Dlak One hour ago.
'Someone controlled them'. I sit on the wood-chair. Pan surprise and frowns. He stands still of the front door. Not dare to move. 'Why could someone control them? More importantly, they target at her Majesty. Not you'. Pan voice is concern and thoughtful. I look at my hand. Sheild by black gloves. I run my fingers on thick brown wood desk. 'Millray'. Someone who can lure people and control their mind. Kingdom of Millray's high nobles and royalty had it. We demons does not have this ability. We can manipulate thoughts. Not have control on their body and mind. 'Are you saying the royal family is behind?'. Pan said. 'They have that many guts after all but I doubt the king would did it'. Pan eyes widen. 'Do you mean...?' 'Yes'. They tried to attack on Heyeri. The future queen of Land of Lareloc. My bride. They really think they can be free by attack her. Never. The mask that had hidden my face from my childhood. Not face. My emotions. I slammed my fist on the desk hardly. It cracked. Pan flinched. Death Silent echo in the room. Pan didn't say any word, but his eyes are stone and serious. I never thought I would be this pissed. I never furious this much. I was always calm. It didn't matter me how much hard situation I face. Then why now? Heyeri is the first one who really affect me. My eyes are dark with something unknown. That I don't quite understand. I smirk. Congratulations, Little Lily. You really break me.
'She really gets to far'. I said with cold tone. 'Yes. So what's your plan now Your Majesty? Are you going to warn them?'. It's rare to see Pan is this serious. 'Warning would have let them know we are suspecting them. Let them play there tricks. More moves, more evidence'. The king of kingdom Millray got in lion den after all. They will regret for hurting her. 'As your wish, your Majesty'. He said and bowed his head. It's reminded me of that day when I ascended the throne. Sitting on a massive throne that any people would fight for achieve. Everyone bowed at me with their head down. But I felt.... nothing. No pride, no joy of being ruler.
A knock came from the door. 'Come in'. I said as my voice is like made with ice. A maid come in and bow her head. 'May the flame of victory escort you'. She said formally. It a speech said to the Land of Lareloc's kings. Just for show respect on them. Even servants need to speak it if they encounter them for specific cases. 'Your Majesty, you called?'. Meili. Heyeri's maid. 'Yes, I hope you already know why you are here'. Her expression become hard. In this castle, all servants are like soldiers. The servants need to learn defensive techniques so that they can protect there owner. Meili is a skill attacker. She can kill enemies smoothly that much maids can't. Basically, servants are shield for the royal family. They can't kill enemies but she has this ability to kill. It forbidden for servants to kill someone without order. They are trained for protect there master. But she is different. 'Explain. Why she gets hurt on her forehead?' Pan looking at me with smirk. This basted. He enjoys seeing me losing my temper. 'I apologies. It's my fault she got h-'. 'I didn't called you for you apologies'. I cut her words as my voice is commanding. I am furious. Furious for seeing Heyeri's blood on her forehead. Furious how she felt. Not able to protect her. She look down. Her eyes are showing the regret in them. 'When I was got in a store for some groceries. There was something off in there. I decided to not tell her about it'. 'So what was off in there'. I command. 'I saw the knights who were appoint by you were walking in the...stores beside street. Their eyes were unfocused. I feel something is wrong, so I followed them in there. They were talking with someone unusual'. Her forehead is sweating while saying. Looks like what she saw is something that should not take it lightly.
'I couldn't saw that stranger face because the street was too dark. They were talking another language I couldn't recognize. But before I would try to understand. There was a fighting where her Majesty was sitting. I couldn't stand there anymore so I went to her'. Meili head is still down as she speak. Her voice is Streat. 'I saw her speaking with a child and his mother. A man was standing beside her'. 'So, who was the man?'. 'Lord Amred'. As I predicted. Lockill was there. He didn't come to the meeting for trolling at Alkarled. 'After returning to the carriage. She told me that some demons were harassing that child but to protect him from them. She got hurt on her forehead but luckily, Lord Amred came and handle the situation before things got more worse'. She finished. I close my eyes. Then opening them again. Pan crosses his arms. Shutting his eyes and thinking. 'You did witness something useful. However,...' I said and tapped my index finger on the desk. 'For recklessly left alone and didn't unsure the safety of the soon-to-be queen...' Meili eyes widen as kneel. Blood run from her mouth. Dip on the floor. She groans in pain. 'I punished you for not fulfilling your duty thoughtfully'. I said as my hand rest on the table. 'I hope there will be no reckless mistake in future and the incident had happened. I hope you don't kill in future as long I give you the permission. Now, you shall leave'. I command. My eyes are burning. My mask is getting hot. I should control my anger. 'Tell her that I apologized for not attending dinner with her'. I said she stand. Nearly falling. She bowed her head and left.
'Oh my, that was cruel'. Pan finally spoke after being silent like a observant owl. 'It's a lesson her need to learn. She is not like some normal skilled maid. Besides, she killed a controlled knight. She is not trained for that'. To seeing Heyeri's frightened face. I shall never forgive them. 'Do you think the royal family have hand on it?'. He asks. 'I can't be sure unless I have proper proved. But...it can be possible'. Most likely their princess is doing this. Princess of kingdom of Millray. Blair Karl. The only heiress of the throne. Kingdom of Millray is a country of vampires. They are bloodthirsty and dangerous. Our land was under their control thousands of centuries ago. But now it's different. I hold a black fountain pen. I start writing on a white-yellow paper. I hand the paper to him. 'Take it to the Court of Lustness'. I command. 'As your wish'. He bowed and left. I stand up from my sit and watch out from the window. The castle is silent. Trees are locking this castle from outside world. Being king is not blessing. It's a curse. Thick tree that are main color green now...it looks like dark. A dim yellow light glancing outside from a window. How can it feel to see if I take off this dark mask? Is it feel different? I don't know. What was the last time I took off this mask? A thousand years? Maybe. Heyeri. The dim light coming from the room is her room. I hope she is alright. I clenched my fist. To bring her here and didn't talk much. It's really frustrating. If I just were there for her on that incident. I... But now, I will try my best to get her better. Regret can't solve anything. To support her who she wants to. Even so, I can't be there always for her. I look up to the sky. It is dark. No stars, no moon. Like the darkness has cover them. Letting them Realize they are powerless under it. It can take their shine. I feel like a guardian more then groom. I believe on her. She will shine that dark trembling with fear. I believe it. Heyeri.
Heyeri
'Monster! All of is your fault! Because of you, His Majesty does not love me now! Because I birth a useless child! A basted like you should have death! Why! Why you had to born! I should had killed you! If you were not weak, my lord would love me! I curse you! DIE! DIE!!'
She grabs my neck and chocking it. 'M-mother'. My breathless breaking voice is nothing. I can't breathe. 'DIE! IF YOU DIE, HE WILL LOVE ME AGAIN! I CAN FINALLY HAVE HIM, HIS TOUCH, HIS VOICE, EVERYTHING!'. Mom's wicked laugh filled the room. I can't breathe. My tiny hands trying to break free from her grip. My vision is now fading. Everything is getting dark. Yeah, I should had death. Because of me, mother is like this. I should die. So, nobody will suffer because of me.
Nobody needs me. Nobody loves me. I am just a useless child. If I die. Everything will fine. A tear fell off from my eyes as I give up. I hope my eyes are don't open forever.
I wake up. My chest is heavy. My breaths are too fast. What that was? A dream? No, it's a nightmare. I sit up on the bed. Ouch! My head hurts. When did I fell asleep? I stand up from bed. Agh...it still hurts. I drink the water that always on the desk. I am feeling better now. I sit on the bed. That nightmare. I always had nightmare when I was in my country. After arriving here, I don't get much. More importantly, that nightmare...it's not normal. Not like other nightmares. It's like...a vision? A child was harassed. Not harassed. Tortured. By his mother. I cover my mouth with my hands. My eyes are wet. It just a nightmare but it feels so...real. I can feel the pain and sorrow of that...boy. It's not related to me. I even don't know who they are. Then why...? Suddenly, my head started hurting again. Agh...! It's now hurting more. I feel like my head will explode any time. I shouldn't think too much now. A gentle knock some from the door. 'Your highness, I brought your dinner'. Meili is here. I look at the wood-clock over the wall. It's nine already. I slept too much. I Doubt I can sleep well after dinner. 'Come in'. I said naturally. She comes in the room with a tray. A gentle small smile on her face. But her face looks worried and sad. Did something happen with her? She sat the tray in front of me. 'Meili, are you alright?'. I look at her and said quietly. She nod. 'I am fine. You should eat before it gets cold'. She said while avoiding my gaze. I look at her right arm. I step toward her and hold her right hand gently. 'Did you got hurt?'. I said calmly. Her sleeve have dried blood. She surprised. 'I-I am fine really. It just a small cut'. She jerk her hand away. I reached to a drawer. I think I put the ointment here. That man gave me. Ah! Here it is! I take it. I take her hand and gently sit her on bed. She look at me with confused. I sit beside her. 'Let me apply the ointment on your hand'. She look at me with surprise. 'Y-your Majesty, you shouldn't. Your the future queen'. She said. I gently hold her hand and roll the sleeve on her wrist. 'If I will really become a queen then it's my job to protect my people'. I said quietly. I apply the ointment on her cut. It's not bleeding but the cut is not heal either. She flinched. 'We can heal ourselves'. She said. 'I know. Demon can heal themselves but did it heal their pain?'. I am aware of it. They can heal. They can vanish scar. But the pain they feel. It can't vanish. No matter how strong you are, how quickly your cut heal. The pain you felt...does it heal? They feel pain no matter how much your body heal. She didn't answer. The cut is not deep. Thank goodness. I can't stand still when I see someone gets hurt.
'I will go for help!'. I panic. Miyoko looks at me. Her eyes are full of concern. 'Yeah, you go first. I will contract to the police'. I run to the headteacher office. My breathing is fast. My heart is beating so fast like it will explode anytime. Please be okay Raya! We will save you!
No. Don't remember. Don't remember!! Not this time! 'Your Highness?'. Meili called me. Her eyes are sparkling with concern. Her eyes...are normal now. Not like the before. Ger hold yourself together Heyeri! I can't change the past if I now regret. I smile gently. I hope she doesn't see my nervousness. It's not like I am afraid from her. 'I applied it on the cut. It will heal quickly'. I feel stupid. After arriving here, I didn't feel...afraid. I felt nervous but not scared. I need to make myself strong. Meili look at her hand. She is silent. I am feeling more nervous. After few minutes of silence, she smile. Warm gentle smile. 'Thank you'. She said while looking at the cut. I sigh in relief. I thought she doesn't like it. Demon can heal but when I see someone hurt...I can't hold myself back from treating it. The cut is not deep. That's a relief. But I didn't see it before. 'Your welcome'. I smile. She smile back. I feel happy. To see someone happy. 'By the way, how did you get hurt?' I asked. She look away. 'It's okey if you don't want to tell. I won't force you. But if telling me can relief you, then don't hesitate'. I said while gently holding her hand. She look at her hand I am touching. Then she look at me. Warm, grateful, happiness dazzling in her eyes. I didn't saw her much expression. She is...happy. It's make me smile. 'Thank you, your highness. I think I can understand now why his Majesty choose you'. She said while smiling. 'Really? Can you tell me why?'. I asked curiously. I feel like a child asking her mom something with curious. She look at me and laughed. I stare at her with confuse. 'Hey! I didn't said something funny'. 'Her highness is sure naive. Sorry But I can't tell'. She said while chuckle. I pout like a child. 'Her highness should find it by herself'. Meili smiled. Seriously? She is teasing me. 'Oh my, I forgot that you need to eat'. She stand up. 'I am sorry for it. I hope you enjoy your dinner'. 'Thanks'. I said quietly. Meili look at me with concern. 'His Majesty couldn't invite you for dinner. He apologized for it'. She said formally. 'Oh, I see'. It's understandable for him. After what happened he need to clear it. It's really hard to be a king. But why am I feeling down? I sigh. 'Did he had dinner?'. I asked. The tray is content with beef steak, salad, a piece of cheesecake and lemon juice. Oh my, they are my favorites! Is it a coincidence? Meili smiled. 'His Majesty ordered that you can eat any food you want. Even you want to have your favorite dishes everyday'. She said. He know my favorite food too. It's like he know everything of me. First flower and now foods. I smiled. I am smiling too much after what happened. But it's okay. I took bite from the steak. Oh, it's delicious. But it's kind of different. 'Does the chief being changed? I think the breakfast I ate had different taste'. I said while staring at the food. 'You can sense the taste differences between foods?' Meili asked. She is surprised. I smile awkwardly. 'Yeah, kind of. Every chief have various taste on their cooking'.
'I always like to eat mom's handmade food. So I think that's why I can sense the differences taste of between foods'. I said. She look at me with admiration eyes. 'You really have some kind of great ability, your Majesty'. She chuckle. 'Oh, thanks... Meili'. 'Yes?'. I look at her. 'I will make myself stronger. I will be someone who can protect everyone. So anyone...don't have to get hurt for me'. I said as I grip the lemon juice glass tightly. Dlak got hurt because of me. She chuckle softly. 'I believe your Majesty can. But please, don't think it as your fault. We are sworn to protect you after all. I feel like a very important person. Future queen. I never imagine I will be a queen. As a queen, I need to protect other. I don't want myself as a powerless queen to everyone. Now, I will be queen. Mother of the nation. Wife of the him. It feel like a fairytale. Now. it's my destiny. If it is. Then I will be the lead of it. 'Thank you, Meili'. I smile.
After finishing dinner. I get ready for sleep. I didn't asked Meili about that incident or her appearance difference back then. I don't want her feel uncomfortable. She did not explain it. So I don't think I should asked. I look around the room. My room. It feels like I will staying here forever. Am I really?
I cover my head with blanket. No, I shouldn't think about it now. I need to get rest. I close my eyes. The vision of that incident still echo in my close eyes. I hope tomorrow will be normal. I hope so.
I wake up at midnight. Ah, I am thirsty. I stand up. Oh, the water glass is empty. I should had notice it. Now, what should I do? Should I call Meili? No, I don't want to disturb her sleep. I should go to the kitchen. I think Meili said about kitchen when toured me in this mansion. She said...uh...left. Yeah left side at downstairs! Thank goodness I have remember. My throat is feeling like wood. I should hurry. I open the door silently. No one is in the hall. Fire lamp are dancing as they glow. I step out from the room. I walk on the hallway. The lamp are glowing but I can't see much either. I step on something and fall on the ground with a loud thud. Ouch, I should had more careful. I try to stand up but my left ankle hurts. Not this time... I stand up somehow. Forcing my legs to obey. I should get goin- As I look up, I see stairs. The stairs that lead to up. It's dark. I can't see it completely, but the structure is much like stairs. I didn't see it in this hallway. I think I didn't notice but my gut is telling something is off. Suddenly, my head went blank. I hear whisper. 'Come'. A word. A simple command. Ringing in my head. My legs are going at the stairs. I can't...control them. W-what is going on? No, I have to run. I need to grain my body control, but I couldn't. I try to scream but a single word didn't come out of my mouth. Help me! Please somebody! Dlak!
I strong arm pull me behind. Stopping me going any further. I bump on someone's chest. A golden light shining like the sun. Covering my sight. I know this arm, I know this feeling but before I could see his face my head feel dizzy.
I faint before I could see his face. Before I could utter the words ''thank you''.
-TO BE CONTINUE