Chapter 2: Stranger
He must be kidding me. I bit my lower lip in anger as I walked back to my room. "Your Majesty! Are you okay?" Sheila asked worriedly as she followed me.
"I'll dismiss you early today, Sheila. Don't let anyone enter my room without my permission," I said, still walking.
Damn you, Josiah. If you don't want to let her go, then you should let me go. Why do I have to be trapped here and face this humiliation? I can't bring disappointment to my family.
How dare he do this to me? He's taking me for granted because I always do what he wants. He's such a fool for thinking I would obey him this time. I'll die first before I'll accept his mistress.
"But your majesty--" I stopped walking and looked at her. "No more buts, Sheila. I'll go nuts if I see him around," I said seriously. She didn't speak anymore and just nodded.
I inhaled deeply. Trisha... Where did that woman come from anyway? Is she his mate? I slammed the door behind me and sighed. After seven years of loneliness, I've been longing for my freedom. Josiah, I know everything seems like a game to you. But did you really have to do this? I hate the way he looked at me. It was as if he was expecting me to accept his mistress.
He's really gone mad. I took a deep breath and headed to my bed. I lay down and closed my eyes. I need to calm myself down. This is not what I expected to happen. Geez, that fool. He wanted to ruin his life, so I let him.
"What should I do now?" I murmured.
I have a lot to do now, but I don't feel like working. Who has the right mind to work after everything? Now that he's back? He should take responsibility for his actions. If he can't grant my wish to divorce him, then I'll make him do it. That's a promise.
And guess what? Even though they all call me the perfect queen, I still have my flaws. I held my cloak tightly as I watched them all.
Five armed men in total. How did I end up here? I sneaked out of the palace walls again, disguising myself as a normal person. I always do this whenever I'm confused.
"Come on, little girl. Give us everything you have, and we're good," a man who seemed to be their leader said. Give him my everything? I looked at them calmly. I have two choices now: either I'll fight them, or I'll try to run and escape.
There are two better choices, but I can't decide because it is too risky. This isn't the first time something like this has happened to me. But there are so many of them now. Three men, I could fight. But five, no. They all look strong, too.
Escaping is not even an option now. They will likely capture me. I shouldn't have left the palace. "I don't have anything to offer," I said calmly.
And, of course, I know they won't believe that. They rob and kill for a living. They laughed when they heard what I said. "You're funny, young lady. You need to give us all your money if you don't want to get hurt."
I pressed my lips tightly. I can't provoke them now. "Alright, take this and leave me alone," I said, throwing my pouch on the ground. They all looked at me. Their grins widened, and some stood up straight.
"You're easy to talk with, but there's something wrong with you," he said, looking at me intently. He signaled one of his men to approach me. I immediately became alert.
"No one ever gave their money, especially when you're poor. You must be from a wealthy family," he said, grinning widely. I did not see that coming.
"Capture her. She'll be worth something," he commanded. What? They were involved in illegal trafficking, too. People like them should be eliminated.
I stepped back several times. It seems like I have no other choice now but to stand my ground and try to escape. I pretended to be scared. They always lower their guard when they see their opponent as weak.
"Don't resist, missy. It's better to come along quietly so your fair and smooth skin doesn't get scratched," one of his men said, laughing like crazy.
I won't settle without a proper fight. I prepared myself to fight back. I was about to attack the man nearest to me, but someone intervened.
"Is it cowardly to bully a girl, especially when she's alone?" His voice captured my attention. His accent is different from ours. I can't see him because he's blocking my view.
His hand is in his pocket. He stands calmly. Doesn't he realize how dangerous what he's doing now is? If he's not from this kingdom, he shouldn't intervene. Oh, wait, why do I feel like I don't want anyone to save me?
"No. It's not. A lady like her shouldn't roam around late at night," their leader said, grinning widely. He's right, but this place should be safe. I didn't know there was a gang hanging around here.
I used to pass through here. The stranger in front of me chuckled. I don't know why, but I find his voice alluring. Hold on, what am I talking about?
"I see. Roaming around late at night is not safe here. Such a dangerous kingdom," he murmured. His voice was serious yet soothing to the ear. Gosh, I can't believe it. I still have time to admire his voice.
Their leader's face became serious, "What do you care about? If you don't want to get involved, just leave," he yelled angrily.
The man slowly looked at me. I couldn't see his whole face, as it was covered by his cloak. I could only see his reddish lips and sharp nose.
"This girl is my companion. I've been waiting for her for a long time, but I guess she couldn't make it because you blocked her," he said, glancing back at them.
He held my hand and pulled me closer. How could I let him touch me when he was a stranger? "She gave you her money, so it's settled. I'm taking her with me," he said.
Before we could leave, they blocked our way. "You can't leave!" he yelled, trying to stop us. But the man grinned, "I don't care. We can leave whenever we want." That angered the man. "Capture them!"
They started attacking us. The man released my hand and began fighting them, too. I was in awe, too shocked to speak. In less than two minutes, they were all lying on the ground, bloody and lifeless.
Just who is this man? He approached me, "Are you okay? Were you startled by what happened? I'm sorry," he apologized. Is he apologizing to me? But he saved me.
I shook my head, "Don't apologize. Thank you for saving me," I said. Even if he hadn't intervened, I would have fought back.
I usually don't get my hands dirty, except in situations like this. He nodded and fixed his hood. "Very well, then. I should get going," he said and turned his back on me.
He's leaving? "Hold on!" I stopped him. He slowly looked back with a playful grin on his lips. "Yes?"
I pressed my lips tightly and approached him. "You saw everything earlier, didn't you?" I asked, even though the answer was obvious.
He nodded, "Indeed." I took a deep breath. "What is your name?" I asked. He saved me tonight; I should return his kindness. Maybe not now, but later.
He grinned, "I'm afraid I can't disclose my name," he answered. Oh...
"I see. Thank you for saving me. I really mean it," I said and bowed shortly. He chuckled, "No worries. You should be careful next time," he said. Right, I murmured.
"See you around, I guess," he said, smiling briefly. "Okay." I watched him walk away.
When he was out of sight, I sighed deeply. I had a rough day, and even at night? I shook my head in disbelief.
I took out another pouch from my pocket. I'm glad I split my money on my way here. Thugs are everywhere around the city.
I headed to a bar and immediately ordered alcohol. I have plenty of luxurious wine at the palace. But nothing is tastier than the liquors here.
What a shame. Living there is a fantasy but full of sorrow. "Here's your order!" The lively bartender served my drink with a big smile on his lips.
"Thanks," I said and drank the alcohol straight. It burned my throat but was quite refreshing. It had been a long time since I came here.
I removed my cloak and sighed. No one would recognize me here anyway. "One more," I said as I sat down on the stool.
"Sure! Here's your drink, but be careful, ma'am. Just drink moderately. Pretty girl, someone might take advantage of you," he said, the concern evident in his voice.
I chuckled, "Am I really pretty?" I asked. Everyone keeps telling me that. But why do I deserve this painful and disappointing life? This pretty face can't even give me true happiness.
He laughed, "You surely don't know how attractive you are, ma'am," he said. I grinned, "Very well," and took another sip of the served alcohol, looking at him again.
"Bring ten bottles over there," I said, pointing to the vacant table. "Ten bottles? Are you sure?" He asked, sounding surprised.
I nodded, "Pretty sure. I'll wait there," I said as I stood up. I didn't wait for his response.
I slumped onto the sofa and closed my eyes. I only had two glasses, but I felt dizzy. Is my alcohol tolerance really this low?
It's funny to think that my tolerance for Josiah's nonsense is higher than my alcohol tolerance. How absurd. I shook my head and chuckled.
Anyway, I should enjoy tonight. This rarely happens. If he can have fun, so can I. I can be happy alone.
"Here's your order. Just tell me if someone harasses you," the bartender said as he placed the bucket of liquor on the table. I smiled, "Alright. I'll let you know," I said.
He nodded and left. I grabbed a bottle and took a drink. What a lonely life. I hope a miracle happens. He should allow me to divorce him by then... I can finally be free and happy.
I spend my time drowning myself in alcohol. My vision is spinning, but I continue drinking. It's too confusing.
I have been serving this kingdom for almost my entire life. Everyone loves me for being the perfect queen. And yet, here I am, miserable.
Everything would be better if he stayed loyal, even if he no longer fulfilled his duties as the king. I would do that for him. His actions truly disappoint me.
Bringing a mistress to the palace is absurd. Completely wrong. A mistress, huh? I giggled. He has truly lost his mind. He's dreaming if he thinks he can find happiness with a mistress.
"Let's see how far you can go without me," I murmured, still giggling. Goodness, am I this drunk?
"What are you doing here, alone again?" I slowly lifted my gaze. And then... I saw the most handsome man I've ever seen.
Who is this man? His face is angelic. Am I dreaming? I chuckled at that thought. Seriously, I really need to go back now. Sheila will be shocked to see me in this state.
I shook my head, "I'm sorry, but do I know you?" I asked, smiling like crazy. I noticed him pulling up his hood. What is he doing? I stared at him, feeling puzzled. Was there something he wanted me to realize...
Oh! He's the man who saved me earlier. What is he doing here? Is he following me? Hah, that can't be serious.
"Oh, Mister Stranger. So it's you. What can I do for you?" I asked cheerfully, grinning widely.
He sat down beside me. "Nothing. Why are you drinking so much? Do you have a problem?" He asked seriously, his brow furrowed as if he was not amused.
"A problem?" I repeated. Yeah, do I have a problem? I nodded, "Speaking of problems. Yes, I do. A big one. Do you want to know?" I said. He stared at me.
This is unfair. How can someone look as good as him? His black hair, sharp nose, and those captivating blue eyes. Handsome is an understatement.
"We have all night," he said, leaning back, still looking at me. I giggled; I couldn't believe a stranger was curious about my problem. That was very unusual.
"Oh well, here's my problem..." And I ended up telling him my story. About how my husband neglected me and even brought his mistress home.
He patiently listened the entire time. "Sounds crazy, right? I asked him for a divorce, but he refused," I said.
"Why doesn't he want to?" he asked. I rolled my eyes, "I don't know either. But I won't stop until he agrees," I said determinedly.
He chuckled and leaned forward. "Do you really want to escape your marriage that badly?" he asked. I stared at him and then nodded.
"I do. I'm not saying this because I'm drunk or anything. But my husband is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I want to cut my ties with him." He nodded in understanding.
He stared at me darkly, "Do you want me to take you away?" What? His tone was serious, so I wasn't sure if he was joking.
"Wh--"
"How much would I risk to steal you away from him?" he added. My jaw dropped. What?
I laughed and waved my hand. He's trying to make me laugh. "No, you don't have to do that. I can manage it alone-" he cut me off.
"I'm serious. Seeing you in this state makes me want even more to take you away. He's an asshole for treating you this way," he said seriously.
What? He stood up and approached me. He gently held my hand, "I'm willing to risk everything for you." Huh? Am I so drunk that I'm hallucinating?
I closed my eyes tightly. This is just a dream, right? I yawned, "Oh god, I'm sleepy. I should go now," I said, looking at him.
He nodded, "I'll see you out." He offered his hand to me. I accepted it because I knew I couldn't stand up straight anymore.
"Thank you. I had fun. You're a good listener," I said, smiling broadly. He didn't say anything. I just let it be. He seemed tired from listening to my life rant.