Chapter 7.
Amidst the burnt building emerged, a man whose looks could rival the brilliance of the sun itself. Tall and broad-shouldered, he commanded attention wherever he went. His strong, sculpted features were framed by a cascade of chestnut hair that fell in gentle waves to his shoulders. The sun's caress imbued his locks with a warm, golden hue, giving them an almost ethereal glow.
Beneath a pair of arched eyebrows, his piercing eyes shimmered like sapphires, sparkling with intelligence and depth. They held an enchanting allure, capable of captivating the hearts of those who dared to meet his gaze. Long lashes framed those captivating eyes, casting delicate shadows upon his chiseled cheekbones.
His noble nose, straight and proud, added a touch of regality to his countenance. Just below, his lips, finely curved and inviting, possessed a natural charm. When he smiled, a radiant warmth emanated from him, lighting up the room and captivating all who beheld it.
His complexion was as fair as the morning dew, unblemished and smooth. Bathed in sunlight, his skin seemed to possess a luminosity that enhanced his natural magnetism. A well-groomed beard adorned his strong jawline, adding a hint of rugged masculinity to his overall air of refinement.
Draped in luxurious attire befitting his station, he wore garments crafted from the finest materials. A tailored doublet emphasized his broad chest and defined waist, while a cloak of royal blue flowed gracefully from his broad shoulders, adorned with intricate embroidery that depicted the emblems of his lineage.
Every movement he made exuded grace and confidence, as if he were born to command respect and admiration. His mere presence enchanted the world around him, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. He was the epitome of medieval beauty, a man whose handsome appearance mirrored the splendor of the era he belonged to.
However, this beautiful moment ceased when my face changed when my brain comprehended everything. He was the same man I met in Emberfall fall. How on earth would I forget this face?
To be sincere, he was handsome and arrogant. His features were beyond explanation yet I could manage to say them out.
As he walked closer to us, I noticed how pale his skin was. He was as white as snow. His red lips stood out like strawberries placed on a snowing grounds.
My expression changed from surprise to a frown. Liza drew nearer, telling me who he was. Of course, I did not forget his face nor the pain he caused me over the years. He thought highly of himself and I fixed it for him.
But what was he doing here? He was dressed in a fine rope yet in his hand, he held tightly to a broomstick. It seemed he was cleaning the cemetery. But why?
A minister's son should not be cleaning the cemetery. He should be making his father proud out there…not hide behind the graves.
"May I help you?," he asked with concern. His accent was strong. A real Aerendian, he was. I tried hard not to roll my eyes. When he finally got out of the gate, I stood with my arms crossed in front of chest- ready to attack him with my words. "Are you lost, lady?"
I chuckled, placing my palm over my mouth to control it. If I did not know him before, I would have thought he was a caring gentleman.
"What's funny?" the young man looked behind him to see if something strangely was going on without his knowledge. There was nothing. He turned back and asked "you shouldn't be here. The place is out of bound for all."
I felt like imitating him over and over. The fool has forgotten me all of a sudden. He did not care to remember my face.
There was still rage summoning in my chest. I closed my eyes as I let go of my mouth.
"My lady, I think we should leave," Liza suggested. I knew she does not want us to start our cat and dog's fight, but I guessed it was too late.
My eyes flew opened and I let the words flow out like water running from the stream "I thought you will change but you haven't."
The young man who was about to go in, stopped. He looked at me keenly as if my name was written on my face. I knew he was trying his best to remember who I was.
Stress your little brain, dear. I don't care.
"Have we met before?" he asked, taking a few steps forward.
"Yes, sir. In Emberfall…three years ago," I reminded him. Such a poor memory! No wonder his father had sent him here to clean the cemetery. It was the best he could do.
"Emberfall?" he stressed his brain a bit harder. It seemed he was a traveler or else, I expected him to remember if he had not travel so much. "The east side..." He paused and glared at me " Lady Arabella?"
I smile mischievously at the mention of my name. At least he did not forget it like the face "Of course, lord?"
"Alistair," He bowed, making me almost falling for his charm. My gaze shifted to the other side, quickly. "How on earth will I recognize you? You look so beautiful now."
"What?" I returned my gaze to him. He was smiling sheepishly. I swallowed hard as I inquired "What do you mean by beautiful now?"
"You look more of a lady now. I could not even recognize you," he laughed as if it was funny. I knew what he was trying to do. Get on my nerves, son of bitch! "But what are you doing in Aerendia?"
I was not going to tell anyone why I was here- Especially him. He was going to find some way to mock me more…who knows, he might changed the mind of the king or queen mother towards me.
"It's none of your business, lord Alistair," my smile disappeared as soon as it arrived. "By the way what are you doing in this lonely and dark place?"
There was something about this place that seemed unholy. If only he knew…
"I work here," Alistair replied.
"Good for you," I was not disappointed. He was fit to the task. Such a lousy mouth deserves more than this. He should have been a janitor instead.
"You should be going. I will like to get back to work," he put the broomstick on one of his shoulders, while his hand held the edge. The other of his hand, settled on his waist "it was nice meeting you over and over."
"Its not nice meeting with you," I told him.
The young man chuckled and said "if you need my help, you can…"
"I won't need your help, Lord" I curtsied, leaving him speechless. There was a movement behind me and he quickly rushed into the cemetery gate.
I was about to call on him when commander Roland approached us. We were to meet with the queen mother now. I asked a few questions about the grave cleaner but he insisted that the palace had no grave cleaner for years.
I did not want to argue with him. My heart kept on pounding with in my chest as the carriage stopped in front of the main palace. Did I just met with the ghost or this lad was real? Was commander Roland lying or was lord Alistair been an ass hole again?
Many questions ran through my mind as I came down from the carriage. Maybe I should concentrate on getting my freedom first.