Three hours ago. Pov: Narration from the writer
Meili is now walking on the hallway. Her footsteps are echo in this silent place. She observes her surroundings sharply. As Heyeri's maid, the future queen, she needs to be extra careful so that her master doesn't get any further injuries. 'Well, well. That was a really interesting view. To see that a composer like you to lost control back then'. A faint chuckle makes Meili stopped. She knows very well who's voice it is. She looks at her left side. In a corner of the hallway. Pan is leaning on wall. His arms are crossed and a smirk on his face. She narrows her eyes. She doesn't want to get involve with the second most powerful demon after the king. Nor she want to talk with him but sometimes, fate can be unwanted. She bows respectably. 'Is there anything I could help to you? Lord Harisioum'. She said calmly. 'Please, don't bow. I am not someone special'. He spoke. She stands still. Waiting why he wants to talk about. She knows clearly, he is not here for some common chitchat with her. He moves forward. Now standing in front of Meili. She didn't flinch nor she moved. Staring at him. Keeping her eyes straight. There is no emotion in her eyes. Well, for now but in Heyeri's case, she is different. Pan studied her eyes. 'Then, I shall tell you something important for you'.
Heyeri
I open my eyes slowly. I blink and see dark. Wait...Where am I? I look around but only darkness greets me. What is this place? I am so confused. I was in my way at bringing water then... But I can't remember. Oh god, what the hell is happening. I look around again. Hoping to understand the situation. As expected, I don't understand.
Suddenly, I see a black shadow from distant. A shadow? It's small. A crying sound echo in this dark. The shadow is...crying? I move forward to that shadow. Don't go! Don't dare! My mind shouted. I know I shouldn't go to that shadow but...I can't stand still to see someone crying. It feels like the shadow is lonely, it's needed a hug. A shoulder to cry on. It's seemed stupid. It can be something that trying to lure me. Knowing the danger I still move forward. There's no sound of my footsteps. As I move forward, an eerie voice called out. Such a naive human.
I don't know who's voice it is but now I don't care. The important thing right now is this. I move forward. Do you really want to go to the darkness you must avoid? Do you really want to touch this beautiful bloody thorn rose? Again. That voice. But my answer is already set. 'Yes...I will remove these thorns. So, nobody will scare of it. Roses are beautiful. There are always thorns in roses but if I gently remove them. So, they don't need to worry about it. Anyone will love it because.... roses are symbol of love, peace and beauty'.
I kneel in front of the shadow. It's a boy. His head is down to his knees as he crying. Soft but painful sound of his sobs. My eyes get teary. No, it's not my time to cry. 'Hey, are you okay?' Silly me. Questioning something that I already know the answer but at this moment, I can't help but to ask. The boy didn't up his head. 'No, I am not okay. My mom hates me. My dad just thinks of me as a tool. Nobody loves me. I am worthless. I hug him. 'You're not a tool. You're not worthless. Everyone has their own way of worth. You have your worth too. Don't think yourself like this. Everything will be fine. I will love you. I will be by your side'. I said quietly. Hearing words like this from a child is hurtful. 'You promise?' He asked. 'I promise'.
I wake up. My breaths are heavy. Oh god, it was a dream. I look around. I am in a room but it's not my room. The bed is soft and comfortable. I look at the window. It is now daylight. Wait, what? Whose room I am in now?! I look around nervously. Then I see a big dark figure. I blink. I shocked. The big figure sitting beside the bed is Dlak. Huh!? So, this room is...his? He is sitting silently. Leaning his head on his shoulder. Oh, he is sleeping. Did he stay here all night? I look at his face more carefully. He is still wearing that mask. I can see it more clearly than before. Dark black. His clothes, his mask everything is black. I move closer. I wonder how his face is. Why he always wears a mask? Is it for fashion or is it a tradition? I wonder. His hair is usually blonde but under the sunlight. It is shining like gold. I look at his structure. Even without showing his face. He looks beautiful. I wonder how much beautiful his face is. I unconsciously let my hand move forward on his mask. If I can remove his mask, then I....
I jerk my hand away. My face is flushed. What the heck am I doing?! No, no I shouldn't make a move on a sleepy person. I shake my head. 'You awake?' A familiar deep voice startled me. I look at the side. Indeed, Dlak is talking. His head is still. Oh no, did I wake him up? 'Yes, I am'. I reply. I try to hide my flush face. Why am I blushing? I am an idiot. 'Why are you hiding your face?' He spoke. He is straightforward. 'Uh...well...it's nothing special'. I don't know what to say in this situation.
Suddenly, he touches my forehead. I freeze. His hand is so comforting cold. 'Your face is red. Maybe, you are having a fever but, your temperature is normal'. T-to close. He is too close! There just one finger space in between us. Ahh! What should I do right now? I can't see his face that is covered with a mask. He silently observes me. His face moves closer. I-is he going to kiss me? I shut my eyes tightly. 'Don't make me worry again'. He whispers in my ear. I open my eyes with surprise.
He pats my head gently. I feel like a child but...it feels comforting. I smile. I never thought I would get patting from someone then my parents. 'Okay...' I reply. Does all demons are this gentle? He stands up and gets near a bedside desk. My mind starts wondering again about the dream. What was it? It was a dream. Then why it feels so real? I don't understand. That boy... Who was he? The child was so sad and lonely. Saying that his parents don't love him. The pain of being left out not anyone dear to him to stand by his side and comfort him. It feels...so unbearable pain.
'Your mind seems off'. I snapped from my sense. I flinch. Dlak is standing beside me now. He is holding a teacup. 'Oh, it's nothing'. I am lying. I don't want to. 'Don't lie. I can see clearly you are worrying about something. You can tell me if you want'. He said in his usual tone. I really want to remove his mask now and see his expression. But I shouldn't...
He is worried about me. He...wants to hear me out. I smile. 'Well, I just had a dream. I am just thinking about it'. I said it. He sits beside me again. 'Humans see dream when they worried and think something specific. You must had been shocked and scared when you saw that.' I flinch again. 'You don't have to pretend tough one. If you want to cry, if you want to complain. You should. I am here to listen you out, but the choice is yours'. His words touched something in my chest I can't figure out. He knows me too well. A part of me that I myself don't know. My eyes get teary. I really want to cry. I really want to complain but my voice stuck. I am trembling. No, I shouldn't. It's embarrassing in front of him.
My eyes are wide in surprise. Ah, this is.... He is hugging me. Dlak is hugging me. With his big cold arms. What... Why? 'I don't want to force you with anything. It must be hurt leaving far from your loved ones. I don't know how it feels. I heard Human need hug when they feel sad. I don't have warm arms; I don't have warm body. Even so, I want to give you a hug that you need the most right now'. His voice is warm. So warm and comforting that I want to hear forever. His arms are cold but they are more comforting then warm. I hug him back tightly. I am crying. Not a soundless cry like before. Real teary cry. Yes, I am feeling nervous, yes, I am feeling scared. I lie to myself. I always tell lie to me. Saying I will be okay. I am not scared but deep down in my heart...I always search for someone who can see me deeper and made me realize my true self. I cry more. More enough to soak his cloth. I don't remember when I cried this much. In feel like releasing a big storm in me. All I want is to hold him tightly right one. He pats my head gently. Silently comforting me. I finally clam down. 'I am sorry for soaking your cloth'. I spoke. 'It's okay. More importantly, do you feel light now?' He said calmly. 'Yes, thank you for saving me back then'. I was so shocked back then that I forgot to tell him thank you. I finally said it. 'I will try my best to become stronger. So that no one need to get harm for protecting me'. 'I said with confidence. I need to become someone who can protest herself and others. You can do whatever you want. He spoke. I look up him. H-he is too close. I stare at him. The moment is feel still. I didn't move just staring at him. I am still holding him.
'YOUR MAJESTY! ARE YOU ALLRIGH-'. The front door opens suddenly. Meili is standing in front of the door. Breathing heavily. Did she come here with running? But more importantly...she saw us. She saw us hugging each other! 'O-oh, um...I apologize for interrupt. Please continue where you two left-'. 'N-no, it's not like that!'. So embarrassing. Hey, but why he didn't let go of me! Meili is getting wrong idea. He is still hugging me.
After some minute later. I finally explain Meili. She thought we were doing...uh...somethings couple. That's not true. Dlak didn't reacted at that. He didn't let go me after her show up. Seriously... Dlak got to his business. Meili is standing beside the bed. She looks relieved. A faint smile gazing on her face. Her eyes are puppy-like. Like she will cry any time. 'I am so glad you are alright. I thought you died'. 'Don't worry, I am okay. Thanks to his Majesty'. I said while smiling. She is very worried about me. I am feeling kind of guilty. But her eyes are like puppy. So cute. 'Sorry for make you worry, Meili'. I said with comforting smile. 'You shouldn't apologize; it is my fault. As you maid, I should had warned you'.
'Your Majesty, why you were in the hallway at late night?' She said with concern. 'I was got out for...water. There was none in there that's why...' I feel like a child interrogating by mom. 'Your Majesty, you should call me when you need. I am your maid after all'. She sighs as she said. 'Yeah, sorry'. I said while smiling. She smiles. 'Please call me when you need something'. She said again. I nod. I look at her and finally asked that was rolling in my head. 'Meili, when I was in the hallway, I feel weird and saw some kind of light'. I spoke. Meili flinched for a moment and quickly compose her. 'I think there was something more but...I can't remember'. I said while try to remember. Why can't I remember? 'Then his Majesty was there. Saved me but from what?' I asked. I wanted to know what happened to me. I think Meili know something about this. I look at her.
She stares at me. Eyes are full of concern. 'Can you tell me what had happened to me?' I asked. She didn't say anything for a while. Then she said. 'I apologize your Majesty; I am afraid I can't answer your question properly. According from the doctor, that your Majesty had a shock that cause you too senseless'.
'I see...' I don't what to say but the only thing is I understand is that if that was a shock then it was not a normal shock.
Meili hold my hand and said 'your Majesty shouldn't worry about this now. You need rest for now and please, don't let yourself jump on dangers again'. Her eyes are desperate as said. It's my first time seeing her like this. I smile. 'Okay...'. I think I should do what Meili said. After that, she left.
I lay on the bed. Staring at celling. Mom, dad, Kei I am missing you all. I know I have come here willingly but even so, I am feeling bad without them. I wonder what they are doing. Mom could be cooking dinner for us. She would shout at me for doing too much study. She would have said 'you should not study day and night continuously. Come and eat now'. I smile. My eyes get teary. Oh no, why I am crying now. It was my decision. I shouldn't be crying. I need to get rest. I should stop thinking.
'You don't have to pretend tough one. If you want to cry. If you want to complain. You should'.
My eyes are wet. Tears dripping from my eyes. Soaking the blanket. I covert my face with my hands. Yeah, I pretend I tough one when I am not strong at all. Dlak was right. I have come here for not willingly. I forced myself to come for my loved one's sake. I don't want anyone to suffer. I just...want my parents to be happy. I am a fool, but I don't regret it. I did what I think right. What happened had happened. Now, I need to focus on present. This is what I need to do most now.
Dlak
After visiting Heyeri I goes to my study room. The first face I see is Pan. Sleeping face of him. Again... I sigh. He is leaning on a corner. Sleeping peacefully like he is in a holiday. How many times did I tell him not to sleep out of nowhere. I think he hear my words from one ear and throw them off from another ear. It's reminded me to Micheal. They just can sleep everywhere. I grab his shoulder. Shaking him. No luck. I shake him again. Not bother either. I sit on my table. I grab a feather from my pen. The feather on my hand started to fly. I move my fingers. It flies and gets in Pan's one ear.
'Ahahaha ouch! what the hell-?!'. He laughs and accidently pushes on the nearby bookshelf. He fall on the ground with books. Woke by that. 'Hey...that was harsh'. He complains as he looks at me. 'Then stop sleeping in my workplace'. I calmly said as I check my schedule. He yawns then stands up. Placing the fallen books in the bookshelf. 'Well, I can't help myself. You know how I am from childhood. It's always a part of me anyway. Besides, everyone need sleep for their body'. He said with cheerfulness. Pan and I know each other from our childhood. Sleeping nowhere is his nature. And nature can't be changed easily. 'You should sleep on your room not in work. Especially in my place'. I spoke. 'Yeah, yeah. I get it. You're this faithful servant will remember it'. He said lazily. 'By the way, you came after visited her Majesty. Is she alright now?' He asked. 'Much better for now'. I spoke. 'That's good'. 'It is really unusual for you to worried about someone'. I said as I look at him. 'Oh my, isn't it normal for me worried for the future queen. After all, she will be the second ruler after you'. He spoke. No seriousness. I put the papers in my hands on the desk. I look at him. 'When Heyeri was trying to go in those stairs, unconsciously and You were there'. I said with my cold voice. Pan face now serious. His previous mischief expression turns in serious. The next question I asked was most likely true. 'Did you create that illumination'. I asked. With my cold tone. He didn't flinch; he didn't move. No expression. few seconds of silence. He smiles. 'Yes. I did'. He finally said. 'Why? To test her?' Knowing him well enough. He is testing Heyeri. 'Yes. To see how much potential she has. Does this potential is enough of her to becoming a queen?'. He asked to himself with a mocking tone. I grip my hand on the desk. 'Please relax your Majesty, I am not going to hurt your future queen. She will be fine. The test is to know her capabilities of a queen'. He spoke. His eyes are shining with something unknown. 'I doubt it that you are just going to just test her capabilities'. I spoke. Not looking away. 'Don't worry, there will be no offence that his Majesty don't like. Just trust this loyal faithful servant'. He said as he bows. I closely examining him. His face is still smiling. Not a nice smile but something mysterious. His eyes are unreadable. 'I hope there will not something that disappoint my queen either'. I spoke. My voice is deep and becoming colder. I don't know why. A knock came from the door. 'Your Majesty, the lord has arrived'. The head butler said. 'Pan, escort him to waiting room'. I command. 'Your wish is my command, your Majesty'. He bows. Before open the door he looks at me said, 'Your Majesty, do you believe Lady Heyeri can be a capable queen?' He asked quietly. 'Yes, I believe but the decision is on her'. I said without hesitation. His back was facing me, but I can see a faint smile on his lips before he left. I don't know what he is thinking. Honestly, he is unpredictable if you don't know him better, but one thing is clear. He will test her but not harm her. I don't want to interfere in it.
'I will try my best to become stronger. So that no one need to get harm for protecting me'.
I stare on the desk. Remembering her words. She doesn't know how much stronger she is. The light in her is growing too much to explode around. I hope she can find the key to unlock it. Because I believe in her.
Meanwhile, in front of the castle. [WRITTER'S NARATION]
The full red moon is shining fiercely over the sky. No stars. The tension is strange. Pan is standing in front of the castle with head butler and some servants. A carriage stops in front of them. The symbol of Mith household.
The carriage door open by the couch. A tall handsome figure steps out from it. Pan and the others bow respectfully. 'Welcome to the De Rewelot mansion, Lord Mith'.
-TO BE CONTINUE