Chapter 21
Rhydian
I had no idea where she could have gone. Hell, I didn't even know a damn thing about her. That little witch… She doesn't realize the danger she's in. She might think she's untouchable, but she's not. Strong doesn't mean invincible, and she's walking in the lion's den like she owns it.
She could cross paths with someone far stronger than her, someone who wouldn't hesitate to do anything just to get her blood. Worse, if someone from the dragon kingdom got to her… They wouldn't stop until she was dead. She barely made it out alive the last time—barely.
I clenched my jaw, the memory of the last time she almost died flashed in my mind. She might've survived that once, but luck only stretched so far.
I was starting to panic, and I hated it. My pulse was racing, my thoughts spiraling. Why the hell was I panicking? It had only been an hour since I was told she was missing, and yet here I was, searching the city like some idiot with no plan.
I could've sent out the guards—hell, I should've—but I knew what she'd think. She'd see it as me trying to control her, trying to clip her wings. And that would only make her fight back harder.
Still, every second that ticked by made my gut tighten. She might be arrogant, but arrogance won't save her if she runs into someone who knows how to exploit it. And this city? It's crawling with people who'd love nothing more than to rip her apart.
I ran a hand through my hair, frustration bubbling over. I didn't even know he her name, yet here I was, pacing through alleyways and side streets, letting her recklessness consume my thoughts.
What the hell was wrong with me?
I exhaled sharply, forcing myself to focus. This wasn't about her. This was about the mess she'd leave behind if something happened. I couldn't let anything happen to her if I needed to maintain this truce and gain the support of the witches.
Still, no matter how much I told myself it didn't matter, the unease in my chest wouldn't go away.
With a growl of frustration, I pressed forward, scanning the streets as I moved. Wherever she was, I needed to find her—and fast.
Just then, I sighted several guard coming up to me, their steps urgent and hurried.
"Your majesty, her highness has returned." So she was back huh. Without wasting another moment, I immediately returned to the kingdom at full speed.
As soon as I arrived, I bursted into her chambers, catching her off guard. She must not have been expecting me to enter so suddenly because I could clearly see the shocked expression on her face.
I approached her, my expression cold and emotionless, she looked confused, but remained calm.
"Where have you been? Can you not leave without informing anyone, you had me so worried damn it." I snapped, I was equally surprised at my outburst, my expression had shifted to fury, I was really angry.
I expected her to snap back, but instead...she didn't. "I'm sorry," she said softly....but that wasn't what surprised me. It was her genuine expression that took me of guard, she actually meant it.
At this point, I was left speechless...I didn't even know what to say.
"Are you..... doing good?" I asked, my expression and tone turning softer. but why, did I feel bad for yelling?
"I'm fine your majesty," Now there she was again, "just call me Rhydian, no need to pretend, I know you don't like me," I said quietly, walking closer to her.
"What's your name? Purple," I asked softly, her brows furrowed as she looked at me.... clearly surprised that I didn't know her name up till now.
"It's seraphina." She replied, her tone colder, but not emotionless. I moved even closer to her, till we were only inches apart, she raised her head to look up at me, but her expression remained neutral.
My hands reached to hold her hand, but she moved it away, not letting me touch her, that was fast....so she was done pretending, she really switched fast.
I shifted and turned away, deciding not to touch her. "You have a very beautiful name." I said quietly, not looking at her. I don't know why but....the thought of how much she hated me caused an unusual ache in my chest.
"Rhydian...I like your name too." She replied, and for the first time in a long time...my heart skipped a bit. My heart started racing hard, but why?
"I'll be joining you for dinner, I have somewhere I need to be so I won't be back for a while." I added, my tone oddly soft, and without waiting for her to reply..mi rushed out of the room.
As soon as I closed the door behind me, I rested my back on the door, my hand reached to touch my chest. What the hell was happening? What was this feeling? Was I nervous? Of her? I couldn't tell, I couldn't figure it out.
"Your majesty." Irene greeted, bowing in respect as she stood in front of me. I cleared my throat and pulled away for the door, with a brief nod, I left.
Right now, there was one person I needed to see....the witch queen, she might be the only person I could convince. I had to let them know I wasn't their enemy, I never was.
As I stepped out of the palace, I saw Edmund waiting for me outside. "Get ready, we're visiting the witch queen.... in disguise." I said, my tone urgent.
"But why? You were supposed to win the princess over first before confronting the witch queen, you don't even know how much they hate us...they might as well use this chance to kill you." Edmund tried stopping me, but I wasn't ready to give up so easily, those people had sent another threat letter, which meant my mother was on the verge of loosing her life if I didn't do something about it.
"I'm not that easy to kill Ed, now stop blabbing and go get ready, we're leaving right away."