The green light faded and came into view of the city built in the middle of the Oakrose woods.
It was beautiful just like always, with tree houses and markets and such. As I walked the way to the Oak palace one of the patrolling guards saw me and waved his hand. I waved my hands back and walked towards him.
"It's been so long Herrick, where have you been?"
"Yes it really has been. Oh just been at the Ravial palace, duty calls I guess. So how have you been Ualiar?"
"Oh I have been good. By the way, are you here to see the princess? because if you are then head to the library."
I was surprised by his accurate guess but nonetheless I nodded and thanked him. We parted ways after that and I headed to the library.
Reaching the massive tree library I opened the heavy door and entered inside. I walked a bit further towards the windows and saw Ivey sitting in the window still staring out as the pages of her books flipped with the wind.
I stand like an idiot on drugs as I took in the gorgeous women. She turned to look at me and smiled while talking about something but I was so mesmerized that I couldn't hear a word, just saw her moving her mouth as she frowned and came to me.
My cheeks heated up. 'Oh my lord was I blushing.'
"Herrick get it together. Did I slap you too hard? Are you okay?"
'Oh it was a slap huuu...'
I grabbed my cheeks that hurt and looked at Ivey and answered that I am fine.
"You really took your time coming here." Now she puffs her cheeks because I wasn't fast enough to reach her.
I smile and say "Sorry, I needed to do something that Jasper had asked me to do. You know I can't deny anything he says."
"True, he is one scary bastard. But my anger towards him is greater. Wait till I get him in a fight, I will kick his ass."
I scratch my cheeks at her confidence when we all know who will be the winner.
I looked at her babble things on and on about how she will defeat Jasper. She looked so....beautiful.
'Like my world and galaxy is just her.'
I sigh and smile at my own thoughts. I stopped resisting myself and pulled her into my embrace. She was shocked and parted her lips when I kissed her hard.
It's been an awful lot of days since the last time we kissed or shared our love for each other.
After a few minutes both out of breath pulled away and stared at each other. Each second that is passing was ours. She smiled which in turn made me also smile.
But the peace never lasts long does it.
"Love birds Father is calling you both." Isaac popped out of nowhere, startling us and dragged us to the king's office.
***
"Don't kiss my daughter in my own house Herrick." Vestain says without even looking up from his work paper.
Ivey just sighs and shakes her head and Isaac is way too busy with the tea he was brewing.
We sat in silence with the sound of quill and sips of tea. The tension could be cut from the dagger hidden somewhere in here. I sipped my tea and checked everyone, one by one. Quite iconic as this has happened way too many times before.
"Harrick, whose order are you here for?"
"Sorry sir but can't I visit my trapped girlfriend who was missing me dearly." I say while I keep my wits at bay trying to seem as calm as possible.
"Well you can't take her."
"Sorry sir but I can't back down."
"Hummm, it seems you can't understand. This was an order not a request."
"Sorry sir but I think you don't understand but I don't take orders from you now."
Spark flies between us. A voice boomed beside me.
"Father I am going and that's that, no buts. I am free and I don't care about obeying you at all. I was calm till now because I was on orders but not anymore. So," she stood up and grabbed my arms pulling me up as well. "We are leaving."
"Sit down Ivey." he finally looked up with his fierce eyes staring daggers at us. Daggers would be less painful then his eyes right now.
Ivey didn't stop and went to the door, all the while Isaac just continued with the drink not being much of help.
"Carriage is ready on the back." He said.
'Sorry brother-in-law....you are an angel.'
I gave him a silent thank you as he winked at me.
We stopped at the open door as Ivey turned back and looked at Vestain, "Bye father."
I also turned and said with a smile "Bye father-in-law."
Well the world is still.
Suddenly a dagger came flying to me and I threw a scalpel at him.
We both dogged reflexly.
"You can't throw a scalpel at your father-in-law, you know."
"Well you can't throw a dagger at your son-in-law."
"Haha but Herrick I am an assassin."
"Heh then I am also a doctor father-in-law."
The sparks blew again.
Thud!!! The door slammed shut before me with full force.
"Let's go husband-to-be."
I gave her a gentle smile "sure, as you wish, wife-to-be."
We were out the palace and in the carriage towards Ravial kingdom.
***
I entered Haru's room and looked at him sleeping, hugging a pillow and muttering nonsensical words. I sat beside him and a smile appeared on my face as I saw how happy he looked in his dream.
I placed my hand on his head and stroked it.
"Sorry Haru but I have to send you to Grandpa for a while. At least till this all settels. I can't risk it."
After one final stroke I got up and left the room, closing the door slowly behind me with a click sound.
I walk the halls in darkness just like in the past on those sleepless nights. I opened a door that leads to the attic and climbed up the stairs.
Windows came into view as the moonlight gave me enough light to discreet my surroundings. I carefully walked towards a window and opened it.
The night breeze blew in, fluttering my hair. I grabbed the window still and jumped out on the roof.
I climb till the top and sit down watching the whole compound lacking its usual bustle.
'Ivey's out and most of the things are in place. One last time....I will enjoy this peace and I vow to never betray myself ever again.'