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Chapter five.
The next morning, someone started banging on our door. I wanted to ignore but I remembered that I was a captive in this strange land. It would better for me if I do not make them angry.
I got up at once and opened the door. It was commander Percival. God! I was sick of seeing his ugly face. He was the most annoying person, I have met. He had so much in common with the fellow I met in Emberfall. Oops, I forgot. They were all from Aerendia.
"Get ready, lazy beast," He commanded with a disdainful look. "We are moving in two minutes."
"Two minutes?" I was surprised. No one told me about the time. They gave me a dress last night to wear. It was hanging up in the wardrobe. "I need like ten minutes to get ready, please."
"Your business," He looked away. "You are left with one, prin…cess."
Okay, I got it. He was sent from hell to torment my life. Even though I was the one that chose this path, I regretted it. It was a bad idea. I wondered what await me in the capital.
I have heard what happened to female captives. I hope it won't apply to me.
I rushed into wardrobe and wished they also sent Liza up here. I knew the dress was going to take time because of the corset.
I rummaged through the wardrobe. The clothes there were only night wears. Female night wears? Seriously?
I checked the next room and found a simple gown. Maybe for a maid, I wore it and ran downstairs like a mouse been chased by a cat.
Everyone was staring when I got downstairs. I knew at once that something was wrong. Does it has to do with my hair or dress? I didn't even have a bath.
"You are late princess," commander Percival told me. "And you look really ugly" he chuckled. But I did not find it funny.
"That's a lie," I was confident. I might look unkempt but not ugly. "You barely gave me time to dress up."
He was going to say those annoying words when commander Roland came in with Liza. He was surprised to see me this way.
"We shall wait for the princess to get ready," He urged Liza to take me upstairs. I felt relieved.
**
The corset was well tied around my waist that I could breath properly. At home, I hardly wear corsets. My parents were okay with whatever I wear. As long, I fit into it. Most of the dresses had no lace nor corset. They were freewears.
When Liza was done, I walked like both of my legs were tied up. The carriage was waiting at the entrance door.
With the help of Liza, I strode down the stairs and went into the carriage. She was about to enter when commander Roland came. He asked if he could ride with us.
Ride with us? A Aerendian in the same space as mine? I wanted to shook my head but Liza agreed to it.
Oh Liza, foolish girl. She was falling for the general already. I wished she knew that all these men have wives at home.
Yes, it was true. He had money, status and estates. Why should he wait?
Commander Roland sat opposite me. The carriage started and he began to ask questions. I did not pay any attention to them until he asked "have you met a Aerendia man before?"
A cold shiver ran down my spine. Was he aware? I looked at Liza to be sure that she was not the betrayer. She shook her head, indicating that she had no idea.
"Its just a question, princess," he added when I did not answer.
"Yes, I met one at a royal wedding and I must say I do not like Aerendia men at all," I replied with a little frown on my face.
"I see. He must have hurt you badly, didn't he?"
"No, he was an asshole. Can we change the topic please?" I asked politely. It was better to let go of this matter.
"Okay, so if you get to Aerendia and you get your freedom…what is your plan?" he asked with gaze fixed on me. I felt an intense heat as I returned the gaze. Damn! This man looked like a greek statue. He was so cute.
"I-I… will…I shall return home at once."
"What if I ask you to marry me?" he asked all of a sudden.
"What?" it was the only words that managed to leave my mouth. What the hell was he saying? Marriage? Just like that??
"Yes, princess. I know we just met and you don't know much about me…" he paused and looked through the window. "I like to spend more time with you."
"I don't know anything about you. Don't you understand?" I asked, trying my best not to get annoyed. "Marriage is something huge, difficult…it's like going to war with someone and making sure that both of you don't get killed."
He nodded before saying "I understand your point and I'm not going to rush nor force you into anything you do want…but I just want you to know I love you."
I didn't get the chance to ask him if he was drunk or lost his mind. He knocked on the door and the carriage stopped. I watched him leave the carriage.
He left me speechless. Love? Just like? I never imagined myself falling for a Aerendia after what happened Emberfall.
"Is he serious?" Liza was scared. She feared for me more than I do for myself.
"I don't know. I think he is a good man but I can not stay in this land if I get my freedom," I told her. "I have to return home. Every one is missing me.
I did not think much about what commander Roland had told me earlier. I adjusted a little and relaxed. As we near the capital, I heard noises from afar. The capital was bigger than I thought. Yet, I wished to return to my small town...to my family.