Part three
𝙷𝙴𝙻𝙻
(𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚠𝚒𝚌𝚎, 𝚍𝚞𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚝𝚑, 𝚜𝚘 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚜𝚌𝚛𝚘𝚕𝚕 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝)
It was a heavy and windy morning, thunder storms blew, lightening traveled around the dark sky, it was raining cats and dogs. Nobody was outside, everybody at 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗's house was avoiding the storm. It was cold, so everybody covered themselves and a fire was lit in the living room, so everyone, specifically 5 of them were sitting around the fire to stay warm. Suddenly they heard a heavy thud on the floor right behind the door , 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 quickly stood up to check
"No 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊, don't go there, it's too dangerous" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 insisted
"But...something just fell, I should check" 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 said
"It's probably just thunder" he replied, abruptly, the fire blew off, the room got darker and started shaking heavily
"𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 , lie down! " he yelled, stood up and instantaneously saw himself in a long hallway that led to the door, he couldn't find anyone that was just with him it was as if they disappeared , he was confused, and asudden , the hallway started burning rapidly towards him, he ran as fast as he could away from it and when he looked back, the fire was gone, he then felt a burn on his hand and it was his black scarf burning, he quickly tried to put the fire out, but it already burnt half way. He ran towards the door, threw himself at it, bursted it open and landed on his back, when he got up, he saw 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 laying lifeless on the floor
"𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 ?, 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗!! , wake up!!!"
No response, then he walked up to him, about touch him, when 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 held his hand and rose up, his eyes were completely black, he wore an evil smirk. His mouth started moving but 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 couldn't hear what he was saying, smoke started rushing out of his head, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 was stunned, terrified, frightened. 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 threw 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 to the wall and he passed out. When 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 woke up, he saw 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗, dressed in a very luxurious looking garment, gold rings on all his fingers, jewelry all over his body.
"𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗?" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 asked, he looked down on 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 with fire in his eyes, continued his inaudible speeches, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 was still scared out of his mind, then the part of the floor 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 was sitting on tore open, and he started falling, nonstop, screaming his lungs out and when he finally touched the ground, he stormed awake. It was a dream, he started panting hard, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 lying next to him, tried to calm him down, she ran to get him water, and he drank and started regaining himself. He looked outside the window and it was raining here too
"Those strange dreams again? " 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 asked, he nodded and said
"This one was stranger "
"Can you explain what you saw this time?, you know sometimes your dreams ends up happening" 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 mentioned
"Yes, I mean I can tell you what I saw for most parts, but I'm not sure I can explain it, especially the part I saw-", they suddenly heard a heavy thud outside that interrupted them
" What was that? " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 terrifyingly asked
"It's probably just thunder, what were you saying? "
"No,no, no, it's not just thunder, that's 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 , saw it in my dream"
"C'mon..... " she started, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 stared at her, giving a serious impression
"... You're not kidding? " she continued, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 nodded
"I'm gonna go check" she offered
"No, no wait"
"What do you mean?, if what you said is true, that's my father out there "
" I know but, don't rush off, I'll come with you " he came down the bed, held her hands and slowly walked out of the room towards the door, before 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 ran out of her room , towards the door, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 couldn't stop her quick enough. She opened the door and 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 who hasn't been home in 2 days was laying flat on the floor, 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 screamed when she saw him, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 rushed and held her away from him, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 froze for a second. At this point, the guests overheard and rushed outside too. 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 ran to 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 almost crying, about to touch him when 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 yelled
"Nooo, no, don't touch him"
Everybody look at him ,confused, because 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 was on the floor lifeless and definitely needs help and he's saying that?. 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 ignored him and reached for her dad, as she held him, the tension around 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 spiked, expecting something unusual to happen but nothing happened, he then exhaled. They were looking at him crazy. 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 held 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 close to herself, yelling
"Father!!, Father!! "
No response, she started sobbing. 𝙻𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗, who was one of the guests rushed to him and checked his pulse , and realized he was still breathing even if it was faint, that was hope he was still alive. Some of the other guests rushed off to the nearest hospital, while 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 ,𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 and the others were trying to keep him alive before the doctor arrives.
Moments later, a doctor came with his workers, immediately, he administered a quick liquid medicine to 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 , he coughed, a sign that he was still alive, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 , 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 and everybody else felt relieved
"He will live, but he must come with us " the doctor said
"Can you tell us what is wrong with him" 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 enquired
"Not here, we can't, we have to examine him first " the doctor replied
"But will he be fine? " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 asked
"Like I said, he will live but it might get complicated, we can't say for now, till we know what's wrong with him. Did you ever notice anything wrong with him? "
"No" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 answered
"Not at all, he was always strong and lively" 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 added
"I see, he must have been trying to hide it from you, very bad idea" the doctor stated, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 exhaled sharply and said
"He's always trying to act tough" , then held her head, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 drew close and held her to himself.
"You all shouldn't bother too much, we'll bring him back soon"
"I should go with you" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 suggested
"No there'll be no need for that, you all just calm down, he'll be fine " the doctor said as he and his workers took him to their chariot and rode off with him.
15 minutes into their journey, 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 stood up, ran out of the chariot to throw up
"What took you guys so long, I almost died there " 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 prest
" We're sorry, we had to make it more believable " the doctor replied
"More believable? , man my heart almost stopped beating"
"Sir we are professionals, we know how the poison and the antidote works, you were never much in danger, this is our job "
"Maybe you should sit and allow me poison you , let's see if you'd be in danger " 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 interjected
"With all due respect sir, you asked for this, not me, I'm not the one tryna deceive my whole family" the doctor countered, 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 hesistated and then said
"Fair enough"
"Please open your mouth , this is the last antidote, before the poison completely dissolves "
𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 opened his mouth and drank the antidote
"I gotta say, you are really brave, I admire your guts" said, 𝙼𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗𝚘𝚜, Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗's cup bearer, who followed the doctor, sent to watch over the operation and be Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗's eyes
"Thank you, i really need this, it has to happen no matter what " 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 responded
"So... What now? " the doctor asked
"I know a drinking spot, we can have a drink while waiting there " 𝙼𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗𝚘𝚜 suggested
"This man almost lost his life today, and you wanna take him to have a drink? " the doctor probbed
"When is the better time to have a drink than when you nearly just died eh?" 𝙼𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗𝚘𝚜 commented and nobody supported, it got awkward then he said
"Damn, I miss my friends"
"Anyways, let's just wait in the hospital, we'll leave in the evening" 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 suggested, they all got back in the chariot and rode off.
Everybody home was worried sick, the atmosphere that was lively a day ago because of the upcoming wedding got dull and silent.
𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 , 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 and 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 were all waiting for him outside for hours. He finally came back with the doctor and 𝙼𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗𝚘𝚜 , they quickly hurried to help him down the chariot, they were happy to see him alive, weak but alive at least
"You okay Father? " 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 asked
"Yes my little-", hard slap from 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 before he could finish, everybody was shocked, especially 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 , somewhat scared, she probably found out.
" How selfish can you be, been sick for so long and not telling me? , your own daughter, I thought we weren't supposed to hide things from each other. I thought you had died you coward " she said and started crying hard.
" ohh my precious, I'm sorry, I didn't know it would become this serious, I didn't wanna bother any of you " 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 claimed
"Well good job 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 , we are definitely not bothered at all" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 said sarcastically, 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 held 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 and started crying too
"I'm sorry 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 , sorry 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 , sorry my precious, won't happen again, I swear it" 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 gave an heartfelt apology or so they thought
"Please take him inside, he needs to rest " the doctor said
"Thank you so much doctor, what do we owe you? " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 asked
"Ohh no, no, don't worry about that, on the house " the doctor said
"Oh thank you so much for this kindness, really, thank you " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 expressed as they took him inside
𝙼𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗𝚘𝚜 exhaled and aforementioned
"He put on such a good performance, I almost cried too"
"Let's be on our way "
"Yeah, right, finally"
They both got on the chariot and left.
Later that night, when everyone was asleep 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 stood up from his bed , walked out of his room to where 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 and 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 were sleeping, woke 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 up, took her outside, sat her down and spoke
"Listen to me 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊"
"What is it Father, it's midnight" she replied still half asleep
"This is serious, I'm gonna die "
The sleep completely disappeared, she was startled and yelled
"What!!! "
"Calm down, don't wake the others"
"Father, what, what are you saying... "
"Calm down 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊, listen to me. A few months ago , I got into a serious fight at the square and got badly injured, I hid it from all of you " he raised his tunic up and behold an injury was there. 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 was shocked
"Father, how?, how come i never saw this "
"I hid it well "
"Why?, why did you hide it" she said, already sobbing
"I'm sorry, but the injury got infected now I've got a disease, a deadly one" 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 told, exhaled and expressed
"I'd die in a few months since we cannot afford the treatment"
"There's a cure? "
"Yes, but not to us, the cure is rare, we can't afford it"
"Father, talk to me, like how much is it? " 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 pressed
"There's no need, when I heard the amount, I already knew we had no chance"
"Tell me!!! " she yelled, 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 shook his head, tears fell from his eyes and said
" 2,000 drachmas " upon hearing this, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 broke, sat on the floor and held her head.
"I know my daughter, I'm sorry, I brought this upon us, just let me die " 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 ignited, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 was speechless for some seconds, she then said
"Don't say that Father, you won't die, I wont allow it, there's gotta be something we can do, we can sell the shop, the farms and the houses " 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 suggested
"Even though we sell everything, it won't be enough"
"But that'll be a start"
"Then where will we live, I'll probably die before the money gets completed anyways"
"So what do we do, there's gotta be something 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 and i can do "
"Let's leave 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 out of this"
"What did you just say? " 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 pressed
"Look my precious, there's nothing 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 can do, why would he have to sell all his property for me?, isn't that a little too extreme? "
"Because we're his family? "
"You're not thinking about this the way i am, losing everything means he won't be able to take care of his little sister, she's the reason he's doing all these hardwork, and she's still very young, you want her to go through that?, that aside I can't be so selfish and allow 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 lose everything he has worked so hard for, just because of my stupid mistakes, you're asking him to give up his houses, livestocks, farm and shops for something that might not even work"
"But father... "
"No buts, we can't do that to him, I'm not his biological father, even though i am, I wouldn't put my own son through all of that " 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 spoke, interrupting her. 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 just sat there sobbing, thinking of what he just said .
"There's gotta be some other way Father, I can't allow you die, I can't live with that " 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 voiced
"Everybody dies"
"But , this is too soon, you still have something to live for, for god's sake, a lot of things, you have to see my children at the very least, and you long term dream to become wealthy...., I just can't take this Father" she couldn't stop sobbing. 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 really felt those words cut deep, he couldn't help but tear up a little.
"I'd do anything Father, anything at all" she added
"Anything? " he asked
"Of course father "
"I know... I know"
She placed her head on his lap, crying and he rubbed her head to calm her down, and aforesaid
"You know i want the best for you, and I'd always want your happiness", she got a little confused, raised and head and looked at him with the tears all over her eyes
"Yes father... why are you saying this now? "
"There might be a way " he mentioned
"Really?, quickly, tell me father, tell me" she felt a little relief
"But it depends on you and I don't know if I should put you through it "
"Father!, what are you saying?, tell me what it is and I'll do it immediately" she stated. He exhaled, clenched his jaw and spoke
"You have to marry the King"
Everything became still for a moment, she was trying to process what she just heard, the relief she felt suddenly got replaced with anger
"Did you just say marry the king, marry? "
"Yes, I did, it's the only way to save me, if you marry the king , our life changes, not just my treatment would be sorted, everything else will be, lacking will become a myth in our whole generation" .
She couldn't believe what she just heard
"Are you my Father? " she said and took a step away from him
"What do you mean? "
"My father wouldn't say that, he knows I'm getting married to the love of my life soon"
"Come off it 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 , you-"
"Are you even sick?" She interrupted
"You saw what happened last morning"
"Father, why are you... I don't understand, you know I'm getting married to 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗, why would you say such a thing "
"I'm gonna die!!!, doesn't that mean something to you? "
"You know it does, but this.... "
"Fine, let me die then"
"I'm not having such conversation with you father, I can't even imagine my life with someone else, the King?, I don't even know what he look like"
"We made a promise to ourselves a long time ago, to always be there for each other, we only have ourselves, me and you, that's what we swore to your mother " he pressured
"Me and you? , 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 and 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 has been part of our lives for years and don't you dare bring mom into this "
"Yes they have but at the end of the day..."
"I can't believe you're saying this Father, what has gotten into you, did the sickness get to your head? "
"I'm fine "
"Yes, I think you are, I don't believe you're sick enough to cost 2,000 drachmas"
"Are you saying I'm lying"
"I know you Father, this is the part of you you've kept hidden, greed, you want wealth so bad that you'd go as far as tearing this family apart"
"Do not insult me young lady "
"They're thousands of girls in 𝙶𝚛𝚎𝚎𝚌𝚎, why do you think he'll choose me?, hell, how'd he even see me, talk more marrying me" she enquired
"I've made plans... " he said, this is when she got completely disappointed and felt betrayed, shook her head, stood up to leave
"Listen to me 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊, this is for us! " she ignores him and kept walking
"𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊!!, so you're gonna allow me die huh? ", no response. He exhaled sharply and held his head, looked out to the stars, drove his hands through his hair. He had failed convince her but he hadn't given up yet .
The next morning, when 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 woke up, he didn't find 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 beside him. He immediately got up to look for her but saw 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 instead, walking out of the house, frowning
"Good morning 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗, hope you're feeling better?" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 checked, 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 hesitated, almost ignored him but answered
"Yes 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗, i am " .
𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 noticed the hesitation, but ignored as he continued to look for 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊. Moments later, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 walked in carrying a basket of fruits, looking rather excited, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 saw her and walked up to her , offered to help her with the basket.
"Here, let me help you with that. You already went to the shop this early? " he asked
"Yes my love, woke up energetic I guess" she answered
"I see, you look as beautiful as ever " he quickly complimented
"Ohh thank you my love, have you had something to eat this morning"
"No, not yet, I was hoping we'd eat together" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 said
"Ohh that's lovely"
"Lovely?" he said, scoffed confusely and pointed out
"We always eat together"
"Yes, I know, it's just always beautiful"
"I guess. Is everything okay my love? "
"Sureee, why'd you ask? "
"I know you look excited but something just isn't right " he flagged
"You're overthinking it " she claimed
He sighed and said
"Maybe. I'm just kinda nervous about the wedding " , 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 stalled for a second and then spoke
"C'mon 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 , there's nothing to be nervous about, we've been together for years, it's just gonna be one special day and we'll be back to our everyday life" she briefed
"Yes, yes you're right sweet, always right, another reason why I love you so much"
"Ohh stop it" she said, smilling, a smile that disappeared immediately 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 looked away.
𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 had sharp instincts and an abnormal functioning brain, which he why he dreams weird things that occasionaly happens, which is also why he's smart enough to know something was up between 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗's attitude and 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊's unusual movements. Even though they were small details, it was enough for 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 to be suspicious but at the end of the day, it was just suspicion, no idea what was going on, that's why he agreed with 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊, when she said he was overthinking. 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 on the other hand who abruptly dismissed her father's suggestion last night, started having thoughts, like what if he father actually dies, wouldn't it be worth breaking a marriage for her father's life?, wouldn't doing anything at all be worth it?, how would she even be happy in the marriage if her father dies even though she could help, how would she live with herself. At the same time she was still having other thoughts like what if her father is lying to fulfil his ever wanting dream to become wealthy, then she also thought; she saw her father's injury with her own eyes and also she held her father when he fell, he was obviously sick, she realized she was just covering the whole thing with thinking her father was pretending but then again, what will happen to 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 if she doesn't marry him? , what will become of him? , how will he move on ?. She continued contemplating, looking for the better option. Then 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 walked in on her thinking, completely lost, she got startled
"Uhmmm, you okay? " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 enquired
"Ye-, ye-, uhh yes, yes I'm fine 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗" she replied
"Okay..... Uhh so, I'm gonna go pick up 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 from the shop "
"Ohh, yes, you should" she said
"Right, so... I'll be right back "
"Okay , have fun.... I mean... safe journey.." She couldn't find words, sighed and just said
"Go on, I'll see you "
This time 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 thought they was something definitely going on, but he didn't ask, he felt it wasn't the right time, since she haven't said anything to him, means it's something very serious. He thought maybe it's about 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗's sickness, maybe that's why she's so strange. On his way out, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 started spilling like a panic
"𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 , it's my Father, he wants me to leave you and marry the King " she was saying so many things in a rush but it was only in her imagination, she did not tell him, she couldn't bring herself to say it, she only called his softly
" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 ", he turned back and answered
" yes my love? " , she delayed, looked down and spoke
"I love you " instead of spilling.
"Love you more" he replied and walked away.
She then resumed her thoughts, it even got worse .
A few days later, 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 went to see Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 in his home,this time, they were both in the dinning room, eating, Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 had asked him to eat up before speaking.
"Oh, now that we're done eating, you may proceed Mr 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 " Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 allowed
"Thank you Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗, I wish I brought good news"
"So it's bad news then"
"Unfortunately, yes "
"Unfortunately for you, for me, whether she marries the King or not, I'm still the richest man in Greece , we can always find another wife, but you will lose your chance of becoming possibly even a kingsman , so unfortunately for you Mr 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗" Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 clarified
"A kingsman?, are you serious? "
"It's possible, only if you can do what has to be done, but I understand you've tried your best, even taking a poison and casting an injury on yourself. Woww, I envy that passion but you've tried enough, perhaps it wasn't meant to be " Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗
"I'm not giving up yet Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗, I only came to reassure you that the game is still on, I'm not giving up that easily on a shot that will change my entire generation"
"But if you die, it'd be a waste"
" I wont die , i assure you "
"Fine, so what do you want from me now? "
"Keep the deal on and leave everything to me " 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 suggested, Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 sighed briefly and spoke
"Yes, yes , excellent. You can carry on at my expense but not for long. The king will be going for the search soon, she has to be ready before he does, Understood? "
"Yes Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗, thank you " 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 appreciated, Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 nodded his head and said
"You can stay as long as you want and leave anytime you feel it "
"Thank you Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗, for your kindness, but in as much as I'll love to stay here for even a second more, I must leave to prepare my next plan, time waits for nobody" 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 expressed, Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 agreed then 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 stood up, bowed and walked away from the house, grabbed his horse and rode directly to the hospital. Few hours later, he got there and immediately requested to see the Doctor.
"What is it mr 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 , you look like you just saw a ghost" the doctor alleged
"I have no time for that, that's not why I'm here "
"Then tell me why you're here mr 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗"
"I need you to up the dose " 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 pushed
"What?! " the doctor pressed, surprised
"Yes, we have no time, hurry up "
"Are you insane, more poison might actually kill you " the doctor pointed
"Might' right?" 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 said exhaled sharply and continued
"Then I'm ready to take that chance" . The doctor was stunned, left speechless for some seconds
"You don't understand, even if it doesnt kill you now, it may kill you later " the doctor mentioned
"Even better if I don't die now. Look I'm ready to give myself away for this, my children's children wouldn't have to go through any of this struggle my daughter and i went through" 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 above-said
"I thought you wanted to do this so you can be rich and enjoy wealth, but if you die then that means you won't end up enjoying those things"
"Yes true, I've been wanting a life like that, all my life but I'm ready to make that sacrifice for the greater good of my lineage "
"Intriguing, really really intriguing. You might still live though, especially if you don't die now, I was giving you the worst case scenario" the doctor claimed
"I understand that. It'd really be beautiful if I can live to see my grandkids in royalty" 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 said and got lost in his thoughts for some seconds, snapped back cleared his throat and said
"So....let's get this over with "
"As you wish sir", then 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 followed him to one of the rooms to upped the dose of the poison.
At home was 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 and 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 sitting on a bench outside the house and gazing at the night sky, as the stars embellishes the sky and shooting stars traveling around the dumbfounding sky. Meanwhile 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 was inside the room, still thinking about her father's situation. The energy between 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 and 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 has been awfully awkward, that even 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 noticed. Something was obviously wrong but 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 just couldn't bring herself to tell 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 , how does she explain that 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 , who is like a father's figure for 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 doesn't want him to marry her and wants the king instead, where do she start from. She was starting to arrive at a decision after all the contemplation, she was leaning more into refusing her father's offer and to continue with the wedding plans, she was drawing closer to that conclusion other than her father's. 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 and 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 were talking and laughing outside when 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 suddenly asked
"Brother, is something wrong with you and 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊, can't help but notice the dullness"
"What? " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 asked, acting surprised, scoffed, trying to play the question off, he continued
"That's not true ".
𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 gave him a side eye.
"It is very obvious brother, it's not something you can laugh off" she interjected. 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 drew her closer to himself, smiled and said
"You're growing fast huh? ", she smiled too then 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 continued
"This is normal things couple go through, it isn't that serious"
"No brother, I've seen you two go through that couple thing but this, it is different. Something just doesn't feel right"
"Sometimes I wonder if you're actually 10 years old or I missed it somewhere"
𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 said, both chuckled a little, then he added
"You're right 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 , I don't know what's going on, she's been hiding something from me, 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 too, I can't tell what it is but I'm sure it's about his health"
"Did you ask? "
"Not really, if it's something she wanna tell me, she would have already, she always tell me stuff"
"Brother!!, are you joking"
"What? "
"You seriously haven't asked her yet? " 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 said, disappointed
"You think I should? "
𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 sighed and said
"The fact she's not telling you should be more reason why you ask her, not giving her space, she didn't ask for that. I learnt all these from watching you both these past years, how come I'm the one telling you now"
"Damn, that's true, that's so true" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 expressed, 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 shook her head. 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 then quickly kissed 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 forehead and said
"You're the best", then he hurried inside for 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 , unknown to him, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 was having the same thoughts and she was hurrrying outside to meet him. They bumped into themselves on their way, staggered, regained themselves, locked their eyes together, for seconds it felt like their eyes were communicating, then 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 rushed to her, held her waist, she wrapped her hands around his neck and they kissed hard like they haven't seen each other for a year. He pushed her against the wall, kissed her all over her neck, she drew his waist closer to her's. He carried her on her butt to his waist and she tied her legs around his waist and he continued caressing her body and kissing her all of over, she was emitting subtle sound from her mouth, driving her hands around his head, both their bodies were in tight contact, that was until they heard a loud neigh from a horse outside, at first they paid it no mind because they were both still very much in the moment but someone started yelling
" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 !!, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊!! " , they then paused the activity, panting hard, arranged their clothes and went outside. It was 𝙻𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗
"It's 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 , the doctor quickly came to my house and told me to fetch the 3 of you" 𝙻𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗 said , they all got worried, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 was almost panicking
"Is he okay? " 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 asked
"He didn't say but with the look of things, I doubt it" 𝙻𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗 replied, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 held her head
"Let's not jump into conclusions, let's go and see him first, okay? " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 suggested, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 nodded, trying to get herself together. 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 grabbed 2 horses.
"𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 , join me " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 offered
"I can ride a horse myself. Ride with your wife " 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 countered, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 smiled a little to that.
"Oh, yeah right" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 expressed, put 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 on the horse, and rode with her, 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 climbed her's and rode behind them.
When they got they, they hurried inside to see 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 and he wasn't in a good shape, even the doctor was afraid something might happen. 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 was completely unconscious, a warm rag placed on his forehead, his skin already looking pale. 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 immediately burst out tears upon seeing him, crying
"I'm sorry Father, I'm sorry for not choosing you, please don't go, please wake up, I swear I'll do anything, please Father, don't leave, it's still early father, please, I'm gonna choose you this time, please don't die father, please..... " she continued sobbing, 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 was sobbing too, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 was feeling it hard too but he couldn't subdue his confusion about the words that she used
"choose you ?", he asked himself, trying to make sense of it but he couldn't. Moments later the doctor asked them to wait outside. 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 had to carry 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 and 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 outside because they wouldn't let go of 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗. Immediately they left, the doctor quickly applied the antidote, praying it'll save him, because at this point, his breathe was slowly declining
"Come on 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗, c'mon" the doctor expressed..... Then suddenly 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 started coughing, the doctor felt a huge relief, exhaled sharply and immediately sat down
"Thought we lost you there " the doctor said , 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 looked around, trying to regain fully, his consciousness
"How are you feeling? " the doctor asked
"It really hurts" 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 replied
"The pain is gonna die down in a few hours" the doctor claimed, 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 exhaled and asked
"So did she believe it? "
"Believe what? , you were actually sick and actually dying, it was real"
"Right ,right, but you know what I mean"
"Ohh yes I do, she sounds ready "
𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 breathe a sigh of relief and said
"Finally"
"One question though, why'd you have to go that far, couldn't you just fake an illness or something"
"You don't know these kids, they are all smart, very very, even that little 10 years old girl would figure me out, my daughter even suspected I was lying that first time, complete caught up to my motive, I had to do more..."
"I see"
"That young man 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗, brain works in mysterious ways, he even dreams things that comes to pass, surprised he hasn't dreamt this yet, or should I say lucky. He is very intelligent, things that I couldn't figure out in decades, he did in a few years, he's happy I'm in his life, because he thinks I'm the one putting him through but the truth is, it's all him, I just have the experience.... " 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 coughed while explaining
"Easy there" the doctor said
"..... These are not the type of children I can fake sickness to" 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 concluded
"Hmm, who'd think having smart children would come with a disadvantage " the doctor stated
"A gift and a curse " 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 responded
"Indeed. Shall i inform them you're awake? "
"Yes, please do, thank you"
"Of course" the doctor said, as he walked out of the room and momentarily, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 rushed in crying, immediately going to hug him tight.
"Hey careful, he's still in pains" the doctor mentioned, 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 groaned in pain but said
"That's okay" as he kissed her on her forehead, she sobbed.
"I thought I lost you there father. I'm sorry, I truly am, please forgive me " she expressed , 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 smiled and said
"Of course my precious, of course"
𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 then ran to hug him too, he groaned but still held her, she was crying too meanwhile 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 who has been having mixed feelings, leaned on the door post, looking deeply at 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 trying to connect the dots, between the sickness, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊's words and his dream but couldn't find any correlation, he just didn't think that deep enough, wasn't expecting something so brutal. This bothered 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 a lot, he couldn't help but think about it, despite that, he walked up to 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 , patted him on his shoulder and said
"It's good to have you back " , looked at the doctor and pressed
"Don't tell me all of this is 'one the house', how much are we paying? ", this is where everybody became silent, the doctor was speechless, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 looked at 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗, then 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 aforesaid
" This is nothing i can't handle, don't worry 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 , I'll take care of it, you've done enough"
"Hmmm...alright, if you say so. I'm gonna go outside for a fresh air " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 said
"Good idea, take 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 with you, I want to have a private time with my daughter" 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 suggested
"Sure, come on 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 instructed, held 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛a's hand and they both walked out of the room , then the doctor excused them too.
"Do you think he figured it out? " 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 asked
"I'm not sure, if you didn't tell him then i doubt" 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 replied
"No, i... I didn't tell him"
"It's okay, my precious, don't be sad"
"How can you expect me to not be sad, I almost lost you today because of my selfishness, of course I'd do anything to save you, anything, I forgot that and almost lost you "
"It's fine, but what about now"
"You must survive Father, you must live, I'll do it " 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 agreed, his face lit up like a torch
"Ohh my precious, thank you so much, I'm so happy" he said, tears dripping from his eyes, he hugged her once again, she sobbed. She had made her decision, she couldn't bear the thought of loosing her father, even though she thought she could, seeing him lifeless bore her heart and she realized she couldn't take it. Exchanging the wedding with her father's life felt like a good deal. Moments later, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 came out to meet 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 and 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 , hugged them together
"So he's not gonna die right? " 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 asked
"No he'll survive" she started, looked to the sky and said
"I'll make sure of it "
"I hope he doesn't die" 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 added
"C'mon 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊, don't say that, he won't die" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 assured
"Since we don't have a real father, he's our Father, if he dies, we won't have any" 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 denoted
"Yeah, but he's not gonna die, he's strong you know " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 replied.
"I hope so " 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 said, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 watching them say this about her father gave her chills, but it would just cause more complications and she already made up her mind so she didn't give it much thought.
"We should get going" 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 suggested
"What about 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 " 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 asked
"They're gonna look after him, we'll come see him some other time" she replied. They walked up to 𝙻𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗 , who waited outside for them
"How is he doing? " 𝙻𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗 enquired
"He's not dead " 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 responded , 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 scoffed and said
"He's fine, or going to be, at least ", 𝙻𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗 felt relieved upon hearing that
" Thank you 𝙻𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗, thanks for coming all the way to tell us" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 acknowledge and offered an handshake, 𝙻𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗 accepted and spoke
"You don't need to thank me for that 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗, I'm just glad he's okay "
"Yeah" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 replied
"Alright, I'll be on my way now"
"Bye 𝙻𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 said
"See you 𝙻𝚢𝚔𝚘𝚗" 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 said
"Can't believe this guy is to bully you " 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 mentioned, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 sighed, both 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 and 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 started laughing. They all got on the horses and rode home.
Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 was at home in his sitting room discussing and having a drink with a friend, when someone knocked
"Who is it? " Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 asked
"My apologies sir, but Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 is here to see you " said, the servant who knocked spoke from behind the door, Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 looked at his friend, his friend looked at him, did a quick thinking, hesistated then said
"Please let him in "
Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 walked in, spread his arms and said
"Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 my good friend, I have great news", Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 sighed and spoke
"You know you can't just show up at my house unannounced"
"I'm Theron, i can do whatever i want " Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 said, Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 glared at him , then Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 laughed and stated
"I'm just playing with you, of course I can't just show up like that but like I said, I have good news, the one that cannot wait. By the way, who's this man if I may? "
"Ohh yes, that's doctor 𝙼𝚎𝚘𝚑𝚒𝚜, my personal doctor" Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 replied, 𝙼𝚎𝚘𝚑𝚒𝚜 was surprised he called his actual name.
"Ohh nice to meet you Doctor 𝙼𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚞𝚜" Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 said, Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 sighed and shook his head
"Can you please remove yourself from this room ?, we have something that isn't medicine to discuss" Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 added, Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 shook his head once more, 𝙼𝚎𝚘𝚑𝚒𝚜 was offended, looked at Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 and Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 gestured him to calm down and just leave, he stood up abruptly and left.
"Excellent, so since we don't have much time, I'll quickly tell you the good news; Mr 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 has been able to convince his daughter"
"Is that true "
"Very true, yes"
"Oh, good, without force? "
"Not physically, no"
"What do you mean 'not physically? "
"Simply used himself as bait"
"Is that so? "
"I don't have the whole details, you can ask him that at your own time, but for now, what I can tell you is she has agreed"
"Splendid, so....we move on to the next stage, matching her with the King " Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 suggested
"That's exactly why I'm here, the King's search starts tomorrow at noon, we have to prepare her" Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗
"True, I'm aware of that, I'll be honest I didn't think Mr 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 will be able to pull it off, I'm quite impressed"
"Perhaps you underestimated him"
"No, I underestimated the power of wealth" Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 countered , Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 chuckled and said
"Well...you're not wrong "
"Now, shall we proceed, we have to meet the lady and prep her, don't worry about everything else, it's sorted, the fabrics and everything. When the King sees her, he wouldn't be able to think of another woman "
"She is that beautiful? " Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 asked
"You have no idea " Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 replied
"I see, let's proceed"
"Allow me conclude the meeting with my doctor, change my clothes and then we'll both leave" Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 said, and went out of the room.
𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 just got back from the shop, a little tired, looking a little worried too, sat on the couch, drove his hands through his hair, exhaled and rested his back on the couch. 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 came out, dressed in a blue beautiful gown, her hair tied with a white scarf, she was looking beautiful, sudden caught 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗's attention, his face brightened a little as he saw her glow. She walks up to him
"What's the occasional, my love? " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 asked , she doesn't utter a single word, moved subtly to his lap, and she sat on it, facing him, placing both her knees on the couch, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 drew closer to her, she pushed him, making his back to rest on the couch again, she kissed him. He was wondering what was going on, why she was doing this all of a sudden, but he decided to just let it happen. She placed her hands inside his shirt and rubbed her hands all over his chest, then starting moving her hands to his trouser, grabbing his belt, attempting to unbuckle it, although this should be almost normal for 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗, something didn't feel right, he give it some thought and held her hands to stop the unbuckling
"You didn't dress just to have sex, where are you going? " he pressed, she exhaled and rose up from his lap
"Just going to see my Father" she replied
"You don't have to dress like that to see 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 "
"Why?, seeing my Father isn't important enough? " she pressed
"That's not what I meant" he defended
"So what did you mean? " she asked, he exhaled and spoke
"What is happening to us, you can't tell me you haven't noticed the decline in our relationship, ever since 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 got sick, something change" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 pointed out
"You don't expect everything to be normal when my father is in the point of death " 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 retorted
"I miss you, I miss us, i thought we were back the last time we kissed, but somehow it continued happening " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 voiced, she felt it, because she actually thought the same thing too but she held, reserved and only said
"I'm sorry my love, don't hate me, understand that what I'm doing, I'm doing for my Father", she starts walking away. 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 still trying to process what he just heard said
"What are you talking about?, what are you doing because of your Father? ", she refused to answer, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 ran up to her, held her arms and gently drew her to himself
"𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 tell me what's going on " he pleaded
"Please 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 , let me go " she said sobbing
"Just tell me please" he begged
"Let me go!! " she yelled, while still sobbing, he released her due to the shock and she ran away, with tears in her eyes. 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 was so confused, he didn't know what to say or think, he felt rage, felt sorrow, felt confusion, feeling different emotions all at once, he then smashed all the vases in the room with his hands, groaned loudly, his hands bleeding. He felt a touch on his back and was about to abruptly attack, but when he turned, it was 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 , he immediately paused, she was scared, then he hugged her, she weeped
"I'm sorry, my little dove, I'm sorry " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 apologized, she grabbed his hands, sat him down, poured water on the bleeding hands, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 groaned, and then she tied a piece of clothing on the hands. While she was tying it, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 stared at 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 , thinking how emotionally mature she is and how he loves her so much. After tying the injury she said
"Go after her brother, please bring father and 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 home, please", still weeping
"Come on 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 , it's just a minor issue, surely they'll be back, it's not like she's gonna leave us or anything" he said, smiling awkwardly, trying to lighten up the situation a little.
"Just go bring them back. I love you so much big brother" she expressed, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 smacked his forehead, realizing 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊 is actually his only true love
"I love you too 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊, love you so much" he voiced, held and kissed her on her head, stood up and spoke
"I promise you 𝙽𝚢𝚡𝚊𝚛𝚊, I'll bring our family back, I promise" , as he immediately ran to his horse, climbed and rode away.
King 𝙷𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛 was sitting in bar outside the 𝙲𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚕 , anonymously, a bar which Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 had prepared, everyone there were paid actors . He was having a drink, taking a good look at every girl in the bar , looking very uninterested. Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 made sure they weren't many ladies in the bar and the ladies they were less appealing, especially to a King and everything was going as he planned it .
𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 was brought to one of Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗's guest's house, there she meet Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗, Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 and her Father who was still critically ill, actually ill, turns out the poison wasn't wearing off as fast as anticipated. She walked in, nervous as everybody was staring at her.
"Ohh, you must be the lady of the moment, nice to meet you, my name is Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 " he opened his hand, she put her's and he kissed it.
"Exquisite, you're just as alluring as they describe, maybe even more " Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 expressed, kissing her hands too.
"Thank you Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗, and you also Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 , it's my pleasure" she stated
"Ohh, you know who i am? " Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 probed
"Yes. my lover-, I mean...my -"
"Don't worry, say it, we understand" Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 encouraged
"Thank you, my previous lover, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 , was a huge admirer" 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 revealed
"Ohh woaw, that's...beautiful, anyways, shall we proceed? " Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 requested
"Yes my Lords, but before we move on, I have to be sure of something" 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 appealed
"What might that be?" Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 questioned
"If i do this, will my Father be fine?, is it guaranteed ?" she asked
"I don't think you know what you just got into, if the King ends up marrying you, your generations to come won't have to worry about money for anything, so-"
"I'm sorry my Lord but I don't care about that, will my father be okay? " she interrupted Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 and asked, Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 inhaled sharply.
"Yes, most definitely. He is already undergoing extensive treatment, so that's not something you should even question, of course" Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 said
"It's true my precious, I'll be fine in no time " 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 added. She felt relief, took some seconds to breathe in and out then said
"Okay, I'm ready now. "
"Excellent, now I'll introduce to Lady 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊, the head maid of the 𝙲𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚕" Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 posted. 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊 walked in and spoke
"My name is 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊 and I'm a maid from the 𝙲𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚕, nice to meet you"
"Likewise, Lady 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊 " 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 answered
"Let's save the formalities, if things go well tonight, you will be the queen of the greatest civilization in human history, so please.. " 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊 spoke friendly
"Okay....thank you " 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 replied
"I must say, you're a very beautiful woman, King 𝙷𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛 is always lucky , I envy him, it will be unwise not to choose you " 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊 praised
"Ohh, please...thank you so much 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊 " she blushed
"No, no, you don't have to. Please come with me " 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊 suggested. 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 then followed her inside a huge room, covered with huge curtains.
King 𝙷𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛 was losing patience, hitting his fingers on the table, called one of his soldiers who is also in disguise
"How long is this gonna take? " he asked
"Just a little longer my Lord" the soldier said
"Is there anyway to reach Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 , tell him I'm done for the day? "
"Not as quick as you'd want my Lord "
King 𝙷𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛 exhaled, and said
"I knew this was a waste of time, making me leave the throne for this, unbelievable"
"Please my King, you must.... " the soldier immediately stopped as he saw the gaze the King gave him
".....my apologies, your highness" the soldier apologized
As King 𝙷𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛 was about to get up, he saw a very elegant woman walking through the entrance, in a white gown, designed in gold color, her smile was alluring, and her eyes ravishing, she had a glow of an angel and the way her long hair sleept through one of her shoulders was bewitching in her beauty. As soon as she stepped in, every single person at the bar stopped and and looked at her , her beauty captivated everyone who looked at her. Then a bartender accidentally bumped into her, pouring drinks on her white gown, and suddenly every man in the bar rushed to help her. She was getting crowded and she started feeling uncomfortable, King 𝙷𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛 noticed this, went there, pushed the men away and came closer to her, he was dazzled, stunned by her beauty, he froze in his tracks, she looked at him, they made eye contact and he quickly said
"Somebody get her something to clean herself", nobody moved, even though they were scared, they were paid for this. He was surprised, almost reacted then he remember he was undercover, suddenly one of his soldiers sneaked a handkin in this hands and he immediately understood, quickly used it to wipe the drink off her body, she smiled and said
"Thank you, you're such a gentleman" , King 𝙷𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛 smiled and asked
"What is your name, damsel? ".
She hesitated....
In the guest house, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 followed 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊 into the large room, in this large room they were a lot of people, all getting prepared, some in hurry. People waking in and out of a door. There were some girls getting dressed and some putting on make up
"You see, beyond that door is the bar the King is sitting, waiting for you " 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊 said
"You mean, he's in there? " 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 asked
"Yes, he is and he awaits"
"What's going on in here? "
"Here is where all the actors in the bar prepare themselves"
"Actors?"
"Ohh, you're not aware. Everything has been planned already for you, the bar, the people and everything. The Kingsmen absolutely trusts you and wants you and you only to marry the King, so they made plans to make that happen and it has a very high chance of working because the plan is perfect and you're very beautiful" 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊 explained
"Woww, what about these other girls, what if he chooses them instead" 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 pressed
"Yes we thought about that, that's why I said the chances are high, not guaranteed. He might end up choosing another girl and we can't remove all the girls from the bar and leave just you, it'll be suspicious, so instead, even though the girls we picked aren't as half pretty as you are, we almost make them look less beautiful, less appealing, something the King wouldn't even wanna behold, then violla, you come in , his focus immediately shifts to you, finally seeing something different, unusual, it'll suddenly catch his attention, then we'll leave the rest to his thoughts "
"I'm speechless, you all really planned this well " 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 expressed
"Yes, testament to Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 and Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗's wisdom, they've been planning this even before they found you "
"It's really.....it's fascinating"
"Yeah, that's what i thought when i heard the plan "
"So...do i look good enough to live up to that? "
"Absolutely, but not with that gown"
"What's wrong with it? "
"We'll have to change it, Everything you're wearing, even changing your hair style"
"Ohhh... "
"Don't worry, you're beautiful just like this but we have to make sure he chooses you"
"I understand, please proceed "
𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊 gestured some girls to get on with it while she watched.
Few minutes later, 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 who's been following 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 got to the guest house, stood in front of the door, ready to go in
"I'm sure this is where she entered, what on earth is she doing here, doesn't look like a hospital" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 denoted, stalled, then exhaled and walked in, saw people just having drinks, talking and normal activities, then he spotted 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗
"Ohh 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 , thank goodness, you look better, we've been worried, you never came home, what are you doing here, where's 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 ? " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 said, 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 was shocked, eyes wide open, quickly said to him quietly
"You gotta leave, what are you doing here, go, go" . 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 couldn't hear him properly
"I can't hear you, speak up old man " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 said. Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 then heard him, became curious and walked close to him
"Please Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 , he was just on his way out, pay him no mind " 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 begged
"Who the hell Is this? " Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 asked
"He's nobody, my Lord, don't mind him" 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 replied
"What do you mean i'm nobody, I'm his son in law , or rather son in law to be. 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 what are you saying? "𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 confusely asked, 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 tried to shut him up
"Oh so you're 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 , I must say you perfectly fit the description" Lord 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗 walked in and said
"Thank yo-, wait, description? " 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 probed
"Wait a second, you're Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 right? ", 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 asked, Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 smiled and nodded
" ohh wow, what are you doing arou-, wait what the hell is going on here, 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗, why are you with Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 and where is 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊?" 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 even more confused, asked
"Go home 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗" 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 suggested
"Yes go home, young man " Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 added. 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗's brain was about to blow up, a lot have been happening this few days that he can't piece together. He was so confused that he couldn't even speak for 10 seconds. He sighed , looked at 𝚉𝚊𝚑𝚗 and asked
"Where is 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊? " looking for her around. Nobody responded, Lord 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚗 signaled some soldiers. 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 was now starting to realize what was going on, not the actual nail on the head but he was getting the idea. 𝙰𝚜𝚕𝚛𝚘𝚗 started sweating all of a sudden, he then noticed the huge curtain and asked
"Is she in there?, she's in there right?,right?"
(Please read the rest of the chapter in the next one, this couldn't contain the whole chapter)