You know, people always say that time heals every wound and that with time the pain will pass. Then tell me, why the fuck have I still not healed even after fifty bloody years have passed?
Whoever came up with that stupid line clearly has never had real shit happen to them. But what does it matter anyway? If there's one thing I've learned in my short life, it's that everything means nothing. You wouldn't understand even if I tried to explain it to you.
I still can't help but wish things had been different. Everything started on that day, as the afternoon sun cast its warm glow over Arcadia. The palace stood tall and proud, its intricately carved white stone walls and majestic spires a testament to the kingdom's rich history.
Yet beneath the tranquil surface, the past lingered in the air among the few who knew of the tragedy that had shaken the royal family twenty years ago, around the time Selene was born. The air within the palace walls was heavy with secrets, whispers of dark magic and curses that seemed to be on every servant's lips.
They dared not voice these things above a whisper. Why? The answer was very simple: two words.
Princess Selene.
They felt pity for her. Despite the looming dark cloud over her, she was a beauty. Her golden hair cascaded down her creamy back like a river of sunset hues, and her piercing deep blue eyes shone bright with a hint of curiosity and innocence. It was clearer than day: not a single person could come close to her beauty; even the gods would be jealous.
There were always a lot of expectations surrounding her, much of which suffocated her to no end. And like everyone else, she had what helped her cope—or better yet, who.
That day, just like every other week, she moved through the bustling market with grace and ease, disguised with an old cloak that hid her features from the public eye. All she had to do was weave through undetected and get to the forest just on the outskirts of town, the forest that divided the villagers from the town folks.
As she navigated the vibrant stalls, the aroma of freshly baked bread and exotic spices enveloped her nose. For some unknown reason, she slowed her pace and relished the beauty of her country.
Every building was built with white stones and well-structured. The streets were paved with these same white stones, and every part of town was beautified with green, luscious trees and vibrant purple flowers. It was said to be their way of connecting themselves to nature.
Soon enough, she reached the edge of the forest. Just as she was about to step under its canopy of leaves, a voice called out to her.
"My Lady!" Her body halted instantly, recognizing the voice.
Selene's eyes rolled heavenward, her lips curling with annoyance. However, just as she turned around to face him, a mask of sweet, feigned surprise graced her features. "Ah, Sameer, whatever are you doing here?" Her voice dripped with honey, yet if one listened closely, they could hear a pang of irritation in her undertone.
"What am I doing here? What are you doing here?" Sameer's arms remained crossed over his chest, his green veins intertwined proudly from his forearms to his biceps under his golden brown skin.
Selene couldn't help but notice how his thick legs spread wide in a domineering stance, a picture of irritation clear on his sharp features, especially his dark hazel eyes narrowed into slits and his signature thick black brow arched upwards.
Despite all this, his tone was cold and held little to no emotion. "You can't be serious. Do you want to wreak havoc, my lady? The Prince of Mu will arrive any moment now, and all you can think about is him? I believe you are aware of what the king could do if he were to find out."
At the mention of her father, Selene's calm facade cracked. She knew just what her father was capable of, and because of that, she said her next words with as much desperation as she could muster. In truth, she truly was just that—desperate.
"Please, Sameer, you know why I have to see Andreas. I can't imagine all the rumors he must have heard by now. I need to explain things to him and let him know I had no say in the matter."
A heavy sigh left Sameer's lips, and his arms fell to his side, a look of disappointment flashing across his face. Selene noticed it just as quickly as it came and went.
"You know the king doesn't approve of your relationship with the wizard. Please, I beg you in the name of Zeus, let's go back now." His tone had been cool the entire time, but she knew he must have grown tired of her. She wouldn't blame him for that.
Selene's eyes blazed with urgency as she suddenly grasped Sameer's arm, her fingers digging into his skin. "Sameer, please," she whispered, her voice trembling like a leaf in a hurricane. "I cannot abandon Andreas without a word. It's too cruel, too heartless."
Sameer's expression remained unyielding, his dark eyes flashing with a hint of irritation, but she could have sworn she saw a flicker of pity in his eyes. "Andreas knew the risks, my lady. He knew what he was getting into by being involved with you." His voice, deep and raspy, was firm yet laced with a subtle hint of sympathy for her situation.
Her face contorted into one of sadness, her perky pink lips quivering like a child on the verge of tears. "But Sameer, I must see him. I must explain. Please, you can accompany me. We can be quick, I swear on the Olympian gods we will return before dusk." Her words tumbled out in a rush, like a dam breaking under pressure.
Sameer's grumble was low and menacing, his eyes narrowing like a predator sizing up prey. "You forget yourself, Princess Selene. King Lycaon's wrath is not to be trifled with. If he discovers what I'm accompanying you to do, I'll receive nothing less than a hundred lashes of the cane as punishment. You, at most, will be confined to your chambers till the time of your departure arrives." Although his voice was harsh and his expression unyielding, worry was clear in his tone, but it seemed directed at her and not for himself.
Selene's face fell, her eyes welling up with tears like a brewing storm. She knew the danger; she was aware of the risks, but her heart refused to abandon Andreas. She took a step closer, her voice barely audible. "Please, Sameer. I beg of you, do this for me just this one time, and I swear to you I will not step out of line again."