But the tiny drawings on it had caught her attention.


    "Oh," She disinterestedly said as she turned around to leave.


    Looking at the girl''s retreating back, the old man hurriedly said, "Fifty gold coins will do."


    Esme continued walking.


    "Twenty gold coins will do too."


    Esme paused as she turned around. She took something from her robe as she walked towards the old man, "I only have this. I am poor," With that said, she placed the copper coin on the creaking wooden floor.


    The old man''s beard trembled as he stop playing with the flies. Recently, he was short of money and this youth looked rather gullible to him initially...


    Under his accusing glare and pouting lips, Esme felt rather guilty but she was not lying.


    She really had a few copper coins with her. While was inside her robe, the others were left in the servant quarters of the Castle.


    When she traveled a long distance, she had to buy a horse and clothes that she was wearing at the moment. Although the snow-wolf fur brocade was given by Aleister, the rest of her clothes were the ones she bought for her disguise. Leaving Jack, her horse in a safe place had also caused her a fortune.


    So half of the gold coins left from selling the herbs were spent and the other half, she had left them with her Aunt for urgent situations that may come up in her absence.


    Seeing his lack of reaction, Esme glanced at the painting on the old paper as she regretfully sighed.


    It was not something extraordinary or rare, but she was somewhat interested in it.


    Looking at her expressions that looked like she won''t be taking it, the old man hurriedly said, "Girl, I accept the copper," He could by himself stewed beef with that.


    Compared to his casual words, Esme was shocked. How was he able to look through her? She had disguised herself well enough and nobody thought she was not a man...


    She took off the painting from the bent walls as she nodded at him, "I appreciate your kindness," With that said, she turned around to leave but she froze.


    It was happening again.


    She felt like ants were crawling on her body.


    Her powers were acting up, at this time and this place.


    Esme closed her eyes and took a deep breath and the fluctuation around her diminished.


    But the old man who had been sitting idly till now had straightened up at some point.


    Just as he was lost in his thoughts, he realized that the girl was gone.


    Did he see it wrong? She seemed to be...


    He shook his head. He must have seen it wrongly. With that thought, the shabby old man started playing around with the flies again, poking them with a humorless expression in his eyes.


    Unaware of the old man''s thoughts, Esme had ventured further into the streets where it was dark with a lack of many lanterns and shops.


    She looked at her hand. A few moments ago, she felt like her powers were waking up again.


    While Esme was lost in her thoughts, her ears picked up some rustling sounds in the distance. She glanced in the direction of wild bushes and noticed a pair of sparkling glassy eyes in the dark.


    Her brows scrunched up for a moment only to relax when her eyes caught a flash of white.


    Looking around cautiously, she rolled the painting in her hand before walking towards the bushes, ''''Leo, what are you doing here?" Was he here all this time? But they came in an ordinary carriage and Leo was nowhere around them.


    The white tiger did not say anything as he inched to the side before stretching his neck.


    He looked quite demure and Esme could not help patting his head, ''''There there...'''' She looked around the place, ''''It will not be good if you are seen by people,'''' While aristocrats often raised beasts as pets, but Leo''s identity was rather special.


    Not many people have seen him, but everyone knows that Prince Aleister''s pet is a rare White tiger.


    Leo''s presence here will scare the people and cause chaos.


    Foolish girl, always scared of this or that.


    Noticing the disdain in his eyes, Esme retracted her hand and pursed her lips.


    Looking at her like he suffered some grievance, Leo stepped to the side and pressed his powerful paw on a part of the bushes. The wild bushes lowered down, making a path for her.


    Esme stepped to the other side and Leo retracted his paw.


    ''''Did he send you here?"


    Leo nodded slowly before whipping his body around before she could ask other questions.


    ''''You...want me to sit on your back?"


    His tail waved twice.


    The corner of her lips twitched and she glanced at the direction in which Aleister had disappeared.


    She hoped.... everything was alright on his side.

 Chapter 62 - The Prince Is Upset?

    By the time they reached the Castle, Esme felt a little dizzy. At some point, her hooded scarf had fallen down and her hair flew with a gentle breeze that turned fierce with Leo''s pace.


    He was faster than a horse. He brought her here through the border of the Enchantment forest, away from the people''s eyes.


    And even if someone saw them, they could only see a blur whir past them.


    ''''How are we going inside?" Since they went out of the Castle in a disguise, it would be inappropriate if people saw her returning in a man''s clothes without having the Prince by her side.


    Leo let out a low growl before he jumped past the Castle boundary.


    Her body jerked forward and her nose bumped into his soft fur but there was astonishment in her eyes. The Castle boundaries were sealed with the Kings and the royal Ancestors'' magical powers, not to mention how high it was. For Leo to jump over it like this...


    What kind of beast was he?


    Suppressing the shock in her heart, she glanced at Leo quietly.


    Sensing her gaze on him, Leo turned his head to the side. His eyes were arrogant as he stretched his neck towards her. Wasn''t he strong? Shouldn''t he get a pat?


    Esme stifled her laughter as she patted his head.


    Satisfied, Leo turned around and sprinted towards the back of the castle.


    She tightened her grip on his neck and lowered her body before she went flying because of his pace.


    And without any warning, Leo jumped inside the window of the innermost chamber, despite the height of the walls.


    ''''Where did you bring-'''' Esme paused as she looked around the place and realized that it was Aleister''s room.


    She sighed, ''''Where is he?"


    Leo innocently blinked his round eyes.


    Esme''s lips thinned, ''''Is he...fine?"


    Another round of innocent blinking before a small nod.


    ''''When will he be back?"


    Leo shook his head this time.


    Esme had long realized that, unlike ordinary pets, Leo had a strong perception. He always understood what she talked about.


    She massaged her forehead, ''''Did he teach you to lie?" She glanced at him, ''''You are not very good at it.''''


    Leo cowered back under her fierce gaze. With a guilty conscience, he turned around and walked out of the room with his ears and tail dropped like an abandoned cat.


    Esme''s lips twitched.


    She realized she was quite curious about Aleister''s affairs even when she told herself not to do that.


    By the time she had changed out of the male''s clothes, the head of the maids, Clara came over informing her that the King, Duke, and the Duchess had invited her and the Prince over for Dinner.


    ''''The Prince is busy with court matters...''''


    Clara looked quite conflicted, ''''But the King said...''''


    ''''...The Prince has asked me to not let anyone disturb him,'''' Esme said with a straight face.


    Clara bowed, ''''Alright, My Lady.''''


    Esme inwardly let out a sigh of relief. The customs in every royalty did not permit anyone to disobey the King''s order. If he sought someone''s presence, that person had to be there, be it the Queen or any Prince or Princess.


    But Aleister''s position in Visteria was different and she had observed it for days.


    They left the Castle without alerting anyone today, and Esme did not how things would go if she spoke the truth. In the end, she ended up with a half-lie because he did look like he had some work.


    As she stepped out of the room, her eyes met with Leo''s who was standing near a distant wall.


    She glanced at the maid''s back before turning around to look at Leo as she pointed her chin inside the room.


    With that done, she turned around. It would be very troublesome if someone came here in their absence so she let Leo guard the room.


    Esme stepped inside the dining room of the Castle. The candles on the chandeliers illuminated the room with a warm glow.


    It was her first time in this place as the Prince usually had his food served in his room.


    ''''Your Majesty,'''' Esme bowed at King slightly before turning to the people on his left as she greeted them politely.


    Duke Maverick and Duchess Flora smiled.


    Alexander pointed his hand towards his right, ''''Come, take a seat.''''


    Esme nodded.


    ''''Where is the Prince?" Duchess Flora asked curiously.


    ''''The Prince is held back by some work,'''' Esme replied vaguely. The duchess had mentioned something about the existence of witches some time ago but because of the other things, she was not able to bring it up to Aleister.


    Alexander frowned.


    Esme noticed there was something amiss with their expressions.


    It was Duke Maverick who spoke up first, ''''We had to discuss about your marriage today,'''' His voice was gentle as he let out a regretful sigh after talking.


    Esme nearly choked on the air.


    Alexander frowned, ''''Or the dinner can be arranged in the Prince''s room?''''


    Esme''s eyes widened. Are they that desperate to get the Prince married?


    ''''It''s not possible,'''' She quickly said as soon as she heard their words. The Prince is not in his room at all. Won''t she be asking for trouble if they went there?


    But her reaction got everyone''s attention, ''''Is there something wrong?" Duchess Flora asked. It was rare to see the little lady losing her calm.


    Esme glanced at the huge windows that reached the ceilings, her fingers tapped on her thighs under the table, ''''The Prince is rather upset. He won''t like it if we intrude his peace at the moment.''''


    The servants quietly served the food but one could see their fingers trembling.


    It was better that Prince is in his room if he is upset. They thought to themselves.


    They won''t know what will happen to their fragile lives if he stepped out.


    Duke Maverick frowned looking at the girl''s face, ''''Did my nephew treat you badly?'''' He asked softly.


    King Alexander''s eyes deepened.


    Esme glanced at them quietly, a little touched in her heart.

 Chapter 63 - Stay Like This

    They seemed to be prepared to stand up for her if she said Yes, ''''We argued,'''' She said without batting an eyelid.


    ''''Let''s go and meet him now,'''' King Alexander narrowed his eyes.


    ''''I am grateful for your concern, Your Majesty. But the Prince would think that I incited you to...''''


    She did not complete the rest of the words but the man seemed to have understood what he meant.


    ''''That...." Alexander inhaled a deep breath, trying to be as poised as ever, "I will talk to him tomorrow," After all, he did not want to escalate the lovers'' quarrel.


    Esme smiled in satisfaction, not feeling a little guilty over pushing the little blame to Aleister. He can think of this as her retaliation for every time he scared her by appearing inside her room like a ghost.


    The entire dinner was rather peaceful with them bringing up small matters and Esme answering them. She knew they were aware that she was living with Aleister, in his room but they did not bring that up which made her relieved.


    King Alexander was the first to leave the dining room as a guard came to whisper something to him.


    ''''You should go to bed early,'''' Duchess Flora whispered meaningfully as she pushed her husband''s wheelchair.


    Esme lowered her head in contemplation. Why is Duke Maverick in this so sickly?


    She had always wondered about this but it was not her place to ask anyone about this so she has held herself back.


    Duchess Flora smiled, thinking that the little lady was shy.


    Esme curtsied to both the Duke and the Duchess as they left.


    She glanced at their retreating backs and a small frown settled on her face.


    As she walked out of the dining room, she wondered whether Aleister was back yet. Her footsteps came to a halt when she sensed another presence around her. Her expressions shifted slightly when she turned around.


    The man also halted when he noticed her, ''''My Lady,'''' He nodded and lowered his head as his silver hair framed his face.


    ''''Mr. Aiden?" Esme recognized this man as the magistrate''s acquaintance.


    ''''You remember me?" He smiled gently as he walked towards her only stopping at an appropriate distance.


    ''''I do have an impression of you. You resemble someone I used to know,'''' Esme glanced at his face quietly.


    ''''I am honored,'''' His smile grew wider, ''''It''s not safe for you to walk around the Castle alone at this hour.''''


    Esme tilted her head to the side, ''''I don''t think strangers are welcome in the Castle at this hour,'''' She said.


    ''''I am here with the Magistrate, My Lady. You should go back to your room,'''' The man''s eyes remained gentle as tranquil water as he nodded at her before leaving.


    Esme glanced at his retreating back before averting her gaze. He had her attention because of the way he resembled her elder brother. But she had seen him dying in front of her own eyes and this person did not seem to know what she was talking about.


    A little disheartened, Esme turned to walk towards Aleister''s room, hoping to see him there.


    ''''Leo, is your Master back yet?" She asked as she stepped inside the room but her brows tugged together when she found it empty. She walked towards Aleister''s bed, ''''Leo... '''' A small gasp escaped her mouth when she was suddenly pinned to the table beside the bed. Her heart nearly leaped out of her throat and she tilted her head, ''''When did you come here?'''' She was exasperated.


    ''''Does that matter, Princess?" Aleister asked as he glanced at her.


    Esme nodded, ''''It does. You scare me,'''' She sighed, taking a step back only to realize that her back was touching the table.


    ''''Scare you? How?" He raised his hand and tucked the loose piece of her hair behind her ear.


    By the time Esme realized what he did, he had already retracted his hand.


    ''''You always appear out of thin air...'''' She blinked and averted her gaze.


    ''''I believed you would be used to me by now?"


    ''''No, I am still...'''' Esme paused, ''''Used to you?"


    Aleister nodded, ''''Don''t you know what I mean?" His voice was very low and it could have been a whisper.


    ''''I don''t,'''' Esme shook her head. Sometimes, he said they were accomplices and at times, he is... She never thought much about it because she can never comprehend him no matter how she tried. And she did not want to decipher his intentions wrongly.


    ''''Did I tell you you look quite beautiful at night?'''' He tapped his finger on his shoulder.


    Esme was stunned. ''''You... Did you drink?'''' She asked curiously. One moment he was talking about something else and the other moment, he was telling her that she was beautiful at... night. With his built, he was completely towering over her and Esme tried to step to the side.


    But Aleister caught hold of her wrist and he surprised her by placing his head on the crook of her neck, ''''Stay like this,'''' His voice was still dominant albeit low.


    Esme stiffened as she felt his warm breath tickling her neck.


    His weight was crushing her somehow and she was out of breath as she leaned back on the table holding the edge with her other hand. ''''Is there something wrong?" She asked when he did not move.


    ''''Just stay like that. It will be fine,'''' He whispered and Esme''s neck arched when the tip of his nose grazed on her skin. ''''Is it hurting?"


    She shook her head but then nodded, ''''A little,'''' Her back was pressed against the table so hard that it was beginning to hurt a little.


    ''''Alright,'''' He said.


    Esme blinked. What''s right about that?


    Before she could comprehend it, she felt his grip on her wrist gradually loosening. And her relieved sigh was halfway through when his palm shifted to her back. It rested at a distance above her bottom and Esme''s body went stiff.


    Her gown twirled and in the next moment, she found herself sitting on his lap while he sat on the bed with his back resting on the pillows and his face was buried in the crook of her neck.


    Their position was weird and Esme wanted to distance herself from him but she found something was amiss.. She could feel his uneven breathing on his neck.

 Chapter 64 - Letter

    Before she could open her mouth to voice her concerns, Aleister raised his other hand before he placed his fingers on his neck.


    As a golden glow started burning from his fingertips, Esme noticed a black mist near his neck which gradually disappeared.


    It took him some time but she felt his breath calming down as he pulled back from her, his eyes weren''t hazy as before and the clarity was back in them.


    Esme glanced at him in concern, ''''What happened to you?" As she noticed him looking at her quietly, she thought that he was too shocked. Afraid that he might faint, she patted his face, ''''Wake up. Look at me. Who am I?" She was a little worried.


    Aleister grabbed her delicate wrist as he chuckled before pulling her closer to him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and placed his chin on her neck, inhaling the scent of wilderness coming off from her dark tresses, ''''You are Esme,'''' came his low teasing voice, ''''...My dear moon.''''


    Esme could feel her blood rushing to her face the moment he pulled her like... like that. ''''Since you are better, can you let go of me now?" She whispered.


    He did not say anything but loosened his grip around her. Esme shifted from his lap to the bed, her movements a little stiff. Her neck was feeling itchy as if she could still feel him breathing there. She cleared her throat, ''''Where did you go? What happened?'''' She asked.


    He notice the unveiled concern in her tone. He took out a parchment from his clothes before handing it to her.


    Esme glanced at him curiously before taking the parchment from him. She opened it but found it empty from inside. Just as she was about to put it aside, she noticed the strokes behind it.


    ''Arlan''


    Her eyes widened, ''''Where did you get this from?"


    ''''In the border of Enchantment Forest,'''' Back in the fair, it was Rowan who sent the signal after he was back from Seran village.


    Esme noticed the strokes and she was certain that it was Arlan''s handwriting but it was empty inside.


    ''''Look at it once again,'''' Aleister pointed his chin at the parchment in her hand.


    Esme followed his gaze and tilted the parchment towards the direction of the fireplace. Under the glow of the fire, she could see the words written on it.


    Aleister shifted closer to her and placed his chin on her neck, "Read now."


    Esme stiffened as she tilted her head to the side and moved her shoulder but his chin did not falter, and he even shifted more closer to her.


    "What are you doing?" She asked.


    "Nothing. Why do you ask?" His face was pressed next to hers while his gaze was fixated on the letter.


    Esme shot him a warning glare but Aleister was unfazed.


    His face was screaming ''Scratch me, bite me... But I will still stay like this.''


    The corner of her lips twitched. She was not used to this kind of intimacy but he always did something like this and it left her muddleheaded.


    Like that day beside the sea... She had been subconsciously denying her conjectures but now she could feel a stir in her heart the more she thought about it.


    "Read the letter, Princess," Aleister whispered in her ear.


    Esme stiffly glanced at the letter.


    Sister,


    Don''t worry about me. When I was about to go to the auction house, a beautiful lady came to me asking about the way. While I was talking to her, I don''t remember what happened after that but when I woke up, I was in a carriage and it looked like the royal carriage of Visteria. I overheard someone talking about ''sacrifice'' but I could not see them or hear them quickly. I pretended to be in a daze and when the carriage came to a stop, I escaped after grabbing this parchment from the royal carriage.


    I don''t know what place is this and if you will ever come across my letter but I am placing my hopes on it.


    Take care of that old lady who is jealous of your beauty and take care of yourself. I will come back when I find a way.


    Your younger one,


    Arlan.


    Esme''s eyes sparkled with unshed tears and she tilted her head towards the ceiling, forgetting a certain man who was still clinging to her.


    "Don''t cry," He wrapped an arm around her waist which was so thin that it felt like it could be crushed within an instant, "You need to be fed."


    "I am not crying," And what did he mean by fed? It was as if he was talking about feeding a pet like Leo. "Can you let go of me?"


    "No."


    Esme pushed his chest with her elbow but he did not budge.


    "Today, when I went to get the letter, something happened...." Aleister said and that made her pause her movements.


    ...


    "You can''t go inside that part of the Enchantment Forest," Rowan frowned, "I had sent more than ten of our men and nobody came out."


    Aleister was leaning against a tree as he glanced at the distance where there were thick bushes and dense trees intermingled, not letting one see anything.


    As he watched him straightening, Rowan said, "You are well aware of what lies on the other side. Don''t go. And we are not certain if these footsteps belong to the Princess'' brother."


    "You found a piece of the cloth that he was wearing. It resembles the one that she had described," Aleister turned to look at Rowan, "Even if it is a small possibility, I will look into it."


    "I will go with you," Rowan said after a few moments. "I am not letting you go there alone."


    Aleister eyed him in disdain, "Don''t let people misunderstand your words."


    Rowan was stumped for words.


    Before he could say anything, Aleister aimed his finger in his direction and a golden ray shot out of it, encircling around Rowan as it turned into a rope.


    "You..."


    Aleister did not pay attention to him anymore as he walked towards the other part of the forest.


    While ordinary people have always feared the existence of the Enchantment forest, it was true that this forest held many secrets that they were unaware of.

 Chapter 65 - Lifeless Esme

    He raised his hand and a glow appeared on his hand, illuminating the dark forest.


    Aleister followed the footsteps that led him inside the marshy parts of the forest.


    His steps came to a halt when he noticed that the marks had stopped near a bush. His gaze landed on the parchment that was stuck to it in the twigs.


    As he reached towards it, a haze formed around his mind and all of a sudden the world turned dark.


    "Help... me..." A voice cried, it was filled with misery.


    His heart skipped a beat. That familiar voice...


    When he opened his eyes, he found himself standing beside a river that had two cliffs on either side.


    He looked around the place.


    "No..." That voice cried again.


    Aleister tilted his head and looked in the direction of the voice.


    His pupils shrank when he found Esme tied to a wooden cross with her hand chained to either side of the wood, she was wearing one of the gowns he had picked for her.


    It was in a half-torn condition. Her long wine-shaded hair stuck to her face while her head hung low. Her body was shivering.


    A cold glint passed through his eyes and he closed them trying to teleport to the edge of the cliff but he was not able to use his powers.


    As he opened his eyes, he tried to step forward but his legs did not move. He was rooted to the spot.


    Under the pale glow of moonlight, her tears kept falling as they turned into pearls.


    A rush of helplessness awakened in his heart.


    "Esme," He shouted and she seemed to have heard him as she tilted her head.


    Her eyes desperately looked for him.


    His gaze softened, "Esme," He repeated and she tilted her head in his direction, "...Al, save me," Her voice cracked towards the end but he could hear it loud and clear.


    "Don''t cry," He coaxed her in a soft tone and clenched his fist, trying to control his powers. He lowered his head to glance at his empty palm in a daze.


    "No...." A heart-wrenching scream echoed in the cliffs and he raised his head.


    The sight that he saw made his heart stop for a moment.


    A person was wearing a black cloak standing in front of Esme and a hand had dug into her chest. As the person slowly took out the hand, there was a heart sitting in the palm and fresh blood dripped from it.


    Aleister froze for a moment as he glanced at her lifeless body.


    Fury flashed in his eyes and he clenched his fist, a burst of power exploded through his veins and he ascended in the air.


    His steps remained powerful as he stepped towards the cliff, walking on the air like a golden path formed below his feet with every step he took. He grabbed the person''s neck from the back and snapped it.


    "Hahahahaha..." A burst of ear-piercing mocking laughter lingered in the air and the person exploded, thousands of bats flew from the black cloak.


    Esme''s heart fell on the ground, setting itself on fire.


    Aleister stood rooted to his spot, his mind slowly slipped out of his grip and he placed his palm on his head, digging his fingers in his scalp.


    Golden rays shot out from his body, exploding the boulders on the cliff.


    Aleister blankly stared at Esme''s lifeless body hanging in front of his eyes as he raised his trembling hand towards her. There was a ghastly hole on her chest and fresh blood dripped from it.


    ''Al, save me,'' Her last words rang inside his mind and a haze appeared in his mind.


    As he started losing control over his thoughts, a distant face appeared in his head. ''I will be fine,'' Esme said as she stood in the fair of the Capital City, disguised in a male''s clothes.


    He seemed to have realized something as he came back to his senses.


    Aleister''s eyes snapped open as he looked around the place, coming out of his daze. The river, the cliff, the burning heart, and Esme had disappeared.


    His gaze shifted for a moment and he picked up the parchment stuck in between the frail branches of the shrub.


    This part of the forest was a trap of illusions. Once a person stepped inside, he will fall into a dream of endless illusions that will be based on their weakness, sadness, grievance, or anything that unfavorably affected their mind.


    If anyone lost consciousness in the dream, they would be trapped in the illusion forever, watching it again and again.


    But Aleister had been unafraid of it since this has never affected him before... Not until today.


    ...


    ''''Illusion? But what would the people see?" Esme asked while inching away from him. ''''Why would you see me?"


    ''''Nightmares?" Aleister grabbed her hand before he inched closer to her, ''''People usually see the person who troubles them the most,'''' He played with her fingers.


    ''''You are saying that I am a nightmare?" Esme stood up from the bed before pulling her palm out of his hand, ''''When did I trouble you?" She paused for a moment when her conscience pricked, ''''Only a little. His Majesty was looking for you and I told him that we quarreled...''''


    ''''A lovers'' quarrel?" He held her wrist and pulled her back to the bed.


    Out of guilt, Esme was trying to not be angry, ''''Yes, I pretended like that.''''


    Aleister chuckled.


    Esme thought about something, ''''Since that place is dangerous then how did Arlan escape from there?" Even if his words were vague, she could sense that he was hiding things but since he did not tell her, she would not ask.


    Looking into her panicked eyes, he said, ''''I saw his footsteps that entered the place and another set of footsteps that stepped out...'''' He paused, ''''Either Arlan is not as weak as you think or someone helped him.''''


    Esme felt relieved. She paused, ''''You mean he walked out of there?"


    "I am certain. We found a piece of his cloth along the way," He showed it to her.


    She recognized it. It was indeed his. The clothes that he had been wearing the day he disappeared. "It is good as long as he is fine," She handed him the letter, "What do you think of it?"


    "What do you want to ask?"


    "Arlan has written that he does not remember anything that happened and how he walked into the royal carriage. But people have seen him walking there willingly. Aunt Mary should not be lying to me then what does it means....?"

 Chapter 66 - Call Me Al

    "Don''t think too much about it. Who will pretend to be my lover if you turn into a fool?" He tapped her forehead.


    Esme frowned. Wasn''t it his way of saying that he will look into it? "Don''t disappear like today. Bring me together if you go to dangerous places like this..."


    "You are worried about me?" He chuckled.


    This time, Esme quickly stood up from the bed before walking towards the edge before he could grab her again, "Yes, I am worried. If anything, you can bring me together and I will see if the nightmare that haunts me in my illusion is you."


    Aleister smiled mysteriously. He too was curious if it would be him but that did not mean he will try sending her there.


    Esme hesitated, "Are you wounded? Earlier... That black mist..." He was losing consciousness at that moment when he was leaning atop her.


    "That bush was poisonous."


    "You... Are you feeling better now? Should I call the royal physician?" His complexion looked better but still, she could not help but worry.


    Aleister slumped on the bed, "I think I am dying..." He said in a weak voice.


    Esme blinked, "Why are you so pretentious, My Lord?"


    "Why can''t you be a little ignorant, My Lady?" He opened one of his eyes as he eyed the woman who was looking at him in disdain.


    Even though Esme was looking at him like that, she felt a warmth in her heart, "Had I been ignorant, I would not have survived till this day," She softly said before walking towards him.


    His eyes darkened at her words.


    She placed the back of her palm on his forehead.


    He raised an eyebrow and she quickly retracted her hand as she stepped back before he thought of pulling her to the bed once again. He was strange today.


    "If you feel unwell, tell me. I am on the other side of the curtain," she pointed her finger in that direction, "And... You have done so much for me that I am feeling burdened now. Pretending to be your lover will not suffice. If you want something else, tell me.''''


    ''''You will give me anything I want?'' He asked seriously.


    Esme nodded, ''''As long as I can, I will, I don''t want to owe you like this.''''


    He did not seem to be offended by her words as he glanced at her calmly.


    For some reason, his gaze made her gulp. It was not too late to take her words back but she was a righteous person and it will be improper of her to do that.


    ''''Drop the titles. Address me by my name,'''' Her eyes widened and the corner of his lips tugged up, ''''Al. That''s what you will address me as.''''


    Her lips thinned and she held her gown in her hand and walked towards the other side of the curtain without saying anything.


    ''''Is Princess going back on her words?" Aleister clicked his tongue as he said mockingly before letting out a sigh, ''''I expected this-''''


    ''''Al,'''' Came her soft voice from the other side, ''''If that''s what you want.''''


    The room sunk in silence after she finished speaking and his pale blue eyes sparkled as he turned to the side.


    His gaze landed on the fireplace. The sight of the fire reminded him of the vivid illusion in the Enchantment Forest. Her heart which was set on fire... ''''Esme?" He turned to look at her shadow through the curtains.


    She turned to his side, ''''I am sleeping. Don''t talk.''''


    ''''Who talked if you are sleeping?" He chuckled when she turned to the other side. ''''What? Are you holding grudges now?"


    ''''Why would I?"


    ''''Because I tricked you in getting what I want,'''' He pushed her buttons a little, ''''Apparently, you are shy in taking my name.''''


    Esme sat up on the bed, ''''Who is shy?" She turned to look at him and her long hair flipped as they fell in front of his shoulder, ''''You are audacious.''''


    ''''And?"


    ''''You lack shame.''''


    ''''And?"


    ''''You...'''' Esme''s lips parted and she slumped on the bed before dragging the silken sheets till her head was covered.


    The corner of his lips tugged up. How satisfying was it to provoke her!


    The next morning, when Esme woke up, Aleister was not in the room but Leo was there.


    He had his neck stretched towards her with his chin placed on the bed.


    Esme blinked before patting his head twice, "When I was calling for you yesterday, where were you?"


    He wanted to come but his Master was a petty man. Leo blinked innocently at her.


    Esme, who was still holding grudges against a human and a beast since yesterday, felt her heart melting at the sight of his round eyes going limpid.


    "There, there," She patted his head. Since Arlan was fine, her heart that was hanging high was finally at ease.


    Esme believed that Aleister would be able to find him soon. Since he can find that letter, then finding Arlan was also possible.


    And at the moment, she did not want to think about anything else.


    Since the day she started staying with Aleister in his room, nothing strange has happened to her. And her powers never worked on their own.


    Esme was relieved.


    Maybe, everything will fall in place as soon as she found Arlan and they went back to their old life.


    Later that morning, Duchess Flora invited her over for breakfast in the garden and Esme found Duke Maverick when she went there.


    She greeted them by their respective titles.


    "Uncle," Duke Maverick said as he looked at her, "Call me Uncle," His eyes appeared sunken when he smiled warmly and it made him look scary with the dark patches on his face.


    "And call me Aunt. I had said it before," Duchess Flora smiled gently, "I would not take anything else from you as I have mentioned before."


    Esme glanced at both of them quietly but the corner of her lips twitched at their words.


    "Why are they...."

 Chapter 67 - Marry~

    Esme was not used to be so informal to the Royals. Having been raised as a Princess, the rules were well instilled in her mind. Her Uncle was the King and she was only allowed to address him as ''Royal Uncle'' in private.


    But in Visteria, everything seemed different. The royal family was very welcoming towards her and she felt warm.


    And as they say, blood sure runs thicker than water. Their nephew won''t let her address him formally and they are on the same path.


    ''''Uncle, Aunt,'''' She was a little guilty of lying to them but as things were, she had to keep up the pretense, ''''I don''t see His Majesty...'''' She said, taking a seat gracefully when Duchess Flora pointed her hand at the chair, an amicable smile was settled on the lady''s face that replicated her husband''s.


    They looked happy when she complied with their wishes.


    Duke Maverick waved his hand and a maid immediately came to serve the food.


    Esme noticed the shriveled skin of his palm as his robe tilted. During the dinner last night, she noticed that while sitting beside the King, Duke Maverick appeared much older than his elder brother.


    She averted her gaze back to the food, not letting her thoughts to be reflected on her face.


    ''''Elder Brother is having a good discussion with my willful nephew,'''' Duke Maverick passed the pastries to the Little Lady.


    ''''I have troubled him,'''' she appeared regretful. Esme smiled a little cunningly in her heart. I will see if you still come to provoke me after getting an earful from your father. With that thought, she took a bite of the pastry, savoring the sweetness that filled her mouth.


    Duchess Flora smiled, ''''There is no trouble in this. It is time for our Prince to learn how to treat his wife properly.''''


    ''''Cough..'''' Esme choked on the food as she coughed profusely, barely managing to swallow it.


    Duchess Flora stood up from the chair as she patted her back, ''''Be careful.''''


    Duke Maverick passed her the glass of water, ''''Here, take this.''''


    Esme smiled at them gratefully, a little uneasiness remained in her heart. When they come to know that she was fooling them with their nephew, they would not try to choke her with that glass of water. She convinced herself.


    On the other side of the Castle, inside the King''s grand chamber, Alexander glanced at his son sternly.


    If Esme was there, she would have noticed that the King''s room paled in comparison to Aleister''s despite being magnificent.


    Aleister, who was sitting on the King''s bed, with a laid-back expression on his face tilted his hand and waved his finger, pointing it at a certain corner.


    The maid who was standing at the corner walked forward and placed the basket of grapes beside the Prince before she retreated.


    Alexander''s lips twitched as he glanced at his son who started eating grapes, without paying much attention to him.


    He waved his hand and the servants left the room. ''''You are not asking why I summoned you?"


    Aleister held a grape between his teeth for a moment before putting it inside his mouth with the tip of his tongue, ''''It has been a little time since I last saw you. Old man, you have gotten older.''''


    Alexander frowned, ''''Having a son like you, it would not be too much if you wake up to find me in the coffin one day,'''' He scoffed.


    Aleister licked the sweetness of the grape off his lips as he leaned back, crossing one leg above the other, his ice-blue eyes looked uninterested in everything.


    ''''What''s the use of having that amorous face when you can not treat your wife well?" Alexander no longer looked like the mighty King. He instead resembled a Father who was at his wits'' end around his son.


    ''''When did she become my wife?" Aleister was amused, the corner of his lips tugged up.


    One could almost see the fume coming from the King''s head, ''''You want to discard her after....?'''' He did not complete his words but one could understand what he meant to say when the mild-tempered man had turned red in anger.


    I am afraid she will be the one to discard me. Aleister''s lips twitched.


    Seeing that he remained silent, Alexander exploded, ''''Apologize to her and coax her. Your mother had passed away years ago but even if she was alive, she would not have made it had she known how frivolous her son is,'''' There was a sense of unmistakable sadness in his voice at the mention of that person, ''''Tell me more about the girl''s family. I will talk to them. You are marrying her.''''


    Aleister pushed himself to his feet as he grabbed a few grapes from the basket.


    ''''Where do you think are you going?"


    ''''Didn''t you ask me to apologize to her?" It seems like that naughty little thing had incited this old man against him to a good extent.


    ''''How could you think of...What did you say?" Alexander''s eyes widened briefly as he looked at him in contemplation, ''''You will apologize to her?"


    Aleister nodded.


    ''''Go,'''' Alexander masked the shock in his heart as he waved his hand. He is willing to apologize to someone?


    Knowing what he was thinking about, Aleister dropped another grape in his mouth as he walked out. His footsteps halted when he reached the doorway.


    His eyes narrowed looking at the man who was standing beside the guards.


    ''''My Lord,'''' Aiden had a gentle smile on his face as he bowed.


    ''''Oh, blind man...'''' As the smile on his face disappeared, Aleister''s lips curved up, ''''Don''t be offended. You usually walk with your eyes closed and bump into ''my'' people. I assumed you were blind.''''


    The man named Aiden smiled as he tilted his face to the side, his silver hair fell in front of his face, "I seemed to have offended My Lord. That day, Lady Esme was absent-minded when she bumped into me," He briefly said before bowing at him as he stepped inside the King''s room.


    You will be absent-minded when I cut that tongue off.. Aleister narrowed his eyes, but the smile on his face did not falter.

 Chapter 68 - Love And Affection

    When Esme returned to the room after the breakfast with Duke Maverick and Duchess Flora, she was greeted by the sight of Aleister sitting on a chair, in the dark corner of the room as he ate... grapes?


    She blinked innocently as if she did not know where he came from, "The Prince seems rather idle today."


    "Princess is spreading some interesting lies about me, after all," Aleister said without lifting his head.


    The corner of her lips tugged up. It seems like the King has taught him some good lesson.


    If only she knew how things proceeded there and it was the King who was angered to death, then she might not have been so smug.


    She sighed regretfully, "You weren''t here. That''s all I could do to stop them from coming to your room," She walked towards him before taking a seat on the chair in front of him.


    "Is it? You sure you were not trying to teach me a little lesson, My Dear Moon?"


    "O-Of course not," She did not expect him to see through her.


    Aleister leaned forward and Esme averted her gaze.


    "Give me your hand."


    "W-Why?''''


    After the way he was acting yesterday, she was still a bit confused and hesitant.


    "What are you afraid of?"


    "I am not afraid of anything," She extended her hand towards him, "Here," She raised an eyebrow.


    Aleister grabbed the tip of her fingers as he placed a few grapes on her hand, "They are sweet," The last word was emphasized as his gaze lingered on her neck before shifting to her lips and it finally moved to her eyes.


    "Oh," She tilted her head from the grapes as she looked at him, "Do you know Duchess Flora had invited me over for breakfast?"


    "She usually does. What about that?" Aleister leaned back on the chair as he tilted his head.


    Esme retracted her hand, "Not today. I am talking about another time. That day, you went to the Royal Court in the morning when the magistrate had accused you of killing the maids."


    Aleister nodded, "I remember."


    "Her nanny, Grandma Greta had done some strange things..."


    Aleister''s eyes deepened, "What did they do?"


    "No, they did not do anything to me," Esme said as she picked a grape, "They did something with the black salt and they said it will ward off the evil eyes. And no witch will come to me."


    Aleister''s brows tugged together, "Duchess Flora was the Princess of Florania."


    "Florania? Wasn''t it that Kingdom which was destroyed by the King himself?" Esme was young at that time but she had heard her Aunt and Uncle talking about it, "It was said that the King sent his men to kill the subjects and burnt countless territories before stabbing himself with a sword."


    "The King was possessed," Aleister said to her, "There were witches in the Castle..."


    "They exist?" Despite hearing it''s mention, she found it a little unbelievable.


    "Then how did the Princess survive when the whole Kingdom was destroyed?" Florania was a small kingdom compared to Nevesray or the Lands of Visteria, but it was a prosperous one.


    "Uncle was there at that time because of the marriage alliance."


    "His health..." Esme understood everything without him continuing further. Did Duke Maverick become like this because he saved Duchess Flora at that time?


    "Yes. He was one of the most powerful warriors of Visteria, having attained Level four at that time."


    The magical powers in the Royals were divided into four categories. Yellow for level one, Orange for level two, Red for level three, and purple for level four.


    Esme was stunned. Back in those years, even her Aunt was at level three of her magical powers and she was hailed as one of the greatest talents in Visteria.


    Duke Maverick should be somewhere in his early thirties now so attaining Level four at that time, the purple magic was indeed extraordinary. "He risked everything for her?" She softly asked.


    Aleister nodded, "The opponent was strong and Uncle barely managed to help Duchess Flora to escape the Castle but he was reduced to this."


    He was crippled and without asking Esme knew that his main nerve was severed and right now, he did not possess his powers. And his health also seemed to have been greatly impacted.


    "You said it was a political marriage. Why would he risk everything for a woman he barely knows?" Duchess Flora was a great person but Esme thought that if she had been there in Duke Maverick''s place, then she would not have done this. She might have found the thought of it ridiculous.


    "I think initially it started a political marriage but they had affections for each other later," Aleister noticed her expressions and he leaned forward as he continued, "It was love that they speak of. When all a person cares about is the other person''s well-being. What are your thoughts on it, Esme?" He placed a grape in his mouth.


    "Oh, good," Esme never had affections for any man so she did not know what it was like neither was she curious.


    As he heard her response, the grape in his mouth taste bitter for some reason.


    Esme believed that she was not as brave and admirable as Duke Maverick. She had this one life that she loved dearly. Why would she risk it for any man?


    "What do you mean by you think? Didn''t you know what transpired back then?" She asked.


    Aleister paused, "I was not here at that time."


    "Where were you then?" Although she did not want to ask him anything about himself, but she could not hold back her curiosity about it anymore.


    His gaze flashed.


    Suddenly, her sharp ears perked up at the sound of the hurried footsteps outside the room. "Around six people are coming here..." She glanced at him.


    Aleister did not doubt her words as at this moment, the rushed footsteps were approaching closer, stopping in front of his room, "Let them come then," He leaned back on the chair before looking at her hand, "Eat it?"


    She looked at the grapes for a moment and then she glanced at his unfazed face, "Aren''t you curious about who is visiting you?" She asked.


    "Why would I be curious about something so dull when I have more interesting things to hold curiosity for?" He stared at her meaningfully.


    She tilted her head to the side, looking at him in confusion.


    Aleister raised his hand as he snapped his fingers.

 Chapter 69 - Obedient Prince

    When he snapped his fingers, Esme noticed that a barrier appeared near their beds, and in the next moment, she could only see one bed there.


    She stood up from the chair and walked towards the bed but just as she stepped past the barrier, everything was normal. Two beds and a curtain in between but from outside the barrier, one could only see one bed.


    "Why did you do this?" She was only curious, not concerned about her reputation.


    She believed she did not have any reputation left after being proclaimed as his lover who lived in his room, and his future wife. So, there was no harm in it.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow, "Don''t lovers sleep on one bed?" He asked innocently.


    Esme nodded, "But the servants have already seen our separate beds."


    "They won''t open their mouth."


    Esme agreed with it. But, did that mean the people outside were not ordinary people?


    "My Lord..." Came Rowan''s voice from outside, "The magistrate is here to meet you."


    "Let them in," Aleister pushed another grape to his mouth as he leaned back.


    The door was pushed open and Esme noticed the Magistrate coming inside with a taut face. He was followed by a few court officials. Her gaze then landed on the silver-haired man who was beside the Magistrate.


    Noticing her gaze on him, he tilted his head and glanced at her.


    Their eyes met.


    But suddenly the people in the room felt a cold gust of air around them.


    The Magistrate noticed that Prince''s expression was frighteningly dark, "My Lord, we have something to talk about," His gaze paused on the woman standing in the room.


    Esme snapped out of her daze as she averted her gaze from Aiden, "I shall leave then," She said to Aleister.


    "Take a seat," He said.


    The Magistrate stepped forward, only to halt when Aleister glanced at Esme.


    Esme was having a tough time keeping that smile on her face. Because of his actions, the whole world will be against her one day.


    And as expected, the officials had their faces turned dark.


    Her gaze landed on the man named Aiden but he was not looking at her, instead, he was looking at the bed quietly.


    "My dear moon, take a seat," Aleister''s face was eerily dark.


    Esme surrendered as she walked towards him before taking a seat where she was sitting earlier. She placed a grape in her mouth with her back turned at the officials.


    Out of sight, out of mind.


    She acted like she did not feel their cold gazes on her back.


    They must be thinking of ways to bury her alive.


    And there was nothing wrong with it. Which official would not be anxious when their future ruler picked a servant to be their Queen?


    But Esme had nothing to do with what they thought. Their Prince mind worked rather differently and they should blame him, not her.


    "It seems like your friend is quite interested in the bed?" Aleister tilted his head to look at the Magistrate.


    Before the Magistrate could respond, Aiden turned to look at him, "Apologies, my Lord. I had something on my mind."


    Aleister glanced at him with a deep gaze.


    Aiden continued smiling gently as he looked at Esme''s back, his silver hair framed his face when he lowered his head.


    Aleister narrowed his eyes, "My Princess is rather shy when people stare at her," His words were casual but his tone held a warning in it.


    Esme rolled her eyes. Why don''t you send me out if you think I am shy?


    She threw another grape inside her mouth. It was indeed sweet. But this man was stingy enough to give her only three of them.


    The officials however weren''t calm as Esme. The Magistrate glanced at Aiden with a meaningful gaze and the gentle smile slowly slipped off his handsome face.


    "What''s the matter?" Aleister glanced at the Magistrate questioningly.


    The Magistrate hesitated.


    From the corner of her eyes, Esme noticed Rowan standing outside the door.


    She held her gown in her hand and pushed herself to her feet, "My Lord, I have something to do," She glanced at him meaningfully.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow. Did she forget his name again?


    Esme shot him a glare before she turned around to leave. She was not going to address him by his name in front of so many people.


    "Stay right there," His tone was cold.


    Esme sighed helplessly in her heart, "Al, I need to go," she blinked at him. Happy now?


    A pleasant curve made its way on his lips, "Alright."


    The officials: "_"


    They had never seen their Prince this obedient.


    Esme walked out of the room.


    Rowan nodded at her, "Princess."


    She smiled at him, "In what way are you addressing me as such?" She asked mysteriously.


    Rowan understood her intention of asking such. She was testing whether he knew her identity or he was addressing her as the future Princess of Aleister, "You should know what I mean, Princess," He said meaningfully.


    Esme narrowed her eyes as she raised her hand.


    Rowan instinctively touched his neck. It felt like just yesterday when she had almost strangled him and that enormous strength in her delicate fingers.


    Esme tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear, "He told you about it?" She asked as she stepped to the side.


    Rowan shook his head as he sighed in relief inwardly. So, she was not strangling him again, "Seven years ago, I was there with Aleister in Nevesray."


    Esme nodded, realizing that he must be more than his right-hand man to be addressing him by his name, "Weren''t you sent to look for my brother?" She looked around and asked him after being assured that there was no one nearby.


    Rowan tilted his head to the side, "The walls have ears too, Princess."


    Esme was disappointed, "Shall we go somewhere then? I want to know more about it."


    Rowan was speechless. It''s fine that you want to talk about it but going somewhere alone with you is not possible. He did not want to be half-beaten and swollen like Leo.


    They turned around, hearing some loud noises from the room.

 Chapter 70 - Silver-haired Ugly Man

    After a long heated discussion and some arguments amongst themselves, the officials left the room.


    Aiden paused near the door where he saw Esme standing with Rowan, "My Lady,'''' He smiled at her gently.


    Esme glanced at him in a daze.


    Rowan frowned when sensed a piercing gaze on the two.


    He cleared his throat and Esme snapped out of her reverie as she smiled back at him, "Mr. Aiden."


    Aiden nodded at her before he turned around to leave.


    Esme glanced at his retreating back.


    "Is he a pleasant sight?" A cold voice sounded behind her.


    Esme turned to look at Aleister who was walking towards them. "What were they so worked up for?" She asked.


    Aleister glanced at her with a piercing gaze and she was confused.


    Rowan cleared his throat, "I shall leave-"


    "No, you come inside," She tilted her head before looking at Aleister, "You too."


    Aleister raised an eyebrow at her.


    She usually forgot that this was his room but he could not bring himself to mind it.


    ...


    "So, you are saying that more people have been found dead?"


    Aleister nodded.


    "What has it got to do with you?" Esme asked.


    "They died just how the maids in the castle died. I will have to look into this matter as he has made a request to the King about it."


    Esme frowned. For some reason, she had an uneasy feeling about this.


    "I have something to say," Rowan broke the silence in the room as he stood up from the chair. "Princess''s brother was last seen in that village."


    "Which village?" Esme''s brows tugged together.


    "The one which the magistrate had mentioned, where people are dying mysteriously. It is near the border of the Capital City."


    After Rowan left the room, Esme and Aleister were left alone, "Aren''t you going to look over the things there?"


    "What about it?"


    "Take me with you," She said.


    "Why should I take you with me?"


    "I won''t be a hindrance. I will be good."


    Looking at her obedient face, his face turned dark, "Is he that pleasing to your eyes?" He asked out of nowhere.


    "What are you talking about?"


    "That blind man. Den. I am talking about him."


    "His name is Aiden," As she corrected him, his footsteps came to a halt.


    He turned around and walked towards her, "Don''t take his name like that," He bent as he placed both his hands on either arm of the chair and leaned closer to her.


    Her heart unconsciously skipped a beat when she found him so dangerously close, "What are you doing?" She whispered.


    He raised his hand and cupped her face, his thumb stroked her cheek.


    Her eyes widened.


    "When have I ever done something?" He asked, his words left her feeling conflicted as he continued, "But there are things that I want to do to you," His warm breath tickled her lips.


    Esme was entirely stiff to even lift a finger. The wild thoughts that she had suppressed deep inside her mind that night on the seaside were soaring once again.


    And she realized that she had yet to see through his intentions, "What do you want?" She clenched the arms of the chair tightly in her palm.


    He shifted his hand, placing it above her delicate palm while his other hand was still resting on her face.


    Her breathing hitched and she leaned back on the chair, her back was tightly pressed against it.


    His fingers wound her fingers which were tightly gripping the wooden arm, "Usually, you quickly catch onto everything. Why is taking so long to realize it, my dear moon?" His hand shifted from her face and he raked his fingers inside her hair. His thumb rested in front of her ear while the other four fingers were behind her ear plunged into her hair.


    As he leaned closer to her, her eyelashes fluttered. Her heartbeats were rushed and rapid as she closed her eyes instinctively. Her fingers tightened on the wood.


    But all of a sudden, she did not feel the warmth around her anymore. Her face, her hand lacked the warmth that he had provided.


    She opened her eyes and glanced at the man who was standing at a distance from her.


    "This was stuck in your hair," He showed her the leaf he was holding, "Why did you close your eyes?" He tilted his head to the side, seemingly confused.


    Esme stood up from the chair as she touched her neck, "I think something went inside my eyes," She whispered and turned around to walk towards her bed.


    He grabbed her wrist and her heart skipped a beat yet again, "Let me see what it is," He said as he stepped closer to her, "We won''t want your eyes to hurt."


    "No," She pulled her hand out of his grip, "I-I think I am hungry. It''s time for lunch so we should eat," She calmed herself as he nodded.


    "You didn''t eat during breakfast?" He asked.


    Esme nodded. She did eat but she was conscious about it and ate with proper etiquette, unlike the way she ate when she was with him.


    ...


    Two days passed rather peacefully in an uneventful manner and Esme barely saw Aleister in these days as he remained engaged in the matter that the magistrate had brought up. Duke Maverick and Duchess Flora always called her to eat together and the King would also be there at times.


    Today, it was the day when Aleister had to go to look over that village.


    After seeing Esme''s persistence, Aleister agreed to take her with him. That was under a few conditions that looked something like.


    ''You should stay with me all the time we are there. Don''t talk to others. More so, stay away from that silver-haired ugly man.''


    Esme found him unreasonable but she did not say anything about it knowing that he might change his mind about taking her with him.


    Aleister was very pleased with the rare obedience that she was showing instead of baring her claws at him.

 Chapter 71 - Bloodstains

    "This is the place," Aleister stretched his hand towards Esme and she alighted the carriage.


    "Are we staying here?" She pointed at the house in the corner.


    "Yes, My Lady," It was Aiden who answered as he alighted from the other carriage, "This place belongs to Magistrate. During our investigation, we will have to reside here."


    Aleister''s lips twitched slightly. This man was so idle to be present everywhere.


    "Mr. Aiden, you are here too?" Esme was surprised.


    "The Magistrate has sent me to assist you since the Prince did not bring his guards with him."


    Esme noticed the two burly guards standing behind him before she glanced at Aleister. She did not think he needed anyone to protect him. He was so powerful.


    Looking at her sparkling eyes, he could more or less guess what was in her mind. He poked her forehead as he leaned closer to her, "If anything, you can also protect me," He whispered.


    Esme restrained the urge to laugh as she mumbled, "I might kill you someday and you won''t know how you died," Her tone was helpless. Even though her powers were calm at the moment, she hoped they would stay like that. She did not want to harm him... Or anyone else.


    Aleister chuckled.


    "We should do what we are here for..." Aiden said, interrupting the moment between the both of them, "...My Lord."


    Esme nodded.


    But Aleister''s face seemed to have been covered in icicles as he glanced at Aiden but the gentle-looking man kept smiling.


    "Don''t speak unless you are spoken to," He coldly said.


    Aiden did not say anything.


    There was tension between both the men and the guards standing behind Aiden shifted on their feet, feeling the coldness around.


    Esme tilted her head to the side, "Are you going to the Enchanted forest?" She asked.


    Aiden''s lips twitched when Aleister retracted his cold aura as he glanced at her playfully, "Yes, do you want to come?"


    "Can I?" Her eyes sparkled.


    "If I say no, will you not insist?" Aleister asked.


    Esme looked at him pleadingly.


    Aleister pursed his lips, feeling a tug.


    Esme smiled cunningly in her heart. As long as they were not fighting, he would give in to her at times.


    Her eyes darkened a bit. It could be dangerous there but as long as she was able to find some clues about Arlan...


    ...


    While the servants arranged the house, Esme, Aleister, and Aiden, along with a few guards that the Magistrate had sent to assist them to set out for Enchantment Forest.


    Aiden and the guards walked forward with a map in their hand and another map was with Aleister as he looked around the place.


    Esme peeked at the map in his hand, ''''I have been here to this Forest before,'''' She said.


    Aleister nodded, ''''I know.''''


    ''''Not that time when I was sleepwalking,'''' She frowned, reminded of that unpleasant memory. After that incident, she felt somewhat scared to fall asleep, ''''Before that when I came to the Capital City, I took this way to reach the Castle in less time.''''


    Aleister cleared his throat, ''''Is it?"


    ''''Yes,'''' She whispered, ''''I passed by the border of the forest, near the sea and you won''t believe what happened.''''


    ''''What happened?" He asked like he was curious.


    Esme glanced at the guards and Aiden who were at a distance from them. She held Aleister''s elbow and made a come hither motion with her finger.


    He lowered his head and she leaned closer to his ear, ''''Someone shot arrows at me.''''


    Aleister''s lips twitched, his expressions looked slightly stiff.


    ''''I looked around but there was no one around me. And then, many fireflies appeared out of nowhere,'''' Esme said before shaking her head, ''''I did not believe when the villagers said that this place was haunted.''''


    ''''So you believe it after that incident?"


    Esme let go of his hand as she looked around, ''''I don''t know either. It could be some crafty human with malicious intentions.''''


    Aleister cleared his throat, ''''He could have good intentions too.''''


    ''''Good intention in shooting an arrow at me?" Esme paused, ''''He..? How do you know if it is a he?"


    Aleister glanced at the map in his hand, ''''I think we have reached the place where those bodies were found.''''


    Esme glanced at the map, ''''It is a well,'''' She tilted her head and noticed that Aiden was standing near the huge well. There was a tall tree behind the well and on the wooden structures around it, a broken wooden bucket was hanging with a dirty rope tied to it, ''''Did you get the wrong map?'''' She whispered.


    ''''It should be this place,'''' Aleister looked around and his gaze landed on the bloodstains on the tip of the rope.


    ''''There are bloodstains here,'''' Aiden remarked as he looked at the wooden structure that supported the bucket, letting it hang from the rope.


    ''''No one is blind here,'''' Aleister remarked, his jaws ticked slightly.


    Aiden smiled gently, ''''My Lord, do you dislike me?" He asked straightforwardly while looking at Esme.


    Aleister narrowed his eyes but did not respond to him as his piercing gaze remained fixated on him.


    Suddenly, Aiden felt a strong pressure on himself. A chill ran down his spine, a coldness seeped in his bones and he raised his fingers towards his neck only to find sharp icicles shards near his neck. His usually calm eyes were left puzzled.


    ''''T-There is someone here,'''' Esme''s voice caught both their attention and the slight tremble in her voice made Aleister frown.


    He looked at her in concern when he saw her pale face, ''''Are you not feeling well?" He asked her softly.


    ''''I... I am alright. Look there,'''' She pointed her finger in the direction of the tree behind the huge well.


    Aleister followed her gaze and looked ground around the tree. Amidst the pile of dry leave, he could see a hand.


    Aiden noticed it as well and he could feel the pressure on him quickly disappearing the moment Aleister averted his gaze.


    As Aleister walked towards the tree, Esme walked a few steps after him,

 Chapter 72 - Adrian Reis

    Aleister stepped towards the tree and twirled his fingers slowly. A soft wind blew taking away all the dried leaves with it.


    Esme closed her eyes at the ghastly sight that she saw.


    Despite closing her eyes, that sight was still imprinted in her mind.


    Laying below the tree was a corpse and one could see the person''s bones. Their cheeks were hollow and deep and their flesh seemed to have rotten.


    "I''ll send the word to the Magistrate," Aiden said, taking his eyes off the corpse as he looked at the setting sun, "We should leave," The sky was gradually darkening and the birds were returning to their trees.


    Esme opened her eyes and followed his gaze. For some reason, the sky looked like a huge expanse of a bowl turned upside down. There was a crimson glow around the setting sun.


    A chill ran down her spine, an uneasiness crept in her heart.


    Esme quietly shifted from her position and she grabbed Aleister''s hand without saying anything.


    Aleister tilted his head from the corpse before he look at her wary eyes, "Tired?"


    Esme shook her head and intertwined her fingers with him.


    He glanced at their intertwined and his gaze flashed.


    Suddenly, a person appeared in front of them like a shadow as he placed his hand on his chest before coming on one knee, "My Lord, the carriage is at the border of the forest," Rowan said.


    Everyone else was stunned. So, the Prince did bring his right-hand man together. He just did not inform anyone about it.


    Aleister did not say anything as he glanced at Aiden.


    "My Lord, we should leave," the man smiled gently, "It is not safe for Lady Esme here."


    Aleister''s lips thinned. For some reason, he found the person to be an eyesore.


    "We should leave," He said after some moments as he turned to look at Esme who was looking at the corpse, "Don''t look if you are afraid," He placed a palm on her eyes, blocking her vision.


    Esme shook her head, "I am not afraid. I think I saw-" She paused as she realized that there are others around, "I am fine. Just a little afraid," she said.


    As they turned around to leave, a ripping sound was heard and Esme''s footsteps halted, feeling a tug from behind.


    Her heart skipped a beat and she slowly turned around to see what it was.


    But a small relieved sigh escaped her mouth when she saw that the hem of her gown was stuck on the thorn bushes near the tree.


    Aleister walked towards the bushes before getting her gown off the thorns. All the while, he did not let go of her hand.


    The manor that they were staying in was just like the house that Aleister had arranged for her Aunt. It could not compare to it though. Even though it looked quite decent from the outside, it was extravagant from the inside.


    In the Dining room.


    The sound of horses caught Esme''s attention. She gulped the food in her mouth as she looked at Aleister, "Did the Magistrate send his response?"


    "Yes," Soon enough the word escaped Aleister''s mouth, that eyesore of a man stepped inside the dining room, "If I may come in....?" He asked.


    Aleister''s gaze deepened.


    Rowan also stepped inside as he fixated his cold stare on Aiden, "It is an offense to be barging inside while the Prince is having dinner. You can be beheaded for that."


    Aiden smiled, "Aren''t we here under the disguise? No one is a royal at this moment," He said kindly, as he tilted his head letting his silver hair fall to the side.


    Rowan narrowed his eyes and in a swift movement, he unsheathed his sword pressing it against the man''s neck.


    The pressure of the movement had a trail of blood appear near the man''s neck.


    Esme''s gaze flashed. A distant memory ran through her mind as she looked at Aiden as if she was looking at someone else.


    Despite having a sword against his throat, Aiden seemed to be calm.


    But when she saw the blood near his neck, Esme stood up, "Stop," Her voice went a pitch higher and her eyes had reddened. She pushed the chair and walked towards them, "Take it off his neck."


    Rowan frowned. For her to be this considerate about Aiden...


    When he did not respond, Esme grabbed the blade with her bare hand, "Take it off his neck. Do you not hear me?" Her voice went cold, reminding him of the night when she had strangled him.


    Rowan frowned. Even if he wanted to retract the sword, she would get injured given the way she was holding it.


    Just as Esme''s grip on the sword was tightening, Aiden grabbed her hand as he looked at her with his gentle eyes, "I am alright."


    Aleister who was quiet till this moment, pushed himself to his feet as he walked towards Esme.


    Wordlessly, he pushed his hand towards her back and his other hand settled behind her knees as he carried her in his arms, "Let go," His voice was low.


    Aiden retracted his hand from hers and glanced at their retreating backs.


    Rowan took the sword away from the man''s neck, "Keep your eyes off the Princess," He said before he turned around and left.


    Aiden averted his gaze as he placed his fingers on his neck, feeling the warmth of the blood on his skin.


    He turned around and walked towards his room with large footsteps.


    His eyes looked calm, hiding his raging emotions within them. He entered his room and as the door closed behind him, the man raised his hand and pinched his chin as he walked towards the mirror. A thin layer of skin was scraped from his face as he threw it aside, looking at the reflection of the person in the mirror.


    With the mask, the face was was a pleasant sight but without the mask, one could see the exceptionally carved face.

 Chapter 73 - Offended?

    A set of deep eyes stared straight into the reflection, a faded scar was running from the corner of his eyes down to his cheek that made the man look exceptionally vicious with the coldness in his eyes.


    ''''Aleister Daven, who gave you the audacity to lay your hand on my sister?" His voice was menacing and one would never believe that he was still that gentle friend of the Magistrate who went by the name Aiden.


    Adrian Reis closed his eyes and inhaled a deep breath before running his fingers through his silver hair, a gentle smile made its way to his face when he thought about Esme''s worried face.


    She has not changed a bit.


    ...


    Through the creak of the door, a pair of grey eyes took the sight inside the grand room. Little Esme''s eyes reddened when she saw the person bound within a small cage. The cage was so small that his limbs were twisted inside, pinned, and nailed to the rods.


    Just as a sob escaped her mouth, Marlene placed a hand on her mouth.


    The fourteen-year-old Esme took the sight of the person''s silver hair which was soaked in blood, there were ghastly cuts on his body, flesh peeking from inside.


    Tears welled up in her eyes as her heart felt like it was clenched by something...


    ...


    It has been seven years since that terrible night but when Esme saw the sword pressed against Aiden''s neck, she seemed to have relived that night again. Her elder brother''s ghastly wounds were still imprinted in her mind and at that moment, the impulse took over her calmness as she pushed herself to her feet before walking towards them.


    It was not until a few moments later that she realized what she doing. But before she could stop her actions, she felt a grip on her wrist, and in the next second, she was carried by a strong pair of arms.


    Esme was a little dazed. She blinked as she glanced at Aleister. His face was menacingly dark and she did not know what he was thinking.


    ''''Why... Can you put me down?" Esme asked, shifting stiffly in his arms, her whole body was rigid in this position that she was not accustomed to.


    She had always detested anyone touching her, be it a man or a woman. But when it came to him, she was more laid-back than her usual self.


    How wrong it was for her to be staying in a man''s room? But she did it because he made her feel secure like no one else ever did. And she wanted that to survive in the Castle till she was here.


    But right now, he looked nothing like his usual self. His face was frigid and his ice-blue eyes were emotionless making her feel a bit intimidated for a moment.


    ''''My L... Al, will you put me down?" Esme swiftly changed her words. She did not want to offend him further because he already looked offended for some reason.


    His footsteps came to a halt.


    Esme sighed in relief. As expected, it worked. It has always worked before.


    Just as she let her body relax, waiting for him to put her down, he tightened his grip around her waist and pulled her head to his chest.


    When she tried to move, his low voice sounded, ''''Stay still Esme. Don''t make me do things that you might not like," He whispered and the way he took her name had her gulp.


    She stiffened, feeling a tremor shoot through her entire body.


    Something was strange in this. Was he somehow was poisoned again in the Enchantment Forest? Or did something else happen to him?


    She shook off that thought. How come she was not poisoned? And that part of the forest lied near the border which meant it was not that dangerous... Well except for the mysterious reason for which people died there.


    The trails of her thoughts snapped when she heard something.


    ''''See, isn''t that that the Prince?"


    ''''My Lord is so.... breathtaking. I have heard so much about him before but it is the first time I saw him.''''


    ''''He is so charismatic but who is that woman?"


    ''''She is some servant he fancies. Humph!''''


    ''''Shhh... Don''t let him hear you. It is said that the Prince beheaded a Princess because she offended this woman.''''


    ''''How could it be? She is just a-''''


    ''''Shh... Are you inviting your death? My Uncle is a guard in the Daven Castle. Do you think I am lying?"


    ''''I...''''


    Esme did not want to listen anymore. Even though the three servants were whispering, she could hear them loud and clear.


    She looked at Aleister who had his jaws taut. He did not seem to have any intention of letting her down right at the moment.


    If she struggled, she would not know what he might do given his unpredictable nature.


    But as they walked past the hallway, she could feel everyone''s gazes on them. Even if they bowed, they would stare from the corner of their eyes.


    Left with no choice, Esme placed both her palms on her face and played dead.


    As soon as Aleister stepped inside the room, the door slammed behind them.


    Esme removed her palm from her face as she opened her eyes, ''''Put me down,'''' She coldly said.


    He narrowed his eyes.


    And she did not back down from looking at him. She did not do anything outside to not cause a ruckus but she was offended by his actions.


    ''''We are pretending to be lovers but don''t forget the line between us. If I offended you anyhow, then ask me to sit before you talk to me. Don''t touch me.''''


    ''''Heh~'''' His lips tugged up in a devilish curve and he placed her down, ''''You want to know how you offended me?" He asked as he stepped towards her, his powerful body towering over hers.


    ''''You-'''' Esme smoothened the creases on her clothes as she stepped back from him. ''''Alright, tell me when did I offend you,'''' If that will give him some peace, then she will listen to him.


    The corner of his lips tugged up, ''''Seven years ago when I asked for your name but you said ''You are not worthy to know it''...''''


    Esme blinked twice.


    Her eyes widened gradually. Was he still holding a grudge against her because of that? She thought they were already over that.


    ''''What you did should have offended me. But it didn''t and that is what that offends me,'''' He continued, ''''After years when we met again, you think I am a guard inside the dungeon...''''


    ''''I initially thought that you were a thief,'''' Esme was quick to defend herself but seeing his face darken, she realized something was wrong with her words. She cleared her throat, ''''I.. mean you were wearing such clothes so I assumed it.''''


    ''''Very well,'''' He took another step towards her.


    Esme blinked twice, something stirring in her mind.


    ''''What offends me the most is that I am never offended by you. No matter what you do, how you act, you just have to be a little unhappy and....'''' He gritted his teeth without speaking further.

 Chapter 74 - Mine

    "Just say the word and I will do anything for you..." There was a hint of frustration in his eyes as he spoke.


    A person who had been controlling everything all his life did not how to accept the feeling of being controlled by a woman who always pointed a sword at his throat.


    But today, there was no going back.''


    ''I can carry your shoes if you want, I will help you bathe when you are tired...'''' Her face flushed at his words but his jaws were taut, his mesmerizing eyes were dark as they held her captive, ''''...And I will back you up when you need even if you are going against the whole world.''''


    ''''I-I...'''' She averted her gaze, ''''I think you are not thinking what you are talking about,'''' she turned around to leave.


    He caught her hand and twirled her around before pinning her to the wall next to them. He stepped closer to her but she placed her hands on his chest.


    He grabbed both her wrists and pinned them on the wall, his palm slowly glided upwards as he intertwined their fingers.


    As he leaned closer to her while lowering his head to look into her eyes, a few strands of his hair fell on her forehead, gently caressing her skin and her lashes fluttered, her breath hitched when a masculine faint scent of rosewood hit her senses.


    ''''Let me say this again if you had trouble hearing it before,'''' His tone was slowly softening unlike how cold it was before, ''''I will do anything for you but you will only look at me,'''' He let go of one of her wrists and shifted his hand to her face as he grabbed her chin, tilting her face upwards, ''''No other man. You will only talk to me and touch me. No one else.''''


    Aleister felt like ripping everything off the moment he saw her protecting that man with her bare hands. He did not want her to do that for him, let alone any other man.


    Those delicate fingers looked beautiful while caressing the petals of the roses, not when protecting a man''s neck.


    Even if they looked beautiful all the time, she was not supposed to place them on the sword for another man.


    He had never been so easily provoked all his life. All the rage in his heart was enough to destroy everything but the moment he saw her lashes fluttering, her confused face... the sight of her pinned to the wall, waiting to hear the rest of his words, something seemed to have melted at the bottom of his heart.


    The control that she had over him seemed to be ridiculing him ''Huh, you want to be angry with her? Why don''t you try?'' It seemed to be taunting.


    And how ridiculous was that he was not annoyed. He was more than content with it.


    ''''You are mine,'''' He said, enunciating each word as he spoke.


    Her head snapped in his direction and her lips parted, ''''I am not yours,'''' her voice grew soft when his gaze turned intense. She gulped, her eyes darted from left to right, seeking an escape.


    ''''Then, you will eventually be mine,'''' He whispered.


    Esme trembled when he leaned closer to her. The slight contact of his sharp jaws against her cheek seemed to have ignited a spark on her skin.


    ''''You are much more than my accomplice, or my lover under pretense, Esme,'''' His cool lips grazed on her cheek and her neck arched, a weird sensation coursed through her nerves, shaking her determination to push him away.


    She felt her legs turning limp. He let go of the hand that he had pinned to the wall and caught her in his arms before she could slump on the floor, ''''For someone who does not wants to be mine, you are too responsive to my touch,'''' He whispered beside her ear as his lips caressed her earlobe.


    Esme''s lashes fluttered and a soft noise escaped her mouth that sounded foreign to her ears. She snapped to her senses and his words started sinking in her mind.


    Aleister had one of his hands wrapped around her waist and the other was resting on the back of her neck with his fingers raking inside her hair. His warm breath near her ear was making her dizzy.


    ''''L-Let go of me...'''' Esme mumbled and her fingers clenched his arm while she tried to stand properly.


    ''''If that''s what you want,'''' He let go of her all of a sudden. Esme lost balance as she was not steady in her footsteps but Aleister was quick to catch her before getting her back into his arms, ''''You ask me to let go of you only to come closer to me. The adoration that you have for me leaves me at my wit''s end,'''' Gone was the solemn look in his eyes as he teased her, pushing her buttons playfully.


    Esme almost choked on the air. Someone save her from this shameless Prince. She wanted to scream.


    After a momentary conflict in her heart, Esme stabilized herself on her feet and she grabbed his hand before trying to step away from him.


    Of course, he let her do that as he loosened his grip around her waist but his intense gaze was fixated on her face.


    Her cheeks were turned red and her beautiful eyes were covered in a layer of sheen while her unruly wine-shaded tresses framed her face messily. She was a sight that he had come to adore.


    Esme felt a bit fidgety under his gaze and without saying anything, she placed her palm on his eyes. As he blinked, she could feel his lashes caressing her palm reminding her of his hot breaths near her ear.


    She raised her other hand and softly patted her warm cheeks before tucking her hair behind her ear. She looked at the mirror on the wall opposite to the bed, making sure that she was not looking improper like before. She adjusted the upper part of her clothes.


    All this while, Aleister seemed quite obedient and patient as he did not do anything, letting her keep her palm on his eyes. For a fact, he liked the touch of her delicate palm on his face and he would not mind it on every other inch of his body.


    Unaware of his thoughts, Esme was relieved that there were no bold moves from his side. Atleast, he has some decency left.. Esme sighed.

 Chapter 75 - His Arguably Aggressive Approach

    After smoothening the creases on her dress, Esme slowly removed her palm from his eyes as she said, ''''Take a seat,'''' Her face remained straight while she pointed her palm towards the bed.


    ''''Join me,'''' Aleister nodded.


    The corner of her lips twitched but she still maintained a straight face, ''''Sit,'''' She repeated. Looking at his unmoving gaze, she added, ''''I prefer to stand.''''


    Aleister sighed, ''''You always do that. Is it because you get a better view of my face while standing?" He stroked his jaws as he glanced at he meaningfully, quirking an eyebrow.


    Esme''s straight face crumbled within an instant and she immediately took a seat on the bed, ''''Sit now,'''' Her voice was softer than before.


    Aleister did not nitpick about it this time and getting what he wanted, he sat on the bed.


    Finding the distance between both of them quite little, Esme inched towards the edge of the bed.


    Aleister inched closer to her.


    Esme inched a bit further.


    Aleister pushed himself to his feet and took two large steps before he went to sit beside her.


    Esme frowned and she stood up from the bed.


    Aleister caught hold of her wrist, ''''If you want me to sit, you have to sit too. Right beside me,'''' He said as he tugged her hand and as she fell, he caught hold of her waist and pulled her onto his lap, ''''On top of me also does,'''' He whispered as he played with the long strands of her hair.


    Esme''s mouth opened and then it closed, her mind blinked a few times as she looked at him with her eyes going round. Spare me, will you? She cried in her heart.


    She could still deal with that ruthless and straight-faced man who would be ticked off at any given moment. But this shameless, brazen and clingy Aleister was making her feel somewhat... helpless.


    Esme glanced at the ceiling of the room, her eyes filled with grievance.


    Aleister sighed, realizing that he might have pushed it a little too much, ''''So, princess, what did you want to talk about?" He asked.


    Her head snapped in his direction as she pressed her index finger on his chest, ''''Distance,'''' She mumbled, ''''I am not going to talk while sitting on you.''''


    Aleister nodded in understanding, ''''So, do you want to talk while sleeping on me or do you want to sit on me after talking?"


    Her face flushed. How can someone be so....? She stomped on his feet before standing up, ''''Don''t move,'''' She pointed her finger at him warningly.


    He raised his hand and grabbed her finger which was pointing at him, ''''This finger should be chopped off for its audacity,'''' As he noticed the shift in her expression, he added in a lazy tone, ''''But then, it is you,'''' He let go of her hand.


    Esme averted her gaze for a moment before looking back at him, ''''There is nothing between us. The kind of things that y-you...'''' Coming to this point, she stuttered and pointed her finger towards the wall to the right, ''''That you just insinuated there. There has never been anything between us.''''


    ''''Are you talking about your side?" Aleister tilted his head to look at her, a casual smile remained on his face and his eyes narrowed slightly, ''''On my side, there has always been something for you.''''


    Esme choked on the words that she had decided to say. The shock of this was too much. He was usually too lazy to even properly talk to anyone. Despite sharing a room, other than a few rare times, he had always been nonchalant. But here he was now...


    She was not slow to not notice that there was something different about the way he treated her. That day, beside the sea, when he revealed some extents of his powers, letting her know that he can teleport, she had felt that. But she never dared to delve deeper in the matters which were uncertain.


    ''''But... But...'''' Esme averted her gaze, ''''I don''t...''''


    He pushed himself to his feet and placed a finger on her lips, ''''Like I said, you have to be mine, Esme. Take your own sweet time thinking about the things, we have all the time in the world.''''


    Esme blinked. This came too suddenly for her.


    ''''There is one bed here, my dear moon,'''' His tone changed as he removed his finger from her lips, ''''Since we are lovers, the magistrate made the arrangements accordingly. So, are we...?"


    ''''No, I won''t sleep,'''' Esme snapped out of her daze as she shook her head, ''''I mean I... I don''t. I want to look around this house. This is a beautiful place so I think I should look around,'''' What she was saying was not even making any sense to herself.


    But Esme was in no way patient enough to think over it. She picked her gown in her fists and cautiously stepped back from him. Seeing that he did not move from his place, she turned around and casually walked towards the door. Her footsteps picked the pace as soon as she stepped out of the room and she escaped the man''s clutches, fleeing from his arguably aggressive approach for the time being.


    Aleister raked his fingers through his hair as he settled on the bed, ''''Was she shy?" He whispered as a ghost of a smile made its way to his face. He pushed himself to his feet before he walked towards the window, ''''Have you seen enough?" His tone turned cold. ''''Come out.''''


    There was no noise around except for the rustling of the leaves in the night breeze.


    Aleister extended his hand out of the window and caught hold of something before pulling it up.


    Leo, whose fur near his head was grabbed, let out a miserable wail. This ruthless man... was he trying to make him bald? He looked at Aleister with his eyes going round.


    Aleister sneered, ''''Do you think I am her?" He let go of his fur as he narrowed his eyes, ''''Don''t peek like this again or she will think you are a sick pervert.''''

 Chapter 76 - An Old Memory

    Leo''s eyes widened further in shock. That cruel girl won''t pat him after that. He raised his front paws in a docile manner. His limbs were hurting so he was just resting here. He did not peek.


    Aleister''s jaws ticked. Was it a tiger or a cat? ''''Pretentious,'''' He spoke in disdain, ''''If your limbs are hurting, I can give you small wings instead.''''


    Just as he raised his hand, Leo grabbed it as he vehemently shook his head, his white fur swaying from left to right. No, he did not want to be a butterfly again. It is so exhausting and he won''t be able to have meat.


    Aleister shook off his paw from his hand as he glanced at him solemnly, ''''Did you got to the enchanted forest?"


    Leo nodded.


    ''''Was there something unusual around the well?"


    ...


    Esme ran as far as away from the room that he was in as she looked behind her. Seeing that he did not come after her, she placed her palm on the pillar and supported her forehead on it as she panted.


    ''I will back you up even if you are going against the whole world.''


    ''On my side, there has always been something for you.''


    ''You have to be mine, Esme.''


    ''There is one bed here, my dear moon. So, are we...?''


    ''''Think no evil. Think no evil...'''' Esme slammed her forehead on the pillar but it went a little too hard, ''''Ahh...'''' She placed her palm on the forehead, ''''It is all because of him,'''' She gritted her teeth, trying to endure the pain as she gently rubbed the spot.


    ''''What is she doing?"


    ''''I saw her slamming her head into the pillar.''''


    ''''Is she trying to take her life?"


    ''''When I was coming here, I noticed that she ran all the way through the hallway in a hurry. Do you think she is trying to take her life because... perhaps the Prince...?"


    Esme turned to look at them, a hint of irritation in her eyes.


    The maids immediately stopped talking feeling a bit intimidated for a moment.


    But as they looked at her again, her expression seemed to be normal.


    As they glanced at her retreating back, one of them could not help but say, ''''We were whispering to each other. She could not have heard us, right?"


    ''''How could it be?" Another replied, ''''And even if she hears us, then what? She might just be one of the women that the Prince is bedding.''''


    ''''Shhh... No matter what, don''t let anyone hear you.''''


    As Esme stepped away from them, she felt irked in her heart. How easily his name was ruffling her feathers did not sit well with her.


    ''''Why did he even do this? Is it too much if he does not cause some chaos...?'''' She mumbled her grievances to herself as she stepped into the backyard of the manor.


    Esme glanced at the moon hiding behind a layer of clouds while her fingers stroked the flower of the plants which reached till her waist.


    I should not think about him.


    She believed that as long as Arlan was found, they will go back and everything will turn back to how peaceful it was. Esme was relieved in her heart that her Aunt was nearby, and she was doing good.


    Everything will be alright. She coaxed her racing heart which was still hung over what happened inside the room but his words and actions refused to leave her alone.


    ''Rustle''


    ''''...No.''''


    Her hair flew to the side as she tilted her head hearing the faint voice. Is someone here?


    She picked up her gown and tiptoed towards the wall. She brought her hair to one side of her shoulder and holding the edge of the wall, Esme leaned forward.


    ''''Be obedient,'''' The man''s silver hair flew in the gentle breeze of the night as he caressed a horse''s face. Under the warm glow of the lanterns inside the horse barn, Esme could see a row of animals but the man stood in front of that ordinary looking brown horse with his usual gentle expression on his face.


    ''''It''s him again...'''' Esme whispered softly. As she watched Aiden feeding the horse and laughing at it, her expressions softened slightly but she quickly shook her head.


    He was not her elder brother.


    That night she had seen him in that half-dead condition and he could not have made it given his grave injuries. Her Uncle''s guards had declared him dead. And after that, the castle had caught fire.


    She had not cried or mourned over his death because in her heart, Adrian was strong.


    To Esme, he was invincible and she always believed that one day, he will come to her and tell her that nothing happened to him.


    But she was 14 years old then and she was 21 now. While growing up, she knew that she should shed off any of her unrealistic hopes about him.


    He died in front of her eyes.


    So, trying to see him in someone else just made her look pathetic.


    Esme closed her eyes and she was about to straighten up when the horse neighed all of a sudden.


    ''''So unreasonable. Are you a horse or a pig?" The man coldly said.


    She paused in her movements. His words reminded her of a distant old memory.


    "But brother, it was not his fault. I was looking around the common hunting ground when a few villagers came. They did not recognize me and they..." A 11-year old Esme spoke reasonably.


    The 15-year old Adrian Reis turned to look at her, ''''Did they do something?"


    ''''No, they just wanted him,'''' She pointed her finger at the young brown horse, ''''When I did not agree, they wanted to fight and so he fought with them...''''


    Adrian glanced at the horse in front of him, "Unless you are certain of your victory, you should not start a battle," He stroked her hair while talking to him, ''''You can''t see neither can you fight, did you think you could tackle them? You both should have escaped from there.''''


    Little Esme glanced at the horse''s blank eyes and her heart ached. He was born blind and since her brother had recently picked up this young horse from a small shop in Nevesray, he was not well trained yet. And, today, he was a little injured while protecting her as those villagers had tried to beat him with a stick to tame him.


    She glanced at her dirty appearance and her dirty clothes that she had borrowed from the head gardener''s son, ''''Brother, I will be obedient,'''' She held his hand as she sobbed, ''''Don''t be harsh on him.''''


    Looking at the tears welling up in her eyes, Adrian came to his knees as he wiped her face, ''''Did brother scare you?'''' His tone turned gentle.


    ''''You scared him,'''' Little Esme pointed her finger at the young horse.


    Adrian laughed, ''''I won''t do that again,'''' He looked at the horse, ''''Come, let''s get your wounds treated.''''


    The horse neighed as he turned his face to the side. He was not going after being scolded.


    Adrian patted his face, ''''So unreasonable. Are you a horse or a pig?"

 Chapter 77 - Dont Take His Name

    When Esme recalled the past, her attention immediately shifted to the brown horse in the barn. He was brown and even though from a distance, she could not see him, a wild thought formed in her mind.


    Is it that same horse?


    Even Esme found it unbelievable but she found this man familiar. He did not look like her brother but still he felt like him at times and she wanted to know more about him.


    No matter what, she wanted her bizarre thoughts to be true.


    With burning determination in her heart, she stepped out of her hiding and walked towards the barn.


    The sound of approaching footsteps made Adrian raise his head. The hand that was caressing the horse''s face paused as he narrowed his eyes looking at the person who was approaching him.


    What was she doing here at this hour?


    ''''My Lady,'''' He greeted her.


    Esme did not pause when she heard him. Instead, she stepped inside the barn and walked towards the horse before looking into his eyes. As she looked, she noticed that the pair of his eyes were blank like glass.


    Despite already expecting it, she was stunned. Her fingers curled into a fist as she glanced at the man, ''''Who are you?" She asked him.


    ''''I don''t understand what you are trying to say here, My Lady,'''' Adrian calmly said. As much as he wanted to, it was not the right time to tell her the truth.


    Esme paused, ''''This horse belongs to someone I used to know. How is it here with you?" She asked him.


    Adrian pursed his lips, ''''There are countless similar horses...''''


    ''''The one I knew was blind and just like him,'''' She interrupted him.


    ''''I found this horse somewhere else, My Lady. You might not know but your actions are putting me in trouble,'''' Adrian raised his hand as he stroked the small injury on his neck that was caused by Rowan''s sword, ''''I believe you think of me as someone else in your mind that I am not.''''


    Esme frowned, ''''Apologies,'''' She turned around and left despite the suspicions in her heart.


    Her intuition was telling her there was something more to this. Since she had no evidence, there was nothing she could do. If it was her elder brother, he would not do this to her right?


    Her heart was conflicted and she did not dwell on it.


    When she reached the room, Esme hesitated to step inside.


    She stood near the door, thinking of the day when she had agreed to stay in Aleister''s room, regretting her decision.


    The door was pulled open from the inside and Aleister leaned on the wall.


    Esme glanced at him for a few seconds before she averted her gaze.


    ''''You went to meet him. Am I right?"


    She paused, ''''Are you keeping an eye on me?" She whispered.


    He chuckled, ''''I was only stating my guess. But you just admitted it.''''


    Esme felt somewhat guilty even though she had no reason to feel that, ''''I.. just.. '''' She paused. What did she even do to stutter? She shook her head inwardly, ''''I did meet him when I went out.''''


    His face was straight without revealing his thoughts and one would not be able to know what he was thinking about.


    Esme looked at the floor for a few good seconds before looking at him, ''''When will we go back to the Castle?"


    ''''When we are done here,'''' He nonchalantly said as he stepped inside the room.


    Esme followed after him, letting out a relieved sigh in her heart that he was not pursuing that matter anymore, ''''I have something that I want to say.''''


    ''''I am listening to you,'''' He walked towards the table in the middle of the room and picked up the glass before pouring himself some wine. Holding the glass of wine, he walked towards the window as he took a sip of it.


    Esme sat on the bed, at a safe distance from him. ''''I think I saw something strange on that body today,'''' She mumbled, ''''Do you think we can got there once again?"


    Aleister took another sip of his wine before he walked towards her, ''''You should know by now that this matter does not seems to be related to Arlan. Rowan has been looking for him while we are here.''''


    She nodded, ''''I know,'''' She initially believed she would be able to find Arlan here but now it looked much difficult than she had thought it would be, ''''But, aren''t you here to investigate this matter as well?''''


    ''''There is no such thing. If I don''t want to do it, I will not do it. You know how I am,'''' He took another sip of his wine as he sat beside her.


    Esme discreetly moved to the side, a little away from him, ''''I..'''' She cleared her throat, ''''But this time, the King has asked you to look into it. And if I am not thinking wrong, you will look into this matter carefully.''''


    Aleister raised an eyebrow but he did not say anything.


    Esme realized that she had hit the mark so she went on, ''''At that time, you just agreed to leave the place when Mr. Aid...''''


    Aleister placed a finger on his lips, ''''Don''t take his name. It''s sounding more unpleasant with every passing second.''''


    The corner of her lips twitched and her a soft blush crept up her neck when his stagnant finger gently rubbed against her lips before he retracted it from there.


    ''''Why... are you like this?" She wanted to tell him why she had been talking with Aiden so much. She wanted him to know about how Aiden resembled her elder brother.


    But after what he told her today, she was very hesitant to do so. What if he thought that she was explaining herself because she was afraid of being misunderstood by him?


    Looking at her conflicted face, Aleister leaned back on the headboard of the bed, ''''You want to say something?"


    Esme fiddled with her fingers as she turned to look at him, ''''Tell me, did you mean what you said...'''' She hesitated for a moment before speaking, ''''What you told me today...''''


    Aleister shook his head, ''''I did not mean it.''''

 Chapter 78 - I Am Hurt

    Esme paused and she sighed in relief even though she felt somewhat uncomfortable in her heart.


    ''''I was teasing you just now, I mean it,'''' He tilted his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. How can she be so relieved when he said that he did not mean it? What a ruthless girl!


    Esme froze as her back slumped slightly, looking like a boulder was placed on her delicate shoulders. She felt more uncomfortable now.


    Aleister leaned closer to her as he slowly shifted a strand of her hair behind her ear, ''''When I say it to you, I mean every word,'''' He said, ''''Don''t doubt it. I have thought of every reason to not fall for you, but since I did, I am going to make you fall for me as well. No matter what it takes.''''


    Esme''s fingers tightly clutched the material of her gown when his finger lingered behind her ear. She held her breath when she felt the numbness around the place where he touched.


    All of a sudden, he pulled back from her and she came to her senses.. The sound of her rapidly beating heart was still alive in her ears.


    ''''What were you saying before?" He asked casually tilting his head back as he continued sipping his wine.


    ''''...Do I take his name or not?" When she was about to say ''Aiden'', he interrupted her. What if he did it again? She decided to be cautious.


    ''''No,'''' His tone was firm.


    Unreasonable. She said in her heart but Esme smiled from the outside, ''''I was saying that at that time, you agreed to leave when he said,'''' As he nodded, she continued, ''''But didn''t you find that place strange just like me? If I am not wrong, you are going there tonight.''''


    Amusement flickered in his eyes, ''''You know me too well. One more reason for you to be the one I love.''''


    Esme choked on the air at his blatant affections that came out of nowhere, ''''I am just seeing things as they are. You are think too much of me,'''' She averted her gaze.


    She inhaled a deep breath and she turned to look at him, ''''Shall we go there?''''


    ''''I can take you there with me but what do I get in return?" He asked.


    ''''Why should I give something in return?" Esme blinked.


    ''''Because I am taking you there.''''


    ''''But...'''' Esme frowned, ''''You will get my appreciation,'''' She said after some time.


    ''''With?"


    She thought about it, ''''You have everything. What do you want from me...?" She paused, noticing his meaningful gaze.


    ''''As of now, there is nothing like that but let''s leave it to future.''''


    ''''No, I am not giving you my word,'''' Esme quickly said, ''''What if you are unreasonable with your demands?"


    Aleister clicked his tongue, ''''You are too stingy, Princess.''''


    That did not sound good to her ears, ''''As long as it is not something unreasonable and something that I can afford, I will give it to you,'''' She said.


    He placed the glass of wine on the table beside the bed as he pushed himself to his feet before extending his hand towards her.


    Esme looked at him doubtfully.


    ''''Since you don''t want to go, I will leave alone,'''' He said and just as he was about to retract his hand, Esme realized that he was teleporting to that place.


    She quickly placed her palms in his. The corner of his lips tugged up and he pulled her up from the bed in one swift move and she crashed in his arms.


    ''''My nose hurts...'''' Esme rubbed the tip of her nose which bumped into his rigid chest, turning red in an instant.


    ''''Apologies. You move too much,'''' Aleister glanced at her reddening nose as he wrapped his arms around her waist.


    Esme blinked, ''''Didn''t we disappear before by holding hands? What is this now?" She glanced at him accusingly.


    ''''I am rather exhausted lately. Unless I hold the person this closely, I can''t use my powers to teleport,'''' Saying that, he tightened his grip around her waist such that her body was entirely pressed against his.


    Esme wanted to protest and she was all set to stomp on his foot but when he said that, she paused. She recalled that he was poisoned when he went inside the illusion traps of Enchantment Forest. Was it because of that? She hesitated.


    In her moment of hesitation, she did not see the crafty smile that made its way to his face, ''''I am too weak, Esme. I hope you don''t fight a lot with me,'''' He whispered rather pitifully.


    Hearing him speaking in such a tone for the first time, Esme said, ''''Let''s leave quickly then,'''' She felt strange while being held in his arms like this but it was not unbearable to her.


    It was kind of....


    The rest of her thoughts vanished when they disappeared from the room, appearing in the Enchantment Forest in the next second.


    Esme was still held tightly in his arms.


    She struggled to move but he whispered, ''''I am quite afraid of dark, Can''t we stay like this?"


    ''''No, I am quite afraid of you. So we are not staying like this,'''' Esme rolled her eyes as she pressed her finger on his chest and slowly stepped back from him.


    ''''Now I am hurt,'''' Aleister placed his palm on his chest as he sighed dejectedly.


    Esme frowned as she turned around, ''''You are too much,'''' She mumbled as she picked up her gown and walked ahead.


    ''''Too much? Why do you say so?" She tilted her head to the side to glare at him and he raised his hand to grab a few sleeping branches of the tree before she could walk into them, ''''Be careful,'''' He said.


    Esme looked ahead this time without responding to him. She was wearing a light-weight beige gown, unlike the other heavy ones that she wore in Castle. She could easily carry it while walking. ''''Isn''t this the place...?" Her footsteps came to a halt.

 Chapter 79 - Duke Mavericks Hand

    Esme glanced at the tree beside the well. She could still see the corpse lying there. Since the magistrate has sent his orders today, then she believed that this would be retrieved tomorrow morning.


    Aleister walked towards her with a lazy smile drawled on his face, ''''If you are scared, you can hold me....'''' He turned to look at her, ''''....Wherever you like.''''


    Esme pursed her lips. She was not going to respond to this at all.


    Aleister raised his palm and a golden glow appeared on it, illuminating the place. He turned to look at Esme. Noticing that she did not look pale like she did in the noon, he walked towards the body lying under the tree.


    As he turned his back at her, Esme quickly touched her face. Was there something on it? She quickly cleaned her face with her palm and adjusted her hair before walking after him.


    As they stepped closer to the corpse, the air smelled rotten. ''''Cough...'''' Esme pressed the back of her palm on her mouth.


    ''''You can stay away if you don''t feel good,'''' Aleister tilted his head to look at her.


    ''''Are you feeling very good here?" Esme asked.


    He chuckled, ''''I am still used to it, unlike you Princess,'''' He stroked her back.


    Esme did not say anything as she closed her eyes, adjusting her breath. She opened her eyes after a few seconds, ''''I am alright,'''' She mumbled.


    The ghastly sight of the corpse did not scare her as much as it did in the noon. If anything, she just felt a bit uncomfortable looking at the person''s cheeks seemed to have been sunken and at places, one could see his flesh protruding out of the cuts in his body.


    Aleister frowned.


    Esme looked at the corpse for a few seconds before she tilted her head while looking at the corpse''s hand, ''''I...'''' She hesitated.


    ''''You can speak your mind,'''' Aleister said.


    Esme was silent for a few seconds before she said, ''''His hand resembles...'''' The corpse was unrecognizable but because of his clothes and hair, she believed it was a man, ''''His hand resembles your Uncle''s,'''' Esme spoke after some hesitation.


    Aleister stroked her hair before he squatted beside her, ''''Why did it take you so long to say it out?"


    Esme glanced at Aleister''s hand before looking at him. She stuck her bottom lips out in a small pout, ''''My Aunt used to punish me because I always end up saying wrong things at the wrong time.''''


    ''''Oh?" Aleister was amused as he looked at her small pout which vanished as quickly as it came. She resembled a little rabbit who had suffered in silence, ''''What did you do?" He asked.


    ''''....I once went to the Royal Court with my Aunt and I saw a minister arguing with the King even when he was in the wrong. I interrupted their discussion by saying that ''Since you lie to your wife, you are in the wrong all the time. Who knows if you are lying now?''....'''' Esme recalled that day and she shook her head, ''''His wife is from an aristocratic family but he was cheating on her and keeping a mistress while lying to her. I had witnessed it once...'''' Her words were interrupted by a deep masculine burst of laughter.


    Esme tilted her head to look at Aleister who had thrown his head back as he laughed. It was rare for him to laugh so genuinely.


    Unknowingly, a smile curved on her and she shook her head, ''''You don''t have to laugh at me. I was being honest but Aunt grounded me in my room for two days.''''


    ''''For two days?'''' He stopped laughing.


    She nodded, ''''That minister''s wife got to know about it and she kicked him out of their house so it escalated...'''' Esme rubbed her hair feeling a little embarrassed, ''''So, Aunt locked me up and she even forbid me from entering the Royal Court.''''


    ''''My poor one,'''' He patted her shoulder.


    ''''I am not yours,'''' Esme rolled her eyes, ''''But I was happy that I don''t have to go there anymore. I did not like that place at all,'''' She laughed like a cat who just stole a fish.


    Aleister smiled, ''''You don''t have to hesitate to speak anything when you are around me,'''' He paused for a moment before adding, ''''...or around anyone. I will back you up.''''


    Esme turned to look at him. She went silent for a few seconds before she said, ''''After I find Arlan, I will go back,'''' She averted her gaze before standing up.


    Aleister did not say anything as he pushed himself to his feet.


    ''''I have had a glimpse of Duke Maverick''s hand the day when we were having breakfast. It resembles this,'''' Esme said, breaking the moment of quietness between them.


    Aleister did not respond to her.


    And Esme also remained silent. She wondered if she was in wrong for saying it out.


    ''''When that time comes, you have to ask me whether I am willing to let go of you,'''' Aleister said, his words were unwavering.


    And she heard the reckless beating of her heart inside her chest.


    ''''Uncle''s condition is caused by a witch if I am not wrong,'''' He did not let her contemplate over his words for long as he spoke up.


    Esme''s eyes widened, ''''How did I forget it? Do you think a witch did this to him?''''


    Aleister raised an eyebrow.


    All of a sudden, Esme grabbed his hand and pinned him to the tree.


    She could not have done it given her strength but he let her have her way.


    ''''You like things like this?" Aleister mumbled as he tilted his head to look at her, ''''You could have told me before.''''


    Esme glared at him before pressing her palm on his mouth, ''''Someone is coming,'''' She whispered.


    But what happened next made her freeze. The hair on the back of her neck stood up when she felt a ticklish sensation on her palm.

 Chapter 80 - He Might Die

    When Esme felt a ticklish sensation on her palms, she froze and looked at Aleister in disbelief. He... He licked her palm.


    His eyes sparkled as he glanced at her with a teasing glint.


    Esme was quick to retract her hand. She glanced at her trembling palm and tried to calm down, ''''You...'''' Her cheeks turned red and she turned to the side, refusing to talk to him.


    Aleister leaned closer to her, ''''You said someone was here?" He whispered beside her ear..


    Esme rubbed her ear as she turned to look at him quietly before she nodded, ''''I heard it,'''' She mouthed.


    And soon after she said that, they could hear the sound of approaching footsteps accompanied by a drawled out cracked voice, ''''These inhumane things... How many years had it been yet they have not changed their ways....''''


    Esme pressed Aleister back to the tree as she slowly peeked her head out.


    Aleister happily wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him such that their bodies were entirely pressed against each other.


    Esme glared at him.


    ''''I am helping you,'''' He mouthed.


    She could feel the ridges of his upper body against hers and her face flushed again, going all red within an instant.


    He raised one of his hands and tucked a few loose strands of her hair behind her ear, ''''Helping you again,'''' He spoke inside her ear and his hot breath against her skin left her breathless.


    Esme did clenched his clothes in her hand as she looked outside the tree.


    The glow of the moonlight was forbidden because of the dense trees and Esme could barely see anything other than the person''s silhouette as he was walking in the dark.


    When Aleister moved, she glanced at him questioningly. He winked at her and raised his hand, a small golden fire like glow started on his palm once again lightening up the place.


    Her eyes widened, knowing that he had not intention to hide. Esme quickly glanced at the person''s face who had paused the moment the forest was illuminated.


    With one of his fingers digging inside his nose, the old man had stopped in shock the moment he saw the golden glow around.


    As Aleister''s grip on her waist had loosened earlier, Esme stepped out of the tree and looked at the man in disbelief, ''''Aren''t you...'''' It was the same old man whom she had seen in the fair. He was the shop owner of the shop from where she bought a painting.


    The old man looked at her in disbelief as well, especially her face. He could not take his eyes off her. That night, she was still dressed as a man but today...


    Esme blinked as she touched her face. Why was everyone looking at her face today?


    At this moment, Aleister stepped out from behind the tree.


    The old man glanced at him before looking at the golden glow on his hand. His eyes widened further.


    The atmosphere was tense.


    Aleister tilted his head to the side.


    Esme turned to look at Aleister, ''''I saw him that day in the fair. I bought a painting from his shop.''''


    ''''Did you want to buy anything else? I left in a hurry and forgot to ask you,'''' Aleister looked apologetic.


    Esme: "_"


    The old man: "_"


    That''s not what we are talking about, are we?


    While Esme and Aleister were looking at each other, the old man slowly took his finger out of his nose and turned around as he walked on his tiptoes.


    ''''Ahh...'''' A golden ray shot at him, turning in a rope which tied his ankles and he fell on his face near the well.


    Esme snapped out of her daze as she looked at him, ''''He was escaping...?"


    ''''Yes,'''' Aleister walked towards the old man, ''''You said ''These inhumane things... How many years had it been yet they have not changed their ways''. What did you mean by that?" His tone was calm and lazy as if he was talking about the weather.


    The old man laughed awkwardly, ''''I am getting old. I forget things...''''


    Before he could finish speaking, a knife was pressed against his neck, ''''What did you mean by that?" Aleister asked, his tone was casual as before.


    The old man glanced at Esme pitifully.


    Esme pitied him a little in her heart and she conscientiously said, ''''You are getting old like you said. You should live the rest of your life peacefully after telling the truth...'''' She was certain that he might not survive past this day.


    The old man''s lips twitched. Was she sympathizing with him or warning him?


    Aleister was not as patient and he pressed the knife harder on his skin.


    ''''Witch...'''' The old man shouted, ''''It''s a witch''s doing.''''


    Esme was stunned. So, what they were thinking was true? A gasp escaped her mouth when something fell on her back.


    Aleister turned to look at her, ''''Are you alright?" He asked.


    Esme nodded as she glanced at the branch. She massaged her shoulder, ''''I am fine,'''' A small frown remained on her face and her eyes widened all of a sudden when she glanced at the old man.


    ''''Al, see there,'''' As soon as she said that, the the old man jumped inside the well and a loud splashing sound of the water was heard.


    Aleister nodded, ''''This sounds nice from your mouth.''''


    ''''That''s is not what you should say now. He jumped inside the well. You scared him so much and I think we should save him. He might die...'''' Esme said in one breath.


    Aleister walked towards the well and she followed after him, ''''You need to calm down,'''' He raised his hand letting towards the wall and both of them caught sight of something shocking.


    ''''F-Fins...'''' Esme''s jaws dropped open and she leaned closer inside the well making sure she did not see wrong. She had only caught a glimpse of those lustrous fins in dark water.

 Chapter 81 - Give Up On My Life For Him

    ''''We will meet again,'''' The old man''s distant voice rang inside the walls.


    But as soon as Esme heard it, she felt a jolt inside her body and a wave of dizziness shot into her. Her lashes fluttered and her grip on the edge of the well loosened and her elbow was harshly scratched against it as she fell forward.


    Esme was horrified in her heart but she could not move her limbs.


    All of a sudden, she felt a grip on her hand, and in the next she was pulled by a strong pair of arms, ''''Esme,'''' Aleister tucked her hair behind her ear as he cupped her face, ''''Open your eyes.''''


    Esme slowly opened her eyes when she heard his voice. She blinked a few times before patting his arm, ''''I am fine,'''' She whispered noticing the concern in his eyes, ''''I am alright,'''' She repeated.


    ....


    The next morning, the corpse was taken from that place for further investigations. And by the time Adrian looked for Esme, he was informed that she has left with the Prince early in the morning.


    As a child, Esme''s thoughts were deep for anyone to comprehend. Unless she spoke what was going on in her mind, one can not know what she was thinking.


    Now that she has grown up, she had masked her thoughts in a better way.


    And he could not tell what she was doing with that man.


    Did she really have affections for him?


    Adrian frowned. That man was not someone he would want his sister to be with.


    And on further thought, if Esme was doing this, then she must have ulterior motives behind it.


    After the way he talked to her yesterday, she might avoid him in the future.


    ''''Just a few more days, little one. After that, I will tell you the truth and take you back with me,'''' Adrian mumbled to himself as he stood near the window.


    Back in the Castle, after they arrived, Aleister left to visit the King.


    Esme did not know what he would report to him on this matter.


    ''''My Lady,'''' A servant greeted and Esme turned to look at the door, ''''Duchess Flora has been waiting for you in the garden.''''


    Esme nodded and she went to the garden, ''''Aunt,'''' She smiled at Duchess Flora. Despite the discomfort in her heart, she greeted the lady like she had wanted to be greeted by her.


    Duchess Flora stood up when she saw her, ''''Oh, my poor girl,'''' She stroked Esme''s face, ''''You look thin and pale. Why did you go there?"


    Esme''s lips twitched. It has only been one day. How can she look thin in one day? But still, she smiled at her concern, ''''I had to go there.''''


    Duchess Flora sighed, ''''You young people can''t stay apart for a moment,'''' she whispered with a mischievous smile on her face.


    She misunderstood. Esme thought but her face flushed. If it was before, she would not have felt like this but after what Aleister told her yesterday and after everything he did, she did not know what to think about this anymore.


    She did not dwell on it.


    And Duchess Flora did not pursue it anymore thinking that the little lady was shy.


    ''''Where is Uncle?" Esme asked as she took a seat. Usually, Duke Maverick and Duchess Flora had their breakfast together.


    ''''He has been resting,'''' Duchess Flora''s beautiful eyes had an unmistakable sadness in them as she lowered her head.


    After knowing everything from Aleister, Esme had thought that she would never do what Duke Maverick had done if she was in his place. Why would someone place themselves in danger to save someone else?


    Esme did not understand it.


    As long as she had a way, she would save anyone but not at the cost of her life.


    Looking at Duchess Flora''s forlorn expressions, Esme''s heart ached. She placed her palm on hers, not knowing what to say.


    Duchess flora grabbed her palm with both her hands, ''''If a person goes against everything, sacrifices his everything for you and you have nothing for them in return... what would you do?" She asked.


    I would stop them from doing that for me. She kept her thoughts to herself as she opened her mouth, ''''If a person does so much for you, then all he asks for is you to be with them,'''' Esme said, ''''So, you should stay beside Uncle and he will be content.''''


    Duchess Flora was stunned, ''''You...How do you know?''''


    ''''Al told me,'''' Esme regretted the way his name slipped off her mouth. It was too late to take her words back.


    As expected, Duchess Flora''s eyes widened, ''''Does the Prince not minds when you address him like that?'''' She asked.


    Esme was a bit embarrassed. It was all his fault that she got used to address him like this, ''''No, he likes it,'''' She smiled.


    To Duchess Flora, it looked like she was being shy again. Her eyes sparkled, ''''I am getting a daughter,'''' She kissed Esme''s palm, ''''I will tell elder brother to fix your marriage-''''


    ''''No,'''' Esme interrupted her.


    ''''No? You don''t want to marry him?"


    Esme turned her face to the side as she placed her other palm on her eyes, ''''I... It''s the Prince. He does not wants to marry me. I love him with all my heart~'''' Her voice cracked as she spoke, ''''But My Lord does not have any affections for me yet. If His Majesty makes him marry me, then he will loathe me for all my life. How can I survive after that...? I will jump into the sea and give up on my life...''''


    ''BAM''


    A loud noise of something falling came from the back, interrupting Esme''s words.


    Both the ladies turned to the side but they could see nothing around except for a broken branch of the tree.


    ''''Guards, check the place,'''' Duchess Flora said before she turned to look at Esme whose eyes were somewhat glazed.


    Duchess Flora''s eyes reddened, ''''How can the Prince not love you? Are you certain about it?" Her eyes welled up with tears.


    ''''Don''t cry or I will also cry,'''' Esme panicked in her heart. She did not know how to coax a crying lady. Did she go overboard?

 Chapter 82 - Healing Wounds?

    ''''It''s not that. He has affections for me but he just refuses to see them. He is always so cold and distant that for him, affections are nothing. So, he is just not seeing them,'''' Esme tried to make the situation look better.


    And Duchess Flora immediately picked up her silk napkin to wipe her unshed tears, ''''Are you telling the truth?"


    I am lying, ''''Yes,'''' Esme inwardly sighed in relief. The heavens might have killed her with a thunderstrike if she had made this delicate lady cry.


    ''''Your Grace, we did not find anyone except for a few cats playing there,'''' The guards reported.


    Duchess Flora waved her hand, ''''You can leave,'''' She turned to look at Esme, ''''No matter what, you should not give up.''''


    Esme nodded, ''''I am determined to win his heart,'''' I am determined to tell you the truth before I leave.


    For someone who loathed liars, Esme believed that she had sinned again and again by lying to these people.


    At this moment, from the corner of her eyes, she saw someone rushing towards them. It was Aunt Greta who served the Duchess.


    ''''My Lady, His Grace has woken up and is looking for you,'''' The old lady said to the Duchess.


    A smile bloomed on Duchess Flora''s youthful face, ''''I will be there,'''' She said to her before looking at Esme.


    Esme smiled as she nodded at her. She greeted the old lady.


    Aunt Greta looked at her as she smiled through her wrinkles, ''''My lady, I was in a hurry just now and did not greet you...''''


    ''''No need to worry about that,'''' Esme waved her hand.


    ''''I will see you later,'''' Duchess Flora smiled at Esme.


    Esme nodded.


    ''''Serve Lady Esme properly,'''' Duchess Flora said.


    At this moment, Esme saw someone whom she has not seen for days. It was Liz. She was standing amidst the rows of servants at a distance and she stepped forward with her head lowered.


    Duchess Flora removed an exquisite ring from her finger before she handed it to Liz, ''''Make sure my daughter has eaten properly,'''' She said before she turned around and left with Aunt Greta.


    Esme glanced at their retreating backs as a small smile played on her lips.


    Liz glanced at the ring in her hand. Unlike the previous times when she would be excited and show what she received to others, she only glanced at it in a daze.


    When she came forward to serve her, Esme stood up. ''''I will eat later,'''' She said and she turned around to leave.


    ''''You have become so arrogant,'''' Liz said as she glanced at the beautiful pale green gown that Esme was wearing.


    Esme paused for a moment. She stood up to not make her feel small by serving her. But how did she become arrogant in this?


    A little confused, she left the place without responding to her.


    Just as she had taken a few steps, she saw another familiar face.


    ''''My Lady,'''' Keith Reiner greeted her.


    Esme nodded, ''''Mr. Reiner, I have some work so I was leaving now.''''


    ''''Sure,'''' Keith Reiner bowed again as he made a way for her.


    Esme walked away.


    Keith glanced at her back. Initially, he was her superior when she was working in the gardens but he did not realize when the distance between them grew so much.


    While he was looking at Esme, someone else was looking at him from a distance. Liz followed his gaze and glanced at Esme''s retreating back before looking at the ring in her hand.


    When Esme reached the room, she noticed that there was no one inside.


    Aleister was not back yet.


    ''Roar''


    She turned around and walked towards the door before patting Leo''s head which was stuck out towards her near the door, ''''Where is he?"


    ''Roar''


    Esme saw him shaking his head, ''''He won''t come back now?" She was amazed by her skills of understanding what Leo wanted to say but then, he was always expressive around her.


    Leo shook his head.


    Esme nodded, ''''Alright, you can go out and play,'''' She said.


    Leo narrowed his eyes at her. Did this foolish human mistake him for a cat?


    Esme laughed. This arrogant thing!


    After sending him away, Esme closed the door and walked towards the huge mirror on the wall.


    She slowly removed the gown from her upper body and turned around such that her back was facing towards the mirror.


    She brought her hair to one side, letting them rest in front of her shoulders as she glanced at the long purplish mark that came from her shoulder down to her back.


    While looking at her back, her sleeves lifted and she noticed some scratches on her hand near her elbows. It must have happened when she almost fell in the well.


    Yesterday by the time they reached the Magistrate''s manor, she was so tired that she slept after Aleister left with Rowan and she did not notice any injuries and when they were inside the carriage today, she felt the pain in her body but she could not see anything because of her clothes.


    Later, Duchess Flora called her over for breakfast and all the while, sitting there, her shoulders were aching.


    Esme gently ran her fingers on her elbows and the wound started healing. This was the only power that she could use at her will.


    As the bruises on her elbows healed, Esme adjusted the sleeves while letting the gown rest a few inches above her chest as she looked at the glaring purplish mark on her back.


    ''''Ssss....'''' She sucked in a cold breath and closed her eyes when she raised her right hand but because her right shoulder was injured, it hurt in that position.


    She lifted her left hand, trying to reach the injury but her fingers did not reach it.


    Esme''s lips thinned. She opened her eyes letting out a helpless sigh but her eyes widened when she glanced at the mirror.


    ''''You... What are you doing here?" Esme closed her eyes in a panic as she hugged her front body.

 Chapter 83 - Kiss

    Aleister frowned as he walked towards her, ''''Do you think I will go blind if you close your eyes?"


    Esme opened her eyes realizing what she did. ''''I... Have you shed off your decency? Stop coming here...'''' Although her gown was still covering her body properly, her shoulders and a limited part of her back were entirely exposed to his view. ''''You...''''


    ''''Be quiet or else you won''t like my ways of making you quiet.''''


    Esme opened her mouth before she closed it. Her face was burning when he came to stand behind her, ''''Can you turn around? I will quickly wear....''''


    Without giving her a chance to respond, Aleister pulled her into his arms before he carried her.


    Esme was stunned, ''''What...?"


    ''''Do you want me to kiss you?" Aleister tilted his head down as he looked at her seriously.


    Her eyes widened. He... He has been brazen but not this brazen. She covered her face in her palms, ''''Do you want me to die?" The amount of shame that she had felt in the past two days was going to take her life.


    ''''Don''t worry. You won''t die if I kiss you,'''' Aleister placed her on his bed as he leaned closer to her.


    ''''You can''t do that,'''' As she watched his face coming closer to her, her lashes fluttered.


    ''''Turn around,'''' He whispered.


    ''''Mm?" She blinked.


    He looked at her lips before looking back into her eyes, ''''Turn around. Show me your wound.''''


    Esme snapped out of her daze when he pulled back from her. She slowly looked down at her exposed shoulders before covering them with her arms.


    ''''I have already seen it. Don''t make me repeat,'''' His tone was sterner this time.


    Esme frowned, ''''I don''t want to.''''


    ''''Did I ask what you want?" Aleister narrowed his eyes.


    ''''Then, you should learn to ask. I am not turning around. What will you do about it?"


    To him, her expression was like ''Come, bite me. Am I afraid of you?'' as she turned her face to the side.


    ''''Turn around,'''' Aleister coldly said.


    Esme was stubborn as a mule as she shook her head while clutching her gown in her other hand.


    A vein on his forehead throbbed as he pinched her chin with his fingers, ''''Then, I will do what I said,'''' he glanced at her enticing lips before looking back at her widening eyes, ''''And if you are going to argue, I will take it as if you want me to do it.''''


    Noticing how serious he looked, Esme pressed her palm on her mouth before he could do anything, ''''Close your eyes then,'''' She spoke while having her palm on her mouth.


    The corner of his lips twitched but he closed his eyes.


    Esme made a small movement, pretending to turn around but all the while her eyes were fixated on his face. Noticing that he did not open his eyes, she finally flipped such that her back was facing him, ''''Do you want to help me with my wound?'''' She paused before quickly adding, ''''Don''t open your eyes.''''


    ''''What else do you think I want to do?" He extended his hand before poking her shoulder.


    ''''Sss...'''' Esme sucked in a cold breath, ''''You are trying to kill me, aren''t you?" He was venting his anger on her.


    Aleister''s lips thinned as he opened his eyes, ''''With my eyes closed, how do you expect me to help you?" He moved his palm to the glaring purplish mark on her shoulder before running his fingers on it, ''''Did it happen when the branch fell?''''


    Esme made a small affirming sound but she suddenly froze and turned her face to look at him, ''''You...'''' Her face grew warm.


    Aleister grabbed her shoulders, pinning her to bed gently enough, ''''Stop moving. Half-seen things don''t excite me,'''' Even though he said that to her, his eyes were darkening at the sight of her snowy skin and her delicate back.


    Aleister averted his gaze as he ran his fingers on the wound and the wound started healing rapidly.


    Esme felt numb as his thumb grazed on her back. She buried her face in the pillow, deciding to not show it to anyone again.


    Aleister''s fingers paused as he let the wound heal. His gaze traveled to her chemise and her half-exposed back. A glint flashed in his eyes and he closed them for a few seconds.


    He opened his eyes and glanced at the woman who was not saying anything anymore, ''''Are you trying to choke yourself to death?" He whispered as he extended his hand and brought her long hair to her back, properly covering her exposed skin.


    Esme did not respond to him.


    Aleister stroked her hair, ''''Get dressed. We will eat together. And don''t we have a lot to talk about?" When she did not respond, he pushed himself to his feet, ''''I will be outside,'''' His gaze traveled to her neck when she slowly moved her head and his throat ran dry.


    Without waiting for her to say something, he walked out of the room in large strides.


    Hearing the sound of retreating footsteps, Esme removed her face from the pillow as she gasped for air, her face flushed red and she pushed the pillow away from her as she shook her head.


    After a few moments, Esme leaned back on the headboard with her unkempt hair framing her face. She exhaled before combing her hair with her fingers.


    As the servants set the table and left, Esme and Aleister had their breakfast quietly.


    Aleister noticed her quiet countenance for a few seconds before he said, ''''Do you feel pain?"


    Esme paused eating. She gulped the food that she had stuffed in her mouth, ''''No. Grateful for your help,'''' With that said, she started eating again with two things in mind. She was hungry and she did not want to talk to him.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow, ''''How about your undying love?" He paused before continuing, ''''You say that you love me with all your heart and you will jump into the sea to give up on your life....''''

 Chapter 84 - Announcement

    Hello everyone, I want to thank all of you for supporting me so far even though I have not been able to update regularly since I started writing. I think I need a break, maybe for a few days or maybe for months or it can be for years. I have some issues going on and I am not in the state of mind to continue my books, or writing. Like some of you wanted, I was looking forward to a writing career but things happened and plans might change. If you all are patient, then you can wait for me to resume my work even though there are chances that I might not resume them. I know how it feels to read a half-written work because as a reader, I have faced that too. So, I will accept all your criticisms and hate. And in the future, if I can, I will try to give you a short ending concluding the books but I am still not sure. It is not easy for me to say this because no matter what, my works have always been precious to me and close to my heart. I have been thinking about it for 2 days but I decided it today. Thank you everyone for being there and I appreciate all the support and recognition I got here because of you!


    I will remove privileged tiers so you will be able to see the privileged chapters next month. Thank you for your patience and kindness again.


    Sincerely,


    Auroraaa


    ...


    ''''Cough Cough...'''' The food was stuck in her throat and Esme drank some water. ''''How do you know?" She asked after calming down. She was talking to Duchess Flora, ''''You... were you sitting on the tree?'''' She remembered there was some noise in the back.


    Aleister paused, ''''It was Rowan.''''


    ''''You are keeping an eye on me?"


    ''''For your safety,'''' And to ensure your distance from unwanted flies. He added in his mind.


    Esme lowered her head before she continued eating without saying anything. She had no face left.


    She did not want to talk to him. She cried in her heart.


    Aleister let her have her peace without further pushing her buttons.


    After breakfast, Aleister said, ''''Would you like to go to the Royal hunting ground?"


    Esme, who was reading a book on her bed tilted her head to look at him, ''''To hunt?"


    Aleister quirked a brow, ''''Anything else that you would like to do?"


    Esme did not say anything as she placed the book aside before nodding, ''''Let''s go,'''' As they walked into the Royal hunting ground, she noticed that there were many people and guards here and there, practicing their skills.


    Some of the people were lying on the ground, bruised and bloodied after a practice battle.


    All of them came to their knees and pressed their right fist on their left chest, ''''My Lord,'''' Their voices rang in unison.


    Aleister tilted his head to the side before he held Esme''s hand.


    Esme turned to look at their intertwined fingers.


    ''''...My Lady,'''' They greeted her.


    Esme tilted her head to look at them before giving a small nod.


    ''''Let''s go, Princess,'''' His voice was not small and those who had doubts about her position understood that the rumors were true and the Prince wanted to marry her.


    ''''Where?"


    ''''To the other side,'''' Aleister brought Esme towards the forest of the hunting field.


    As they walked inside the forest, Esme asked, ''''Enchantment Forest border starts towards the end of the hunting field, am I right?"


    Aleister nodded.


    The gap between the Castle and the Enchantment Forest was this hunting field. While a part of the hunting field was used by the soldiers to train themselves, the other part was left for hunting.


    ''''It is different here,'''' Esme walked towards the side, keeping a large distance between them.


    Aleister noticed it but he did not walk closer to her. Instead, he said, ''''You have nothing to ask?"


    Esme glanced at him, ''''I have many things that I want to ask. When we looked into the well, did you see those....'''' She paused before adding, ''''...Those fins?"


    Aleister tilted his head to look at her, ''''I did.''''


    He stopped walking and she asked, ''''What happ-'''' She paused when he walked towards a horse near the bushes. The guards standing beside the horse bowed to them and Aleister mounted the horse before extending his hand towards her.


    ''''Give me another-'''' horse. I know how to ride it.


    She paused and tilted her head down to look at the gown that she was wearing. She could not do it in this.


    ''''Come here, Princess,'''' Aleister looked at her with a kind smile.


    No wonder. No wonder he walked at a distance and did not pester her all the way.


    Esme forced a smile on her face as she walked towards him before placing her hand in his.


    He helped her up to the horse and Esme slowly moved her leg to the side before leaning back on him as he grabbed the reins.


    As the horse picked its pace, Esme straightened up and tilted her face to the side, ''''You did it on purpose,'''' She eyed him accusingly.


    ''''What did I do?" Aleister asked innocently.


    ''''If you had told me that we will be riding a horse, then I could have changed my clothes.''''


    ''''I forgot,'''' Aleister held the reins of the horse between his thumb and the first and second fingers of his right hand while he shifted his other hand to her waist.


    Esme turned her face and her hair flew in the air as it fell above his shoulders, ''''I don''t know what I should do with you,'''' She whispered as she removed her hair from his shoulder.


    He raised an eyebrow before leaning closer to her.


    She bent slightly back and he tightened his hold on her waist, ''''Anything that you would like to do with me,'''' He whispered, his words somehow dispersed in the air but not before grazing past her ear.


    Esme paused as she lowered her head before leaning close to him, ''''I would like to stab the hands that always hover over me...'''' saying that, she pulled away from him before looking into his eyes.


    ''''Do you need a dagger?"


    ''''I owe you too much to do that,'''' Esme shook her head before she turned to look at the front, ''''Do you think that he lied to us?"


    ''''If you are thinking that witches don''t exist, they do. Along with the witches, there is another kind of creature who is never talked about.''''


    ''''Merfolk,'''' Esme said, ''''Until I saw his fins, I also did not think about that.''''


    ''''Yes,'''' He replied.


    ''''Tell me more about them,'''' Esme said, ''''I have not read about them before. I know only what I heard from you.''''


    ''''They are the water-dwelling beings. The males are known as merman and the females are called mermaids,'''' he pulled the reins of the horse before getting off it. He extended his hand towards her and as she placed her hand in his, he helped her down, ''''Other than that, we have to read that book to know more about them.''''


    ''''Are you talking about the book that we saw in the church library?" Esme asked with a small frown on her face.


    ''''Yes,'''' Aleister responded.


    ''''But we don''t know what those verses mean. Without understanding them, we won''t be able to open the book,'''' Esme glanced at the vast sea in front of her.


    She looked at the sky. It was dark as if it was going to rain soon.


    This place was at a distance from the border of the Enchantment Forest and Esme felt different here.. Whenever she stepped inside the Enchantment Forest, it felt like something was weighing down her shoulders and there was lingering darkness inside that place.

 Chapter 85 - Dance

    Read novel online free fast updates at novelhall.com or NovelTeam.Net


    ''''We will have to go to the library again if we want to know what those verses mean,'''' Aleister said.


    Esme frowned but she knew what he was saying was true. Since that book was kept in the library, there has to be some clue there that can help them open it.


    ''''Do you think that... that person was a...''''


    ''''A merman,'''' Aleister said, ''''The mer people are half-humans but they retain the property of a fish, a tail, fins, scales, and tears that...'''' He paused noticing the paleness of her face. There were words that he wanted to utter but he stopped himself.


    Esme closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath, ''''Don''t stop,'''' She glanced at the darkening clouds and rumbling thunder. The weather of Visteria has always been this unpredictable as to when they stepped out of the castle, she could still see the sun which was nowhere to be seen now.


    Aleister placed a hand on her lower back quietly without speaking anything. And for the first time, Esme did not try to get his hand off her. To her, he was strangely comforting.


    A small moment of silence lingered between them but both of them had words at the tip of their tongues.


    It was Esme who broke the silence between them as she said, ''''I have not told you about something before.''''


    ''''I am listening,'''' His palm stroked her back gently.


    ''''I can heal too. Like you,'''' She said. Royal family members were born with magical powers because of the main-nerve in their body but she has never heard of anyone possessing healing powers.


    ''''When I am wounded, you should heal me as I healed you,'''' Aleister nodded solemnly at his own words, ''''No matter where the wound is,'''' He added.


    The corner of her lips twitched and she glared at him, ''''Why are you like this?"


    ''''Because of you,'''' He tilted his face to look at her, ''''You have to be responsible, Esme.''''


    Esme narrowed her eyes. If she was given a choice to go back to the day before tomorrow when his thoughts about her were still unknown to her and when he was not this brazen, then she will go there.


    ''''And I have exceptional hearing,'''' She said.


    ''''I know.''''


    He has seen it many times with his own eyes. Esme lowered her head, ''''But...'''' You can always tell me what you are thinking without any hesitation. His words rang in her mind and they urged her to continue speaking, ''''I have... I think I have scales,'''' Her voice was barely above a whisper but Aleister heard it.


    After a long time when he did not say anything, she tilted her head to look at him but the nonchalance on his face stunned her. ''''You..'''' How could he stay so unaffected about it unless he knew it or he did not believe her? It could not be the latter. Aleister would always believe in her, ''''Did you know...?" She asked.


    He nodded.


    ''''When?" Despite expecting it, Esme was still in disbelief.


    ''''The day when you fainted in my bath.''''


    Esme recalled that day when she had followed that maidservant to a ballroom and tried to control her mind to get to know her thoughts. But in all this, she overused her powers and exhausted herself. And noticing the changes in her body, she had rushed to his room and had entered his bath. A strange shiny thing had emerged in her body and in a moment of impulse, she had plucked it. It caused her to lose a lot of blood before she fainted there.


    Thinking about it, he never once showed it on his face, ''''You have always known?"


    He nodded.


    Esme blinked as she glanced at the sea, ''''Don''t you find me strange? Do you think I am...?"


    ''''Whatever you are, to me, you are the one that I want. If you are touched, we can get ready for our marriage...''''


    Esme ended up laughing at his words instead of being angry. She tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear and turned to look at him, ''''Don''t you think that we are not fated?"


    ''''Why do you think so?"


    ''''If I don''t belong to the land, how could we ever be fated?" She asked him. There was a faint feeling in her heart that their thoughts about this were true. And she was reluctant to accept it but the truth was laid in front of her eyes.


    ''''A pity that you think like that,'''' Aleister grabbed one of her hands as he twirled her before placing her hand on his shoulder. He placed one of his hands on her waist while he grabbed her palm with his other hand, gently pressing their palms together with the tips of their fingers intertwined. ''''I think we are very fated.''''


    ''''What are we doing?" She glanced at their positions.


    ''''Dancing, my dear moon,'''' He whispered.


    She stepped to the left, following his steps, as they danced. The gentle breeze caressed their faces and her gown swayed when she moved, her long hair stroked the side of her face as the tresses moved forward towards her neck.


    Esme looked at him with her eyes slightly lowered because of the wind. ''''Why do you say we are fated? I have ever only wanted to stay away from you,'''' She raised her voice slightly.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow, ''''I have something to say to you.''''


    ''''I don''t want to know it,'''' She decisively shook her head, wondering whether they were the first people who danced without music and at a place like this.


    ''''Why?" He asked as he twirled her.


    ''''I am not curious,'''' Her hair moved in an arc when he twirled her as it came to one side of her shoulder. The last time he said ''I have something to say'', he told that he... had affections for her. She did not want to know any more of his ''something'' that might astonish her even further.


    ''''But I will tell you,'''' He twirled her again.


    ...


    A/N: Thank you so much for your patience. Although I had different plans but I didn''t want to leave you hanging with this incomplete book. I am back and I will make sure to complete it. The updates will be slow but once I finish my other book, it will pick up the pace.


    Support this book with your power stones.


    Thank you again~<3


    Read novel online free fast updates at novelhall.com or NovelTeam.Net

 Chapter 86 - In The Music Room

    ''''Then why do you ask?" Esme rolled her eyes, ''''Tell me.''''


    ''''When you came here to the Capital City...'''' Aleister paused as he noticed her expression, ''''I was the one who attacked you in the Enchantment Forest.''''


    Esme, who had her eyes closed as she danced while feeling the breeze, stopped feeling it after she heard his words, ''''What did you say?" Her eyes opened.


    ''''When I saw it was you, I retracted my sword,'''' Aleister added.


    Esme gaped at him, ''''You... You recognized me since then?"


    ''''Your eyes are rare,'''' he raised an eyebrow at her.


    Esme blinked, ''''No...You... You were the one who attacked me and my horse?" As he nodded, she laughed dryly, ''''And you say that we are fated. I would not have lived till this day if I had not caught that arrow in time,'''' She placed her hands on his chest and pushed him slightly.


    But Aleister was quick to get hold of her wrist before he pulled her towards himself, ''''But you caught it, didn''t you? Even if you didn''t, I would not have let you die.''''


    ''''After aiming an arrow at me?" She tilted her head.


    ''''Mm. After seeing your face, I would have saved you.''''


    ''''How about we stand at a distance while talking?" Esme lowered her head to look at his arms which were firmly wrapped around her waist, ''''I am not used to-''''


    ''''You should get used to me. I am holding myself from doing a lot of things. Not this too,'''' He placed his chin on her neck.


    Esme felt ticklish and she froze for a few seconds, ''''Why do you have to always do everything in your way?"


    ''''Since you never push me, you are mine.''''


    ''''You are unreasonable.''''


    ''''Not to you,'''' He replied righteously.


    Esme shook her head, ''''You are the most unreasonable around me.''''


    Aleister pulled back from her as he glanced at her, ''''You talk to that gardener, then that ugly man... Had I been unreasonable, you would be sitting inside a cage in our room,'''' He tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear, ''''But you are here with me, out in open. Be honest now. Have I ever been unreasonable?"


    Esme looked at him somewhat in a daze. He looked like he meant every word he spoke, ''''Our room?" Her eyes narrowed, ''''You mean your room.''''


    ''''Mm..'''' He meaningfully nodded.


    But Esme knew that in his heart, he must be saying ''Our room...our room...'' His face was screaming that.


    She shook her head, ''''There is something else that I need to tell you,'''' She thought about it for a long time and she decided to do this in the end.


    Later that evening.


    Esme walked around the hallways after Aleister left to deal with the court matters.


    While looking around, her footsteps came to a halt in front of a room that had its door ajar.


    She glanced at the guards, ''''May I go inside?"


    They bowed to her, ''''You may, My Lady,'''' Everyone in the Castle was aware of this person''s importance in their Prince''s heart. And even though they were hesitant about letting her inside but at the same time, they were afraid of incurring the Prince''s wrath.


    So, while Esme stepped inside, one of the guards left to inform the Prince about it.


    Esme stepped inside the pristine white room as she glanced at the piano in the middle of the room. It was a dark wooden piano and she slowly walked towards it before running her fingers across the keys.


    It must be some music room inside the Castle, ''''It looks so exquisite...'''' She slowly pressed her fingers on the piano keys but since she has never learned to play the piano, everything looked the same to her.


    In the end, Esme retracted her hand, not knowing how to play a good piece.


    At this time, she sensed another presence. Esme turned around and glanced at the man who was standing outside the door with a small smile resting on his face.


    She walked towards him, ''''Mr. Aiden, why don''t you come in?"


    ''''May I?" Adrian raised an eyebrow.


    Esme paused before nodding. ''''Yes,'''' She looked at the guard who did not object to her. There should not be any restrictions here since they let her inside.


    Adrian stepped inside and walked beside her as they moved towards the piano.


    ''''I was passing by when I saw you playing the piano. It looks like you are not very good at it,'''' He said.


    Esme nodded, ''''Not only not good, but I also don''t know how to do it at all'''' She glanced at him, ''''How about you? Do you know how to play it?" She asked him hopefully. There was this little hope in her heart that led her to believe that these might not be just coincidences and he could be her elder brother.


    Since Adrian knew how to play the piano then he should...


    ''''I am embarrassed to say this, My Lady but I can only admire it from afar. I don''t have a good hand in music.''''


    She was disappointed but she still smiled and nodded. He looked genuine with his words.


    ''''About yesterday, I need to apologize for my behaviour. I did not mean to say that you cause troubles to me.''''


    Esme chuckled, ''''I understand you did not mean it that way. But, the situations were like this so I would not blame it on you. I believe I was at fault as well.''''


    ''''So, you are here?"


    Esme paused as she turned to look at Aleister who was standing at the door.


    At her lack of response, he strode towards her.


    Esme opened her mouth to say something but he had reached her at this point. He grabbed her arms and dragged her with him.


    ''''What are you doing?" Her brows tugged together. ''''You are being rude.''''


    As he looked at their retreating backs, Adrian frowned. A cold glint flashed in his eyes. As expected, this man is just as the rumours paint him.


    Without a moment''s delay, he followed after them.. Everything aside, he was not going to let him harm his sister right in front of his eyes.

 Chapter 87 - Good To See You

    A/N: No rape, no harassment, and no violence! Don''t be prejudiced without reading.


    ...


    ''''Ah...'''' Aleister pushed Esme to the bed and as she tried to sit up, he grabbed her jaws, the dark and menacing expression on his face made him look scary, ''''I told you that you have to stay away from other men but you are so wilful,'''' His ice-blue eyes were narrowed and crazed.


    Esme struggled to get her face out of his grip. ''''Ahh...'''' She winced when his fingers applied more strength.


    He grabbed her hair and yanked her face upwards before lowering his face, ''''There are consequences of not being obedient,'''' With that said, he leaned closer.


    ''Pak''


    Esme slapped him harshly.


    Aleister grabbed her wrist, ''''How dare you,'''' He snarled at her.


    Adrian, who was standing outside the room, curled his fingers into a fist. The veins on his hands popped up as his jaws ticked. His heart felt burdened at the thought of what his sister has gone through during all this time.


    ''''...Is it because I have been too lenient on you?" Followed by Aleister''s voice, there were some sounds of clothes being ripped and Adrian''s pupil shrank.


    ''''Ahh...''''


    With Esme''s vulnerable cry, a burst of power exploded from Adrian''s clenched fist and a purple glow emanated from him as he punched the high door, crushing it into pieces, ''''Aleister Daven, keep your hands off her...'''' The words in his throat died down when he witnessed the view that greeted his sight.


    Esme was sitting on the bed with a pillow in her hand which was torn terribly and Aleister, the culprit in his mind was sitting beside her peeling grapes and putting them in her mouth.


    Adrian looked around and noticed that there were two beds in the room, separated by a curtain. The last time he was here with the court officials and the magistrate, he had only seen one bed.


    He averted his gaze to Esme and looked at her from head to toe, making sure that nothing was wrong with her.


    A glint flashed in his eyes.


    As soon as he saw him, Aleister pushed himself to his feet, ''''Brother-in-law,'''' The corner of his lips tugged up as he continued, ''''Good to see you.''''


    Adrian waved his hand before retracting his powers. His face was dark as the realization of what just happened started sinking in his mind. It was a trick to sound him out and he fell for it.


    Esme did not rebuke Aleister for the way he addressed her brother. She did not bother to. Her attention was fixated on the man in front of her, ''''You lied to me again and again. My instincts were always right...'''' She whispered as she threw the torn pillow aside before standing up, ''''You...'''' She stopped talking and massaged her face as her cheeks were hurting a bit.


    Esme glared at Aleister.


    Aleister cleared his throat, ''''I didn''t use much strength. You are too delicate,'''' He ran his fingers on her face and a golden glow encased the spot he touched.


    Even when she slapped him, he was finding it itchy. I have to be gentle to her in the future. He thought to himself.


    Unaware of his distant thoughts, Esme felt a cooling sensation on her face, and the little pain that she had felt earlier disappeared.


    Adrian was stunned. What was that golden glow at his fingertips? It looked like he was healing her but how...? The myriad of questions remained in his mind but he did not voice them out.


    Esme walked towards him, ''''When I saw you for the first time, I found you familiar and with every time, my instinct about your identity started getting stronger,'''' She softly said, ''''But you kept denying it. Brother, why did you do it?"


    Adrian remained quiet to her words.


    Esme was disappointed. Will he still keep denying it? It was not just the horse. The way he talked and behaved, his voice and his eyes... all of it was familiar to her. And at this point, his powers were undeniable. She had seen the purplish hue around him when he stepped inside and that meant that he had the main nerve. He was a royal.


    Once and twice were fine but it was happening again and again. And Esme refused to believe that all of it were just coincidences.


    That''s why she had told Aleister about this matter when they were near the Hunting Fields.


    Adrian closed his eyes and removed the animal skin-like mask from his face with one hand.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow and picked up the glass of wine from the bedside table before sitting on the bed.


    Esme was stunned when she saw the deep scar on his face. But more than that, this face was familiar to her. It was so familiar that she would not doubt his identity twice.


    ''''You were with him all the time,'''' Adrian said as he glanced at the man who was sitting on the bed, sipping the wine casually, ''''And I do not trust him.''''


    Esme looked at him confusingly, ''''But why did you have to be here in a disguise?" She paused and looked out of the window, ''''Brother, all these years, I thought that you died back then. Even so, I have been looking forward to a miracle, waiting for a day when you would come back...'''' Her throat was choked up and she struggled to speak more. Her chest was constructed.


    Aleister placed the glass of wine aside as he pushed himself to his feet before walking towards Esme. His quiet countenance did not falter but he placed his palm on her lower back, stroking her skin through the material of her gown.


    Esme turned to look at Adrian, ''''What happened that night, Brother? I saw you... dying,'''' She shook her head as she continued, ''''The castle was on fire as we escaped...'''' She walked towards him.


    Adrian wordlessly swooped her into his arms, ''''I had wanted to find you much earlier, Princess,'''' He stroked the back of her head.


    He was much easier to deal with when he was Aiden.. Aleister thought as he raised an eyebrow.

 Chapter 88 - The Present King

    But his identity as Adrian Reis was complicating things. A good thing that Esme was reunited with her brother but was it a good thing for him?


    Aleister felt a headache as he looked at them.


    ''''How did you survive?" He asked, not quite convinced by Adrian''s lack of explanation.


    Adrian looked at the man, the gentleness in his eyes shifted slightly, ''''What has it got to do with you?"


    ''''You are my brother-in-law. Who would it concern if not me?'''' Aleister pulled Esme away from him gently before bringing her to his side and she restrained herself from gaping at how effortlessly he claimed Adrian as his brother-in-law, ''''How about we go another way? Tell me, what made you come here?''''


    This man was getting on his nerves. And Adrian was irked but it was true that his intentions would be doubted until he answered their questions.


    ''''Let''s take a seat,'''' Esme pointed her fingers towards the throne chairs around the wide table near the fireplace. She needed to calm herself at this moment.


    As Esme settled on the chair, Aleister sat to her left and Adrian settled to her right.


    The silence lingered in the atmosphere for a few more seconds before Adrian said, ''''I was here to find you, Aunt and Arlan,'''' he said while looking at Esme.


    ''''How did you trace them here?" Aleister voiced his suspicions without holding back.


    Esme glanced at Adrian curiously, unlike Aleister''s suspicious gaze, ''''Brother, how did you know that we are here? No one is aware of it.''''


    ''''Did you forget that Duke Elias had lent you the carriage when you left Nevesray?" Adrian asked her, trying to suppress the urge to unsheathe his sword at the man who was playing with his sister''s fingers at the moment after probing into this matter.


    ''''Duke Elias...'''' The name was mentioned to her after a long time. How could she forget the man who was ruthlessly rejected by her Aunt?


    Duke Elias and Marlene were betrothed since a young age and they had affections for each other as well but that incident changed everything. Because she had to take care of Arlan and Esme, Marlene rejected Duke Elias. As bitter as he looked, the man offered his help when they left the Lands of Nevesray.


    ''''He had always kept a hold on your tracks discreetly,'''' Adrian said.


    ''''I should have known it,'''' Everyone in their kingdom knew that the arrogant and stern Duke of Nevesray adored Princess Marlene more than anything, ''''Where is the King...?"


    ''''Dead,'''' Aleister spoke before Adrian could say it, ''''The amount of torture he inflicted on your brother was returned to him as well. He was tied in the middle of a crowded market and was hit with stones, facing countless humiliations and labelled as a traitor before he died. Everyone was made aware of what he did to his family."


    Esme closed her eyes, ''''How do you know?" Aleister''s words were just as brutal as him. He did not disguise anything and she could see the things vividly in her mind. Her heart was shaken.


    ''''I was looking into it,'''' Aleister said briefly. He had been looking into the matters of Nevesray ever since a long time but it took him some time to join the dots. One dot was missing all the time and it was Adrian Reis, the son of the former King of Nevesray. He wanted to tell Esme about this after concluding it. Only today was he able to conclude most of it when he saw Adrian here.


    Esme had questions to ask but Adrian stood up, ''''I have to leave now,'''' He said and Esme looked at him reluctantly.


    ''''I won''t disappear,'''' Adrian said as if he understood her thoughts. He picked up the mask from the table before putting it on his face, hiding his scarred face.


    Esme closed her eyes as she forced herself to nod.


    Adrian pulled her into his arms.


    ''''If you are here, who is on the throne?" Esme stepped back from him as she asked. No kingdom can stay without a King so how was their kingdom surviving without one?


    ''''Duke Elias. He is the King,'''' His words stunned her beyond anything.


    Esme was in disbelief but Adrian did not explain anything further to her as he turned around to leave. His footsteps came to a halt as he looked at the two beds that were parted by a curtain. But soon, he strode out of the room.


    Aleister glanced at his retreating back before he turned to look at the confused Esme.


    ''''No matter what, Duke Elias is not from the Royal Family. How can he become the King?" She was not against Duke Elias but taking over the throne was a big matter. Even when she was no longer the Princess of Nevesray, she never stopped worrying about her Kingdom.


    ''''But Aunt is the Princess and their betrothal still exists,'''' Aleister reminded her.


    By right, after Princess''s disappearance and the King''s demise, the next-in-line for the throne should be the Eldest Prince, Adrian Reis.


    But what made the difference was that the King was beheaded and the Prince handed over the throne to Duke Elias.


    ''''Do you mean Duke Elias still wants to marry Aunt?" Esme asked Aleister, not noticing out how he addressed her Aunt as Aunt.


    ''''What do you think about your brother?" He asked instead of answering her question.


    Esme frowned, ''''What kind of question is that?"


    ''''He is a cunning man,'''' Aleister said. Sensing her glare on him, the corner of his lips tugged up as he continued, ''''I praised him. Since he is cunning, he knows what he is doing. If he handed the crown to the Duke, then it is certain that the Duke has his eyes on Aunt.''''


    His words were reasonable. Esme glanced at him doubtfully, ''''I can tell you what I think about you.'''' What did he mean by ''What do you think about your brother?''


    Aleister raised an eyebrow as he lowered his head, leaning closer to her, ''''I am listening.''''


    ''''You are unreasonably unreasonable, hold grudges for no reason and you are petty despite being good-looking,'''' Even as she pointed out all this, Esme was smiling, ''''You...''''


    ''''Nothing compares to how you find me good-looking,'''' Aleister tilted his head to the side.


    Instead of being angry, Esme''s smile widened further, ''''Nothing you say or do today can make me angry,''''


    ''''Nothing?'''' He placed a finger below her chin and tilted her face up, ''''Are you sure?" He leaned closer to her, catching her off guard.

 Chapter 89 - Pushed To Bed

    ''''Are you certain that whatever I do won''t anger you?" He stroked her chin gently as he looked into her grey orbs which were a little dazed.


    Esme felt the roughness of his thumb grazing past her face as it moved away from her chin as his hand moved to the side of her face. His thumb rested on her ear while the rest of his fingers moved behind her ear as they raked inside her hair. Her heart picked its pace and she instinctively closed her eyes when he leaned closer to her.


    Feeling the caress of his warm breath on her skin, a shiver ran down her spine. Her mind stopped working the moment she felt a cool sensation near the corner of her lips.


    Esme could hear her heartbeats, they were resounding loud and clear in her ear.


    Her toes curled up when his lips moved on the corner of her lips, the heat was spreading through her neck and she was breathless.


    "You want more?" came the teasing voice of the man and her eyes snapped open.


    She glanced at the man who had stepped back from her at some point and he was now looking at her with an amused glint on his face. Esme could still feel the lingering warmth of his lips on the corner of her mouth and her heart was palpitating.


    She wiped her sweaty palms on the material of her gown as she tilted her head to look at him, only to avert her gaze a moment later.


    ''''Breath, will you?" He whispered as he looked at her with eyes filled with mirth.


    "Someone is coming,'''' Esme said in one breath and she turned around before walking towards her bed with a nonchalant expression on her face, but her gradually reddening cheeks were a giveaway of her innermost thoughts.


    Aleister glanced at her retreating back and the corner of his lips tugged up, "We will talk about this later then,'''' He said while looking at her silhouette through the curtains.


    ''''We have nothing to talk about,'''' came Esme''s voice from the other side.


    ''''Oh, it''s alright with me if you want that,'''' Aleister paused for a moment before he added, ''''But I thought you were curious about what happened in your Kingdom.''''


    As if she realized something, she quickly said, ''''You wanted to talk about that?"


    ''''What did you think I was trying to talk about?'''' Aleister asked her meaningfully.


    ''''My Lord, the King has asked for your and My Lady''s presence for dinner,'''' A maid''s voice came from outside the room.


    ''''We will be there,'''' Aleister waved his hand.


    The maid, who was standing outside the door, was stunned. The Prince sounded very different today for some reason.


    ''''I will inform them,'''' The maid bowed before she left.


    ''''You should leave first,'''' Esme said and soon she heard the sound of retreating footsteps.


    Letting out a deep sigh of relief, she slumped on the bed and raised her palm to look at it. Her finger twitched slightly as she placed it on her lips. In her excitement of meeting her brother, she said that no matter what he does, she won''t be angry.


    But despite him doing this, Esme felt more embarrassed than angry.


    After making herself look presentable, Esme stepped out of the room, and just as she tilted her head from her gown, she found an intense stare fixated on her.


    Her eyes clashed with the pair of ice-blue eyes and the man who was leaning back on the wall straightened up, ''''Let''s go,'''' He extended his hands towards her.


    ''''Are you taking advantage of me?" her face was still burning even though she was trying to keep a straight face.


    ''''How did I take advantage of you?" Aleister sounded like the most innocent person she would ever come across.


    Her lips thinned.


    ''''By taking advantage, you mean¡­.''''


    She interrupted him, ''''I don''t mean anything,'''' She did not want him to say aloud what he did neither did she want to be reminded of how shamelessly she forgot to move away from him.


    ''''You can''t say it like that, Esme. You said you won''t be angry no matter what I do. I was trying to know if you will stick to your words or not,'''' He stroked her palm while saying that, ''''So delicate,'''' He whispered while looking at her lips.


    The hair on the back of her neck stood up and a blush crept up her face, ''''You¡­'''' She averted her gaze, ''''Why didn''t you tell me about it beforehand?'''' She asked.


    Much to her relief, he did not keep teasing her, ''''Your reaction of being abducted would not have been natural then. We had to make your brother think that his little sister is being taken to the wolf''s den.''''


    Esme focused on his side face as he talked. He was a pleasant treat for the eyes. She cleared her throat, ''''When you dragged me out of the music room, I thought something bad happened.''''


    He raised an eyebrow, ''''I was hoping for you to be scared instead.''''


    She shrugged, ''''You don''t scare me,'''' As he glanced at her, she continued, ''''You never do.''''


    The corner of his lips tugged up ever so slightly only for her to notice it, ''''Then, when did you realize that I was pretending?"


    ''''When you pushed me to the bed¡­'''' She paused. For some reason, she felt embarrassed while phrasing it in such a way.


    He looked amused and stopped walking as they reached the dining room, ''''Can''t I push you to the bed without any pretense?" He whispered.


    Just as her lips parted, he entered the dining room while holding her hand and Esme tried to keep a straight face.


    When Aleister dragged her out of the music room, she was confused but when he pushed her to the bed and acted a bit violent, Esme understood what he was up to. When she heard the sounds of approaching footsteps, she quickly got into the act.


    And her brother fell for it.

 Chapter 90 - Cant Be Immoral

    As they stepped inside the dining room, she greeted the King before greeting Duke Maverick and Duchess Flora.


    Her gaze lingered on Duke Maverick a little longer as she noticed that his face was paler than before and his skin seemed to have shrunk, his eyes looked more hollow than the last time she saw him.


    Feeling her gaze on him, Duke Maverick tilted his head, ''''Is everything alright, Little Lady?" He asked in a gentle tone with a concerned look in his eyes.


    Realizing how rude she was being, Esme averted her gaze and she nodded.


    While Duke Maverick and Duchess Flora were sitting to the King''s left, Aleister and Esme sat on the chairs to the King''s right.


    ''''Has Uncle not been feeling good lately?" Aleister asked as he took his gaze off the lady who was trying to keep a safe distance from him.


    Esme sighed in relief inwardly when he averted his gaze from her but she felt his palm on hers under the table and she stiffened.


    ''''My nephew is not concerned about my health anymore. How would I feel well?" Duke Maverick laughed.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow.


    Duchess Flora spoke up, ''''He has not been well lately. The weather change is affecting his body and making him tired.''''


    Aleister did not respond.


    ''''Let''s start,'''' The King said and a few maids walked towards them as they arranged the plates and served the dishes.


    Esme frowned. Did Aleister avoid Duchess Flora''s words just now? But then looking at how everyone looked normal, she believed it had to be her illusion.


    "Brother, what happened about that matter?'''' Duke Maverick asked as they ate, ''''I have not been able to meet you so I am unaware of it.''''


    ''''You should take more rest,'''' King Alexander said as he looked at him, ''''We have yet to find the murderer. The Magistrate''s friend came over to report me of it.''''


    Magistrate''s friend? It has to be her brother. Esme tilted her head as she glanced at Aleister.


    ''''There is a well near the border of Enchantment Forest and the people in the nearby village keep seeing the corpses there,'''' The King said,


    Duke Maverick frowned, ''''But only the maids of the Castles were dying before. Why was I not aware of this?" He looked at his wife.


    Duchess Flora shook her head as she sighed, ''''I did not want to agitate you.''''


    Duke Maverick glanced at his elder brother, ''''What did Mr. Aiden say?"


    ''''They did not find anything except for the corpses and bloodstains. A few more corpses were found there yesterday,'''' The King said.


    Duke Maverick glanced at Aleister.


    ''''He went there and reported the same as well,'''' The King continued.


    After the dinner, Esme and Aleister left to their room and both of them were quiet on their entire way,


    Esme had questions that she wanted to ask but she remained quiet knowing that these things should not be discussed in the hallways.


    After they stepped inside the room, Esme turned around to look at him, ''''You haven''t mentioned anything about what we came to know.''''


    He tilted his head down to look at her, ''''We have not seen a witch with our eyes and what we heard is not worth mentioning.''''


    ''''How about that person? The old man¡­'''' Esme hesitated.


    ''''No one has to know about it,'''' Aleister said as he walked towards the table at the further end of the room and Esme followed after him, ''''That person knows something about you.''''


    Esme paused, "How are you certain?" She asked him even though she also felt like that.


    ''''You noticed it too? He was looking at you as if he was looking at someone familiar,'''' Aleister said and Esme nodded, ''''Let''s keep it to us for now.''''


    Esme walked closer to him, ''''Don''t talk about it. I think my powers are not working anymore and I am content about it,'''' As long as it was like this, everything will be fine.


    ''''Tell me you aren''t curious about them,'''' He took out a few parchments from the drawer before he looked at her.


    Esme asked herself. Was she curious about her powers? She was. She wanted to know more about herself, and her father, her mother but the fear of the unknown held her back.


    Whenever she thought back to the nightmares, to the time when she almost drowned in the sea, she felt scared.


    "Here, look at this,'''' Aleister held out a parchment towards her when he noticed her getting lost in her thoughts.


    Esme took a seat on the chair and she looked at the contents of the parchment, her mind gradually drifted away from her hidden fears.


    ''''Five years after you left Nevesray, Duke Elias revealed the evidence of the King''s wrongdoings. The subjects did not believe him,'''' he said and she listened to him.


    ''''They worship him. How would they believe it?" Esme said. To think that he was a man whom she called Uncle once but what did he do to them in the end? And knowing that he was dead made her a bit uncomfortable.


    ''''But then your brother appeared in front of them and they had to believe his words,'''' Aleister said.


    ''''Where was he all those years?" Esme thought back to the scar on Adrian''s face. Did he get it that night when the King was torturing him or did something more happen after that?


    Aleister said, ''''He was imprisoned by the King, your Uncle for five years. If the information Rowan got his hands on is right, then it should be Duke Elias who rescued him.''''


    Esme was confused, ''''But why would they imprison him?" She frowned.


    ''''Your uncle should have the answer to this question of yours,'''' Aleister raised his hand as he played with her hair.


    ''''But he is dead,'''' Esme responded to him as she tilted her head to look at him.


    ''''Unfortunately, he is. They say opening the coffin is immoral so you won''t agree to it¡­''''


    Esme glanced at him like he was about to grow another head. Does it mean he will open someone''s coffin if she agreed to it?


    ''''But we have another person who has answers,'''' Aleister glanced at her meaningfully.


    It''s her brother.

 Chapter 91 - I Want To Eat

    Esme glanced at him. ''''Why do you think my brother came here?"


    "He came here to look for you all and to take you back with him. Have you turned slow, my dear moon?" He knocked his finger on her forehead.


    She rubbed her forehead and glared at him, ''''Your finger is not delicate. Don''t do this again.''''


    Aleister raised an eyebrow as he extended his hand towards her face before stroking the spot he just flicked, ''''It can be delicate to you if you ask.''''


    Esme blinked. Once twice and then a soft blush crept up her cheeks as she averted her gaze from his face.


    The corner of his lips tugged up, ''''What did you think of?" Aleister asked her calmly as he tilted his head to the side to get a proper look at her reddening face.


    ''''I was thinking that I am not slow. I know why my brother was here. But why did he stay at the magistrate''s place in disguise? And when did he become his friend? And...'''' Esme grabbed his palm and moved his hand away from her face while talking. His hand felt good to hold. She thought. Rough but warm.


    As she looked at his hand carefully, he asked, ''''And?"


    Esme blinked and she looked at his face. ''''And... for someone who handed the throne to Duke Elias, why is he interfering in the matters of Visteria?" She asked as she loosened her grip on his palm.


    Just as she was about to take her hand back to her side, he caught hold of her wrist, ''''We can leave them for your brother to answer. How about you tell me about something else?" He leaned back on the table.


    ''''I am more clueless about everything and you give me the answers every time,'''' Esme looked at him, ''''What do you want to know from me?"


    ''''What I want to know...'''' He paused and leaned closer to her before whispering, ''''...can only be answered by you.''''


    His deep voice beside her ear made a small jolt shrill through her body and her breathing hitched, "What do you think of me?" he asked as he pulled back from her to look at her face.


    ''''You are not as bad as I used to think,'''' she said without backing out from his gaze despite wanting to.


    ''''And?"


    ''''You are a good accomplice,'''' She blinked.


    ''''And?"


    ''''I don''t understand you at times but we can be good friends-''''


    ''''That''s not what I want to hear. I don''t mind being bad as long you get a little more honest, my dear moon,'''' She felt his grip on her wrist loosening. His fingers trailed down to her palm and her palm trembled, ''''Do you think you are a little too responsive for someone who has nothing in her heart for me?"


    Esme looked down before looking back into his eyes. She opened her mouth before closing it, ''''I don''t know how to say it,'''' she said after some time while letting out a defeated sigh.


    The corner of his lips tugged up, ''''We have all the time in the world to listen to the little thoughts running in your mind."


    Esme sighed again, ''''What is it like to have something for someone in your heart? In my heart, I have a few things. I want my Aunt to be happy, Arlan to be found, and I want to eat...'''' She stopped speaking when the sound of his masculine laughter echoed in the room. ''''What''s there to laugh about?" she blinked.


    ''''Did I not feed you well, Esme?" He stopped laughing and glanced at her.


    She shook her head, ''''It is not like that. I am just.... fond of eating,'''' She awkwardly said as she lowered her head.


    ''''And I am fond of seeing you eat,'''' He whispered.


    Her head snapped up and she glanced at him before speaking hurriedly ''''Do you think we should sleep...?" Her brows tugged together and her face reddened slightly, ''''I-It''s late at night. I want to sleep. I can''t keep my eyes open anymore,'''' She quickly walked towards the bed and climbed on it before covering herself in the sheets.


    Soon after, she heard the sounds of retreating footsteps and she slowly lowered the sheets before looking towards the closed door of the room.


    Where did he go?


    She sneakily sat up on the bed and glanced at the door for a few seconds before looking at herself. Her gown, the corset, everything was making her breathless but she would have slept in it if he did not stop asking her...


    Her face felt hot and she quickly picked up a white nightdress and rushed to the bath to change into it.


    The next morning, Esme was invited for breakfast by Duchess Flora but she politely rejected it and said that she was going to church.


    But when in truth, she wanted to visit her Aunt, ''''You don''t need to accompany me there,'''' She said to Aleister.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow, ''''Are you certain?"


    ''''I am not a child,'''' Esme shook her head, ''''A carriage will do. Not the royal ones,'''' Going there in the royal carriage will get people''s attention.


    He nodded.


    ''''Where is Leo?" She was surprised that he agreed easily but it was a good thing. Lately, he was getting on her nerves. ''''I don''t see him around lately.''''


    ''''He is fond of staying in the forest,'''' The poor Leo, who was just about to jump inside the room from the window, fell backward when he heard that.


    There has to be a limit. His Master is unreasonable as he never receives pats from this human girl, unlike him. He seemed to be in thought as he cowered behind the bushes rather unwillingly.


    Esme went to the outskirts of Capital City where her Aunt was living. As she glanced at the plain-looking house, her thought wandered back to the last time they were here.


    She left when her Aunt mentioned her mother and things looked bitter between them.


    Esme inhaled a deep breath before walking towards the door.


    She knocked on it twice before stepping back from it when she heard the sounds of approaching footsteps.

 Chapter 92 - Knowing Something

    The door opened and Marlene tilted her head, ''''Esme...'''' Her eyes visibly lit up as she glanced at her niece.


    Esme felt guilty in her heart, ''''I should not have left like that the last time,'''' She hugged the woman.


    Marlene did not say anything and she pulled back from her before looking behind, ''''Is he here?'' She whispered.


    Knowing that from ''he'' she meant Aleister, Esme shook her head.


    ''''That''s good,'''' Marlene said as she led her inside.


    Esme blinked.


    "How are you feeling now?" Esme asked, recalling that Aleister had arranged some of the royal physicians to take care of her.


    ''''I don''t feel as weak as before,'''' Despite having her usual pallor, there was a hint of rosiness on Marlene''s face.


    Esme glanced at her.


    ''''When I think about it, I am grateful for everything he has done for us,'''' Marlene said as they walked towards her room, ''''He has assigned a cook here and there are servants too. We owe him too much.''''


    Esme nodded, ''''He has done a lot,'''' She smiled.


    Looking at her niece''s expressions, Marlene could sense that things have changed between her and the Prince. The previous time, despite claiming to be in love, there was something different about the way Esme treated him, ''''Esme¡­'''' She called out.


    Esme glanced at her.


    ''''I am not against you both¡­'''' Marlene held her hand as she stroked it gently, ''''But¡­ I don''t want you to be with him.''''


    Esme''s brows furrowed slightly.


    ''''He is the Prince. No matter what he is doing for me or you, it is because he has affections for you at the moment. A few days later, we will not know if he has the same affections for some other woman. At that time, you would not be able to do anything neither will you be able to bear it. I don''t want you to go through it,'''' Marlene gently said, the fierceness that she once used to possess in her eyes had faded through the years and now she was as tranquil as water, ''''It has been a long time since we came here. Arlan¡­ is not found. You don''t have to raise the stakes of finding him by placing yourself as the bet. ''''


    ''''I understand, Aunt,'''' Esme interrupted her as she lowered her head, ''''Arlan will be found soon.''''


    ''''I got a letter from the Prince''s man that Arlan is alright and he will be found,'''' Marlene said.


    Esme tilted her head to look at her, ''''He sent a letter?" As Marlene nodded, Esme turned around before she placed her head on Marlene''s lap and closed her eyes, ''''I have something to tell you.''''


    "What is it?'''' Marlene stroked her hair as she looked at Esme''s face. Compared to how fragile she looked before, her cheeks looked fuller.


    ''''Elder Brother is alive, the King is dead, Duke Elias is the King at the moment and¡­.'''' Esme paused before speaking in a soft mumbling voice, ''''Aunt has to accept him if he courts her¡­'''' The hand on her head stopped stroking her hair and Esme opened one of her eyes cautiously to look at Marlene.


    ''''A-Are you speaking the truth..?" Marlene mumbled in a daze.


    Esme blinked, ''''Did I shock you?'''' She tried to say it as lightly as she could.


    Marlene''s eyes welled up with tears.


    ''''Don''t cry. Everything is good now,'''' She stroked her back, ''''I met my brother in the Castle. He was in disguise but over time, I found him familiar. Yesterday, he admitted to it as well.''''


    Marlene closed her eyes before she spoke, ''''H-How about him?"


    "The King is dead. He had imprisoned brother for five years for some reason and Duke Elias saved him,'''' Esme had her doubts in this matter. Her brother''s powers were now at its peak. She had seen the purple glow around him and it was the highest level of power a royal can have. Then, why did he let himself be tortured?


    It took some time for Marlene to calm down and even if her heart was in chaos, she did not show it on her face and Esme said, ''''Aunt, can I ask something?"


    Marlene glanced at her, ''''What do you want to ask?" She asked.


    ''''You won''t be angry?" She asked, ''''It''s about¡­ my mother.''''


    Marlene frowned.


    Esme grabbed her hand, "I was young when she left. I don''t remember her face properly. But I want to know why you detest her like this? You say that my father was the one who took advantage of her and she left the Kingdom for a man but who is he?"


    ''''I don''t know who your father is.''''


    ''''How could you not¡­? Arlan is four years younger than me¡­'''' Esme frowned, ''''If he wanted to take advantage of her, why would she give birth to his children?"


    Marlene closed her eyes, "Esme, it is time that you should know something.''''


    Esme straightened up when she saw the solemn look on her face.


    ¡­


    ''''You don''t have to stay there. Come back to me. We will find some other way¡­''''


    Esme smiled weakly, ''''I will see what to do,'''' She whispered and turned around.


    Marlene stood near the door as she watched Esme walking towards the ordinary carriage with a listless look on her face. Her heart ached but she knew she did nothing wrong. Esme had to know the truth one day.


    As Esme walked towards the carriage, she held her gown in her hand and was about to step up when her gaze landed on the hand outstretched in front of her.


    She slowly looked up.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow, ''''Take my hand, will you?"


    Her tightly knotted brows loosened up and Esme slowly placed her hand in his, the corner of her lips tugged up, ''''I thought you had work.''''


    He pulled her up gently inside the carriage and she took a seat beside him.


    "You were not expecting to see me?" He asked.


    Esme shook her head and tried to pull her hand out of his grip.

 Chapter 93 - Illegitimate

    Aleister tightened the curl of his fingers on hers as he raised his other hand and tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear, ''''But I can see you are happy to see me here.''''


    Esme pursed her lips, ''''You look too much into it.''''


    He leaned closer to her, ''''Then, you are not happy to see me around?"


    ''''I¡­'''' Esme leaned back, ''''I did not say that.''''


    ''''Then I take it as if you badly wanted me here. Not seeing me for some time makes you sad,'''' He said seriously as he straightened up.


    Esme''s heart which was hanging high became stale before beating like usual and she rolled her eyes at him. He always had things his way.


    Later that night, Esme laid on the bed as she glanced at the ceiling blankly.


    After some time, she turned to the side and averted her gaze to the cackling woods in the fireplace.


    ''''Are you asleep?" She asked.


    ''''Mm,'''' came the unhurried reply from the other side of the curtain.


    The corner of her lips twitched and she did not say anything.


    ''''What do you want to say?'''' Aleister asked.


    ''''Nothing. I thought you were sleeping?"


    "You woke me up, now. You have to take responsibility for me,'''' As soon as the words left his mouth, she heard some shuffling sounds behind her.


    As Esme turned around, she found the curtain in between their beds was parted, letting them have a glimpse at each other.


    Aleister was sitting on the bed, leaning back on the headrest, she could see half of his face under the glow of the fire from the fireplace.


    Esme did not bother to sit as she pulled the sheets up to her neck, only letting her head peek out while she glanced at him.


    "Should I turn to your side?" He asked.


    "Hmm?" She blinked.


    "If you want to have a better view of me, I can turn to your side," he said.


    She blinked again, the corner of her lips twitched and her face grew warm, "I was not looking at you."


    "I can see that," he said.


    "Something happened today," Esme said after thinking about it for a moment.


    "I know."


    "You do?" She was stunned.


    "You look disturbed," he said.


    Esme nodded, "Arlan... He is not my brother."


    Aleister''s brows tugged together.


    "He is, in a way. But he is not..."


    "What are you trying to say?" He tilted his head to the side.


    Esme glanced at the ceiling, there was a turmoil in her heart that was reflected in her eyes, "He is the son of my eldest Uncle, he was born from a mistress."


    The former King of Visteria was the eldest amongst Esme''s Aunt, her mother, and her Uncle. Adrian''s mother had passed away a few months after Adrian''s birth due to her sickly constitution. And after a few years, her Uncle had a mistress when he went to the other kingdom and that woman gave birth to Arlan. But since her Uncle did not stay there for long, he was unaware of it.


    Later after her Uncle''s demise, when Esme''s mother became the queen, the woman came over to meet her and told her the truth. According to her, since Arlan is an heir to the throne, she felt it was unfair to him and the royals for keeping him away.


    Esme''s mother wanted to reward her but the woman said that she was doing that because she had someone whom she wanted to marry and Arlan was an obstacle in it.


    "If we say it like this, he was abandoned by his mother," Esme said as she looked at Aleister before continuing, "No one knows about my father. And my mother didn''t want Arlan to be called illegitimate..."


    "So, she gave him the title of her son? Of your younger brother when he is an illegitimate child?" Aleister glanced at her face.


    Esme sat up before she leaned back on the headboard and adjusted her white nightdress absent-mindedly with her fingers as the sheets slid down her body.


    Aleister raised a brow as he looked at her, "Are you doing that on purpose, Esme?" He turned to the side as he glanced at her.


    "Yes?" Esme snapped out of her daze and she turned to look at him, "What did I do?" She was confused. She was just thinking about it but why was he looking at her with an accusing gaze?


    "Tell me what did you not do?" Aleister pushed himself to his feet as he stepped past the curtains before walking towards her.


    She held her breath as he came to sit beside her, "When you carelessly play with your hair, I want to do it too," He whispered as he brought her hair to the front, covering her neck which was exposed to his view when she adjusted her dress.


    Her heart skipped a beat, "I was not..."


    Aleister placed his finger on her lips, "Let''s not talk about what you do and what you don''t. We don''t want you to go red by the end of this discussion."


    Esme blinked and she moved her lips but as his finger grazed past her lips, she turned frigid, not daring to move an inch.


    "You want to say something?"


    Esme nodded slowly.


    "What is it that you want to say?" He leaned closer to her.


    Esme glanced at his finger resting on her lips without moving her neck. How will she talk like that?


    Aleister pressed his finger a bit, feeling the softness of her lips and he heard her inhaling a deep breath, "It looks like you have nothing to say," The tip of his finger stroked her lips and Esme blinked, "Maybe you want me to stay like this," He stroked her lips again.


    If she was not before, Esme was certain that she was red by this time. And it was only then did she realize that she had two hands by heaven''s grace.


    She speechlessly raised her hand and poked his finger with her index finger, slowly pushing it away, "I wanted to say you are taking advantage of me."


    "I do want to take advantage of you," He leaned closer to her, letting his lips hover near her cheeks while he nuzzled his nose in her hair.


    Esme could feel gooseflesh on her skin at his movements.


    He said, "But you certainly don''t know what it is like to be taken advantage of as I have yet to do something to you."


    Esme gulped as she cleared her throat, "I don''t want you to do something to me," As he leaned back, she quickly shook her head, not daring to meet his gaze anymore, "You were right. My mother did that. She took Arlan as her son so people don''t know about his illegitimate status in the family," She patted her warm cheeks, hoping he won''t keep looking at her.


    But even though Aleister did not touch her again, he did not bother to avert his gaze. She was a sight to see, and she never knew it.


    "Was she not afraid about her reputation? She was the Queen during that period," Aleister said, tucking loose pieces of her hair behind her ear.


    "Her face... looks like an unclear reflection in the water in my mind," Esme sighed as she closed her eyes. She was young at the time of her mother''s disappearance and she did not remember many things about her.


    Anastasia Reis, Esme''s mother was one of the most revered Queens in history. After her elder brother''s death, not only did she take over the throne but she made the Lands of Nevesray more powerful than before, and the subjects adored and worshipped their Queen.


    But doubts rose when she disappeared for a year and came back with a daughter.


    No one knew about Esme''s father but Esme was accepted as the Princess, despite the opinions rising in the court.


    "From what Aunt told me, when mother brought Arlan as my younger brother, people in the court did make objections but she never wavered and as it happened before, he was accepted gradually despite the doubts that people had," Esme said.


    Aleister nodded. In a kingdom like Nevesray, people will make objections when a Prince and Princess are brought out of nowhere and given the titles.


    Esme looked at him and the expression on her face was a little complicated, her brows tugged together, "Al, how do you think should I face Arlan in the future? Do I tell him the truth or not?" She lowered her head, "If elder brother knows about this, will it change things between him and Arlan? And will Arlan be too sad and disappointed if he knows that?"


    There were many questions in her heart that she did not have an answer to. And it somehow disturbed her mind.


    Ever since her Aunt told her about this, she was trying to keep these thoughts aside and not think about this but once she told Aleister about this, everything came to her at once.


    Aleister wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer, his other arm shifted to her back, stroking her gently.


    Esme blinked as her face was suddenly placed on his chest.


    "It is so pleasing to hear you addressing me like that," His deep voice sounded as he pressed his chin atop her head.


    "_" But we are not talking about that.


    The corner of her lips twitched and unbeknownst to her, the worry in her heart faded gradually.

 Chapter 94 - Half-brother

    The next morning when Esme woke up, she ended up staring at the ceiling dazedly for a few moments before turning to look at the other side of her bed. The curtains were drawn close and she could not see the familiar silhouette on the other bed.


    Like everyday, Aleister was not in the room by the time she woke up. She placed the back of her palm on her eyes for a few seconds. Unlike the times when she used to be relieved not having him around, his absence left a dull emptiness in her chest today.


    Maybe she was used to having him around. Or it was the safe feeling that he brought to her.


    She opened her eyes and sat up on the bed before looking around again, "Leo, are you there?" She softly called out to the beast who was nowhere in sight since yesterday.


    Soon after she called out, there was a small noise in the distance and in the next moment, a huge figure leapt inside the room through the windows and stopped at a distance from the bed.


    Esme blinked. She was always amused at Leo''s extraordinary speed, and strength. The castle walls were so high for him to jump inside Aleister''s room like that but she had seen this before so she was not as shocked.


    Aleister''s powers were mysterious as well. For his fiend to be like this, Esme was curious but it was not something that shocked her that much compared to before.


    Esme stroked Leo''s head as he stood in front of her, ''''Where were you?"


    Leo quietly leaned in closer to her letting her stroke his head. His Master was petty about letting him be stroked and patted by this human girl, but it would not be very good of him to let her know that so he just stayed quiet and decided to act na?ve. He did not want to be a butterfly and flap wings again just because a certain scary man was stingy and jealous.


    Esme laughed at his quiet demeanor.


    Even as the noon approached, Esme did not get to see Aleister. As she walked in the hallway, she overheard some guards talking about a few people who will come from a faraway land to look into the matter of the consecutive death occurrences in Visteria.


    Their voices were low and careful, easy to be missed by anyone but her ears were keen enough to pick out their words even at a distance.


    Was Aleister held back by those matters? She wondered.


    Aleister was the one who handled most of the court matters even though from afar, it looked like King Alexander was the one responsible for everything.


    Esme wondered who were these people who came and what was this faraway land that they were speaking of. Why had she never heard of it?


    Lost in her thoughts, she walked towards her old room, the one that was assigned to her when she came here to work as a maid.


    Her footsteps came to a halt when she noticed a familiar face in the distance.


    Esme quickly hid herself behind the pillar when she noticed something in Liz''s hands while the woman walked forward. A silver glass? But more than that, what caught her attention was the red liquid around Liz''s fingertips.


    All the past events resurfaced in her mind. When she was once working in the garden and went to wash her face, the barrel was filled with blood. And it was not the only time, she even once hallucinated it when she went to meet Duke Maverick and Duchess Flora. At least, that was what she thought it was, her hallucination but was it really just that?


    As if she felt something amiss, Liz stopped and looked around.


    Esme held her breath. She squeezed herself in the space between the wall and pillar, her fingers clutching the gown closer to her body.


    After making sure that nobody was around, Liz looked at the glass in her hand and continued walking.


    When the sound of her footsteps got fainter, Esme stepped out from her hiding. She glanced at the woman''s retreating back and after her.


    Esme was careful enough to not make any noise while walking.


    Her brows tugged together when she noticed the direction in which Liz was going.


    ''''She¡­'''' Esme pursed her lips and stopped herself from speaking any further. She held her gown in her hand and continued walking, pausing in between to hide behind the pillars just to avoid being noticed.


    Just as expected, Liz was walking towards Aleister''s room. Esme guessed it because in the direction she was going, it will only lead to his room.


    When she came here, she was told that there were no other chambers in that direction and she had seen it before. Behind Aleister''s room was a huge hallway where she was stuck once while looking through the paintings of the Davens'' ancestors. The lights went off that time and she had felt something dripping on her neck but later, everything seemed fine. After that, she had never stepped inside that place but Esme was certain that there were no other place where Liz could go.


    So, either she was going to Aleister''s room or that abandoned hallway.


    ''''Esme¡­''''


    Hee footsteps came to a halt and her eyes widened as she turned around to look at Adrian who was walking towards her.


    She quickly glanced at Liz who was already at a distance.


    Esme placed her finger on her lips, motioning for him to be quiet when Adrian approached her.


    Adrian frowned, ''''What happened?" he whispered.


    She pointed her finger towards Liz before looking at him, ''''She is suspicious.''''


    ''''Who are you talking about?" His frown got deeper when he looked in the direction she was pointing her finger. There was noone.


    ''''It''s..'''' The rest of her words died in her throat when she looked around only to discover that there was no one around. How was it possible?


    She did not take her eyes off Liz then how was it possible for her to disappear into thin air?


    ...


    ''''Brother, why won''t you believe me?" Esme buried her face in her palms before she sat on the bed.


    ''''I believe you,'''' Adrian patted her head. As she looked at him, he shook his head, ''''But I did not see anyone.''''


    ''''She was right in front of you.''''


    Adrian frowned, ''''Has it happened before?"


    ''''What?" Esme pushed herself to her feet.


    ''''Have you hallucinated things before¡­?" Adrian hesitated a bit.


    Esme thought back to the times when she saw blood when there was none and she nodded, ''''Maybe I am just tired,'''' a small voice in her mind told her that it was not that simple.


    ''''Brother, since you are here, I want to talk to you about a few things,'''' Esme walked towards the window in the room.


    ''''I have something to discuss with you as well,'''' Adrian walked towards the fireplace before he took a seat on the armchair, ''''Arlan¡­''''


    ''''Arlan is your half-brother,'''' Esme interrupted him as she turned around to look at him, ''''Royal Uncle had a mistress when he went to another kingdom and my mother took Arlan in as her son later after his death,'''' she noticed that the man''s expression did not falter.

 Chapter 95 - A Dream Or An Illusion

    ''''I know that,'''' Adrian said.


    Esme was stunned. When her Aunt told her about this, she thought no one was aware of it. Her lips thinned, ''''What else do you know that I am not aware of?"


    A furrow formed between his brows, ''''Esme, I have some news about Arlan.''''


    ''''You found him? How is he?"


    ''''He didn''t tell you about this?"


    Esme shook her head. ''''Aleister is held up by the court matters. I have yet to see him.''''


    ''''I see.''''


    Esme walked towards him, ''''Brother, where is Arlan?"


    ''''In Nevesray,'''' He took in the sight of her shocked face before he continued, ''''My men were looking for him there and it seems someone caught sight of him in our kingdom.''''


    ''''But how? He was here in Visteria then how did he end up going to Nevesray?"


    ''''You don''t have to worry about all of it.''''


    Esme stopped in front of him. She sat beside him before opening her mouth, ''''He is our younger brother-''''


    ''''Esme, you know the truth now. He is not your brother so there is no need for me to pretend anymore. I am not leaving him to die. I will find him and he will be safe in Nevesray so stop worrying about him,'''' Adrian pushed himself to his feet while speaking indifferently, ''''And once he is found, you will be leaving this place.''''


    Esme quietly glanced at his retreating back as he walked out of her room.


    Sometimes, he did not feel like the brother she grew up with. All this while, he was only pretending to be concerned about Arlan''s disappearance? Even if Arlan is his half-brother, he is a young boy. Why must he hate him to this extent? And if she did not bring it up, was he going to pretend forever?


    He knew about Arlan''s identity. What more does he know that he will never speak of unless she brings it up?


    ''Once he is found, you will be leaving this place.''


    His words continued ringing in her mind and Esme did not know how long it was before she drifted off to her dreamland.


    Soon, she found herself surrounded by darkness. It was pitch-black and Esme could barely see anything. This was the place she saw last time where she woke up being suffocated by those creepers which chained her legs to the place.


    But this time, before those creepers could appear, Esme started walking. Although it was dark, she did not stop for a moment until her hand hit something solid.


    Esme pushed the thing and it made a creaking sound and in the next moment, her vision was blocked because of the sudden light that encased the place.


    She covered her face with the back of her hand for a few seconds. When she removed her hand from her face, Esme was greeted by the sight of the vast sea in front of her. The water was sparkling under the moonlight and her eyes shimmered slightly.


    Esme had just taken a few steps towards the sea when she got reminded of what happened the last time. She almost died by drowning. If Aleister did not come, she did not know what would have happened.


    ''''No, I can''t¡­'''' she believed this was just a dream but everything appeared so real to her.


    It was just like how she saw Liz. The woman was holding a silver glass filled with red liquid and she was walking in the direction of Aleister''s room. But Adrian did not see anyone. Despite thinking it was real, she came to realize it might have been an illusion.


    Esme took a step back from the sea, followed by another one. But it was as if every time she took a step back, her feet became heavier, her body was turning weak. Her fingers curled into a fist.


    She had felt this before, the slightest desperation to reach out to the ageless sea, to let the sparkling water graze her fingers. She had felt this many times but today the desperation was intense.


    Her body felt dry and her throat was parched. ''''Just a little bit¡­'''' her determination wavered slightly and Esme once again walked forward. She continued walking till the waves hit her feet and she stopped when the water reached her waist.


    A soothing sensation shot into her veins and she closed her eyes, tilting her head back as the wind caressed her face, ''''Ah¡­'''' a gasp escaped her mouth when she felt a prickling sensation near her ankle.


    The pain soon disappeared but before she could sigh in relief, she felt continuous pain in her legs. Both her legs pressed together and she felt as if her skin was being torn. Her eyes welled up with tears and she bit her bottom lips, her hands moved in the water and all of sudden, she did not feel her legs anymore but she was not drowning.


    Before she could comprehend it, a similar pain shot up near her chest, and Esme winced, her body writhing at the sensation of something being ripped out of her skin.


    And then she saw it¡­


    And then she saw it, what appeared on her skin, it was grey, just like her eyes but it was glazing under the sparkling moonlight. And followed by the appearance of one, more of them appeared.


    ''''Ahh¡­'''' A scream escaped from her mouth as her chest rippled with pain, a tear rolled down from the corner of her eyes, turning into a pearl as it dropped inside the sea.


    Esme opened her eyes and looked at the thing that appeared on her upper body.


    Scales¡­


    These were scales¡­


    So shiny that it blinded one''s vision under the moonlight.


    So sharp that it cut off her gown to shreds, revealing her waist. The scales only covered her breasts.


    She hugged her body to cover herself instinctively but those scales did not cut her skin.


    As the dull ache near her waist faded, Esme slowly moved her palm down to her waist and she could feel the texture on her fingers.


    ...


    A/N: I am planning to change the cover and title of this book in some time. Just letting you all know so you are not confused about it.


    Do support this book with power stones if you like it so far.. And drop comments to let me know your thoughts.

 Chapter 96 - Scales And Fins...?

    Esme sat up on the bed as she panted, body convulsing with aftershocks of the attack. The memories of the dream were still vivid in her mind and she quickly glanced at her body.


    Her gown was still intact. She removed the sheets from her body and slowly raised her gown to her knees. There were no scales on her body.


    A relieved sigh escaped her mouth.


    It was only then that Esme noticed that she was sleeping on the bed. She remembered dozing off on the armchair.


    Before she could contemplate further, the sound of approaching footsteps attracted her attention.


    Her lips parted when she saw Aleister walking out of the bath. Water dripped down his dark hair which was still damp and he was wearing a satin robe, his broad chest visible through it. She could see his muscles,  shining under the dim glow of the fireplace.


    Her gaze slowly travelled to his neck where she saw a water droplet rolling down to his chest. The thoughts of her biazarre dream flew out of her mind for a moment as all Esme could focus on was the man in front of her eyes. Glorious and domineering with every step he took towards her.


    She looked at his lips, thin and pursed. They reminded her of the time they were right against her lips.  And as they parted slightly when he was about to speak, she averted her gaze, looking straight into his ice blue eyes, ''''Did you move me to the bed?" she asked him.


    ''''You looked uncomfortable sleeping in the chair.''''


    Esme stiffened when she felt his cold palm on her forehead, ''''What¡­''''


    ''''You don''t seem to be sick. Why is your face red?" Aleister sat beside her. He tucked the lose strands of her hair behind her ear, ''''Are you feeling stuffy?"


    Esme averted her eyes, feeling slightly hot under his gaze. She still remembered what happened between them and how he kissed her the day before. After that, she tried to keep her mind off that incident but now that he was right in front of her, she found it difficult to forget how his lips felt against hers.


    She looked at his lips, taking her bottom lips in between her teeth.


    ''''Are you insinuating something?" the corner of his lips tugged up.


    ''''What do you think?" the words left her mouth before she could comprehend them.


    ''''I believe my Princess is curious,'''' Aleister cupped the side of her face, his thumb slowly grazed on her bottom lips.


    Esme held her breath while the pad of his thumb grazed on her lips. Rough and calloused. That''s what his touch felt like against her soft lips. Like he might bruise her if his touch was a bit more intense, more reckless and she could not lie about the way she thought how it would feel if that happened.


    The direction of her thoughts were dangerous and they ruffled her, ''''Al, I had a dream,'''' the movement of his thumb paused at her sudden words.


    He looked at her, waiting for her to continue. His thumb slowly caressed her bottom lips twice before his palm shifted to her hair. He stroked her unruly tresses which had turned messy while she was sleeping.


    ''''I-I had scales¡­ and fins,'''' Esme gulped just at the memory of that, ''''I couldn''t feel my legs. I think I¡­''''


    ''''Yes?" Aleister glanced at her.


    She looked at him hesitantly, for any possible change of expression on his face after she mentioned everything but there were none. He was looking at her like he usually did and that lessened her anxiety.


    He gently arranged her hair before putting his hand down.


    Esme thought about the dream once again before she said, ''''And I think I had a tail,'''' her palm barely touched her body down the waist before she woke up. But she remembered it well, the lack of her legs, the horror she felt at the moment when her dress fell and the roughness of those shiny scales.


    ''''How do you feel now?" Aleister asked after a few moments of silence, ''''Any pain?"


    Esme shook her head. She opened her mouth but then hesitated to speak.


    ''''What?"


    ''''You¡­ '''' Esme turned her face to the side, her cheeks having suspicious tints of red, ''''Do you find me strange now?"


    Aleister chuckled, ''''Are you embarrassed?"


    Esme clutched the sheets. She turned to look at him, her eyes narrowed slightly, ''''Answer me,'''' her voice was domineering as usual.


    And somewhere, both of them knew that only she would talk to him that way. Not that he minded it though.


    She glanced at him hopefully. The situation was tense. Even though it was a dream, it shook her heart because of how vivid it was. But she did not know why at a time like this, she was worried about how he viewed, about what he thought of her.


    ''''I don''t find you strange,'''' Aleister raised an eyebrow. To him, she was always the little princess who shielded his body with hers just because she found the assassination unfair. According to her, he was weak and helpless boy against all those assasins.


    ''''Why are you laughing?" Esme asked, a little annoyance in her voice.


    ''''Well, Princess, you have always been a na?ve one,'''' Aleister played with the tip of her hair, ''''It doesn''t bothers me what you are. You are Esme and that''s all that matters.''''


    And with that, the suffocating feeling in her heart disappeared. She did not want him to see her differently.


    ''''Esme¡­''''


    ''''Mmm?" She tilted her head.


    ''''What about you? Do you find me strange?"


    ''''For what?" Esme frowned for a moment before she realized that he must be talking about his powers. Unlike the magic that royals possessed, Aleister''s powers were completely different.. The golden magic, the teleportation, everything was different but¡­ ''''How about you tell me more about it?" It has been a long time since she wanted to know more about it.

 Chapter 97 - Lost Fawn

    ''''And why do you want to know more about me?" Aleister dropped his hand before he laid back on the bed with his forehead propped on his fist. That same question again.


    ''''I am curious¡­'''' she stopped speaking as she was reminded of the last time when she said this. He told her that he will tell her that when it is more than just curiosity. Esme stood up from the bed under his burning gaze, ''''I will get some fresh air in the garden,'''' she smoothened the creases on her gown.


    Aleister glanced at her back as she ran like she was being chased by monsters. The corner of his lips tugged up briefly before his eyes darkened at the reminder of her words.


    ''Fins, scales¡­ tail''


    That''s what she mentioned.


    ¡­


    Esme stayed in the garden for a long time. She glanced at the dark sky as the birds returned to their homes.


    Earlier, she was flustered so she ran away from Aleister. But now she wondered why was she flustered?


    She walked towards the rose plants that she planted when she came to work here as a maid. Her fingers stroked the rose petals as she repeated the question in her mind.


    What exactly flustered her at that moment?


    And in her mind, she already had the answer.


    The last time she asked him about his powers, she was just curious. But this time¡­


    ''''I wanted to know more about him, to get to know him more,'''' she mumbled under her breath.


    But soon after, she was reminded of her discussion with Adrian. Her elder brother told her that Arlan is in Nevesray and they will be going back to their Kingdom soon.


    Esme folded her arms in front of her chest as she rubbed her palms on her elbows, feeling the cold breeze hitting her face.


    The memory of the dream was still vivid in her mind and at this point, her mind was in chaos.


    She closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath to calm down.


    Her eyes snapped open when she heard some noises.


    The sound of ragged breathing and light panting was very faint but her keen ears picked it up from the distance.


    ''Who is here at this hour of night?'' she thought to herself while picking up the front of her gown in her palms.


    Esme walked in the direction of the fountain from where she heard the voice.


    But what she witnessed stunned her momentarily.


    A man and a woman were embracing each other as they kissed passionately. It was as if they forgot the place they were in.


    Esme was quick to hide behind a tree when she recognized their faces. She clutched her gown tighter so that it wouldn''t be noticed. She peeked at them again to ensure that she was not seeing things.


    And she was certain that she was not mistaken when she saw their faces again.


    Keith Reiner and Liz.


    Keith Reiner was the head gardener who was kind to her during the time she was working. Later, things were a bit stiff between them because of the way he acted around her and that''s why she had decided to keep her distance from him.


    Liz on the other hand, has also been kind to her and that''s why she ignored all her initial rudeness. The scene of Liz walking towards Aleister''s room with that silver glass flashed in her mind. Even though her elder brother could not see it, was it really her illusion?


    Whatever it was, the last thing she expected was to stumble into this.


    All of a sudden, both of them stopped kissing and Liz raised her head.


    Esme''s breath was caught in her throat when their gazes met.


    Just when she was prepared to step out from the place she was hiding, Liz wrapped her arm around Keith''s neck and pulled him closer before capturing her lips.


    As Esme wandered in the empty hallways of the Daven Castle, she could not help but think of what she witnessed earlier. All the times she had seen Keith and Liz interacting with each other, they have been very formal. Liz once told her that she liked someone, that''s why she did not want to go to Aleister''s room to serve him.


    Come to think of it, those scary rumors about Aleister  painted him as a beast who slept with the maids and abused them but he was nowhere near that kind of person.


    Esme shook her head hurriedly when she realized something, ''''What has gotten into me? Why do I keep thinking about him?'''' she mumbled under her breath.


    ''''That''s because you are madly in love with me?" came the whisper beside her ear that had her stiffen.


    She quickly turned around and her long hair twirled, falling in front of her shoulder because of her movement.


    ''''T-There is nothing like that,'''' Esme pressed a palm on his chest, realizing how close he was,, ''''Can you not say such words which might make people misunderstand?" she could see the guards around them trying to keep a straight face.


    ''''Misunderstand? But we are lovers, aren''t we?" Aleister held her  palm that was resting on his chest.. He stroked her fingers while looking into her eyes.


    Esme could hear those suppressed gasps of the tough and sturdy looking guards. They must be wondering what happened to their expressionless Prince. And from the corner of her eyes, she could see the bashful smiles and shy gazes of the maids who were passing by the hallway. They must have realized that the Prince is nowhere near to what the rumors make him out to be.


    The corner of her lips twitched and a flicker of annoyance flitted across her eyes, ''''Yes, we are,'''' she smiled sweetly, her eyes discreetly narrowing at the maids.


    It was Aleister''s turn to be speechless as Esme intertwined their fingers before dragging him with her.. He quietly followed after her like a lost fawn, all the while not taking his gaze off their hands.

 Chapter 98 - Its An Exchange

    She was holding his hand out of her own will and this should be the first time something like this happened.


    Head in the cloud, eyes on their locked hands, Aleister did not snap out of his daze until Esme stopped walking.


    He blinked.


    Esme turned around to look at him, ''''I just saw¡­'''' she trailed off when she noticed that he looked distracted. She followed his gaze and her gaze landed on their hands.


    ''''I didn''t do it on purpose,'''' she quickly retracted her hand before averting her gaze.


    Aleister tilted his head to look at her face, ''''I know you are fond of not missing any opportunity to touch me¡­'''' he leaned closer to her and continued speaking beside her ear, "¡­I will let you have the privilege. You can touch me wherever and whenever you want.''''


    Her jaws dropped.


    Esme tried to speak but no words came out of her mouth.


    ''''What? Are you so touched that you can''t speak?" Aleister stepped back.


    Esme glared at him.


    ''''Did something happen?"


    Her shoulders slumped for a moment, ''''Why do you ask?"


    ''''You look disheveled, Princess,'''' he removed the leaf stuck in her hair.


    ''''These days¡­ I keep coming across strange things and at times, I am told that I am hallucinating when all of it seems so real,'''' Esme whispered to him after looking around, ''''Al, we need to read what''s in that book. I¡­''''


    She did not know how long she could keep her sanity with all these strange occurrences around her.


    That book¡­ The one they got from the library constructed under the pillar of the church, it was the last hope that she had. Perhaps, it will lead them to find the truth.


    ''''We will try it tonight,'''' Aleister spoke up after a moment of silence.


    ''''Do you have a way?" That book had a verse written on it which was not as easy to comprehend and the pages inside were empty. It''s not like they have not tried reading it before but the pages have always remained empty.


    Just as Aleister opened his mouth to speak, Esme pressed a finger on his lips.


    Right at this moment, a maid walked towards them. She stopped at a distance, realizing that she had interrupted their moment.


    The maid quickly bowed, not daring to raise her head even once, ''''My Lord, My Lady¡­ His Majesty, His Grace and Her Grace have invited you for dinner.''''


    ''''Alright, we will be there. You can leave,'''' the words unconsciously slipped off Esme''s mouth only for her to realize that she is not a Princess and these maids don''t take her commands.


    As expected, the maid did not budge from her position.


    Esme sighed helplessly. These days, her mind is really not working properly¡­


    ''''Did you not hear what the Princess said?" a cold voice rang above her head, snapping her out of her reverie.


    Esme spun on her heels and glanced at Aleister dumbfoundedly. He must be really desperate to not marry and not have a bride since he seems to be too much into this lover act.


    The maid shivered. It seems like the rumors were not false. The Prince really favored this woman and she might become their future queen, ''''M-My Lord, My Lady, forgive my impudence¡­'''' her hands shivered slightly as she clasped her palms together in front of her body.


    Esme turned to look at the woman, "You can go,'''' she felt a headache as she looked at the maid who bowed and ran out of the place like she was being chased by a ghost.


    She turned to look at Aleister, ''''Why are you scaring people like that?''''


    ''''She paid no heed to your commands,'''' Aleister frowned, still dissatisfied thinking that he let her off easily. What if people kept being disrespectful to her in future? He should have taught her a lesson so that it could have served as an example to others.


    As they walked in the empty hallway near Aleister''s room, Esme tried to gauge his expressions carefully, ''''She has no reason to do so. Don''t forget that this is an act and I am just your lover. Kings and Princes have mistresses, servants don''t respect them and the same goes for lovers and in some kingdoms and households, even the daughters aren''t respected. It''s not like you don''t know about all this¡­.'''' She stopped speaking when she noticed his expression turning darker with every word she uttered.


    She patted the back of his palm, ''''Neither do I want any of that. What we have right now is an exchange. You are helping me with many things and I helped you with dodging your marriage¡­'''' his expression did not looked any better. She cleared her throat, ''''What I want to say is that you don''t need to scare people like that. We need to clean your reputation and get rid of those rumors instead of fanning them more.''''


    ''''What rumors?" Aleister looked at her, he was still displeased over her initial words but she would glare at him if he said that.


    ''''Rumors that you are ruthless, a beast, cold-blooded¡­'''' Esme stopped speaking. She slowly turned to look at him and noticed his blank gaze on her, ''''You¡­ Don''t feel bad about all that, they are nowhere as true,'''' she patted his shoulder.


    With that said, she continued walking. It went unnoticed by her  how he raised an eyebrow, ''I felt bad?'' Huh? How come he did not know that?


    Aleister glanced at his shoulder before looking at Esme. Letting out a soft sigh, he opened his mouth, ''''It''s sad¡­''''


    Esme paused. She turned to the side and looking at his expressionless face, she felt her heart aching slightly for him. She patted his shoulder again, not noticing the way the corner of his lips tugged up ever so slightly.


    ''''I know how that feels. When I was young, I used to look forward to making friends but at the same time, I was not very good at approaching people. I had one or two friends before but it turned out they were friends with me for their benefits since their father and mother asked them to. So after I discovered that, I did not trust anyone. I kept thinking what would I do if everyone turns out to be the same in future?  What if they have motives and they don''t really care for me?''''


    ''''What happened after that?"


    .

 Chapter 99 - Princess Esmeray

    ''''What happened then?" Aleister thought about her younger self. Somewhere, she lacked the cheerfulness that children usually have. The Esme from back then resembled the Esme in present; mature, calm and sensible.


    ''''When such thoughts kept bothering me, I tried to keep a distance from the children of my age who approached me. I didn''t know how to do it properly and so I appeared cold and harsh and they did not know how to cross the walls that I had built around my heart so rumours went around that the¡­.'''' Esme paused as she raised her head. After confirming that no one was around, she continued speaking, ''''¡­that the Princess of Nevesray was arrogant and conceited. And with that, I was approached by people superficially, just because they feared my title. Over the time, I truly lost interest in getting to know people and only stayed with my brothers most of the time.''''


    Aleister frowned. In his memories, her younger self reminded him of a small furry animal, a little wounded and little fierce but once stroked, it will turn very docile. Back then, if not for the matters at hand, he would have followed after her.


    Unaware to his thoughts, Esme spoke up once again, ''''And you¡­ are not how the rumours make you out to be.''''


    ''''You mean I am not scary?"


    Esme smiled slightly, ''''To me, you are not.''''


    He chuckled, ''''Shall I be honored to know that?"


    ''''I am hungry.''''


    ''''Where did that come from?"


    ''''I did not eat anything earlier.''''


    He placed a back on her lower back, guiding her towards the dining room, ''''Come, let''s feed you Princess.''''


    Esme rolled her eyes. What is this strange endearing tone that he always uses with her?


    As Esme and Aleister stepped inside the dining room, Aleister nodded at the people present over there while Esme greeted them verbally, ''''Your Majesty,'''' she greeted the king before turning to look at Duke Maverick and Duchess Flora, ''''Uncle, Aunt,'''' since they had insisted on being addressed like this many times, it would be rude to not do so.


    Esme noticed that Duke Maverick looked better than the last time she saw him. His cheeks were still sunken but unlike his blackened lips and sickly appearance, he looked healthier.


    ''''Princess Esmeray.''''


    Esme stiffened, her head turned towards the King. It was rude sto stare at the King in the eyes but she could not help it. Did he just address her with the title Princess before her name?


    King Alexander was expressionless and she could not find anything from his face.


    After a few seconds, Esme turned to look at Aleister. He looked calm, unlike her, who has lost her composure by this time.


    Esme clutched the material of her gown in her fist. She masked her emotions while looking at the King, ''''Your Majesty?" her mind was trying to think of all the reasons why he called her Princess.


    Was it because to him, she was Aleister''s lover? But he would never address her as such unless she married him and became his wife.


    Or did he perhaps learn of her identity? That can''t be¡­


    ''''What a poor child¡­''''


    Duchess Flora''s soft voice snapped Esme out of her reverie. She glanced at the lady who had stood up from her chair and approached her at some point.


    Duchess Flora held her hand, her eyes painted with worry, ''''I could not have believed what you went through,'''' her eyes welled up with tears.


    Esme could not find her voice. The pieces were falling together in her mind and she turned to look at Aleister, her eyes demanding answers.


    Feeling his gaze on her, he tilted his head to the side. His eyes met hers briefly and he nodded once.


    Esme''s fingers curled into a fist.


    At this time, King Alexander spoke up again, ''''It took us a long time to discover that you are the little Princess of Nevesray.''''


    ''''I¡­'''' Esme knew this was coming. They were aware of her identity.


    ''''You don''t need to explain yourself to us,'''' Duchess Flora said.


    Duke Maverick nodded, ''''When we came to know about this, we discoveredt everything that has happened in Nevesray in the past few years,'''' he looked at Aleister, ''''And what we were not aware of, he filled us in with those facts. We know how many sufferings you have been through all these years. The situation in Nevesray was complicated and the facts changed from mouth to mouth. Different people said different things about the former queen''s disappearance, the king''s death, the Prince''s and Princess''s disappearance but it was not until we looked into your background did we know what exactly transpired.''''


    It was an unsaid rule that the various kingdoms don''t meddle in each other''s matters. So, being the greatest Kingdom, Visteria never interfered in the matters of Nevesray or any other Kingdom.


    Esme quietly listened to his words. If it was before, she would have been happy about it. That they knew about it and there was no malice in their hearts, they were so accepting of despite of the fact that she schemed her way into the Daven''s castle. She pretended to be a maid and came here under disguise.


    But right now, she was far from being  happy. Her heart felt complicated and she did not know what she was feeling but she was certain that she was not happy.


    ''''There is a present from me to my future daughter-in-law,'''' King Alexander said.


    Esme glanced at the King, curiousity sparkled in her eyes.


    Duchess Flora stroked her fingers before letting of  her hand.


    Esme did not know the source of her discomfort. All she knew was there was an unsettling feeling in her heart. That things were not happening in the way she expected them to and it bothered her.


    At this moment, she felt a warmth on her hand. Her heart skipped a beat and she tilted her head to look at Aleister.

 Chapter 100 - Arent You Tired?

    He held her hand before intertwining their fingers, his thumb stroking the skin on the back of her palm.


    Esme was in a daze and her fingers unconsciously tightened around his, taking in the warmth that he gave her. It was a strangely sweet feeling to be held by him like this.


    But then she was reminded of something. And she had the urge to swat his hand, to push him away from her but she restrained herself from doing so infront of so many people.


    At this moment, a guard stepped inside and bowed to King Alexander and everyone else present in the dining room, ''''Your Majesty, they are here,'''' he spoke to the King without raising his head.


    King Alexander pushed himself to his feet.


    Esme was further confused. Who were these people that the King had to stand up to greet them? It was a custom which only existed between Kings.


    A King had to stand up to greet another King. So, the person who came¡­ was he the ruler of some other kingdom? If yes, then which Kingdom''s ruler is he? And what was the present that King Alexander talked about?


    Both the doors to the huge dining room opened and as Esme glanced at the people who stepped inside, her questions were more or less answered.


    The first person to enter was Duke Elias. 7 years did not do much to his appearance as he still looked as heroic and handsome as he did back then when he offered them a carriage to escape. The only thing that changed about him was that back then, he was a Duke but at this moment, he had the King''s robe on him.


    The person who was walking beside him was her Aunt, much to her shock. The paleness on her face was apparent but she looked healthier, compared to before how she would cough with every step she took. It was possible because of Aleister who assigned royal physicians to take care of her.


    As they approached closer, Esme''s gaze shifted to the two people behind them. One was Adrian. It seems he was no longer disguising himself as the magistrate''s friend, Aiden, because he was dressed as a Prince.


    And the other person was¡­. Arlan. Her eyes widened slightly and she looked at him from head to toe, looking for signs of any visible injuries, but there were none. He was wearing elegant white clothes and he looked better than how he looked before his disappearance. It did not look like he has been abducted or tortured before. From his innocent gaze to the naive expressions on his face, no one could say he has been to dangerous places like Enchantment Forest but they found his footsteps and clothes there.


    Duke Elias greeted the King before turning to look at Esme, ''''Princess.''''


    Esme''s fingers tightened around Aleister''s palm for a moment before her grip loosened. She took her palm back and bowed slightly, ''''Your Majesty.''''


    ¡­


    ''''When did this happen?" Esme looked at her Aunt, disbelief apparent on her face.


    She was still unable to comprehend how things turned out to be like this. She was relieved and happy that Arlan was back but anything else did not make sense to her.


    Her family will be staying at Davens'' Castle for some time from now, including Duke¡­ King Elias. She thought her Aunt would oppose this but surprisingly, she agreed to stay here.


    And now she was standing in the room which was assigned to her Aunt.


    Marlene waved her hand to dismiss the servants, ''''Come here, sit beside me.''''


    Esme did not move from her spot. She remained standing there as she gazed at the woman who was sitting on the bed, ''''I am fine here. So, when did it happen? When did you reunite with Du..King Elias? Why is King Alexander aware of everything? Why did Brother Adrian reveal his identity when he has been pretending to be ''Aiden'' all this while?"


    ''''Yesterday, King Alexander came to my place with his guards. He was disguised as a commoner and he wanted to talk to me about your marriage with the Prince. Coincidentally, King Elias also came at that time. It turns out he has been traveling since days after Adrian wrote to him about my whereabouts.''''


    ''''And you decided to reveal everything about us? Despite the risks involved?" Esme glanced at her. It was another thing the Aleister''s family seemed very accepting of her but being deceived was a huge offense and matter of humiliation to royalty. It could have been a blunder if things worked out the other way.


    ''''It turns out both of them were good friends, they knew each other,'''' Marlene calmly said, ''''And you know that I trust him.''''


    Esme knew. Her Aunt trusted and loved her fianc¨¦ with all her heart. So, she understood how everything turned out to be like this.


    She turned around and walked towards the door but her footsteps came to a halt, ''''Aunt, to this day, all of you have been keeping me in dark about one thing or another,'''' she said without turning back, "And as wronged as I felt, I never said it but I hope you can stop doing this to me. I don''t think I will be able to take another secret or another lie this well,'''' with that said, she left the room without waiting for a response.


    Marlene glanced at the door and Esme''s words continued reverberating in her mind. She lowered her head quietly.


    After talking to her Aunt, Esme contemplated a lot of things. She felt a little bit emotional as well so she went out in the royal gardens to take some fresh air. As the lanterns were lit and there were several guards, she did not have to worry about any strange occurrences.


    ''''Aren''t you tired?" came a soft whisper beside her ear.


    ''''You¡­'''' Esme was startled. She tilted her head to the side and glanced at the man who had now placed his chin on her neck.


    He looked into her eyes with interest.

 Chapter 101 - Upset?

    Esme blinked. She backed away from him and he straightened up.


    Esme continued staring at the flowers. She did not pay him any attention nor did she bother to respond to his questions.


    Aleister was speechless. Earlier this day, she held his hand and dragged him to the dining room. But she was not even looking at him right now.


    ''''What happened?" He inched closer to her.


    Esme took two steps away from him.


    ''''Are you shy?" She must have fallen so deeply for him that she was unable to look at him now. Aleister sighed.


    When she heard that, Esme turned around to look at him, ''''Why would I be shy?"


    ''''Because of your endless adoration for me?"


    The corner of her lips twitched, ''''When did I say that I adore you?"


    ''''Exactly when you were not looking at me,'''' he raised an eyebrow.


    Esme held her gown in her hand before she stepped closer to him. She pressed her palms on his chest and pushed him away with all her strength.


    He did not budge an inch from his spot.


    Displeasure flashed in her eyes and she was about to retract her hands when he grabbed both her wrists with one hand and pulled her closer. His other hand wrapped around her waist, ''''You resemble a wild cat when you are angry.''''


    Esme struggled in his arms but the more she struggled, the more his grip tightened on her.


    His firm was enough to keep her in place but not enough to hurt her.


    ''''Let go of me.''''


    ''''You approached me first, how do you expect me to let go of you?" the corner of his lips tugged when her eyes narrowed further.


    It was interesting to provoke her because he knew how to push her buttons.


    Esme could not deny it. Be it today or be it that day near the cliff, 7 years ago, it was her who approached him. Today, she wanted to vent on him and that day, she wanted to save him from those assassins. How na?ve was she to think of him as a helpless poor boy?


    ''''Did something happen? Someone made you upset?" he asked, his voice slightly cold.


    Esme looked into his ice-blue eyes, ''''What if someone did? Why should I tell you? What will you do?"


    ''''I will tear them to pieces and feed them to scavengers. Would that suffice?" his voice was low and very casual, but his eyes assured his solemnity.


    ''''Tear yourself to pieces then,'''' Esme spoke without missing a beat, her expression equally casual, ''''The first person who made me upset is you.''''


    Aleister was stunned. He looked at her face for a moment before he ended up laughing, ''''What am I supposed to do with you?" He teased.


    She rolled her eyes, "Let go of me.''''


    ''''That can''t be. Ask for something else,'''' he shrugged, tightening his grip on her waist.


    Her body jerked towards him because of his action, ''''Stop talking to me,'''' Esme said emotionlessly, her voice slightly breathy.


    ''''Princess, you don''t know how to ask for things,'''' he pressed his forehead on hers, ''''How about I offer you another chance, hmm?'''' he whispered against her lips.


    Her eyes momentarily shifted to his lips and she stared at them, remembering the brief kiss that happened between them before. As his lips curved, she looked back into his eyes.


    ''''Now, this is the proper way of asking for things,'''' he said.


    ''''No, I¡­''''


    The rest of her words were drowned somewhere the moment he cupped her face and sealed her lips with his.


    Esme was too stunned to react but as his lips moved slowly against hers, her heart fluttered. Her hand found its way back to his chest, not to push him away this time, but to hold his shirt.


    ''''Breath, Princess,'''' he whispered, his warm breath tickling her lips.


    A soft gasp escaped her mouth when he captured it again. Starting with slow gentle strokes, his lips moved passionately against hers, turning all that gentleness in raw desire.


    His lips devoured her roughly as his tongue thrust inside her mouth, teasing and stroking her tongue.


    He sucked her bottom lips and pulled back to look at her.


    The sight of her made his throat run dry. Her eyes were limpid as she looked at him with that sensual expression on her face. It was unintentional of course but it could not help the things she did to her.


    ''''Let''s go to the room,'''' he said, tucking the loose strands of hair behind her ear.


    ''''Why?'''' Esme whispered, her gaze still stuck to his lips.


    Aleister watched as the tip of her tongue slowly peeked out and licked her bottom lips. If he had not known her better then he would have thought that she was seducing him.


    And hell, even that simple action of hers had him seduced completely. He wondered what kind of witchcraft was this.


    ''''Because I don''t want anyone to see you like this,'''' he grabbed her wrist and effortlessly pulled her into his arms, pressing her head on his chest.


    ''''You said no one is around,'''' Esme looked into his eyes.


    ''''Risks are inevitable.''''


    ''''I can hear the sound of their footsteps and tell you even before they come,'''' her voice was soft and airy.


    ''''Are you saying we should try things here?" He raised an eyebrow, ''''I didn''t expect you''d come to find this exciting.''''


    Her lips parted as she felt a suspicious warmth on her cheeks, ''''Come, let''s go to the room," he was twisting the meaning of her words.


    She turned around, intending to walk inside but he held her hand and pulled her back into his arms, ''''Certainly,'''' he said and in the next moment, their silhouettes disappeared from the royal gardens.


    Esme opened her eyes and shook her head to wave off the dizziness. She did not expect that he will teleport them to the room so the sudden action caught her off guard.


    Feeling his strong arms around her waist, Esme realized the position they were in.. She quickly stepped back from him and turned her face towards the fireplace.

 Chapter 102 - Expectations

    Aleister glanced at the side of her face, ''''Are you alright?"


    ''''I am," Esme replied softly, her face growing warm. But she was not certain if it was because of the warmth provided by the fireplace or the kiss they shared or the mere fact that they were both alone in this huge room after that kiss.


    And this time, it was not as fleeting as the last time. This time, she felt it, clear as the day, the way her heart was racing. How was she supposed to face him now?


    "Earlier¡­''''


    Was he going to talk about the kiss? ''''I.. It''s alright, You don''t have to mention it,'''' she mumbled.


    ''''Hmm? You don''t want to know about the book?"


    She turned around to face him when she heard that, ''''The book? I thought¡­''''


    ''''You thought that I was going to talk about how your lips felt against mine, that how I can''t wait to ravage them properly?" he watched in amusement as her face slowly turned red. Oh, the streak of shyness that she had! If only she knew how desirable it was.


    ''''N-Not that,'''' Esme inhaled a deep breath, intending to say her next words without stuttering, ''''We don''t know what those verses mean and we can''t read anything in that book. So, let''s talk about that later. I want to meet Arlan,'''' I want to run away from you as quickly as possible. The longer I stay here, the more embarrassing it feels.


    He grabbed her hand the moment she turned around, ''''It''s late. He should be asleep by now.''''


    ''''He sleeps late.. He must be training his powers,'''' Esme said without looking back at him.


    ''''I will let you go if you answer me first,'''' with that said, he twirled her hand. Her long hair fell in front of her shoulder as she turned to face him, ''''Why were you upset earlier? What did I do to offend you?"


    ''''Nothing,'''' Esme said with a straight face.


    ''''That''s not the Esme I know,'''' he stroked her wrist, "Do you not dare to say it?"


    ''''What''s there to be afraid of?'''' Earlier, she became muddle-headed after their kiss but now that he mentioned it, she felt that anger building up inside her, ''''I am upset because you were aware of everything. You knew that your father brought my family here, you knew that your family knew everything and you must have known that your father went to visit my aunt, disguised as a commoner. I am certain that you knew about it because along with the royal physicians, you also left some guards to take care of Aunt. But despite knowing everything, you kept me in the dark. How do you expect me to not be angry? We joined hands to work together and I share everything with you, even all of my bizarre dreams then why won''t you speak your mind? Why must you keep things from me?'''' She stepped away from him. The more she spoke, the more terrible she felt. She did not know when she started keeping expectations from him.


    Aleister glanced at her face, ''''That''s because I didn''t know how you would take it. I wanted to find a proper time to tell you about this.''''


    ''''And your proper time was for me to know this in the dining room? To be surprised by the sudden turn of events? Is it entertaining for you all to keep me in the dark? Do you even realize how awful it makes me feel?"


    ''''Awful?" Aleister''s gaze darkened, ''''As you said, we have just joined hands to help each other. You were supposed to help me avoid the marriage and I was supposed to help you find your brother. Now, you have reunited with your family, you will eventually return to your rightful position, to your Kingdom. Didn''t you always want that? To stay far away from me? What makes you feel awful when it is happening?''''


    Her eyes welled up with tears. Esme wiped them with the back of her hand. She picked up her gown with her fingers before running out of the room.


    As she ran, tears filled her eyes once again. She stopped running when she was far away from his room. She pressed a palm on the wall and panted softly. His words made sense. She had always wanted everything to go back to how it was, to have their family reunited, to put an end to this pretense of being lovers. She had always wanted that but what was happening to her now?


    Why was her mind wavering when everything was going just how she wished for it?


    The thought of going back to Nevesray¡­ why did it bother her so much?


    And why did Aleister matter to this point that he had the power to make her cry? Why did he affect her? Since when did she start lowering her walls for him?


    The myriad of emotions went through her heart and a teardrop slid down her left cheek, turning into a small sparkly pearl as soon as it landed on the floor.


    Esme wiped her tears with the back of her hand and inhaled a deep breath before walking in the direction of the room which was assigned to Arlan. She decided to not dwell on those thoughts which made her weak and helpless. It was best to keep them at bay.


    When Esme was no longer in sight, a person walked out from behind the distant pillar and approached the place where she was standing.


    It was none other than Liz. She squatted on the floor and picked up the pearl in her hand, examining it closely. A flicker of red flitted through her pupils and the corner of her lips tugged up.


    ''''Liz?"


    Liz wrapped her fingers around the pearl and blinked before she stood up. She turned around to look at the handsome face of the man who called her, ''''Keith,'''' she pounced into his arms.


    Keith Reiner, the head gardener paused for a split second before he reacted and wrapped his arms around her waist, ''''What if someone sees us here?''''

 Chapter 103 - Roping Him Over

    ''''There is no one around,'''' Liz whined.


    Keith nodded, ''''You are right. But what are you doing here?"


    ''''I was just passing by,'''' Liz looked at him with limpid eyes.


    ''''You look different,'''' Keith stroked her hair.


    ''''It must be because I am tired.''''


    ''''I will escort you to your room,'''' he turned around to walk in that direction with a hand resting on her waist but what he missed was the way her lips curved up as soon as his back was facing her.


    ¡­


    Esme knocked on the door twice.


    ''''Who is it?'''' came a young voice from inside the room.


    ''''It''s me,'''' she replied.


    Soon, her ears picked up the sounds of hurried footsteps as Arlan approached the door and opened it for her.


    ''''Sister, you don''t need to knock,'''' he flashed his usual toothy grin at her.


    And Esme was momentarily dazed. For a moment, it felt like they were back in the old days where her Aunt would scold her, smear dirt across her face, and Arlan would flash this foolish smile at her to make her laugh.


    But then, those days were long gone.


    The slap of reality was too harsh for her. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that Arlan was not her own brother, but her eldest uncle''s illegitimate child.


    But that did not change her feelings for him. She grew up looking at him as her own little brother and nothing will ever change her heart.


    ''''How can I not knock?" Esme stepped inside the room, ''''You are not a child anymore,'''' she patted his shoulder.


    He was almost as tall as her, if not a bit taller.


    Arlan smiled shyly. ''''Sister, how have you been?" he asked as they sat on the wooden throne chairs near the table.


    ''''I am alright.''''


    ''''You look much better now. I like seeing you like this. I hated our Aunt for making you ugly on purpose every day. Now, you look like a princess and my only sister,'''' he nodded.


    Esme ended up laughing, ''''But she used to do it for our good.''''


    ''''She tried to hide us away from the world. What good is there in hiding?" Arlan''s voice was laced with disdain, ''''Those who hide have something to be afraid of.''''


    ''''You know our uncle¡­''''


    ''''I know that he was after us, he wanted to kill us. But hiding from him made our lives more miserable,'''' Arlan looked at the ceiling, ''''We lived like rats because Aunt wanted us to but I have never liked that feeling. I''d rather die a glorious death than living such a disgraceful life.''''


    Esme glanced at him quietly.


    He averted his gaze from the ceiling to look at her, ''''Be honest with me sister. Don''t you think like this as well? All these years, haven''t you detested the way we lived?" he held her hand and looked into her eyes as if he was trying to look for an answer in them.


    She averted her gaze and blinked, ''''Arlan, what were you doing?''''


    Knowing that it was an indication that he wouldn''t get an answer to this, Arlan sighed, ''''I was training,'''' he raised his hand and an orange glow flickered at his fingertips but it was so faint that one can barely discern it.


    Esme frowned, ''''What happened to your powers¡­'''' Before she could finish speaking, the glow disappeared.


    Arlan scratched the back of his neck, ''''Maybe because I have not trained properly in the past few days.''''


    Esme narrowed her eyes.


    Arlan shifted in his chair.


    ''''Then you can train properly now,'''' a masculine voice came from the entrance of the room, and in the next moment three golden strikes aimed at Arlan''s forehead.


    He moved out of reflex and jumped off the chair. The chair burst to smithereens and Arlan flipped on the floor before pushing himself to his feet, ''''Brother-in-law,'''' he glanced at Aleister with worshiping eyes.


    Esme: "_"


    She did not turn to look at the man who entered the room.


    Aleister, on the other hand, was certain that nothing else sounded like music to him the way this ''brother-in-law'' did at this moment... The corner of his lips tugged up briefly. The elder brother-in-law was half maniac. And now that he has ended up provoking Esme, he knew he had to try to rope over the younger brother-in-law to his side.


    ''''Sister, did you glare at me?" Arlan turned to look at Esme when he felt her burning gaze on him.


    Esme smiled like a kind elder sister, ''''Your sister is not married yet so don''t address him as such. You should address the Prince properly,'''' she pushed herself to her feet.


    Arlan blinked, ''''But he is the only brother-in-law I have. Why can''t I address him as such?" Moreover, he did not think he would find someone more appropriate for his elder sister. Just based on the looks alone, all other men will fade when compared to the great Prince of Visteria.


    Esme''s lips thinned, ''''What if I end up marrying someone else?''''


    ''''How can that be? Only brother-in-law can be my brother-in-law. He is so powerful as well and I won''t have to worry about you all the time. Although you are my sister, I can''t lie and say that you are strong when you don''t have an ounce of power in your body,'''' Arlan nagged, ''''I am worried all the time that you might be blown away by the wind.


    Esme pursed her lips at his constant jabs. It was true that all the members of royal families possessed magical powers but she didn''t. Comparatively, she was blessed with some sleepwalking traits. She mocked it in her mind.


    ''''It''s the first time you are meeting him. Don''t jump to conclusions,'''' she said when she noticed Arlan''s glowing eyes focused on Aleister.


    ''''Brother-in-law, what''s that golden thing? Uh¡­ Can I call you brother-in-law?"


    The corner of his lips tugged up and Aleister opened his mouth, ''''Yes, you¡­''''


    ''''Arlan,'''' Esme interrupted him.


    Arlan turned to look at his sister when he heard her solemn voice.


    ''''We need to talk.''''


    ''''But¡­''''


    ''''You have yet to tell me what happened to you during this time when you went missing,'''' she interrupted Arlan and watched as he visibly stiffened at her words.


    ...


    A/N: If you like it so far, don''t forget to vote. And I''ll appreciate it if you can take some time out to write a review.


    The new cover will be out tomorrow ;)


    Have a good day/night <3

 Chapter 104 - Mind Controlling

    ''''Sister, I don''t think anything remarkable happened during that time,'''' Arlan scratched the back of his neck.


    ''''Then, what were you doing in the Enchantment Forest, the illusionary trap, how did you write that letter and leave it there? How did you reach Nevesray?" Esme stepped towards him.


    Arlan retreated two steps back. Unlike him, his sister did not possess any magical powers. Still, he was intimidated by her at times.


    Aleister crossed his arms in front of his chest. It looked like this younger brother-in-law is hiding something. He wondered if Esme noticed it as well.


    Arlan looked around the room as if he was looking for an answer on the walls, ''''Sister, I¡­ I was just passing by.''''


    ''''Be honest,'''' Esme sighed.


    ''''Nothing happened,'''' his fingers curled into a fist.


    She frowned. She quietly looked at his face for some time before she stepped forward and looked into his eyes.


    Arlan was about to avert his gaze but the moment he looked into her eyes; he was unable to look away. It was as if something held him captive in his place.


    Aleister''s brows tugged together. He understood what she was doing and as much as he wanted to stop her, he was certain that she won''t listen to him. Esme wanted answers and for that she would go to any extents.


    ''''When you find it overwhelming, stop,'''' he whispered.


    She heard him but there was no reply from her. The corner of his lips twitched. She was still angry over their argument that took place in his room earlier.


    Was she going to hold a grudge over it?


    Esme quietly looked into Arlan''s eyes, directing all her focus on it. Her throat ran dry and a wave of dizziness hit over her but she fought it, trying her best to stay awake.


    ''Thud''


    Arlan dropped to his knees.


    Esme stepped back from him, ''''Who are you?"


    ''''Arlan Reis,'''' he answered, his face was expressionless.


    Every time she used this mind-controlling power of her, her body will become weak for days. Despite knowing that, Esme decided to take this step today because there was something amiss. She could feel it but she could not put her finger on it.


    Her brother was right in front of her but there was something strange around him. It sounded bizarre but she felt it.


    By doing this, the truth will be out. Or atleast, they will find something useful that will help them connect the dots.


    ''''Do you know who I am?" Esme asked.


    Arlan tilted his head, his brows tugged together as his blank eyes glanced at her, ''''You¡­ look like my sister but you are not her. She is weak and delicate.''''


    Esme did not stop looking into his eyes. Weak and delicate. That''s how their Aunt has been painting her to the world so that she would stay out of dangers. But that only made those filthy men make attempts to lay their hands on her over and over again. ''''Did you mysteriously disappear weeks ago?" she tried to not let her mind wander in the matters of the past.


    ''''I¡­.'''' there was a hint of conflict on his blank face, ''''I don''t remember anything,'''' he said softly.


    ''''Anything? How can you not remember anything? How did you end up in the Enchantment Forest? How did you go to Nevesray? What happened to you during this period?"


    ''''I don''t know. I remember my elder sister and I left our house to go to the market. We told Aunt that we will be back soon. After that, I remember waking up in my old room back in the Royal Castle of our kingdom. Anything that happened in between, I can''t remember it at all,'''' Arlan spoke in a daze.


    ''''Why did you lie about it? Why didn''t you tell anyone that you have lost your memories?" Esme tried to hold his hand, ''''Stand up.''''


    He retracted his hand and kept kneeling, ''''Because I didn''t want my sister to be worried.''''


    Esme''s face softened, ''''Do you remember anything? Anything that you find strange?"


    ''''A woman. She will burn me alive, eat my soul or shatter it little by little,'''' the corner of his eyes turned red, ''''That''s what she said in my dream and I keep dreaming of her. She is¡­ scary.''''


    ''''How did she look like? Do you remember her?"


    ''''She¡­ I have seen her shadow. Sometimes, her silhouette.''''


    Esme frowned, sweat droplets trickled down her forehead, ''''How did your powers regress so much?''''


    ''''I don''t know. I can''t use them. It feels like I have lost all my powers and what I have right now is an illusion,'''' a teardrop rolled down his cheek even though his face remained emotionless, ''''That day when we left our house and were walking through the alley, I flaunted my powers and promised my sister that I will protect her forever but it looks like I can''t do it anymore. I am so weak now,'''' Tears rolled down his cheeks as he spoke.


    Esme''s breathing was ragged at this point. She closed her eyes and the connection between their minds snapped.


    Arlan''s body jolted as he shook his head, trying to shake off the dizziness.


    Aleister placed a hand on Esme''s lower back.


    Esme glanced at him.


    ''''Why am I¡­. kneeling?" Arlan blinked in confusion as he pushed himself to his feet.


    Esme stepped towards him. She raised her hand to pat his head, ''''You don''t need to worry about protecting me. You have done that for a long time. Now, I just want you to rest, recover from anything that haunts you and do things that make you happy. Meanwhile, it is my turn to protect you,'''' And to avenge you.


    The person who has done this to Arlan, she won''t forgive them. Her bright and cheerful brother is now masking his miseries behind a fake smile while living in a confused state.


    There was a ruthless glint in her eyes. Arlan saw such expression on her face very rarely.


    Esme turned around and walked towards Aleister before pressing her face on his chest, ''''Cough¡­''''


    Aleister tilted his head down and his face darkened.

 Chapter 105 - Detestable Cat

    When Aleister saw the blood patches on his chest, he carried Esme in his arms without a moment''s delay and turned around to leave.


    ''''Brother-in-law, my sister¡­''''


    ''''She is tired and needs some rest. Meanwhile, you need to sleep early as well lest you end up becoming a weakling,'''' Aleister glanced at him from above his shoulder, ''''Wake up early and go to train with the Chief of the royal guards,'''' With that said, he left.


    Arlan''s face which dimmed at the first sentence quickly lit up at his consequent words. ''''He is good-looking, neither old nor has filthy intentions like those influential men in the village who eyed  sister. He is powerful, cares about sister, cares about me¡­'''' he paused for a moment before continuing, ''''I was not wrong about it. He is the best man for sister,'''' he nodded in appreciation but another wave of dizziness hit him.


    Arlan winced before climbing on the bed. He would really end up as a weakling at this rate.


    ¡­


    ''''How do you feel? I told you to stop, didn''t I?'''' Aleister kicked the door with his foot and entered the room, his gaze stuck to the woman in his arms whose face was pale as a sheet.


    ''''Stop nagging,'''' Esme glanced at the bloodstains on his shirt, ''''I will wash it for you.''''


    ''''It is a wonder how I stop myself from strangling you at times like this,'''' he spoke through gritted teeth.


    Esme wrapped an arm around his neck. Her body was so weak that she felt like she would slide off from his hold and fall down at any moment, ''''Like you said, we will go our different paths. I don''t want to owe you anything more than I already do. Who knows if you will come to taunt me in the future?" she looked at his face.


    Aleister placed her on the bed before squishing her cheeks in his palms, ''''You are already at this state. Is it necessary to fight with me?"


    Esme''s lips formed a pout because of his tight hold on her cheeks, ''''You started it.''''


    ''''Did I?"


    Esme grabbed his finger and his grip loosened on her index fingers. She closed her eyes while holding his hand, ''''I want to pay you back for everything. I want to apologize to you for my assumptions regarding you in my initial days in the castle. I want to be able to help you with anything I can.....'''' His face softened at her words. He leaned closer to hear her words as  her lips moved slowly, ''''¡­.before I leave.''''


    Aleister''s face darkened. He placed the tip of his finger on her cheek, ''''Are you that eager to leave?'''' he whispered but there was no response from her.


    He pushed himself to his feet and walked towards the bathroom. He raised his finger and a golden ray shot out of it, aimed at the painting on the wall. As soon as it touched the painting, the wall split open revealing an entrance.


    Aleister was about to step inside but his footsteps paused when he heard some noises. ''''Come out.''''


    As soon as the words left his mouth, there was a movement near the window and a huge white figure leapt inside the room. It stopped in front of the bed.


    Aleister glanced at Leo from behind the curtains, ''''She is sleeping. I will roast you and feed you to wolves  if she wakes up.''''


    Leo let out a small protesting growl before he walked towards him and lowered his head in front of Aleister.


    The corner of his lips twitched, ''''Are you asking for a pat?'''' Aleister raised an eyebrow.


    Leo glanced at him with his sparkly eyes that loudly said ''Yes''.


    ''''Oh? Have you turned into a cat?" he mocked before ignoring the feral''s whines as he turned around and  stepped inside the underground passage.


    Leo followed after him quietly. That human girl is a decent one. At least, she won''t detest him when he asks for pats. That makes a difference.


    Aleister descended the stairs and walked towards the table in the middle of the study room, ''''You want to ask for pats?'''' he asked Leo while looking at the parchments kept on the table.


    Leo growled as an affirmation.


    ''''Then you should cling to her,'''' Aleister said, his gaze roaming through the books in the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.


    Leo growled in protest. Cling to her? Is it not detestable now? Is that not a catty trait?


    Aleister stepped  towards the shelf in the corner and picked up a book with an unremarkable brown cover. He picked it up and flipped through the pages, ''''She wants to leave,'''' he said while his fingers grabbed a parchment hidden between the pages.


    Leo roared. Stop her then, Master. You need some progress!


    ''''I can''t force her to stay against her will, can I?" he turned to look at Leo, ''''I am a decent man. It would be unfair of me to do this to a lady..''''


    Leo: "_"


    The more he saw his Master, the more he understood what narcissism meant.


    Aleister opened the parchment before reading the words written on it.


    ''Not to be tamed, not to appear


    Neither by a battle hymn nor by holy water


    Sin in the pulse, blessing in the eyes


    A part divine, two parts in rise


    Unseen til'' the rebel blood is dropped twice''


    ''''What a strange way to phrase things,'''' Aleister clicked his tongue in frustration.


    No matter how lame it was, it was the only way that will help them find out the words written in that book.


    ''''Hmm?'''' he raised an eyebrow when Leo stepped towards him,, ''''Do you perhaps know what this means?" He extended the parchment towards him when he noticed his curious expression on his face.


    Leo extended his paw and scratched Aleister''s palm lightly.. A drop of blood oozed out of the cut and he stared at the feral before looking back at the parchment in his hand.

 Chapter 106 - Treasure Or Torture?

    Aleister couldn''t decipher much of the verse written on the parchment because the words were confusing. And if he had to listen to his inner voice, then it looked like a child was babbling random things and ended up writing this.


    But what he understood was that it was connected to blood.


    When they went to the church and found that book named ''The Sea Creatures'', it had no words in it. The pages were empty but the bookshelf where it was kept had these strange lines carved on it. And since the first time he read it, he knew that the words on the book would appear only by blood.


    But the question remained¡­ whose blood?


    And it was not answered until Esme talked to him about her dream, where she transformed into something else. A half human, half-fish, into a mermaid. It was only then did he consider the possibility.


    Even though the chances were low, it was the only possibility that he could see at the moment.


    The book of mermaids probably could be read with a mermaid''s blood. That too depended on what extent of Esme''s dreams resonated with reality.


    But what he did not expect was for Leo to point at his blood out of nowhere.


    Aleister massaged his forehead. What connection could he possibly share with the mer people? How would his blood help in reading the book about them?


    He raised his finger and aimed it at Leo who was still looking at the parchment.


    A golden ray shot out of his finger and Leo growled when he sensed the danger hanging above his head but it was too late because by this time, he had transformed into a furry white cat.


    His roar came out somewhat like ''''Meow~''''


    ''''Cough¡­'''' There must be some mistake. With that thought, Leo tried once again, ''''Meooowww~'''' No mistakes. He has indeed transformed into a feline.


    ''''You will be coming with us tomorrow,'''' Although he did not understand how he was related to it, and how his blood could help, Aleister did not take Leo''s indications lightly.


    The next morning when Esme woke up, Aleister was nowhere to be seen.


    Unlike what she thought, her body did not feel weak.


    She was fine.


    ''''Is it because of him¡­?" she mumbled, not certain about it.


    Esme took a warm bath and later got dressed with the help of the servants. Usually, she would deny their assistance in getting ready but this time, her Aunt had sent them for her with a handwritten letter..


    The words written were as follows:


    ''You are going to be a Queen or a Princess. It is only right for you to get used to it again.''


    The words were simple and precise but the deep meaning behind them made her slightly uncomfortable.


    Her Aunt meant that she will become the Queen if she married Aleister but if she didn''t marry him, then she will be the Princess of Nevesray. Either way, she should not forget royal etiquettes.


    But what made Esme uncomfortable was the fact that her Aunt mentioned Queen ''OR''  Princess. Was she just not certain that Aleister will marry her or did she know something about the truth of their relationship?


    Not delving deeper into it, Esme got dressed in an olive coloured elegant gown. Her long wine-shaded hair was let down and her lips were painted with flower extracts, adding a soft pink glow to them.


    As she tilted her head, her gray eyes landed on her reflection in the mirror.


    The handmiadens glanced at her in awe, ''''My Lady, you really are beautiful,'''' one of them spoke up.


    ''''No wonder My Lord can''t let you go out of his sight,'''' another chirped.


    ''''With a face like this, he would of course keep you close to treasure you.''''


    Esme forced a smile on her lips. To treasure her or torture her? She was so weak yesterday but he was having his own share of fun squishing her cheeks.


    ''''You all can leave,'''' Esme waved her hand and all of them left the room at cue.


    She walked towards the window, ''''Leo, are you there?" there was no response. The beast rarely hovered around in the castle lately.


    Hearing the sound of approaching footsteps, Esme turned to look at the door.


    Adrian walked inside the room.


    She walked towards him.


    He placed a hand on her head and stroked her hair, ''''You look beautiful,'''' he said, looking at her with gentle eyes.


    ''''Thank you.''''


    ''''Are you angry?"


    ''''I don''t understand why everyone keeps asking me the same question. Am I angry?" Esme tilted her head, ''''Let me ask you. Did you do something to anger me?"


    Adrian sighed. He raked his fingers through hissilver  hair.


    Since he did not respond, Esme walked towards the bedside table before she picked up the glass of water from there.


    She then walked back and  handed it to him.


    Adrian glanced at the bed quietly for a few seconds before looking back at her, ''''Everything was so rushed that I did not get an opportunity to talk to you about it. But it will be fine now. Once, we are back to Nevesray¡­''''


    ''''I didn''t say anything about going back,'''' First her Aunt''s casual words and now her brother''s words. Did they not take it in consideration that she was Aleister''s lover?


    Even if that was a pretense to them but to the outside world, it''s the reality.


    ''''Do you intend to keep on persisting about you marriage with him?" Adrian sighed, ''''My dear little sister, you can fool the whole world, not me,'''' he raised his finger and a purple ray shot out of it, aiming at the place where the bed was.


    As soon as the ray hit the invisible barrier, it bounced back and dispersed into air.


    Adrian did not stop. This time, multiple purple rays shot out of his hand, transforming into swords as they aimed in the same direction.


    As they clashed with the invisible barrier, a golden glow appeared on the surface before it disappeared along with the swords.

 Chapter 107 - Long Time No See

    ''''Two separate beds. He did well with this invisible barrier which showed me and all outsiders only one bed in this room,'''' Adrian shook his head, ''''I almost believed that you two are lovers but you know what? I was still doubtful about it. I know you well enough to know that my sister would stay far away from a controlling narcissist, a ruthless man who would kill without any reasoning, who is heartless, cunning, and manipulative. And the Prince of Visteria happens to possess all these traits. How is it possible for you to fall for him?" He clicked his tongue.


    Esme quietly glanced at Adrian''s face while he spoke his thoughts regarding her relationship with Aleister. She did not think they could hide this from her family for long.


    ''''I kept feeling there was something amiss. I was certain that the relationship between you was not how you showed it to be. And as much as he did well in making the invisible barrier to fool me with the illusion of one bed, but you walked past it and picked up the water from your side of the bed. There were fluctuations in the barrier. Although they were minute but I sensed those fluctuations. This barrier feels different but I can''t put a finger on what''s different about it.''''


    ''''What you want to say now is¡­.?" Esme tilted her head.


    ''''That I won''t question you about anything. About why you pretended to be his lover or anything else. But it is time for us to go back to where we belong and I want to know your decision on it. You want to go back home right?"


    ''''Home? A home which stabbed my faith, which killed my childhood?"


    ''''Esme¡­'''' Adrian stepped towards her.


    Esme stepped back from him, ''''Home, it is. I will go there with you, brother. You didn''t have to ask me about it. I don''t belong here,'''' she expressionlessly said.


    Adrian smiled. He patted her head, ''''Good girl,'''' he turned to look at the two beds in the room, which were separated by a curtain, ''''I will make separate living arrangements for you.''''


    ''''There is no need,'''' Esme shook her head, ''''Since we are leaving soon, let me stay here till then. I kept having nightmares and kept sleepwalking since the day I came to the Castle. This is the only place where I feel safe.''''


    ''''That man is dangerous,'''' a vein popped on his forehead as his fingers curled into a fist.


    ''''Is he?" Esme turned around and walked towards the window. She placed her hands on the windowsill and glanced at the bright sky, ''''He feels safe, brother,'''' her voice was so light that her words would have dispersed in thin air if they weren''t being paid attention to.


    ''''You have been bewitched by him,'''' Adrian massaged his forehead.


    Esme turned around to look at him. She leaned back on the windowsill, ''''He is the one who has protected me from every danger that I faced here. How can I not feel safe with him? He must have bewitched me by protecting me, by lending me his shoulder when my family was busy protecting their secrets,'''' the corner of her lips tugged up into a smile that was neither polite nor disrespectful, but it contained a hint of mocking.


    Adrian frowned, ''''Princess, you¡­''''


    ''''The day has barely started brother. Let us not ruin it by arguing over unimportant things.''''


    Adrian closed his eyes and inhaled a deep breath, ''''I am doing it for your own good. You should think about it when you are calm. I have places to be so I will leave now.''''


    Esme glanced at his retreating back.


    ¡­


    Later, Esme went to the Royal Hunting Field. Yesterday, Aleister asked Arlan to train with the Chief of guards.


    The training ground for the soldiers was a part of the huge hunting field.


    The Davens'' castle and Enchantment Forest were separated by the large territory of the hunting ground. Once someone crosses it, they will reach the borders of the Forest. And venturing further into the forest would lead them to the sea.


    No matter how many times she thought about it, Esme was always in awe of the place Daven''s castle was situated in. Surrounded by the mystical enchantment forest and the vast stretch of sea, it could not have been more unreal.


    But as they say, beauty brings disaster. And she had felt her blood turning cold over many incidents since the day she stepped inside the castle.


    The most dangerous things have the greatest allure.


    And this castle was probably one of those dangers.


    The guards standing at the entrance bowed at her and let her in without any questions. Everyone''s attitude towards her has been cautious and respectful because of Aleister.


    As Esme stepped inside, she witnessed a sight that made her gasp.


    Arlan was lying on the ground, beaten and bruised and there were a group of people standing around him.


    Her gaze did not wander to them even once as she rushed to him. ''''Arlan,'''' Esme squatted on the ground, not caring about her etiquettes or the edge of her gown which was sweeping the dust. She supported him by his elbow.


    ''''Cough¡­'''' Arlan wiped the blood from the corner of his lips, ''''Sister, I am fine.''''


    Esme frowned. She placed the tip of her index finger on his cheek and poked it hard.


    Arlan winced.


    ''''Fine like this? Beaten black and blue?" Esme narrowed her eyes.


    ''''It was the Prince Arlan''s wish for us to spar with him.''''


    ''''He is neither trained nor as experienced as you are,'''' the voice was familiar but she did not bother to check who it was. Esme replied to the person''s words.


    ''''Sister, Sir Rowan is right. I wanted to learn properly. And it can be done only when they spar with me seriously instead of treating me delicately,'''' Arlan rolled his eyes.


    Esme''s expressions shifted slightly when she heard the name. Rowan? Wasn''t he Aleister''s right-hand man?


    She tilted her head to look at him.


    The man nodded at her, ''''Long time no see, Princess,'''' he smiled politely.


    Esme pushed herself to her feet and extended her hand towards Arlan.

 Chapter 108 - That Young Boy

    ''''I am fine, sister,'''' Arlan quickly stood up and flexed his muscles to prove his point, ''''Do you know each other?"


    Esme nodded at him before she turned to look at Rowan, ''''It has been a few days since I last saw you.''''


    ''''I have been busy with the matters at hand,'''' he stared at her for a moment and then averted his gaze.


    Esme frowned. Was it a glare directed at her?


    ¡­


    ''''All these years¡­. did you ever feel remorse for what you did to me?" Duke Elias, now the newly appointed King approached Marlene.


    He waved his hand and  the maids and doctors emptied the room, leaving both of them alone.


    Marlene sat up on the bed, ''''We have not got the chance to talk properly since yesterday. Coming here was an unplanned event.''''


    ''''That was not an answer to my question,'''' Elias strode towards her until he was standing near the edge of the bed.


    ''''I was in my early 20s when I fled from our Kingdom and 7 years have passed. I just realized that it has been a very long time.''''


    ''''And that was a wrong answer as well,'''' Elias looked straight into her eyes, ''''I want you to speak your heart rather than going around in circles like this.''''


    Marlene leaned back on the headboard, ''''Elias¡­.''''


    Elias was a bit taken aback for this was the first time she took his name so informally, without any unnecessary addressing.


    Marlene stepped out of the bed but her body staggered.


    He held her elbow and supported her body.


    She smiled, ''''I think staying in bed the whole day did this to me.''''


    Elias narrowed his eyes, ''''Or maybe it was your own carelessness towards your health.''''


    ''''How could it be?'''' Marlene ended up laughing as she retracted her hand from his grip, ''''You know when I was told that I was going to marry you?" she glanced at him.


    ''''Hmm?"


    ''''When I was very small, I remember my father telling me about the benefits of marrying into the Duke''s residence. He told me that I had to be the perfect bride for you when we grow up,'''' Marlene looked at him but he felt like she was looking at someone else right through him, ''''And I¡­. rejected it. But that very evening I saw that cold-faced boy stealing glances at me while pretending to look at the sky.''''


    His lips parted, ''''You noticed that?" He was curious about her because he was told that she was the one he was going to marry.


    ''''It was pretty apparent,'''' Marlene laughed, ''''Then following that, I kept seeing him around the castle. Sometimes, he''d be talking to my handmaidens about my likes and dislikes while at times, he would send me rare flowers as presents. I was hailed as a young talent back in those days. I had to maintain my reputation and I had to live upto my father''s expectations, to not bring shame to my family because all my siblings were outstanding so I tried my best. I trained till my body was exhausted and till my powers would no longer work. At times, I ended up fainting but I remember receiving colorful candies from that boy. He said something like ''I heard girls are fond of this. Maybe, a little bit of sweet is all you need''.''''


    Elias could remember his words as if he said them yesterday. Those days were still as vivid in his mind.


    ''''Over time, I wanted to spend more time with him and the smile on his face told me that he couldn''t ask for more. But they say good things attract evil eyes just like we did. He was a Duke, destined to leave the kingdom, go to war. I was left alone and I felt emptier than before,'''' Marlene lowered her head and looked at her palm, ''''Being alone is a very powerful feeling. The coldness it provides can become the best shield for one''s heart. But once you get a taste of warmth, you start craving it. That happened to me. Days started feeling like months without him.''''


    And she did not know how long it took her to get up from the bed and not look at her sickly and swollen face in the mirror. All she remembered was that one day, she just woke up with a new determination in her heart. She was determined to become stronger to be the best wife for him, to let him see the woman she has grown into.


    ''''But by the time he came back, he was no longer the ray of sunshine that I remembered. He was hailed as a merciless soldier and one could sense the bloodlust in his eyes whenever he went to spar. He looked at me like a stranger. I realized that he had changed and somewhere so did I. Because unlike before, I didn''t bother to approach him. I didn''t ask him if he remembers me. I realized I had changed when I was catering to his family''s needs, getting to know their likes and dislikes so I can be a good daughter-in-law and make my family proud. It was not about being his wife anymore. I never realized when we drifted apart.''''


    Elias quietly glanced at her before he raised his hand towards her face. He wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes with his knuckles.


    ''''It was a very long time before we grew fond of each other once again, like those old days. But things were never meant to work out in our favor. Because everything only got worse with  time. The King passed away, his younger sister ascended the throne, unified the factions and was hailed as one of the greatest queens. She got a daughter out of nowhere and followed by it, there was an illegitimate son too. And when everything started looking fine, she mysteriously disappeared leaving the kingdom to her younger brother, and her children¡­. to me.''''


    ''''Do you think you are mistaken?" Elias spoke after a long moment of silence.


    Marlene snapped out of her reverie, ''''About?"

 Chapter 109 - People Talk

    ''''About that boy?" Elias raised an eyebrow. He held her hands gently, his thumb stroking the back of her palms, ''''For someone who sent candies for you, who was curious about your likes and dislikes, who liked stealing glances, how could he grow apart from you that easily? Maybe all those years when you both were apart, he used to think of you as well. He used to imagine what it would be like to go back to you. But when he came back, you were no longer the same. Your younger self was just hidden somewhere beneath that aloof exterior you put so he was determined to win your heart once again. Maybe you were wrong all along?"


    Marlene''s eyes teared up. Growing up, she was taught to be a good daughter-in-law and a proper duchess, not a wife. And she did not realize when she was molded into it, when she became so aloof. ''''I regretted it,'''' a soft sob left her mouth, ''''I regretted talking so harshly to you before I left the Kingdom with Esme and Arlan.''''


    ''''Then why did you leave?" Elias pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly.


    ''''Because I had to do it. Esme is my responsibility. We  owe her mother and I could not have left her there to die¡­''''


    ''''Does she know?" Elias asked after a moment of silence.


    Marlene glanced at him.


    ''''Does she know the truth about her mother?"


    Marlene stiffened, ''''Esme should never know about it. We can never tell her that her mother is¡­.'''' Her eyes deepened.


    ¡­


    ''''Take some rest,'''' Esme patted Arlan''s head.


    ''''Sister, stop worrying about me." Arlan pointed his chin towards the physician who was treating his wounds.


    Earlier when they left the training grounds, Rowan suggested that he would escort them back to their rooms. On their way, Esme decided to get the physician to treat Arlan''s wounds. But Arlan could still see the worry lines on her face.


    He felt guilty. He wanted to be stronger but it looks like he ended up upsetting his sister.


    ''''I will stop worrying after you stop being impulsive,'''' Esme smiled softly, ''''There is no war going on and even if there is, I don''t want you to rush things. It''s fine if you want to be stronger but take things at their own pace lest you end up having broken bones even before you could learn anything.''''


    ''''Princess, we are trained. You don''t need to worry about Prince Arlan having broken bones. We know how to control our strength,'''' Rowan frowned. Was she suggesting that they intended to harm the Prince or was she saying that they did not know when to stop?


    ''''You don''t need to be offended. I''m merely worried about my brother,'''' Esme turned around to leave.


    Rowan: ''''_" Your face says otherwise.


    He followed after her.


    ''''You don''t need to follow me. I can be on my own from here,'''' Esme said without turning back to look at him.


    Rowan was stunned. He was clearly walking at a distance from her and his footwork had been controlled so she would not sense his presence then how did she know?


    But then, he was not that surprised. The last time she was sleepwalking, she had strangled his neck with such astonishing strength that he thought he was going to die right there and then.


    ''''Why didn''t you clarify back in the training grounds?'''' Rowan asked her.


    Esme''s footsteps came to a halt. Back in the training grounds, most of the guards misunderstood her relationship with Arlan because they know her as Aleister''s lover, not as the princess of Nevesray.


    They made many harsh and crude comments.


    ''''Do you think she is trying to seduce the young Prince of Nevesray?"


    ''''Why would the Lord choose a woman like her to be his wife?"


    ''''How is she worthy roof being our Queen?''''


    They were whispering amongst themselves but unbeknownst to them, Esme could hear everything. Sometimes, this extraordinary hearing ability was more of a bane than a boon. She would rather not hear such things.


    ''''There is no need to clarify.''''


    ''''They were badmouthing you,'''' Rowan frowned. If there was anyone else in her place, they would clarify the misunderstanding to save their reputation.


    ''''People talk. It''s not my place to go around telling them that they are wrong. They are only making a fool of themselves,'''' Esme continued walking.


    It made sense. When they know her identity, they will be embarrassed without the need for her to do anything. ''''You aren''t bothered by it?"


    ''''Should I be bothered about it?" Esme turned to look at him, ''''It''s not just about the soldiers, even the servants and the ministers of the court are on the same page. I have nothing to do with them.''''


    ''''In fact, the ministers are only concerned about the Prince and the future of the Kingdom. It might sound superstitious but it has been chaotic ever since you came to the Castle,'''' And although Aleister dealt with everything efficiently, the amount of troubles coming their way has increased too. ''''Since you will be leaving soon, everything will fall in its place,'''' he was aware that it was just an act between her and the Prince despite the man''s obvious interest in her. So, since her family is here, he guessed that she will leave soon.


    Rowan frowned. Initially, he did not say much because she appeared like an ordinary girl who was once a princess in the past. But now, he could say that this Princess was a mysterious person in his opinion no matter how he saw it.


    ''''Thank you for escorting me back to the room,'''' Esme nodded at him and stepped inside, without replying to his words regarding her departure.


    ¡­


    As usual, Esme did not see Aleister the whole day and she concluded that he was busy with the court affairs or the murder cases in the Kingdom.


    She had her lunch inside the room and later she tried to find Leo but she could not see him around.


    In the end, she ended up going to the library in the castle.

 Chapter 110 - Unveiled Mysteries

    Esme spent a few hours in the library, looking through the books about the history of Visteria and the maps of the cities and Enchantment Forest. But soon, a servant came to inform her about Duchess Flora''s invitation for dinner.


    ''''Will the Prince be there?" Esme asked him.


    ''''I heard My Lord is out for some work matters and he has yet to come back.''''


    ''''I see.''''


    On her way to the dining room, she overheard a few court officials talking about ''those people'' once again. A few days ago, she heard that some people will be coming to Visteria to lend a hand for the investigation of the consecutive death occurrences in the kingdom.


    They were coming from a faraway land. Esme wondered what their origin could be for them to be talked about. They sounded like a formidable existence.


    The dining table was not as quiet as usual because of the presence of her family.


    Duchess Flora smiled at her warmly, ''''You are here. Come, take a seat.''''


    Esme nodded at all of them. King Alexander was seated on one head of the grand dining table and on the other head, King Elias was there.


    Duke Maverick was sitting on King Alexander''s right and Adrian was seated to his left while Marlene was sitting on Elias''s right side and to his left, there was Arlan.


    Duchess Flora patted the seat next to her, ''''Come here, daughter.''''


    Esme smiled at the woman. Initially, it was a bit awkward but over time, she was touched by the woman''s warmth.


    She walked towards them and sat on the chair in the middle of Duchess Flora and her Aunt.


    "We are meeting after such a long time,'''' King Alexander spoke to Elias, ''''Don''t mention about leaving anytime soon.''''


    ''''If it was before, I would have loved to stay longer, my friend. But I have responsibilities now. I need to deal with the Kingdom matters and the court is in chaos because of the royal family''s disappearance,'''' Elias raised an eyebrow.


    Alexander was stunned for a moment before he burst into laughter, ''''Don''t tell me you left the Kingdom without informing anyone about it?''''


    Elias shrugged, not looking the least bit regretful about it. He had to do it. As soon as Adrian informed him about Marlene''s whereabouts, he dropped all his work and rushed to Visteria. She kept running from him for so long that he wanted to chase her this time.


    They missed out on each other for years and Elias wanted to ensure that it won''t happen this time again.


    Esme was not fazed by their informal way of talking and friendly conversations after her Aunt told her that both of them are acquaintances.


    King Alexander was around two decades older than Elias who was in his early 30s but it seemed like they got along pretty well.


    ''''When should we start the arrangements for the wedding?'''' Duke Maverick spoke up when the table went quiet.


    ''''Cough¡­'''' Esme choked on the food that she just ate. Her eyes teared up as she coughed. She hurriedly wiped her tears.


    ''''Oh my¡­'''' Duchess Flora patted her back.


    Marlene offered her a glass of water, ''''Eat slowly.''''


    ''''Are you alright, Princess?" Elias glanced at her worriedly.


    Esme sipped the water before nodding, ''''I am fine.''''


    Elias nodded at her. He glanced at Duke Maverick, ''''We can start making the preparations as soon as we reach there,'''' he noticed the strange appearance of the King''s younger brother.


    Sunken eyes, pale face, purplish lips and he was sitting on a wheelchair too. The man looked way older despite being the same age as him. Elias could not help but wonder if there was something wrong with his health.


    ''''My sister is leaving with us,'''' Adrian spoke up and the table fell silent at his words.


    Esme''s fingers curled around her spoon. She tilted her head and their eyes met briefly. She shook her head slightly.


    Adrian''s eyes narrowed.


    Duke Maverick contemplated over it before he nodded, ''''According to customs, it is only right if she marries from her home.''''


    ''''I don''t think that''s necessary. Both my son and my daughter-in-law adore each other. It''s only right for them to get married and stay together as soon as possible rather than following a bunch of old customs,'''' Alexander even rolled his eyes at his younger brother towards the end.


    Duke Maverick: "_" They are already staying together, aren''t they? And did you just call me old, brother?


    His inner grievances were heard by no one.


    Everyone on the table knew that the King was just casually saying his opinion as a father the moment he said ''son and daughter-in-law''. So, Duchess Flora did not think twice before speaking, ''''I believe our daughter should go back to her Kingdom and rightfully marry from there,'''' she glanced at Alexander, ''''Brother, you should know the kind of rumors going around in the castle. It is only right if we follow the traditions so the ministers have nothing to fuss about.''''


    Alexander thought about it for a few seconds before nodding.


    Adrian did not say anything to reveal the truth of their relationship and Esme relaxed in her chair. She did not want them to know about it knowing how much it would hurt them.


    While Esme was thinking about it, her gaze landed on Arlan who had been quiet during the whole dinner. Yesterday when she controlled his mind, he revealed that he lost most of his recent memories and almost all of his powers.


    Using this ability of hers had drained her strength. Despite sleeping for so long, she was feeling sluggish today and everything that was happening was more worrisome to her.


    What worried her was that once she left Visteria, all the mysteries that she was trying to unveil will forever be buried under dust. Her powers, her dreams, her nightmares, the mystery behind Arlan''s disappearance, the consecutive deaths and Liz''s weird recent actions, the mer people and the merman who disappeared into the well in front of their eyes¡­.. All of these mysteries will never be unveiled.

 Chapter 111 - Not A Human

    Esme had a hunch that all these matters were related to each other but how?


    And apart from everything else, she did not want to leave that person¡­


    Esme closed her eyes as soon as that thought crossed her mind.


    ''''Pretty lady¡­''''


    Arlan''s voice snapped Esme out of her daze.


    She found him looking at Duchess Flora who smiled sweetly at him, ''''Have we met before, little Prince?"


    ''''I am just a few years younger than my sister. How am I little?" Arlan''s whined, ''''Oh, I remember now. I saw your portrait on the Castle wall and I was thinking who this pretty lady could be.''''


    ''''Don''t be rude, Arlan,'''' Marlene narrowed her eyes at him.


    ''''I complimented her. How was I being rude?" Arlan rolled his eyes. Their Aunt had a problem with everything they did.


    ''''Then I shall thank the Prince for his compliment,'''' Duchess Flora smiled.


    Duke Maverick leaned closer to Duchess Flora, ''''My wife is indeed beautiful,'''' he whispered into her ear.


    ''''You¡­'''' Her cheeks turned red, ''''He is a child. But is it proper for you to say such things at such places?" she glared at him.


    Duke Maverick shrugged.


    ''''It''s good to see everyone is happy,'''' Esme softly said.


    ''''Indeed. Only if that unfilial son was here,'''' Alexander massaged the spot between his brows. It looks like the time for another proper discussion with Aleister was approaching. He was becoming more and more unruly.


    And the mention of that person took Esme back to her original thought where she strayed away from.


    About not wanting to leave him.


    After dinner, Esme paced back and forth in the room. She patted her cheeks which were turning hot with each passing second, ''''Why would I think like that? Why would I not want to leave him?'''' her thoughts flew back to the kiss they shared in the garden and she bit her lips.


    Esme tugged her hair, ''''Uhh¡­'''' she walked towards his bed and picked up the pillow before poking it hard, ''''You¡­ You are not allowed to do anything to me from now on. I must be having such thoughts because of seeing you all the time. But I didn''t see you around all day long and I don''t even know where you are then why I am still thinking of you?" she threw the pillow away in annoyance.


    But a moment later, she grabbed it again, ''''Can''t you inform me before you leave? Why must I wake up in an empty room every day? It is very unpleasant¡­.'''' Esme realized something wrong with her words, ''''But it''s more improper to wake up to his face.''''


    She hurriedly threw the pillow away, ''''I must be out of my mind¡­.'''' She was even talking to a pillow. That man angered her to the point that she lost her calm.


    Esme was about to inhale a deep breath when she heard a loud crashing sound near the window.


    She was startled.


    As soon as she turned her face towards the window, her eyes widened in disbelief at what she witnessed.


    ''''Al,'''' she rushed towards the man who was lying on the floor with his back leaning against the wall. His face was deathly pale, ''''What happened to you?" she grabbed his hand but it felt cold to her touch.


    Esme patted his cheek, ''''Wake up¡­'''' she was about to say something when her nose caught the metallic scent in the air.


    She slowly moved and looked at his back, her gaze landing on the pool of blood on the floor. She could not see it earlier because she was squatting while facing him and he was wearing all black clothes.


    But now that she saw the pool of blood, she could see it dripping from his drenched clothes.


    ''''Aleister, what happened to you? Wake up¡­'''' Esme patted his cheeks, ''''You¡­ Did he die?" she hesitantly extended her finger towards his nose to see if he was still breathing.


    ''''I''m still alive. Bad for you,'''' Aleister mumbled under his breath without opening his eyes.


    ''''You are so detestable,'''' Esme gritted her teeth, ''''You were awake all this time then why were you lying like a corpse when I was so worried?"


    ''''It''s rare to see you being concerned about me,'''' the corner of his lips tugged up in what she would call an arrogant smirk.


    ''''If I had a word to describe you, it would be a colossal jerk,'''' she said indifferently.


    ''''My dear moon, quit spitting profanities at me. I am a man of morals, I get offended by these,'''' he shrugged.


    Esme''s reactions shifted briefly but since he had his eyes closed, he did not notice anything, ''''But you are a jerk. There is no going back on it,'''' she was about to stand up when he grabbed her wrist.


    ''''I am weak and fragile at this moment. Can you bear to leave me here, lying like this?" he opened his eyes and the pair of ice-blue eyes looked straight into her eyes.


    Esme clicked her tongue, shaking off his hand.


    ''''Sss¡­'''' Aleister pressed his palm on his chest.


    ''''Can you stop with the pretense? I am not falling for it again,'''' Esme walked towards the bed.


    Hearing no response from him, she frowned, ''''You¡­'''' She turned around to look at him and her lips parted when she saw the blood dripping from his chest down to his palm.


    Esme picked up her gown and ran towards him. ''''Can you stand up?" She tried to pull him up but his wound was inflamed in the process, intensifying the bleeding.


    ''''As much as you hate me, is it inhumane of you to kill me like this?" he mumbled under his breath.


    ''''I have better ways to kill you.''''


    ''''Not that you are a human though,'''' he sighed.


    Esme froze, ''''Did you discover something? Where did you go? Who did this to you?'''' Initially, she was so nervous after seeing him in this condition that she did not think about anything else.


    He must be pulling her leg as usual. She thought.. Yes, that must be it.

 Chapter 112 - Healing Him

    But now that she thought about it, Aleister is the strongest person she has encountered so far. Who could injure him like this? And by any chance, was it related to her? And what did he mean by she was not a human?


    It must be a joke. She forcefully stopped her racing thoughts.


    Apparently, the person who had answers to her questions was holding a grudge against her so he refused to talk to her.


    She placed his hand around her neck and wrapped an arm around his waist, ''''Hold me tightly,'''' she said as she tried to pull him up.


    He got to his feet, relying on the last bit of remaining strength in his body. Aleister leaned back on the wall, ''''Why would I hold onto something that is more than willing to run away from me?''''


    Knowing that he was referring to the matter of her going back to her kingdom, she kept quiet about it. ''''You are heavy,'''' she mumbled after some time as she tried to drag him towards the bed, ''''Heavier than you seem to be.''''


    He had a lean and muscular body but it looked like¡­.


    Esme shook her head, trying to shake off the dirty thoughts her mind was entertaining.


    ''''Don''t taint my holy self with your impure thoughts.''''


    ''''How did you¡­'''' know what I was thinking? Esme stopped herself from completing her words just in time. It would have been an embarrassment.


    ''''Your eyes were ravaging me unabashedly. I have to be blind¡­cough.. to not know,'''' his voice was hoarse, ''''As much as your lust is dominating because of my delectable appearance, you should hold back on an injured man.''''


    Esme speechlessly rolled her eyes.


    She helped him lie down on the bed, ''''Don''t talk if it hurts. I will get the physician for you,'''' she said, adjusting the pillow beneath his head.


    The moment she turned around, he grabbed her hand.


    Esme turned around to look at him, ''''Don''t¡­'''' his eyes were closing as he spoke. She leaned closer to hear what he was saying, ''''Don''t let anyone see me like this¡­.''''


    After saying that, he lost consciousness.


    Her brows tugged together as she glanced at him.


    After some time, Esme carefully undressed him. She threw his clothes to the floor and her gaze landed on the glaring purplish-red marks on his upper body.


    The wounds looked like they were caused by the whip and at most of the places, she could see the flesh peeking out of them.


    She closed her eyes for a moment before looking at his face, ''''Who did this to you?" she could not think of a single person who would be able to inflict a wound on him let alone harm him to this extent.


    She placed her hand on his chest, her finger stroked his wounds and a glow appeared on his skin, his garish wounds disappeared little by little gradually.


    While her fingers moved on his chest, Esme glanced at the headboard, ''''Do you know when I discovered I have healing powers, I was very shocked. But I have rarely used these powers and even if I did, I only used them for myself after I came to this castle. I never thought that one day, I will use my powers to heal you.''''


    She detested using her powers because she did not know what it would cost her in return. In her opinion, everything had a price and she did use her powers fearing that she would have to pay a price for it one day.


    Esme glanced at his face. His handsome face was awfully pale at the moment.


    Her gaze inadvertently shifted to his chest and her face turned a brighter shade of red. His muscles¡­. were quite toned and hard. She averted her gaze.


    It took her a lot of time to heal all the wounds on his upper body and her body was so exhausted that Esme did not realize when she ended up sleeping on his bed, with her face on his hand and her hand on his chest.


    When the clock struck 12, Esme''s eyes snapped open.


    She sat up on the bed, cautious of her surroundings.


    There was smoke coming from the fireplace as the fire was gone after the wood was burnt. The room was so dark that she could barely see anything.


    The moonlight pervading through the sheer curtains allowed a little light in the room.


    Esme glanced at Aleister''s peacefully sleeping face.


    Was it a dream?


    She was certain that she heard the sounds of approaching footsteps.


    ''Tap Tap Tap''


    She heard the sound again and her body stiffened. It was not a dream. There was someone around.


    When she could no longer hear the sound of the footsteps, Esme continued looking at Aleister.


    She wanted to go check who it was but at the same time, she was hesitant to leave him alone. ''''When you wake up, be thankful to me for protecting you,'''' Esme blinked as she looked at his face.


    She hesitantly extended her hand towards his face and poked his cheek, ''''You are not pretending to sleep, are you?'''' Hearing no response from him, her confidence grew and her finger moved to his nose bridge.


    Then she moved her finger to his eye, letting it glide over to his lashes. Under the moonlight, his features looked like that of an angel as he slept. But she was certain that it was an illusion. The moment he woke up, he would be no less than an arrogant devil.


    She stroked his eyelashes with the tip of her finger, ''''Yours are longer and prettier than most girls I have seen,'''' she sighed. This man was carved to perfection.


    Her thoughts trailed off when her gaze landed on his lips, ''''I always wanted to ask you¡­ why did you kiss me?'''' she whispered.. Perhaps because he was asleep, she could speak her mind without anything holding her back, ''''Did you do it on impulse?" her hand glided down his face and her thumb caressed his bottom lips.

 Chapter 113 - A Secret Passage

    Esme quickly pushed herself to her feet and stepped back from the bed in absolute horror, ''''Did my hand awaken a consciousness of its own? What is it doing?" she quickly moved to her bed, thanking the heavens that Aleister was sleeping at the moment. She would not have known how to face him otherwise.


    ''Tap Tap''


    There it was again. The sound of approaching footsteps.


    The noise diverted her attention.


    Esme waited for a long time on the bed but she could still hear the sound. It did not disappear this time unlike before.


    Under the pale glow of moonlight, she picked up her gown in her hand and walked towards the door.


    She walked out of the room and closed the door behind her slowly.


    Taking out a candle from the candle stand on the wall, she glanced around the hallway.


    There was no one in sight.


    Esme closed her eyes and tried to focus her ears on the sound of the footsteps.


    But she could not hear anything.


    ''''Was I hearing things?'''' Esme opened her eyes, a conflicted look appeared in them.


    She did not know why she was a bit uneasy.


    She turned to go back inside the room but her eyes landed on the bloody handprint on the door.


    Her footsteps staggered.


    Her hand flew to her mouth when she noticed the fresh blood flowing through the carved door.


    She slowly looked down only to notice the drops of blood on the floor.


    Esme lowered the candle in her hand and followed the bloodstains on the floor. There was neither wind nor storm today but for some reason, the hallways were dark, except for the two candle stands on either side of the door.


    The bloodstains led her to the hallway behind Aleister''s room.


    Her footsteps came to a halt when she realized where she was.


    When she came to the castle, she heard rumors about how everyone feared this part of the castle, how they dreaded the Prince, and how creepy this eerie hallway was.


    Later, a maid''s corpse was found from this hallway and the magistrate tried to accuse Aleister of killing that maid.


    Esme glanced at the wall. There were portraits of the current King and his ancestors.


    ''Drip Drip Drip''


    The hair on the back of her neck stood up when she felt something wet on her shoulder.


    Esme stiffened as she heard the sound of faint breathing.


    There was someone.


    Her fingers tightly gripped the candle in her hand and she slowly raised her head towards the ceiling, a layer of sweat covering her forehead.


    There was nothing except for a trail of water dripping from the ceiling. She released the breath she did not know she was holding.


    But it was only a moment later when she realized something. It was not raining today and even if it rained, then why would there be water dripping from these intricately built castle walls or ceilings?


    She broke out in cold sweat.


    Esme turned around to leave the place. Her body felt frail after she healed Aleister.


    But she knew that all these strange occurrences were not her hallucination nor was she seeing things because she was tired. She has not lost her mind.


    There was something very eerie about this place.


    ''''AHHHHH!"


    The shrill scream made her halt in her tracks.


    That familiar voice.


    Where did the sound come from?


    Esme stared at the floor blankly. She was certain that she heard the sound coming from there.


    ''''Who is there¡­Ah!!"


    ''Thud''


    The floor split open and Esme fell inside it. She instinctively curled her body but she could feel the bone-crushing pain near her right shoulder when she landed on a surface.


    She opened her eyes only to realize that she could no longer identify her surroundings.


    It was a huge room but there was no furniture around nor any light. The only source of light in the room was a grand glass chandelier hanging on the ceiling with candles on the top.


    ''''Sss¡­'''' Esme let out a shuddering breath as she propped her body on her elbow and sat up on the floor. She pushed herself to her feet and glanced at the mirrored wall on her left side. The whole wall consisted of a huge mirror.


    ''''It took you so long. I was bored waiting for you,'''' came a voice from behind.


    Esme spun on her heel, her lips thinning at the sight of the person she saw, ''''It''s you.''''


    ''''Indeed, it is me. Are you surprised?" Liz tilted her head to the side and smiled sweetly.


    But to Esme, that smile looked disgusting. The woman in front of her eyes was someone entirely different from how she had known her to be.


    Earlier when she was leaving this place, she had heard that shriek and she found the voice familiar. She recognized it to be Liz''s voice at the very first instant but she was not intending to look for her.


    She wanted to leave. Little did she know what happened that the floor will split open and she will end up falling here.


    Was this a secret passage? A secret passage right under that eerie hallway?


    ''''Why are you doing this?" Esme glanced at Liz while trying to control her mind.


    ''''What will I get after telling you about it?" Liz jumped and clapped her hands like a little girl.


    Esme''s lips thinned when she looked into Liz''s eyes but nothing happened. For some reason, she could not control Liz''s mind. It has never happened before with her. But her powers have always been this unreliable. They won''t work whenever she needed them.


    Looking at Liz''s antics, she wondered if this woman had lost her mind by any chance?


    ''''Let''s get out of here?"


    ''''Princess, wait!'''' Liz ran towards her.


    Esme froze. Princess? Her identity was yet to be officially announced then how did Liz know about it?


    She turned around to look at her.


    Liz came to stand in front of Esme, ''''Will you play a game with me? I told you I am bored¡­''''


    ''''Ask Keith to play games with you.. I can''t.''''

 Chapter 114 - I Should Die

    ''''Ask Keith to play games with you. I can''t.''''


    ''''He¡­ He is sleeping,'''' Liz lowered her head, ''''I put him into a deep sleep before I came to meet you. I can''t let him know afterall¡­ I left the blood handprint on that door, I made the sound of the footsteps because I know you are a curious one and you will surely come.'''' she tilted her head, a flicker of red flashed across her pupils before they started turning red gradually.


    Esme''s lips parted in disbelief, ''''Wh-What are you?" she stepped back from her.


    Liz scratched her hair, ''''Play a game with me and then I will tell you,'''' she grabbed Esme''s elbow and pulled her closer, ''''Tell me, what do you fear the most?"


    Esme shook off the woman''s hand, her racing heartbeats gradually calmed down, ''''I must have a fear of crazy people like you,'''' she turned around to leave.


    ''''Lies,'''' Liz shouted from behind, ''''I know what you fear. I discovered it when I held your hand. You have a lot of fears.''''


    Esme''s footsteps came to a halt. Even when it made no sense, she did not know why she believed the woman''s words.


    Her fears? What did she fear?


    Liz lowered her head, a small creepy smile hanging on her lips as she glanced at the pentagon-shaped structure on the floor where Esme was standing, ''''You fear your past and your¡­''''


    Esme turned around to look at her.


    ''''Shhh,'''' Liz pressed a finger on her lips, ''''I won''t tell you. How about you find it yourself?"


    And before Esme could contemplate over her words, her surroundings changed.


    Her footsteps staggered when she recognized the place where she was standing.


    This was the place where she grew up in. The Royal Castle of Nevesray.


    Esme was standing in front of a half ajar door.


    She looked around the place again, ''''It is a dream¡­ It is a dream,'''' she mumbled under her breath, ''''Once I wake up, everything will be fine,'''' but for some reason, her mind was subconsciously believing that this was real.


    This was her Uncle''s room.


    A gust of wind blew across the hallway and the door was pushed open.


    That heart-wrenching scene from years ago was in front of her once again.


    There was a small cage in the middle of the huge chamber. And that familiar figure was locked inside the cage.


    Her brother, Adrian. He was put inside the cage with his hands cuffed to bars.


    The cage was very small for his body and it was a way to torture criminals in their kingdom, by putting them in a cage much smaller than their bodies so that their limbs would be twisted and their bodies will scream in agony and pain.


    Head-hung low, blood-soaked tattered clothes, Adrian was motionless after the rounds of tortures he went through.


    Esme watched as a man approached the cage with a metal rod in his hand, the tip of the metal road was red after being placed in the fireplace for a long time.


    The man inserted the metal rod inside the cage.


    ''''No,'''' Esme shouted, ''''Stop it,'''' she dashed inside the room without a second thought.


    ''''Capture her,'''' the King ordered his guards.


    And soon, two bulky men held both her arms to stop her from moving.


    Esme struggled against their strong grip, ''''No¡­ No¡­ Why? Why must you do it?" she glanced at the King with her eyes filled with grievances, ''''You said you had no children and you loved us like your own. You said that you want us to be the strongest and rule the world one day. You said that seeing us happy made you happy. Then how can you bear to let us go through this? Why did you betray us, Uncle?!"


    These are not the emotions that she felt only at this moment. These words were the emotions that she had kept in her heart for 7 years and at this very moment, every word came out of her mouth without restraint.


    ''''Because of you. Everyone''s suffering is related to you,'''' The King laughed maniacally.


    Esme''s eyes widened in disbelief. Why? Why was it her? Was he telling the truth?


    ''''AHHHHH!''''


    The gut-wrenching scream made her turn to look in the direction of the cage and the sight that she witnessed made her face go pale.


    Three people were standing around the cage with rods in their hands. Two of the rods were pierced straight into Adrian''s eyes while the other rod was stabbed into his chest, blood oozing out of the wounds. His body slumped inside the cage lifelessly.


    A wave of overwhelming grief took over her heart as Esme freed herself from the grip of the men. She ran towards the cage and knelt in front of it, ''''Brother, wake up. I am here. Don''t die¡­'''' the pain in her heart was becoming unbearable with each passing second, ''''I will save you¡­'''' the gruesome sight in front of her made her feel like a knife went through her heart.


    ''''Yes, it''s because of you. If it was not because of you, he would not have died,'''' the King said.


    Esme stopped speaking when she heard that.


    She dazedly picked up the rod from the floor and pointed the bloodied tip towards her body, ''''Yes, I caused his death,'''' she mumbled in a daze.


    ''''You killed him,'''' all the people in the room spoke up in unison, ''''You should die.''''


    ''''I killed him,'''' Esme pointed the sharp tip of the rod towards her neck, still in a daze, ''''I should die too,'''' she thrust the rod straight towards her neck only to stop when the rod was an inch away from her.


    Esme glanced at the dried blood on her wrist and suddenly a pair of ice-blue eyes flashed in her mind, followed by the sight of an injured body.


    The rod dropped from her hand and she pressed a palm on her forehead.

 Chapter 115 - Fear Of Identity

    ''''What was I going to do?'''' Esme snapped out of her trance.


    She pushed herself to her feet and glanced at the people surrounding her who were shouting for her to die.


    The reality started hitting her leaving her mortified for a moment.


    ''''He is not my brother,'''' Esme pointed her finger at Adrian and shouted with all her might, turning the crowd silent within an instant, ''''This is not real. My brother is alive and well.''''


    She gradually came back to her senses. How could this be real? Earlier this day, her brother was glaring at her from across the dining table.


    They are not in the past anymore.


    He is one of the strongest warriors with his powers at peak. No harm could befall him.


    And a wave of calm washed over her.


    All the mocking faces disappeared from her view like clouds dispersing in the air.


    The hair on the back of her neck stood up when she realized that she was about to kill herself. She did not know what happened earlier but she felt like everything was real. If she had not seen the dried blood on her hand and if her movements did not pause for that moment then she might have stabbed herself to death.


    She broke out in cold sweat.


    Outside the illusion trap, Liz was standing in front of the mirrored wall as she watched Esme standing there safely, ''''You got lucky this time,'''' her red pupils flashed as she extended her hand towards the mirror, ''''But you are not going to survive this,'''' the corner of her lips tugged up.


    Before Esme could let out a relieved sigh, her surroundings started changing again.


    Soon, she found herself standing in front of the sea at the border of the Enchantment forest.


    Esme gulped. Was it something similar again?


    Without a moment''s delay, she picked up a stone from the sand and squatted on the ground before she started scribbling something on the sand.


    ''This is an illusion''


    She looked at the words she wrote.


    Esme was not certain what kind of situation this was but earlier, she could not control her actions. She was going to kill herself in a trance so this might prevent something similar from happening again.


    It will be fine. She convinced herself.


    ''''No one is around,'''' she mumbled after looking around, ''''So, I will be safe.''''


    Outside the illusion trap, Liz burst out in laughter when she heard Esme''s words, ''''Silly Princess. No one is around. Do you think I need people to harm you?'''' she twirled her hair in her fingers, ''''Just your fears are enough to kill you. Tsk. Truly a na?ve and weak princess. I don''t even need to lift a finger to deal with the likes of you.''''


    Esme looked at the sea quietly and something stirring in her heart.


    I should go back to the castle. With that thought in her mind, she turned around but as she tried to move, she failed to take a step.


    Her body faced the sea on its own despite her inner struggles, ''''This is an illusion,'''' she repeated the words like a chant but it was as if her heart was believing otherwise.


    There was a weird sensation in her body. That familiar feeling. She was craving to go inside the water.


    ''''Just this once¡­'''' she mumbled to herself and unaware to her, the words she wrote on the sand disappeared when she made her way towards the sea.


    Esme kept walking till her body was submerged in water till her waist.


    There was a prickling sensation as scales appeared on her body, her long gown was shredded to pieces. Esme threw her head back, letting her long wine-colored hair flow on the water.


    She slowly moved her hand to feel the scales that covered her chest, a dazed look appeared in her eyes, ''''No¡­ This is not me,'''' she screamed. She was not a monster, ''''No!''''


    The louder she screamed, the more her body drowned in the sea.


    Esme could see the fishes passing through her. She grabbed the seaweeds desperately when she saw a tail had replaced her legs, ''''No!" Water went inside her mouth as she cried, her tears turning into pearls as they fell.


    Esme closed her eyes when she felt like she could not breathe anymore, her body started falling towards the bottom of the sea.


    The lower she fell, the darker it became. It was like an abyss that was sucking her in.


    Her struggles became futile attempts.


    ''I am not a monster. No, I can''t be like this. I am a human. I am a human,'' she repeated those words again and again in her mind as she glanced at the surface of the water which seemed to be moving further away from her, ''My legs¡­'' her eyes teared up as she glanced at the long and shiny silver tail that occupied the place of her legs.


    Liz watched in glee as the woman kept falling in the water, her eyes closed and her body turned lifeless.


    ''''What a clueless bitch!" Liz turned around and walked towards the altar in the room, ''''Who told you to play a game that had your life as the bet? Not that I was going to let you go if you didn''t play it though,'''' she burst out in laughter.


    Liz looked at her nails which started growing pointed tips under her gaze. She stroked the tip of her sharp nail with a thumb, ''''If you didn''t agree to play that, I would have poked this straight into your eyes,'''' she went into another round of maniacal laughter.


    She wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes after calming down, ''''Poor Princess, I forgot to tell you that you will die in real life if you die in that illusion. The more you fear something, the more likely it is for your fear to kill you. You can''t blame me when it''s your fear of your identity that killed you¡­''''


    ''''I am not going to blame a pathetic woman who has lost her mind. You don''t have to worry about that.''


    Liz froze.

 Chapter 116 - Letter Of Last Wishes

    Liz stiffened. ''''You..'''' she turned on her toes, her eyes glaring daggers at Esme, ''''Didn''t you die already?!" she roared.


    Esme stared at her nonchalantly.


    There were times when she had nightmares, there was a time when she thought she was dreaming when in reality she was about to drown in the sea but she had never once felt death this closely.


    She could still feel the suffocation in her chest. Right now, there was not even a drop of water on her body as if nothing happened but Esme could remember the feeling of dread as she let herself fall into the abyss.


    But when she thought she was going to die, she felt a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu, and a scene from the past played in her mind. It was the time when Aleister had jumped in the water to save her.


    He carried her out of the sea in his arms.


    One of their old conversations rang in her mind.


    ''''Do you find me strange now?'''' She had once asked him after she told him about her dream where she saw weird changes happening to her body, with the appearance of fins, scales, and even a tail.


    ''''It doesn''t bother me what you are. You are Esme and that''s all that matters,'''' he had told her ever so gently, calming her down within a moment.


    ''''You were right about one thing. Fears can indeed take your life,'''' Esme glanced at Liz whose eyes were crazed with fury, ''''But I happen to know someone so good at scaring everyone that he can even scare away my fears, you know,'''' she spoke the latter part more to herself than Liz.


    ''''That Prince..? Did he save you? You¡­ How did you survive?" Liz snarled as she stepped towards Esme.


    Esme glanced at her. It looks like Liz had no idea about Aleister''s current condition which meant she was not the one who caused him harm.


    ''''Tell me, how did you survive?"


    There was a strange thought that stayed in her mind since the day Aleister spoke to her about the existence of merfolk, the ones that were said to be existing in ancient legends.


    She barely remembered reading about them when she was very young.


    But there was something about the merfolk that left her intrigued.


    When her body was miraculously transforming inside her dream, the strange thought that she was hiding in her mind deepened. Was she a part of them? Was she not a human?


    Esme did not know. She had passed it off as she was overthinking.


    Before Aleister fainted, he joked about her not being a human. She passed it off as him being sarcastic.


    And now it turns out, it has become one of her fears.


    When she let go of her fears, her unacceptance towards it, her body seemed to have become lighter in the water. She just had to move her hands and she found herself reaching the surface. It was like a miracle, there was a sense of relief that stayed in her heart after that he accepted.


    ''''Why are you quiet? Speak?!" Liz coughed, spouting blood in the process.


    ''Thump!''


    Suddenly she slumped on the floor weakly as she coughed profusely.


    ''''I am not obliged to,'''' Esme said.


    She could more or less guess what was going on. Perhaps because she was able to escape this illusion created by her, her body was affected. Her body weakened every time she controlled someone''s mind and when she snapped the connection in the end.


    Powers worked similarly so the same should be happening to Liz no matter what she was. She was glad that it happened right now when she was trying to escape from here.


    ''What is she though?'' Esme thought to herself as she glanced at the woman who was rolling on the ground while holding her neck, the floor was stained with her blood.


    In the end, she decided to run away from this place. After all, curiosity kills the cat.


    She turned around and walked towards the mirror.


    ''''Stop! You can''t leave,'''' Liz crawled towards her on all her four limbs.


    Esme had goosebumps when she saw that scene. Liz was gliding on the floor like a spider as she approached her. Crimson red eyes and the blood splattered on her body gave her a gory appearance, her hair framed her face in a mess.


    ''Al, if I die here, you won''t even find my body for burial. Don''t mock me in my absence. Regain consciousness soon. Pat Leo''s head more often. Don''t be cocky all the time, no one is as nice as me¡­'' Amidst her letter of last wishes, she realized that she was not dead yet.


    But the pace at which Liz was approaching, it wouldn''t be too late before she died.


    A gasp left her mouth when Liz grabbed her leg and opened her mouth wide.


    Esme''s eyes widened. Without a moment''s delay, she bent forward and pulled out a dagger from the straps hidden beneath her gown which were wrapped around her ankle.


    ''''AHHHH!"


    Esme stabbed her shoulder.


    Liz landed on the floor on her back. She wailed like an animal being butchered. ''''You¡­Urgh¡­ Do you think you can escape from here? Do you think you can find a way out? Na?ve¡­'''' Her eyes widened suddenly.


    Esme pushed the mirrored wall without looking back at the woman.


    Her instinct turned out to be right as the wall flipped, revealing a staircase that went to the top.


    She was relieved. When she came here, she was wondering what could be the way out of this secret passage. There was not even a single window or door in this closed room.


    But after she came out of the illusions, this mirrored wall caught her attention and her guess turned out to be right.


    ''''No!!''''


    Ignoring the screams of the madwoman behind, Esme climbed the stairs.


    As soon as she reached the highest step, the floor split open.

 Chapter 117 - Dont Regret It

    Esme turned around and glanced at Liz who was now standing on her feet.


    She stepped out of the place without sparing her a second glance.


    As soon as she stepped out, the floor closed.


    Esme looked around. She could see the portraits hanging on the wall under the moonlight.


    She was back to the hallway behind Aleister''s room.


    Esme pressed a palm on the wall as she panted.


    Inhaling a deep breath, she picked up her gown with one hand and ran towards the end of the hallway, leaving the portraits behind on the wall.


    Just as she was reaching the end of the hallway, Esme bumped into someone.


    ''''Ah..'''' Esme stepped back from the person, dread creeping up in her heart.


    Liz was still inside that secret passage after being stabbed by her. How did she reach up to her so fast?


    ''''My Lady, what''s wrong with you?"


    Hearing the familiar voice, Esme tilted her head, ''''Mr. Reiner,'''' the person standing in front of her was none other than Keith Reiner, the head gardener and the man whom she spotted with  Liz while they were kissing, ''''What are you doing here?''''


    Keith rubbed his eyes. He looked drowsy with his messy hair, ''''Earlier, I went to meet someone and ended up¡­''''


    ''''Are you talking about Liz? Did you go to meet her?"


    ''''How do you know?" Keith looked embarrassed but under her solemn gaze, he truthfully answered, ''''Yes, I went to her room earlier but I don''t know how I ended up sleeping there. I am trying to look for her now.''''


    Esme frowned, ''''Come with me. It''s not safe here,'''' she remembered that Liz told her that she had put Keith to sleep before coming after her.


    His brows tugged together, ''''My lady, did something happen? You don''t seem to be alright. You are sweating all over. And where are we going?" He grabbed her hand.


    ''''I will tell you later. First, come with me¡­'''' Esme''s footsteps came to a halt, ''''Mr. Reiner, the Daven''s castle is so huge. Out of all the places, why are you looking for Liz in this abandoned hallway?" her voice grew softer towards the end.


    There was no response from the man.


    ''''You seem to be fond of looking deeper into things,'''' the man whispered beside her ear.


    She slowly turned around and looked at Keith.


    Under the pale glow of moonlight, a red streak flashed across his dark eyes.


    ''''You too¡­'''' her lips parted in disbelief.


    ''''My Lady, did I scare you?" Keith looked at her with an amused smile, ''''Or did you think it was only Liz?"


    Esme''s fingers curled around the knife that she was holding in her left hand.


    ''''To tell you the truth, you have infatuated me since the very first day I saw you. Who knew you would end up with the Prince?" An undisguised fury flashed in his eyes as he thought about it. He let go of her hand as he spoke, ''''I was the one who saw and met you first, I was the one who helped you when you knew nothing about how things worked inside the castle. I was supposed to be the one you loved, not him.''''


    Esme was stunned. There was no way in the world she had any inkling  about the wild  thoughts in his head. This man¡­ had such feelings for her?


    If anyone else told her about this, she would not have believed it. In her eyes, Keith Reiner was a diligent and professional person.


    The sight of him kissing Liz had already surprised her but now his words left her mortified.


    Keith pinched her chin, ''''Why did you do it to me? Later, you even talked to me like I am a complete stranger,'''' his pupils turned red.


    ''''I saw you and Liz¡­''''


    ''''Are you thinking about her? Don''t worry about her. She is just a pawn I needed to reach to you, nothing more¡­Ahh¡­''''


    Esme stabbed his wrist with all her might until his grip on her chin loosened.


    She turned around and ran towards the end of the hallway but the hallway had never felt so huge before this.


    Strolling here has always been easy but now that she was running for her life, the end seemed to be moving further away from her.


    Her heart raced faster when she heard the sound of approaching footsteps.


    ''''Did you think I''d let go of you this easily?" Keith grabbed her hair with his left hand.


    Esme winced. She pressed her palm on the back of her head instinctively.


    His grip on her hair loosened and he walked to the front as he stood there while facing her, ''''You have to be mine. There is no other way out of it,'''' he placed his palm on her cheek and stroked her face gently with his thumb, deep eyes that stared at her with obsession.


    Esme looked into his eyes, restraining the urge to shake off his hand. She was beyond disgusted but at this point, all she wished was for her powers to work.


    ''On other days, you come around and play with my body recklessly without an invitation. Now that I am trying so hard, why won''t you work?'' Esme couldn''t have more complaints about the strange powers that she possessed.


    Keith frowned, ''''What are your thoughts preoccupied with? Is it that man?" his tone deepened and his fingers that were stroking her cheeks a moment ago, dug inside her skin.


    Esme pursed her lips, restraining herself from making any sound. Her face was sore because of the amount of pressure he applied.


    She tried to stab his chest but he grabbed her wrist, the blood from his stabbed wrist dripped on her gown as the dagger in her hand dropped to the floor.


    ''''Don''t think about him. He will die soon anyway. For you, it is just me,'''' he leaned closer to her, his gaze settled on her lips.


    Esme struggled in his grip but he wrapped an arm around her waist.


    ''''Let go of me¡­'''' Tears rolled down her cheeks as she tried to turn her face to the side but his finger applied pressure on her jaws, keeping her face in the place, ''''No¡­'''' A stifled sob left her mouth followed by another.


    Keith paused, ''''No, don''t cry. I am not trying to hurt you. I love you so much. Don''t cry,'''' he watched as her tears turned to small white pearls as they landed on the floor, ''''I am the only one who will keep you safe. You are so special that all of them will kill you.''''


    Esme tried to calm down but she could not stop her tears. She has been holding them back since Aleister lost his consciousness. She was scared after seeing him in that state and she was worried  that she wouldn''t be able to heal him.


    Normally, it would never be difficult to heal wounds for her but she overexerted herself while healing his wounds which meant that they were far more serious than she thought.


    Even if she healed them from outside, it did not mean that he recovered. He even asked her to not tell the Physicians or anyone else about his condition.


    She was so worried about him even though she consoled herself, tried to fool herself with the calm exterior.


    As if that was not enough, the events that followed horrified her.


    ''''Let go of me¡­'''' Esme wiped her tears but they showed no signs of stopping..


    ''''Let go?" A crazed look appeared in his eyes as he pinched her chin harder, ''''I will not let go of you.''''


    Water droplets crashed against the glass panes of the huge floor to ceiling windows as her tears landed on the floor.


    Keith glanced at the sky before he turned to look back at her. It was an ordinary starry night but now it was pouring like this, ''''See, I told you they will kill you because you are different. Come with me. Let''s run away. I will keep you safe.''''


    When Esme did not say anything, his nostrils flared, ''''Do you not understand it? Are you still thinking about that man? I told you that you are mine¡­'''' with that said, he leaned closer to her.


    Just when their lips were inches apart, he felt a strong grip on his neck.


    ''''Urgh¡­'''' Keith''s eyes bulged out as he watched Esme strangling him.


    He struggled to take her hand off his neck but it was as if her delicate fingers were made of iron.


    If Rowan was here, he would have found this scene familiar because it happened with him the night when Esme was sleepwalking and he had followed after her to stop her.


    ''''I told you to let go, didn''t I?'''' A whisper left Esme''s mouth as she wiped her tears with her left hand slowly.. The heavy rain stopped seconds after. Her grey eyes were emotionless as usual but there was a ruthlessness in them, ''''You didn''t listen so you should not regret, am I right?" her voice was low and somewhat seductive.


    But to Keith whose life was hanging by a thread, that voice sounded like a death lullaby.

 Chapter 118 - Al, My Love!

    ''''What¡­ you¡­Nooo!" He screamed, with his eyes widening in horror.


    Esme twisted his neck with a snap and his breathing stopped.


    Keith died with his eyes wide open.


    His red pupils gradually regained their original colour.


    Esme''s fingers loosened around his neck and his body fell on the floor.


    She elegantly stepped back from him and glanced at her palm that just touched his neck, ''''Dirty,'''' she mumbled under her breath and shifted her gaze to the man who was lying lifelessly on the floor, ''''A reckless human,'''' her eyes remained indifferent as ever.


    ''''Ahh¡­'''' Esme pressed her hand on her forehead, feeling a splitting headache out of nowhere but her eyes widened when she noticed Keith''s body lying on the floor.


    ''''Not his body¡­. His corpse¡­'''' she looked around the place but her gaze eventually landed on her palm as she tried to feel her numb fingers.


    Esme carefully looked around the place. There was no one else. It was only Keith and her. ''''Am I possessed¡­?"


    There is no way he would commit suicide because he pitied her tearful face. Then does it mean she killed him?


    How?


    Her numb fingers seemed to be screaming at her.


    ''''I killed him with bare hands?" As unbelievable as it sounded, it was the only possibility. She remembered she was crying when he leaned closer to her.


    The lust in his eyes disgusted her beyond anything. It took her back to the days when they used to live in the small village and those officials looked at her with that filthy lustful look. Her powers weren''t working and she felt helpless.


    Even Aleister was not awake and she started crying just at the thought of it.


    Only if he was not unconscious then none of this would have happened. The more she thought about it, the more she cried.


    But after that, there was a gap in her memory.


    The next she remembered was opening her eyes with a splitting headache and being greeted by the sight of Keith''s corpse.


    It could have been Liz who killed him out of hatred after his betrayal but for some reason, Liz was not here yet. If it was Liz, then how would Esme explain her memory gap?


    No matter how she tried to console herself, nothing made sense.


    ''''I should get out of here first¡­'''' Esme picked up her gown.


    She had just taken a few steps when an eerie voice sounded beside her, ''''I was in a daze after what I witnessed but what made you think you could run away from me again?"


    Esme almost stumbled on her gown when she heard Liz''s voice.


    She turned around, taking a few steps backward as she watched the woman moving towards her in a flash, ''''Mr. Reiner is dead. Was it you who killed him?'''' Since she was here, then maybe it was Liz.


    ''''Me?" Liz laughed. She glanced at the corpse with disgust apparent in her eyes, ''''I thought I''d protect him from the whole world. For him, I became this¡­'''' she pointed her finger at her bloodied face, bloodied hands, her pupils turned red, ''''But who knew he''d do the same, not for me but for a bitch like you. And look at his fate. He died in your hands. I was here, I was watching everything. I could have saved him but I didn''t. Why would I? He dared to betray me so I let him die by your hands. Bitch! You were really something,'''' she laughed maniacally.


    ''''Hah. A bitch?" Esme stepped back from her as she gazed at her from top to bottom, ''''To have a man, you''d stoop so low to become someone unrecognizable, and you are calling me a bitch? I would never do this for any man, you know.''''


    ''''You¡­'''' Liz''s eyes flashed with unbridled fury, ''''How dare you act all mighty in front of me? Bitch¡­ Bitch¡­''''


    From Liz''s words, Esme concluded that whatever Liz was at this moment, it was not something she was born with. It was something she became, ''''See how disgusting you look. Do I even need to act mighty in front of someone like you?'''' While speaking to her, Esme continued stepping back from the woman who seemed  to be in a daze.


    ''''No¡­No¡­''''


    It looked like Liz was losing her mind.


    Esme took advantage of the chance as she turned around to make a run.


    But Liz was faster than her. She moved in a flash and fisted her hair, tugging off a few hair strands in the process.


    ''''Ahhh..'''' Esme closed her eyes in pain. Suddenly, she understood what soulmates meant.


    The man who died grabbed her hair. Now the woman who was his lover did the same. Truly a pair made in heaven.


    Esme gritted her teeth.


    ''''You thought I was going to let you go?" Liz tugged at her hair harshly and turned Esme towards her.


    Esme''s eyes widened when Liz raised her right hand, ''''I will disfigure you with the very same thing you stabbed me with,'''' the silver dagger flashed under the moonlight.


    Esme remembered that she had dropped it earlier mistakenly when she was trying to get rid of Keith.


    Liz pointed the tip of the dagger at Esme''s face, ''''Fair enough?"


    Esme instinctively closed her eyes, ''''That''s unfair,'''' she screamed, ''''I didn''t stab your face, did I? Liz, we can talk it out,'''' she wanted to cry but she lacked tears so all she could do was stall for some time even though she knew that no one would come to save her.


    But she had some hope in her powers. Maybe they will start working.


    With that hope buried in her heart, she continued looking into Liz''s eyes trying to control her mind. At this point, Esme did not want to go back to the room.


    Aleister was unconscious. She did not want to risk his life. She could barely save herself and if anything happened to him then she won''t be able to forgive herself¡­.


    Her thoughts trailed off when she realized the direction in which they were moving, ''Ah, for god''s sake, death is sitting a few inches away from your face, can you stop thinking about him?'' Despite her inner thoughts, that man had her constant attention till this moment.


    ''''But¡­'''' Liz dazedly stared at Esme when she heard her words.


    Esme inwardly sighed in relief. For some reason, Liz reminded her of a deranged beast who was dangerous but confused. She was easily distracted by a few words.


    Back in that secret passage, Esme assumed that Liz was a witch after she saw that pentagon shaped structure on the floor and mirrored wall, the illusions were another cause of her suspicions.


    It was said that witches need pentagon shaped structures to cast spells and to perform rituals.


    But would a witch be as na?ve and foolish as Liz who was easily distracted by a few words? And even Keith¡­. He was distracted by her tears. There was something else that she could not put her fingers on.


    ''''No buts¡­'''' Esme shook her head slowly trying to get her hair out of Liz''s grip but the woman''s fingers tightened on her hair, ''''Liz, your lover just died. Do you have so much time to spare for me?" she looked at her worriedly.


    ''''Lover?" Liz smirked, tugging at her hair harder.


    Esme pursed her lips, barely stifling a groan. This woman¡­ why was she crazily after her hair and face?


    ''''Keith Reiner, this bastard, betrayed me. A lover? He betrayed my trust. He said he was using me as a pawn to get closer to you while all this time, I was trying to kill you behind his back to keep him and his affections only to myself,'''' Liz yelled as a crazed look appeared in her eyes.


    Esme sighed helplessly.


    ''''What are you sighing for?'''' Liz glared at her.


    ''''That''s because you don''t know anything¡­. Ahh,'''' Esme winced, ''''If you keep holding my hair like that, how will I talk? It hurts.''''


    Liz continued gripping her hair.


    ''''Stay unaware of it then. I am not telling you anything. Go ahead, kill me,'''' Esme glanced at her with a challenging look in her eyes.


    Liz let go of her hair. She glanced at her with a frown, ''''Don''t play tricks on me or I won''t spare you. Speak now.''''


    Esme slowly massaged the back of her head, feeling the ache in the roots of her hair, ''''It''s simple. Things like these are common between lovers. If they are angry or disappointed at each other, they say things that they don''t mean. Mr. Reiner also did the same.''''


    ''''Why would they do that? Do you take me as a fool?" Liz raised the dagger in her hand.


    Esme barely managed to hold back her scream when she saw the sharp blade shining under the moonlight, ''''No, I am talking from experience.''''


    ''''Huh?"


    ''''You see,'''' Esme lowered her head as she blushed, ''''There have been countless times when I told Al¡­ Oh, you won''t understand Al. I mean, the Prince. I call him Al out of love,'''' she scrunched her nose slightly at her own words.


    ''''The Prince? What did you tell him?"


    ''''I told him that he is the worst man in this world and I hate him the most but things are quite the contrary,'''' she paused and to make it more believable, she decided to bring in Aleister''s side of story as well, ''''And whenever we fight, my love threatens me.''''


    At this point, Liz looked genuinely bewildered, ''''He threatens you?"

 Chapter 119 - Dont Kill Her

    ''''Mm¡­'''' Esme nodded in a docile manner even though she was started to get goosebumps by her own act, ''''He says that he will bring in a few mistresses and have many illegitimate children.''''


    ''Forgive me. If a knife was not pointed at my face, I would not have dared to commit this sin. I know this is blasphemy,'' she cried in her heart, apologizing to the man in her thoughts.


    After living with Aleister for so long, if there was something that she noticed about his character, it was that he was not like the other Princes or aristocrats who had one or more women in each arm and those women eventually caused their downfall.


    Something reminded her of the kiss they shared back in the garden. Mutual momentary attraction. She named it in her mind.


    Though at times he acted like he had feelings for her, but she knew it was to tease her. He was a person she felt attached with and she was close to him but not romantically.


    Esme nodded at her explanation.


    Aleister was a man out of everyone''s league. Even though she considered him a jerk, she believed he could have any woman he laid his eyes on but he was way too uninterested in it.


    Maybe because of how perfect he was, no woman suited his taste. She had noticed it when the princesses from other kingdoms had come to Visteria for his marriage. In his eyes, every person had flaws while he was flawless.


    There were rumors that he bedded the servants till they were hurt and she could now clearly see how ridiculous they were. He never looked at them, let alone bedding them.


    ''If I survive today, I will find the person who is spreading rumors about you,'' As soon as the thought crossed her mind, Esme had to urge to slap herself to keep herself from thinking about him time and time again.


    Esme glanced at Liz who had fallen into a daze, ''''But even if we jab each other, we love each other as well. So, these words don''t matter, do they? What Mr. Reiner said about you¡­ he said it out of anger because you kept secrets from him, you put him to sleep before coming to meet me, so those words don''t count at all.''''


    Liz seemed to be contemplating her words.


    A person in their right sense would have retorted to it but Liz was tricked by easily.


    Esme gulped as she took a few steps back, ''''Whenever something like this happens to me when Al hurts me with such painful words, then I reminisce about our happy days. In my mind, I live through our happy memories¡­'''' She had the urge to clap at herself. Until today, she had no idea that she was this good at making stories. Happy memories? More like memories of pointing swords at each other. ''''So, Liz, both you and Mr. Reiner also share happy memories, don''t you? I have even witnessed one of them in the garden,'''' the corner of her lips twitched at the reminder of the scene where she witnessed them kissing behind the fountain.


    As Esme watched Liz who was lost in her thoughts, she continued the calculation in her heart. Liz was too na?ve to be a witch. Witches were the creatures who wreaked havoc on the world years ago. People dreaded them for their cunningness and ability of deception. It was said that a witch can be standing right in front of your eyes but you won''t be able to recognize them unless they reveal themselves.


    Infamous for their notoriety, they were intellectual creatures.


    But it was clear that Liz had either lost her mind, was possessed or maybe she was some other kind of creature who were silly but dangerous. Like merfolk?


    Esme frowned at her own assumption. She was considering the possibility that she could be a part of them... Then is she calling herself silly and dangerous too by associating those words with the merfolk?


    Amidst her thoughts, she noticed something. The redness from Liz''s pupils was gradually disappearing as tears welled up in her eyes.


    ''Is she thinking about the happy memories they shared?'' Esme glanced at Keith''s corpse before looking back at Liz.


    She discreetly started stepping back. Just a few steps more and she would be out of this hallway.


    But her footsteps came to a halt when something strange happened.


    Liz''s body jolted and the redness in her pupils was back in an instant. Liz extended her hand and strangled Esme''s neck before she raised her knife, bringing it closer to her eyes within an instant.


    Esme closed her eyes instinctively. The tip of the knife grazed down her cheeks and a rush of helplessness coursed through her. Maybe she was destined to die today.


    ''''Die, you bitch!" Liz retracted the knife and drove it towards Esme''s chest.


    ''Meow''


    ''Clang''


    Esme coughed profusely when Liz''s grip on her neck loosened. She took a few steps back and gasped for air.


    After recovering her breath, she slowly opened her eyes and the scene that greeted her vision left her astounded.


    Liz was lying on the floor with a white cat sitting on her chest and scratching her face.


    ''''Ahhh¡­'''' Her animalistic growls echoed in the empty hallway


    Esme slowly removed her hand from her neck. This cat¡­ Why did it look familiar?


    Her thoughts were interrupted when Liz suddenly grabbed the cat by its neck and tried to strangle it.


    At a time like this, Esme would have run without a second thought. In the end, she was not a selfless person and it was her own life that she treasured the most.


    But she acted unlike herself when she stepped closer to Liz. She bent down and picked up the knife from the floor, ready to stab Liz''s hand.


    But her body froze entirely when she saw what was happening.


    The small fluffy white cat suddenly started growing up in size. Beginning with inches, it grew up until it reached the height above her waist.


    Its fluffy fur started being replaced by long silky hair and Esme retreated a few steps back when she recognized the beast in front of her eyes, ''''Leo!" It was the white tiger who came and left the castle at his own wish, the same who would ask her for pats regularly.


    Esme was certain that her worldviews were starting to change in one night.


    Was it a bizarre dream?


    She pinched herself hard.


    ''''Ahh..'''' It hurts. So, this is not a dream.


    ''''Ahhh¡­ Ahhh¡­'''' Liz was wailing under the paws of the huge white fiend.


    Leo''s paw ripped open the woman''s right arm and blood gushed out of the garish wound.


    Esme noticed something. Liz''s eyes were changing colors again. Sometimes, they were red but then they turned to their original color. It went on until her eye color changed back to normal.


    ''''Leo, stop. Don''t kill her,'''' Esme spoke up the moment Leo aimed his paw and the woman''s neck.


    ''''ROAR!!!'''' Leo made a noise of protest.


    Esme patted his back while she looked at Liz, ''''Liz?"


    ''''Esmeray?... Lady Esmeray?" Liz spoke weakly before her head nodded off to one side.


    Esme''s brows tugged together, ''''Leo, can you carry her on your back?''''


    ''''ROAR!!'''' Carry a lowly human on my back? As if!


    Were you born with this arrogance or did you inherit it from your master? Esme held back her curiosity on this question as she continued stroking Leo''s back, ''''Can we tie her up somewhere? We don''t know if she has really turned normal or if she is just pretending.''''


    Leo turned around to look at her.


    As the moonlight landed on his face, Esme was stunned to see the cuts near his neck and on his face. The wounds seemed to be fresh and they were wide enough to give her a glimpse of protruding flesh through them. Esme squatted on the floor, ''''Leo, what happened to you?" she extended her hand towards his wounds.


    Leo roared in a low voice, his eyes looked tired.


    Was he there with Aleister? Could it be that it was the same person who attacked both of them? Was there such a formidable person in Visteria? ''''Thank you for saving me,'''' Esme patted his head, ''''I will heal your wounds. Meanwhile, close your eyes and no matter what happens, don''t move,'''' she whispered.


    Her powers were not stable. So, she did not want to cause him harm instead of helping him.


    Leo closed his eyes. It looked like he trusted her.


    Leo''s injuries were not as grave as Aleister''s but they were caused by a whip. A few cuts were deep and the rest were superficial.


    While healing Leo, Esme noticed a movement from the person behind them.


    Liz pushed herself to her feet.


    Esme frowned. If Liz were to do something at this moment, both Leo and her would be hurt. She thought Liz was unconscious or else she would have healed Leo later. But she made a hasty decision when she saw the blood on his snow-white fur.


    She tried to put her entire focus on Leo but from the corner of her eyes, she could see Liz moving at the speed of lighting, and in a flash, she disappeared.


    She glanced at Leo who had his eyes closed.


    After a few moments, Leo opened his eyes when he felt a pat on his head.. He tilted his head to look at his neck but not finding a single cut on his body, he glanced at Esme with wide eyes.

 Chapter 120 - The Letters Appeared

    Esme chuckled, wiping the sweat off her forehead with the back of her palm, ''''You are good to go.''''


    Leo turned around to look at Liz but he noticed her absence.


    ''''She ran away when I was healing you.''''


    Leo glanced at her with a look that said ''I told you so''.


    ''''I felt like she was innocent,'''' For some reason, Liz was acting like she was possessed. And when those red eyes turned to their usual black color, Esme thought she turned normal.


    Moreover, she was not planning on setting her free but she was more worried about Leo when she saw his wounds.


    ''Roar''


    Esme was helpless, ''''Come, let''s go to the room to check on your Master. Maybe he woke up when we were here..''''


    Leo shook his head and grabbed the edge of her gown in between his teeth.


    ''''What?'''' Esme glanced at him in confusion.


    He dragged her dress.


    ''''Are you taking me somewhere?"


    Leo let go of her dress as he arched his neck, pointing his face towards his back.


    ''''You want me to sit on your back?" Esme pointed a finger at herself.


    Leo gave her an uninterested look as if he was asking her ''Are you slow in mind?''


    ''''Uh..'''' Esme sighed. She quietly approached him before sitting on his back, ''''Move slowly. Your wounds have not healed internally.''''


    ''Crash''


    Before her words could finish, Leo jumped through the windows, turning the glass into dust.


    What surprised Esme was not even a single piece of glass grazed past her body. She was completely uninjured.


    ''''I told you to be slow, didn''t I?" Esme reprimanded Leo.


    ''Roar'' I won''t be slow, what can you do?


    The corner of her lips twitched.


    The pair of the human and the beast left the castle premises while blending in the dark but unaware to them, a few gazes have been fixed on them from the very beginning, noticing every event that unfolded in the quiet hallway of the castle.


    ''''Looks like the information was not wrong,'''' the person who spoke had golden colored hair. A deep set of eyes that seemed to be able to pierce through everything with that sharp gaze. The man who appeared to be somewhere in his early 40s turned around and glanced at Keith Reiner''s dead body, ''''Did you see how she killed him?''''


    There were one man and one woman standing beside him. They had the same striking golden hair as him, ''''Of course, we did,'''' The woman said as she looked around, her eyes focused on the man standing in front of them, ''''Even that beast¡­. He was majestic. Who would have known a place occupied by ordinary humans would be filled with wonders?" her green eyes sparkled, ''''Father, I want to have that white beast.''''


    The other man who was quiet till this point, spoke up, ''''Luciana, don''t bother father and don''t forget what we are here for,'''' his expressions were stern. Inwardly, he wondered who that beautiful lady was.


    ''''Don''t tell me what to do, Lucian. Mind your own business,'''' Luciana frowned.


    The man had a similar frown on his face and he shared the same features with the girl.


    Marcus, their father, remained silent for some time, ''''Let''s go,'''' he did not have high expectations when he came to this place but who could have known...


    ¡­


    ''''Why are we here?" Esme looked around the five pillars of the church.


    Leo walked towards the fifth pillar of the church and pressed his paw on the floor before making some kind of sign on it.


    The floor split open revealing a staircase that led to the secret library beneath the church.


    ''Why do they build it so secretly? Can''t they have a library out in open?'' Esme refused to admit that she was somewhat traumatized by the sight of underground passages.


    After what happened today, just the sight of it was giving her goosebumps.


    Amidst this, she was also curious how Leo opened it just like Aleister but then again, Leo''s origins were mysterious.


    Leo glanced at her before pointing towards his back.


    ''''I can go there by my feet. I have been to this place before,'''' she patted his back and took the stairs that led to the underground library.


    After reaching below, Esme turned around and glanced at Leo who was standing at the top, ''''Why did you bring me here¡­?'''' she paused when her nose caught a strong whiff of metallic scent.


    Blood¡­?


    As if on cue, Leo jumped inside the library without bothering to take the steps. He swiftly landed beside her.


    Esme snapped out of her daze and turned around. Her lips parted as she glanced at the library which seemed like it had survived a natural disaster.


    The bookshelves were broken and some of them had fallen on each other. The tables and chairs had their legs broken. The walls had huge holes which looked like someone had punched them.


    And there was blood. There was a lot of blood all around the place, on the shelves, on the wall, on the tables and chairs, on the floor, and even on the books.


    The blood was not dried which meant that this was a recent event. ''''Did both of you come here earlier this night?"


    Leo glanced at her and tugged at her dress again.


    Esme followed after him.


    He led her to a small shelf in the corner.


    Esme recognized this shelf very well, contrary to Leo''s thoughts. It was obvious that Leo assumed that this was the first time she came here. But unaware to him, Aleister and her have been to this place before.


    And this was the shelf where there was that book about the merfolk.


    They could not take this book with them because Aleister told her that books are bound to this ancient library by magic.


    So, in the end, they memorized that prose that was carved on the wooden shelf. But much to her dismay, they never deciphered the meaning behind those words.


    No matter how Esme thought about it, those words were like the squabbling of a child which made no sense. But that book appeared mysterious.


    And she had to see what was written and hidden in the dusty pages of the ancient book. Because it was her only lead to the truth that she was looking for.


    The truth regarding her identity.


    While Esme stood there quietly, lost in her thoughts, Leo got impatient. He grabbed the book with his front paw and placed it on the floor before tugging at Esme''s dress.


    Esme snapped out of her daze. She squatted on the floor and glanced at the book. It had blood stains as well. She believed it belonged to Aleister who probably came here to get this book but he did not tell her about it beforehand, ''''I have seen this book before, Leo. Your Master was there with me but the pages of this book were empty when we looked inside.'''' By now, she understood that Aleister and Leo were hurt because of this book.


    But who hurt them? She wondered.


    Leo extended his paw towards her.


    Esme frowned. She knew that he understood her words but at times like this, she wished she could understand his language as well.


    As if aware of her tragedy, he pointed his paw towards her hand.


    ''''Oh, my hand¡­ You want my hand?" Esme extended her hand towards him.


    Leo glanced at her.


    Wait¡­ what kind of look was that? Why was he looking at her with pity?


    Before she could contemplate over it, Leo lowered his head and nipped on the tip of her finger.


    ''''Ahhh¡­'''' Esme cried in shock. It was so painful. His teeth were sharper than a dagger.


    Leo gave her a pointed look. I nipped it very gently.


    Esme blinked a few times to let her tears dry up. She glanced at the blood oozing out of her fingertip.


    The blood slowly dripped on the cover of the book on the floor.


    And the title of the book, ''The Sea Creatures'' started shining gradually.


    It was as if a mystical force compelled it, the book''s cover flipped and the first page flipped open.


    As Esme glanced at the blank page, words started appearing on it.


    ''''The handwriting is ugly¡­'''' Those were the first words that left her mouth after witnessing this shocking scene.


    The book looked like an antique¡­. Was it written by a child?


    The more she thought about it, the more feasible it sounded to herself because the handwriting was messy like that of a child''s. And let alone the handwriting, the prose that was carved in the wooden shelf sounded like a child''s word.


    Taking a deep breath, she started reading the first page.


    ''Over a thousand years ago, the Great God Zephyr dove into the sea because of his curiosity regarding the sea creatures. He intended to take the form of a fish but he was reluctant to sacrifice his beauty. In the end, he resorted to retaining his upper body in form of a human while his lower body was replaced by a huge fishtail. But little did he know that his curiosity was going to be the cause of his downfall. He¡­''


    Esme stopped reading when she heard the sounds of approaching footsteps. Someone was coming to the church but at this hour?


    She glanced at the book in her hand before focusing on the sound of footsteps. The person was coming closer.


    Esme pushed herself to her feet. It was impossible to take the book with her because it was bound with the library and it will alert people if she moved it.


    But¡­


    She was reluctant to put it back. Great God Zephyr¡­?


    She wanted to read more and know more about this but the sounds of the footsteps did not stop.


    Esme glanced at Leo who was looking back at her with curious eyes, ''''Leo, let''s go back to the castle. Someone is here,'''' she pushed herself to her feet.


    Esme walked towards the corner of the library where there was a huge space filled with soil. There were many herbs planted inside it which gave a very dull but pleasant scent in the library.


    She looked at the book in her hand before focusing her gaze on the soil.

 Chapter 121 - I Will Let You

    As the birds sang their morning songs, the sunlight filtered inside the room through the window. The subtle sound of water droplets falling from the leaves and the roof were heard in the castle compounds, indicating the heavy rainfall from yesterday.


    The man sleeping on the bed opened his eyes.


    The pair of ice-blue eyes were fixated on the ceiling for a moment before they shifted to the side.


    Aleister glanced at the woman who was sitting on the floor with her head leaning on the edge of the bed. She was holding his palm tightly with both her hands. Her chin was resting on his knuckles as she slept peacefully.


    Her face was pale and there seemed to be a small frown etched between her brows.


    He lifted his other hand and gently ran his fingers down his chest but he could not feel any bumps or wounds.


    Perhaps sensing his movements, Esme was stirred awake from her deep sleep, ''''You woke up¡­?" She held his hand with one hand and rubbed her eyes with another as if she was having doubts about whether this was a dream or a reality.


    Both of them stared at each other quietly for some time before Aleister broke the silence, ''''Princess, don''t look at me like that. I told you that you will certainly fall for me if you do that,'''' he turned his face to the side, appearing a bit shy.


    Esme did not say anything as she continued looking at his face.


    Aleister turned to look at her once again, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief and arrogance, ''''Or perhaps are you already head over heels for me? So much so that you can''t take your eyes off my face nor can you leave my hand?" he asked in a hoarse but haughty voice.


    Esme swatted away his hand and pushed herself to her feet.


    Aleister slowly sat up on the bed, pulling the sheets up to his chest, ''''No matter how good looking I am early in the morning, you should not be staring at me like this. How improper¡­.''''


    Before he could finish his words, Esme pounced on him.


    He was pushed back by her sudden movement but he soon recovered from his daze and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer, ''''Ow¡­ I am an injured person. How could you jump on me like that?" He whispered.


    She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest, refusing to speak another word.


    ''''I feel like I am being taken advantage of,'''' Aleister continued.


    ''''I am taking advantage of you. You can think like that. You can say anything you want. I won''t stop you today,'''' she whispered after some time.


    Aleister paused for a moment, ''''My dear moon, did you see the morning sun?"


    ''''And I will also let you call me moon, sun, love or whatever you want for the day,'''' she seemed to have added it after some thought.


    He raised an eyebrow, ''''Cough¡­ Did you see the morning sun, Esme?"


    ''''I didn''t. I don''t know when I fell asleep. Why do you ask?" Esme spoke, continuing to bury her face in his chest.


    ''''I was wondering if the sun rose from the West today. No matter how much you love me, you are not like this every day,'''' he said in a very serious tone.


    Esme pulled back from him. She glared at him.


    ''''That''s more like it,'''' Aleister wondered if he should sing a song to start this remarkably nice day. The morning started with Esme''s hug and glare after all.


    Usually, she would be sleeping by the time he woke up so this was certainly something new. Not that he didn''t like it. He lifted his hand and tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear, ''''Now, tell me, how do you feel? Is your body weak?"


    Esme paused. She shook her head.


    ''''You healed all my wounds,'''' Aleister pointed his finger towards his bare chest, ''''Although you saw my body in the process and took it as compensation¡­.'''' Ignoring her sharp glare directed at him, he continued, ''''¡­but being the merciful person that I am, I won''t hold you accountable for this or ask for your hand in marriage. Do you feel unwell after using your powers to heal me?'''' He glanced at her pale face.


    Esme opened her mouth, ''''I was exhausted but I feel better now.''''


    Aleister paused for a moment before nodding, ''''Now tell me, what happened?"


    ''''Huh?"


    He glanced at the hands that were tightly wrapped around his waist, ''''For how long do you intend to keep them like this?"


    Esme followed his gaze. She quickly unclasped her fingers but just as she was about to pull her hands back, he grabbed her elbows and pulled her closer.


    ''''But I will let you hug me since you want me so much.''''


    ''''I want to punch you,'''' Esme glared at him again. The relieved and happy feelings from earlier when he woke up flew out of the window.


    ''''With these frail little hands? Good luck,'''' He winked at her and leaned back on the headboard when she pulled back from him.


    The sheets glided down from his upper body.


    Earlier he was sitting in a slightly bent position so the sheets covered his body from his chest. And she had hugged him through the sheets but now that the sheets went down, she could see his bare upper body crystal clear.


    Heat crept up her cheeks as she glanced at his rock-hard muscles. She saw it yesterday but it did not count because he was injured and she was worried about healing him at that very moment. There were no other thoughts in her mind. But now, she could feel the pair of captivating eyes focused on her, and she could hear that husky voice that strangely gave her goosebumps so there was certainly something different about looking at his body at this particular moment.


    The silence in the room became heavier.


    And Esme finally averted her gaze, only to have it locked with his eyes.


    He glanced at her teasingly.


    Heat crept up her cheeks.


    But perhaps Aleister changed his mind and decided to play a gentleman because he did not pursue the matter further ''''Princess, what happened?" He asked.


    ''''Huh?"


    ''''You are unusually slow and muddle-headed today,'''' he pointed out, noticing the confusion on her face, ''''Not to mention about your physical urges¡­''''


    ''''W-What?" Esme stammered, eyes widening in disbelief.


    ''''I mean how your hands were indecently roaming all over me while you hugged me and you even rubbed your face against my chest,'''' Aleister sighed, ''''What to say? I''m so embarrassed.''''


    ''''You¡­'''' Esme pushed herself to her feet, ''''Who are you calling indecent huh? I should have thrown you out of the room when you came all weak and injured.''''


    ''''This is my room,'''' Aleister corrected her with a straight face.


    The corner of her lips twitched, ''''But you were weak. What could you have done even if I kicked you out?"


    ''''I could have done many things.'''' He grabbed her wrist and tugged at it.


    ''''Ahh¡­'''' Esme crashed atop his body all at once. Her long hair sprawled over his right shoulder as she placed her hand on his left shoulder for support. Her upper body was leaning against his bare chest and Esme felt like the upper part of her gown must be very flimsy or thin. Why else would she feel his body heat permeating through it?


    ''''See, like this,'''' he raised an eyebrow while enjoying the look of ''I feel shy but I will act like I don''t care'' on her face.


    Esme blinked, trying to look as natural as she could.


    ''''You are easily offended. Even though your hands were suddenly indecent¡­'''' he kept the teasing short not wanting to earn another glare for the moment, ''''¡­but what I meant, in general, is that you are not your usual self today. What happened while I was sleeping?"


    As if on cue, the memories of last night went by in her mind in a flash and she gulped, ''''I will tell you but before that, are you going to tell me what happened to you?''''


    Aleister glanced at her expressionlessly.


    Esme slowly slid off his body while he was lost in his thoughts. It was such an embarrassing position and her face felt like it was on fire.


    She cleared her throat, ''''What? Cat got your tongue now? Tell me what happened to you and Leo yesterday," she pointed her hand towards the other side of the curtain where Leo was sleeping on her bed, ''''Who injured you? And how?''''


    ''''Oh, he is here as well,'''' Aleister raised an eyebrow as he glanced at Leo who was sleeping on the bed, with his head on the pillow. This one probably wanted to become a cat for real, ''''I was so focused on you that I did not notice him.''''


    ''''That was not the answer to my question.


    Aleister raised her hand which he was holding in his hand, his thumb stroked her knuckles, ''''Yesterday¡­.''''

 Chapter 122 - A Worthy Opponent

    *Flashback*


    Aleister extended his hand towards the floor, a golden ray of light shot out of his finger and the floor split open, revealing the underground library in the church/


    Leo, who was now a small furry white cat jumped at Aleister.


    Aleister grabbed the cat in his arms, ''''Let''s go inside.''''


    He descended the stairs and made his way towards the smallest shelf in the library. He picked up the book which was titled ''The Sea Creatures''.


    ''Meow''


    Although Leo roared, his voice came out like a cat.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow, ''''How suitable! Why don''t you stay like this forever?"


    Leo choked on his saliva. What do you mean by staying like this forever? I am a majestic beast, how can I live like a cat?


    Aleister glanced at the cover of the book, his fingers stroked the letters carved on it. The corner of his lips tugged up, ''''Princess, shouldn''t you be touched by my efforts?"


    Leo rolled his eyes. Touched? That human girl barely pays you any attention. Master, are you deluding yourself?


    ''''Leave this place. Go back to where you came from,'''' came a soft voice from behind.


    Aleister paused for a moment, ''''Oh, it looks like we have a guest, Leo,'''' he turned around while holding the cat and the book in his hand.


    Leo jumped from his arms and landed on the floor as he swiftly transformed into his huge form.


    ''''It''s you,'''' Aleister frowned the moment he recognized the woman standing in front of him.


    The copper-skinned woman slowly stepped towards him, her silver dress swaying with her every step that looked seductive.


    ''ROAR''


    Leo stood in front of Aleister, taking a defensive stance as he roared, a few bookshelves crashed on the side by the impact of his majestic aura.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow. Usually, this white thing was unruffled by everything. What got onto his nerves today?


    ''''Who could have known I will see you here?" Ruby smiled at Leo, ''''Back then, I did not sense it wrong.''''


    If Esme was here, she would have recognized this woman whom she met 7 years ago. The woman who claimed to be her protector.


    Aleister also recognized her. That day when he was cornered by the assassins, he intended to deal with them all together but before he could do that, a little Esme came rushing to him. She shielded him with his own body, apparently finding it unfair that a weak boy like him was being bullied by all those assassins. The thought of that moment still brought a smile to his face.


    But it was pretty obvious that Esme would not have been able to deal with all those men. And just when he thought that it was time for him to take action, she called out to someone called ''Sister Ruby''.


    Aleister did not think much of it until he saw the woman appearing in front of his eyes, out of thin air. What more, she finished those assassins within a snap of her fingers.


    ''''Were you out on some trip? Looking around the world?'''' Aleister leaned back on the shelf as he glanced at Ruby.


    Ruby averted her gaze from Leo as she focused on Aleister.


    He tilted his head and glanced at the unusually quiet beast, ''''You didn''t tell me that this pretty lady was an acquaintance of yours?" he narrowed his eyes.


    Leo shifted in his spot uncomfortably.


    Ruby glanced back at the man, ''''You should stay away from the things that don''t involve you,'''' she glanced at the book in his hand.


    ''''What if I don''t?" Aleister fiddled with the edge of the book.


    Ruby disappeared from the place where she was standing. In the next moment, she appeared right in front of Aleister. A sword appeared in her hand and she pressed it against Aleister''s neck, ''''Do as you are told.''''


    ''ROAR''


    Leo turned around and glanced at the woman with burning eyes.


    ''''I thought you were bewitched by the beauty. Seems like you didn''t forget who your Master is. Good for you,'''' Aleister pressed his finger on the sword and a golden thread seeped out of his finger. In the next moment, the sword turned into dust.


    ''''You¡­'''' Ruby was stunned. She stepped back from the man as she glanced at him in shock.


    ''''Am I way too handsome?'''' Aleister sighed, ''''No wonder Esme can''t take her eyes off me,'''' he mumbled under his breath.


    The corner of her lips twitched when she heard that. Ruby ignored his narcissistic statement, ''''I knew it.''''


    ''''That I am handsome?"


    Ruby frowned. It was the first time in her life that she came across a man who gave her the urge to either strangle herself or strangle him. ''''The first time I saw you, I knew you were different but I could not put a finger on what was different about you,'''' she glanced at him in contemplation. She tilted her head to look at Leo, ''''You knew it, didn''t you?"


    Leo roared.


    Ruby laughed in understanding, ''''There is no other explanation to why you would stick to a human being. He is different. I can feel the divine power in him.''''


    ''''Seems like you know something about me,'''' Aleister stood up straight.


    ''''So what if I do?" Ruby glanced at him, the man she would tag as a ''trouble'' just after a few minutes of meeting him. As if Esme was not enough of trouble to her, she even had to bump into him.


    Aleister did not say anything.


    Ruby smiled meaningfully, ''''It looks like Prince Aleister is unaware of the truth behind his powers, or maybe partially aware of it. Do you want to know more about why you have them? Are you curious about my identity or maybe you are curious about yours? Do you want to know it?"


    ''''What if I want to know everything?" Aleister asked her.


    ''''Then, I will tell you everything.''''


    ''''Oh?'''' Aleister glanced at the woman with a scrutinizing gaze before he clicked his tongue, ''''You are not a straight one.''''


    ''''What?" Ruby restrained herself from letting her temper flare-up. This annoying man.


    The pair of blue eyes locked into her eyes as the man spoke, ''''There must be something that you want in return. So what is it that you want to trade it with?"


    ''''You are not stupid. I want to trade the truth with Esme,'''' Ruby said as she tilted her chin, ''''Stay away from her and the matters that involve her,'''' she said the latter part while pointing her chin towards the book in his hand.


    Aleister sighed, ''''The greatest love stories are often filled with tragedies. Our love for each other must be deeper than the sea and higher than the mountains that whole world is trying to keep us apart,'''' he shook his head, ''''What a pity that she doesn''t realize it.''''


    Leo held back the urge to roll his eyes. Love? Deeper than the sea? Higher than mountains? Are you sure Esme knows this? Is it not just your narcissism screaming on top of your lungs?


    Ruby frowned, ''''You both are in love?"


    ''''Shouldn''t you know that well since you claimed to be her protector who stays around her all the time?"


    Her frown got deeper. It was true that she was tied to Esme for a certain promise that she once made but it lasted till Esme turned 16 years old.


    After that, Ruby returned to the place where she came from. So, she had no idea about what happened in recent years.


    Even though she knew that Esme was in the Daven''s Castle, she was unaware of the fact that the Prince of Visteria was her lover. But then again, Ruby knew that she could not trust Aleister''s words completely. The man was shrewd and crafty. So, it remained hidden how much truth his words held.


    But since he was aware of her relationship with Esme, then the two of them must be really close.


    Because of the matter of her being Esme''s protector, Ruby had never shared it with anyone other than Esme.


    And Esme being the guarded person that she has never shared it with anyone else, not even her Aunt or brother.


    For Aleister to know about it, there had to be something between the two.


    ''''As the things are right now, it is only right for you to leave her side. Even if you are lovers like you claim, the ending between you both will only be tragic. You both belong to two different worlds,'''' Ruby said to Aleister, her tone was solemn, ''''I will tell you everything you want to know. I will give you the truth that you want but in return, you need to leave Esme.''''


    ''''A truth?" Aleister chuckled, the sound of his deep laughter reverberating inside the huge library, ''''What''s that? Who told you I''d go looking for it? How boring! I am more interested in my Princess.''''


    ''''You¡­'''' Ruby''s eyes turned to slits, ''''How impudent!" she raised her hand, ''''Don''t blame me. You asked for it,'''' A golden glow appeared on her palm.


    Aleister''s eyes narrowed. All these years, he had never seen any other person possessing golden magic other than himself.


    Ruby extended her finger towards Aleister and a golden ray shot right at his chest.


    Aleister raised his hand and an invisible barrier formed in front of him, shielding him from the attack.


    Ruby staggered back from the impact of her attack going in vein. She spat out a mouthful of blood, ''''Cough¡­ You¡­'''' her eyes burned in fury but there was a hint of excitement in them. It had been a long time since she battled with a worthy opponent.. Maybe, this man was qualified to be one, ''''Take this,'''' the golden glow in her hand formed a huge spear as it shot at Aleister.

 Chapter 123 - Limited Time

    "Lady, have you lost your mind?'''' Sigh¡­ Women these days were more unpredictable than the weather of Visteria.


    He raised his hand and a golden thread seeped out of his fingers, transforming into an arrow. The arrow clashed with the golden spear. The bookshelves crashed by the huge force.


    Both of them retreated a few steps back.


    Aleister wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.


    "Cough¡­" Ruby glanced at Aleister in shock. He was stronger than she assumed.


    "Is it because of this?" Aleister raised the book in his hand, ''''Initially, I was just trying to obtain this book to feed Esme''s curiosity but I think it''s not a bad idea to put some more effort into this.''''


    ''''It has nothing to do with this book,'''' she lied because she knew this book was somewhat extraordinary. She could feel the divine power in it combined with a mysterious power that felt familiar to her, "I just want you to stay away from Esme and stop meddling in her affairs," it was the truth though.


    ''''Unfortunately, I won''t be able to do that even if she is the one asking for it.''''


    ''''You really are his son. Arrogant to the bones. But unfortunately, you are not half as powerful as your father,'''' Ruby''s lips tugged up in a mocking smile as she stepped back and a golden glow enveloped her body.


    Aleister watched as the woman mumbled something and in the next moment, a silver snake-like weapon was shot at him. The snake was so vivid that it seemed like it was alive.


    Just when Aleister tried to stop the attack, he realized that he could not move his hand.


    He closed his eyes and directed the force to his hand but his body felt numb.


    ''ROAR''


    Leo jumped in front of the weapon to take the attack head-on.


    Ruby''s expression faltered for a moment before she smiled, ''''You should know it well that this attack of mine will never go waste. Even if you try to shield him with your own body, my silver serpent would eventually find its way back to the one it was summoned for.''''


    Just as the words left her mouth, an injured Leo fell on the ground with a loud crash.


    A vicious red light shone in the eyes of the silver serpent as it shot straight at Aleister, turning into a whip and wrapping itself around his body.


    ''Bam''


    The book dropped from his hand as blood dripped from his body, landing on the book.


    Even a small movement in his body caused the whip to tighten further.


    ''''Hahaha,'''' Ruby laughed, ''''You can never take this attack of mine. Good luck with that. You should have listened when I was being good to you. Now sit here and wait for your death,'''' As soon as her words fell, she disappeared from their view.


    Leo glared at the spot even after the woman disappeared.


    He slowly turned around to look at Aleister who had his face covered in a cold sweat, his lips had gone pale.


    Leo approached the man and opened his mouth wide before biting the whip entangled around his body.


    The whip tightened even further. Aleister closed his eyes to hold back the groan sitting on the back of his throat.


    ''''I told you that you should find yourself a wife. See, you have gotten quite old and senile,'''' Aleister joked as he glanced at Leo who was coughing blood.


    Leo ignored his sarcasm because he knew it was the man''s crooked way of consoling him. He closed his eyes and slowly turned back to his cat form. He glanced at Aleister''s shoulder where the tip of the whip had wrapped around him like a vine.


    He extended his paws and made a stance to jump on Aleister but in the next moment, a golden ray shot at him and he slumped on the floor lifelessly.


    Aleister glanced at his finger before looking at the unconscious Leo in disdain, ''''You need to be strong to be able to take such things,'''' he glanced at the strange serpent-like whip that was wrapped around his body.


    He gritted his teeth, intending to pull it down his waist with his muscle strength but the whip continued tightening, piercing through his skin and flesh around his chest and shoulder.


    ''''Argh¡­'''' Aleister tilted his head back as he leaned on the shelf, blood trickling down his body which started pooling on the floor.


    "I swear that woman must be jealous of our love,'''' he mocked.


    ''''You bet?'''' came a soft whisper from the corner in the library.


    Aleister raised an eyebrow, ''''What are you, a ghost?'''' he mocked but this time there was no response from the woman. Just when he thought she disappeared for real, the whip tightened around his body as if it was even possible, ''''Ahhhh¡­'''' he dropped on the floor, coming to his knees.


    Aleister closed his eyes and clasped his palms together. His small movement made the whip tighten once again but he endured the pain as he gathered his power in his palms. A small golden ball appeared on his palms and it slowly started growing.


    As the time passed by, sweat droplets rolled down his forehead and blood trickled down his body, the huge golden ball in his hand transformed into a sword.


    ''''Ahhh!'''' Aleister gritted his teeth and slashed it across the whip in one movement. The whip was shredded to pieces and it fell on the floor before dispersing into the air.


    His body slumped on the floor. While cutting off the whip, the sword had slashed through his chest as well.


    Aleister pressed a palm on his chest from where the blood was gushing out.


    ''''Cough¡­''''


    Aleister raised his head when he heard the noise.


    The woman who disappeared earlier was now standing near the wall as she wiped the blood from her mouth. This must be one of her powerful moves because she was unable to handle the backlash it gave her.


    As she glared at him in shock and disbelief, the corner of his lips tugged up in an arrogant smile, ''''What a pity. That pretty whip was quite delicate.''''


    Although he seemed to be praising it by calling it pretty but one could hear the mocking intent in his voice. Ruby gritted her teeth, ''''Don''s be smug yet. You should know that your time is limited,'''' the corner of her lips tugged up when she watched the shift in his expression, ''''The divine power inside you makes you feel like it can explode at any given moment, doesn''t it?"


    Aleister''s lips thinned. No one else knew the condition of his body more than himself. Usually, he would be healthier than anyone out there but the moment he overexerted his powers, it will start feeling like something was growing inside his body, gnawing at his chest which will explode within an instant. Even now, he could feel the burning sensation in his chest.


    He had the urge to rip open his body with his bare hands.


    It has been that way for as long as he could remember. The powers within him have always been balanced but there was always this unsettling feeling which has come to grow in recent days.


    ''''Your time is limited, Prince Aleister. I''ll give you another chance to re-consider the options I am giving you,'''' Ruby coughed once again, wiping off the blood from her mouth, ''''I will tell you everything you want to know but in return, you must stay away from Esme and you should stop meddling in her affairs as well.''''


    Aleister lowered his head.


    Ruby smirked. For how long would he have denied her offer? In the end, he had to fall for it.


    ''''Alright, I will do as you say,'''' he looked at her with determined eyes.


    Ruby tilted her chin, ''''Much better¡­'''' her expressions worsened all of a sudden.


    ''''Pfft,'''' Aleister threw his head back as he laughed to his heart''s content, ''''I apologize, Lady Ruby but you sure are stupid. My precious will bawl her eyes out if I leave her side.''''


    ''''You despicable jerk! You will regret it,'''' Ruby gritted her teeth.


    ''''Jerk. It''s not the first time I have been called that,'''' he winked.


    That was all she saw before she disappeared into thin air.


    ''''Urgh¡­'''' Aleister spat out a mouthful of blood on the floor as soon as she disappeared from his sight. He pressed his hand on his chest and pushed himself to his feet, staggering back and forth until he found his balance.


    Aleister glanced at the unconscious Leo who was in the form of a small cat. He picked Leo, holding him from his tail, ''''Mm¡­ not dead yet,'''' he nodded and threw him out of the window in the library, ''''Don''t whine later. Cough¡­ This is what you get for trying to protect me when you know that you are weak,'''' he rolled his eyes in disdain and jumped out of the window before disappearing into the darkness.


    ''''Cough¡­'''' Aleister leaned his forehead against the castle wall to where he teleported from the church.


    He tilted his head and glanced at his room which was at a height.


    Aleister closed his eyes, intending to teleport into his room but he ended up on the window sill, thanks to his power which was in a disarray. The corner of his lips twitched.


    He inhaled a deep breath and flipped his body through the window, enduring the pain he felt because of his wounds being torn.


    ''Bam''


    Esme glanced in the direction of the noise, her eyes widening the moment she saw him.


    ''''Al,'''' she rushed towards him, ''''What happened to you?" she asked, worry apparent in her eyes.


    ''How sweet!'' he thought, ''What a musical voice,'' he mused, the corner of his lips tugged up slightly at the sight of her. The situation was not that bad after all having him gained Esme''s attention and concern.


    *Flashback ends*

 Chapter 124 - Culprit

    "What are you thinking about?'''' Esme waved her hand in front of the man who was lost in his thoughts, ''''Is it still hurting?'''' his injuries were so deep that she could not help but worry if it had caused some permanent damage.


    ''''Very much,'''' Aleister winced.


    Esme''s heart ached, ''''I will help you with everything. Just focus on recovering.''''


    "Everything?'''' he glanced at her with a pitiful expression on his face.


    Esme nodded again, ''''But you need to tell me about what happened yesterday.''''


    Aleister glanced at the glass of water on the bedside table, ''''I am thirsty.''''


    Esme pushed herself to her feet and picked up the glass of water from the table before extending her hand towards him, ''''Here.''''


    He showed no sign of moving his hands. He puckered up his lips instead.


    The corner of her lips twitched. Esme pointed her finger at herself, quietly raising a brow.


    He nodded pitifully, ''''You said that you will help me with everything. It''s fine if you don''t want to do all this. I will ask for some maids to help me till the wounds heal internally.''''


    Esme frowned, ''''Do you want them to tear open your wounds? They are always so nervous around you. Don''t call them.''''


    ''''I will ask Rowan to appoint some new maids who will be good at their jobs. Don''t worry,'''' Aleister tilted his head.


    ''''No need. I didn''t say I am going back on my words,'''' she narrowed her eyes.


    ''''But still, maids¡­mmp¡­!''''


    Esme grabbed his chin and pressed the glass of water on his lips. She tilted his chin, forcing the water down his throat.


    Aleister drank a few mouthfuls before he tilted his face to the side and coughed a few times.


    Esme placed the glass on the table before leaning closer to him. She patted his back, a line of worry etched between her brows, ''''Are you fine?''''


    ''''Are you trying to choke me?'''' Aleister whispered weakly.


    ''''No¡­ No¡­'''' Esme quickly shook her head, ''''I just¡­''''


    ''''So, about the maids¡­''''


    ''''Can you stop mentioning the maids again and again?'''' she interrupted him, ''''Your Highness, it''s not like you have a very clean reputation. If anyone overheard this, god forbid they will end up adding fuel to fire. The unpleasant rumors will run amok in the whole kingdom.''''


    ''''...I was just saying that we don''t need to get maids, I am not particularly comfortable with them.''''


    Esme blinked.


    ''''But you interrupted me before I could finish my words,'''' Aleister leaned back in the headboard of the bed, folding his arms behind his head. His naked chest was left exposed to her view once again, ''''Look at you Princess, why are you so grumpy early in the morning?''''


    ''''I¡­I¡­'''' Grumpy? Was she grumpy?


    ''''Are you really that concerned about my reputation?'''' he tilted his head, peeking at her through his dense lashes.


    Esme looked everywhere but him. She tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her before clearing her throat, ''''Of course, I am worried about your reputation. We have been partners after all.''''


    ''''What kind of partners?'''' he asked meaningfully.


    ''''The ones that help each other out?'''' she mumbled after some thought.


    He looked at her.


    Esme blinked. He kept looking at her for a long time till she could not meet his gaze.


    She turned her face to the side. ''''You have yet to tell me about what happened to you yesterday. Who hurt you?'''' she asked.


    Aleister sighed, ''''It was Ruby.''''


    Her head turned in his direction, eyes widening in shock, ''''Sister Ruby? Is it the person I know?'''' As he nodded, her lips parted in disbelief, ''''But why?''''


    "Apparently, she is jealous of our love.''''


    Esme glared at him, ''''Can you be more serious?''''


    ''''She must have been jealous of my good looks,'''' he said after some thought.


    Esme was speechless.


    "I think I need to walk around a bit,'''' he extended his hand toward her.


    Esme held his hand and supported his body, ''''Ugh¡­'''' a groan escaped her mouth when he shifted his body weight to her.


    She wrapped an arm around his waist and he was quick to shift his hand to wrap it around her shoulder. ''''So, why did she hurt you?''''


    ''''She acted like a nagging mother-in-law who wanted me to stay away from her daughter.''''


    Esme blinked. The relationship between her and Ruby was quite shallow even though she addressed her as a sister. The woman had saved her a few times in the past but after she disappeared that night, they never met again.


    After coming into this castle, she had faced many dangers including the time when she almost drowned in the sea. But Ruby who claimed that she was her protector never appeared.


    Esme helped Aleister lean back on the windowsill.


    He extended his hand and smoothened the frown between her brows.


    ''''She once said that she will protect me if I am in danger. Yesterday¡­'''' Esme looked at him, ''''...I almost died.''''


    His fingers which were stroking her face paused.


    Esme turned her head towards the door when she heard the sound of approaching footsteps.


    ''''Your Highness, My Lady, everyone is waiting for you at the breakfast table.''''


    ''''We will be there,'''' Esme said before she turned around to glance at Aleister, ''''There is something I should tell you.


    He nodded. Just as she was about to speak, he raised his palm, motioning her to stay quiet.


    She glanced at him in confusion.


    Aleister turned to look at Leo who was sleeping on Esme''s bed, ''''Stop playing dead, will you?"


    ''Roar''


    Leo jumped out of the bed as he slowly walked towards them. He stopped in front of Esme and stretched his neck, leaning his head towards her.


    Aleister''s brows twitched ever so slightly as he watched Leo wagging his tail like a dog.


    Esme patted his head.


    ''''Ahh¡­'''' Aleister pressed his hand on his chest.


    ''''What happened?" Esme quickly held his hand and ran her fingers on his chest, examining it for any possible untreated wound.


    ''''It hurts,'''' Aleister weakly said before flashing a smug look at Leo.


    Shameless. Despicable. Leo almost fainted in anger.


    ''''Leave the room. Come back when you decide to come clean to me,'''' Aleister narrowed his eyes.


    Esme glanced at the human and the beast with a strange gaze.


    Leo seemed to be contemplating over something before he jumped out of the window and sprinted far away, disappearing into the forests just in the blink of an eye.


    ''''Did something happen between you two?"


    ''''Nothing much but he seems to have something going on with that woman,'''' Aleister''s eyes darkened.


    ''''Oh¡­'''' Esme sighed. She felt strange at the mention of Ruby because she was not certain if she wanted to meet her or not. Or if Ruby was a friend or a foe.


    ''''So, Princess, what is it that you want to tell me?" he raised an eyebrow as he saw her grey eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief at the mention of it.


    ''''Al, do you know who is the culprit behind all the incidents in the castle and the Kingdom?"


    ''''I do¡­ why do you ask?" he smiled cunningly.


    ''''You knew it,'''' Esme was in a state of disbelief.


    ''''I was not certain so I was waiting for something conclusive to confirm it,'''' he stroked her cheek when he saw the distrust apparent on her face.


    Esme pouted, ''''I am not certain about it. It''s a guess. So¡­ I have something in mind.''''


    ''''Oh? I am curious.''''

 Chapter 125 - Kingdom Of The West

    As Esme and Aleister walked in the hallway making their way towards the royal garden, the latter suddenly asked her a question, ''''Have you ever heard of Defire Kingdom?"


    Esme was bewildered for a moment before she nodded, ''''That mysterious Kingdom of the West?"


    ''''Mhmm,'''' Aleister nodded and grabbed her hand, and intertwined their fingers.


    ''''What are you doing?" Esme glanced at the guards around the hallway who were stealing glances with their gazes lowered.


    ''''I''m still weak. You promised to help me and nurse me back to health. Now that I need your hand to walk, you won''t even give your hand to me. How did I not know that you were this ruthless?" He glanced at grievously.


    Esme looked at him for a moment before she nodded, ''''Alright, you can do that... Wait...'''' she glanced at him suspiciously, ''''How did you walk till here if you are that unwell?"


    ''''That''s because I was looking at you.''''


    She glanced at him as if two horns were growing above his head.


    ''''Your face cures all my sickness,'''' he winked.


    Esme stopped walking.


    Aleister paused as well.


    She stepped towards him and he stepped back.


    The guards in the hallway were at a distance but they did not dare to breathe out loud, let alone look at them after Aleister shot a warning glare in their direction.


    ''''What are you doing?'''' Aleister asked in a hoarse voice when his back hit the wall.


    ''''This...'''' Esme circled her index finger around his charming face and lowered her voice, ''''Don''t show those flirtatious expressions to me.''''


    ''''Are you accusing me of flirting with you? Or are you afraid of falling for me?"


    ''''I am asking you to behave yourself. Because your actions give me wrong impressions all the time.''''


    ''''And maybe I want to make those impressions that you get from actions?" he leaned closer to her, ''''Moreover, our position right now is quite meaningful, isn''t it?"


    She lowered her head to look at them. She had one palm pressed on the wall, right next to his body and his back was pressed against the wall. It clearly looked like she was pinning him to the wall.


    ''''You should have told me that you prefer this.''''


    ''''Stop teasing me,'''' Esme shot him a glare. She cleared her throat before stepping back from him.


    He smiled and grabbed her hand before hooking it around his.


    She kept glaring at him and he smiled like a sly cat.


    ''''Al, why did you ask about the Defire Kingdom?" Esme asked after some time.


    ''''Do you remember the people who were about to come for the investigation of the strange death cases?"


    ''''Yes, I have heard about them,'''' her eyes widened when a sudden realization dawned on her, ''''They are from the Defire Kingdom?"


    As he nodded, a complicated expression appeared on her face.


    The Defire Kingdom was situated in the West but their rules and regulations have been very different from other Kingdoms.


    Visteria and Nevesray are great kingdoms which have many small kingdoms under them which have been unified. But unlike them, the Defire Kingdom has always been whole.


    But it was as if the Kingdom did not exist. No one has ever seen its subjects, let alone the monarch.


    If not because of the monarch sending an emissary to the other kingdoms on important occasions and meetings, then the royalties would have also forgotten about the existence of that mysterious kingdom of the West.


    ''''Why?" Esme glanced at him questioningly. What motives do they have behind extending a helping hand towards Visteria?


    ''''They came forward and offered to help with this situation and the King accepted their offer.''''


    ''''But...'''' Why didn''t you stop the King? These people are way too mysterious to be this helpful.


    She intended to say that but Esme stopped herself in time. During her stay here, she had noticed the weird workings in this family. There was some sort of ice between the King and Aleister.


    Let alone the King, Aleister was also distant with Duchess Flora. He was only a bit genuine towards Duke Maverick.


    But then it was not her place to ask him about all this as much as she wanted to. He never told her about his powers or Leo so his family matters were another thing.


    Moreover, she had some suspicions that she wanted to confirm.


    ''''We are here...'''' Aleister whispered beside her ear, snapping her out of her daze.


    Today''s breakfast was arranged in the Royal Gardens and Esme could already spot three new people amidst their families.


    As they approached the table, Aleister pulled the chair for her.


    As usual, his greetings were very crisp. It was fine to say there were no greetings from him at all. He did not even nod at anyone from his side of the family but he smiled at her family members briefly which made it all more awkward for her.


    Esme flashed huge smiles at the King, Duke, and Duchess and greeted everyone properly before taking a seat.


    As soon as she was seated, her gaze landed on the three people who had hair of the color of the sun, so striking that it caught her attention from afar.


    The King raised his hand towards the people on his right, ''''He is the emissary sent by the Defire Kingdom, Sir Marcus.''''


    Marcus glanced at the King with a straight face, ''''Just Marcus will do,'''' his words were precise but firm.


    Aleister and Esme nodded at the man briefly.


    Esme glanced at the two people sitting beside Marcus. They had uncanny resemblances to the man but they were younger so she guessed they must be his children.


    And her guess turned out to be right when the King introduced them, ''''He is Lucian, Marcus'' son and she is Luciana, Lucian''s younger sister.''''


    ''''It''s a pleasure to meet you,'''' Lucian smiled at Aleister before focusing his gaze on Esme, ''A Visterian beauty?'' he could not help but marvel at the sight of her. Her striking red hair and grey eyes were surely a rare sight.


    But then he was suddenly reminded of the introductions that happened here at their arrival. The Royal Family of the Nevesray said that their Princess was set to marry the Prince of Visteria.


    And considering that there were no princesses in Visteria then this woman should be the Princess of Nevesray.


    Unlike Lucian whose attention was focused on Esme, Esme had her attention somewhere else.. She tightened her grip on the fork as her lips thinned at what she witnessed.

 Chapter 126 - Charmed

    Luciana was busy bickering with Lucian until she noticed the man who was approaching the dining table. From that very moment, she couldn''t take her eyes off him.


    As the King introduced them, she deduced that this man should be none other than the infamous Prince of Visteria, Aleister Daven. It was rumored that he was born with extraordinary powers that none of the other royalties possessed but the ordinary people who have never witnessed his powers speculated that he was a good-for-nothing Prince.


    They gossiped that to save themselves from humiliation, the royal family brought it up as a cover-up.


    A good-for-nothing? Hah, those fools! Her instinct has never been wrong. There was something about this man that made him extraordinary.


    But at this point, she was not that interested in his powers. She was more interested in him. One look at him and she could not help but be charmed.


    ''How perfect,'' she glanced at him in a daze, ''I want him.''


    ''Clang''


    Esme absent-mindedly stabbed her fork on her plate, instead of the dessert which made a loud noise, earning her the attention from everyone on the dining table.


    ''''What happened, Esme?" Duchess Flora asked with a worried expression appeared on her face.


    Esme could feel her Aunt''s glare on her. The woman must be chastising her for forgetting her manners.


    She swiftly avoided Adrian''s worried gaze and smiled awkwardly at Duchess Flora, ''''The food looks delicious and I am a bit hungry. So, I got impatient. Apologies.''''


    ''''You don''t need to apologize,'''' King Alexander shook his head as he glanced at his adorable soon-to-be daughter-in-law. If it was in his hands, he would have her married to his son today itself.


    Duchess Flora and Duke Maverick exchanged glances before they smiled at her, ''''Brother is right. Let us start eating,'''' the latter said.


    Esme nodded at them and tilted her head to the side, her gaze landed back on Luciana who seemed to be unfazed by the ruckus around her as she focused her constant gaze on Aleister.


    She glanced at Aleister who was looking into the distance. Earlier this day, Leo disappeared in that direction. Was he looking for Leo?


    Her nerves loosened and she slowly slumped back on the chair. She was bewildered about why she felt so edgy and frustrated earlier. Did she perhaps...?


    Suddenly, her eyes widened in horror and she glanced at Aleister before shaking her head and breaking the trail of her thoughts.


    ''''Do you not like her?" came a whisper beside her ear just when she was trying to focus on her food.


    Esme tilted her head to the side only to find her face dangerously closer to Aleister''s,


    ''''I don''t know her. Is there any reason for me to dislike her?" she whispered beside his ear. The question seemed to be more for himself than for him.


    ''''How am I supposed to know it? I saw you glaring at her.''''


    ''''Hmm... You saw it wrong then,'''' she shrugged, inwardly surprised that he noticed everything even though she assumed that he was not paying attention to what was going on.


    As expected, this man never missed any details.


    Little did she know he didn''t miss any details especially if the matter involved her.


    The others around the table could not help but look at the couple.


    ''''I just want to bring forward the marriage plans,'''' Duchess Flora sighed and glanced at Marlene with a dreamy look on her face, ''''Look at them, they are so in love.''''


    Marlene nodded, ''''They are.''''


    Adrian rolled his eyes.


    Esme could hear those whispers loud and clear quickly distanced herself from Aleister, suddenly aware of their intimate position. The way they were whispering into each other''s ears made them look like lovers for real.


    Aleister flashed an innocent smile at her.


    ''Hmph,'' Esme turned her face to the side.


    She noticed that King Elias was not present during the breakfast. He must be working in his room. She concluded.


    And there were no signs of Arlan as well. Perhaps, he is resting after his hectic training with the soldiers.


    Esme sighed and shifted her attention to the food.


    ...


    ''''So about the murders in the kingdom, Marcus has already found the culprit,'''' The King announced as he glanced at the selected royals who were inside the courtroom along with a few ministers.


    Amongst the royals, there were the Duke and Duchess, Aleister and Esme. Rest, there were a few ministers in the court along with Marcus Norwell and his two children, Lucian and Luciana.


    Even though women were not forbidden from entering the courtroom in Visteria, Esme''s presence was frowned upon by the ministers.


    Because, first of all, there was no official announcement yet about Esme''s real identity. So, like the guards who linked Esme and Arlan and said all disgusting things, the ministers also looked down on her because they thought she had no background and she merely relied on her beauty to seduce the Prince.


    Esme could hear them talking about her but she did not frown or show any expression on her face.


    Strangely, Aleister sensed something even without her saying anything, ''''Is there something wrong?" He tucked her hair behind her ear before whispering.


    ''''No. Sit straight,'''' Esme said with a stiff smile. She could feel those ministers mincing her with their sharp gazes.


    One of the ministers stood up and glanced at Marcus Norwell with a hesitant yet suspicious gaze. He hesitated for quite some time until the King motioned for him to speak.


    The old minister sighed, ''''Sir Norwell and his family arrived at Visteria today so how is it possible for him to find the culprit so fast?"


    Unlike what he expected, the Norwell family had calm expressions on their faces even though the minister''s words were like raising a finger at the credibility of their investigation.


    The minister wiped the cold sweat off his face and glanced at the King.


    Before the King could open his mouth, Lucian Norwell stepped forward, ''''I''d like to speak, Your Majesty.''''


    King Alexander motioned for him to start speaking.


    Lucian glanced at the minister with an aloof gaze, ''''We arrived in Visteria yesterday and it was Father''s wish to keep it low to not alert the culprit. Who would have known he would have fingers pointed at him for his thoughtfulness instead?"

 Chapter 127 - In A Spot

    Lucian glanced at the minister with an aloof gaze, ''''We arrived in Visteria yesterday and it was Father''s wish to keep it low to not alert the culprit. Who would have known he would have fingers pointed at him for his thoughtfulness instead?"


    The minister was rendered speechless.


    The rest of the ministers in the court also stood up to speak, ''''He is right. What do you think will the Defire Kingdom gain by lying to us?"


    ''''Sir Marcus came all the way here to help us for the peace of the continent. How could you doubt the credibility of his words?"


    The Minister who spoke up earlier was flustered, ''''I deeply apologize for my mistake. I was a bit preposterous.''''


    Lucian nodded and took a few steps back.


    King Alexander was about to speak when he noticed that both sides had retreated.


    But right then, a crisp voice rang in the courtroom.


    ''''A bit preposterous?''''


    Everyone''s attention shifted to Luciana who walked towards the minister and gave him a tight slap on his face. The man''s face whipped to the side.


    ''''This slap was for insulting my father. Who do you think we are for people like you to point fingers at us?" her words remained arrogant.


    A slight frown appeared on the King''s face.


    ''''Your Majesty, I''d like to apologize for my impudence,'''' Luciana turned around and bowed slightly at the King, ''''I got impulsive because my father was humiliated.''''


    The King''s expressions looked better.


    Luciana''s initial action of slapping the minister was a direct humiliation to the royal family. But as soon as she apologized and clarified that she slapped the minister not as a member of Defire Kingdom but simply as a daughter, one could not find anything wrong with her actions.


    ''How smart!'' Esme scoffed inwardly. Her arrogance made it apparent that she was slapping the minister because of the powerful backing that she had.


    Human beings are naturally scared of things that they don''t know anything about. The Defire Kingdom was such an existence. It was mysterious and secretive in nature and over the years, it became a mighty existence.


    It was not that the other monarchs were not curious about the Defire Kingdom which was always shrouded in a layer of fog. They were curious and their curiosity led them to send troops to look into that place.


    Even her Uncle sent troops but the people that went on to the other side of the border....never came back. They never made out alive out of there and at times, only the human carcasses were thrown out of the border.


    Events like this kept spreading a sense of fear amongst the other Kings and they naturally submitted to this mighty existence discreetly, respecting and dreading them from afar.


    Esme naturally saw through Luciana''s arrogance earlier. If her brother, Lucian had not glared at her, then she was far from apologizing to the King.


    ''''Mm... this one is nice.''''


    Esme turned to look at the source of the velvety voice. The corner of her lips twitched as she watched Aleister taking a bite from the pastry on his plate.


    The servant beside his poured the wine in his glass before retreating.


    ''''Would you like some?" Aleister looked at her.


    ''''No, I am good,'''' Only this man would eat pastries in a tense atmosphere like this but then, he was barely concerned about all these matters.


    She has seen Aleister handling the court matters and Kingdom''s affairs effortlessly but he just did it as a routine, without any interest. It was as if the Kingdom and its affairs had nothing to do with him.


    A sweet aroma wafted off to her nose and she glanced at the pastry near her mouth, ''''I don''t...mmm,'''' Aleister stuffed the pastry in her mouth the moment she tried to speak.


    Esme glared at him as her cheeks puffed up.


    ''''How pretty,'''' he poked her puffed-up cheeks to his heart content.


    Esme blushed, suddenly having the urge to hide under the chairs.


    Unlike the couple who were busy in their own little bubble, the atmosphere in the courtroom grew heavy with each passing second until Luciana spoke up again, ''''I''d like to have him punished severely for his impudence. You can''t forgive him, Your Majesty,'''' she looked at the King.


    ''''It was fine today because it was about us. Not everyone is as understanding as our Norwell Family. Had it been some other person whose kind intentions were doubted like that, then they would have assumed that this was not just this minister''s inner thoughts, but also the King''s. But we understand that you have no such thoughts. Still, we can''t let go of this unruly subordinate of yours. You should put him in prison to set an example.''''


    Alexander lowered his head, a deep frown settling between his brows. He could understand what Luciana was trying to do. As a King, if he did not punish the minister, then it would insinuate that he agreed with the man''s words and that he was also suspicious of the Norwell family''s intentions.


    But at the same time, punishing the minister for something like this was over the top. Nobody knew that the Norwell Family has come to Visteria since yesterday so his words made sense. How could they find the culprit when they reached the Royal Castle this morning?


    Who could have known the Norwell Family would put him in a spot as soon as they came?


    Seeing that Marcus was quiet all this time, it meant that he agreed with his daughter''s words.


    By this time, the minister had gone pale in fear.


    The other ministers were somewhat frightful as well. Though their friend acted on impulse but he did not do something to be put into prison. At this point, they looked at the King hopefully.


    Their faith in their King would be shaken if he gave in to this pressure and put one of his loyal ministers in prison.


    Luciana glanced at the King, ''''Your Majesty, do you not agree with me on this matter?"


    ''''I...''''


    ''''Lady Luciana, it doesn''t look like you are at the age to play with dolls then why must you act so childishly?" a clear voice resounded in the courtroom, interrupting the King''s words.


    The place drowned in complete silence.

 Chapter 128 - Eloquent With Words

    ''''Lady Luciana, it doesn''t look like you are at the age to play with dolls then why must you act so childishly?" a clear voice resounded in the courtroom, interrupting the King''s words.


    Everyone''s attention shifted towards Esme who was sitting beside Aleister and the entire place drowned in complete silence.


    Aleister''s movements paused for a moment before he picked up the glass of wine in his hand and turned his head to the side to look at her face. He sipped the wine and the corner of his lips tugged up behind the glass, ''''How pretty,'''' he whispered under his breath.


    A blush crept up to her cheeks and her fingers gripped the arm of the chair tightly. Did he not know that she had a decent hearing ability?


    Luciana glanced at the woman who was sitting beside Aleister. It was not that she had not noticed this woman. Earlier during the breakfast, she concluded that this woman should be Esmeray Reis, the Princess of Nevesray and the lover of the man whom she wanted.


    ''''Princess Esmeray, do you hear yourself? Your words are disrespectful,'''' Luciana glanced at the woman.


    ''''So are your actions,'''' Esme picked up the glass of wine in front of her as she twirled it slowly in her hand.


    Some of the ministers were a bit displeased that Luciana addressed this woman as ''Princess''. Since they did not know Esme''s identity, they assumed that she was addressed as the Princess because of her relationship with the Prince. So, it irked them because both of them were not even married yet, and neither did they want their Prince to marry such a woman.


    ''''Lady Esmeray, you should not interfere in the court matters,'''' one of the ministers could not help but express his displeasure. But he kept his voice as polite as possible because of the man who was sitting beside Esme like a dragon protecting his treasure.


    One of the court members was killed right in front of the King because he disrespected Esme so no one wanted the past to repeat itself, ''''And you should refrain from speaking in matters you are not asked about.''''


    ''''Did I talk to you?" Esme narrowed her eyes at the man who spoke up. Earlier when one of the court members was about to be thrown into the prison, he kept quiet. But now that she was speaking, he suddenly came to seek justice for virtues? Hah, how pathetic!


    ''''I apologize for interrupting you earlier, Your Majesty,'''' Esme glanced at the King, ''''But I could not restrain myself from speaking.''''


    ''''You can speak,'''' King Alexander waved his hand casually.


    Esme took a small sip of wine elegantly before she pushed herself to her feet and extended her hand towards Aleister, motioning him to hold the glass from her hand.


    The servants and the ministers flinched, waiting for the Prince''s bad temper to flare up. No matter how much he adored her, she was in the end, a woman, an accessory to him. How rude of her to treat him like that?


    Luciana narrowed her eyes. She heard that the Prince of Visteria did not have very much of a good temper. She had heard countless worse rumors about him but she never paid any attention to him. Little did she know he will have her undivided attention the moment her gaze landed on him. If the rumors were true, then she should be waiting for a spectacle.


    After all, this woman was asking the Prince to do what the slaves are meant to do.


    King Alexander frowned. He knew his son well. If he lost his temper at this moment, then he made a mental decision to stop him before he did something to Esme in anger.


    Duchess Flora also straightened up as she glanced at her husband.


    Duke Maverick''s brows tugged together for a moment before he relaxed in his seat, ''''Don''t worry,'''' His nephew treasured Esme way too much for him to hurt her.


    Aleister glanced at the fair wrist extended in front of him.


    Everyone held their breaths in anticipation and nervousness. After having witnessed the past instances, some were even imagining a broken hand.


    ''''Have you not been eating well? Your wrist looks thin,'''' Aleister sighed like a helpless husband before taking the glass from her hand.


    Esme was speechless. Not eating well? He was making sure she ate a lot so much so that she felt like someday she will become fat and then explode.


    "_''''


    Everyone''s jaws dropped.


    What was that? Which world were they in?


    Esme was clueless about their reactions because she did not think she did anything unnatural by handing him the wine glass.


    Luciana was the first one to recover her senses, ''''Princess Esmeray, are you siding with this traitor?" she suppressed the shock in her heart. It looked like the rumors were not reliable at all. How was this man referred to as the devil when he seems to be so uninterested in worldly affairs while eating the pastries? Not to mention, he even held the glass from this woman''s hand.


    ''''A traitor? Who?" Esme walked towards them before standing in between the minister and Luciana.


    ''''You know what I am talking about,'''' Luciana frowned, ''''This man pointed his fingers at my father and you are shielding him like this...''''


    ''''Oh, so how do you intend to punish him?"


    ''''I want him to be locked up in the prison,'''' Luciana said.


    ''''Can you afford to put Prince Aleister in the prison?'''' Esme asked in a confused tone.


    ''''W-What...'''' Luciana was flustered for a moment before she composed herself, ''''I am talking about this rude minister, not the Prince,'''' she stole a glance at Aleister who was busy drinking the wine from Esme''s glass.


    ''''How can you call the Prince ''rude''?" Esme feigned a shocked expression.


    ''''Princess Esmeray, you are not making any sense,'''' Luciana glanced at the woman as if she had lost her mind, ''''I am talking about the minister here but why do you keep diverting my words onto the Prince?"


    ''''Because I shared the same kind of thoughts with the minister.''''


    Everyone turned to look at the source of the voice.


    Aleister tilted his head and his gaze locked with Esme.


    Esme''s lips parted. No way. How could he know what was she going to say? Can he read minds?


    He winked at her before looking at Luciana, ''''Lady Luciana, I doubted the Norwell Family''s intentions as well. Are you certain that you can send me to the prison?" the corner of his lips tugged.


    His deep voice made her feel like a feather was stroking her heart. Luciana gulped, ''''N-No...I didn''t mean it like that...''''


    ''''Of course, we know that you didn''t,'''' Esme interrupted her. What is she looking at so intently? Was she planning to pack and take Aleister with her back to her Kingdom? ''''We barely have any links with the Defire Kingdom but the Norwell Family suddenly lent a helping hand to us so, of course, we will doubt your intentions. But it is in the past. Now that we know you came here yesterday and you have already found the culprit, our opinions have shifted.''''


    Luciana glanced at Esme, a frown appeared in between her brows. Why was this woman so eloquent with words?

 Chapter 129 - Bring The Sinner

    Esme''s words turned the whole situation around and Luciana no longer had the upper hand in this matter.


    ''''You...''''


    ''''Luciana,'''' Lucian stepped towards his sister, his green eyes roamed around the courtroom before settling on the beautiful woman standing in front of him, ''''Princess, I sincerely apologize for my sister''s impulsive behavior. She is quite attached to our father so she lets her emotions take control when there are situations like this.''''


    Luciana turned her face to the side. At this point, if they tried to hold this minister accountable then it would make them look petty and unreasonable so they could only retreat.


    ''''I can see that. Moreover, you don''t need to apologize to me,'''' Esme turned around and walked back towards her seat.


    Lucian let out a breath he did not know he was holding. This woman had a different aura that intimidated him. It was uncommon for him to feel like that and he could not help but wonder if his sister felt the same because she was tongue-tied in front of Esmeray Reis.


    He held Luciana''s hand and turned around to walk back towards their father only to halt in his tracks when that crisp voice rang out once again.


    ''''But Lady Luciana needs to apologize to the person she offended,'''' Esme pointed her chin at the minister who had gone pale from fear at some point.


    Luciana''s lips twitched. She turned around, ''''You... want me to apologize to him?" she pointed her finger at the old minister, disbelief apparent in her voice.


    ''''She will apologize,'''' Lucian pinched her hand hard.


    Luciana gulped down her grievances and inhaled a deep breath before looking at the minister, ''''I sincerely apologize for what I said earlier,'''' With that said, she stomped her feet on the floor discreetly and walked back to her father to stand beside him.


    Lucian smiled at Esme and went back to stand at his initial position.


    The King leaned back on the throne. He was more than surprised that Esme was able to overturn this sticky situation with a few words but apart from that, he was very relieved. Not to mention the fact that the head of the Norwell Family, Marcus Norwell kept watching the entire scene from the sidelines as if he could not be bothered about such trifles.


    The ministers had strange expressions on their faces. All along, they have been holding prejudices against Esme and they never expected her to step forwards so fearlessly and save their friend.


    ''''Stop looking at him. He is ugly,'''' Aleister glanced at Esme.


    ''''Hmm, ugly? I think he is pretty,'''' Esme continued looking at Lucian, ''''Look at his green eyes. They remind me of the forest. And his golden hair is like the sun.''''


    ''''How is that possible?"


    ''''Huh? What?" Esme glanced at him.


    ''''His golden hair reminds me of rotten lemons and his green eyes remind me of a toad with warty skin texture.''''


    Esme was speechless.


    ''''My dear moon?"


    She looked at him, ''''How many times have I told you to not call me like that?" Her skin tingled every time he used such names for her and it was weird.


    ''''Earlier this day, you said I can call you anything I want for the rest of the day. Stop going back on your words,'''' he smiled, ''''So, what do you think of me?"


    Esme raised an eyebrow, ''''What about you?"


    ''''Like... what do my eyes and hair remind you of?" he glanced at her intently.


    It took her less than a moment to be drawn into his gaze. His eyes were blue.... a color she has come to hate with everything she had but this pair of eyes was an exception. She did not hate them.


    His hair was deep, raven black, but there have been times when she accidentally touched his hair and she would be lying if she said that she did not want to do it again.


    ''''I...'''' she lowered her head.


    Aleister blinked.


    ''''I am shy. How can I say it?"


    ''''Why not? Tell me,'''' Aleister was more than curious. What exactly was she thinking that made her shy? He did not think his mind would be at peace the whole day if he did not get her answer.


    ''''They... They remind me of...'''' she watched the burning curiosity in his eyes to know her answer and she sat up straight, ''''They remind me of nothing,'''' she smiled cheekily and turned her face to the side.


    Aleister leaned back on the chair, a deep chuckle escaping his mouth. Did she just tease him?


    ''''Everyone here must be curious about who that person is that we were desperately looking for all this time,'''' King Alexander spoke up.


    Everyone glanced at each other. Of course, they all wanted to know who was responsible for all those heinous deeds and murders in their Kingdom.


    ''''And I want to inform you that the culprit has been living among us, inside the Castle all this time.''''


    As his words dropped, the place was filled with gasps and murmurs.


    Aside from the King, the Norwell Family, Aleister, and Esme, everyone else was fazed by the shocking revelation that came out of nowhere.


    ''''Bring the sinner,'''' King Alexander commanded.


    Esme could hear the sounds of cackling of chains even before the door to the courtroom opened. It brought back the worst memories back into her head.


    Years ago, similar noises woke her up from her sleep and she followed the source of the noise which led her to witness how her Uncle was torturing her brother. How could a happy family like theirs crumble like a sandcastle overnight? To this day, it remained a mystery to her. She never understood what her Uncle wanted from her brother.


    Suddenly, she felt a warmth on her palm.


    Esme glanced at Aleister whose carefree expressions were long replaced with a solemn gaze, ''''If you don''t want to be here, then I''ll escort you out of this place.''''


    ''''You will go with me?" she asked without missing a beat.


    ''''Yes,'''' he replied seriously.


    Esme let out a breath she did not know she was holding, ''''What kind of Prince are you?" She whispered, ''''Ready to leave at any given opportunity? Aren''t you the least bit concerned about the Kingdom?"

 Chapter 130 - Is She A Witch?

    ''''The Kingdom has its King. So, I''d prefer to be there for you instead.''''


    ''''You say it like it''s a rite of passage for you to look after me,'''' she rolled her eyes.


    He shrugged.


    ''''What would you have done if you were the King?" she smiled and asked him in a light tone.


    Before he could respond to her, the huge doors of the courtroom were pushed open as a queue of soldiers entered the place, surrounding the person who was in the middle.


    As Esme looked at the scene, her lips parted.


    Standing in between the formation of the soldiers was none other than the person who escaped yesterday when she was healing Leo. It was Liz. Her limbs were shackled with chains and the soldiers were holding the chains in their hands, forbidding her from making any unnecessary movement.


    Her body was completely still with her head hanging low and her long hair covering her face.


    She was unrecognizable in her current condition but having seen her yesterday, Esme could recognize her easily because she was still wearing the same dress.


    ''''Raise her head.''''


    As soon as the King''s words dropped, both the soldiers who were holding the chains which bound the woman''s shoulders tugged at it harshly.


    Her hair flew back, revealing her bruised face. At first glance, she looked like a woman who was beaten black and blue but the moment her red eyes opened, it made her look like a ferocious beast.


    Liz growled as she moved her legs, attempting to break off the chains like a wild animal.


    ''''Ah...'''' Duchess Flora was startled.


    Duke Maverick immediately pulled her into his arms, shielding her shivering body, ''''Calm down.''''


    ''''I recognize her. She is Liz. I have seen her around, working in the castle,'''' Duchess Flora spoke through her tears.


    Her words were heard by a few officials and some of them who had seen Liz working in the castle stepped before and admitted it to the King.


    ''''Is this what you were talking about?" Aleister asked Esme.


    She nodded. After he told her about the incident that occurred in the library, she briefed him about what happened with her. She told him that she was almost molested by Keith and murdered by Liz.


    After he got to know that, he wanted to pay a visit to both of them.


    That''s the phrase he used. ''Pay a visit''.


    But Esme knew better than to believe that. His visit was sure to paint the castle red with blood.


    She stopped him and told him that Keith was dead. Somehow, she was suspicious that she was the one who killed him.


    He patted her head and said ''Good girl,'' quite contrary to the weird expressions that she had expected to see on his face.


    And suddenly he was eerily calm. He no longer asked about Liz or anything about that matter.


    She did not know what was going on in his crafty mind.


    Duke Maverick called for the servants and looked at them, ''''Escort the Duchess back into her room,'''' he said before he stroked the woman''s back, ''''Don''t be afraid.''''


    Duchess Flora wiped the cold sweat off her forehead with her embroidered handkerchief, ''''It has been a long time since I witnessed a sight like this,'''' her voice cracked towards the end.


    Duke Maverick''s heart ached for her. He liked it when she was cheerful as a bird but there were these rare times when his calm wife lost her composure and he hated when it happened.


    Today''s scene must have reminded her of what happened in her Kingdom, Florania where the witches had once formed their nest.


    Even though he was upset, he was more upset at his inability. He was bound to this wheelchair where he could not even stand up to hold her. His body continued to fail him. He hated to see tears in her eyes but at times, she would go to bed while crying because of his condition.


    No matter how nicely she put on an act, he always saw through it.


    He could not even protect the woman he loved the most and nothing in the world could make him feel more pathetic.


    Duchess Flora slowly held the arms of her chair before standing up. She wiped her tears and glanced at Duke Maverick before she turned to look at the only two women who were present in the court other than her.


    ''''Lady Luciana, Esme...'''' the way she called Esme was intimate, contrary to the way she addressed Luciana. She had noticed the woman''s gaze always settled on Aleister and Duchess Flora wanted the lady to quit her dreams. No one other than Esme was eligible to become her niece in law, ''''You both don''t need to witness such a scary sight. Come with me," They were delicate young ladies after all and this was gruesome.


    ''''I am fine here,'''' came their voices in unison.


    Esme and Luciana exchanged glances, not expecting to be on the same side. They turned to look at Duchess Flora.


    Duchess Flora: "_"


    What''s wrong with ladies these days? Should they not be more interested in admiring flowers and artworks?


    Why did they look so eager to look at such a gory sight?


    She was unable to comprehend it. She shook her head.


    She bowed at the King and her husband and elegantly picked up her gown and walked out with the servants shielding her from all the sides so that she won''t see that sight again.


    As soon as Duchess Flora walked out of the courtroom, the door closed behind her.


    The soldiers who had enclosed around Liz to not let the Duchess see her face retreated a few steps back.


    Esme glanced at Liz. Despite being stabbed by her, yesterday Liz looked recognizable but today, she had a scary appearance with her hair strewn all over her face.


    ''''Your Majesty, is.... is she a witch?" An official spoke up after he snapped out of his reverie.


    King Alexander glanced at Marcus Norwell.


    Marcus stepped forward, ''''She is not a witch,'''' his gaze roamed around the place, taking in the relieved face of the people present over there, ''''But she is bewitched by one," he said, stopping their heartbeats instantly.

 Chapter 131 - My Fiance

    ''''Bewitched?'' Aleister, who was acting unbothered all this time finally spoke up.


    Luciana stepped forwards, ''''Your Highness,'''' she greeted the man, her voice soft and her movements elegant.


    The corner of Esme''s brows twitched ever so slightly.


    ''''Yes?" Aleister glanced at her.


    ''''Have you heard of witchcraft bewitchment?"


    ''''Witchcraft bewitchment?'''' Aleister narrowed his eyes slightly.


    Esme quietly lowered her head and fiddled with her fingers, a slight pout formed on her lips. All this time, what was she doing trying to find out more about merfolk? She should have looked into the witches instead. Today, they would not have needed these people to answer his questions. Humph!


    ''''Witchcraft is vast and it is impossible to know everything about it. But witchcraft bewitchment is something that many people have witnessed. Years ago, when the witches were running amok in the kingdoms, they wreaked havoc. But still, the witches were very scarce compared to the humans. No matter how powerful they were, they couldn''t keep an eye on everything,'''' Luciana walked towards Aleister, admiring his face. How could a man be so perfect? Her heart skipped a beat.


    She paused for a moment before speaking, ''''So the witches relied on this vicious power they had,'''' she pointed her finger at Liz who was scowling, ''''They controlled humans like her by bewitching them.''''


    Once bewitched, these humans will become a puppet.


    But there was a condition for witchcraft bewitchment. A witch can never bewitch any human they want.


    They can only bewitch humans like Liz or Keith who had certain weaknesses or desires and the willingness to trade their everything to fulfill those desires.


    Every human has something that they want. But not all of them would be willing to step into the darkness and lose their identity to have it.


    But Keith desired Esme, more than he ever expressed. And Liz loved Keith since the day she started working in the castle. She couldn''t watch him fall for Esme and her willpower to watch from the sidelines wavered.


    ''''Does that means there are witches in our kingdom?" an official could not hold back his question anymore.


    Everyone had panicked expressions on their faces.


    Marcus Norwell frowned, ''''Not necessarily. Years ago, they were here. Duke Maverick should know it well.''''


    Duke Maverick stiffened. He lowered his gaze to look at his legs and his hands which were black and shrunken. Of course, he knew it. A bitter smile appeared on his face. How could he not know it when he was reduced to this condition because of those evil creatures?


    As the officials glanced at each other, Marcus explained, ''''A long time has passed and it is understandable that many of you have forgotten that the Duchess used to be the Princess of Florania.''''


    Esme remembered having a discussion regarding this with Aleister.


    Florania was the Kingdom that was destroyed by none other than its King. Duchess Flora''s father sent his troops to destroy the territories before he stabbed himself with a sword. It was believed that he was possessed but now it looks like he was bewitched by a witch.


    Duke Maverick was there for his marriage with Duchess Flora but as things turned out like this, he shielded her and protected her with all his powers. And hence, his current body condition.


    Duchess Flora who already loved Duke Maverick, never turned her back on him. And she blamed herself for his current condition.


    ''''So, you mean to say that there is no witch?" The King asked.


    Marcus nodded, ''''Witchcraft bewitchment can be passed for generations. If the father or mother were bewitched by a witch, there are chances that the children will be born with a special condition, as the slaves of a witch.''''


    ''''How is it possible that both Liz and Mr. Reiner were like this. Does that means that both their parents were bewitched by a witch?" Esme voiced out her opinion as she glanced at Marcus suspiciously.


    The moment Liz stepped inside the courtroom, she understood that the Norwell Family must have arrived yesterday and witnessed the scene in the hallway. There is no other way they would be able to catch the culprit as soon as they came.


    ''''Mr. Reiner?" King Alexander glanced at Esme.


    Esme stood up, ''''Your Majesty, I apologize for not telling you earlier about this. Yesterday, an incident occurred when I accidentally witnessed Liz and Mr. Reiner, our head gardener in their true forms. They tried to kill me but I escaped from there with great difficulties and Mr. Reiner died in an accident. His body.... should be there in the hallway behind the Prince''s room.''''


    Aleister''s lips twitched. Usually, Esme was a very truthful and straightforward person. But when she lied without blinking twice, he could not deny that he found her attractive. Perhaps, his tastes were getting weirder since the day he met this woman.


    The Norwell family''s expression turned worse. They all saw it with their own eyes how she killed Keith with her bare hands. How could this woman distort the truth in such a manner? Keith tried to molest her and Liz tried to kill her because of her lover''s betrayal. But the way Esme phrased it, she solved everything in a few words.


    The King dispatched a few guards to look around the place and they recovered Keith''s body.


    Liz who had initially calmed down, roared maniacally when she saw Keith''s dead body. The soldiers tightened their grips on their chains.


    ''''Why would you hide it from everyone?'' Luciana glanced at Esme, trying to trap her in her own words.


    ''''Who said that I was hiding this on purpose? I am a delicate woman and I was shaken by this incident,'''' Esme stated it like a fact.


    The Norwell Family had weird expressions on their faces. Delicate? Why can''t we see your delicate self?


    ''''Moreover, I discussed this matter with my fiance,'''' Esme elegantly wrapped her arms around Aleister''s arm as she flashed a ''You know what I mean'' smile at Luciana.


    Luciana gaped at her in disbelief. Was she showing off?


    Aleister: ^.^

 Chapter 132 - A Favor

    As Esme walked out of the courtroom, she turned around and glanced at the closed doors.


    Aleister was stopped inside by the King because of some work-related matters.


    Esme could not help but think back to the conclusion that everyone reached. Marcus Norwell''s words were still ringing in her mind.


    ''Years ago, Keith Reiner once went to the Florania Kingdom and Liz''s mother was born at that place before she was married off. They are just remains of the witchcraft bewitchment. The darkness in them got triggered once their minds started wavering towards evil. So, there is no witch.''


    Esme massaged her forehead. To top it off, since Keith was dead already, the King agreed with Marcus Norwell''s suggestion of burning Liz alive in the Enchantment Forest to eradicate the evil.


    Was there really no witch around? Was she overthinking it? Every piece was starting to fall in place with the truths revealed by the Norwell Family but there was an unsettling feeling in her chest that she could not get rid of.


    ''''Princess... Princess, please wait...''''


    Esme''s footsteps came to a halt.


    She turned around to glance at the old man who was rushing towards her.


    He quickly came to his knees.


    Esme retreated a few steps back. ''''What are you doing?" she lowered her body and held his shoulders, ''''Please stand up.''''


    ''''You are my benefactor,'''' the old man looked at her with tears in his eyes.


    He was the same minister whom Luciana accused of insulting the emissary of Defire Kingdom.


    ''''Minister Louis, this is very improper. Please stand up. We can talk then,'''' she helped him up. Minister Louis glanced at her, ''''Princess, if it was not for you, then I would have died today.''''


    ''''No, the King...''''


    ''''He would not have been able to save me,'''' Minister Louis interrupted her, ''''His Majesty is the ruler of Visteria. He would not have declared a war against the Defire Kingdom just for the sake of an old minister. The stakes were high. If it was not because of your timely interference, this old man...''''


    ''''Nothing happened to you. You are fine, aren''t you?" Esme smiled at him, ''''Moreover, if you are really that grateful, then can I ask for something?"


    ''''Yes, I''d even sacrifice my life,'''' the old man nodded with dazzling eyes.


    ''''Minister Louis, it took me a great amount of effort to save you. How can you talk so casually about sacrificing your life?"


    The old man thought about it and felt like her words made a point, ''''Then what is it that you want, Princess?"


    ''''Hmm... A favor?" she looked at him.


    ''''You can ask for anything. I will surely pay you back with everything I have.''''


    Esme laughed, ''''But unfortunately, I don''t need anything now. If the day comes when I need something from you, I will certainly ask for it. You are not allowed to go back on your words at that time.''''


    ''''Yes, yes, Princess. I would die before thinking about going back on my words....'''' he stopped when she directed a glare at him.


    ''''If you take your life so lightly, death will come knocking at your door without any reasons like it happened today,'''' she sighed before shaking her head, ''''Don''t forget your words. You must pay me back in the future.''''


    ''''Yes, yes...''''


    As Esme walked away, some of the ministers and officials who were pretending to be a backdrop while eavesdropping on their conversation quickly walked towards Minister Louis, ''''What was the royal family thinking when they accepted such a bloodsucker?"


    ''''Who knows? Look at how greedy she is.''''


    ''''She must be thinking of extorting you, Minister Louis. You ought to be careful...''''


    ''''Shut up, you fools,'''' Minister Louis snarled, and all of them quietened down in an instant.


    Minister Louis was known to be a very short-tempered and perceptive official in the royal court. When the matters involve the safety of the kingdom, he would become somewhat impulsive like what happened today but otherwise, he was a sharp man who noticed every minute detail.


    And being the most senior according to his age, he was respected by the other officials.


    Everyone quietened down when they heard his angry voice.


    ''''D-Did we say something wrong?"


    ''''Wrong. Wrong. Are you right then? Humph!" Minister Louis glanced at them as if he was looking at a bunch of foolish children, ''''Do you think she wants to extort benefits from me?"


    ''''We...We heard her saying that.''''


    ''''You fools, where did you sell the knowledge that you all used to enter the royal court to serve the Kingdom. Why would she extort any benefits from me when she has the Prince as her backing? Did you not see the way he held the wine glass for her? Do you think the future queen needs to curry favor with an old minister who might die anytime....cough...fall sick anytime?"


    Minister Louis took in the sight of their dumbfounded faces before he continued speaking, ''''She said that to not let me feel burdened about it. Because she saw how uncomfortable I felt for not having anything that I could pay her back with for this huge favor.''''


    The rest of the officials were stunned.


    ''''I have been shouting all this time that you should not judge her character when you don''t know a thing about her but you fools just never listened to me. Hmph!'''' With a flick of his robe, Minister Louis turned around and left.


    They did not know that Esme who had already walked up to a distance could hear their words loud and clear.


    Esme smiled as she glanced at the reflections of their stunned faces in the mirrored wall.


    In fact, what minister Louis said was right. She never intended to ask for anything from him. It was just a way to help him get the burden off his back.


    She was about to walk towards the room but her footsteps came to a halt when she saw Aleister stepping out of the courtroom.


    Her lips parted slightly when she saw him walking out with Luciana.. They seemed to be discussing something.

 Chapter 133 - My Favorite Person

    ''''Did you go s0omewhere?'''' Aleister tilted his head and glanced at Esme who entered the room.


    It has been some time since she left the courtroom but she did not come back to the room. He was about to look for her.


    He scanned her from head to toe and his expressions looked better when he was certain that she is fine.


    ''''What are you doing?" Esme glanced at the man who was staring at her intently.


    ''''I was making sure that you are fine. What else?"


    She walked towards him, her footsteps staggering a bit, ''''Why do you care if I am fine or not?"


    ''''Hmm?" Aleister raised an eyebrow. She was being grumpy again. Did someone offend her¡­? ''''My dear moon....''''


    ''''Don''t call me that,'''' she pressed her palm on his mouth, ''''Don''t go around seducing me all the time when you have no intentions to take responsibility for your actions.''''


    He grabbed her wrist but she shook off his hand before getting her hand out of his grip.


    Esme leaned closer to him till their faces were inches apart, ''''You keep confusing me all the time,'''' she whispered, her warm breath tickling his lips.


    ''''Is it the wine speaking for you?'''' She took a few sips earlier. But she looked fine when she left the courtroom. Did she drink somewhere else after leaving the place? Why was she so tipsy?


    She startled him by putting her palms on his chest.


    ''''Wine? Why would it speak for me? Is my mouth not enough?'''' she licked her bottom lipa with the tip of her tongue, her eyes squinting seductively.


    ''''Can you speak from a distance?'''' His throat ran dry at the position they were in.


    ''''Distance?" Esme lowered her head. She held her gown and raised it slightly before removing her shoes.


    He glanced at her in confusion.


    She kicked her shoes aside, ''''What distance are you talking about? Why do you not mention it when you keep kissing me?" she pushed him to the bed with both her palms on his chest before climbing atop him.


    Her hair fell near his shoulder, forming a curtain to the left side of his face, ''''Distance you say. Why don''t you remind yourself of it when you do this....'''' she pecked his lips and nibbled on his bottom lips before looking into his eyes.


    ''''Hah~ You sure are drunk. How about you take responsibility for your actions?" He grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her closer.


    ''''Yes, I will,'''' Esme smiled at him.


    She was the drunk one but he felt intoxicated.


    ''''Ssss...'''' Aleister inhaled a deep breath because the moment their lips met, Esme bit his bottom lips ruthlessly, leaving her teeth imprints there.


    ''''Hmph! Who do you think you are?" She poked the tip of his nose with her index finger, ''''You, Aleister Daven, are a fickle-minded narcissistic Prince whom I hate with all my heart.''''


    ''''Why are you lying atop me if you hate me that much?" He wrapped his arms around her waist, looking at her with a doting expression on his face.


    ''''To have a proper discussion,'''' she mumbled.


    ''''So, what do you want to discuss?" he tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear before bringing her hair to one side.


    ''''I told you to not seduce me, didn''t I?" She glared at him, ''''I never understand you. I can never... understand you. When we first met here in the castle, you called me ugly, looking so uninterested in me.''''


    ''''You sure hold grudges,'''' the corner of his lips twitched.


    ''''Of course, I do,'''' she buried her face in the crook of his neck, ''''Then you treated me like I was the most beautiful woman you ever laid your eyes on.''''


    ''''You are... sss... are you a puppy?" he faked a wince when she bit his neck.


    ''''No seducing... So, then at times, you treat me like you are interested in me but there are times when your narcissism gets the best of you, saying things like I am trying to get closer to you and I can''t take my eyes off you which is true though. But still, you should not expose it on my face no? Hmph!... There are times when I see you around me all day where you tell me that other women make you uncomfortable. But then, I find you talking to that Culiana. What about me? Did you think it will not bother me even if you go around discussing work with her...?


    ''''Luciana,'''' he corrected her, "...Not Culiana."


    She raised her head from his neck and rolled to the side, getting off his body. She glared at him, ''''Is that the only thing you heard? Is her name so pleasant that you can''t get it off your mind?"


    ''''Hmm... sounds like a nice name.''''


    She looked at him in disbelief, ''''You are a jerk!"


    ''''Why? Are you jealous?"


    ''''Can''t you see that?" She looked at him with limpid eyes, ''''It bothers me so much when I imagine you with someone else. It must be because of your indecent actions towards me that I have started letting my mind run wild...mmmph...''''


    He sealed her lips with his, interrupting the rest of her words. His lips moved gently at first but as soon as she wrapped her arms around his neck, his body towered over her, taking her bottom lips between his teeth. He licked and bit her lips alternatively before sucking on the spot he bit.


    He pulled back from her and glanced at her red wet lips before looking into her eyes, ''''Did I not tell you that you are my favorite person?''''


    ''''No...'''' she seemed quite like an obedient bunny as she shook her head.


    ''''Then I''m letting you know that today.. When I say you are my favorite person, you should know that I mean it,'''' he stroked her hair, ''''Stop comparing yourself to people who don''t exist in our lives.''''

 Chapter 134 - Sick

    She continued looking at him, ignoring her racing heart, ''''But we...''''


    He glanced at her meaningfully, ''''Partners, friends? What a joke. Since the very first day I laid my eyes on you, I wanted to keep you beside me forever. You, Esmeray Reis, are the person I have adored for a very long time.''''


    ''''Hmm....'''' A faint blush crept up her cheeks, ''''Shall I take your words for it?" She wrapped her arms around his waist.


    ''''Huh?"


    "You see no matter how frustrated I am, this face of yours is pleasant to my eyes. I don''t mind waking up to it every...hmm....''''


    ''''You....'''' Aleister speechlessly glanced at the woman who had drifted off to sleep at some point. How could she doze off in the middle of a conversation and especially when their positions were like this, with him pinning her to the bed?


    He got off her body and sat beside her, staring at her intently, ''''Since you find my face pleasing to your eyes, do I need to use it to keep you here?" he whispered.


    Just as he was about to stand up from the bed, he felt a tug on his sleeves, ''''Sleep with me....'''' Esme mumbled with an irritated look on her face as she turned her face towards him.


    Aleister blinked. He removed her hand from his sleeves and carried her in his arms before adjusting her position on the bed such that her head was nicely placed on the pillow.


    She grabbed his hand the moment he was about to turn around.


    ''''I will sleep with you if that''s what you really want,'''' he quickly slid under the sheets with a look on his face that said ''I am only sleeping with you because you are begging for it. I am not interested in it at all. Totally not interested''.


    Contrary to his expressions, his actions were strangely unpredictable.


    The whole noon was spent on glancing at her, admiring her face, thinking back to her words.


    Aleister Daven was daydreaming.


    The world would be shocked if they discovered this.


    He slowly extended his hand towards her face, letting the tip of his finger stroke her lashes. His finger glided down her cheeks and his thumb caressed her lips.


    Suddenly, there were sounds of approaching footsteps outside the door.


    Aleister tucked Esme in the sheets properly before taking large strides towards the closed door.


    He opened the door and pressed a finger on his lips.


    Rowan froze with his hand extended towards the door to knock. He gulped down the words that were resting at the tip of his tongue.


    He could see the woman sleeping on Aleister''s bed from behind his shoulder and his brows tugged together. He has known this man for so long, be it as a Prince or as a friend and he was certain that Aleister would never let a woman sleep on his bed.


    But then, he even let this woman live inside his room. What big matter was the bed?


    Aleister stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him, ''''What is it?" He asked, looking at the urgent expression on Rowan''s face.


    Rowan snapped out of his trance. Right, it was not the time to think about Esme or these trivial matters. "Your father....''''


    "What about him?'''' Aleister glanced at him.


    "There is something wrong with him.''''


    The next morning.


    King Elias sat on the bed beside King Alexander, ''''The Royal physician said that he will be able to treat you. I am sure you will recover soon, my friend. As much as I want to stay with you when you are in this condition, but you know what things are like on my side. Those court officials will hunt me down and boil me in the soup if I don''t go there soon enough.''''


    "Haish... Cough...'''' King Alexander coughed into his handkerchief, spitting blood on the white material, ''''You fox, why don''t you say you are in a hurry because you want to get a Queen for the Kingdom as soon as possible?''''


    "That is a point too,'''' Elias glanced at Marlene who was standing near the edge of the bed.


    Marlene averted her gaze, feeling naturally embarrassed. Since the day they confessed their feelings to each other, this man has been after her life, hanging the swords like marriage, children, love at her throat day in and day out.


    All this time, she was used to being an elder to Esme and Arlan. In the process, she somehow forgot that she was a woman barely in her early thirties. But being around Elias made her feel like she was back to being a teenager again.


    She could not believe that after all these years, the effect that he had on her had never changed at all. Her heart would still flutter when he smiled at her and she would still stop breathing when he was closer to her.


    How ironic! With a heart which was as vulnerable as this towards him, how did she ever think that things were over between them?


    "I want to marry Princess Marlene as soon as possible so that we can properly fulfill the rituals in our niece''s marriage.''''


    "Again. Don''t use our Esme as an excuse... Cough... Cough... when you just can''t wait to get a wife,'''' King Alexander burst in a series of coughing fits once again.


    "Why are you so sick?'''' Elias patted the man''s back.


    "Look at you brother. How can you cough like that?'''' Duchess Flora stepped inside the room with a glass in her hand. One could see the worry lines on her face, ''''This is the reason we''re telling you to take care of your health but why would you listen to us? Here, have this medicinal drink freshly prepared by the Physician.''''


    "Yes, yes,'''' King Alexander sighed helplessly before gulping the drink in one breath.


    "Are you leaving today, Your Highness?'''' Duchess Flora glanced at Duke Elias and Marlene.

 Chapter 135 - Mood Swings?

    Duchess Flora and the King burst out laughing when they heard that, ''''Our daughter-in-law is indeed unique...'''' Alexander said, ''''Moreover, she doesn''t need to learn all this... cough...cough...I just hope she can come back soon as my daughter-in-law and the future Queen of Visteria.''''


    ''''Esme is not going anywhere.''''


    A crisp voice attracted their attention.


    Everyone glanced at the entrance where Aleister was standing with a few officials behind him. The man turned around and handed the parchment to the court official behind him, ''''Deal with this matter and make sure that the Norwell family are being taken care of. They are our guests,'''' he said.


    The court officials bowed to him before they retreated quietly.


    Aleister stepped inside the room and closed the door behind him.


    ''''What do you mean...cough...''''


    ''''I mean what I just said,'''' Aleister interrupted the King, ''''Just take care of your own health and recover soon so that you can take care of your kingdom. You don''t need to be curious about my personal affairs,'''' he added, noticing the man''s strange expressions.


    ''''But My Lord, it has already been decided,'''' Marlene found it strange the way Aleister talked to the King so indifferently but it was their family matter. Maybe the father and son were not as amicable as they looked, ''''We need to take Esme back with us if we want your wedding to be done with all the proper rituals. The ministers and court officials here and back in our Kingdom need to be aware of everything, including Esme''s identity. We can''t just rush it up.''''


    ''''Aunt,'''' Aleister glanced at Marlene.


    Marlene froze, feeling as if she had a fly in her mouth. She was unable to gulp it down or spit out.


    ''''You can call me by my name since I am going to marry your niece,'''' He enjoyed the rare expressions that flashed on Marlene''s face, ''''But about this, I believe you need to talk it out with Esme. I don''t think she will leave.''''


    ''''Oh, Esme is here...'''' Duchess Flora announced when the guard opened the door.


    Esme stepped inside the room while pushing Duke Maverick''s wheelchair.


    ''''What happened? Are you fine?" Duchess Flora glanced at Duke Maverick with a worried expression on her face.


    The man nodded, ''''I was on my way to visit brother but then I met Little Princess. She said she will bring me here.''''


    Esme smiled and walked towards the King, ''''Your Majesty, I heard that you are not feeling well.''''


    ''''I still don''t like the way you address me,'''' The King pouted.


    Esme was stunned. He looked somewhat cute, ''''I am afraid that the ministers will put me in prison if I don''t address you properly,'''' she joked. They glared daggers at her just because she was being addressed as the Princess. If she did not address the King properly, then they would insinuate that she was disrespecting them.


    ''''They dare... cough cough...'''' King Alexander pressed the handkerchief on his mouth as he coughed violently, spurting blood in the process.


    Esme was about to say something but her brows tugged together when she saw his hand. The King''s hand...


    She could not see it clearly because the man had already placed his hand down.


    ''''What happened, Esme?" Duchess Flora asked with a concerned expression on her face. This girl looked dazed today. Was she sick?


    Esme snapped out of her daze and turned to look at the woman. She shook her head, ''''I saw it wrong.''''


    ''''When did you wake up?"


    Esme tilted her head to look at Aleister. She cleared her throat, ''''An hour ago,'''' she dressed herself up and came here to see the King as soon as she heard of his condition.


    ''''It''s good that you are here already,'''' King Alexander said, ''''Tell us whether you want to stay here or go back to your kingdom.''''


    ''''Huh?"


    ''''The Prince wants you to stay here,'''' Duchess Flora clarified, ''''And even we all want you to stay here but according to the customs, you must go back to your kingdom so that the wedding rituals can be done properly. It''s up to you to decide.''''


    Esme glanced at Marlene who had a disappointed expression on her face.


    Duchess Flora followed Esme''s gaze. She then glanced at Aleister who had a confident look on his face as if he was certain that Esme was not going back.


    She exchanged awkward glances with Duke Maverick.


    The atmosphere was tense until Esme spoke up, ''''I thought we were already over this discussion? I am going back with my family.''''


    Aleister frowned, ''''You didn''t discuss it with me.''''


    ''''Do I need to?" Esme raised an eyebrow, ''''Do you expect me to take your permission for every decision I make?"


    ''''Why not?" Aleister pursed his lips, ''''I''d like that better,'''' he spoke through gritted teeth.


    ''''Aleister,'''' Duke Maverick snarled, ''''Is that a way to speak to a lady?"


    ''''Cough...Cough...'''' King Alexander wiped the bloodstains from his mouth, ''''I apologize. It seems I haven''t raised this brat well,'''' he said while looking at Esme''s family.


    Elias shook his head, ''''Don''t say such things.''''


    ''''Yes, even our Esme seemed to have lost her manners,'''' Marlene said with a frown.


    ''''How did I lose my manners, Aunt? I always stay quiet and listen to everything you say but does that means I am not hurt? Am I always in the wrong?" She wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes, not letting them roll down her cheeks. Her cursed self was not even allowed to cry because as soon as she cried, it will start raining, her tears would turn into pearls and everyone will look at her weirdly.


    ''''Didn''t you hear his tone when he talked to me? Why should I ask for his permission before leaving? I don''t like his hot and cold temperament towards me.''''


    ''''What''s wrong with you? Why are you being like this?'''' Aleister grabbed her elbow before turning her towards himself, ''''Can you stop being unreasonable?"


    She swatted off his hand.


    ''''Come out with me. Let''s talk,'''' Aleister grabbed her wrist.


    ''''Did you not hear her?" Adrian spoke as he and Arlan stepped inside the room.


    They were here to see the King since they heard that he was sick. They did not expect they would be witnessing this scene here.


    Aleister glanced at Adrian.. What great timing! ''''Esme, are you having mood swings, or are you just embarrassed after yesterday?" he whispered in the woman''s ears before swords started clashing in the room.

 Chapter 136 - Get Out Of My Sight

    ''''Esme, are you having mood swings, or are you just embarrassed after yesterday?" he whispered in the woman''s ears before swords started clashing in the room.


    ''''We can discuss about yesterday later. For now, I want to go back to my Kingdom. And you should stop trying to force me to stay.''''


    ''''Let go of her,'''' Adrian snarled when Aleister did not budge at Esme''s words.


    Duke Maverick glanced at his wife before sighing, ''''Aleister, let go of Esme.''''


    ''''Can you stop being like this? When things don''t work the way you want them to, you only know how to force them to go your way and I hate this about you,'''' the words slipped from her mouth even before she could think over it.


    ''''Fine,'''' Aleister loosened his grip on her hand, ''''If that''s what you really want,'''' he raised his hand and stepped back from her. Looking at her for one last time, he turned around to leave.


    ''''Al, I...'''' Esme''s brows together, ''''I didn''t mean it like that.''''


    He paused for a moment but in the end, he left without looking back at her.


    "I will go and see if the packing is done,'''' Esme glanced at her Aunt.


    "Brother, you should take some rest,'''' After Esme left, Duchess Flora said to the King when she noticed that he was dozing off, ''''It''s good this way or else he would have been stressed if he witnessed this,'''' she whispered to Duke Maverick.


    Duke Maverick massaged the spot between his brows, ''''Children are a bit impulsive. I will talk to Aleister. Please don''t worry about it,'''' he said to King Elias.


    The man nodded, ''''We will talk to Esme,'''' he held Marlene''s hand and stroked her fingers when he saw the tensed look on her face.


    Duchess Flora shook her head, ''''We will go there. You should talk with Princes,'''' she pointed her chin at Adrian and Arlan before she pushed Duke Maverick''s wheelchair and walked out of the room.


    Marlene''s shoulder slumped when she looked at them. Adrian was standing there with clenched fists and closed eyes and Arlan was holding his arm tightly. She was too focused on Esme and Aleister to notice this. It looked like Adrian had barely restrained himself from punching Aleister.


    ''''Throw that jerk out of my sister''s sight,'''' he snarled, ''''Or I won''t hold myself back the next time.''''


    He swatted away Arlan''s hand and walked out of the room.


    Marlene leaned on Elias'' arm, ''''Do you think someone jinxed us? Everything was going so well. Esme and the Prince looked so happy together.''''


    ''''Let''s see how everything goes," Elias considered staying here for some time but in the end, he decided against it because there was a lot of work waiting for him back in the kingdom.


    ...


    Esme quietly entered the room as she watched the maids packing her clothes.


    She glanced at Aleister who was standing near the window with a glass of wine in his hand, ''''Is it done?" she asked the maids.


    ''''Yes, My Lady,'''' they bowed at her.


    ''''You all can take my luggage to the royal carriages outside.''''


    All of them looked curious but they did not say anything.


    Their curiosity was justified because they had yet to know about Esme''s identity as the Princess of Nevesray. So they could not understand where would the Prince''s lover go inside the royal carriages of Nevesray Kingdom.


    Some of them who had heard the rumors about Arlan and Esme could not help but wonder if she was running away with the Prince of Nevesray after betraying their Prince. No wonder Prince Aleister looked so gloomy.


    After they left, Esme glanced at Aleister''s back quietly, ''''I am sorry. I did not mean anything that I said.''''


    When the man did not respond to her, she spoke quietly, ''''I will leave now...''''


    Just as she turned around to leave, he spoke up, ''''Esme, are you possessed?" he turned around to look at her.


    She glanced at him with a frown on her face, ''''Why are you talking to me in that tone?"


    ''''What about you?" he stepped towards her, ''''Why are you acting like this? One day, you are confessing to me about your feelings, about how seeing me with some other woman makes you jealous and the next day, you want to leave me.''''


    Esme sighed, ''''It''s not about that. I...''''


    ''''Not about that? What then? Do you want to deny everything that happened yesterday or whatever happened between us during all our time together?" he stepped towards her and grabbed her shoulders, ''''Are you going to deny everything? Or are you going to say that you were drunk and you don''t mean anything you said?"


    ''''You are hurting me,'''' she winced when his grip tightened on her, ''''Stop behaving like this.''''


    He glanced at her with bloodshot eyes and his grip loosened on her, ''''I can never understand what''s on your mind, Esme.''''


    She stepped back from him, ''''Why do you even need to understand me? Don''t forget we are not some real lovers. It was just a pretense in the first place so stop acting as you own me...'''' she turned around and walked out of the room.


    Her footsteps came to a halt when she saw Duke Maverick and Duchess Flora outside the door. Her lips parted.


    Duchess Flora wiped the tears from her eyes, ''''Esme.... don''t mind his actions. Brother''s health condition is not good so don''t take his words to heart. Can you please.... stay with him during this period? He needs you...''''


    Duke Maverick sighed.


    ''''Stay with him?" Esme glanced at Aleister who was looking at her from a distance, ''''I can not tolerate him. He is unreasonable.''''


    ''''Neither do I enjoy your company. Just get out of my sight right this instant,'''' Aleister threw the wine glass in his hand to the floor.


    ''''I am leaving. You don''t need to order me around.''''


    ''''Don''t show me your face ever again.''''


    Esme''s eyes teared up, ''''Rude jerk!" she mumbled under her breath and ran away.


    Duke Maverick and Duchess Flora glanced at each other helplessly. ''''I thought they would look so nice together. Why is this happening?" Duchess Flora sobbed.


    Duke Maverick leaned back on the wheelchair as he quietly stroked his wife''s hand.. He did not know what to do.

 Chapter 137 - Fake!

    ''''What place is this?" Esme leaned back on one wall of the royal carriage as she asked the coachman through the layers of curtains.


    ''''We are about to reach the borders of Seran Village, Princess,'''' the man answered her.


    Esme sighed. Seran village was situated at the border of Visteria. That meant they were about to cross the borders of Visteria soon. She tilted her head to the side and drew open the curtains of the windows, ''''Are you my new handmaiden, the one whom Aunt selected for me?" She glanced at the woman who had a veil on her face.


    These few handmaidens and guards were walking so they could cross the borders of the kingdom safely. As soon as they crossed the borders, the horses of the royal carriage would pick their pace and these servants would disguise themselves before getting inside the ordinary carriages which would be present in the gap of every two royal carriages.


    For now, there were three royal carriages, one was for King Elias and her Aunt, her elder brother and Arlan were there in the second carriage and even though they asked her to ride the same carriage as them, she chose a separate carriage because she needed some space to breathe which she won''t be able to have in Adrian''s presence. The man had pulled a long face on her.


    ''''Huh?" Esme''s brows tugged together when the woman pointed her finger at her mouth before shaking her head.


    ''''You can''t speak?'''' Esme asked, noticing the woman''s gloved hands. As the woman nodded again, she gasped, ''''Oh my... Your face looks so pale. I can see it through your veil. Please come inside the carriage and take some rest.''''


    The woman hurriedly shook her head as she coughed.


    ''''No, no, I am fine, I won''t be sick,'''' Esme turned her face to the side, ''''Please stop the carriage.''''


    ''''Yes, Princess,'''' the coachman pulled the reins of the horse and the carriage came to a halt.


    ''''Please come inside. I insist,'''' Esme peeked at the woman through the curtains.


    The woman stood rooted to her spot, seemingly contemplating over it. But soon, she bowed and hesitantly stepped inside the carriage and took a seat opposite to her.


    Esme grabbed the apple that was rolling down the floor. She wiped it clean and placed it on the fruit basket, ''''Here, have this instead,'''' she offered the woman an orange from the fruit basket.


    In the Daven''s Castle.


    The atmosphere around the Prince''s room was so tense that one could sense the ice in the air.


    Duke Maverick and Duchess Flora stood at the door. Duchess Flora had an anxious expression on her face, ''''He did not even go to see her off. Do you think their feelings changed completely? Will we not have Esme as our niece-in-law anymore?"


    Duke Maverick''s heart ached when he saw the sad look on her face, ''''Young people change their mind about a lot of things but I know my nephew is not the kind of impulsive person. I don''t think he will be able to get over Esme that fast.''''


    ''''Let''s go inside and talk to him,'''' Duchess Flora sighed.


    ''''Al, we are coming inside,'''' Duke Maverick announced.


    Duchess Flora pushed open the door and stepped inside the room while pushing her husband''s wheelchair.


    The sight they witnessed made them halt in their tracks.


    Aleister was sitting on the floor with a half-finished bottle in his hand. His right-hand elbow was propped on his knee and he had placed his forehead on the same hand, covering his face.


    The room was dark. Despite being noontime, not even a single ray of light was entering the room through the dark velvet curtains. They could only see him because of the last burning wood on the fireplace.


    Aleister raised his head at their arrival.


    Duke Maverick gripped the arms of his wheelchair and his eyes slowly welled up when he noticed Aleister''s current condition.


    His hair was messed up and all over the place, his usually cold icy blue eyes had lost their sparkle, one could see the redness in the corner of his eyes and his face was unusually pale.


    He had never seen his nephew like this.... except for that one time in the past. The time when his brother forced the young Aleister to.....


    ''''Did they leave? Did she look for me?'' Aleister''s questions broke the trail of his thoughts.


    ''''They left. Now that Brother is in this condition, I thought Esme would choose to stay with you but...'''' Duchess Flora sighed, ''''We need to respect her decision. With everything going on in the Royal Family of Nevesray, she barely got to live through her childhood. She had to grow up too soon and she did not get to spend enough time with her family so...''''


    ''''I know. But... Did she look for me?'' Aleister interrupted her and asked in a soft voice.


    Duke Maverick''s heart ached when he looked into Aleister''s eyes which almost looked like he was pleading for him to say yes.


    ''''No,'''' he replied softly.


    Duchess Flora knew that now was not the right time because Aleister looked too unwell. But being born in a royal family came with its own share of responsibilities and hardships. Irrespective of his personal feelings, the King was unwell right now so she knew she had to bring up this matter, ''''The wedding arrangements...?"


    ''''Didn''t you both hear what she said in the morning? No marriage, it was only a pretense, a deal between us. What you saw was all fake.''''


    ''''How can it be?" Duke Maverick and Duchess Flora were equally shocked. They thought that Esme said that out of anger just to spite Aleister.


    Everyone could see the way Aleister looked at Esme with so much love and adoration. How can it be fake?


    ''''Yes. So, skip the unnecessary work and arrangements. Wait....'''' Aleister seemed to be thinking of something as he took a huge gulp from the wine bottle, the wine dripped down from the corner of his lips, gliding past his chin to his neck, staining his white shirt.

 Chapter 138 - Did You Expect It?

    ''''Go on with the arrangements and get me a bride. A beautiful bride.''''


    ''''Aleister Daven, do you even know what you are talking about?!" Duke Maverick snarled.


    ''''Uncle, you should go out now and start making preparations. I need to get ready for the marriage,'''' The man drank another huge mouthful of wine as soon as he finished speaking.


    ...


    As the carriage in which Esme was sitting continued moving towards the outskirts of the small village Seran, it attracted attention from everyone. Seran was the village where they had settled for the past few years.


    When Esme had called her maidservant inside her carriage, no one had noticed a man was looking intently at the carriage door.


    If Adrian was there, he would have recognized the man as the same man whom he saw months ago. It was during the time when he was sitting on the tree and watching Esme and Arlan when Arlan flaunted his powers. Then, this man followed after them.


    Initially, Adrian trailed after him but the man was nowhere to be seen. Esme and Arlan were in the marketplace. Since he had some work, he left the place but little did he expect that Arlan would be abducted later.


    The man, who was now disguised as a guard, intently glanced at the carriage door till they crossed the outskirts of Seran Village.


    There was a small forest and taking advantage of the chance when the guards in the front were not noticing, the man swiftly knocked out the four guards walking behind the carriage.


    He climbed up the carriage in a swift moment, ''''This time, where are you going to run to?" A vicious smirk crept on his lips when he saw the woman who was sleeping peacefully, tucked in the sheets.


    There were two beds in the carriage and the handmaiden was also sleeping. But he easily recognized Esme because of her uncommon wine-colored hair that framed her face.


    He held the large sack tightly in his hand and covered the woman''s head before taking her entire body inside it, along with the sheets.


    As she struggled in the sack, he attacked the back of her neck, knocking her out.


    ...


    ''''Brother, how have you been feeling?" Duchess Flora asked as she took the bowl of medicine from the bedside table and passed it to the King.


    ''''My body... It''s a little strange. I feel a prickling sensation all over my limbs,'''' The King sighed and drank the contents in one gulp, ''''I am getting old so this had to happen anyway.''''


    ''''You are still in the prime of your youth, brother. Stop saying things like that,'''' Duchess Flora pouted.


    ''''Haha...'''' King Alexander laughed, ''''Has it been over around a decade since you came to our family?"


    ''''Yes. I still remember it. I did not know many things despite being a Princess. I was a bit too pampered so it landed me in huge trouble when I got married. If mother-in-law was there, I would have been scolded all day long. But you were always patient with me.''''


    ''''You are always like a sister to me,'''' The King said in a nostalgic voice, ''''I am getting old and I don''t know what will happen to me or when I will die. But I just wish to send Aleister to his rightful place before I die.''''


    ''''Stop saying things like that. Nothing will happen to you. But...his rightful place?" Duchess Flora narrowed her eyes.


    ''''How did things turn out between him and Esme? I did not realize when I dozed off earlier...'''' Alexander changed the topic.


    Duchess Flora hesitated for a moment before she narrated everything to him, ''''Brother, I am starting to regret my actions. Do you think we rushed them up for marriage?"


    Alexander leaned back on the headboard of the bed. The wrinkles on his face were more apparent and one could see the fragility in the eyes of the dominant King of Visteria.


    ''''Bring him here.''''


    ''''Huh?"


    ''''I need to talk to him. I have....'''' Alexander glanced at the ceiling, his eyes slowly teared up, ''''I have a lot that I want to say to him... Ahh...''''


    ''''Brother, what happened?" Duchess Flora immediately stepped towards him.


    Alexander''s body started convulsing as he fell on the bed, ''''I...Huff huff... It feels like someone is nibbling on my skin....'''' his chest rose and fell with every word he uttered. He gritted his teeth and closed his eyes to endure the pain.


    ''''How is it possible?" Duchess Flora grabbed his hand, ''''Do you not feel like millions of ants are crawling under your skin, like someone is sucking your soul out?" The corner of her lips tugged up in a menacing smile.


    ''''Yes... I... How do you...?" Alexander''s eyes snapped open and he glanced at the woman in disbelief, ''''You... You...''''


    The woman''s eyes slowly turned blue.


    ''''You...''''


    ''''Calm down, brother. You might end up dying soon if you panic like this,'''' a smirk appeared on her face as she lowered her head, her blonde hair fell in front of her shoulders, ''''You didn''t expect it, did you?"


    ''''Why... Who are you?" he uttered with utter difficulty.


    The woman tightened her grip on his wrist and a black fume seemed to be dissipating in the air, ''''Do you know what this is? I am sucking your soul. How do you feel?"


    ''''Who are you?!" Tears rolled down his cheeks as he screamed and looked in the direction of the door.


    ''''No one will come to save you. I personally tucked your sick brother to sleep, and that Prince of yours, he is heartbroken by his lost love. He is drowning his sorrows in wine. And that soon-to-be cunning daughter-in-law of yours will be brought here soon but she won''t be here to save you. She will be here to be my prey.''''


    ''''No...''''


    ''''Oh, she is here already,'''' The door opened and a man stepped inside while carrying a huge sack on his back.


    It was the same person who had invaded Esme''s carriage.

 Chapter 139 - Feeding On You

    The man placed the sac near the wall and walked towards Duchess Flora, ''''She is unconscious.''''


    ''''No one is better than you at this job,'''' Duchess Flora smiled in glee while looking at the man whose body gradually started transforming.


    Alexander''s eyes widened in horror when he saw that bulky man transforming into an old lady whom he was familiar with.


    ''''Aunt Greta, you sure are efficient,'''' Duchess Flora glanced at the sac. She let go of Alexander''s wrist and he caught his breath. She glanced at him, ''''Now that Esme is here, no one has to know about it, alright? I will make sure of it later that you don''t open your mouth about this to anyone. Your younger brother thinks that this girl has already left while the Prince is angered by her actions. Men have a large ego and Aleister''s ego is badly hurt. He won''t run after the woman who left him after trampling on his self-respect time and time again.''''


    ''''But...'''' Alexander inhaled a deep breath, ''''Why would you do that? What will you get out of causing all the misunderstandings? You were treated so well by us... Why?" His eyes teared up as he spoke in a soft voice, almost in disbelief.


    ''''Hmm... Misunderstanding. I did cause one or many. I bewitched your future daughter-in-law... my bad... she is not going to marry your Prince anymore. I bewitched her and she ended up hitting the nail on him right where it hurt. Such fools. Living with promises of love, did they think they could go through me?"


    Aunt Greta, Duchess Flora''s nanny was the old woman who had once performed a ritual with black salt around Esma to ward off the evil eyes from her. She could not help but laugh, ''''They sure were fools.''''


    ''''These two wanted to get to the bottom of all matters, to know about everything but little did they know, here, everything is under my control. Things happen the way I want them to.''''


    ''''You are....'''' Alexander looked at both the women in astonishment and disbelief. What were they, witches? Didn''t the Norwell family say that only the witches were capable of bewitching someone?


    And this woman just confessed that she bewitched Esme.


    ''''Did you say that I have been around here for a decade?" Duchess Flora looked at the King with disinterest, ''''How does it feel after being clueless about it? To be honest, I was having a good time here, feeding on you and your brother but since the day that Prince came back, he became a hindrance to my happy lifestyle. As if it was not enough, this stubborn Princess joined hands with him.''''


    ''''Why did you....'''' Alexander gasped for breath as he spoke, ''''Let her go. She was going back...''''


    ''''I could have left her but she is somewhat precious. It would be a pity to let go of a thing like her,'''' she glance at the sac, ''''It was not easy to get my hands on her with Aleister protecting her. So, I created this strife between them and sent her away. Then, it was child''s play to get my hands on her. Do you want to see what I will do with this woman?" she glanced at the King.


    ''''No... No... Let go of her...'''' The poor child was unaware of everything, ''''She always treated you kindly. You can''t harm her.''''


    ''''Tsk,'''' she clicked her tongue, ''''One of the reasons why I have been living here for years is this woman itself. Now tell me, shall I let go of her?"


    Alexander''s eyes widened. How was Esme connected to Flora? If he was right, then they should have met in the Castle for the very first time.


    But it looks like this woman... Flora or an impostor, whoever she was had many mysteries behind her. She was unpredictable.


    Never in his wildest dreams did he think that there will be a day when he would look at Flora with such a changed perspective, ''''Was it you?... Cough... The one who killed maids?''''


    ''''Oh them?'''' The woman nodded, ''''Yes, it was me. I needed virgin blood so I took a few lives or else I am not as cruel as this.''''


    Alexander closed his eyes. He even once doubted Esme''s intentions towards them because she appeared out of nowhere in their lives. But Flora was the last person he ever held suspicions for.


    ''''What about Maverick?"


    Duchess Flora licked her lips, ''''Although it was a bit disgusting, but his soul was delicious. Maybe it was because of his powers. And I have been feeding on your soul too. I did not intend to kill you but look at you being unruly out of nowhere. What do you want to tell Aleister? About his identity? Or his past?"


    ''''You... How do you....''''


    ''''How do I know? Did I not tell you that Esme is one of the reasons I have been living here secretly? The other reason is Aleister.''''


    ''''But...''''


    ''''Shhh... No more questions,'''' she pressed a finger on her lips before walking towards the sac, ''''Let me first see my prey.''''


    Aunt Greta smiled.


    Alexander panicked.


    Duchess Flora untied the rope tied around the huge sac.


    "I wonder how you are going to react when you see my face,'''' A flicker of amusement flashed in her eyes that had turned into blue color, ''''Hmm, will you panic or will you be fearful? Or maybe you will beg me to let go of you. I can''t wait to see your reaction,'''' With that said, she pulled the rope and the sac opened.


    Duchess Flora glanced at the head that popped out, striking red hair framed the face, ''''Your hair is beautiful. I have to admit that,'''' she whispered, grabbing a strand of the hair, ''''But what use your beauty has when it can''t save you from me? If you didn''t come here, maybe your life would have been prolonged for some time but you had to come to the Daven''s Castle to look for your death,'''' she tugged the hair harshly as soon as her words finished.


    But what happened next astounded everyone present in the room.


    The strands of hair were easily pulled out and Duchess Flora was left staring at the wig in her hand.