บท 19: Consequences
Aisha almost skipped as she walked forward to the Dracus. Her heart was beaming with joy that she didn't have to stay at the Lycus Lands for long.
Anyone could see that it was a beautiful Manor, elegant and pleasing to anyone's taste. But the place was as creepy as hell. Especially the owner.
Though he has a mesmerizing countenance, she didn't want to live with him.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Forgive me for the inconvenience that I caused you," She said as she was now inches behind the King.
It was he who helped him get out of there. And she was really guilty of the trouble she caused him.
They were now outside Lord Lycano's Gates. A Dracus was waiting for his master, King Leandro. There was another Dracus. Perhaps it was for Lord Emilio.
She expected to hear an answer from the King. But he just walked speedily ahead.
Aisha's shoulders dropped as she observed his reaction. She heaved out a long sigh as she readied herself for what lies ahead.
What did she expect? He could have had a pleasant day discussing with Lord Lycano about royal matters. But he has to bother himself because of her.
"It will pass, my lady," Lord Emilio whispered to her behind her back. He must have witnessed how the King ignored her attempt to reconcile with him.
"Is he angry with me? Will he punish me? What will happen to me?" Aisha mumbled as she walked at a slower pace, so she could be beside Lord Emilio.
Lord Emilio didn't answer her at once. He looked forward and gave the King a glance. "I am really not aware. But one thing I'm sure of, he will not let this go unnoticed."
"Oh my gosh, what does that even mean?" Aisha clutched her chest.
"I just don't want to bother anyone with my presence. And I want to find my family," she sighed as she thought about her reasons for leaving.
Her heart sank as she recalled them.
She has no idea if the world really ate up itself. Or if someone from her family is alive.
She was lucky to be alive and breathing. And this place seemed to be too magical to be engulfed by her world's catastrophes. But she doesn't want to live here alone.
Also, she didn't want to portray the role of someone that was clearly not for her.
She was staring at her feet as they dragged along the grassy grounds when she saw a pair of two gigantic feet in golden sandals, stopping her tracks.
To her bewilderment, it was King Leandro. He turned his back and faced her.
"Then you should've waited for me," King Leandro growled at her.
His amaranthine eyes were filled with anger that Aisha's knees went weak, making her unconsciously step back.
He didn't transform into an Incredible Hulk or turn into a beast, just like the previous beings that she has encountered.
But with his appearance and foreboding demeanor alone, one would immediately drop to her knees and beg for his mercy, which she immediately did.
"Forgive me, my King. I deeply regret what I did," She uttered sincerely.
Yes, she should have trusted him. But how could she do that when she just met him for the first time?
She has been friends with Melissa, Jake, and the others, and yet they have betrayed her.
Her actions must have melted the King's infuriated heart, as his tensed figure slowly relaxed.
His breathing gradually returned to normal. His aura calmly transformed from being fearsome to being considerate.
She could feel the wind numbing her skin again.
Lord Emilio quickly went to her side and bowed down with her. "Pardon me as well for my negligence in taking care of Lady Aisha, your Majesty."
To both Lord Emilio and Aisha's joy, the King gave a positive response.
Or not?
"Apology accepted. Nevertheless, there would be consequences," He said with great authority that Aisha's heart wanted to get out of her rib cage.
She didn't dare defy his statement. He's the King and of course, he must set the parameters, so there will be peace and order in the land.
She always saw it in drama series.
Aisha drew in a deep breath as she imagined herself being pulled by two horses in opposite parts.
Or being hanged in a guillotine.
She was thinking of what those consequences meant when King Leandro uttered something.
"I will take you somewhere. Come with me," He lifted his big powerful hand, asking her to put her dainty one in it.
Aisha gazed into his purplish eyes. They weren't flaming, just like a while ago. It seemed like he was calmer now.
Aisha felt her stomach twirling inside her. Where could that place be?
Will that be in a lion's den? Or a seashore with lots of hungry sharks? Her pulse quickened, making her bite her lips.
"The King is waiting, Lady Aisha," Lord Emilio prodded her.
"I-I'm sorry. Can I just choose how I would die? Can you just poison me instead? You know, the one who would make you sleep forever?" She asked with an awkward smile on her face.
Still, she extended her slender arm and put her fine-boned hand in his. As she did so, her tensed feeling slowly dissolved away.
Somehow, his nearness to her, made her feel safe. Or maybe because he has just saved her a while ago from the wolves' mouths, that's why she felt safe with him?
She noticed King Leandro clamping his lips as if he was suppressing emotions that he didn't want her to see. It all happened in a fraction of a second, as he quickly returned to his solemn look.
"Lord Emilio, you can go back to the Castle now and carry out my orders. Lady Aisha and I will be with you shortly," King Leandro commanded him.
Lord Emilio quickly bowed down his head, rode on his Dracus, and flew away.
Then King Leandro helped her seat herself in Draco's neck.
Since it was her second time, she was not as frisky as the first ride.
Still, her muscles were tensed as they traveled the Gaean sky as they seemed to be traveling not to the Castle, but to the North-Eastern part of Gaea.
****************************************************
You are free to make whatever choice you want,
But you are not free of the consequences of that choice.
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