Elixia had now grown fully into a woman. And still had deep secrets. She also didn't forget to play along with them in their game. Which her role was to act likshe a novice. She long awaited Prince Agememnom but, he was never coming. So she taught to herself that he was angry at her. For not showing up at the palace when he needed her the most. She convinced herself that Agememnom already hated her. And his hate was the worst punishment she could ever receive.
Though Vistuler and Run Ni Tama were in courtship, he didn't for once send a message or try seeing her.
Now she had turned of age and she was in expectancy of him becoming her first suitor but, not once did he shown up until now.
*************
"Son the people are anxiously expecting your marriage". His mother, the queen said.
"The laws haven't placed a specific age for the men of this kingdom to wed. So I'm in no hurry". Agememnom said and as he was about to walk out of his room, dressed in normal clothes.
"Agememnom are you still in love with that girl?". His mother asked. "And who is that, mother?". He asked causally as he turned to face her. "Elixia". "If I were to still be in love with her I wouldn't heal of my sickness". He said and walked out. The queen smiled, happy at his statement.
'I still love her mother and I know she isn't at fault. Although, she couldn't visit when I needed her the most. I perhaps think the letter didn't get to her hold'. Agememnom said internally.
Run Ni Tama had gone on a picnic with Vistuler. So Agememnom was walking out of the palace compounds alone. He had an assignment to perform. And that assignment was to be taken out in the kingdom's market.
"Your disguise does suit you. Especially the scar. You should probably add a smoke to the side of your mouth". His father, the king suggested.
"It is right behind my ear". Agememnom said and showed it to his father. Then they both laughed. "Stay safe son". He wished his son and Agememnom galloped out of the palace compounds.
*********
"Father, Demvirous promised to take me to the kingdom's market today". Elixia said to Johnbones. "Is he here already?". Johnbones asked and Elixia nodded.
From sight you would know how courageous he was. Through his clothes you could see that he was body built. He was also an expert in politics and war. His strategies on wars is what got him to become a captain at the little age of his. Nevertheless, he was handsome with his thin lines mustache.
"Captain Demvirous. This is my daughter. You must promise me to protect her with everything in your power". Johnbones said. "I promise not to have a drop of the rainfall touch this beauty". He courtesied as he said.
"You know father didn't say we should leave with escorts". Elixia said to Demvirous. "I know this beauty could protect herself". He whispered to her and kissed her knuckles. "You both should get out of my sight with your acts". Johnbones said and they did as they were told to.
Giving her a horse of hers and taking him, they rode out of Johnbones compound.
"I honestly can't wait to get to the kingdom's market". Elixia said dreamily. "Even with this simple clothes on you, you still appear like a noble which you are". "And your beauty is still shown effortlessly". Demvirous complimented Elixia. "Okay, captain Demvirous enough of the flattering. This face is all a sugarcoating. Try racing with me to the market". Elixia said and she clasped on her horse ropes. Then it started galloping faster. Demvirous watched her ride before he ran after her with his horse.
***********
"The louts are here pave way". Someone from the crowd yelled and everyone did as they were told. Everyone looked at the troublemakers. And notices a new face. He was still so handsome with his scar. And he placed his cigarette at the side of his mouth unlit. "Shall I help you light you cigarette?". A woman asked Agememnom as he was about to walk pass her.
He then leaned and whispered into her ear. "It don't smoke. I just love it at the side of my mouth unlit". He then stood normally and met with her gaze and he smiled at her. She also smiled stollen by his charm.
He then continued to walk with the remaining louts.
**********
"We should probably get some fruits". Elixia said. "You get those, okay? I need to find out something urgent". Demvirous said to Elixia as he ran into the crowd. "Hurry". She said and she walked to check out the fruits.
"You should pick the red ones. They were just gotten today". Someone said to Elixia as he saw the way she was being thoughtful on the one to choose. "Thank you". She said as she looked up to thank the person.
He did look so familiar but, she couldn't tell where she had met him. "It wasn't of a big deal to recognise you from amist the crowd". He said and she looked at him again. This time the picture became clearer. Her basket of fruits fell as she recognised him
"Agememnom?". She called and he nodded to her as a reply. Tears were visible in her eyes and were soon to fall when he embraced her.
"I'm so sorry. I really am sorry. I couldn't be of help when you needed me. I really am sorry". She said as she sobbed loudly in his chest.
"It's okay. Everything is totally not your fault, okay?". He patted her back and kissed her head.
"Follow me". He said. "To where?". Elixia asked. "We need to talk, Elixia". Elixia didn't say anything anymore. She just followed. He took her into an abandoned cave. Not really far from the market.
"I know you hate me already. Stop playing victim and just react already". Elixia snapped her hands out of his hold. "Of course I tried hating you but, I just couldn't". He turned to face her. "I knew my letters didn't get to you". He stated simply.
"Ho, how did you get to know that?". Elixia asked with utmost surprise. "I figured out the letter they claimed you sent to me with a forged handwriting of yours wasn't actually from you, rather from your father". Elixia stared at him in surprise.
"I figured this out when I was about to tear to the drawing of you but, my eyes led me to your handwriting at the edge of the drawing. Your real handwriting isn't as spacious as the the forged one sent to me. Before I realized this I had thrown lots of tantrums. I even tried hating you but, you were meant for my love alone". Elixia felt happy that he didn't hate her throughout those years they were away but, now he might really hate her, cause she was now in courtship with someone else.
Elixia seemed sad and it was evident on her face. "I thought that would help you relived at heart. What is it my queen?". He asked as he held her cheeks so tenderly.
"You forgot to mention about me to her, my prince". Captain Demvirous said and Elixia pushed Agememnom upon sighting him. "Elixia this is Captain Demvirous". Agememnom introduced. "I know him and we both are in". "Courtship. Isn't that what you wanted to say?". Elixia looked at Agememnom stunned.
"How did". "How did I know right? I sent Demvirous to court with you, while I execute my plan". Agememnom said simply. "Demvirous so you knew him all along?". Elixia asked trying not to believe what Agememnom just said.
"Yes Elixia". Agememnom looked at him with side eye. "I mean, yes your highness". He corrected himself. Elixia scoffed and went to hit Agememnom's chest hardly, then he grabs her hands.
"You shouldn't act like a child Elixia. You are grown now". Agememnom suggested. Elixia pulled her hand and went then folded her hands on her chest and made a cute pout. "Are you trying to seduce me, Elixia". Elixia scoffed confusingly. "Why would I do such nasty thing?". She asked like a child.
"Cause you are showing how growth has helped you as you keep swaying your hips in front of me". He said with a dirty smirk. Then Elixia was forced to stand behind captain Demvirous.
"Pathetic". She said and both men smiled. "Elixia you are courting with Captain Demvirous you have to act along and also don't act like you still love me. Act as though what you have in your heart is hatred. While I look for the best way to execute my plan". Agememnom said.
"That means you have to bear with all their fake nices". Agememnom said looking apologetic at Elixia.
"I would take anything for my survival". She said as she went to hold his chin. "You have to survive Elixia". He said and they both held their gazes for a long time.