JULY
WE ALL HAVE HIDDEN SECRETS.
Whether it is good to keep it to not harm other people or things, you cannot deny that it is still a secret. Just like lying. Just because it was a white lie, it is no longer a lie. Whether what you did was for good or bad intentions, it doesn't matter because it's the act itself that matters.
I went with Ev even though I was nervous about what she could do. But it lessened the anxiety when I asked for a condition that I would only agree to go with her if Ruby came with us. And yeah, Ruby is with us now.
We are currently walking down a wide hallway. The luxury I see in that palace is familiar, but I still can't help but marvel at what I see. Faerie Landia never fails to amaze me with its awesome interiors.
While my mind was a bit distracted by the designs I was seeing, I didn't realize that we had stopped at a door. It was just a simple, big wooden door, but there is no denying that it is durable.
Ev opened the door and exposed to me the undeniably large room. Like the other rooms in that palace, it is also one of the most beautiful rooms.
As we entered that room, the tremor immediately returned to my chest, especially when I saw the president sitting in a chair there with the king and queen, and our other colleagues from the previous gathering.
'Eff! Is the president going to sue me?' I thought. I can no longer look at the president. I knew he was looking at me now, and I couldn't stand the look he was giving. I am so guilty that I don't understand what I am guilty of.
I know he is full of frustration and anger at me now because I was not able to protect his daughter as her lady guard and the fact that I even beat her daughter. Not only that, though it would have been okay for me to have a relationship with her daughter, I didn't treat Natalia right. He could accuse me of sexual harassment for beating Natalia while doing the deed. I'm sorry, I can't say that word anymore. While I was thinking about that, I wanted to break my neck because of the stupid thing I had done.
"Sit down, July," the king said. I immediately sat down in the vacant seat and was still looking down. I really didn't know what I was going to do at that time. This is the first time that I felt so vulnerable, but at the same time, I'm willing to take responsibility for what I did to Natalia. "Ev? Shall I tell her or---"
"Let me do it, Jon," Ev interrupted the king.
Well, I guess they are very close because they are on a first-name basis when they talk to each other. I didn't hear the king's answer because I was too nervous. I was so tense about whatever the people around me might say, especially the president.
"July, look up," someone said, and patted my back softly. It was so comforting that I wanted to lean on her and cry in her arms. When I looked up at her, I saw a beautiful and graceful woman. She's familiar as well. I remember I also met her at the gathering. At the gathering where the witch Ely made a scene. I think her name is Clef. Yes, that's her. "Everything will be okay," she added. I just nodded once with my plain smile.
No matter how I convince myself, I really feel that I am being boiled alive in my current situation. But one thing is very strange, though I felt that way, the feeling that you are still safe even though you feel like you have a bad reputation with the people around you. Ugh. I am overthinking again. Tsk.
"Well, first of all," Ev began, "I want to apologize for what my sister did. I think everyone knows right now what she did to Natalia just to forcefully be her fiance and blackmail the president's daughter for I don't know her reason yet." Ev doesn't sound frustrated, but the sadness is obvious on her face. "E-ely," she even stuttered while mentioning her sister's name. I do feel for her. I know it's really hard for her, but it's just that I get more annoyed with Ely every time I remember her. Speaking of the devil, where is that crazy woman? "Anyway, especially to July, whom I know was the most victim of what happened." Then Ev looked at me and continued, "On behalf of my sister, I'm sorry again for the nth time. I know damage has been done and I can't turn back the time and pain that was wasted and given to you by my sister and to Natalia as well. But as I said earlier, I assure you that Ely will be punished in accordance with the law of supernaturals. I promise you that."
I just nodded. Well, even though she's told me that before, this time it seems more sincere and convincing. She is also in front of other royal supernaturals and I believe that the Queen of Serenity will never say nonsense things to the crowd that she will not fulfill.
I said bravely, "Thank you." I need to do this to end my agony. If they slaughter me all now, I need to tell them everything too. "But I do deserve to be punished as well. I-i d-did..." I trailed off. It was very difficult to speak, especially when they were staring at me intently. Especially the president. I swallowed before bowing and saying, "I did something horrible to Natalia, and I deserve to die for treating her like that."
Yeah, I'm telling them the truth. There is no forgiveness for what I have done to the woman I love the most. I still remember that horrible act every now and then.
"You're not a monster, Juls," Ev said.
"I am," I stated quietly.
"No," Ev insisted. "Look at this. This is what I was saying earlier that I wanted to show you," she added.
Her face and voice were even sadder when I looked at her. And with a snap of her fingers, a hologram came out.
Well, that was cool. A freaking hologram appears in a snap of her fingers? Amazing! I was really excited to see the high technology of the supernatural here, but I still didn't appreciate their amazing technology when I focused my attention on the hologram screen.
And guess who I am seeing on the hologram screen?
It was Ely. The Evil Princess Fuck!
And in the hologram, I saw everything. The truth about everything that happened earlier. Yes, the real reason for that "beastly act".
As I'm watching on the screen, I can't help but clench my fist at what I see.
So that's why it happened. That's why, that's why. I wanted to scream. I wanted to punch someone or something, but I controlled myself.
I know I am fuming with anger at what I saw on the hologram screen because at the same time I was clenching my two fists. I could hear my wolf's loud cursing inside me, but no matter how angry I felt, I was still able to calm my wolf and myself. Though I know that my body is betraying me. I could see my body was already red with anger.
This is not acceptable. Ely ruined everything. She needs to pay for this.
~*~
"JULY," SOMEONE APPROACHED ME. I took a deep breath first before I faced them. I am currently on the veranda of the room that the king let me use earlier.
"Mr. President," I uttered as I bowed.
"I'm sorry about what happened," he said as he tapped my other shoulder and laid his hand on it.
I looked up and met his sincere gaze. I don't know what to say and there's a lump in my throat that forbids me to speak. Because if I do that, I mean, answer him, I might end up crying.
These past few days have been very frustrating, and I felt like knocking someone up till they're out of breath, but of course, I cannot do that because that's a very drastic action. I don't want to add my bad reputation to the president. He is still the father of the woman I love the most. Ahem.
So all I did was nod at him.
"I called your father about this and they're on their way to pick you up," he added, just facing me. We just stood there and talked.
Hearing what he said, I suddenly felt relieved. At least my family knows what happened. But... do they all know? The president seemed to have read my mind, so he spoke again.
"I just told them some things, July. It's up to you to explain to them the other details when you're ready. But so that you don't have too much trouble, I'll talk to Lio." I smiled at what I heard. At least, I don't have to explain to them all the details because I don't really want to talk about what happened.
"Thank you," I whispered softly.
This time, the president smiled.
"No, July. Thank you," he insisted, "Thank you for protecting my daughter. Thank you for being with her all the way. Even though I know what happened ruined you, you still did your job to protect my precious daughter. "
When I heard the word 'job', my system automatically disapproved, which I knew immediately reflected on my face. I was about to speak when the president continued to speak.
"Oh yeah, I'm sorry. It's not just because it's your job to watch over and keep my daughter out of harm's way," he said. This is it. A moment of truth. He will talk to me about Natalia and me. I was very nervous. "Well, what can I say?" His voice and face suddenly became serious. I gulped.
Is he going to disapprove? Oh no!
"Natalia is my one and only daughter, July. I don't want her to get hurt." There it is. I knew it. Hey, is this the end of my relationship with Natalia? I was speechless. And he continued, "When I ran for president, that's when all the calvary in our lives began. If only I could turn back time and delete that moment in my life, I would, but it's too late. It all happened already," he said, and let out a deep sigh. "My life is always in danger, and my family was even affected. My wife died, and my daughter's life was always in danger. Natalia did not grow up as a normal girl. So I understand why her attitude was not really appropriate when she grew up. I neglected her." He faced the emptiness and was gripping tightly to the railings.
'Actually, her attitude is not only inappropriate, sir. Her attitude is so nasty that the 'dogs can't eat it,' my wolf interrupts. Shut up, wolf.
"But when she met you, I don't know, something changed for her."
Really? Ayee, good or bad?
"She's not that bitchy anymore and I saw how she adores you based on the stares that she throws at you. And I definitely concluded at that time that Natalia had already found her match. That's why I'm so complacent that you're always with her because I saw how you look at her as well." A smile crept on his lips as he turned to face me. "I know you will love my daughter as much as I love her, or maybe more." Aww, Mr. President's words are so touching. This is the best thing that happened to me today. Hearing his words of approval for my relationship with Natalia was really comforting to my mind. "So I have nothing against you. Though these events happened, I don't believe you can do that to my daughter, July. I fully trust you, but if ever you hurt my daughter or make her cry, I assure you, you will never ever see Natalia again."
I nodded madly at the President. I'm super happy with what he said. I wasn't threatened by the last thing he said because I will make sure I take good care of my beloved brat.
"I trust you with Natalia's life and heart, July," he said one more time and tapped my other shoulder.
"Thank you, sir," I immediately answered.
He smiled. "But for now, I'll take Natalia home first. Let her stay in the White House with me for a while, and then you can visit her after a couple of days. Is that okay, July?"
Though I would like to oppose him, he is still the father of the woman I truly love. He knows better what is right for her. And I appreciate that he also asked for my permission, though he knows I don't have a choice but to agree with him.
So, I just nodded with all my sincerity. It would be better for Natalia to rest as well. I'm still not in a good state. And I need to do some 'important' errands.
"Thank you for understanding, Juls," the president said, smiling as he hugged me and whispered, "Thank you, daughter." And he departed.
I was left alone on the veranda watching the sky and the beauty of Faerie Landia. So much has happened in the few days I have stayed in this kingdom. Whether it's bad or good. But I'm glad I got to this kingdom because I met a lot of beautiful people that are like me. Supernaturals. There are still many of us. And all these years, I thought only wolves and vampires were left in this world. I was wrong.
There are fairies, half-gods, and, of course, mermaids.
Even though there are still bad creatures, there are also good supernaturals like us who want to live in peace and tranquility with ordinary people.