"That's absurd! It is definitely a lie. How could you believe such rumors? The crown prince was long dead and you yourself assured me that, mom." The tired prince scoffed upon entering his chambers. He just came back from hunting yet his mom bombarded him with preposterous information!
"I know, I know…" The woman entered after the prince. Worry is painted all over her face. "I want to believe that the crown prince is dead as well, but knowing who spread the news, it made me awake all night!"
Seeing his mother's anxiousness, Prince Veziron walked towards her and embraced her. "You're worrying too much, mom. Don't worry, even if the crown prince is alive, I won't let the throne be taken away from me." he spoke with resolute.
"You are your Father's rightful heir so you must do everything to secure the crown."
"I will, mother." His smile lit her mother's face.
"Then I shall let you rest then my son." She caresses her son's cheek before leaving the room. But as soon as she left, Prince Veziron called his trusted personal guard.
"You heard about the rumors too, right?" he asked the man who seems to be his age.
"Yes, your highness. And if I heard it right, the king secretly ordered someone to confirm the news." The man answered formally.
"Looks like it is not an ordinary rumor at all." The prince was caressing his jaw while looking at his reflection at the window. "Tell that person to investigate this matter secretly and make sure to report every details to me as soon as possible."
"That person--- are you pertaining to ---'' the man was a bit shock.
"Yes. Indeed."
"I understand, your highness." He kowtowed. "I shall take my leave then." then he dashed swiftly like a wind.
Meanwhile, Prince Veziron was left in deep thoughts. The buzz about the crown prince has already spread in the entire kingdom. He himself heard about it when he was doing his hunting game. Almost all the villages they passed through was talking about him.
Tsk! so what if the crown prince is alive? it wouldn't be that easy to verify the truth. But if he is truly alive, then where is he? What has he been up to? and why is he showing himself just now? after how many years? even if he comes back, he will definitely have a hard time adjusting and coping up. He might end up dying again. Veziron was thinking about the possible pros result. But he can also be a great threat.
"Crown prince, if I were you, I will hide forever… it will definitely be your greatest mistake if you choose to return." He whispered in the wind. Unknown to him, someone had been hiding at his balcony for quite some time now. it may not be his intention to spy but the mere fact that he heard some useful information made him sneer viciously.
***
She was rushing as if her life is on the line.
"Take all your belongings. We must be at the next region as soon as tomorrow morning." The old herald instructs her 17-year-old grand-daughter.
"Are we leaving for good, grandma? Aren't we coming back?" the confused lady asked.
"Sarah, we won't be coming back, not for now and not too soon either. So go and pack up as fast as you can."
"But why? what's with the sudden decision? How about my school? my friends? I should at least bid farewell to them."
"No!" the old herald yelp. "You must listen to me." She looked at her sternly. "This isn't the time for heartfelt goodbyes. If we don't sojourn today, you might not have the chance to see them again."
"G-grandma…" she was shocked upon realizing her grandma's anxiety. But why? why is she acting weird? She had never seen her baffled like this before.
"I'll tell you about it soon. for now, just follow me, okay?"
"Ehm." Sarah nodded, still tangled.
After a few minutes, Sarah and the old herald heard a constant knock on the door.
"Milcah, time to go…" they heard a soft whisper from an aged man. It's uncle Dencio! Sarah lit up thinking that Lance might be with his father. However, to her dismay, only a lone old man was standing at the door.
"Let's go." Milcah cued her grand-daughter and started following the old man.
It hurts the little lady to leave without seeing the love of her life. Lance was her uncle Dencio's eldest son. They've known each other since her grandmother used to leave her with them whenever she set out to who knows where. They became friends but Sarah new that she loved the man more than friends—though Lance doesn't have any idea about her feelings. She's been thinking of confessing lately but she kept holding back fearing that it might sabotage their friendship. She cannot risk it.
After a few minutes, they finally reached the place where the boat was.
"Are you sure about your decision?" Dencio asked the old herald who was staring at the lady having a hard time getting into the boat.
"I have to do this. she will be 18 years old soon so I need to prepare her." she utters with sadness before looking at the old man's eyes. "Dencio, when that time comes, I hope you'll watch over my granddaughter for me. They don't know about her nor her ability. But once they discover it, she'll be in great danger. She might suffer the same fate as her parents had." A tear escape from her eyes but she wiped it quickly.
"Don't worry about her, I will definitely take good care of her." The old man promised. "We will see you there in a month. But until that time comes, please be safe."
"I know. thank you." she hugged the old man before walking towards the boat.
"It will be a long and difficult journey but please survive." The old man whispered within his head. "May the heavens watch over you."
****
"Thank you." I smiled at Liam as soon as we reached the lodge. "It's almost midnight, aren't you going to rest here instead of going back to the camp?"
"Are you saying you want to share a room with me?" Liam looked at me sarcastically. His gaze is implying something. tsk! I scoffed. this ill-mannered man!
"T-that's not what I meant!" dang, I could feel my cheeks reddened in embarrassment. He definitely has his ways on putting me at disadvantage. "Ah! Never mind, just go back to the camp!" I yelp before walking towards the gate. I was about to push it when I remembered something.
"Same time tomorrow, right?"
"Ehm…" I heard him say before I totally close the gate. A lot of things happened today but I thank God that both of us came back home safely. My hands were on my chest as I reminisced all the things that had happened today. however, I was interrupted when someone jumped in front of me as soon as I got inside the lodge.
"Fudge! you scared me Jackie!" I cried but Jackie's evil grin reach her ears and I must say I don't like it.
"Come on!" she suddenly took my arm and pulled me upstairs. She's in a rush that I almost slip my foot while catching up with her pace.
"Now tell me, what happen to you and brother Liam today?" her eyes were sparkling. Dang! this woman, she won't stop pestering me until she gets what she needs. But my body is too tired and is demanding for a complete rest! What to do with this annoying woman? tsk!
But then, I don't think I have a choice either! Huhu….