《Immortal Love in the Dark》


 1. Enigmatic castle

    Irene stared at the beautiful castle in front of her, her eyes twinkling like the stars in the night sky. The entire place held a mysterious vibe to it. Yet, Irene was not terrified of it. On the contrary, she was eerily calm, and the place attracted her like no other thing. It was as though this was where she belonged, this was where her heart belonged.


    Without another thought, she lifted her beige-colored dress and walked towards the castle, a gentle smile landing on her lips. The castle was barely lit, and Irene had to squint her eyes to see her way. She found herself standing in front of the castle door, and even before she could lift her hand, the door opened, stunning her for a moment.


    Irene blinked in shock at finding no one before her. The place was utterly dark, and there was not one person inside. The moonlight paved the way for her, and Irene followed the light as she took slow steps inside the castle. Her heart was thundering in excitement, and she clutched her dress tight, enthusiastic about venturing further into the castle that had piqued her curiosity at first sight.


    However, the moment she stepped inside, the coldness of the place hit her hard, and she shivered in her place. Rubbing her arms to warm herself up, Irene continued to walk, trying to find out why she was even here in the first place.


    Irene had to rely on the moonlight to help her see what lay ahead of her. So, she stuck to the places only where the light could reach. She did not know what she was looking for or even who she was searching for. But whatever it was, she had to find it, for she knew she was here solely for it.


    "Hello," Irene spoke, her voice softly echoing through the magnificent castle, and for a moment, the girl was mortified to hear herself. But she tried to strengthen her heart and took another step. "Is anybody here?" She spoke again, and this time, her reverberating voice did not scare her much.


    No response. That was what she received, and Irene frowned, pondering if she had been wrong in her assumptions. But the thought vanished as soon as it had come, and Irene licked her lips, which had gone dry in nervousness. Her footsteps were barely audible, and the girl kept an eye around her, even though the light for her to see was scarce.


    She could vaguely feel a gaze on her, and she twisted her neck, trying to find who was observing her. But all she saw was darkness and more darkness. A chill went down Irene''s spine when he realized that someone might be observing her every move when she remained oblivious to it. Her mind screamed for her to run away from the castle and never return. But her heart said otherwise. It repeatedly consoled her and told her to continue walking.


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    In this war between her heart and her mind, her heart won eventually, and Irene continued walking until she was standing in front of the staircase, just beside the window. Irene was glad the moonlight was strong and she did not have to squint her eyes to see around her.


    Slowly and cautiously, she climbed the stairs, keeping her eyes and ears open. She could hear no other sound besides her breaths and footsteps. Somewhere far away, she heard the owl hoot and the crickets chirping. But there was no noise inside the castle.


    Irene stayed closer to the wall as she climbed the stairs one by one. The feeling of someone''s eyes on her intensified as she climbed the stairs, and Irene wiped the drop of sweat that had rolled down her cheek even though it was freezing.


    "Hel-Hello," Her voice refused to leave her throat, and she had to clear her throat. "Hello. Is anybody here?" She questioned again, this time her voice softer than before. By now, Irene had covered more than half the stairs. But she got no response again. ''Why is nobody responding to me?'' She wondered, for she knew that the castle was not vacant. She could feel the presence of someone whose aura was strong and intimidating, even though she could not see them.


    Reluctantly, she covered the rest of the stairs and reached a long corridor where the moonlight could not reach. However, unlike the floor below, the corridor was illuminated, the candles on the candelabra hanging from the ceiling spreading the light everywhere. Unknowingly, a relieved sigh left Irene''s lips, and she dropped her hands that were clutching her dress tight.


    She trod carefully ahead, gulping in anxiousness. Irene had the intense urge to retrace her steps and leave the place forever. However, the mystifying place stopped her from leaving, piquing her curiosity. With renewed courage, she proceeded further. The corridor was long, with rooms on either side of it. Though the girl wanted to explore the rooms, something in her told her to stick to the corridor.


    The corridor stretched forever, and Irene wondered if it was never-ending. The feeling of someone''s gaze on her had not left her since the time she had reached the first floor. And Irene turned back to see if anyone was following her. But there was no one. The place was deserted. Fear crept up in her heart, and her palms turned clammy. Finally, she reached the end of the corridor and stopped when she saw a painting looking back at her, the candles in front of it illuminating it. What attracted her was not the man in the painting, nor the artistic mastery, that had made it life-like. Instead, it was the red eyes of the man that pulled her to it.


    Irene stood observing the painting, completely forgetting the fear within her. She had no idea how long she stood watching the man. There was something in him that drew her in, baffling her. Irene almost shrieked when a hand snaked around her waist and spun her around, only to come face to face with the man to whom the painting belonged.


    "Finally, I found you, darling."

 2. Accident?

    "Finally, I found you, darling."


    As soon as the man''s captivating voice fell on her ears, Irene woke up with a start. She was gasping for breath, sweat dribbling down her forehead. She frantically looked around her to see where she was, the familiar walls of her bedroom staring back at her. Only when she was certain that she was not in the mysterious castle but in her apartment, tucked in her tiny bed, did Irene heave in relief. She licked her lips which had gone dry in fear after the horrible dream she had seen.


    Irene grabbed the bottle from the bedside table and drank the water, soothing her tensed nerves. The cold water worked like magic, and finally, her erratic heartbeat returned to normal. With a frustrated sigh, she ran her hand through her hair, recalling her dream.


    It was always the same scene, the same place, and the same man. No changes at all. It always started with her standing in a beige dress in front of a dark, mysterious castle at night. Irene remembered the mystifying man''s red eyes, a color so strange yet beautiful. They captivated her like no other as they glowed in the candlelights.


    "Why do I keep seeing this dream?" Irene held her head, trying to decipher the meaning behind it. "Who is that man, and what is that place?" She wondered, the man''s charming face flashing before her eyes. It was always him. None but him. He occupied her dreams every night, luring her to him every time. Yet, Irene had no idea who he was and where the place was. She had never seen the man or the castle as far as she could remember.


    The alarm blared, snapping Irene out of her thoughts. With a grumble, she pushed herself off the bed, forgetting about her dream as she dragged her body to the bathroom. She had an important meeting with her client, and she wanted the contract at all costs. Everyone in her company had placed their hopes on her, including her Boss. If everything went well, her company would get a billion-dollar contract, and they could enter the international business.


    Irene stared at the girl in the mirror, her brown eyes staring back at her. She looked exhausted, and Irene wondered if it was because of the upcoming meeting. Not dwelling on it more, she got ready for her meeting.


    Irene dropped her files on the small dining table, padding towards the kitchen in search of her breakfast. She quickly set up two sandwiches and a glass of juice as she carefully went through her files, ensuring she had everything she wanted. Though the meeting was scheduled for the forenoon, she had some files she had to run through her Boss. So, she was in a hurry.


    She finished the sandwiches in three large bites and gulped the juice, licking her lips. Irene threw the dirty utensils into the dishwasher before she grabbed her keys and rushed out. She was glad that her neighbor was nowhere in sight. The old woman nagged at every meeting, irking Irene every time. Though she had good intentions at heart, her nosy character annoyed Irene, and she tried to avoid her.


    However, her relief was short-lived when the door to the adjacent apartment opened, and the older woman peeked out, her lips widening in a grin on seeing Irene. "Irene, darling." The woman chirped, opening the door wide, and Irene cursed her lousy luck silently. ''Why did she have to find me? I managed to save myself from her for almost a week.''


    Though vexed, Irene donned a smile and faced the older woman. "Good morning, Mrs. Briggs."


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    "Good morning, dear. You have grown thin." The woman commented, making Irene want to roll her eyes. "Has work been stressful, dear?"


    "A little, Mrs. Briggs," Irene replied, controlling her urge to run away from the place.


    "That is why I tell you to quit your job and find a good man. You need to look after yourself, dear."


    "Mrs. Briggs, I am sorry. I am in a hurry." Irene was done entertaining the older woman. She spoke about this every time they met, and Irene knew her every word by heart now. "I have an important meeting to attend." Even before her old neighbor could respond, Irene walked toward the elevator.


    "You need to take care of yourself, dear." Finally, the elevator arrived, much to Irene''s relief, and she hurried in before the older woman could continue. "When I was your age..." Irene did not hear further, for the elevator doors closed, separating the two women.


    With a click, she opened her car, priding upon herself for making it here on her own. Being an orphan had never been easy, especially for Irene. She had to face struggles at every step of her life until she reached where she was. Although she seemed to live a lavish life to others, only Irene knew how much she had struggled to get where she was. Donning her shades, she ignited the engine and zoomed out of the building, smiling at the young security guard, who stood up seeing her, his eyes twinkling.


    Irene knew that the guy liked her. Who didn''t? Most of her male counterparts had a crush on her, and some were bold enough to approach her. However, she rejected all of them. She was not ready for any relationship, and even if she wanted to date a guy, her dark past prohibited her from taking the first step. She was well and comfortable living alone. She could care about love in the future.


    Irene stopped at the junction when the signal turned red, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel. She did not budge when she heard whistles from the men from the car beside her. Their lewd remarks did not faze her, for she had already noted the car number. She would hand over the details to her friend in the police department. He would take care of them for her.


    When the signal turned green, Irene pressed on the accelerator, smirking at the car that had yet to catch up with her. But her smirk vanished when she saw another vehicle speeding from behind. Unfortunately, in her attempts to escape from lecherous boys, she had missed the three black cars behind her and from the looks of it, it seemed as if it was out to get her.


    Irene frowned and pressed hard on the accelerator. However, the car behind her was quicker than her and caught up in an instant.


    "Fuck," She gnashed her teeth, cursing the driver who was assaulting her this way. "Damn you, bastard. If I do not send you to hell today..."


    Irene''s eyes widened when the window rolled down, leaving a small gap. However, she could not see anything, the tinted glass obstructing her view completely. What petrified her the most was the gun pointed at her and she immediately perceived the danger she was in.


    "What the hell!" She screamed in fright. Death was looming before her, and she did not even know who wanted her dead. She barely had any enemies; the ones she had were rotting in jail. Irene did not have time to think about other matters. She had to save herself first.


    The road was utterly deserted, and she was trapped. Irene desperately tried to devise a plan to escape the threat as her pulse raced with adrenaline. Then, the sound of gunfire abruptly broke the stillness, and shots rained down on her car, one of the bullets striking her upper arm.


    Irene lost control of the car immediately and she swerved wildly, hitting the vehicle on the left. At the same time, the car behind her collided with her vehicle. The impact jolted her, sending her crashing into the steering wheel while her car careened off the road and slammed into a ditch.


    Irene was coughing and gasping for air as she endured the pain when she glanced up to see the three cars encircling her and the gun once more aimed at her, this time much closer.


    With a sudden burst of energy, Irene lunged for the door handle, desperate to escape. But it was too late. Another shot rang out, this time hitting her chest. Irene slumped back in her seat instantly before darkness consumed her.

 3. Beautiful nightmare

    Pain. That was what Irene felt as soon as she woke up. She had a killer headache. It felt as though someone was hammering her head. Even her body ached, and she could not move without groaning. Her hands felt too heavy to lift, and her eyelids did not cooperate with her will, refusing to open.


    Irene could faintly hear people yelling around her. But it was distant. She could not make out any noise except for a buzzing sound lingering in her ears. Somebody was shaking her gently as they tried to wake her up. But her body was too weary, and she slipped into a deep sleep again.


    The next time Irene woke up, it was completely dark. Unlike the previous time, her eyelids fluttered open only to be met with darkness. With a gentle push, she got off the most comfortable bed she had ever slept on, rubbing her forehead, which was throbbing slightly.


    "Why do I feel so lethargic?" She mumbled, pushing back her hair. "What happened to me?" She held her head between her hands, recalling what had happened recently. The car crash, the gunshot, and the three cars flashed in her mind, and she jolted in fear, the nightmare she had experienced sending chills down her spine.


    ''Did I survive the attack?'' She was in disbelief. She remembered how gruesome and horrible she had felt just a moment before she closed her eyes. Her entire body screamed in pain, as though all her bones were crushed. No one could make it out of it alive, let alone her.


    ''How the heck did I survive? Who saved me?'' She wondered, looking at her hands, which had no signs of tubes connected to her. She lifted her head when she realized something bizarre around her. Although the room was completely dark, the three candles on the candelabrum on the table across the room, illuminating the place faintly.


    ''Candelabrum? I don''t have any candelabrum. Where did it come from?'' She wondered, pushing herself off the bed. She padded towards the table and frowned, seeing the candle holders in front of her. Her frown deepened when she realized that her room seemed to have grown considerably bigger than she was used to. At once, she turned around, taking in the view of her room.


    Her eyes widened, and a gasp left her lips. Even though the light from the candles was scarce, it did not inhibit her vision, and she could see the room clearly. Irene was stunned to see the magnificence of the place. It was nothing she had ever seen or heard of.


    The room was thrice as large as the one in her apartment. Heck, it was larger than her apartment and it screamed of luxury and elegance. The extravagance of the place took her breath away. It was nothing less than the palaces she had seen in the movies, maybe even more beautiful than them.


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    However, Irene was in no mood to appreciate the magnificent room. She was in horror, for she could not fathom how she had ended up here. ''What the hell is happening?'' She wondered, running her eyes around her. ''Where the heck am I? It must all be a dream. I must be dreaming. Yes, that''s right. I must be dreaming.''


    With that thought in mind, she slapped herself hard, trying to wake her up from the beautiful nightmare. However, all she ended up with was a scream that belonged to her. She rubbed her cheek to alleviate the pain, cursing herself silently for using such brute force on herself. "Am I not dreaming? Is this all true?"


    The next instant, she gasped, fear taking over her entire form. "Did someone kidnap me, or am I drunk?" Although the thought felt absurd even to her, she could not shake it out of her mind. But why would her kidnapper keep her in a room meant for royalty? It made no sense. ''I must be drunk. Yes, that''s it. But...'' Irene scratched her head, trying to recall when she had gone drinking. But nothing came to her mind.


    Another theory popped into her mind, recalling the stories she had read in her free time. ''Wait, did some rich guy take a liking to me, and he kidnapped me so that...''


    As soon as the thought occurred to her, she shook her head. "No, way. Who would take a liking to me? I must be hallucinating. Seriously, where am I?" She shouted the last sentence, and the moment she did so, the door to the room opened, startling her.


    "Milady," A young girl entered in a hurry, her face laced with panic. "Milady, you are finally awake." Her jaw dropped as she gaped at Irene. Her shock immediately turned to a relieved smile, and she rushed to Irene with vigor. "Milady," It did not take her even a minute to start crying, her behavior surprising Irene.


    "Milady, please don''t do this to us again. We were scared for you. We thought we had lost you." The girl started sobbing, and Irene didn''t know why she was crying.


    Moreover, she was still surprised to find an unfamiliar girl, and her way of addressing her baffled her. ''Milady? Why is she calling me that? Is she out of her mind?'' Her thoughts broke when she heard the girl hiccupping softly. Though she did not know who the girl was, her priority was to coax the girl, and without thinking, she hugged the girl.


    "Milady," The girl stood frozen as soon as Irene hugged her.


    "There, there. Everything will be alright. Relax. Take a deep breath." Irene rubbed her back gently as she consoled the girl. She had no idea about the chaos in the unknown girl''s mind. Her little action of hugging her made her cry all the more.


    "Milady," She wailed, hugging Irene. "I missed you, Milady. Please don''t ever do this again." She cried, and Irene helplessly continued to rub her back.


    "Milady," The girl sniffled, and she pulled back. "I need to inform His Grace. He was worried for you. I will be right back." The girl ran away even before Irene could stop her.


    "What is happening today? Who was this girl, and why was she crying?" Irene''s brows furrowed as she tried to rack her brain trying to find out if she knew the girl and had forgotten over the years. However, she could not remember her even after trying for long. ''Did I ever see her in the passing and forget her?'' She wondered again, but her thoughts broke as soon as the door opened again.


    This time, an older man was leading the group of people. Irene did not even have time to take a good look at him when he hugged her suddenly. "Sylvaine, you are finally awake."

 4. Failed to recognize

    "Sylvaine, you are finally awake." The man hugged her tight as he cried tears of relief and joy.


    Irene stood dumbstruck when the man hugged her suddenly and more so because of the name he had called. ''Sylvaine? Who the heck is Sylvaine? What the hell is happening?'' Although Irene wanted to push the unfamiliar man away, she did not out of courtesy. But that did not stop her from questioning him about his weird behavior. "I am sorry, but do I know you?"


    As soon as the question slipped from her lips, the man pulled back and stared at her in horror. Even the other people gasped as they covered their mouths. Irene was confused by their behavior, and she looked back and forth between the older man and the girl who she had first met the moment she had woken up.


    "Sylviane, dear, what has happened to you? Are you trying to joke with me because I am not finding this hilarious?" The man queried in annoyance, and Irene shook her head at once.


    "Not at all, Sir. I really don''t know who you are. You must be mistaken, and I am not Sylvaine."


    "Sylvaine, please don''t scare us, dear. Please tell me you remember me. I am your father, darling." The man begged, his eyes tearing up again. Although Irene was guilty to see him cry, she was more baffled to hear him call himself her father.


    "You are not my father, Sir. This is the first time I am meeting you. Moreover," Irene looked at the girl before she stared at the old man. "I am an orphan. My father died long ago."


    Just like before, everyone went into a state of shock. They stared at her, mortified, while Irene blinked innocently at them. ''What is happening here? When did this older man become my father? Where did he pop up from? And what is wrong with his clothes?'' Only now was Irene seeing his attire, and she frowned seeing him dressed in clothes from the Victorian era.


    "Sylvaine, I am your father. How can you forget me, darling?" The man cried as he held her arms. "Is everything alright with you? You must be overwhelmed because you woke up after a long time. Take some rest. I will call the physician by then. He will check your body condition."


    Irene was about to protest. But the man was gone even before she could stop him. She had no choice but to swallow the words she had prepared after listening to him. All the other people too left the room, and Irene was all alone with the girl she had hugged before, who kept looking at her strangely.


    "Why are you looking at me that way?"


    "Milady, please don''t scare your father anymore. He had been worried about you day and night since the time you fell into a deep sleep." The girl pleaded as she wiped her tears slowly.


    "Deep sleep. What do you mean? How long was I asleep?"


    "Milady, you were asleep for almost five days." The girl revealed, and Irene''s jaw dropped at the revelation.


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    "Five days? I was in a coma for five days?" Irene was bewildered and did not know what to make out of it. "You are kidding, right? I cannot be in a coma for five days."


    "Milady, what is a coma?" The girl asked, and her words only added more to Irene''s puzzlement.


    "Don''t you know what a coma is?"


    The girl shook her head and Irene sighed, giving up any hopes of even trying to comprehend what was transpiring around her. Everything seemed like a jumbled mess. It was as though she was suddenly pulled into a medieval drama, and she was now a princess who had gotten up after a long time. Irene''s eyes widened in realization as soon as the thought struck her.


    "Wait a minute. Are we shooting a medieval drama where I am the heroine?" She asked the girl, who just stared at her in confusion. "And we are at the scene where my character finally gets up after a long time."


    Her words did not make any sense to the girl. She just blinked at her, wondering what she was speaking about. "Milady, please have some water." The girl poured her a chalice and handed it to her, which Irene took absent-mindedly.


    "Say, what did you say your name was?" Irene queried as she sipped on her water.


    No sooner had she asked her the question than the girl started crying hysterically. "Milady, you have forgotten me too. I am Reyna. I am your personal maid." The girl''s cries did not stop, and Irene had no choice but to hug her again. And this time, the girl hugged her back.


    "Please calm down, dear. I cannot bear to watch you cry." Irene patted the girl''s back, and slowly but surely, she calmed down.


    "Mila-Milady," Reyna hiccupped. "Please tell me you remember me."


    Irene did not know how to answer the girl. She did not even know the girl to forget her in the first place. So, how will she remember her?


    Reyna was just about to ask her about her lack of response when she heard the sound of the door opening. At once, she pulled back, leaving a perplexed Irene staring at her with her hands outstretched. She raised her eyebrow at her, but the girl did not respond. Instead, she just lowered her head as the older man made his way toward them.


    "Sylvaine, the physician is here. He will check your condition. Come, dear."


    "I am fine. I don''t need a check-up." Irene protested. But the older man was having none of it. He gently pulled her with him towards the bed.


    "Please, dear. Please let the physician check your condition. You just woke up after being unconscious for five days. Your body is still weak. Please." The man begged, and Irene relented and glanced at the physician, who looked older than the man who claimed to be her father.


    "My Lady, if you would lie down on the bed." He urged, and Irene reluctantly did as she was told while Reyna covered her with the duvet.


    The old physician checked her pulse before he frowned lightly. "My Lady, do you recognize anyone in the room?"


    Irene blinked at the old physician for a few seconds before she stared at the two people who were looking at her keenly, their eyes filled with hope. Although she did not want to burst their bubble, she did not wish to give them false hopes either. So, she averted her gaze away from them and shook her head slowly.


    "Why does she deny to recognize me? What is wrong with my daughter?" The old man almost shouted, and Irene flinched on hearing his loud, angry voice. The man switched his demeanor so quickly that she wondered if he was suffering from bipolar disorder.


    ''I think he should be the one to be checked. He seems to need treatment more than I do.'' Irene chose to keep her thoughts to herself. She did not want to incur his wrath on herself.


    "Your Grace, her body has healed, and she does not have scars. She is just a little weak." The physician started.


    "Then why is she not recognizing me?"


    The physician shuddered at the man''s overbearing voice. He thought for a few moments before he slowly revealed what he assumed to be the problem. "My Grace, My Lady had hit her head hard when she was injured. So.."


    "So?"


    "I presume she has lost her memories."

 5. Transmigration?

    "I presume she has lost her memories." The physician revealed what he assumed to be the problem, and immediately the tension in the room rose. Irene noticed the man who had called himself her father glaring at the physician as though he had sinned.


    "Lost her memories?" His voice was low and deadly, and even Irene felt the danger lurking behind his tone. Subconsciously, she shivered as she bit her lips silently. She did not know what to make out of her situation. The man was too intimidating, and his eyes were narrowed into slits as he suppressed all the people in the room with just his presence alone.


    "What do you mean?" He gritted his teeth, and Irene had a hunch that he would chop off the physician''s head if he were not careful with his words. She stared blankly at the man before her eyes fell on Reyna, who was sobbing quietly.


    Her eyes had turned red, and she sniffled lightly as she tried to control her cries. Her sorrowful face made Irene crestfallen. But she did not know what to do either. She was in a world she had no idea about and surrounded by people she had never seen or heard of. Heck, she had not even read about them anywhere for her to recall her bookish knowledge.


    "Your Grace," The physician lowered his head as he forced out the words slowly. He was trembling in fear as worry engulfed him. He was now scared of the powerful man in front of him, who seemed prepared to chop his head off if he spoke a word that did not please him. "As I said before, Lady Sylvanie hit her head hard before she fell unconscious. This must be the reason why she cannot remember anything."


    Irene commended the physician for his bravery. Although he was shivering and his hands shook visibly, his words did not falter, and he maintained his tone in front of the man who had claimed to be her father. She noticed the man furrow his brows as he stared at the physician before he waved his hand at him.


    "Get out. I do not believe that my daughter has lost her memories." He ordered, and the physician picked up his wooden box, which he had not even opened before he hurried away from the terrifying man. He was glad that he could save himself, and Irene stifled a smile on seeing his behavior. Although the situation was critical and incredulous, she could not help but smile at the old man''s cute behavior.


    "How can Sylvanie lose her memories?" The man who claimed to be her father uttered as he looked at the girl observing him, her beautiful topaz blue orbs filled with questions he could not comprehend.


    ''That''s right, Mister. I have not lost my memories because I am not your daughter.'' Irene thought to herself.


    "My daughter is fine. I will call the royal physician. He will take a good look at you, Sylvanie. Do not worry, dear. I will not let anything happen to you." He patted her forehead before he rushed out of the room again.


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    The man''s worry and anxiety touched Irene. She had never received the love of a parent before, and all she remembered was the old matron who had taken care of her until she turned eighteen when she was at the orphanage. Although she did not know who the man was, her heart still felt warm on seeing his genuine concern for her. Unknowingly, her eyes welled up.


    Reyna was watching her keenly with her tearful eyes, and the moment she saw the tears in her eyes, she started crying hysterically. "Milady," She cried, her loud voice startling Irene. She gave Reyna a confused look and was baffled to see her cry buckets.


    "What happened, dear? Why are you crying?" Irene scooted closer to where she was standing and held her hand. She then pulled her gently. However, the girl shook her head.


    "No, no, Milady. What are you doing?"


    "What am I doing?" Irene gave her a puzzled look, wondering what she had done now.


    "I cannot sit on your bed. I am just a maid."


    Her absurd words made Irene roll her eyes. "Sit down, Reyna." She said softly. However, the girl shook her head again, and when Irene realized she would not obey her, she resolved to the only solution she could think of. "Sit down, and it is an order." She commanded sternly, and Reyna now had no choice. She glanced at her before she sat in front of her, her body tense and nervous.


    "Relax, dear. I will not eat you up." Irene joked, but it had no effect on the poor girl. Irene moved closer to the anxious girl. "Reyna, look at me." She ordered and forced the young girl to look at her. "Why are you nervous around me? Did I do something to make you anxious?" Reyna shook her head at once. "Did any of my words or actions anger you?"


    "No, no, Milady." Reyna shook her frantically. "How could a mere servant be angry at her mistress?"


    "Okay, you are not angry. Then, tell me, why are you crying?"


    As soon as Irene asked the question, the girl who had calmed down started crying again. Irene panicked at seeing the girl''s tears and did not know how to salvage the situation. Since childhood, she had been quite anti-social and did not interact much with people unless necessary. She had only one friend and had never dealt with situations like these. So she did not know how to stop the girl from crying.


    Clueless about what to do, Irene hugged the girl and rubbed her back. "Don''t cry, dear. Seeing you cry is making me cry." She lied conveniently. Her priority was to stop the young girl from crying, and she did not hesitate to lie to achieve her goal.


    Her words were effective. As soon as she finished speaking, Reyna stopped crying, and they reduced to sobs. Irene sighed in relief, and she smiled lightly. She pulled away from her and wiped her tears gently. "Now, tell me. Why were you crying?" She queried softly, smiling at her sweetly.


    "Because you don''t remember anyone among us."


    Irene closed her eyes in despair. ''I can only remember you only if I knew you before. How will I remember if I am meeting you for the first time?'' She thought to herself. Irene tried to comprehend what was happening and why she was in a strange place with bizarre people around her. So she thought for a long time before her eyes snapped open when the realization hit her.


    "Don''t tell me." She mumbled to herself, and Reyna looked at her confused. "Did my soul transmigrate to another world, and now I am trapped in a body that does not belong to me?"


    Irene''s words baffled herself too, and she blinked in disbelief. But, as incredulous as they sounded, that was the only conclusion she could come up with after seeing everything around her.

 6. Troubled

    "Oh, Lord!!" Irene pressed her forehead in despair. "I have transmigrated into another world." She gasped, and Reyna panicked at once. She kneeled on the bed beside her and held her hands.


    "Milady, what happened? Are you alright? Is something the matter? Do you have a fever? Are you in pain? Do you need anything?" Reyna was beyond worried now, and her tears continued to flow again. Reyna had been Sylvaine''s maid since the time she had entered the mansion, and she had been quite close to her. Now that her Lady was sick and had lost her memories, she was scared, worried and anxious.


    "Reyna," Irene did not know how to stop the girl from crying. She had barely managed to stop her tears when she started to cry again. ''Does she have a tank of tears? How is she able to produce them this quickly?'' Irene wondered.


    "Don''t cry, Reyna. I am not sick, nor do I feel pain anywhere. I was just thinking. Don''t worry." Irene tried to assure her, but Reyna was not convinced.


    "No, Milady. You must be lying so that I don''t worry about you. You must be feeling sick somewhere. Otherwise, why would you have such a crestfallen expression?" Reyna shook her head and wiped her tears at the same time.


    "How do I tell you, Reyna? I am amazed by the turn of events. How is it possible for me to transmigrate to another world? Is it even feasible? I thought it only happened in books and movies." Irene muttered, and Reyna frowned after listening to her.


    "Transm..." Reyna gave her a blank look. "What''s that, Milady? And what are movies?"


    Irene wanted to laugh at the situation she was in. None of the words she spoke made sense to Reyna or anybody else around her, and she could not understand what was even happening to her. She was in despair and desperately wanted to get back to her world. For a moment, she even wondered if this was a dream, one of the weirdest dreams she had ever had, similar to the other dream she usually had.


    But Irene knew that this was not a dream. She was in another world, another person''s body, and she had no idea what to do now.


    "You won''t get it, Reyna, and I am in no mood to explain it to you in detail." Irene sighed and let out a helpless smile. But, right then, her stomach grumbled and she closed her eyes in embarrassment.


    "Please forgive me, Milady. I completely forgot that you would be hungry. Let me bring you something to eat." Irene did not even have the chance to stop her, for Reyna had run away in an instant.


    ''Irene, where are you stuck?'' She stared hard at the cream-colored duvet on her. ''What kind of twisted logic is this? And what world is this? Did I go back in time? Or is this an alternate universe?'' So many questions popped up in her mind, and even after thinking for long, she did not find answers that could end her dilemma.


    Reyna returned with a plate full of food, and on seeing the delicious food, Irene pushed all her disturbing thoughts to the back of her mind. Filling her stomach was her priority. She could think about her life once she was contented and full.


    Without delay, Irene started hogging, licking her lips as she savored the delicious food on her plate. "Umm, this is so good." She moaned and took another bite of the chicken. "It is even better than some of the finest restaurants I have visited." She then drank a spoonful of the soup that tasted divine, especially as she was famished.


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    "Rest...Rest...What did you say, Milady?" Reyna stuttered, trying to recall what her Lady had spoken. ''What language is she speaking? I am unable to understand what she is talking about.'' She wondered and gave her a confused look.


    "You won''t understand right now, dear Reyna. I will explain everything once I finish eating this delicacy. Okay?" She winked at her playfully, and Reyna was dumbstruck by her sudden mischievous nature. The next instant, her cheeks turned bright red. Even though the room was illuminated only by the moonlight and the light from the candles, Irene could see the girl blushing furiously.


    "Darling Reyna, are you blushing right now?"  She teased and ate a spoonful of rice while she raised her brows at the girl who had suddenly gone silent. "Aww, you are so cute."


    Reyna smiled at seeing her Lady eat to her full. Though she did not remember anything about them or even herself, she was not sick and that was all she needed. She was at least eating well, and Reyna started feeling hungry seeing her eat. She too wanted to eat now. Since her Lady fell unconscious, she had not been eating or sleeping well. She was worried for her, and only she knew how she had spent the last few days wishing for her to wake up.


    Now that her Lady was finally awake, she was relieved, happy and hungry. Right at that moment, her stomach too grumbled, and Irene chuckled on hearing. "Get your food here, Reyna. Let''s eat together."


    "How can I eat with you, Milady?"


    "Why can''t you? Am I a demon that you are frightened to eat with me?" Irene tilted her head, her eyes twinkling in amusement. But Reyna was too troubled to notice her playfulness.


    "No, no, Milady. That is not what I meant."


    "Then, go and get your plate. Let''s eat together." She glared at her when she saw that Reyna was about to protest again. "It''s an order."


    Now Reyna had no choice but to do as she was told, and she returned with a plate of food. She was just about to sit on the floor when Irene stopped her. "Why are you sitting on the floor? Sit beside me."


    "No, no. I can''t." Reyna shook her head again.


    "Fine, then," Irene picked up her plate and sat beside Reyna on the floor. "I will sit beside you."


    "Milady, how can you sit on the floor?" Reyna was stupefied. Since the time she had woken up, her Lady had been behaving strangely. But...she liked it, she liked it very much. She seemed more close and amicable than the past her.


    "Why can''t I? When you can sit on the floor, why can''t I? Now, eat. You must be hungry." She pointed at her plate before she started eating her food again. Reyna looked at her for a while before she eventually gave up. The girls ate their food until their stomachs were satisfied.


    "Say, Reyna, do you mind telling me how people are in my family?" Irene questioned once they were done. Although she did not want to stay in this strange place, she had no choice. She had to stay here until she found a way to return home.


    Reyna was just about to answer her when the door to her chamber opened again and the man who claimed to be her father returned with another older man behind him. "Sylvaine, dear, this is the royal physician. He will treat you and cure you quickly. Do not worry, dear." He said, and Irene stared at the man, who was now sweating profusely. She then turned to the royal physician and smiled at him.


    "Lady, would you mind giving me your hand?" He held his hands in front of her, and Irene placed her left hand in them. The man started to check her pulse.


    "Your Grace, the Lady is fine. She does not have any sickness, nor does she have any problem." The man spoke after a while.


    "Then, why is she unable to remember us? My daughter cannot remember her father." The man complained and Irene noticed the difference in his tone. He was clearly behaving gently with the royal physician.


    "Let me check, Your Grace." The physician turned to Irene, who was watching him keenly. "Do you remember what happened before you fell unconscious, Lady?"


    Irene shook her head. ''I can only remember if I was here at that moment. I am not Sylvaine.'' She shouted in her mind.


    "Then, do you remember where you are, Lady?" Again Irene shook her head. "Do you remember anyone in this room?"


    "No, I don''t."


    "I see." The physician frowned and thought for a while before he faced the man behind him. "Your Grace, I am afraid to say that the Lady has indeed lost her memories."

 7. Showing concern

    "Your Grace, I am afraid to say that the Lady has indeed lost her memories." The royal physician also stated the exact words as the other physician.


    Irene watched how the old man who claimed to be her father went into a state of shock. His lips quivered, and he was just short of breaking down in despair. His eyes were fixed on her as he stared at her in anguish and concern.


    Irene had never felt that troubled before. She had never experienced the love of any parent, and now that she was being cared for by this man, she did not know what to do. She was touched, and her heart was filled with warmth, while her mind was lost and confused.


    Irene sighed lightly as she thought about it. ''This man seems to really care about his daughter. Why am I unable to see tears in his eyes? Is it because I am receiving a parent''s love for the first time? Even though he is not my father, why am I sad to see him in despair?'' She thought and glanced at Reyna, only to find her sobbing silently.


    ''I don''t know how long I will be here. But, until I find my way back home, I can at least pretend to be Sylvaine and keep her family happy. Maybe I could get some familial love for the time being.'' Irene knew she was being selfish. However, she had no choice. She was stuck in a bizarre world with people she did not even know about.


    "Sylvaine," Her thoughts broke when her said father hugged her tight. She was stunned by his sudden action and remained frozen for some time with her eyes wide. "My dear daughter. How much pain must you be in? How did you hurt yourself this badly? I failed to protect you, darling. I failed to keep you safe."


    The old man mumbled as he held her in his warm embrace. Even though she was hesitant, Irene scooted closer to him to get more of his warmth. For the first time, she felt a father''s love, and she wanted to experience more of it. ''I am sorry, Sylvaine. Please forgive me for being greedy this once. Let me enjoy this feeling until I am here. I promise I will take care of your family well.''


    "Father," Irene lifted her arms and embraced the man to soothe him. "Please don''t cry, Father. I will try to recollect my memories as soon as possible." Irene recollected a scene in one of the boring Victorian era based movies she had painstakingly seen and started to address the old man formally, as the leading actress had done. "Please don''t cry."


    "Yes, Your Grace, the Lady can try to recollect her memories if she attempts." The royal physician added and the old man pulled away from his daughter the next instant.


    "Is it possible? Can my daughter get her memories back? Will she be able to return to her old self before the mishap happened?" The man looked at the physician hopefully.


    "Yes, Your Grace. Absolutely. All the Lady has to do is revisit the times. Please tell her all the important and memorable events that happened to her, and she will be able to recall everything. Although I am unsure how long it will take, she will eventually return to normal."


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    ''Great. By then, I can find a way to return home, and Sylvaine will return to unite with her family.'' Irene smiled at her plan and sighed lightly.


    "Yes, Father. I will try to recuperate as quickly as possible. Please don''t cry." Irene wiped his tears, her action stunning everyone in the room. Reyna gasped loudly while the old physician blinked at her in disbelief. However, the one who was more shocked than anyone was the man who claimed to be her father.


    "Sylvaine," He held her arms, his lips curving up in joy. "My darling." He cried, and Irene was dumbfounded by the man''s sudden change in expression.


    A moment ago, he was crying in sorrow, and now he was crying in happiness. Irene had no idea what to make out of her situation. Already she was in a dilemma, considering the twist in the events and the unbelievable soul transmigration. The old man''s switch in expressions was only adding more to her confusion.


    "Father, what happened?" Irene tilted her head and donned an innocent look, and the old man in front of her sighed in bliss.


    "Dear, are you worried about me? Are you concerned about me?" All of a sudden, he looked like a happy child to Irene. It was as though he had received the best Christmas present.


    Irene did not know what was happening and turned to Reyna for help. But, to her surprise, the girl too seemed to be smiling at her, confusing her all the more.


    "Although my daughter does not remember me, she started to care for me. I am so happy today. I am so happy." The old man stood up at once and held the royal physician as he kept exclaiming in delight.


    "Yes, yes, Your Grace." The man could only nod and agree with him. He had never seen the nobleman this ecstatic before, and he knew why it was so. He too was stupefied to find the change in the Lady''s behavior, making him wonder if one would switch personalities if they were to lose their memories.


    "Thank you, old Enver. Thank you very much."


    "If there is nothing else, I will take my leave, Your Grace."


    Sylvaine''s father clapped his hands, and a servant entered the room immediately. "Escort old Enver to his home. Make sure he reaches home safely." He ordered, and the servant started to follow his orders at once.


    Irene was impressed by the servant. He had entered the moment her said father had clapped. ''Was he listening that intently to everything that was happening here?'' She wondered.


    "Did you eat anything, dear? You must be famished now. Let me get you some food." The man was just about to leave when Irene stopped him.


    "Father, Father, calm down. I am full. I ate to my heart''s content a few moments ago."


    "That''s good, dear. That''s good to hear. Tell me if you need anything."


    Irene smiled on seeing the man''s excitement. Although she could not understand his feelings, she was incredibly happy for him. However, her smile slipped when she saw how exhausted and weak he looked. His eyes were bloodshot, making it seem like he had not slept for days.


    "Father, you must be tired. You need to sleep."


    "No, no, dear. I am perfectly fine. I am jubilant today. My daughter woke up after two weeks. How can I sleep in this excitement?"


    "Father, you need sleep." Irene enunciated each word slowly. "You are tired, and you need rest. I know you have not rested well since the time I fell unconscious. Now that I am awake, you cannot fall ill. Go, sleep now." She ordered, completely forgetting where she was, and this was not how people conversed in the era she was in.


    "Sylvanie," The old man did not know what to say and gave her a tender gaze. "I will do as you say. I will do as my daughter says from now on. I will see you in the morning, dear." He glanced at her one last time before he left her room.


    Irene was still confused by the man''s behavior. "Say, Reyna, I cannot comprehend my father''s behavior. Can you tell me why he was surprised and excited?"


    "Milady," Reyna giggled softly. "His Grace is exuberant. This is the first time in years you have shown him some concern. How can he not be happy?"

 8. Reflection

    "How can His Grace not be happy?" Reyna smiled widely. "This is the first time Milady has shown him concern. He is jubilant."


    "What?" Irene was taken aback by the girl''s revelation.


    "Yes. Although Milady might not remember, you never spoke to His Grace after your mother, Her Grace, passed away. You resented and blamed him for her death. You never spoke to him more than necessary and not once did you care for him, Milady."


    ''How idiotic was this Sylvaine? But wait! Did Reyna just say Sylvanie blamed her father for her mother''s death? Does that mean he killed her?'' She wondered. "Did Father kill Mother then? Is this why I resented him?" She voiced out her thoughts.


    Although it was somewhere past midnight, she was nowhere near sleepy. On the contrary, she was in high spirits, especially because she was in a world that did not belong to her. She was in a body that did not belong to her, with people she did not know about. She was sure that she would not be sleeping any time soon. So, Irene decided to find out more about her host body.


    "No, no, Milady. His Grace loved your mother dearly. It was just that Her Grace was too sick to be saved and you were closer to her than your father. So you could not tolerate the loss and blamed His Grace for it."


    Reyna revealed the truth and bit her lip in worry. She was now worried that her Lady would go back to despising the old man when it was not his fault in the first place. How long had it been since she last saw a smile of happiness and relief on his face?


    Irene went silent and thought about it with her lips pursed. ''What an idiot Sylvaine is! How could she resent her father for something he was not even responsible for? How lonely must her father have felt after losing his wife and daughter?'' She sympathized with the old man and clicked her tongue lightly.


    Irene started chuckling when she realized she had forgotten to ask the most critical question. "Reyna, can you tell me my father''s name?"


    "His Grace is Seymour Reeve and your mother was Adelaine Reeve."


    "I see. Do I have any siblings?"


    "No, Milady. But you do have a cousin brother who stays with you."


    "Cousin brother?"


    "Yes, Milady. His parents were assassinated when he was young and His Grace took him as his son."


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    "What is his name?"


    "Damen Reeve."


    "Damen? Is he in the mansion right now?" Irene was excited to find out she had a brother, although he was not her brother but Sylvaine''s. She had always wanted to have a sibling. But she was not born with that fortune. Now that she was in Sylvaine''s body, she wanted to experience the love of a family before she returned home with their memories.


    "Young Master is currently not in the kingdom. He will be ecstatic to know that Milady is awake. He loves you just like his sister."


    "Is he older than me?"


    "No, Milady. You are the older one."


    Irene was thrilled to have a younger brother. She desperately wanted to meet him now. "You mentioned that he is not in the kingdom currently." Irene''s smile vanished when she recalled what Reyna had said a moment ago.


    "Yes, Milady." Reyna nodded at her and waited for her to ask her next question.


    "What is the name of the kingdom?"


    "We are in the kingdom of Rothnia."


    "Rothnia? I see." Irene nodded lightly and went silent again. "What does my father do? Is he a merchant, a soldier, or does he work for the King?"


    "His Grace is the Duke, and yes, he works for the King."


    Irene was not interested to know more about the King. Instead, she was amazed to learn that Sylvaine''s father was a Duke. She had never expected this outcome and she pouted lightly. ''This explains the grandeur of the place. Sylvaine''s father is loaded.''


    She was just about to ask her next question when she noticed Reyna stifling a yawn. The girl looked tired and Irene felt bad for keeping her awake until now. She regretted her actions and stretched her legs. "Reyna, I will ask you the remaining questions in the morning. I am tired now." She knew the girl would not leave if she asked her to rest. So, she made up a lie and told her that she was sleepy.


    "I want to sleep."


    Reyna did not doubt her words. Her Lady had gotten up after five days and it was not suspicious that she was lethargic and tired. She helped her lie down and pulled the duvet to her chin. She was just about to leave when Irene stopped her. "Wait, where is your room?"


    "Milady, I will be in the quarters just beside yours."


    "Is that your quarters?"


    "Yes, Milady. It is the quarters meant for the maids who cater to you."


    "I will see you in the morning. Good night." Irene waved at her with a bright smile on her face, making Reyna blush.


    "Good night, Milady. Please call me if you need anything."


    "I will. Thank you, Reyna, for taking care of me." Irene smiled at her in gratitude and waited until the girl left the room before she got up again.


    ''Wow, what kind of twisted drama is this?'' She wondered and held her head in between her hands. "Am I now a Duke''s daughter?" Although Irene was confused and lost, she was also secretly delighted. She found everything around her thrilling yet mysterious and she wanted to know more all of a sudden. ''At the same time, I must find out how to return home. Who can guide me on this?'' She wondered and got off the bed.


    Irene started to pace back and forth as she tried to sort her thoughts. Her mind was utterly distorted and she knew it would take her days to get back to normal. She stopped suddenly and returned to the mirror just beside her bed. A gasp left her lips when she saw the person in the reflection. Irene was looking at Sylvaine''s reflection and to her disbelief, the girl looked just like her.

 9. Prideful

    The sun''s rays entered the room, spreading their warmth and brightness as the darkness faded slowly. The birds were chirping in happiness and people were slowly coming out of their houses, preparing themselves for the new day.


    Reyna entered Sylvaine''s room and was stunned to see her awake. "Milady, Good Morning." She greeted happily while Irene nodded at her. "Did you sleep well, Milady? Did you have any discomfort or were you able to sleep peacefully?"


    Again Irene nodded at her, although that was not the truth. She had not gotten even one ounce of sleep the previous night after seeing her reflection in the mirror. Sylvaine looked just like her and this discovery had kept her awake the entire night. She could not believe and comprehend what she had seen and how she was in the body of a girl who looked just like her. She was in denial but could not ignore the truth that kept slapping her in the face.


    Irene looked exhausted from not getting sleep the entire night. But she was too occupied with her thoughts to even think about sleeping. Sleep had abandoned her, leaving her with a room full of questions for which she had no answers.


    Reyna also noticed her lack of energy, unlike the previous night when she had been in high spirits. "Is something bothering you, Milady?" She queried as she stood beside the bed.


    "Say, Reyna, how normal it is to meet people with the same face as ours?" Irene asked absent-mindedly and Reyna frowned in confusion.


    "Milady, who are you talking about? Does somebody else look like you?" She queried, trying to recall who the Lady was talking about. ''Who looks like Lady Sylvaine? Have I met her?'' She wondered.


    Reyna''s voice brought Irene out of her reverie and she looked at her once. She cursed herself for being absent-minded and letting her thoughts loose. People would consider her crazy if they were to listen to her claims. Irene pursed her lips and decided to keep her thoughts to herself. "I was just asking, Reyna. Forget my question. It is not important."


    "Milady, I will prepare your bath. Please wait for me."


    Irene nodded and got off the bed. She stretched her hands before she padded towards the window. The white and golden curtains fluttered lightly with the wind and Irene spread them apart, allowing the light to hit her directly. She closed her eyes, basking in the sun''s warmth before she leaned over and gazed at the view in front of her.


    Irene gasped as soon as she saw the mesmerizing view in front of her. Her room overlooked the garden and she saw a variety of flowers in all colors spreading their joy and beauty around them. Right in the middle of the garden was a three-tier copper fountain and even from where she was, she could see the intricate designs on them.


    "Milady, your bath is ready," Reyna spoke from behind and Irene sighed lightly.


    "This a beautiful garden," Irene commented, unable to move her gaze away from the mesmerizing sight in front of her.


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    "Yes, Milady. It sure is. This is your favorite place in the entire mansions." Reyna added.


    "It has to be given how alluring it is. It can captivate anyone at first sight."


    "Yes, Milady.¨¨ Reyna agreed instantly. ¨¨Milady, His Grace will be here to meet you soon."


    "I see. I will finish my bath before then."


    Irene entered the bathroom and what she saw made her gasp again. The entire bathroom was painted in vintage colors, giving a warm feeling. There was a white circular bathtub at the center of the bathroom and the taps to the tub lay just beside them. Irene did even know how to explain her feelings at that moment. The bathroom was more luxurious than her whole life and she sighed, praising the Duke for his money-making skills.


    Irene removed her dress and lowered herself into the hot water. She sighed in bliss as soon as the warm water touched her tense muscles. Her body felt at ease immediately and her lips curved into a smile. She could smell the faint fragrance of roses from the water and Irene''s smile widened. She closed her eyes, reeling in the feeling of the soothing water around her. ''I could stay here all my life.'' So she thought and stifled a yawn.


    Her exhaustion got the best of her and coupled with the fact that she was in a bathtub filled with warm and soothing water, she felt drowsy, and soon, she slipped into a deep sleep, completely forgetting where she was.


    It was not until she heard Reyna''s voice from outside that she woke up from her slumber. At first, she was in a daze and wondered where she was before she recalled all that had happened to her. Then, she remembered where she was and who she had become now.


    "Milady, is everything alright? Shall I come in? I am worried." Reyna''s panicked voice fell on her ears and Irene closed her eyes before she got up slowly.


    "I am fine, Reyna. I will be out in a minute." She yelled to stop the girl from panicking and stepped out of the bathtub, only to realize she had not brought her clothes in. She was just about to ask Reyna to pass her clothes when her eyes fell on a stack of clothes on the rack beside the sink. She approached the stand and her eyes widened when she saw what was lying on them.


    Irene picked up a stocking and the soft material made her smile in ecstasy. Without any delay, she wore all the undergarments and was pleasantly stunned when she found a garter in the pile of clothes. However, she did not complain about it. Being a girl from the modern days, she liked all excellent quality clothes and the ones in front of her were expensive and of the finest quality.


    Once done, she wrapped a towel around herself and stepped out. Reyna was waiting for her with her clothes for the day. "Milady, I have picked out your clothes for the day. Let me help you wear them."


    Irene was still in a daze to see the dress in front of her. It was an indigo-colored long dress with a round neck and long sleeves. Although there was nothing special about the dress, it looked royal and elegant and Irene fell in love with it at once. She stepped forward and wore the dress immediately, with Reyna helping her with her hair. The material felt amazing on her skin and she wondered what it was. It was tight until her waist and had an A-line skirt that widened at the bottom.


    Reyna helped her with her hair. While Irene had copper blonde hair, her host body Sylvanie was naturally blonde, which suited her face brilliantly. Reyna parted her hair in the middle and pinned a few strands on either side once she brushed her hair. Nothing more was required. Irene found herself absolutely stunning and she stopped Reyna from continuing.


    Sylvaine already had a fair complexion and did not need anything more to accentuate her beauty. So, Reyna stopped after applying only a tiny amount of powder. Once done, she stepped back, admiring the beautiful woman before her.


    The Lady looked like the Queen she was and Reyna could not help but be prideful of being her maid.

 10. Crying disease

    As Reyna had predicted, Duke Reeve knocked at the door once Irene was done. "Sylvaine, are you awake, child? Shall I come in?"


    Irene glanced at herself before she nodded at Reyna and the girl scrambled to open the door for the old Duke. Seymour did not waste his time and entered the room in a hurry, only to stop at his feet on finding the girl sitting in front of the mirror. She was staring at her reflection and the moment she saw him in the mirror, she turned to greet him.


    "Good Morning, Father. Did you have a good sleep?" When the old Duke heard his daughter''s concerned-filled voice, he choked up. His eyes turned red and he sniffled softly.


    "Father," Irene did not know why the people in this bizarre world liked to cry. Since the time she had woken up, Reyna had been crying buckets and she had to put a lot of effort into stopping her. And now, the old Duke was crying. ''Is crying a disease here? Or do people love crying? How do I stop them? I had not cried this much even when I chopped onions.'' Irene thought to herself and moved towards her father.


    "Why are you crying, Father?" She suppressed her urge to scold the man for crying like a baby.


    "You are awake, Sylvaine. You are awake. I thought I was dreaming. You are actually awake." Seymour was overwhelmed with emotions and hugged his daughter, stunning her completely.


    Irene stood frozen in her spot, for he had embraced her suddenly. Now, she too was overwhelmed for a reason different altogether. For the first time in her life, she was being embraced by a man who she had considered her father. The warmth from his body touched her heart and she buried herself deep in his hug. Unknowingly, tears started leaking out of her eyes, and she was wailing like a child in no time. Irene''s loneliness from her past life got the best of her and she let out all her frustration through her tears.


    Seymour panicked as soon as he sensed his girl crying in his embrace. He had never seen her cry, not after the death of his wife at least and now that she was sobbing in his arms, he was perturbed and scared.


    "Sylvaine, dear, why are you crying? Are you in pain? Are you hurt anywhere? Are you feeling uncomfortable?" His words only made the girl cry harder and the old Duke was lost. He did not know what to do and how to stop her from crying. Every sob, every cry, every sound that left her lips was making his heart wrench in pain and he was filled with guilt and remorse.


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    "Please forgive me, dear. I did not take care of you well. I did not protect you and you were injured because of my negligence."


    Irene pulled back at once, realizing her father had misunderstood her. She let out a helpless chuckle before she rubbed her eyes, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "Father," She chuckled again. "Thank you." That was all she could say and she took a deep breath.


    Her response confounded both Seymour and Reyna. They gave her an incredulous look, making Irene frown. ''Why are they looking at me this way? Did I say something wrong? Did I do something I should not have done?'' She wondered and looked at the two blankly.


    "Father, what..."


    "Sylvaine, oh Sylvaine," Seymour hugged her again. "This is the first time you are thanking me and I don''t know how to feel. This is the first time you are thanking anyone."


    ''What?'' Now, it was Irene''s turn to go into disbelief. ''Did Sylvaine never thank people before? What kind of rude child was she? How impudent!'' Irene scolded the girl she had no idea about. ''The old Duke had seriously given her a lavish life. So, the girl does not know when to be grateful. If she had been in my situation with no parents or money, she would have understood how amazing it is to have a father finally.


    "But I am confused, dear. Would you mind telling me why you are thanking me?"


    Irene shook her head to clear her thoughts and pulled back, forcing a smile on her face. "Father, I just wanted to thank you for being here with me." She just shrugged lightly before she added, "Please don''t cry now. I am not sure I will be able to stop my tears if you cry again, Father. And I already look ugly with my eyes swollen and red."


    The old Duke chuckled at her words and wiped his tears. "Who told you are ugly, dear? My daughter is the most beautiful woman in the world. I will see who dares to call you ugly. My pistol will speak to them instead of me." Seymour placed his hands on his hips to emphasize his words and Irene started laughing at once. Even Reyna could not stop laughing and she wiped her tears.


    Irene smiled and ran her eyes on the old man. It was only then did she realize that the old man was still dressed in the clothes he had worn the previous. ''He must have come here in a hurry.'' She presumed. ''Did he really think it was all a dream and I was not yet awake?'' She smiled widely, sighing deeply. The old Duke truly cared for his daughter, while Sylvaine...


    "Father, why are you still not ready for the day?"


    "Oh," Seymour snuck out his tongue in guilt. "I did not realize it. I wanted to meet you first thing in the morning."


    "This is bad, Father. You need to take care of yourself. Take a warm bath first and relax your nerves."


    "Yes, yes, dear. I will do as you say. Please wait for me in the dining hall. Let us have breakfast together. I have been waiting for this day for so long. Finally, I will eat with my daughter at the same table."

 11. Seeking memories?

    Just as decided, the father and the daughter ate at the same dining table while the servants looked at them in glee and relief. After how many years were they eating together? After how many years did they see a look of relief on their Lord''s face? After how many years were they seeing a contented and satisfied expression on him? They wondered.


    The information about their Lady losing her memories reached all the servants in the mansion. Although they were sad for her, they were happy for their Lord. At least he could get his daughter''s love which he had been devoid of for many years. It was a miracle that the girl was treating him this well and nobody wanted her to gain her memories if this was how it would be from now on. It was peaceful the way it was right now.


    However, nobody dared to voice their opinions because they feared their Lord. Although Duke Seymour Reeve was a gentle and good master to his servants, he could even become a monster if they crossed their limits and his daughter was his limit. He loved her dearly, even more than his life. Although his daughter had not given him much face all these years, he had not said a word about it or scolded her for it. On the contrary, he treated her like the treasure she was, silently bearing with her rude behavior.


    Nobody noticed the old matron, Susie wipe her tears of happiness. She had been serving Duke Reeve for years and had seen the young Sylvaine grow into a wonderful lady. But this was the first time she saw such a harmonious atmosphere in the mansion after the Duke''s wife passed away.


    "Father, what are you doing after breakfast?" Sylvanie queried as she drank another spoon of porridge.


    "I will have to visit the Council, dear. The merchants had raised an issue and we need to find a solution." Seymour replied with a frown. "Why are you asking, Sylvaine? Do you have something in mind?"


    "No, Father, I just wanted to know your schedule for the day."


    Seymour grinned in delight and his eyes twinkled in happiness. He had never felt this happy before and even though he knew he was wrong, he wished his daughter would remain this way forever. He was now not looking forward to her gaining her memories back. Sylvaine would return to her old self and stop speaking to him again if she remembered everything and Seymour wanted anything but that.


    ''Please forgive me, my dear. Let me be selfish this once. Let me taste my daughter''s love which I have been denied all these years.'' He thought to himself.


    "Father," Irene waved her hand in front of the old man again, bringing him out of his thoughts on the third try. "What got you thinking, Father? Is something the matter?"


    "No, no, dear. It''s nothing significant. Don''t worry." Seymour shook his head, clearing his thoughts from his mind. How could he reveal his true intentions to her when it would only infuriate her? So he stayed mum and Irene gave him a skeptical look before she drank the remaining porridge in her bowl.


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    "What are your plans for the day, dear?" He queried when an awkward silence filled the dining hall.


    "I was wondering if I could take a look around the mansion. Maybe a tour around the place would help me regain my memories." Irene stated, even though she knew it would never happen, not until she left Sylvaine''s body. On another thought, she even wondered why she had no memories of the girl when she was in her body. ''Shouldn''t I have her memories? Why don''t I have them and why didn''t I think about this before?''


    Irene was so lost in her thoughts that she did not notice the change in expressions on the old Duke''s face. His smile slipped and his eyes lost the sparkle in them. Not only he, but even the other servants also lost their smiles.


    "That''s good, dear. That''s good." Seymour composed himself quickly and his voice broke Irene''s thoughts. She stared at him, smiling at him sweetly. "But don''t overstress yourself. It is fine if you do not get your memories. You can stay this way." Irene completely missed the underlying meaning in his words and assumed the man to be worried for her.


    "Don''t worry, Father. I will not put you in more agony. I will try to gain memories back as soon as possible." She stated with conviction and this time, Seymour did not know what to speak. He just shook his head and let her be.


    ''I need to find a way to return home and use this opportunity now. I will just have to find the way quickly.'' As soon as the thought entered her mind, Irene''s heart wrenched in pain and she turned to look at the man beside her. Suddenly, he appeared distressed and lost, and she wondered what had happened for him to be perturbed.


    ''Did I say something? Did I hurt him somehow?'' She wondered and Irene voiced her questions when her curiosity got the best of her.


    "No, no, dear. I am fine, do not worry."


    "Father, are you lying to me?" Irene put up an act and pouted lightly in anger and Seymour just sighed as he looked at his daughter. She looked just as adorable as she was when she was a baby and he could not help but cherish her all the more.


    "No, dear. I am not lying." Seymour tried to deny her claims, but his daughter saw right through him and she shook her head.


    "You are lying again, Father. Please tell me what happened." She stressed and observed the man''s tense face. His body stiffened and he looked frustrated.


    "Sylvaine, dear, I do not want you to get your memories back." He revealed what he had in mind and the servants silently nodded, agreeing with their Grace.


    "But why, Father?" Irene was baffled to hear his wishes and gave him a surprised look.


    "If you were to return to your old self and ignore me again, I wish you stay this way forever. I wish you do not get your memories back at all." The old Duke revealed his wishes and watched his daughter keenly. However, Irene stayed expressionless. There was no change in her emotions as she sat still.


    A disturbing silence filled the place and the old Duke could not tolerate it any longer as time passed. "Please say something, dear." He probed and Irene widened her eyes, not knowing what to say.


    ''Just how much did this Sylvaine ignore and torture her father that he now does not want her back? What an idiot she is. She does not know how to treasure relationships.'' She stared at the old Duke, who was waiting impatiently for her to speak. ''I don''t know how long I will be here but let me give him the happiness he deserves. At least I can take those good memories with me when I return.''


    "Father, if that is what you want, I will do as you say. I will not try to seek for my memories."

 12. Secret love

    After dinner, when the Duke left for the Council, Irene and Reyna took a stroll in the garden. She was admiring the view in front of her, pushing away all her thoughts and worries for the time being. She wanted to enjoy the fresh air and warm sunlight and relieve herself of her stress.


    Since the time she had woken up in this unknown land, Irene had been trying to seek answers to her questions. Everything seemed like a dream to her, a bizarre dream that would end any time soon, and the reality would smack her hard in the face.


    But she knew that this would never happen. It was not a dream, it was reality. She was here, in another world, in someone else''s body and taking over her identity. Even though she was unwilling to, Irene had now become Sylvaine and she could do nothing about it before she found a way to return home.


    Suddenly a notion popped up in her mind and Irene stopped walking all of a sudden. Reyna, who was walking behind her, too, halted and looked at her questioningly. "Say, Reyna, how did Sylvanie, I mean, I." She corrected herself in time. "How did I fall unconscious? What happened to me that had me bedridden for five days?"


    Irene turned around suddenly, startling the girl behind her. However, she was too lost in her thoughts to notice what she had done. ''If I can find out what happened to Sylvaine and how she lost her consciousness, maybe I might find out how to return to my world.''


    Irene frowned when she did not hear a word from the girl behind her and she raised her head to look at her. However, instead of finding her eyes on her, Reyna was looking somewhere else nd she lowered her eyes to see what had happened. Her eyes widened the next moment and she let go of her dress. Unknowingly while walking, Irene had lifted the heavy dress that had been obstructing her.


    Though Irene had been accustomed to wearing gowns and other costumes, this was her first time wearing a heavy dress that seemed to weigh more than her. They hindered her from walking every time she took a step and eventually, her frustration got the best of her.


    Irene pressed her dress to remove the creases on them and gave Reyna a cheeky grin. "It''s just that I do not like wearing such clothes." She blurted out without thinking and Reyna gave her a blank look.


    "Why are you staring at me that way, Reyna? Is something the matter? Is everything okay?" Irene looked back at her, wondering what had happened to her. ''Why is she eyeing me like a delicious piece of meat? I know I look delicious, but I am definitely not meat she can eat.'' Irene thought to herself.


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    A bizarre notion entered her mind and she even looked mortified when she thought about it. ''Is Reyna a lesbian? Does she like Sylvaine? I mean, does she like me? Is she secretly in love with me?'' The thought alone sent chills down Irene''s spine and she had the sudden urge to run away from the place, from the girl.


    But she stopped herself when another realization hit her. ''Were such kinds of love and relationship allowed in the past? Can people love anyone they want, irrespective of their gender in this era?'' She wondered with a frown. ''Hey, no way. Reyna is not like what I think her to be. She is straight. She must have a boyfriend or even a husband. So how can she fall for me?''


    Irene shook her head to clear her head of her weird thoughts. First, however, she thought to confirm them with the girl herself before deciding. "Reyna, do you have a boyfriend?"


    "Boy...boyfriend?" Reyna gave her a confused look. "What is that, Milady?"


    "Ahh, you did not have boyfriend-girlfriend words in this era. My bad." Irene clicked her tongue and smacked her forehead much to Reyna''s fright.


    "Reyna, do you have a man in your life? A special man, the one you love and who loves you back." She put her words so that Reyna could understand her easily and raised her brows in mischief. A slight blush reached the girl''s cheeks as soon as the question left her lips. She seemed flustered all of a sudden and Irene could more or less guess what her answer was.


    "Aww, our dear Reyna is blushing. May I know who that great man is, dear?" Irene smiled wickedly at the innocent girl and raised her brows playfully.


    "No, no, Milady. You are mistaken. I do not have anyone in my life yet." Reyna shook her head in panic and Irene''s smile widened in mischief.


    "You can tell the truth to me, Reyna. Your secret will be safe with me." Irene prompted, but Reyna gave the same answer again.


    "Then, do you have someone you like? A crush, perhaps?" Irene tried another way, once again forgetting that she had used a word that belonged to modern times.


    "Crush? I do not understand." Reyna gave a confused look and Irene sighed lightly. She made a pitiful face cursing all that had happened to her.


    ''Why did I have to end up in the era that belongs to my ancestors'' ancestors? I cannot converse with the people here without explaining myself again. What did I get myself into and why am I stuck here?'' Irene cried and complained in her mind before she composed her.


    "Reyna, I was asking if you have someone you like."


    "No, no, Milady. I don''t." Her reply was instant. ''Who would possibly like me? Not the man I like, at least. He does even know of my existence.'' She took a deep breath and smiled lightly.


    Although Irene did not believe her, she did not probe more into it. She had other pressing matters to attend to. But at least she confirmed that the girl was normal and did not have weird feelings for her. "You did not answer me. You did not tell me how I hurt myself and fell unconscious." Irene returned to the topic at hand.


    "Milady, you slipped off the stairs and tumbled down before falling unconscious."

 13. Planning and preparation

    "Milady, you slipped off the stairs and tumbled down before falling unconscious." Reyna''s reply did not affect Irene much and she gave her a thoughtful stare.


    ''Hmm, something huge and disastrous must have happened with Sylvaine. Otherwise, there was no way she would have remained unconscious for five days.'' With that thought, she started walking again, her focus fixed on her notions rather than the beautiful surroundings around her. Reyna followed her quietly, confused by her Lady''s behavior. However, she did not say a word about it.


    ''Will I be able to return home if I were to fall off the staircase again?'' Irene wondered and just the thought of experiencing the pain of falling from such height made her shiver in fright. She shook her head at once. ''No way. I can''t do it. I am not that brave. What if this plan backfires and I end up with broken bones and a wounded face? Will I have to live a life with a scarred face? Never.''


    Irene shuddered when she imagined a scar on her beautiful face. Although she was in Sylvaine''s body, she could not help but care for her body as though it belonged to her. As long as she was here, she was Sylvaine, and everything related to her was hers too. ''I cannot damage Sylvaine''s face just because of my foolishness.'' She thought and gave up on the idea.


    ''But what else can I do? What other option do I have?'' She wondered and kept walking in circles, with Reyna following her closely. Irene placed her finger under her chin as she thought carefully. ''Is there any less painful and more effective method that could help me go back?'' However, her mind refused to cooperate with her and she could not find any solution. All she could reach was dead ends with no escape from what she was stuck in.


    Irene was about to turn around again when a loud noise broke her concentration. She turned to where the sounds came from and gave Reyna a confused look. "What is happening? Is there a celebration?"


    "Yes, Milady. Today marks the beginning of the Mid-Autumn Festival. This is the kingdom''s second biggest celebration after the Spring Festival." Reyna replied, her eyes gleaming in excitement.


    "Mid Autumn Festival?" Irene frowned, wondering what she was talking about.


    "Yes, Milady. The kingdom of Rothnia celebrates two festivals every year. While all the other kingdoms are invited to the Spring Festival, only the people of Rothnia celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival." Reyna replied with a happy glint and Irene gave her a mysterious look.


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    ''Why does Reyna look excited all of a sudden? Does she want to attend the festival?'' Irene wondered. ''Now that Reyna has spoken this much about the festival, I want to take a look too.'' Her curiosity was piqued, and she also wanted to see what would happen at the festival.


    "Do you want to go?" She queried, looking at the girl who was smiling in delight.


    "What, Milady?" Reyna gave her a surprised look, unable to comprehend what her Lady had asked.


    "Do you want to go to the festival, Reyna?" Irene stressed, hiding her excitement behind her serious face.


    "Ahh, no...I mean yes. I mean no, I cannot go." Reyna shook her head at once.


    "Why not?" Irene frowned at her and folded her hands immediately.


    "Milady, you just got up after being unconscious for days. How can I leave you and go?"


    Irene let out a helpless chuckle at her words. ''This silly girl.'' She sighed. "Who told you that you would be leaving me? I will be coming with you. I cannot let you have all the fun alone, right?" Irene winked at her and Reyna blushed again, just like she had done the previous night.


    "Aww, so cute. Reyna darling loves blushing." Irene teased her and Reyna bit her lip immediately and lowered her head in embarrassment,


    "Let''s go." Irene held her hand and pulled her with her.


    "Where are we going, Milady?"


    "To see the festival, Why? Don''t you want to go now? Did you change your mind?" Irene stopped and gave her a confused look.


    "No, no, Milady. That was not what I meant. The festival only starts at the time of dusk on the first day. If we go now, we will only see preparations." Reyna stated and Irene''s lips parted in realization.


    "Then, why don''t we look at the preparations?"


    "No, no, Milady. Although I love to do so, the sun is quite bright today and you are still weak. So if we go to the festival now, you might be tired by the time the festival starts. And the actual enjoyment of the festival only starts after the moon rises."


    Irene nodded at her in agreement. It was true that she still felt lethargic and after not having slept the previous night, her head had started throbbing lightly, creating havoc in her. It was as though a hammer was beating the hell out of her. All of a sudden, she yawned, her exhaustion clouding her thinking ability.


    "You are right. If I go now, I will not be able to enjoy the festival when it starts. And I feel quite sleepy too. So let''s go after dusk." Irene smiled faintly and walked back to her room.


    "Where are we going, Milady?"


    "I feel tired, Reyna. I want to take a nap." Reyna stood stunned in her spot and stared blankly at the woman who kept walking until she disappeared into the mansion.


    This was the first time her Lady was thinking of taking a nap. Though Reyna understood that she was still weak and her body had yet to recuperate well, she was still distressed to see her this exhausted and weak. ''Please get well soon, Milady. I cannot see you this way.'' She prayed and followed her Mistress back to the mansion.


    Irene returned to her room, not waiting for the girl to accompany her back. She did not waste another minute and lay on the bed and the moment she closed her eyes, she succumbed to what her body craved the most.

 14. Change of events

    Irene ran as fast as she could, trying to avoid tripping on her feet. Unfortunately, the long dress made it impossible for her to move conveniently, and she turned back to see how far behind her predator was. But to her horror, he was inching closer to her, covering the distance between them at a speed she could not even comprehend.


    ''How did he do that?'' Irene wondered as she kept moving. ''Is it humanly possible?'' But she did not have the time to dwell more on it. She had to escape before the man caught her, and she increased her speed even though she was already exhausted and drained. Irene took another look behind her and gasped when she saw the man''s menacing red eyes, staring right through her soul as he took his sweet time to get to her.


    Her long hair was now swaying wildly, and her forehead was covered with sweat. She was panting heavily, and her legs were about to give away. If not for the sudden adrenaline rush in her and the desire to get away from the predator who looked terrifying and ready to eat her up, Irene would have dropped to the ground at once.


    The wind howled in the dark night, and the leaves rustled, sending chills down Irene''s spine. Although she had been running for a long time, all her sweat was due to her fear and fear alone. Fortunately for her, the moon was shining bright in the sky, illuminating her path in the dense forest. Otherwise, she was sure she would have been caught when the chase started.


    However, an ominous feeling started to settle in her heart as time passed. Not once had Irene stopped running. But the man had not caught up to her even though he was running at a pace faster than hers.


    ''How is it possible? What is he and what is he trying to do?'' She wondered, not caring where she was going. She did not even know where the path led to. Heck, she did not know if there was even one ahead, or was it the end for her? All she wanted was to escape the dreadful man who had appeared before her out of nowhere.


    Suddenly, the path before her seemed familiar, and Irene frowned. However, her eyes did not shift away from where she was going, and she continued running in the direction she was going. And the moment she came out of the wild forest, Irene covered her mouth in horror.


    How could she forget the place that haunted her in her nightmares every night? How could she forget the castle that kept calling and luring her in her dreams? How could she not be familiar with the eerily mysterious castle where a man she did not know was waiting for her patiently?


    All her movements ceased as she stared at the enigmatic castle in front of her. Just like every other time, the castle looked beautiful and serene. But this time, there was something else in it that made it look all the more captivating. Other than the moon''s light, there was no other source of illumination. So, the castle gleamed in the dark, sending tremors of excitement and trepidation through Irene''s heart.


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    Although she wanted to retreat and return home, the castle was luring her to step inside. It was waiting for her to enter and make it hers, possess it, and own it even. It was crying out for its queen to take over it and rule it alongside the man who had been waiting for her for years.


    Ignoring all the alarms of danger in her mind, Irene lifted her skirt and walked towards the castle, mesmerized by the place altogether. She was in a trance and did not break out of it until she was standing inside the castle with nothing but the moonlight to irradiate her path. She only came out of her stupor when the frostiness of the place hit her, making her shiver in fright and cold.


    Irene wanted to escape from the place, run away and never return again. But her heart was not in her control, and her heart eventually won the war, forcing her mind''s alarm-filled thoughts aside, crushing them and throwing them out of her mind.


    Irene took the usual route she was well accustomed to and climbed the stairs slowly. She could only rely on the light from the moon, and even though her heart was thumping loud enough for her to hear it in the silent place, she continued in her venture. Eventually, she reached the long corridor brightly illuminated by candles, and Irene walked forward, her eyes searching for the painting etched in her mind.


    All through the time, she could not shred off the feeling of an intense gaze on her. Someone was staring at her, watching her every move keenly. Irene clutched her dress tight, gulping down her angst and uneasiness. She did not stop until she reached the end of the corridor. However, the painting was not the only thing she saw this time. The man in the painting stood in front of it, waiting for her patiently.


    Previously, Irene had been too cautious looking around her, her eyes seeking out the man she vividly remembered. Her focus was on finding him instead of where she was going to notice the man at the farther end of the corridor. She only saw him when she was just a few steps away from the painting. Her eyes widened in horror, and she shook her head in disbelief. ''How did he come here?'' She screamed in her mind. ''I am sure he wasn''t here a few moments ago.''


    Irene was too scared now, scared even to take a step further. She retreated a step away from him, ready to flee from the place. ''This was not how it usually happened. This is not how I meet the man in her dreams daily. I never saw him until I was standing in front of the painting. Why is it different this time?'' She wondered.


    Irene was just about to flee from the place, from him, when the man, who was smiling at her in delight, frowned lightly before he bolted towards her. In the blink of an eye, he was in front of her, and he held her by her waist, his arms snaking around her, securing her safely in his embrace.


    "I was waiting for you, darling." Even though the events had changed, his words remained unchanged until Irene heard him speak again. "Please do not leave me again, Irene. I have waited centuries for you, and finally, I have you where I want you to be."

 15. Worried Reyna

    Irene woke up with a start as she gasped for air. Sweat trickled down her cheeks and neck, and a few strands of her hair stuck to her skin. Her eyes were filled with fear as she looked around her in trepidation. She stopped trembling and closed her eyes to soothe her anxious nerves when she was sure she was safe and sound. Her heart was thumping madly, and Irene could hear its beat clearly.


    But the moment she closed her eyes, her dream played like a broken record, reminding her of the bizarre events that had transpired during her sleep. A frown marred her sweaty forehead as she went through her dream slowly. Unlike when she had found herself standing in front of the castle usually, this time, she was chased by someone until she ended up in front of the castle.


    But what terrified her more was that her predator had vivid red eyes that glowed in the dark, just like the man in the castle. Throughout the chase, Irene had not once seen his face other than his eyes. Just his eyes were enough to send chills down her spine. Though the man in the castle too had red eyes, they did not regard her coldly or treat her as his prey.


    Irene wiped her forehead but stopped suddenly when she recollected another part of her dream. ''Did the man just call me by my name before I woke up?'' She wondered, her face turning pale in fear. ''This has never happened before. So, why did he call me by my name now? What is happening?'' She held her forehead as she tried to clear her thoughts.


    However, nothing she did could shake the fragments of her dreams, especially the man who had chased her in the jungle. Whenever she thought about his red eyes, she shivered in terror and goosebumps rose on her skin. The man sure had etched himself in her mind, even though he had appeared only once in her dream.


    Irene sighed lightly, wondering why she was having such bizarre dreams for years. They had not stopped haunting her even after transmigrating into another world and body. All of a sudden a strange premonition filled her heart. ''Does my dream and my transmigration have a connection?'' She pondered. But the next moment, she shook her head, discarding her thoughts. Even to her, they felt incredulous. How could her dream possibly be even related to her transmigration?


    Irene waited until her heartbeat returned to normal before she dragged her body off the bed. Out of habit, Irene lifted her right hand to check the time, only to realize that she did not have a watch with her and she was now in another world. With a frustrated sigh, she pressed her forehead lightly, unable to believe where she had ended up after being murdered.


    With nothing else to do, Irene stepped out of her room, hoping to find Reyna on the way. But, no sooner had she started walking that her stomach grumbled in annoyance, reminding her to feed it. Fortunately for her, she remembered where the dining hall was and quickly made it to the place.


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    "Milady," One of the maids who was walking her with a basket full of fruits bowed at her.


    "May I get something to eat? I am hungry." Irene asked sheepishly. This was the first time she was asking someone for food and not preparing it herself. Since the time she had become independent, she had done all her work herself. She was now unsettled to ask and order people around for her necessities. Given a chance, she would have rushed to the kitchen and whipped up a sandwich for a quick bite before she started to prepare a grand feast for herself.


    "Yes, Milady. Reyna was just about to call you for supper. She is getting your plate ready." The maid replied with a smile.


    "Thank you. May I know what your name is?" Irene smiled at her return and picked up an apple from the basket.


    "I am Amy, Milady."


    "Great. Thank you, Amy." Irene sat on the chair as she waited for Reyna. Though she was yet to learn the names of the servants in the mansion, she did not forget to smile at them as they passed by her. All the servants seemed to be in a hurry, and Irene wondered what was happening.


    "Milady, here''s your supper." Reyna placed the plate she had prepared in front of her and waited beside her.


    "Why didn''t you wake me up for lunch, Reyna?" Irene started to eat her food, completely forgetting the dining etiquette she was supposed to follow. Although she was not unruly and messy, she did not have the elegance of a lady either. Reyna frowned on seeing her actions. But she did not comment a word about it.


    "Milady, I did try to wake you up. But you were deep asleep. So, I could not..." Reyna''s voice vanished at the end, and Irene understood what might have happened. After not sleeping the previous night, her exhaustion got the best of her and she slept like a baby. Irene was a deep sleeper, nobody, not even an orchestra playing beside her, could wake her up when she fell asleep.


    "What is happening, Reyna? Why are the servants in a hurry?" Irene queried as she watched another maid hurry by them.


    "Milady, His Grace sent us a message. A guest will be visiting us in the morning. We are following His Grace''s orders and preparing everything as he wants." Reyna replied and Irene nodded thoughtfully.


    "I see. Did Father return then?"


    "Not yet, Milady. His Grace will return soon."


    "When will the Mid Autumn Festival start?"


    "Milady, there is still an hour or so for the festival to start. But.." Reyna stopped suddenly, and Irene raised her head as she blinked at her in confusion.


    "But...? What happened, Reyna? Is there a problem? Do you not want to accompany me?"


    "No, no, Milady. That is not the problem." Reyna shook her head at once.


    "Then?"


    "Milady, you got up after being unconscious for a long time. I was just worried if your body could take it. The festival will last until midnight, sometimes even beyond."


    "Aww, are you worried for me, darling?" Irene teased her with a smirk, and Reyna blushed as soon as she heard her word of endearment. "Sweetheart, don''t worry. I am not that weak. I am sure I can manage."


    "But.." Reyna was still not convinced.


    "If I were to feel tired, we will return home immediately. Alright? Will this make you feel better?" Irene compromised, even though she was certain she would stay the entire time and gave her a look of understanding, and Reyna nodded at her in return.


    "Great. We will leave once Father returns."

 16. Mid Autumn Festival – Part 1

    It had taken Irene a lot of time to convince the old Duke to send her out. Duke Seymour had been adamant about not letting her leave the mansion on the pretext that she was yet to recover. Her body was still weak, and she could not handle the festival''s excitement. But Irene had requested him, pleaded with him even, forcing out her puppy eyes to break the man''s unwavering heart. Eventually, unable to see his daughter''s heartbroken face, Seymour relented.


    Irene looked back as she glared at the two men following her silently. Though her father had agreed to her request to go to the festival in her state, he had also ordered two guards to accompany her and Reyna. He did not allow even one word of protest, compelling Irene to give up.


    The guards looked at each other in confusion before they stared at her innocently. They had no idea why she was glowering at them when all they were doing was following their master''s orders. They blinked at her, and Irene lost all her ability to blame them after seeing their innocent eyes.


    ''Ah, that was my get-my-things-done face.'' She cursed silently before she continued to walk with Reyna, who at that moment was busy admiring the colorful street in front of her. Although it was not the first time she was walking around the streets during the Mid Autumn Festival, she was still excited and eager to experience the festival with full vigor.


    Irene was pulled in by her enthusiasm and she too became thrilled at once, forgetting the two annoying bodyguards who were enjoying the festival secretly. They walked on the street that led to the kingdom center, observing the various stalls around them.


    "Milady, the Mid Autumn Festival will start officially in an hour or so. His Majesty, the King, will address the people first before the festival begins." Reyna explained, keeping in mind that her Lady had forgotten everything.


    "Interesting. Who is the King of Rothnia?" Irene asked, her eyes sparkling in delight while Reyna''s smile slipped momentarily. Irene was too busy admiring everything around her to notice it, and Reyna had been careful enough to quickly return to her usual self.


    "Kieran Allendale," Reyna answered and bit her cheek.


    "Kieran Allendale? That''s a nice name. He sounds powerful and intimidating. How is he as a king?" Irene queried as she looked at the shop selling dresses at an affordable rate. The shop was filled with ladies as they haggled with the owner to buy the dresses of their choice.


    "He is powerful and intimidating, Milady and extremely vicious," Reyna commented, and Irene''s head snapped towards her at once.


    "Vicious? Why do you say so, Reyna?" Irene''s face scrunched in confusion, and she gave her a puzzled look, urging her silently to continue. "Did he do something evil?"


    "This is what the people of Rothnia say about him, Milady. It is said that he was not as ruthless as he is now. An unfortunate event in the past turned him cruel and heartless." Reyna revealed, and Irene''s confusion increased all the more.


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    "Do you find him vicious too, or are you too following the herd blindly?" Irene looked at a group of girls holding a weirdly shaped candy in their hands, and her eyes sparkled. Even before Reyna could reply to her previous question, Irene wrapped her arm around hers and pointed toward the candy. "Reyna, what is that?"


    Reyna''s eyes followed her finger, and her lips widened in an excited smile. "Milady, that is rock sugar candy." Reyna immediately licked her lips, which Irene did not miss, and she smiled knowingly.


    "Shall we buy it? I want to know how it tastes?" Irene pulled her gently with her while the two guards followed them closely lest they should miss them in the crowd.


    "Milady, do you want to eat it?" Reyna was flabbergasted at her interest in having it.


    "Why? Should I not eat it? Is it inedible?" Irene was confused and she stared hard at the colorful rock sugar candy. This was the first time she had seen something like this, and she wanted to taste it.


    "No, no, Milady. You should. You should." Reyna did not hide her joy and she nodded at her fervently. "You must try it. It is sweet to taste." She licked her lips at once and looked at the colorful sticks in the stall.


    "Then, why did you stop me before?" Irene waited for the people before her to finish buying what they wanted.


    "Milady, that is because you never..." Reyna shook her head, her lips losing her smile.


    "Did I never eat this in the past?" Finally, Irene caught onto the meaning and pointed at the sugar stick, her eyes widening in disbelief, and Reyna confirmed them by shaking her head again. "Why? Am I allergic to it?"


    "No, no, Milady. You just did not wish to eat something so cheap and easily available." Reyna kept her voice low not to annoy the stall owner. He was almost done with the couple in the front, and soon, it would be their turn.


    "Was Sylvanie an idiot? She must be. Otherwise, why would she not enjoy her life?" Irene mumbled under her breath. But Reyna heard her clearly.


    "Milady?" She gave her a confusing look, making Irene chuckle in embarrassment.


    "I was scolding my past self. How could I be ignorant and stupid?"


    Reyna did not get the opportunity to refute her words, for it was now their turn at the stall. "What flavor would you like to have, Milady?" The stall owner did not miss the elegance and exquisiteness of the dress the woman in the front was wearing, and he immediately realized that she was an aristocrat. He was especially respectful towards her, and Irene, for a moment, went blank on seeing his behavior.


    "Milady," Reyna nudged from the side, waiting for her to choose.


    "Which flavor is the best?" Instead of asking the stall owner, she asked Reyna, and the girl was touched to find out that her Lady was asking her opinion, which had never happened before.


    "Milady, raspberry, grape and cherry are good," Reyna suggested.


    "Then, give two of each flavor she just said." Irene did not hesitate to buy them, for she too wanted to taste the different flavors. "Which flavor do you want?" She then faced the two guards who were keeping an eye out for danger behind them. Her question startled the two men, and they stared at her dumbfounded. "Well, tell me," Irene spoke again, bringing them out of their trance.


    "No, no, Milady. Thank you for asking. But we do not..."


    "Why?" The man did not even have time to finish when his Lady interrupted him.


    "Milady, it is too sweet for us. We are not comfortable eating it." The other guard spoke, coming up with a valid reason at the last moment.


    Irene gave him a mysterious look, skeptical about his words. But eventually, she gave up persuading them. It was true that some men did not have a sweet tooth and they disliked sweets.


    The two guards sighed in relief and looked at each other in wonder. They were still shocked to think their Lady had even considered them when buying the candy stick. This had never happened in the past, and her gesture touched them incredibly. Like the other servants, they too started to like their Lady without her memories. At least she was not demanding and arrogant like before.

 17. Mid Autumn Festival - Part 2

    Irene licked the candy, her eyes widening in delight. She had never tasted anything like that before. Though they tasted similar to some of the mocktails she had drunk in her modern life, the candies were sweeter and mood-lifting. She momentarily forgot everything about her new surroundings as she enjoyed the delicacy in her hand.


    Even Reyna too was enjoying her sugar candy, and the guards smiled at the two girls who resembled small children, with their faces beaming in joy. They had never seen such a carefree expression on their mistress''s face, and just one glance was enough to widen their smiles.


    "Where shall we go next, Milady?" Reyna sucked on her candy as she walked a step behind her mistress. Though her mistress had asked her to walk beside her, her respect and admiration towards her stopped Reyna from walking beside her. She was happy to follow and be with her this way.


    "What do you suggest, Reyna? Has the King arrived already?" Irene queried. She was down to her last sugar candy. Though she wanted another one, she stopped herself in time, worrying about her teeth.


    "No, Milady. King Kieran arrives exactly when the clock strikes seven." Reyna shook her head and pulled out a handkerchief after eating. "But we can take our seats in the meantime. It would already be crowded at the center by now.


    Reyna stuck out her tongue as soon as she uttered the words and glanced at the lady in front of her. To her relief, her Lady was too involved in finishing the last bite of candy to notice her abnormal behavior. Reyna turned back in the guilt, and the two guards stared at her with a frown.


    "What do you mean? Do we already have our seats reserved?" Irene licked her apple-flavored candy, not noticing Reyna and the guards'' silent conversation.


    "Yes, Milady. We have seats reserved for the people of the Duke''s mansion.," Reyna replied, hoping her mistress would forget what she had said earlier. Although nothing was wrong with what she said, she feared the consequences if the Duke or her mistress saw the guards and the servants of their mansion who had come to view the ceremony.


    Reyna had heard the servants and guards speak among themselves, planning to attend the ceremony briefly, taking shifts in their work. Neither Duke Seymour nor their Lady Sylvanie knew about it, and they had intended to keep it that way. Though the guards did not leave the mansion unattended, they still considered themselves guilty for keeping the matter from their master.


    Reyna glanced at her mistress in guilt before she looked at the guards again. They had utterly given her a blind eye, forcing her to take care of the trouble she had created herself.


    Although they were uncertain how their mistress would react, especially now that she had turned into a completely different person, they were still apprehensive and wary of her. The girl in the past was quite obnoxious and strict. Since the day she had found out about the festival, she had prohibited everyone from attending for reasons they could not fathom.


    The guards recalled the year when two new maids in the mansion had sought Lady Sylvaine''s permission to attend the Mid Autumn Festival opening ceremony, only to be made to overwork that day until their backs and legs were crying in pain. Since then, neither the guards nor the servants ever asked her permission and sneaked out of the mansion just to catch a glimpse of the ceremony.


    Irene had no idea what dilemma was running through the three people''s minds. She did not see their scared faces as they waited for her to react to what Reyna had said. All she could remember and rejoice about was that she could use her father''s name to get a good seat to watch the ceremony.


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    ''When I have the privilege, why shouldn''t I use it? What is the use of having a Duke as my father if I cannot enjoy benefits?'' She thought to herself before she pulled out her kerchief from her dress pocket and wiped her lips.


    "How long is it before the ceremony starts?" Irene turned to Reyna while she pinned the strands of hair that had escaped her bun. The three people had masked their expressions when she turned to them. So, she did not find anything suspicious.


    "Milady...." Reyna had barely begun speaking when a bell rang, startling Irene downright. She had never heard such a loud sound before and looked around in wonder.


    Reyna stifled a laugh on seeing her jump. "Milady, it is the bell of indication for the ceremony to begin. The ceremony will begin in a few minutes once the clock strikes seven."


    "Looks like it''s time. Will Father be there?" Irene patted her heart and avoided Reyna''s gaze.


    "Yes, Milady, He will. His Grace works for King Kieran. So he has to attend the ceremony." Reyna replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The one ceremony she looked forward to every year was the Mid Autumn Festival opening festival.


    "I see." Irene nodded, and the group walked to the kingdom center, where a large crowd had already accumulated. While the people at the front were sitting, the ones at the back were standing in order and this orderly behavior surprised Irene. She remembered when she had attended a concert in the modern world and how unruly and improper the crowd was.


    ''Maybe that is the power of authority.'' She thought to herself. ''Or the people themselves are well-behaved.'' Though uncertain what the reason was, she was still ecstatic to see that there was no pushing and pulling in the crowd.


    "Kind Sir," Reyna took the lead and spoke to the guards at the entrance. "Our Lady is here to watch the ceremony. Her father, His Grace Duke Seymour, is already waiting for Milady at the seating area." As soon as the guard heard the Duke''s name, he let the group inside, and Reyna escorted her to where the old Duke was waiting for them.


    "Father," Irene chirped, happy to see the old man even though it had only been a few hours since they had last seen him.


    "Sylvaine, dear. Come here." He patted the chair beside him and flashed her a contented smile, the meaning of which Irene could not understand. There was a weird sense of joy on his face. It was as though the man had finally achieved something. "Father, is everything alright?"


    "Yes, dear. Why do you ask?" He asked, his smile not leaving his face.


    "I am not sure. You seem happy and..." creepy. She kept the last part to herself.


    "I am just happy to see you here, dear. This is your first time attending the festival after your mother passed away."


    Irene now understood his sentiments and let out a bleak smile, not knowing what to say. Fortunately for her, the guards announced the arrival of the King and everyone stood up to greet him in respect.


    Irene finally stared at the gazebo in front of her in awe. She had no idea what it was, for it did not resemble a gazebo she was pretty familiar with. While there was just one throne at the center, which she understood was for the King, there was nothing else other than lanterns hanging from the gazebo roof.


    However, the simplicity of the place was enough to take her breath away. There was something oddly enchanting about the pavilion that drew Irene towards it. There was a gigantic cauldron a few steps to the right in front of the pavilion, far away from the crowd''s reach. Irene had no idea why the cauldron was placed in front of them, and she voiced her question for her father to answer.


    "This is how the ceremony starts, dear. His Majesty, Kieran Allendale, will light a fire in the cauldron, marking the beginning of the ceremony. The fire from the cauldron reaches so high that everyone in Rothnia will be able to see it from where they are." Seymour explained, even though he had already told it to his daughter before. His tone had a cheerful glint as though he was describing the festival to his daughter for the first time, sharing the excitement with her.


    Irene now understood why the crowd was made to sit far away. It was to save them from the heat and the fire.


    Irene stared at the man who was slowly making his way towards the throne, trying to catch a glimpse of his face. But the King had his back towards her. So, she could not see him until he stood before the throne, facing the large crowd before him.


    However, what Irene saw made her gasp instantly, her eyes dilating in alarm. Contrary to her expectations, the King had his face half-covered with a silver-colored mask. Though she could not make out anything else, she could vividly see the man''s eyes, even from where she was. He had blood-red eyes, just like the man in her dreams, and the moment the thought entered her mind, the man turned towards her immediately, sending tremors in her heart and soul.

 18. Mid Autumn Festival - Part 3

    Chills went down Irene''s spine as soon as her eyes met the King''s, and she trembled visibly. Though petrified, her eyes did not move away from the blood-red irises that seemed to sparkle in the night light. Irene was sucked into those terrifyingly menacing orbs, compelling her mind to succumb to to the powerful man.


    Irene had never felt anything like this before, not when she was awake and sane, at least. This feeling of compulsion and pull was similar to how she had felt in her dream when she stood in front of the mysterious castle. It was forcing her to take a step toward him even though she knew about the dangers that lay ahead.


    She gaped at the man, her eyes dilating in worry. She was weirdly attracted to him and Irene had no idea why she felt this way. Her mind was a jumbled mess while her heart had stopped speaking to her or even sending signals, leaving her to face her dilemma alone.


    Like Irene, the King kept staring at her until his lips rose to one side. But immediately after, his smirk vanished.


    ''Did he just smirk at me?'' Irene wondered, blinking at him in confusion. However, his expression was reticent, and she could not make out much in the dark. Yet, somewhere she had an intuition that the man seemed pleased for reasons she could not discern.


    Irene snapped out of her thoughts as soon as the King sat on his throne, and immediately after, she even came out of her trance. It was as though all that had happened a few moments ago was just her dream, her imagination. Her lips parted in shock as she stared at the man on the throne. However, not once did he turn towards her, much to her relief and her misery at the same time.


    As soon as the King sat on the majestic throne, the other people in the front took their seats while the crowd at the back continued standing, excited to see the most powerful man of the kingdom before them. Everyone concentrated on the man, whose face Irene was desperate to see. Even though half of his face was covered, Irene could make out his handsome and charming features.


    ''Why do I find the King familiar? There are intimidating yet savvy vibes around him, as though I have met him before. Why is that so?'' She wondered before she narrowed her gaze. But even after thinking for long, Irene could not come up with anything. Eventually, she gave up thinking and focused on the ceremony while keeping an eye on the mystical man at the same time.


    In her distraction, Irene completely missed the smile that had escaped the King''s lips again. Only the man beside the King realized the difference in him, and he wondered if he was hallucinating things now. This was one of the rare moments when he had seen His Majesty smile with such gentleness, which only he knew about.


    Sensing his trusted man''s gaze on him, Kieran immediately turned towards him, startling him with his action. Though the man could not see the King''s expression behind the mask, he was sure his King was raising an eyebrow at him in amusement. Flustered, he immediately averted his gaze away from him.


    Irene witnessed all that had happened between the two, and she wondered what secret conversation they were sharing before her father took her attention away from them.


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    "Sylvaine, His Majesty will address the crowd gathered here before he lights the cauldron. Let me warn you before itself that the fire in the cauldron will be anything but normal. So, brace yourself to be amazed."


    The old Duke''s excitement made Irene laugh, and she shook her head in helplessness. Just as he had said, once the crowd settled, the King stood up, his formidable and domineering aura spreading everywhere like fire. There was complete silence in the area. Except for the breeze that blew past the trees, rustling the leaves with it, no other sound was heard. The King had captured his audience without doing anything.


    "People of Rothnia, we are gathered here to begin the Mid Autumn Festival ceremony." Even his voice was intimidating to Irene.


    "Unlike the previous years, this year, we are bound to experience a change and as to what the change is, you will find out soon." The King started, darting a glance at his audience before he settled on Irene, making her heart thump wildly in apprehension.


    "I, Kieran Allendale, the King of Rothnia, announce the start of the Mid Autumn Festival." Kieran spread his arms, and the moment he did so, the lights in the lanterns hung around the pavilion started to burn brighter than before.


    Irene''s jaw dropped, and she could not believe what she saw. It was as though she had been transported to a magical world with the way the lanterns had started to burn bright. A chuckle from beside her brought her out of her reverie, and she turned towards her father, who was laughing at her softly. Her baffled look did not leave her face, showing everyone how blown away she had been by the turn of events. It sure was astonishing yet fearsome.


    As surprised as she was by what had happened, Irene was also frightened. She was terrified of the man who suddenly looked nothing less than a demon. Cold sweat trickled down her back, and she had the sudden urge to run away from the place, from him. He screamed of danger and compulsion. But something in her told her that he would never hurt her, not her, at least.


    Kieran stayed in his spot until the lanterns returned to normal. "It is now time to light the festival torch." His lips curved up as he made his way toward the cauldron. Again, the crowd stood up as they waited for their King to reach the gigantic cauldron.


    Irene watched the man from where she was, her forehead marring with a frown. ''Why do I have a premonition suddenly?'' She patted her chest softly, trying to ease the uneasiness in her heart. But it only grew more as seconds passed. With a restless heart, she watched the King stand before the cauldron and pick up the knife she had not noticed before. Piercing it across his palm, he allowed his blood to fall inside and with one snap of his finger, tall flames of fire emerged from it.


    But that did not surprise the people of Rothnia, unlike Irene, who was flabbergasted and spooked to see what had happened. Instead, the color of fire stunned everyone, including Duke Seymour. Instead of the usual yellow-orange color, the fire was burning bright red with slight shades of purple.


    Irene could not decipher what her emotions were. She was too lost and mortified to speak a word, and even more so when she saw the man behind the flame. Previously, he had looked demonic when the lanterns had flickered behind him. But now, with the large flames shooting up in front of him, he resembled the devil, utterly sinister, enigmatic, and daunting.


    Whispers erupted everywhere, which Irene wholly ignored. Instead, she focused all her attention on the King, who was reveling in joy. His gaze soon fell on her, smiling at her in happiness briefly for a moment. He walked back to his throne, standing in front of the crowd with full authority.


    "People of Rothnia, I, Kieran Allendale, would like to announce." Silence ensued again, and Kieran settled his eyes on Irene. "That we have finally found our Queen."

 19. Vow to keep

    "We have finally found our Queen." As soon as the words left the King''s lips, it became utterly chaotic. The people were no longer calm, and loud whispers erupted. Nobody except the King was smiling while the flames continued to burn in the cauldron, its demonic shadows falling on the ground. Winds started to howl, making people shiver in their place.


    Suddenly, there was a loud clap of thunder, adding more to the direful atmosphere. Dark clouds hovered in the sky, with lightning flashing around them immediately.


    Irene stood still, bearing with the harsh wind as she stared at the King, only to find him already looking at her. The intensity in his eyes stunned her, and she trembled slightly.


    Soon, droplets of rain fell on the crowd, and people started to disperse, trying to save themselves from getting drenched. Duke Seymour held Irene''s hand, pulling her with him while Reyna and the two guards ran towards them in worry. The coachman had already drawn the carriage for them, and the old Duke helped his daughter to get inside.


    Irene stepped on the carriage platform. But before she vanished inside wholly, she turned back to look at the King, who had not stopped gazing at her. What she saw stunned her. His eyes held a conviction so firm that it was impossible to ignore. There was a promise in them, a promise that he would soon come for her. A promise that he was yet to fulfill, a vow he had yet to keep.


    Irene could not bear the vehemence in his eyes, and she eventually went inside, with Reyna following her immediately.


    "I will drop you home before I leave for the castle. I need to speak to His Majesty about what happened tonight." Seymour explained and ordered the coachman to start moving.


    Irene had not heard a word he had said. All she could think of was King Kieran and his gentle eyes. They had longing, passion, and love, and Irene was uncertain what to make out of it. Even behind the mask, he conveyed such strong emotions towards her that it was impossible to ignore. His face was oddly calm, yet ecstatic. It was as though he had finally found his peace and happiness.


    "Reyna, take care of her. Let her take a warm bath. She must have been tired from the days of events." Seymour ordered before he turned his attention to his daughter. "Irene, do not wait for me, dear. I might arrive home late. I have crucial matters to discuss with His Majesty. Please take a warm bath and eat your food on time. I will see you in the morning."


    Irene did not register any of the man''s words. Instead, she nodded at him blankly, agreeing with everything he said without objecting to it. Seymour dropped his daughter at the entrance before he left for the castle.


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    The moment they saw their young mistress enter, the servants entered a state of frenzy. Some of the maids who had gone to attend the ceremony were yet to return. The others now dreaded the outcome, hoping their mistress did not realize their absence. Though it was not them whom she would find slacking off at work, they would be held indirectly responsible for it, equally befitting of any punishment their young mistress had in mind for them. And it was this punishment that scared them.


    But all their prayers were in vain, for the moment their young mistress entered the mansion, a few maids came running from outside. They were completely drenched and they were panting heavily. They stopped short when they saw their Lady inside the mansion, looking at them.


    "Milady," The maids dropped to their knees right in front of Irene, bringing her out of her reverie. It was only then did she realize that she was back home. "Please forgive us, Milady. Please forgive us." The maids cried, and Irene gave them a puzzled look.


    "Why are you apologizing? What happened?"


    "Milady, we went to the ceremony against your orders. Please forgive us." The maids hung their heads low as they begged for mercy, while Irene had no idea what they were talking about. All she could focus on was they were kneeling in front of her on the cold floor, soaked to the skin.


    "Please get up, all of you. You might catch a cold. Get up." She stepped away from them, giving them the space to stand up.


    "Milady, we will not stop kneeling until you forgive us." One of the maids spoke, and the others nodded in agreement.


    "You have done nothing wrong for me to forgive you. You went to the ceremony because you wanted to. It is your right as a subject of Rothnia to attend the festival. Please don''t ask me for forgiveness. You have not committed any mistake." Irene stated, cursing Sylvaine a hundred times in her mind for being an arrogant brat. Her past action affected Irene, and she was left to mend and correct all her wrongdoings.


    "Milady," The maids looked at her gratefully, and Irene rolled her eyes at their astounded expression.


    ''I know I am amazing. You do not have to give me that look.'' She thought. "Will you all get up now, or do you actually want me to punish you or scold you for trying to fall ill?" Irene resorted to threatening at the end and the maids got up immediately. "All of you must be cold. Take a hot bath and drink some soup....I mean porridge. Drink some porridge. You will feel better."


    Irene smiled at them before walking away with Reyna who was grinning in happiness. She was filled with warmth to see her Lady being this kind and thoughtful towards the other maids, unlike her previous self. ''I wish the Lady remains this way forever.'' She thought silently.


    "Reyna?"


    "Yes, Milady?" She jumped in her place on being called her name loudly.


    "Where were you lost? I have been calling you for a long time?" Reyna was just about to come up with a reply when she was interrupted. "Forget it. I wanted to know how the King could do what he did today. Does he have powers and abilities?"


    Irene''s eyes sparkled as she recalled all the movies she had watched about people with magical abilities. Just the thought was enough to send her excited yet scared.


    Reyna bit her lip, wondering how to tell her the truth. ''Should I say it? Or should I wait for the Duke to tell Milady?'' She thought and decided against the latter. "Milady, I am not sure about His Majesty myself. But all I can say is he is a formidable man, and those who have gone against him have met a dreadful end."

 20. Reynas opinion

    "Milady, I will prepare the bath for you. You must be cold after standing in the rain." Not intending to continue speaking about the King, Reyna changed the topic swiftly before her mistress could ask another question.


    Irene realized what Reyna was up to and how sneakily she changed the topic lest she should ask her more. Now her curiosity grew, and she wanted to find out about the enigmatic King who had caught her attention at first glance. He sure was not a normal human for him to have lit the fire just by snapping his fingers.


    ''What is he?'' She wondered as she thought about all possibilities. ''Is he a wizard?'' She recalled the movie she had seen where a young boy joined a school filled with witches and wizards as he learned magic and various spells.


    But as soon as the thought came to her more, she shook her head at once. ''The man resembles nothing like a wizard, not even like Voldemort. He is more like the devil out in the open to suck my soul away. Though he knows magic, there is something more to him that I''m unable to discern. He was more mysterious than the castle in my dream.''


    "Milady?" Reyna''s voice brought her out of her stupor. "I have filled the bathtub. Please tell me if you need anything else." She stated politely as soon as she turned towards her.


    "I don''t need anything. Now, you too go and take a good bath. You must be cold too." Irene pushed the thoughts about the King towards the back of her mind and stared at the girl before her.


    "But, Milady. I..."


    "Go," Irene ordered sternly, and this was enough to make Reyna give up.


    "Yes, Milady. Please take care. I will come back once I am done." She smiled at her while Irene waited for Reyna to leave before she entered the bathroom.


    Submerging herself in hot water, Irene''s thoughts once again went back to the King, his red eyes flashing before her the next moment. Irene jerked suddenly in shock and she blinked in fear, trying to get the image out of her head. But irrespective of her actions, she could not force him out of her thoughts. Every time she closed her eyes, the King''s face appeared. His red, alluring eyes, charming jawline, and attractive face hidden behind the silver mask kept popping up continuously.


    But what stunned her was that he would be staring at her intensely every time she saw him, even though it was only her imagination. His deep, soul-sucking eyes would never leave her gaze, pulling her in and forcing her to lose herself altogether.


    Irene could not decipher why she was feeling that way and why she could not shake him out of her head. He had not only occupied all her thoughts, he even kept appearing before her whenever she closed her eyes. The feeling was so terrifying that she did not know what was happening to her. It had been just one glance at him that had rendered her this troubled.


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    Irene was frustrated, and she groaned in despair. Finally, after a long time, she finished her bath, forcing herself not to think about the devilish man, only to fail every time. Reyna was already waiting for her, and the moment she saw her, she rushed to help her with her dress.


    "Thank the heavens I do not have to wear heavy and flamboyant gowns at night. I don''t know how long I''ll be able to survive in them." She mumbled, ignoring Reyna''s perplexed gaze on her.


    ''I need to do something about my dresses.'' She thought to herself and made a note to visit the tailor soon to get some comfortable clothes.


    "Milady, shall I get your dinner here or do you want to go down to eat?" Reyna too did not probe onto the matter. Instead, she stood still and observed the way her mistress'' expressions kept changing every moment.


    Irene was in no mood to entertain the other servants. She was exhausted mentally after what had transpired at the ceremony. Moreover, her father too had gone out. So, she decided against the idea of going down to the dining hall.


    "I will have my dinner here. Bring your food too. Let''s eat together."


    Reyna could only nod and get to work while Irene made her way towards the balcony of her room. Even from where she was, she could see the red flames burning bright as they rose higher and higher in the sky. The heavy rain had not diminished or killed the fire, and it stood strong, going against the harsh weather brilliantly.


    Irene was in awe of the flames and her lips parted in shock. This was her first time seeing such a fantastic phenomenon where the rain could not kill the fire. Just the mere sight was enough to make her tremble. ''How powerful must the King be for him to create such a wonder?'' She pondered, staring at the bright red flames adorning the night view.


    "What the hell is he?" She thought again, forcing out all possible scenarios her brain could conjure. But she could not conclude much and eventually, gave up even though she could not stop thinking about him.


    "Milady, I have brought your food," Reyna called from behind, and Irene walked away from the balcony with a frown. She could still not shake away her thoughts, and she realized that they would keep her mind occupied for a long time or until she got her answers.


    "Reyna, you did not answer my question," Irene recalled how she had been unable to listen to what Reyna thought of the King. Right at that moment, they got distracted, cutting their conversation short.


    "Which question, Milady?" Reyna swallowed a spoonful of rice before she gave out a confused look. She tried to recall what question her mistress was referring to but in vain.


    "You only spoke about what the people think about His Majesty. You did not tell me what you think about him." Irene iterated her question again and observed Reyna closely, focusing on her expressions more.


    Just as she had expected, Reyna''s expression changed completely, and her face lost color. She had a strange look, and Irene wondered what had happened for her to behave this way. "Reyna, are you alright? Is something the matter?"


    "Milady, I am fine. I am fine." Reyna assured her, but Irene was not convinced, and she raised her brows questioningly.


    "You are not fine, Reyna. What is the matter? Is it about the King? What did he do?" Irene''s eyes changed suddenly and she let out a fierce aura around her, completely startling Reyna. She had never experienced anything like that before, and for a moment, Reyna completely forgot what she wanted to say.


    "Reyna?"


    "Yes, Milady?" Reyna replied in a trance.


    "Speak." She ordered, and Reyna sighed in defeat.


    "Milady, unlike what the people say, I do not believe His Majesty to be cruel. Though he looks devilish, he actually has a soft heart." Reyna replied with her eyes lowered.


    "Why do you say so?" Irene tilted her head in suspicion.


    "Milady, His Majesty once saved me from someone who attacked me when I was returning home."

 21. Wish granted

    "Saved you?" Irene looked at her in surprise and she placed her plate beside her. "What had happened?" She could imagine what Reyna must have gone through when someone had attacked her. She too had gone through the same in her original life. However, unlike Reyna, who had a savior to rescue her, Irene had been entirely alone. She was utterly helpless, unable to help escape from her predicament.


    "Milady, that..." Reyna bit her lip and took a look at her mistress, only to find her already looking at her in concern. "My family lives in the next village, and I must pass by the jungle to reach the village. On my way back, I was attacked by an unknown man." Reyna trembled visibly as she recounted the dreadful day when she had had a close encounter with death.


    "I am still unsure as to why he had attacked me. All I heard from him was that it had been long before he had a good hunt."


    Irene, too felt shivers run down her spine, and she hugged Reyna immediately, not caring about the plate in her hand. Instead, she held her tight, patting her back to comfort her.


    "It was His Majesty who saved me from him. He pulled us apart and snapped my attacker''s head before reducing him to ash. His Majesty then, escorted me back until we reached the capital, where people were still walking around." Reyna smiled softly as she recalled how the King had saved her and had walked back with her silently. Though they had not spoken a word the entire time, for she had been nervous in his presence, Reyna did not feel it to be awkward. On the contrary, she found the silence to be assuring and comforting.


    "How do you know that it was His Majesty? Did he have his face covered just like today?"


    "Yes, Milady. Just like today, he was wearing his silver mask and nobody else in the kingdom of Rothnia wears a mask, let alone a silver one that is meant solely for His Majesty. I am not mistaken about it." Reyna stated with conviction, and Irene was impressed and happy that the King himself had saved her.


    "If what you are saying is the truth, then His Majesty sure is a good man and he did his duty by protecting you well," Irene commented. "I agree with you. He is not wicked or vicious at all." Irene added, agreeing with her words. She had seen the gentleness in his eyes amidst the ocean of other emotions swirling in his eyes. It was as though he had finally found the person he was looking for and what he needed was right before him.


    The King''s eyes had been shining brightly, depicting how happy he was, and Irene wondered if it was due to the news he had shared with the people. Even though his face was hidden behind his mask, she could still make out how ecstatic he was.


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    Irene felt a pang in her heart when she thought about the lady who would be his Queen. ''Why am I feeling this way? What is wrong with me?'' She wondered and patted her heart before focusing on Reyna again.


    "Yes, Milady. Some people also say that he and his special army of men secretly guard the kingdom and the people at night, saving everyone from the danger that lurks around us. But nobody has seen them. However, I believe it is the truth. The King sure must be guarding us in secret. Otherwise, many more people would have died, especially while walking by the jungle."


    Irene let the girl go and she picked up her plate again, choosing to remain silent, for she did not know what to say. Other than her impression of him after today, she knew nothing about him. So, she decided to test him before taking her stand.


    "Reyna, why were the people stunned when the King announced that he finally met his Queen? Isn''t it a joyous occasion for the King to meet his Queen?" Irene voiced the confusion eating her mind for a long time.


    "Milady, it was said that the King would never have a Queen for life. Yet, His Majesty never lost hope. Every year, he would light the cauldron, waiting for it to give an indication about his Queen. It is said that His Majesty makes a wish before he lights the fire in the cauldron and the color of the flame tells if his wish would be granted or not."


    "Do you believe this?" Irene had never expected such a backstory for the King to light the cauldron. She had assumed it to be a part of the ceremony they had been following for years.


    "I do, Milady. I do, especially after today. I do believe it." Reyna nodded her head fervently. "At first, nobody knew what His Majesty was wishing for until one day a rumor spread that he was wishing for his Queen. Every year, the fire would burn normally. However, this is the first time it has taken such a mesmerizing color of red. Also," Reyna turned to face her mistress, who had finished eating her dinner by then.


    "Didn''t you hear what His Majesty said after the flames erupted, Milady? Didn''t he say that we have finally got our Queen? I presume his wish has been granted, and the Kingdom of Rothnia will soon get our Queen." Reyna cheered as soon as she finished speaking, and her contagious smile made Irene smile too.


    "I hope he gets the girl he likes. The man must have suffered for a long time, waiting for his Queen all these years. He should get the happiness he deserves." Irene wished for him sincerely and watched Reyna eat her last spoon of rice.


    "Yes, Milady. He should. He needs someone to fill his life with happiness and love." He has already suffered a lot in his life. Reyna thought to herself. "Let me clear the plates, Milady." Reyna picked up both plates before walking towards the door, only to be stopped by her mistress.


    "Reyna, you can go back to your chambers. I presume Father is still at the palace, and it would take him some time to return home. I want to sleep until then and accompany him when he returns. Wake me up if possible when he arrives."


    "Yes, Milady. Good night."


    "Good night."

 22. Planning

    Meanwhile, Duke Seymour traveled towards the palace, bearing the harsh weather and the cold night. Like everyone else, he too, had been stunned to know that the King had finally found his Queen. But soon, it turned to joy. He was one of the few people who knew the King''s identity and what kind of a man he was. Unlike how the subjects of Rothnia portrayed him to be, he was not a devil or a vicious man. On the contrary, he was a kind man who secretly looked after the entire kingdom.


    But what made him a devil was that he was not a human. His identity made him a monster, and Seymour knew King Kieran did not mind being called a devil by his people. He preferred to be the King who the people feared so that they would never cross him, rather than a King who was kind and gentle towards them, lest they should try to take advantage of him.


    Many people were already vying for his throne, and it would only be easier for them if he turned less devilish. So, the man remained a monster to everyone, including the Duke, who respected and dreaded him at the same time.


    "I was waiting for you," Kieran commented as soon as Seymour entered the courtroom. There was no light inside the room, and Seymour had difficulty finding his way inside. He could only rely on his touch to feel the way around him.


    "Your Majesty, I am unable to see anything. Would you mind..." He did not even have to continue when the torches in the courtroom lit up at once, filling it with light.


    The King was seated on his throne as Seymour had always seen, holding a chalice. And as to what the chalice contained, Seymour knew clearly. He watched the powerful man before him take a sip and run his tongue over his teeth before he licked his lips in delight. His red eyes were gleaming in joy, and Seymour understood the reason for it.


    King Kieran was happy. His long-awaited wish finally got fulfilled today. He finally found his Queen. He got the woman he had once lost years ago.


    "Your Majesty, congratulations on finding your Queen." Seymour did not forget to wish him, and Kieran smiled at his words.


    Seymour was one of the few people who accepted who he was, not judging him and loathing him for his identity. Also, he was loyal not only to the throne but to him as well. He never thought of going against him or his orders, and Kieran was glad he had him in his Council of Ministry.


    "I see that only a few people were happy at me finding my Queen. Say, Seymour, is it bad that I found my Queen?" Kieran swirled the liquid in the chalice slowly before taking another sip. He closed his eyes, relishing the drink to his heart''s content.


    "No, Your Majesty. It is not. It is a matter to celebrate." Seymour replied immediately, his expression completely honest and genuine.


    "Do you know why I trust you this much, Seymour?" Kieran started, deviating from their initial conversation. "You are true to your words. Never have I found you to hide your thoughts, and everything you speak is the truth. I am quite fortunate to have you as my minister." Kieran did not hold back from praising the man, and Seymour did not know what to say other than to thank him.


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    "Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you for finding me capable and worthy."


    "Now, let us get back to why the people are unhappy about me finding my Queen. Why do you think so? Is it because of the prophecy?"


    Kieran waited for Seymour to answer. But all he got was silence, and that answered him. "So, it is about the prophecy." He emptied the contents of the chalice before he placed it on the table and got up. "Humans sure know how to be scared of matters that do not even concern them." He let out a sarcastic laugh that sent chills down Seymour''s spine. Though he was confident that the King would do nothing to him, that he would never harm him, he was still terrified of him and nothing he said or did could stop him from fearing him.


    "Who is our Queen, Your Majesty? Do I know the Lady?" Seymour tried to change the topic of conversation, and there was a visible sparkle in the King''s eyes as he spoke about the Queen. He was exhilarated just to think of her, and Seymour now realized who could control the man who held the highest authority in the kingdom of Rothnia.


    "I am not sure if you do. I only saw her today at the ceremony. I am yet to find out who she is." Kieran had only focused on the girl and her alone as she had taken his heart away at first glance. The moment his eyes met hers, his cold heart started beating again. The woman he had lost years ago was in front of him, and for the first time in years, Kieran had felt joy and solace.


    "Then, what would you like to do now, Your Majesty? How are we going to find the Lady? Our kingdom is large, and it would be impossible to find her here." Seymour stated in worry, and Kieran thought about it with his eyes narrowed.


    "Why do we not organize a ball and invite all the women of agreeable age for marriage to attend it? I can find her easily there." Kieran suggested, and Seymour thought about it before rejecting it immediately.


    "No, Your Majesty. We cannot only invite those families that have young ladies. It would portray a bad impression of you in other people''s minds."


    "Duke Seymour, do you think I care about other people''s opinions?" Kieran did not allow the man to continue and smiled satirically. He had indeed stopped caring about what other people thought about him long ago.


    "Did you see if she was seated or standing in the crowd during the ceremony, Your Majesty?" Seymour tried to narrow the search, and Kieran finally realized what he was trying to say.


    "At one time during the ceremony, she was seated. Why do you ask?"


    "If she was seated during the ceremony, then the Lady belongs to an aristocratic family. We can easily find her on the last day of the Mid-Autumn Festival. But..." Seymour frowned when a strange thought entered his mind.


    "But?" Kieran prompted, wondering what the man had in mind.


    "But if the Lady does not attend the festival on the last day, it will be another matter altogether."


    Kieran thought about it carefully while Seymour too thought about it and it did not take long before an idea emerged in the young King''s mind.


    "Seymour, invite all the aristocratic families to attend the last day of the Mid Autumn Festival." Kieran''s voice suddenly changed, and his eyes gleamed in delight.


    "Your Majesty?" Seymour looked at him perplexed, unable to comprehend what was going on.


    "Tell them I have an announcement to make and it is mandatory for them to attend the festival."


    "But..."


    "It is my order." Kieran''s voice boomed in the courtroom and Seymour trembled faintly, his heart almost jumping out of his chest.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I will send the invites immediately."


    Kieran turned to face the man who was waiting for his instructions. "I want you to look over the arrangements yourself. Make no mistakes, Seymour. Make no mistakes, for I do not tolerate them. I have finally got my love back, I cannot allow her to leave me again."

 23. Forlorn

    Seymour just watched his King smile in happiness at getting his love back. Though he did not know his story and why he had been separated from the girl he loved dearly, he did know that his King had been in immense pain all these years. He was in such agony that, at times, Seymour too had felt the pain he was going through.


    Now that his King had finally found his girl, Seymour was elated for him and his face said it all. Just like King Kieran, he too had been desperate for the young man to meet his Queen and get back his love. But he was even more desperate to find who she was and how she was able to tame the man who never listened to anyone in the land.


    Seymour''s smile slipped as soon as he remembered a matter he had utterly forgotten. "Your Majesty," He started softly, not wishing to spoil his King''s ecstatic mood. However, this matter was important and concerned his life and love. Therefore, Seymour could not avoid raising the topic even if he wanted to.


    "Hmm?" Kieran turned to him, raising his eyebrow at him to continue. However, his smile was still intact, and his red eyes twinkled brighter than the stars as they reflected the light from the torches.


    "Your Majesty, the Onguls will not be happy after hearing about our Queen," Seymour stated, observing his King''s reaction closely. And to his relief, there was not much change in his expression except that his smile became brighter, only this time, it was filled with ridicule and provocation.


    "Onguls," Kieran scoffed lightly, and immediately after, he started laughing, his maniacal laugh reverberating through the room, suppressing his gentleness and letting out a mysterious and sinister aura around him. His red eyes flashed with mirth before they narrowed dangerously. "It is time for the Onguls to come out of their slumber. They have stayed hidden for a long time now. It is time I deal with them and exact my vengeance for what they did to me and my darling girl."


    Kieran''s expression was so terrifying that even Seymour felt the hair on his skin stand in fear. Chills ran down his spine and his entire back was drenched with sweat. He had never seen such a daunting expression on his face, and for a moment, Seymour had the urge to escape from the room, from the devil in front of him.


    Even though the torches were burning bright, the temperature dropped suddenly and Seymour shuddered, the cold hitting him hard until he folded his hands to warm himself up. Kieran saw this action of his and softened his stance, smiling at him apologetically.


    "You must be cold, Seymour. I apologize for losing control." Kieran pushed his hair that had fallen over his face back. "Would you like something to drink that will help you warm your body?"


    Although Kieran''s words were utterly innocent, his smile said otherwise. Seymour, at once, realized what drink he was referring to and he shook his head fervently. His fear rose as he thought about the drink his King was speaking about.


    "You are one funny man, Seymour. All I want is your well-being and you deny my kind intentions." Kieran let out a deep sigh as though he was regretful instead of Seymour for not accepting his drink. "I will not force you if you are unwilling to have the drink. Would you like to have some tea instead?"


    "No, no, Your Majesty. I am good." Seymour denied his offer immediately. Even though the King had genuinely offered him tea to warm himself up this time, Seymour could not bring himself to drink it.


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    "It is tea, not blood, Seymour. But if you insist, I will not offer it too. How is your daughter, by the way?"


    "Your Majesty, she finally regained her consciousness." Seymour''s fears vanished as soon as he thought about his daughter, and a gentle smile landed on his lips.


    "That is good to hear, Seymour. Take good care of her."


    "I will, Your Majesty. I will. She is the one only I have now."


    Kieran gave him a knowing smile before returning to his throne and sitting on it regally. Even though Seymour was now smiling, his face still could not conceal the concerns he had in his mind, and Kieran noticed it immediately.


    "You do not have to worry about the Onguls, Seymour. I will take care of them. They will be unable to touch my people, let alone harm them." Kieran stated, and Seymour did not doubt his words. His King sure would protect his subjects with his life. It was something else that had his mind occupied, and Kieran discerned it when the Duke''s worry was still evident on his face.


    "I see that it is not the Onguls that have you worried. What is bothering you, Seymour?"


    "Your Majesty," Seymour hesitated for a while before he lifted his head to meet his King in the eye. "It is my daughter. She...she..." Seymour moved his gaze away from the King and closed his eyes for a moment. "She has lost all her memories."


    Kieran leaned forward for a moment, intrigued by Seymour''s revelation. "Has she lost all her memories or does she not remember only a few matters?" He tilted his head as he waited for the Duke''s reply.


    "Your Majesty, she has forgotten everything, including me. She even failed to recognize me, her father." Seymour lowered his eyes in grief. His heart had wrenched in pain when his daughter had failed to recognize him and even more so because he held himself guilty for failing to protect her well.


    "This is interesting," Kieran mumbled to himself. "What have you thought to do now, Seymour?"


    "Your Majesty, my daughter has now become a completely different person after she got up. She does not loathe me anymore like she used to, nor does she ignore me. Instead, she speaks to me and cares for me. So..."


    "So, you do not want her to regain her memories lest she returns to her old self and starts resenting you again. Am I right?" Kieran had discerned what was running in his mind, and he pursed his lips as he thought about it.


    Seymour did not have the courage to reply. Instead, he just nodded at him, his eyes filled with guilt and sorrow.


    "But you are also guilty because you are being selfish and harsh with your daughter." Again Seymour nodded in agreement. Kieran shook his head and let out a helpless sigh.


    "Seymour, sometimes, it is good to be selfish." Kieran''s voice suddenly turned gentle as he spoke to him. "You have been devoid of your daughter''s love for a long time, and now that you have finally got your daughter back, treasure her, for you never know when what might happen."


    The seriousness in his words made Seymour meet his gaze, and he noticed that his King was now not smiling. Instead, his face was filled with misery, and Seymour understood what he was trying to say.


    "Do not try to gain control of the situation when it comes to matters related to your loved ones. Just let everything happen as it is supposed to happen." Kieran continued, his gaze distant and filled with grief.


    Seymour gave him a confused look and Kieran let out a deep breath. "Do not try to force your daughter to gain her memories out of your guilt or regret; at the same moment, do not try to avoid or hide those memories from her. Instead, let her live her life the way she wants."


    Seymour now perceived what the King was trying to advise him, and his sorrow diminished. His lips arched up in realization, and he bowed deeply in front of him for showing him what he should do in his situation. "Thank you very much, Your Majesty. Thank you. I am now relieved and will do as you have advised."


    Kieran smiled at him in return. But his smile did not reach his eyes. Seymour could see the loneliness in them, and for the first time, he realized how forlorn the powerful man was. "Your Majesty..."


    "If there is nothing else, I would like to be alone for some time, Seymour." Kieran stopped him before he could continue, and Seymour bit his lip. He bowed at him and walked towards the door. He took one last glance at the powerful man before he closed the door after him.


    And the moment the door closed, the entire room was plunged into darkness.

 24. Kissed?

    Kieran closed his eyes, plunging himself into darkness. "Irene," He mumbled softly, the faint voice sending warmth through his cold heart. "Irene," He mumbled again before he smiled gently. The next moment he opened his eyes, staring straight ahead into darkness before he vanished from the room.


    Kieran gazed at the girl in the portrait in front of him as he lifted his hand to caress her cheek. His red eyes were filled with tenderness and intense longing for the girl in the painting. After admiring her for some time, he let out a sad smile as he looked at the girl smiling back at him.


    "How long has it been, darling?" He murmured as though he was scolding her. But his tone was filled with indulgence for her. Even in the darkness of the room, he could see her clearly.


    "Why did you keep me waiting all these years, Irene?" He complained before he sighed lightly. "Were you so angry all these years that you did not wish to see me at all? Did you loathe me for what I did, for what happened to us?" Kieran''s smile slipped, and his face was filled with grief. A myriad of emotions flooded over him. There was love, pain, anguish, regret and, above all, yearning.


    Kieran was yearning for the girl he had missed the most all these years. He wanted to hold her, hug her and love her the way he had done in the past. He wanted to kiss her and beg her for forgiveness for what he had done. But it had all been his wishful thinking, his desire alone, for the girl had left him long ago. The girl he loved had left him forever, leaving him alone to bear the pain.


    "Are you done being angry at me now? Are you finally pacified and willing to forgive me for my mistakes? Will you let go of what happened in the past and accept me again?" Kieran questioned, his smile widening as moments passed. "You must have. Otherwise, why would you return to me? Am I right, darling? You must finally be willing to accept me. Otherwise, I would not have met you today."


    Kieran took a step closer to the portrait and caressed her face again. "Thank you, darling. Thank you so much for coming back into my life. Thank you for forgiving everything I did. Thank you for giving me another chance."


    "I promise you, dear, I will not hurt you again. I will not leave you alone as I did in the past. I will not allow you to leave me again now that I have finally found you. Irene," Kieran stepped back and dropped his hand. "You must be waiting for me, darling. I apologize for not speaking to you today. I was too shocked to see you after a long time. I never expected you to forgive me this quickly. Please forgive me, darling. Please forgive me."


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    Kieran recalled the stunned look he had seen on the girl, and he grinned in joy. "You too must have been surprised to see me after a long time. I never expected to meet my Queen, my darling girl, my Irene, this way after years of separation."


    Kieran closed his eyes and tried remembering his girl''s face when he saw her at the ceremony. To him, she looked just as alluring and beautiful as ever, and he was glad she was his.


    Kieran was a possessive man and incredibly so towards the girl he loved more than his life. The selfish beast in him wanted to take his girl away from everyone and imprison her with him forever. But the rational him stopped him, fearing that his action would make her furious again.


    Kieran''s eyes snapped open as soon as the thought occurred to him. "I cannot allow you to be furious again. You cannot leave me again, Irene. I will do anything to get your forgiveness and love back. Do you have any idea how long I have been waiting for you? And do you know how happy I was to see you today?"


    Kieran stopped speaking, relishing the beautiful silence after a long time. For the first time in years, his heart was at peace and he wanted to enjoy it more. He wanted to savor the serenity and happiness he was presented with finally.


    After a long time, Kieran let out a deep sigh. "Irene, darling, I have much to tell and ask you. But before that, I need to apologize to you. We have lost a lot of years due to my foolishness. I will not repeat my mistake this time. I will not break your trust again. I will mend things right, and we will return to how we were before the mishap happened."


    "I promise you, darling. I will exact my revenge this time. I will end all those people who plotted against us and separated us. I promise." Kieran''s eyes flashed with conviction as he gazed at the smiling girl in the portrait. "Wait for me a little longer, dear. I will find you soon. I will come to you soon, darling."


    Kieran promised the girl in the portrait before he apparated from the place, ready to start with his work for the later half of the night.


    Meanwhile, Irene had no idea what was happening and how someone out there desperately awaited and longed for her. She was lost in her dreams, the ones that haunted her regularly. Just like always, she found herself in front of the man who had been waiting for her since she stepped inside the castle. However, this time, he hugged and called her by her name and even kissed her.


    The Irene in her dreams was too mortified to move while the man kept kissing her lips. From his kiss, she could feel his emotions....love being the most prominent of all. Every touch, every kiss, every bite sent tremors down her body.


    Before the situation escalated and anything else could happen, Irene woke up with a start. The dream felt so real yet surreal that Irene was in a daze for some time. She touched her lips, recalling the feel of his lips on hers.


    But a sticky liquid on her lips brought her out of her daze and she lowered her hand in confusion. The moment she looked at her fingers, her eyes widened in shock. There were traces of blood on them.


    "It was not my dream, the kiss was real."

 25. Kiss in real

    Irene gasped as soon as she saw blood on her fingers. The kiss, which she had assumed to be a dream, had occurred in real and the proof lay in her hand.


    The light from the candelabra beside her bed, which Reyna had lit for her before she left the room, fell on her fingers. The striking red color against her fair fingers hit her eyes hard, reminding her of the kiss she had shared with the mystery man in her dream.


    Irene shook her head fervently to see if she was still dreaming and rubbed her blood-stained hand using her clean hand. However, nothing she did could clean the bloodstains on her fingers. Even though it was just two droplets, they still bewildered and frightened Irene more than she could even imagine.


    This was the first time something that happened in her dream had brushed past everything, leaving its evidence blatantly for her to see. Previously, Irene had ignored the dream that kept haunting her every night for a long time. To her, it was just a nightmare, one that would never happen in reality. It was just her subconscious imagination that would eventually stop one day.


    But who knew it was not the case? Since Irene became Sylvaine, her dreams had become more bizarre and shocking. Not only had the dream followed her to this unknown world too, haunting her every night, but it had also become increasingly terrifying and incredulous.


    Irene scrambled towards the edge of the bed in fear and jumped out of it before she rushed towards the mirror with the candelabra in her hand. She stared at her reflection, focusing her gaze on her lips which now had become swollen and red. Blood was still oozing out from where she had felt the man bite her lips. Irene was dumbfounded to see herself and her state. If this did not confirm her dream, then what did?


    She was dismayed to think about what had happened in her dream, petrified even. ''What is happening to me?'' She wondered as she stared at her red lips again. ''Who is that man and why am I getting such bizarre and realistic dreams about him?''


    Irene was going crazy as time passed, and she did not know who to confront to find out the truth. She was already in a strange situation by transmigrating into another world. Now, her dreams were also turning out to be real, scaring her deeply. Irene was lost, troubled and frightened.


    A knock at the door brought her out of her reverie, and Reyna entered the room without making much noise. She stopped short as soon as she saw the empty bed and looked around, searching for the person she had come for. The moment she saw her mistress standing by the mirror, she let out a sigh of relief.


    Since the time her mistress had hurt her quite severely to the extent that she had even lost her unconsciousness for days, everyone in the mansion had gone into a state of frenzy. Even now, they treated their mistress as carefully as possible, secretly watching over her lest she should hurt herself or her condition should worsen at any time.


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    Reyna''s heart had thudded in fear as soon as she had seen the empty bed. All her fears and worries returned to her mind, making her imagine the worst situation. But those panicking thoughts vanished immediately after she saw the girl she was looking for standing by the mirror.


    "Milady, why are you awake at this time of the night? Did something happen?" Reyna questioned her cautiously, taking a good look at her. She walked closer to her to see if she had hurt herself or was sick.


    But other than her swollen lips, she did not find anything wrong with her mistress, and she heaved a sigh in relief. Immediately after, she frowned lightly when her eyes fell on her swollen and red lips that still had some bloodstains on them.


    "Milady, why are your lips swollen? What happened?" Though Reyna had a hunch about what might have happened, she wanted to know why it had happened. What made her mistress bite her lips to the extent that they were swollen and red, and even blood was oozing out from them?


    Irene closed her eyes in embarrassment. She had turned her head away from Reyna on purpose to stop her from noticing her injured lips. She did not even question her for arriving at this time of the night. All she was focused on was hiding her lips from her. Yet, the observant girl had seen her state and had even asked her about it, making it exceedingly awkward for her to face her again.


    Irene closed her eyes, trying to devise a possible scenario to explain what had happened. ''I can lie to her about it. I can say that I bit my lips. But what do I tell the reason for assaulting them until they turned red?'' She thought.


    Irene gave her a look, unable to find a befitting reply to her question. Finally, she just let out a sigh and shook her head. "I bit my lip hard when I was dreaming. So..." She stopped, not knowing how to proceed with her lie, and fortunately, Reyna bought it. She nodded at her lightly before a wide smile replaced her pursed lips.


    "What did you dream about, Milady? Was it something good?" She queried softly, her eyes shining brightly as they radiated the light from the candelabra. "Let me hold the candelabra, Milady." Reyna took the candelabra from her and gave her a teasing look, prompting her to speak about her dream.


    ''Why is she exhilirated?'' Irene wondered with a frown. ''It is not like she got kissed in my dream.'' As soon as the thought entered her mind, her lips parted in shock. ''What are you thinking about, Irene? You have gone mad. I repeat. You have gone mad.''


    Irene gave Reyna a look before she shook her head. "I don''t remember what I dreamt about. I can''t seem to recall it after I woke up." Reyna''s smile slipped, and she gave a glum expression, her lips turning into a pout.


    Irene could not see her put on a pitiful look just to guilt-trip her. So, she changed the topic immediately. "Why are you here, Reyna? What happened?"


    "Milady, did you not tell me to wake you once His Grace returns?"


    "Did Father return?" Irene''s frown disappeared and a joyful smile landed on her grim face.


    Reyna nodded at her question.


    "How long has it been?"


    "Just a few moments ago, Milady."


    "I will go down right now. He must not have eaten his dinner yet. Let me accompany him."


    Irene chirped excitedly and even Reyna''s face brightened with a smile. How long had it been since her mistress decided to accompany His Grace during dinner? How long had it been since she last saw her mistress this enthusiastic to greet her father as soon as he returned home, let alone accompany him for some time?


    Just the thought alone made Reyna smile in joy, and she followed her mistress down. She was so lost in her happiness that she did not notice her mistress looking at herself in the mirror before she eventually left the room.

 26. Accompanying

    Irene rushed down the stairs, completely forgetting about her etiquette and dignified behavior. All she wanted was to greet her father and warmly welcome him back home, which his daughter, Sylvaine, had never done. Though she was yet to develop compassion towards the man, she had more or less accepted him as a father figure. To her, until her time in Rothnia, he was her father, and she wanted to treasure this beautiful moment.


    Reyna followed her, begging her to slow down and mind her manners. Her heart had almost leaped out of her chest when she saw her mistress lift her dress to her knees before she took off. It was utterly unladylike, and she was sure her mistress would get a good hearing from the governess if she found out about it. And not only her mistress but she would also be reprimanded for not reminding her of manners.


    "Milady, please slow down and lower your dress." She pleaded from behind, only to fall on deaf. Her mistress had been quick on her feet, and Reyna had a hard time keeping up with her. She had almost tumbled on her dress when she stepped down the stairs hurriedly to catch up with her.


    Irene was too excited to heed any of Reyna''s words. She only cared about seeing her father and knowing if he was alright. She was worried about him, for he too had been out in the rain, and unlike her, who had had a comfortable hot bath to warm herself, he had been outside all this time, bearing the harsh weather.


    Irene was gasping as she reached the end of the staircase. ''Why didn''t I realize before that this mansion has a lot of steps?'' She wondered with a frown and looked behind her to see the stairs she had covered. But before she could even take a good look at the large number of steps, her father''s surprised voice fell on her ears, making her look in the direction from where she had heard him.


    "Sylvaine, why are you awake at this time, dear?" Seymour was pleasantly surprised to see his daughter standing in front of the staircase, and he turned towards the grandfather clock placed near the wall to see the time. It was somewhere close to one.


    His surprise eventually turned to fear when his gaze fell on his daughter again. "Is something wrong, dear? Are you in pain? Do you feel uncomfortable somewhere?"


    Seymour''s mind started to conjure the worst possible scenario. Why else would his daughter be awake at this time of the night?


    "Father," Irene stopped him before he could go on with his concern filled questions. She walked towards him until she stood just a step away. "I am fine, Father. I wanted to welcome you back home. So, I asked Reyna to wake me when you returned home."


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    As soon as Seymour heard his daughter''s intentions, his heart was filled with warmth. All the coldness and fear he had felt due to the harsh weather and in the King''s presence vanished just by listening to his daughter''s sweet words, and unknowingly, his lips arched up in happiness.


    But the next moment, his smile slipped and he glared at Reyna, making the girl lower her head in guilt. She was now apprehensive about what she had done and clutched her dress tight in worry.


    "Father, don''t blame Reyna. I was the one who ordered her to inform me. It is not her fault." Irene tried to soothe and coax the old man, and it worked brilliantly on him. His anger vanished and he smiled at her again.


    "Why did you get up at this time of the night, dear? You are still weak and you need lots of rest." Though it seemed as though the man was scolding her, one could see the joy radiating off his face. He was very jubilant to find his daughter waking up to welcome him back. He had never felt this happy before, and his eyes teared up a little, which he managed to stop. He forced his tears from escaping his eyes, lest his daughter should notice it.


    But Irene had not missed it. Yet, she did not point it out or ask about it, for she knew why the old Duke was crying. She realized he was being emotional.


    "It is fine, Father. I wanted to do it for you." Irene said, keeping her following words to herself. ''I don''t know how long I will stay here. Let me cherish the moments and experience a father''s love before I become fatherless again.''


    Some of the servants had come out of their rooms to welcome the Duke when they heard their mistress''s words. They too were touched and immensely happy. How long had it been since their Grace returned to a lively and happy home? How long had it been when their mistress had welcomed him this warmly?


    Irene noticed her father''s slightly wet robes and wanted to smack her head for completely ignoring his condition. "You must be cold, Father. Take a good bath and come down. I will accompany you while you eat."


    "But..."


    Irene tilted her head, giving her father a stern gaze with an eyebrow raised, and the old man instantly closed his mouth, swallowing all his protests. "Did you eat your food?"


    "Yes, I did."


    "Did you take your medicine?"


    Irene nodded again, and Seymour turned to Reyna for confirmation. It was only when she too confirmed that he sighed in relief.


    "Good. Please wait for me, dear. I will come down soon." Seymour enthused. His face could not conceal his emotions, his joy radiating off clearly. He rushed to finish his bath quickly and found his daughter waiting for him at the dining table, just as she had promised.


    That night, Seymour had the best dinner of his life. Even though it was the same kind of food prepared by the same cook every day, it tasted extraordinarily delicious that night. He even ate more than usual as he watched his daughter accompany him. He had never felt this blissful before, and just as the King had advised him, he wished for his daughter never to regain her memories again. He wanted his daughter to be like this forever.

 27. Selfish desires

    The next day, Irene got up early and accompanied her father during breakfast, just as they had promised each other. Seymour was pleased and could not stop smiling even after he had finished his breakfast. His eyes too were beaming in delight as he recalled how his daughter had changed for good after she had woken up.


    "Duke Seymour, is something the matter? You have not stopped smiling since you got down from the carriage." One of the other Dukes walking beside queried with a puzzled gaze. Unlike the other times when he had seen the man grim and severe, he was now all smiles and joyous. "Share the information with us too. Let us know what has made you cheerful."


    "Duke Orman, let''s just say I am euphoric." Seymour gave an ambiguous reply, making Duke Orman''s frown deepen. Even after giving him a questioning gaze, he did not get any explanation, much to his dismay.


    "How is your daughter, by the way? I heard she gained her consciousness." Orman continued, and Seymour realized that the scheming man beside him was up to no good.


    Though Seymour and Orman worked for the King, Seymour was closer to their King. He held a higher position than anybody else in the courtroom, which had made Orman jealous of the man. The King trusted Seymour and involved him in all his matters, unlike others who had no idea about his personal life.


    "Yes, she did. My daughter gained consciousness." Seymour''s smile widened when he mentioned his daughter while Orman gave him a deriding look.


    ''What is the use of her waking up when she does not even speak to her father? Why is Seymour this happy?'' He scoffed lightly, trying to appear as amicable as possible before him. But the wise Duke had already guessed what was running in the man''s mind and he just let out a mysterious smile, not giving away anything.


    "Duke Seymour, did His Majesty tell you anything regarding our future Queen?" Orman inched closer to him, trying to find out who the girl was. Since the time their Majesty had revealed what he had wished for and how the flames in the cauldron had started burning a bright red, all the people had only one question in mind. Who would their future Queen be?


    But nobody knew the answer to it, not even Seymour. So, asking him was a waste of time which Orman had no idea about. Seymour gave him a knowing look, perceiving exactly why he was asking him about it.


    It was not a hidden fact that Duke Orman wanted his daughter to marry His Majesty even though he knew that their King was not a normal human being. Even though nobody knew what he was, he sure was nothing less than a devil to them.


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    Although Seymour trusted his King''s character, he was still terrified of him. The man was too frightening to even stand in his presence, let alone give his precious daughter away to him in marriage.


    Seymour wondered why Orman had such a desire. ''Is it because of the power and the position or am I overlooking something here?'' He pondered in confusion as he kept walking beside him.


    "I do not know about it, Duke Orman. His Majesty has not revealed anything to me." Seymour replied the truth. But the man beside him was unwilling to believe it. He just narrowed his eyes at him momentarily before smiling at him amiably.


    "Duke Seymour, we know His Majesty does not hide anything from you. You are his most trusted man. I am certain that he would have told you about our Queen. So there is no need to lie in front of us." Orman raised his voice to garner attention from the other Dukes walking by them.


    Seymour just stayed silent, not caring to explain his stance. While a few Dukes looked at him in concern, a few believed Duke Orman''s words and stared at him inquisitively.


    Orman''s smile vanished as soon as he noticed Seymour not rushing to give any explanation. Instead, he pursed his lips in annoyance. Not only was he a headstrong man, but he was also too tenacious and impossible to conquer. Orman was at wit''s end and he desperately wanted to find out who their future Queen would be.


    "I see that Duke Orman is quite energetic and hungry for some excitement today." Orman was just about to probe more into it when an intimidating voice fell on his ears from the side. His face paled immediately and he stopped walking. The other Dukes too stopped walking as soon as they heard their King''s powerful and authoritative voice.


    "Your Majesty," They bowed at him in respect and Kieran nodded at them, his red eyes flashing in mirth. He was leaning against the wall with his feet crossing each other. He smiled softly before he pushed himself off and walked towards the group of people in front of them.


    "Since Duke Orman seems to be very active today, let me assign some work for you," Kieran stated, his lips rising wickedly.


    "Your Ma...Majesty." Duke Orman stuttered in fear, unable to meet his King in the eye. He was too mortified, and unlike a few moments when he had not stopped speaking even once, making it difficult for Duke Seymour, now, his lips refused to move.


    "Duke Orman, I have received a plaint from the Magistrate of village Malavi. A group of assassins is hiding in the forest surrounding the village." Orman started to feel ominous about the matter and cold sweat trickled down his spine. "Duke Orman must leave for the village immediately to deal with the issue. Take the guards with you, and you will not return until all the assassins have been dealt with."


    Kieran ordered without giving a chance for Duke Orman to protest. He patted the man''s shoulder before entering the courtroom with the other Dukes following him immediately.


    All Orman could do was clench his fist and glare at Seymour''s back in hatred before he retraced his steps to carry out his King''s orders.

 28. Courtroom announcement

    The Dukes took their places in the order of their ranking while Kieran sat on his throne majestically, lifting his red cape slightly before doing so. His red, sinister eyes ran across the room, taking in all the Dukes'' and Ministers'' expressions. He was smiling sardonically, seeing right through their thoughts.


    Amusement filled his eyes when he heard two Dukes seated at the back conversing about their future Queen. From their tone of conversation alone, he could perceive their shock to find out about it. His smile only widened, making everyone look at him curiously. They had no idea what was running in their King''s mind, for his face was as impassive as ever, not giving away anything.


    Even Seymour, who was considered close to the King, could not discern his King''s smile, and he looked at him questioningly. There was something different about the powerful man from the previous night to now, and Seymour wondered what had happened in this time gap for his King to have changed suddenly.


    Not oblivious to the men''s thoughts, Kieran marveled at their confusion. To him, the people before him were nothing but mere pawns in the deadly game he was playing. But he had no intention to lose even one among them, for every one of them had a significant role in his plan, especially when he had a long battle awaiting him.


    Kieran had already made plans for his life, the future, one which nobody knew about. And the most important person in his life was his Queen, for whom he had been waiting desperately all these years. It was all he needed, and it was her who would help him achieve what he wanted. The girl he loved for years had eventually returned to him, and all he had to do was find her before it was too late.


    ''Who among the people here could be my Queen''s father?'' Kieran wondered. ''What if her father does not work for me and is still an aristocrat?'' Even though the notion came to his mind, his intuition told him that his girl''s father was someone he knew and was close to. But he could not point out who he was.


    "Your Majesty," Seymour was the first to speak as he started the session as always. "Congratulations on finding our Queen." As soon he congratulated their King, all the other Dukes and Ministers started congratulating him, making Kieran''s smile widen. He could not control his joy, and it was so evident that all the men in the courtroom could see it.


    Their King''s eyes were unbelievably red, taking such a dark shade that it almost resembled black. Yet, one could see the fire in them. It was the fire of excitement and blithe. There was an odd baleful charm about him that made people wary of him and, at the same time, attracted to him.


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    Kieran did not say a word and nodded curtly at his Council, smiling widely. He knew that quite a few people in the court were not happy at him finding his Queen. But Kieran, for once ignored them. He was in a pleasant mood and did not wish to spoil it by dealing with them on the day he had finally found his happiness again. ''I will let you all live another day. But soon, you will all face what you should have met years ago. Death.''


    Kieran''s eyes flashed but returned to normal before anyone noticed it. He ran his minacious eyes around the courtroom, observing the people who would soon face their doom. ''I have been waiting for this day and can finally seek revenge.'' He ran his tongue on his teeth before it halted on his fangs. ''I will go on a hunt tomorrow. Let me see who my first prey will be. Beware.'' He thought and fixed his gaze on the only man he trusted in the courtroom.


    "Seymour," He just called him, and the old Duke understood what his King wanted of him.


    "As we all know that we have finally found our Queen." Duke Seymour started, his voice loud and clear, reaching all corners of the room. "His Majesty has some announcements to make on the last day of the Mid-Autumn Festival. In this regard, I request all the members of the Council to be present at the capital center, and please do bring all your family members on this day.


    As soon as Seymour stated all that he had discussed with King the previous night, murmurs broke out in the courtroom, interrupting his speech. But Seymour did not mind it, for he knew that his following words would ensue silence again. "All the aristocrats and their families are to be present, and soon, an invitation will be sent to all the aristocrats of Rothnia."


    Seymour''s words brought smiles to everyone''s faces. Even though they were not as great as Duke Seymour in their reputation and social standing, they were still considered the creme de la creme of the aristocrats in the kingdom of Vlei. To be personally invited by the King himself, their pride was immensely satisfied, and they nodded in exhilaration.


    Neither their King nor Duke Seymour had specified the actual reason for the unexpected demand. But quite a few intelligent men in the courtroom already had a hunch about it.


    ''His Majesty did not reveal who our Queen would be. We only found out that we would soon have a Queen to rule over us. Does that mean His Majesty does not know who she is?''


    As soon as the thought came into their minds, the Dukes and Ministers who had daughters and sisters of marriageable age could not stop grinning. Their faces were beaming in delight and they turned to look at the formidable man who was just examining everyone silently.


    Kieran let out a quiet scoff. Though nobody had spoken their thoughts, he had already read them and understood what was running through minds. All of them were eager to be relatives with him to gain power, and they wanted to use this opportunity to push their daughters or sisters towards him, in hopes of him taking fantasy to any one of them and making her his Queen.


    ''Fools.'' He thought before he got up and pushed his cape back. Everybody stopped talking at once, focusing their attention on the King.


    "I, Kieran Allendale, invite all of you to present here as well as your families to attend the last day of the Mid Autumn Festival. I will introduce your Queen, and an important announcement will be made that day. I hope to see all of you and your families on this special day."

 29. Furious King

    The royal court session started after their King made his announcement. Though everyone was excited to know who their Queen would be and the possibility of them becoming a member of the royal family, they still had a lot of time for the dream to come true. So, all the Dukes and the Ministers concentrated on the discussion they were having currently.


    "Minister Kline, how is the situation at Ketrioke? Is King Percival still adamant about waging a war against us?" Kieran raised the issue troubling everyone, especially Minister Kline, for a long time.


    Ketrioke, which belonged to Rothnia, shared its borders with their neighboring kingdom Angra, ruled by King Percival. Percival was a cunning and vicious ruler who did not hesitate to kill the innocent to get what he desired. And what he desired was the throne of Rothnia. To him, nothing was better and more desirable than occupying the throne of the largest kingdom in the world.


    And to do so, Percival had despatched his men to Ketrioke to create trouble for Kieran, compelling him to give all his attention to Ketrioke. But he did not know that Kieran had already discerned his plan of double attack and had taken measures already. He was now waiting for Percival to fall for his trap before Kieran gave his enemy a big blow that would destroy him for life.


    "Your Majesty," Minister Kline stood up, his face calm and composed. He seemed relieved, and from his countenance alone, Kieran realized that the situation was under control. "King Percival is currently lying low, waiting for an opportunity to strike at us. We have already shifted the people of Ketrioke away from the borders towards a safe area. King Percival will not be able to reach them, and our army is waiting for their attack. We are now observing the situation vigilantly."


    Minister Kline reported the situation, and Kieran nodded at him, impressed by his quick thinking and meticulous work. He smiled at him in appreciation. "Minister Kline, make sure that no innocent is hurt. We must protect our people first. I will deport more soldiers to Ketrioke for your assistance."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty. I promise that no innocent will be hurt." He sat down as soon as he finished speaking, and immediately after, Duke Balker stood up and bowed at the King.


    "Your Majesty, I have a problem to report to you."


    "Go ahead."


    "The Magistrate of village Sayre sent me a message that people have gone missing under suspicious circumstances, and we cannot find their whereabouts even after searching for a long time. Nobody knows what happened to them and where they have gone, Your Majesty."


    Kieran leaned forward as soon he heard the problem. He raised an eyebrow, anger bursting through him when he realized what was happening. He clenched his fingers, his eyes turning completely black, stunning everyone in the courtroom. His sudden change in demeanor terrified everyone, and they stared at him in horror, unable to believe what they saw.


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    Kieran was not an ordinary man, and everybody knew about it. He had never hidden his powers from them. Yet, he had never entirely shown what he was capable of. To the world, he was inhuman, a devil but also an angel who safeguarded his kingdom, caring for his people day and night. He only showed them his calm side, completely hiding the monster in him. Never had they seen his real, furious side.


    Now that the Ministers and the Dukes saw such a horrendous sight, they could not control their fear. Their apprehension only rose as time passed.


    The courtroom turned chilly, and the men started to shiver in fright and the cold. The fire in the torches began to flicker loudly, casting demonic shadows on the floor. The apparent changes around them petrified the court members all the more, and they were just short of running away from the place, from the man who had instilled terror in their hearts for him.


    Duke Seymour was mortified to see the changes in his King, although it was not the first time he witnessed them. Only he had seen his King''s anger and knew what would happen if he unleashed his rage. Chaos would erupt, leading to destruction everywhere.


    Seymour calmed his erratic heartbeat before he stood up. "Please calm down, Your Majesty."


    Kieran lifted his furious face and glared at Seymour, sending chills down the old man''s body. He could not stop his heart from thumping wildly in fear, and just like the others, he too wanted to escape from the place. But Seymour knew only he could calm his King and stop his rage. Only he could control his furious side from unleashing his wrath and destroying everything. So he stood still, bearing with his undeniable fear.


    "Please calm down, Your Majesty. Please." He almost begged as he tried to pull out the calm King the world was familiar with. "You cannot unleash your wrath now, not when our Queen is waiting for you."


    As soon as Kieran heard Seymour talk about his Queen, his Irene, his fury vanished instantly. His eyes and face returned to normal. His red eyes stared back at the man who dared to stand before him and appease him brilliantly. The angry beast in him, which wanted to drink blood, sat quietly, not making even one sound. Kieran''s eyes twinkled, his sudden shift shocking everyone again.


    Barely a moment ago, he was like a raging monster, ready to rip off everyone''s head who stood in his path. But now, his countenance had changed completely, and he had returned to his usual self. But, unfortunately, this change in his personality only made them fear him more, instead of alleviating them and they looked at their own King in wary.


    Kieran closed his eyes and imagined Irene''s alluring face before he opened them again to stare at his Council of members. "I apologize for my behavior. I lost my calm for a moment." He ran his eyes across the room, sending his silent apology to everyone personally, and eventually, his men calmed down.


    "How many people have been reported missing, Duke Balker?" Kieran returned to the issue and fixed his attention on the man trembling in his place.


    "Your Majesty, the Magistrate reported eleven people to have been missing, all women."


    This time, there was no visible change in their King''s expression and everyone sighed in relief.


    "Inform the Magistrate to wait for my orders. I will look into this matter personally." Kieran ordered, and Duke Balker sat down.


    "Is there anything else?" Kieran asked calmly, and nobody spoke a word. "In that case, the court is dismissed. Have a good day, everyone." He wished before he walked out of the room, with the two guards opening the door for him while Seymour followed him out immediately. Even though his King had not given him any instructions, he knew what the King wanted. And right now, he wanted to speak to him in private.

 30. Known perpetrator

    Duke Seymour followed his King as he ran to keep up with him. He could sense his fury even though his back was facing him. King Kieran had calmed himself down in the courtroom before he destroyed everything and everyone around him in his rage. But Seymour was not confident that he could appease his King again. The matter regarding the missing people had elicited such a strong reaction from the powerful man that Seymour was now worried.


    ''What happened to His Majesty?'' He wondered as he hurried along the familiar walls of the corridor. ''Why did he lose his composure before? Does he know something about the missing people?'' His thoughts ran wild, but he did not stop walking and eventually entered his King''s room which he was familiar with. He had long realized he was the only human allowed to enter this corridor, let alone the King''s chamber.


    Seymour searched for the King after he closed the door behind him, only to find the man looking outside with his hands behind his back. At other times, when Seymour had experienced a similar setting, he could only see his King''s forlorn back. But this time, he sensed something else, an emotion stronger than his loneliness. He sensed the anger radiating off his King, which did not seem normal. It was particularly intense and impossible to ignore.


    Neither Seymour nor his King spoke for a long time. The only sound in the room was the fire crackling in the hearth and the old Duke''s frightened breathing. While Seymour did not know what to say, his King did not know how to say what he had in mind.


    "Castiel," Kieran uttered loud enough for Saymour to hear.


    Kieran clenched his fists and closed his eyes as he stared at the garden from the balcony. But the pleasant view in front of him could do nothing to subdue the fury in him. He was infuriated, he was livid and it was all because of his brother, Castiel. He knew the perpetrator behind the missing people and what might have happened to them after being caught by his brother.


    Kieran was not a stranger to his brother''s tactics and had long witnessed his cruel and vicious acts, including his obsession with hunting down beautiful women. Many times, Kieran had lost his calm and set out to destroy the man who was destroying innocent women''s lives. But every time, he had failed. Every plan of his had been a failure and Kieran did not know what more he had to do to end his brother for good.


    "Castiel," Kieran exclaimed. Even though he tried to mask his emotions, his trusted man caught onto them immediately. Seymour frowned as soon as he heard the name. Though it was not the first time he listened to his name, it was not a name his King regularly took too. He had already found out about the feud between the brother, though he did not know the reason behind their enmity.


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    "Your Majesty?" Seymour could not discern why his King was speaking about his brother suddenly.


    "Castiel is the reason behind the missing women." He explained and Seymour finally understood. But his heart thudded in fear when he heard his King''s following words. "The women, by now, would be dead and sucked off their blood completely."


    When Seymour heard his King''s words, his face paled in fear and his breathing quickened. He already knew what his King was and what he needed the most for his survival. But, other than when he had seen him hold a chalice filled with blood, he had never seen his King kill anyone for their blood, or even if he had done it, Seymour had no idea about it.


    This was not Seymour''s first hearing about blood-sucking monsters killing humans to satisfy their hunger. But this was the first time his King had perceived who the perpetrator was without even having to look more into the matter.


    Tremors went down his body as soon as he imagined how scared the women might have been after encountering a monster like Castiel. Just the thought alone was enough to give him nightmares and he wondered how many more women would become his prey before his King dealt with him.


    "What do we do now, Your Majesty? How do we deal with this matter?" Seymour queried, vexed by the situation they were suddenly facing.


    "Castiel has been blessed by the dark witches, Seymour. It is not that easy to kill him." Kieran revealed the secret he had hidden in the deepest parts of his heart and mind for years. Nobody but him knew about his brother''s concealed specialty.


    "I do not understand, Your Majesty. Can we not use juniper against him or push a stake through his heart?"


    "We can, Seymour. We can. Though juniper is efficient in rendering him weak, it will not kill him, and pushing a stake through his heart will not work on him." Kieran turned to face the man, who had a puzzled look on his face. "Castiel cannot be killed that easily. As I have said before, he has been blessed by the dark witches. I can only kill his body, I cannot kill him."


    Seymour''s eyes widened in shock and he more or less understood what his King was trying to say. But he was still in denial to think that something so bizarre and terrifying was even possible. "Your Majesty, he...he..he...does he.."


    Kieran understood what Seymour was trying to ask and he nodded at him. "Yes, Castiel can migrate from one body to another. Once his previous body dies, his soul can jump into another body of his liking and once that happens, he too will become a blood-sucking monster like him."


    Kieran disclosed the mortifying secret, and for a moment, Seymour''s feet gave away. The world around him spun and he held onto the table beside him for support. He had never been this scared of anyone; for the first time, he felt how horrifying the people with superpowers were.


    "How do..do we handle him then, Your Majesty? If we can..cannot kill him, how do we..."


    "Although I cannot kill Castiel, I can put him to sleep temporarily."


    "How, Your Majesty?"


    "Every time Castiel is killed, his soul goes into slumber for a year. It will only wake up after a year passes." Kieran divulged and Seymour thought about it with his brows narrowed.


    "Your Majesty," He bit his lip before he lifted his eyes to meet the King in the eye. "Is there any way we can kill Castiel forever?"


    "There is." Kieran nodded and Seymour looked at him hopefully, waiting for him to continue. "But I do not know it."

 31. Assuring the old Duke

    "I do not know how we can end Castiel for good. The dark witches are tight-lipped about it." Kieran pressed his tongue over one of his fangs to control his sudden blood thirst. His anger was provoking him and if he did not stop himself in time, there would be a massacre.


    "Is there no way, Your Majesty?" Seymour lost all hope and he looked at his King in anguish.


    "There has to be a way, I am sure of it. I will try to find it as quickly as possible to stop Castiel''s madness. Until then, he is .... unstoppable and as good as being an immortal." Kieran divulged the secret only he knew about and Seymour looked at him in shock. He could not believe that his King''s brother was immortal while his King was not. Although it was impossible to kill his King, making him immortal too, Seymour had an inkling there was a way to kill him, which nobody but his King knew about. But with the King''s brother, it was impossible to use those techniques.


    "Are the dark witches unwilling to divulge the secret, Your Majesty? There must be someone out there who will be willing to help us." Seymour gave him a confused look and Kieran nodded at him in return.


    "Yes, there is someone, but he is in seclusion for now and it will take some time for him to come out of it. So I will have to wait until then." Kieran sighed softly as he recalled the day he had discovered the truth about his brother''s immortality.


    Although he had no idea how he had obtained the power and how he was able to convince the dark witches to help him gain the ability, this matter shocked and feared him at the same time. He did not fear his brother. Instead, he feared what his brother could do with the power he had now obtained.


    Castiel was never a threat to his life or the power and the throne he held, for his brother could not defeat him. Kieran was the most powerful man alive and had remained undefeated until he met the love of his life. Only she had been able to bring him down to his knees, making him kneel before her as he gazed at her with love and adoration. He loved her so much that she did not even have to fight him before he surrendered willingly.


    Kieran smiled softly as he remembered the girl who had the ability to make him kneel before his smile vanished. He was now worried for his people. A year had passed since he put his brother to sleep, and now his soul had entered another body, taking another identity. He now had no idea what he looked like and where he was hiding. But he was sure that he was somewhere in Sayre.


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    "I need to visit Sayre," Kieran stated after thinking for a while. "He is provoking me to go to him by killing all those women." He clenched his fists, his eyes turning black in his fury.


    "Your Majesty, is it possible that it is not Castiel but somebody else?" Seymour queried, even though he was doubtful that it was anybody else.


    "No, I am certain about it. Only Castiel attacks women and kills them mercilessly. I cannot be wrong about it. He is waiting for me to kill him again."


    Seymour understood what his King was trying to say. By entering another person''s body, he was indirectly forcing his King to kill that man so that he could save other innocent people. He was compelling the King to go against his morals and commit a sin, reveling in the pleasure of seeing his brother in agony. Seymour could not help but fear the twisted man and he subconsciously wished for the dark witch to come out of his seclusion so that they could deal with Castiel before he destroyed the other people''s lives.


    "I understand your troubles, Seymour." Kieran had not missed the fleeting expression of anxiousness on the old Duke''s face and he let out an assuring smile. "I will set out to Sayre immediately and put him to sleep for another year. I cannot allow him to cause more havoc and kill innocent people."


    "But how will His Majesty recognize him now that he has taken another identity?"


    Kieran lifted his lips, his eyes shining in mirth. "I know how Castiel is, Seymour. After all, we are brothers, I have my ways of locating him. Rest assured, you can trust me to stop him for the time being."


    Seymour did not doubt his King''s words, for he was a man of his words. He always held his promises and never allowed any danger to fall on an innocent person.


    "Prepare my departure. I will set out after dusk tomorrow." Kieran ordered and Seymour nodded at him. "And I will be going alone."


    "Your Highness," Seymour bit his lip as he thought about the words that were at the tip of his tongue. Finally, he stopped himself, believing them to be inappropriate.


    "What is it, Seymour?" Kieran raised an eyebrow at him coaxing him to speak his mind and Seymour for once, gave in instead of holding it in.


    "Please be careful, Your Majesty."


    "I will, Seymour. I will." Kieran smiled at him, a smile filled with happiness and comfort. "My brother cannot defeat me. Don''t worry." He assured him. Yet, Seymour was still not convinced. An ominous feeling had started to spread through his mind, making him feel uncomfortable all over.


    Kieran did not miss the worry on the man''s face and walked toward him until he was standing right in front of him. "I told you not to worry, Seymour. I will return safely. I must. My Queen is waiting for me. How can I leave her alone when she had returned to me finally? I have been waiting for her all these years. I need to come back, to her, to my Irene."

 32. Mysterious man

    "Milady, please wait for me." Reyna panted as she followed her Mistress. Her eyes widened as soon as she saw her lifting her dress to prevent herself from tripping over it, a scene she had been witnessing regularly since her Lady had gained consciousness.


    Reyna could not hide her shock and looked around her to see if anyone was looking at them. To her relief, nobody was staring at them and her Mistress''s weird behavior. They were busy with their work to even care about it.


    "Milady, please lower your dress. Please." She begged softly. But her voice fell on deaf ears as the Lady in front of her kept running.


    Reyna had no idea why she was even running. They had been standing on the balcony of her Mistress''s room after breakfast when she saw her Lady stare at the lawn in front of them. She looked shocked and was frozen to her spot. Before Reyna could even comprehend what had happened, she started to run, startling Reyna all the more.


    Ignoring Reyna''s words, Irene did not stop until she reached the lawn, just outside the balcony of her room, and looked around her. But she could see no one. ''Where did he go?'' She wondered, her forehead marring with a frown. She hurriedly searched to find the man she had seen from her balcony. But other than the guards, she could find no one around them. The man had disappeared even before she could take a good look at him.


    "Milady," Reyna huffed as she tried to control her breathing. She panted loudly before she calmed her raging heart and breathing. "What...What happened, Milady? Why did you rush here?" She queried in confusion. Watching her Mistress look around, she too followed suit to find out what she was searching for. But she could find nothing suspicious.


    "What are we looking for, Milady? Please tell me. I will look for it." Reyna stated, still looking around before her gaze fixed on the Lady beside her.


    "Reyna, I am searching for the man who was standing here a few moments ago. But I am unable to find him." Irene finally spoke after searching for a long time.


    Irene was enquiring to Reyna about her host body, trying to get familiarized with her other self when she saw a man with a cloak staring at her from the lawn. He had his forehead covered with the hood of the cloak. But Irene could distinctly make out his red eyes that were sinister enough to evoke fear in her. She shivered in her place, for the man''s expression was nothing less vicious.


    The next moment, Irene darted towards the lawn, trying to catch hold of the man who had instilled terror in her, only to find the place empty. She could find no one besides the few guards who stood in the places. It was as though the man had vanished entirely.


    "Which man are you talking about, Milady?" Reyna blinked at her, wondering if she was asking about the servant or a guard who had walked by the lawn. "Was it a servant or a guard? He might be somewhere here. Do you want me to ask around, Milady?"


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    "No, no, Reyna. As far as I could tell, he was not a guard or a servant. He was wearing a black cloak and had blood-red eyes. I saw him right here from the balcony." Irene pointed to the spot where she was standing, her frown deepening in worry.


    Reyna was taken aback by her words. Not only was she stunned to hear about a cloaked man, but she was also appalled to know that he had red eyes. The only one she knew who had red eyes was the King, Kieran Allendale. She had not seen or even heard of anybody else with red eyes. Reyna could not hide her fear and gaped at her Mistress in bewilderment.


    "Milady, was it His Majesty you saw a few moments ago?" Reyna queried, an unknown excitement lacing her tone.


    "No, Reyna. It was not the King. Though I could not see his face, it was not him. I am certain about it." Irene shook her head immediately. She was familiar with how the King looked. Even though she had only seen him the previous night, his masked face was etched in her mind and was impossible to remove him even if she wanted to.


    Just a brief meeting had rendered her thinking about him all day long. The mysterious and intimidating aura around the King and the familiarity in his gaze compelled Irene to lose her mind slowly. She was unable to concentrate on anything else but him. Every thought was filled with him and the look he had given her before she had entered the carriage. It was filled with relief, happiness, yearning and dominantly, love. His soulful gaze was making her go crazy and Irene was sure that by the end of the day, she would definitely go mad and the person responsible for it would be the King of Rothnia.


    "Milady, I presume you must have seen wrong. As far as I know, only His Majesty has red eyes in Rothnia." Reyna tried to assure her but Irene was not convinced.


    "No, Reyna. I am assertive that I saw him. He was standing right here. He was smiling at me, his red eyes looking at me as though I was his prey. I am not hallucinating, Reyna. Believe me." Irene held Reyna''s hands as she pleaded with her frantically. She was utterly frightened even to recall the face of the man she had seen.


    Reyna did not even get the opportunity to comfort her when Irene let her go and approached the nearest guard in a hurry. The man was visibly startled to see his Mistress approach him in a disheveled state and he stood still with his eyes lowered, waiting for her orders.


    "Milady," He greeted and bowed lightly.


    "Where is the man who was standing here just now?" Irene did not waste time greeting him back and jumped to the issue immediately.


    "What man, Milady?" The guard gave her a confused look and frowned lightly.


    "The man who was wearing the black cloak. He had red eyes. He was just here a few moments ago." Irene pointed towards the place she was standing before, completely forgetting how unladylike she looked at that moment. "Where did he go?"


    "Milady, I was standing here all this time and did not see anyone wearing a black cloak. I think you must have seen wrong." The guard frowned in confusion but did not dare raise his head.


    "What?" Irene was in disbelief and her lips parted in shock. "How is that possible?" She held her head in frustration and her eyes fell on the guard beside the man. Not giving up hope, she approached him only to find the same result. He too had not seen any man on the lawn.


    "How is that possible? How did nobody else see him? What is happening?" She mumbled to herself while an oblivious Reyna looked at her in worry. Her face was filled with panic and anxiousness and she held her Mistress, concerned for her.


    "Milady," Reyna was just about to comfort her when Irene''s gaze blurred. The world around her spun and her head turned heavy. Darkness clouded her sight and her body lost its strength. Her legs gave away and she fainted immediately.

 33. Predator

    Irene''s palms turned clammy as she stared at the man in front of her. His vicious smile made the hair on her skin rise and her heart palpitate loudly. Sweat trickled down her spine while her eyes dilated in fear. She took a step back, only for the man to take a step toward her.


    His wicked smile broadened on seeing her fearful gaze. He licked his lips before he ran his tongue on his teeth.


    Irene had no idea who he was. But his wicked face and red eyes were enough to instill fear in her. There was no one around them and even though it was still bright, the place was eerie and frightening. All she found were trees and more trees that stretched for miles together, and it did not take long for Irene to realize that she was trapped in a jungle with the predator before her who was eyeing her like prey.


    "Who are you?" She mustered all the courage in her and asked him, trying to appear as bold as possible. She hid the fear she had for him as she gritted her teeth. One thing the man reveled in was her fear and Irene had realized it the moment she saw his smile. She masked her terror behind her impassive face, not wanting to give him that pleasure.


    "Do you not remember me, sweetheart?" The man''s low and terror striking voice fell on her ears and she trembled slightly. "I have been waiting for you for years. How could you forget me this quickly?" He questioned back, complaining to her in return. His eyes were filled with sadness as he gazed at her.


    But Irene did not miss the viciousness lurking in his red orbs. It was pretty evident and she perceived that the man was up to no good. He was trying to trap her in his words and lure her towards him.


    "Who are you?" Irene repeated her question, now vexed by the situation she was in. Her annoyance replaced her fear and she narrowed her eyes slightly.


    "Do you not remember me, dear? I am the man who loves you truly. I am the man who is willing to take anybody''s life just to get your love in return. I am the man who was waiting for your return all these years and I am the man you are destined to be with." He stated calmly, his eyes losing the sadness in them.


    Instead of being baffled, Irene only felt repulsed and frustrated by his words. There was something odd about him that scared Irene. His menacing aura only made her want to run away from him, and that was what she did. She turned on her feet and ran, trying to escape from the terrifying man.


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    Irene ran past the past trees as she tried to get away from her predator. But to no avail. She did not know where she was going, the jungle was too confusing. She did not care about the thorns that pierced through her stockings and hurt her legs. She ignored the cold winds that kept howling and slapping her in the face as she brushed past the trees.


    "Irene," She heard the man''s voice behind her and her heart thudded in fear.


    ''How does he know my name?'' She wondered, not slowing down. But the thick branches and plants were not helping her, restricting her speed and movement. She did not know where she was going. And all she wanted was to avoid getting caught by the man she knew was following her.


    "Irene," The man''s voice echoed through the jungle, sending tremors down her spine. He sounded close, too close for her liking.


    Irene did not even have the time to see how far behind he was, for she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist and pull her back. Her back hit a chest and Irene struggled in his arms, terror engulfing her.


    "Let me go." She cried only for the man to chuckle wickedly.


    "No, Irene. No way. I will never let you. Not again." He shook his head and made her face him.


    Even though Irene was held in a vice-like grip, she did not stop struggling. However, that only added to the man''s pleasure and he pulled her close.


    "Do not fight me, dear. You will not be able to get away from me, not this time, at least. I will not allow you to do so. You are mine." He stated with conviction and Irene did not know what to make out of his words. She ignored them entirely and tried to get away from him. Her heart was filled with fear and resentment for the man who seemed hellbent on holding her close.


    "Why are you fighting me, dear?" He queried softly and leaned down, only for Irene to pull back. He stopped in his movements and pursed his lips, irked by her actions. But he did not comment about it, letting her go this time, his arms still wound around her waist. "Irene, why will you not accept me? You do know how much I love you and desire you."


    Irene remained quiet and kept struggling to get away in his arms.


    "Do you know, Irene, how long I have been waiting for you?" He mused and stared at her face. "To touch you, to kiss you."


    Irene''s eyes widened in shock and her desire to escape from him increased. She struggled all the more, putting more strength, exhausting herself slowly. But she did not give up. The man was pure evil and she realized that nothing good would come out of his presence. His next words made Irene stop struggling for a moment and she stared at him in horror.


    "And to drink from you." His eyes lowered to hers and his lips arched up in joy. "I have been waiting for this day all this while and I cannot wait any longer."


    With that, he bent forward until his cold breath hit her neck, and even before she knew it, she felt his sharp canines gracing her skin. The next instant, his teeth sunk into her skin, piercing the white flesh and sucking on it as he drank from her to his heart''s content.

 34. Ominous feeling

    Irene woke up with a start and looked around her in trepidation. She was sweating profusely and her heart was thumping wildly in fear. She had never felt this scared before, not even when she had been murdered in broad daylight. Her eyes dilated in terror and she frantically looked around her, trying to ensure the man was nowhere in sight.


    "Milady," Reyna scrambled to her feet when she saw her Mistress waking up. Her eyelashes were wet with unshed tears. But Irene was too terrified to notice her state.


    "Where am I?" She mumbled in a daze. She had completely forgotten where she was and how she had gotten here. All she could remember was the man''s devious gaze on her before his teeth pierced her skin and sucked her blood.


    Irene touched her skin where the man had bitten and she jumped out of bed, searching for the mirror. To her relief, there were no signs of injury or teeth marks on them and it was only then that she calmed down.


    "Are you alright? Do you feel discomfort anywhere? Are you unwell?" Reyna rushed to her, seeing her Mistress''s strange behavior. She had been frightened to see her faint when she was well and good. And now that her Lady was behaving weirdly as soon as she woke up, she could not help but worry for her more.


    Irene sighed in relief and turned around as soon as she heard Reyna''s voice. Only after she saw a familiar face did she recall that she was now in Rothnia, in Sylvaine''s body. Even though she was still troubled over this matter, she was glad she was away from her predator who had haunted her dream.


    It was the most terrifying dream she had ever had, even more than the ones that haunted her regularly. She still remembered the man''s menacing eyes that sent her legs quivering in fear. His eyes held a solemn oath and all she saw in them were his desire to ruin her, destroy her beyond redemption.


    Reyna did not miss the way Irene trembled and she wondered if she was feeling cold. Immediately, she ran towards the wardrobe and returned with a shawl. "Milady, please drape this shawl around you. You must be cold."


    Even though she requested her, she draped it around her Mistress personally, covering her neck and shoulders completely. Warmth engulfed Irene and her fear reduced as soon as she felt the comfortable and soft clothing around her. She blinked a few times, forcing her predator''s face out of her mind before focusing on Reyna, who was still fretting over her well-being.


    "I am fine, Reyna. Please do not worry." She hugged her suddenly and rubbed her back to comfort her. It was also to console and assure herself that she was safe, sound, and far away from the man who had attacked her in her dream. "I am fine. Calm down." She continued to coax Reyna and herself, and eventually, both girls calmed down.


    "Milady, let me inform His Grace. He has been worrying about you since the time he returned home." Reyna pulled away and even before Irene could nod at her, she had left the room searching for the old Duke.


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    Irene faced the mirror again and checked her neck, which was devoid of any injuries or bite marks. Finally, she pressed on the spot where she had felt the man''s teeth sink in her dream.


    ''Why did I dream about him this time and who the hell is he?'' She wondered, unable to believe how bizarre her dreams were turning out to be. Since the time she had transmigrated to Rothnia, she was dreaming strange instances and Irene had no idea what to make out of them.


    Every dream was more frightening than the previous ones and Irene suddenly started to feel ominous about them. She could not ignore the warning alarms that kept setting off every time in her mind as soon as she thought about her dreams.


    ''Who are the three men?'' She wondered. ''How can I see them when I have not even met them? Moreover, why do they have red eyes?'' She could not help but think about one common characteristic of all of them, their red eyes. ''And didn''t my predator sink his teeth to drink my blood? Then, is he a vampire?''


    Irene did not have the time to dwell more on it, for the door to her room opened and her father entered, his face filled with panic and fright. His eyes had turned red and Irene realized he had been crying all this time.


    "Sylvaine," He held her shoulders and observed her thoroughly. It was only when he was sure that she was not hurt that he let her go. "You scared me, dear. What happened to you?"


    Seymour was still in the castle as he and his King discussed their next course of action to handle Castiel when his guard informed him about his daughter. Immediately after, he had set out, fearing for her safety. His daughter, who had finally gained consciousness, had fallen sick again. Seymour could not stop the terror from settling in his heart as he wished for her well-being.


    An entire day had passed since she lost consciousness and even the royal physician had been futile in finding out what had happened to her this suddenly. It was only when he saw his daughter, standing perfectly alright and in good health, that Seymour sighed in relief.


    "You were alright in the morning, dear? What happened to you suddenly?" Seymour led her back to her bed and sat beside her.


    "I am not sure either, Father. I saw this man from my balcony when I was talking to Reyna. His intense red eyes were focused on me and he was wearing a black cloak. There was something odd and menacing about him and by the time I got down to meet him, he had vanished into thin air. After this, I became muddled and my head felt heavy."


    "What man are you talking about?" Seymour frowned and looked at Reyna for clarification.


    "I am not sure, Your Grace. I did not see the man the Lady is referring to." Reyna replied and lowered her head.


    "I will speak to the guards and try to find out about him. How do you feel, dear? Do you feel sick? Does your head ache?" Seymour stared at his daughter and held her hands.


    "I am fine, Father. Please do not worry." Irene was just about to continue when her eyes fell on the man behind her father. Her eyes widened subtly and she had a sudden urge to whistle at him. She had never seen such a handsome man before, at least not in person.


    His slightly tanned skin, light brown hair color and forest green eyes reminded her of James Dean. But the man in front of her was taller and he seemed more gentle than chic.


    "Father, who is this gentleman here?" Irene was just about to address him as sexy. But she stopped herself from blurting it out in time.


    "This, dear, is Lucian McCoy. He was the one who carried you back to your room after you fainted."

 35. Scolded but happy

    "This, dear, is Lucian McCoy. He was the one who carried you back to your room after you fainted." Seymour introduced the man to his daughter as she stared at him in confusion. She did not recall seeing him anywhere near her when she was on the lawn, nor did he look like any of the guards in their mansion.


    Seymour perceived what his daughter was thinking and he smiled softly. "He is a guest, Sylvaine. You do not know about him."


    "Ohh, I see." Irene smiled at the man before she fixed her gaze on her father.


    "Yes, dear. He is the son of a friend and he is here to take the examination for the Council of Ministry that will be held in a few days. He will be staying with us until then." Seymour stated with pride and Irene finally observed him, welcoming him with a nod.


    "Please forgive me that you had to see me this way, Sir. You must have been stressed too to see me faint." Irene apologized sincerely and took a look at the man who was taller than her by almost a foot. His brown hair had fallen over his face, and she was again reminded of James Dean. His handsome face was glowing and the moment he smiled at her in return, Irene felt her heart thump madly. But it was just an attraction she felt for him and his charming face, nothing more. His forest green eyes gleamed in delight before he too nodded at her.


    "No, no, Lady Sylvaine. Although I was worried when I saw you lose consciousness, I am relieved to see you well and happy. The Lady did scare me at that moment, though." His words made Irene grin sheepishly.


    "I apologize for putting you through such agony. Hello, nice to meet you." Irene held out her hand as she usually did. "I am Ire...I mean, I am Sylvaine."


    Not only Lucian, even Seymour and Reyna looked at her, baffled. Her behavior was completely abnormal. Lucian stared at her stretched hand before he glanced at her and gave her a puzzled look.


    It was only when she saw the confusion in his eyes that Irene realized what she had done and looked at her father, who was also addled by her actions.


    Irene retrieved her hand and pushed her hair behind her ear, embarrassed by what she had done. She had completely forgotten where she was and what era she was in. Her instincts came out naturally and she held her hand like she usually did back in her world.


    "Please forgive me. That was rude of me." Irene giggled awkwardly and lowered her head, not knowing what to do. Fortunately for her, Reyna came to her rescue right on time.


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    "Milady, you must be hungry. You have been asleep for an entire day now. Shall I get your food here?" Reyna queried and the next instant, everyone forgot her strange actions. Instead, they now focused on her health and her well-being.


    "Father, did you eat your food?" Instead of answering Reyna, Irene focused her attention on her father and his silence gave her the answer she needed. "Father, how could you ignore your health worrying about me? You need to take care of yourself. I have told you this before." Irene did not hesitate to reprimand her father in front of her guest.


    While Reyna was frightened to see her Lady scolding her father in front of their guest, worrying if the Duke would lash out at her, the Duke thought otherwise.


    Duke Seymour was jubilant to listen to his daughter scold him. It only showed how much his daughter loved and cared for him. He smiled at her happily and Irene frowned at his sudden shift in expression.


    "Father, why are you smiling?"


    "I am just happy today, dear. I realized how much my daughter cares about me." Seymour was too ecstatic to even care about the guest or his daughter''s behavior in front of his guest. All he had in mind was his daughter''s concern-filled words. He had not missed her worry for him in her tone.


    Only then did Irene remember Lucian and she snuck out her tongue, flustered. She glanced at him and was stunned to see amusement and intrigue dancing in his eyes and she lowered her head in shame. But soon, she stared at him again when a notion hit her mind.


    "Father, did our guest have his food?" She looked back and forth between the two men and almost glared at her father when she did not get any answer. "Father, how could you allow our guest to starve?"


    "Lady Sylvaine," Lucian interrupted before she continued. "Please do not blame His Grace. It was I who was unwilling to have food without him. So please do not blame him."


    Lucian requested, his tone filled with a weird interest and excitement which Irene could not decipher. She stared at him for a few moments before she averted her gaze.


    "Father, this will not do. You should not ignore your food from now on. Otherwise, I will be angry at you."


    "I will do as you say, dear. I will not ignore my food and health from now on." Seymour relented happily. "Now, shall we go down and eat our dinner? We have prepared a feast in honor of our guest."


    "Sure, Father." Irene pulled the shawl over her. Even though she had stopped shivering, she still felt cold. The temperature had suddenly decreased, and she was sure she could not bear it.


    Seymour walked in the middle while Irene and Lucian walked on either side, with Reyna following them closely.


    Seymour and Lucian were lost in their conversation. But that did not stop the young man from glancing at the completely oblivious girl.


    Irene''s thoughts were filled with the man she had seen at noon to sense the curious gaze on her. She could not discern how he had vanished even before she got him and why nobody on the lawn had seen him.


    Only Reyna noticed the man''s eyes on her Lady and she understood what was happening immediately. She stifled a smile but kept the matter a secret, leaving it to fate to decide for them.

 36. Sleepless night

    Irene could not sleep the entire night, and her nightmare kept flashing before her eyes every time she closed them for more than a few seconds. She had never been this scared, and for the first time, she understood how frightening this bizarre world was.


    At first, everything around her puzzled her. She was intrigued to find out more about the girl who was with her all the time, her father who had suddenly popped up out of nowhere and the King of Rothnia, Kieran Allendale, in particular. Though she intended to find a way to return home quickly, she also wanted to learn more about the people around her.


    But now, she was filled with utter fear, all thanks to the latest nightmare.


    ''Why am I suddenly seeing my predator whenever I close my eyes?'' She wondered as she leaned against her pillow. Until the nightmare, she saw her King, Kieran''s masked face every time she shut her eyes. But this time, he had been replaced by the man who had attacked her and drank her blood.


    A bizarre notion made its presence known, suddenly making Irene restless. ''Was my predator Kieran Allendale? Is this how he looks when he removes his mask?'' So she thought to herself and tried to match the masked King with the man who had bitten her neck.


    However, Irene shook her head in denial as soon as two people''s faces entered her mind. "No way. Kieran could not be the man. Though both of them had red eyes, Kieran''s was gentle and filled with indulgence while...." Irene shivered in fright when she recalled her attacker''s sinister gaze. It was only bone-chilling and mortifying, unlike the King''s that had made her heart flutter in warmth.


    ''He is not Kieran, but he has red eyes and he bit my neck to drink my blood.'' Irene''s eyes narrowed slightly before they widened in realization. ''Does that mean even Kieran is a vampire?'' She was surprised to think how ridiculous her words sounded. ''Vampires are just myths. I must be hallucinating. They are just fictional.'' She tried to assure herself, but somewhere in her heart and mind, she had already accepted the truth.


    Irene could not ignore her horrible nightmare and its connection with the King. At first, she had marveled at the King''s red eyes. Only after her dream did she understand what might be the reason for them to take such a mesmerizing shade of red.


    Even though the thought of Kieran being a vampire was frightening, Irene somehow was not scared of him. ''Why do I not fear him? Is it because of the warm emotions I had seen in his eyes at the Mid Autumn Festival opening? Why does my heart say that he would never hurt me?'' Irene placed her finger underneath her chin and thought carefully.


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    Even though her mind was muddled and unable to send her correct signals, her heart stayed determined and strong. All it said was for her to trust Kieran.


    ''Why do I have such strong feelings?'' She pondered for this was the first time in her past life as well as her present that she found herself being attracted to someone. Though there was no shortage of charming men in her past life, nobody could intrude on the protective wall she had built around her heart. Their charms did not work on her and she had never found anyone attractive enough to date them, let alone start a serious relationship with them.


    This was the first time her heart was fluttering in happiness and excitement at the thoughts of a man she was not even familiar with. Yet, Irene did not loathe the feeling. She did not avert to what was happening to her. Instead, her curiosity was piqued and she wished to know more about the man who had captured her and her heart at first glance.


    Irene could not sleep well the entire night. Either her thoughts were occupied with Kieran or with her attacker. It was only at the wee hours of dawn that Irene''s eyelids turned heavy and she eventually drifted off to sleep. She was so deep into her slumberland that she did not wake up when Reyna came to her once the first rays of the sun entered the room.


    By the time Irene woke up, it was past breakfast. The sun was shining bright in the sky as it moved closer towards the time of noon.


    "How do you feel now, Milady?" Reyna was just beside her bed and the moment Irene woke up, she saw her first.


    "I feel good. How about you, Reyna?" Irene smiled lazily and stretched her arms.


    Reyna sighed in relief from seeing her smile. She had been worried all this while, especially when her Mistress had not responded to her when she had tried to wake her up. It was only when the old Duke assured her that she calmed down and waited for her Lady to wake up on her own.


    "I am good too, Milady. Shall I bring your breakfast here?"


    "No, I will eat at the dining hall. Did Father eat his breakfast on time?" Irene queried. She had already realized that she was late and that it was the perfect time for brunch, not breakfast.


    "Yes, Milady. His Grace ate his breakfast on time."


    "Is he in the mansion?"


    "Yes, Milady. His Grace is in the mansion. The royal court session starts only after lunchtime today." Reyna answered immediately and Irene nodded at her.


    "Prepare my bath, Reyna. I have an important matter to discuss with my Father and then we shall walk around the streets. I need to see how the Mid Autumn Festival is celebrated." Irene pushed herself off the bed after dawdling for some time and was about to walk towards the mirror when Reyna''s voice stopped her.


    "Milady," Seeing the girl hesitate, Irene turned to her with a questioning gaze.


    "Milady, His Grace would not be willing to send you out of the mansion after what happened to you yesterday."


    Irene had already anticipated this outcome from her protective father. So, she did not comment on it. Instead, she just smiled with confidence. "Do not worry, dear Reyna. I know exactly what to do and how to convince him. You just prepare yourself for the festival."

 37. Gaining a favor

    Irene stood in front of her father as she waited for his reply. The moment she finished her breakfast, she had gone searching for her father, hoping to convince him to allow her to see the festival.


    But, just as Reyna had assumed, her father and their guest, Lucian, were deep in discussion when she knocked at the door to her father''s study. Without any hesitation, Irene put forth her request before the old Duke, and now she was waiting for his consent.


    Irene stared at him innocently, begging him silently through her round, beautiful eyes. She looked so pitiful that Seymour did not have the heart to reject her or any of her requests. It was the second time in years that his daughter had approached him with a request and he did not intend to disappoint her, not when his relationship with her was slowly improving.


    "But, Sylvaine, how can I allow you to go alone? What if something happened to you again, just like yesterday?" Though Seymour did not wish to think bad, he could not stop himself from recalling what had happened to his daughter, and both the times when Sylvaine had lost consciousness, he had not been with her. Just the thought of his beloved daughter lying on the bed unconscious made him shiver in fright.


    "Father, I am not going alone. Reyna will accompany me, and just like on the day of the opening ceremony, you can send two guards to keep an eye on me. With them around, nothing will happen to me. They will ensure my safety." Irene tried to reason out, but her father was still not convinced.


    Now, she did not know what more to do to convince him. She was at her wit''s ends and unknowingly, she looked at Lucian, who was watching the father and the daughter silently, listening to their conversation.


    As soon as his eyes met hers, he flashed her a smile which she returned immediately. But, also, he did not miss the hope and helplessness in her eyes and immediately, he stepped forward.


    "Your Grace, if you would not mind, I could accompany Lady Sylvaine to the festival." He offered and turned to look at the girl, who was visibly stunned by his words. She looked adorable and pretty, with her eyes gazing at him while her lips parted. He had the sudden urge to pat her head. But he controlled himself before he crossed his limits.


    "With me protecting her, nothing will happen to her." He added and waited for the old Duke''s response.


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    "I think it might ease my worry a little if Lucian were to accompany you. My heart will be at peace to think that he is with you. Even if something like yesterday happened to you, Lucian would be with you to help you."


    Though Sylvaine was uncomfortable with their guest following them to the festival, this was their only option. ''Father will not let me go without him. This is the best possible outcome.'' She sighed softly before her lips curved up in acceptance.


    "Thank you, Father. Rest assured, I will not make you worry for me again. And as Father said, with Sir McCoy accompanying me, no danger will befall me." Irene tried to appease her father, and it worked. He finally smiled at her and nodded at her in agreement.


    "But you will have to wait until lunch. I will have to go to the castle after lunch. Until then, I have matters to discuss with Lucian. Will that be fine with you, Sylvaine?" Seymour looked at his daughter, who was grinning in joy. Her one smile was enough to appease his heart, and he had never felt this blissful before. He wished to see his daughter happy and smiling forever. He wanted to have her come to him for her smallest problems.


    ''And I wish you will not regain your memories forever and be as you are right now, Sylvaine.'' So he thought to himself, hiding his guilty in his heart. All he wanted was to savor this happiness forever.


    To Irene, this was an opportunity she had gained after a lot of begging. Even though she had to wait sometime before she could watch the festival, she did not mind it. "I will wait, Father. We can have lunch together before we leave."


    Seymour nodded at her before she took her leave from the two men. However, before leaving, Irene did not forget to smile gratefully at Lucian, who was already looking at her. The unknown emotions swirling in his eyes stunned her. But she did not react and left the room after nodding at him curtly.


    Reyna was waiting outside the study room and as soon as she saw her mistress walk out, she rushed to her. "Milady, what happened?" She tilted her head slightly, waiting to know what had happened inside.


    Irene smiled at her and gave her a thumbs up, her action confusing Reyna immensely. She did not know what her mistress was doing. But she followed her movements.


    "Father agreed to let us go out, Reyna. We will leave after lunch and Sir Lucian will accompany us." Irene revealed the plan to the girl, who still held her thumbs up, not knowing what it was and Irene too did not speak a word about it.


    "This is great, Milady. Considering your health, I had assumed His Grace would not allow us to leave. I am sure you will love the festival, Milady."


    "Let us see."


    Irene gave her a hopeful gaze before walking towards the garden where she had seen the man with red eyes the previous night. Just like the previous day, she looked around the lawn to find anything that could help her prove that she was not hallucinating. But she found nothing. Even the guards did not know what she was speaking about, and eventually, Irene gave up.


    All she could do was push the matter to the back of her head and forget about it. Instead, she now looked forward to the festival that Reyna was speaking about fascinatingly.

 38. Deep meaning conversation

    "Thank you very much, Sir McCoy, for convincing my father to allow me to attend the festival." Irene beamed at the man walking beside her. Even though she had someone tagging along with her, she did not mind it. The bustling activities around her and watching the happy faces made her forget all her complaints and she joined them in their joy.


    "It is my pleasure, Lady Sylvaine." Lucian smiled at her in return. His eyes were filled with a myriad of emotions that Irene could not understand. Not wanting to dwell more on them, she averted her gaze away from him and looked at a group of kids running around with pinwheel toys in their hands.


    Irene recalled her days at the orphanage in her past life when there were a lot of kids of her age. Those days had been her least stressful days when she had nothing to worry about. Instead, her wardens would care for her, feeding her on time while having a bed to sleep in bliss.


    Only after she turned eighteen and was shown the gate to leave the orphanage did she realize how brutal the outside world was.


    ''Thank my hard work. If not for the scholarship I had received from my university, I might have been living on the streets.'' Irene thought to herself and smiled at the kids who were lucky to enjoy life before they too entered the stressful phase of their lives.


    Even though their time period was different, Irene knew that the struggle to survive and gain power was as brutal as it was in her modern life. And once the children reached adulthood, they would lose all their innocence and stress-free lives.


    "What are you thinking about, Lady Sylvaine?" Lucian queried as he followed her line of sight. The girl beside him had stopped walking suddenly, making him halt in his place. Her face held a strange expression that he could not comprehend. It was as though she recalled a memory that she had buried deep inside her heart.


    Lucian''s voice snapped Irene out of her thoughts and she turned towards him immediately. She stared at him in confusion. "Please pardon me, Sir McCoy. I did not hear a word you said." She snuck out her tongue apologetically and lowered her eyes the next instant.


    Lucian''s smile widened on seeing her cute behavior and he let out a deep breath. ''Does she even realize how beautiful and adorable she looks when flustered?'' He wondered as he stared at the girl, taking in her beautiful features.


    His intense gaze did not go unnoticed by Irene. Even though she had her eyes lowered, she did not miss the way he was staring at her with a smile on his face. Although she did not have any experience in love or relationships in her previous life, she had seen many movies and understood what his gaze meant.


    Lucian did not conceal his budding feelings for her. But Irene was considerate enough not to point it out and make it more awkward for herself. Instead, she zipped her lips, forgetting this matter for now.


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    "I was wondering what got you thinking, Lady Sylvaine?" Lucian repeated his question, his smile not leaving his face. "You were staring at the children over there. Is something the matter?" His voice was soft and filled with intrigue. He was genuinely interested in finding out how she felt and what she was thinking.


    Irene was just about to give a generic reply when Lucian intervened. "You can share your thoughts with me, Lady Sylvaine. I would love to listen to you."


    Now, Irene did not have an opportunity to escape from the predicament she was in. But, since the man persisted and urged her to speak up, she did not keep to herself anymore.


    "I was wondering how quickly time passes and how soon people grow up." Irene sighed and looked at the kids, who were playing happily. Immediately after, she let out a deep sigh and folded her hands.


    When Reyna saw her mistress fold her hands, she wanted to step forward and remind her of her manners. She was not in her mansion to forget them. She was out in the open where the other aristocratic people would walk around. Reyna did not intend her mistress''s actions to be the topic of conversation and ridicule among the aristocrats.


    But the moment she stepped forward, Lucian turned towards her and warned her through his eyes, forcing her to stay put. He just shook his head and his intimidating gaze compelled Reyna to let go of the matter. Instead of being relieved, her worry only increased when she saw a group of ladies pointing at her Lady before they walked away while laughing.


    "Would you mind elaborating, Lady Sylvaine? I do not understand what you are trying to convey." Lucian kept the conversation going.


    "Do you see the children over there, Sir McCoy?" She gestured towards the group of children before she continued speaking. "How blissful their lives are right now. They have no idea what lies ahead for them and what kind of battles they will face in the future. They do not even know what they will do in the future."


    Lucian stepped closer to her when she was not concentrating. Her words evoked a sense of admiration and appreciation in his mind. Yet he could not help but wonder why she was speaking so.


    ''Did something happen to her at her home? Is she not happy in her home?'' He thought to himself. But the moment the notion entered his mind, he shook his head. ''It cannot be. Duke Seymour looks after his daughter well and from what I witnessed during my stay, Lady Sylvaine does not seem to be in trouble. She must be referring to something else.''


    "They might become the members of the King''s Council or the knights who guard the kingdom. Some might become merchants, while some might end up being teachers. They are unclear as to what the future holds for them. But I am certain of one aspect. Irrespective of their chosen path, they will face a lot of competition, especially if they want power and achieve success."


    "Did something happen, Lady Sylvaine?" Lucian could not help himself any longer and stopped her from speaking further.


    "Why do you ask, Sir McCoy?"


    "You have suddenly turned serious and every word of yours holds a deeper meaning. So. I was wondering..."


    "No, Sir McCoy. I was just stating my thoughts." Irene smiled in assurance. "Shall we see what the next stall is selling?" She changed the topic deftly and moved to the next stall without waiting for the man''s reply. She chided herself for losing control of her emotions in front of a stranger.


    ''I should be careful. I cannot become emotional and conflicted lest I give away the truth about my life.''

 39. Love in the light - Part 1

    Lucian did not mind the change in the topic and he followed the lady beside him to the next stall, watching her eyes gleam in happiness. The gloomy mood around her disappeared and she was now grinning with joy. It was as though the girl who had just spoken words of wisdom over experience was nowhere in sight. In her place was a maiden enjoying life and youth as everyone else did.


    Irene sensed the intense gaze on her from beside her. But she ignored it completely and looked at the colorful and beautiful shawls and stoles. Her eyes were immediately drawn to a light pink stole with blue and white flowers embroidery, and she picked it up immediately. The material was soft to touch and Irene did not know why but her heart wanted it.


    She caressed the stole and smiled in delight. Lucian had already spoken up before she could even ask the stall owner the price of the stole. "We will take this one."


    His words stunned Irene, and even Reyna lifted her head in surprise. Though buying stoles was not surprising, it was astonishing to see their guest buying them for her mistress. She could not help but marvel at how he treated her mistress and her lips curved up in a smile.


    "No, no..." Irene tried to protest, but Lucian intervened immediately.


    "This stole would look good on Lady Sylvaine. Do you like any other scarf, Lady?" His merry voice fell on her ears and Irene went into a trance. This was the first time someone willingly gave her a present and she did not know how to deal with her feelings.


    Though in her previous life too, people had gifted her, they always went into the trash can before she even knew about it. Her assistant had followed her orders diligently to keep all the gifts from her suitors and well wishers away from her, and not many people dared to approach her for her cold nature. So she had never received any gifts from anyone and now that someone was willing to present her with a stole she liked, she did not know what to make out of it.


    "Take it as my present to you, Lady." Lucian noticed her staring at him and he requested her gently, not giving her the time to object. Even before she knew it, he had already paid for the stole, making it impossible for her not to accept it.


    "Thank you, Sir McCoy." Eventually, she relented and accepted his gift. Though a thought was weighing in her mind, she brushed it away and wrapped the stole around her.


    "How does it look, Reyna?" She turned to the girl who was watching her and their guest''s conversation with a strange smile. "Does this look good on me?"


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    "Yes, Milady. It does. It looks beautiful on you." Reyna did not hesitate to speak about what she felt. It was true that the light pink stole suited her mistress''s skin and she looked absolutely alluring.


    "You look beautiful, Lady Sylvaine. Just like a blooming pink rose." Lucian complemented from the side, completely bewitched by the girl. He could not help but stare at her in awe, admiring her personality as well as her beauty.


    "Thank you, Sir McCoy." Irene did not know what to say and smiled at him before the group continued walking.


    Meanwhile, on the other side, Seymour looked around him to ensure no danger lurking around them as he followed the King to the streets where the festival was held.


    "Your Majesty, why are we in disguise?" He voiced the question that had kept his mind occupied for a long time since they had left the palace.


    "I want to enjoy the life of a commoner. I want to know what my subjects think about me." Kieran answered vaguely and kept walking with an air of dignity and authority. Even though he was disguised as a commoner, the aura around him was too strong to ignore. The people stopped in their places to look at him.


    Although he looked like a commoner with an average face, something about him lured everyone''s attention to him.


    Nobody knew his true identity. Kieran had shed his mask away, and even his eyes matched the color of his hair. So it was impossible to relate him to the King with his brilliant disguise.


    Seymour had no response to his words. It sure was the King''s nature to carry out unpredictable expeditions. But every time it had happened, Seymour had been on his toes, looking out for danger even though the King himself was the most dangerous of all.


    "Seymour, stop worrying. Nobody even knows who I am. We will not be attacked here." Kieran noticed the older man''s worry and his lips arched slightly. "Moreover, who dares to attack me and get away with it?"


    It was true that nobody would get away if they were to attack the almighty King. The man had a keen sense of presence and could detect danger from far away. But the old Duke could not stop worrying for him.


    "Your Majesty, we are out in the open without any guards protecting you. How can I not be concerned?"


    Kieran''s smile widened and he stopped walking before he faced the man behind him. He just held the man''s shoulders, compelling him to look at him in the eye. "Seymour, I am glad and fortunate to have such an amazing advisor by my side. With you around, I have nothing to worry about regarding matters related to the kingdom. But just as I trust you, I wish you to trust me too."


    Seymour did not understand what the King was trying to convey and he gave him a puzzled look.


    "With me around, nobody will harm us. I will protect you with all my might. You can trust me on this."


    Seymour did not know whether to laugh or to cry at his King''s words. He let out a helpless laugh and lowered his head.


    Kieran was just about to continue speaking when he noticed the face of the girl who had occupied his thoughts and dreams as well as his heart for years. His hands dropped to his side as he stared at his dear girl.


    "Irene." He mumbled in joy, his excitement filling his face. But before he could even take a good look, she had vanished from his sight.

 40. Love in the light - Part 2

    "Irene," Kieran noticed the familiar silhouette and his eyes widened in surprise. He could not conceal the delight in his eyes. His heart roared at him to go to her, to his woman, the girl he had loved for years, centuries together and he did just that. He went in the direction where he had last seen her, leaving a puzzled Seymour staring at his back.


    Seymour had no idea what had happened and where the King was going. But he had not missed the name his King had taken before he had started walking.


    "Irene?" He frowned lightly before the realization hit him. He was not a stranger to the name. He had heard it from his King long ago and many other times when he had spoken about his love for her.


    Seymour was stunned to hear the same name again, for the King had never taken her name outside the castle. Except for him, nobody else knew about her, no human at least.


    To find his King speaking her name, astonished him greatly and Seymour too followed his King, hurrying up to catch up with him. He did not dare call his name out loud, for the King was quite far away from him, and it was impossible for him to shout without gaining the attention of the onlookers. Already a crowd had formed, courtesy of the King''s formidable aura. He did not want more eyes on them lest any danger should befall them.


    Kieran completely ignored the old Duke behind him and went in the direction where he had seen his beloved. But she had vanished before he could even get to her. All he saw were strangers, the ones that were looking at him curiously. While the ladies were ogling at him as they whispered to themselves, admiring his average but attractive looks, the others just waited to see what he was up to.


    But Kieran was in no mood to entertain them. He only wanted to find his sweet girl and bring her back with him. After years had passed, he felt his heart thumping madly in happiness again and he did not wish to end this feeling ever.


    The previous night, he had been too shocked to see the girl who had captured his heart. So, it had taken him a while to come out of his trance, and by the time he did, she had already left his sight. He did not intend to commit the same mistake when he knew that she was somewhere around him.


    Kieran closed his eyes, trying to find the girl through his senses. But the crowd around him was not helping, frustrating him even more. So many people were blocking his senses, forcing him to retreat and find an alternative to search for his Queen.


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    "Your Majesty," Seymour breathed as he panted softly. He kept his voice low to not allow anyone to chance upon their conversation. "What happened, Your Majesty?" He was careful enough not to scold him openly for leaving him alone. Anything related to their Queen would send his King combusting in flames of anger or overly possessive and he did not intend to see him donning either of the two characters.


    "I just saw our Queen here." Unexpectedly, Kieran was surprisingly calm even though his eyes said otherwise. Seymour did not miss the impatience in them and he immediately realized what kept the King composed and in control.


    One, he was in the presence of his subjects and did not intend to show them his irked and frightening self like he usually did when alone. Two, his darling girl was somewhere around and he did not intend to scare her off, not her at least.


    Seymour sighed in relief, praising the King for his thoughtfulness and immense self-control. Otherwise, by now, the place would have wrecked and people would be screaming and running for their lives as they had once done the first time he had witnessed his King lose his calm completely.


    But he did not wish for the entire kingdom to know about his rage, for it was only momentary, a way to release his frustration. Kieran Allendale was a king who would give his life for his subjects and their well-being. Harming them was the last thing he would do, impossible even.


    "Our Queen," Seymour did not feign ignorance and turned to look around him to find the girl who might be their future Queen. But he did not find anyone who could have captured his King''s interest and from his King''s disappointed eyes alone, he could say that the girl had long vanished from his sight.


    "What do we do now, Your Majesty?" Their plan to take a casual walk around the kingdom had ended, and Seymour knew not to bring it up, not when the King had other intentions in mind. He would surely not be interested in such matters, especially when their Queen was nearby and if they could find her before the last day of the Mid Autumn festival, it could save them a lot of trouble.


    "We will find her." The King''s answer was expected. Would he stay still and wait for her when he had the opportunity to get her today? No way. "My sweet girl is somewhere nearby and I intend to find her quickly and end my misery as well as hers."


    "But how do we do it, Your Majesty?" Seymour gave him a confused look and Kieran immediately understood what he was trying to convey. They did not have their army with them to aid the King in finding the Queen and even if they did, it would be of no help as nobody had seen what their Queen looked like. However, Seymour was now curious to know what the King had in mind and how he wished to find her.


    Kieran smirked, his eyes dancing with amusement and an unknown emotion, and Seymour at once realized that the King''s plan was anything but normal. He observed the way his King ran his eyes around him before they settled on him.


    "I am unable to detect her using my senses. So, I will use my other abilities to find her. She cannot escape from my sight and I am sure I will see her again by the end of the day."

 41. Love in the light - Part 3

    "I will use my abilities to find my Irene." Kieran glanced at Seymour, who held a puzzled look on his face before he closed his eyes, mumbling words under his breath that the old Duke could not hear. Barely a moment had passed when he opened them again, and this time, his eyes had turned back to the shade he was well known for having, blood red and amazingly dark.


    "Your Majesty, what are you trying to do?" Seymour queried from the side, completely lost by the turn of events. He could not understand what was happening and what his King intended to do. ''What ability was he talking about? How will he be able to find our Queen that way?'' He wondered but did not dare to voice out his thoughts.


    "I," Kieran faced him, his lips arching on one side. "Am going to put everyone to sleep." For once, he answered the old Duke, surprising him. Soon his surprise turned into terror when he realized what his King intended to do.


    Duke Seymour did not doubt his King when he disclosed his plan to put everyone to sleep. Though he had no idea how he would do it, he knew for sure that he would do it. He had already seen his King perform many bizarre tasks, which were impossible even to envisage. But never had he witnessed him putting anyone to sleep. So, though he was skeptical and terrified of the idea, he wanted to see how he would do it.


    But Seymour''s wishes were unspoken and unheard for the next moment, Kieran snapped his fingers and immediately, the old Duke held his head, which had started to throb in pain. He tried to stare at his King, who was observing him with a serious expression. But all he saw was a blurred figure, and his legs gave away even before he knew it. His head hit the ground, and just like that, he lost consciousness.


    Kieran squatted beside the old Duke and let out a helpless smile. "Please forgive me, Seymour. This is something I have to do. I will explain everything to you once I am done here and I hope you will understand." He stared at the unconscious man for a moment before he stood up and looked around him. One by one, all the people around him fell to the ground, meeting the same fate as Seymour and Kieran apologized to them a million times for taking this brutal action against them to find their Queen.


    "Please forgive me, my people. I have to find my Queen, as only she can protect you from the ones that will not hesitate to kill you all when they wake up from their sleep. I know I am in the wrong. But it is to protect you all as well as to fulfill my selfish desire to find my Queen quicker."


    Kieran slowly started walking, searching for his Queen amongst the unconscious crowd. His keen eyes did not leave anybody he could catch up on and soon, he had covered more than half the streets where the festival was in full swing a few moments ago.


    ''Was I hallucinating it? Was she my imagination?'' He wondered, unable to believe himself as he ventured deeper. But even after covering the entire area, he could not find her. Frustration hit him hard and he ran his hand through his hair, looking around himself. ''Where did you go, Irene? Were you actually here or did I imagine you to be here?'' He thought to himself, not knowing what had happened.


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    ''Either you were here and left the area before I activated my powers and put everyone to sleep, or I was just dreaming about you in broad daylight. Which among the two is true?'' He pondered, annoyed by the turn of events as he traced his footsteps to where Seymour was lying asleep. ''Please let it be the former. I am sure you are here somewhere around me. I can feel it. Please do not make it otherwise."


    Kieran was on the verge of losing his composure and his impatience was getting the best of him. But he controlled himself for he was in the presence of his sleeping subjects and he did not intend to harm them with his careless and reckless actions.


    He had barely taken a step away from where he was when he noticed a silhouette lying further away from his notice. In his eagerness to find his girl, he had missed the group lying at his farther left and Kieran hurried towards them, his heart thudding in joy and hope. And the moment he saw the person he had been looking for all these years, lying on the ground blissfully, her beautiful face ever beautiful and charming as he had remembered, Kieran had the sudden urge to cry.


    He dropped to his knees and held her gently, caressing her face softly as though she would vanish or break into pieces if he exerted even a little force. The feel of her skin under his was terrific and Kieran had never felt this happy before. He sat on the ground, not caring how dirty his trousers would be, and held the girl in his arms as a lone tear slipped from his eyes.


    "Irene," He sighed in relief, delight, and, most of all, his unconditional love for her. It was impossible to conceal it. He gazed at her face, the one he had only dreamt and imagined and had seen in his paintings was now asleep in his arms and Kieran wanted nothing more but for her to wake up and for him to see her beautiful eyes, which he so badly missed.


    But he knew that Irene, his Irene, would not be waking up anytime soon. The spell he had cast on the people was strong and humans being the weaker ones, would be under its effect for a long time. And he did not have the heart to take her with him right away, not when his action would scare her more than anything else.


    All his impulses and desires disappeared the moment he held her. Even his wish to take her away with him was forced away from his mind.


    "I finally found you, Irene." He sighed in bliss and kept his gaze fixed on her, tears leaking out of his eyes. This was one of the rare times, his eyes had teared up and this time, they were tears of relief and joy.


    Unable to control himself, Kieran pulled her to himself and embraced her and it was only when he smelled the familiar scent did his heart calm down.


    "Although I want to take you away with me, I will not, Irene. You will only resent me if I forced you and I do not want that." He mumbled, pouring out all his love for her through his eyes. "I will wait for you, I will wait until I have gained your love and heart."


    Kieran kept staring at her for fear that Irene might vanish from his sight if he were to blink even once. His crimson orbs reflected his beloved and slowly, his heart accepted that Irene was actually here, in Rothnia, in his arms and it was not a dream.


    "Please forgive me, Irene for meeting you this way. I was too excited and could not control myself when I realized that you were nearby."


    Kieran closed his eyes for a moment and let out a sigh. "I will have to leave now, dear. But I promise we will meet soon, we will. Wait for me until then."


    The spell he had cast on the people was about to end. But Kieran did not want to leave her alone either. So, not knowing what to do, he followed his heart that was begging him to kiss her and he did just that.

 42. Love in the light - Part 4

    Kieran''s lips lingered on her forehead for a long time as he kissed her, pouring out all his love and longing for her as well as the guilt that had accumulated over time in his heart. He caressed her forehead, pushing away the strands of hair that had fallen over her face and took in her exquisite features.


    "You look as beautiful as ever, darling." He mumbled softly, letting out a blissful and contented smile. "I have waited for you all these years that it drove me mad. I often lost control of my desire to kill the people who separated you from me. But I stopped myself, for I know you would like to deal with them yourself."


    He leaned forward until his nose was touching her neck where the vein was and he took a deep sniff. Kieran''s eyes darkened, his blood lust coming back to him. "You smell divine, darling, as always and I wish to taste your delicious blood. But no, I will not do it, not now, at least." He muttered in resolution and caressed her cheek.


    "I will wait for you, Irene, as I did the last few years. I will wait for you and I promise it will only be for a few days. After the Winter festival, you will be mine forever." He promised and kissed her forehead again.


    Though Kieran wanted to stay with the love of his life, his time was ending soon. Soon, the people around him and Irene would wake from their sleep. His spell on them would be broken and they would return to their everyday lives with no memories of anything else.


    "I need to leave now. Please wait for me, dear. Then, we will get back to how we were before." Kieran laid her back on the ground, ensuring he did not hurt her before his eyes fell on the stole covering her neck. The beautiful color combination of the stole looked incredible on his girl, and he immediately removed it, taking it as a souvenir until he got together with her.


    "I will take this with me, sweetheart. This will remind me of you and keep me sane." Kieran sighed deeply as he gazed at her lovingly before he vanished from the spot. In the next instant, he returned to his original place where he had been with Seymour before he cast a spell on the people around him.


    A few moments passed and he waited for the dead crowd around him to wake up. One by one, his subjects started to gain consciousness. But Kieran''s eyes were trained in the direction where he had seen Irene. Even though he could not see where she was, he could sense her presence as he had fixed his mind and his keenness on her.


    Audible murmurs broke out around him and all he could hear was the people''s confusion. They were wondering how they had fallen unconscious all of a sudden and the thought that not one or two but the entire crowd falling asleep at once sent them into a mad frenzy.


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    Kieran waited until everyone was awake before he closed his eyes and snapped his fingers again. The next instant, the people stopped speaking and returned to what they were doing before they were put to sleep. It was as though nothing had happened to them at all this while.


    Kieran closed his eyes, and the next time he opened them, they had returned to the color of his hair. Then, taking a deep breath, he turned to Seymour, who had an absent-minded look as he stared ahead. His confusion was evident on his face and Kieran had the sudden urge to laugh at the cute old man.


    "Is something the matter, Seymour?" He questioned from beside, his voice startling the old man. He watched his hand jump to his chest as he patted it down.


    "Your Majesty," Seymour took a deep breath to calm himself down. Only he knew how frightened he had been when he had heard his King''s voice from beside him.


    "If there is nothing else, shall we proceed?" Kieran did not allow him to reply and started walking in the direction where he had left Irene after making a promise to her. He was determined to watch her silently until she returned home. He had been looking for this opportunity for a long time and wished to cherish it with his dear life.


    He held the stole in his hand, running his hand over the soft clothing before placing it in his coat''s inner pocket. He did not even wait for Seymour to catch up, his long legs hurrying in the direction where he had last seen Irene. Kieran only breathed in relief when he saw her looking around her in confusion.


    Unlike those around her, who seemed normal and perfectly fine, she looked perturbed. It was as though something was bothering her and Kieran just wanted to run to her and comfort her. But he stopped himself in time.


    Kieran stayed where he was while his ears were already on the conversation that was taking place in front of him.


    "What happened here?" He heard his Irene speak and his eyes narrowed in surprise.


    ''Does she know what happened to her a moment ago? Does she remember everything?'' He wondered to himself. But his thoughts broke when he heard Seymour panting behind him before he questioned him as he let out deep breaths.


    "What are we doing here, Your Majesty?"


    "Observing." Kieran just answered in one word and before he turned around and placed his finger on his lip, sending out his order to Seymour silently. And the stunned old man just nodded his head, too terrified to disobey his King and his orders.


    Kieran again focused on Irene, whose frown had not left her face.


    "What happened, Milady?" The girl behind her, who he assumed was her maid, asked her as she started looking around, following Irene.


    "How did we fall unconscious all at once?" Her question not only stunned the people she was with but Kieran was also stupefied. He had never expected Irene to have remembered everything that had transpired a few moments ago before she was forced to sleep by him.


    "What happened after that?"


    His spell had only worked partially on her. She had fainted just like everyone else. But she had not forgotten about it, unlike everyone else.

 43. The Kings jealousy

    Irene looked around her in confusion. Her head felt heavy as though she had drunk tons and tons of vodka while her body was exhausted. She could not help but look around her in confusion as she rubbed her forehead.


    But unlike her, the people around her showed no reaction whatsoever, puzzling her all the more. It was as though they did not even know what had happened a few moments ago.


    "Are you guys alright? Are you hurt anywhere? What the hell happened here?" She blurted out without thinking, and the people around her gave her a weird glance. Her concerned look went completely unnoticed by them and all they were focused on was what she had spoken a moment ago. Though they did not understand a few words, they still discerned what she was trying to ask them and they gave her a puzzled look in return.


    "What happened, Milady? Is something the matter? Are you feeling unwell suddenly or are you hurt?" Reyna questioned her immediately in worry and her words only made Lucian look at Sylvaine questioningly.


    At first, he too had been dumbfounded to hear her use words he had no idea about. It was only after hearing from Reyna did he realize what the problem might have been. ''Is Lady Sylvaine injured? How is that possible? She was fine just a few moments ago. How did she fall sick suddenly?'' He thought and moved closer to Sylvaine to observe her and her condition.


    Other than her puzzled look and many questions swirling in her eyes, he did not find anything abnormal in her. On the contrary, she seemed to be perfectly in good health. Her skin was glowing beautifully, evoking his desire to caress her cheeks and hold her hands.


    Lucian had to use a lot of strength to stop himself from doing what his heart yearned to do lest he should scare the girl who already seemed worried.


    "Didn''t we fall unconscious just now? How did it happen?" Irene completely ignored their concerns and focused on the topic at hand. "How could all of us fall unconscious at the same time? Is this some sort of magic?" She continued, but her words made no sense to anyone around her.


    While the guards protecting her gave her a strange look, wondering if she had lost her mind, Reyna and Lucian started to fear for her health. She was behaving abnormally and they could not help but feel restless and anxious.


    "What are you talking about, Milady? When did we fall unconscious? You have been mistaken." Reyna tried to reason with her. Her eyes had already turned red in fright and all she wanted was to take her mistress back home and let her rest for the day. ''She must have been exhausted. She will recover once she sleeps for a while.'' So she thought to herself and tried to convince her.


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    But Irene was not convinced by her and she refused to believe her. She had seen how the people around her fainted one by one as if they had breathed a poisonous gas or as an effect of a spell. She did not even have the time to fear the situation, for she immediately felt her head turning heavy while her eyes blurred slowly. Eventually, her legs gave away and she succumbed to the darkness.


    However, unlike the other people, she had not forgotten anything that had transpired before she closed her eyes. She had clearly seen Reyna lying just beside her and that was how it was the moment she woke up to.


    "Why don''t you guys remember anything? We were lying just here a few minutes ago. All of us fainted at once. How can you forget it?" She pointed to the spot where they all had been lying before they got up. In her state of anxiousness, Irene completely forgot where she was as well as the person had become. She returned to her original character, speaking as she did in her previous life.


    Lucian stepped closer to her, unable to see her in worry and held her shoulders tenderly, and the moment he did so, Kieran, who was watching them silently, glared at him in anger. His fury rose immensely and he was just short of losing himself to the momentum.


    Since the time he had heard Irene ask them about the situation where everyone had fainted at once, he had been in awe. She was the only one who remembered the events that had transpired, unlike the others who had forgotten about it at the snap of his fingers. He had seen her look of confusion and bewilderment before it turned to panic and finally settling on terror.


    Irene was terrified by what had happened and Kieran had the sudden urge to go to her and comfort her. He did not intend to see her in misery and reprimanded himself for putting her through such agony. But before he could take a step forward, the man beside Irene approached her and held her shoulders as he spoke to her in a calm, consoling tone.


    Kieran''s expression changed drastically and he was livid. All he wanted to do was rush to them and rip the man''s head off for even being in such proximity to his girl, let alone touch her. His possessiveness had taken over him completely. He clenched his fists tight while his black eyes slowly turned red.


    Seymour sensed the changes in his King and he was shocked to see how terrifying he looked. He had never seen his King this furious, not even during the court session where he had found out about his brother''s involvement in killing the women from the small village. He could not decipher what made the King lose his cool this quickly.


    "Your Majesty," Seymour spoke to him, but the man was too furious to hear his words. He was just about to unleash his wrath on the man who had touched his Irene when he saw the girl herself move away. And just like that, his anger subdued and vanished immediately. A small, relieved smile landed on his lips as he stared at his girl, praising her for her quick thinking.


    Seymour was once again stunned to see the sudden shift in his King''s emotions. The raging devil had been tamed and had calmed down even without him doing anything to pacify him. A moment ago, he was seething in rage. But now, he had become as calm as a clear sky. Seymour could not help but wonder what had happened and why his King was switching his moods this quickly.

 44. Unfortunate situation

    Seymour did not know how to approach the King and enquire about his state of mind, especially when he was switching his moods faster than anything he had ever seen. Barely a moment ago, he was ready to rip anyone''s head off who dared to stand in his way. But now, he had calmed down on his own and it looked as though his anger was all Seymour''s illusion.


    "Your Majesty, is something the matter? Did something happen?" Eventually, Seymour gathered all the courage in him and voiced his confusion, hoping against hope that his King would not lash out at him for his rudeness.


    Seymour was waiting for his King to lose control again. But all he received was a low, amused chuckle and Seymour widened his eyes in disbelief. Though it was not rare for him to see his King laugh, it was the first time he heard his unrestrained and hearty laugh.


    Every other time when Seymour had heard his King laugh, it was only sardonic or sinister. It indicated that hell was about to let loose and someone was about to meet his doom. However, this was the first time since he had started working for the King that he was seeing him laugh in delight and Seymour could not make out the reason for it.


    "Your Majesty," Seymour exclaimed, his lips too arching up in delight.


    "Seymour, were you not asking what had happened for me to lose control before?" Kieran focused his attention on him for a moment. "Let me reply to you now. I saw my Queen just now. I saw Irene and.." Kieran was just about to point in her direction when he noticed her absence in the spot he had seen her previously.


    "Where did she go?" He frowned and Seymour followed his line of sight to see no one in sight. Other than the stall owner selling stoles, no one was around. "Irene was right here," Kieran stated and walked towards where Irene had been standing.


    "How did she vanish this quickly?" He wondered and looked around, searching for the familiar face. But he could not find her even after looking for long. Eventually, he closed his eyes and tried to track her. But again, he could not sense her presence anywhere around him and his frown only deepened.


    Kieran then recalled the conversation he had overheard when he was keeping an eye on his girl and he let out a sigh. ''Did the girl with her not ask her to return home and take some rest? I presume she must have left with her. Why did I not notice her leave the place?'' He wondered before he faced Seymour again.


    "Irene must have left the place. Otherwise, I would have shown her to you and it would have been easy for us to track her down. Though I do not mind organizing a meeting on the last day of the Mid-Autumn Festival just for her and celebrate her return." Kieran smiled widely and Seymour did not know how to react now. He just stared at him blankly, waiting for his next words, when his gaze fell on his King''s hands slowly making their way towards the pockets inside his coat.


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    Kieran pulled out the pink stole and caressed it gently with a smile. He recalled how divine Irene had looked with the stole around her neck and immediately, his heart was filled with an unknown warmth. It was as though all the happiness he had been deprived of for years had come knocking at his door at once, embracing him tightly.


    Kieran could not stop smiling and Seymour was becoming impatient as time passed.


    "Your Majesty, who does this stole belong to?" He had just asked the question before the realization hit him and he widened his eyes immediately. Kieran just smiled at him on seeing his baffled look. "Does this stole belong to our Queen?" Even though he already knew the answer, Seymour still wanted the King to confirm it.


    "Yes, it belongs to Irene," Kieran affirmed and went back to caressing the stole, leaving Seymour with a lot of questions in his mind.


    "Your Majesty, how did you obtain it? Did Queen Irene give it to you?" A visible glint passed through his King''s eyes as soon as he addressed the girl he loved as the Queen. "When did you obtain it from her? Why do I not recall it, Your Majesty?"


    Kieran let out a chuckle in amusement before he placed the stole back in his pocket. "Seymour, you do know that you ask a lot of questions, do you not?" Seymour did not react and waited for the King to continue. "Although I would like to reveal how I got my hands on this stole, I will keep this a secret for now. Let us just say I used some of my powers to get it."


    Kieran just winked at him and started walking, leaving a stunned Seymour looking at his back. But the old Duke immediately came out of his stupor and rushed to follow him.


    "Your Majesty, I do not understand. What happened here?" He showed his helplessness, hoping for his King to pity him.


    But it was all his wishful thinking. Kieran just kept walking as he took in the sight around him. He was smirking in joy and Seymour realized he would not be getting his answer now.


    Seymour could only sigh in defeat and follow the powerful man silently. They covered two streets, looking at all the stalls one by one and had just entered the third street when a commotion broke out.


    People started to run around as they screamed for their lives. They seemed terrified as they kept running for their lives. Even the stall owners, who were selling their items with delight and full vigor, stopped their work and began to run, leaving their belongings where they were.


    Kieran''s pleasant mood vanished as soon as he saw his subjects running around in fear and he frowned in annoyance. "What is happening? Why are the people running away in fear?"


    "I am uncertain, Your Majesty. Let me ask someone." Seymour immediately stopped one of the men who was rushing by them. "Would you mind telling us what is happening here? Why are all of you running in fear?"


    "We just received information that the King''s men are here and every time they come here, someone gets killed. We do not want to risk being killed. So, we are all running to hide from them." The man did not speak any further and ran away from the place, leaving Kieran and Seymour to deal with the situation they had no idea about.

 45. Instant kill

    Kieran observed how the people of Rothnia were running for their lives and at once, he saw red. He had already heard why the people were behaving this way and his fury only increased when he thought about it.


    It was not his soldiers. They would never do anything without his orders and would never dare to hurt anyone innocent. Some people were pretending to be his soldiers to instill fear in his people, and he had no idea about it.


    Seymour too did not budge from his place as he too wanted to see who was daring enough to use the King''s name to terrify people. He wanted to find out why he never knew about this matter even though this had happened even in the past, according to the man''s statement.


    Barely a few moments had passed when a horde of soldiers came by their way on their horses. There were six men in the group, and Kieran observed them closely. His eyes narrowed dangerously and Seymour sensed the dangerous aura radiating from the man beside him.


    But instead of fearing him this time, Seymour just took a step back, allowing his King to handle the situation. He more or less understood why his King was angry and what would happen to the six men who were killing the people under the King''s name.


    Kieran was a just King and never had he killed an innocent nor allowed others to do so. And the ones who did never saw the light of the next day. Seymour just watched the men stepping closer to their doom with a smile.


    The six men on the horses kept moving towards Kieran as they swung their swords at the innocent people around them, frightening them until they fled. Kieran noticed how they kept laughing as they scared the people. Although they did not kill anyone, not yet, he could see the evil intentions in their eyes and he clenched his fists, ready to kill them in return for even threatening his people.


    The six men stopped and got off their horses as they walked towards a stall selling jewelry and their eyes gleamed in delight. They immediately picked up all the ornaments and jewels they could find, securing them in the gunny bags they had with them.


    "Our Lord would be delighted with our gain today. We did not even have to waste time this year. Nobody put up a fight with us. Pathetic humans." One of the men scoffed while the others chuckled in disdain.


    "Who would even fight us? The humans do not have the courage and the strength to fight us and the King''s men who guard this part of the place are already under our Lord''s spell. So nobody will stop us." The man leading the group stated they moved to the next stall that sold pure and high-quality silk.


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    "What if the King comes this way?"


    Kieran''s ears perked up as soon as he heard someone mention him and he turned towards the man only to find that he was just a boy who had barely reached adulthood. He seemed to be the youngest among the six and the most inexperienced. He appeared to be scared and from his expression alone, Kieran understood that the boy was forced to come here and loot the people against his will.


    "Our King does not even know what is happening here. During the Mid Autumn Festival, he leaves the palace for a few days every year. So why would he care about what we are doing? Once we are done, our Lord will erase the people''s memories. They will not remember anything about us until next year when we appear before them again."


    Kieran now understood why he had never received complaints against the bandits. The people did not even have the memories to approach him to seek justice. It was only when they saw the people again the next year did they remember them and what they did the previous year.


    Kieran''s smile widened and Seymour perceived the meaning behind it immediately. His King was ready to strike and soon, the six people would be coughing out blood as he killed them slowly and painfully.


    "I see that we have invaders." Kieran clapped his hand before walking toward the group of people who were startled by his voice. "It must have been nice to loot all the innocent people." He continued and gave an innocent look, his eyes focusing on the leader.


    "Who are you?" The men looked at him with venom-filled eyes before they smiled evilly. The leader stepped forward and took a good look at Kieran before he started laughing like a maniac. The others too followed suit immediately.


    "Looks like we have got our prey for this year." The man stated and looked at his group before he turned to face Kieran. "I wonder how his blood would taste. I was looking for a young maiden''s blood today. But I will make do with you for now to quench my thirst."


    The man licked his lips and moved closer to Kieran, only to have his neck snapped immediately. The next moment, he dropped to his feet with his mouth full of blood. He did not even get to speak a word before he stopped breathing.


    The five men stared at their leader in shock as they watched him die before they looked at Kieran. They took a step back in fear.


    "You...you...you.. who are you?" One of the courageous ones among them queried and this time, it was Kieran''s turn to laugh.


    "Is it not ironic that you speak ill of your King but do not even know who your King is?"


    Kieran''s words were enough to petrify the five men and they gaped at him for a few moments while all Kieran did was stare at them innocently. His eyes slowly turned blood red until they changed to black. This was enough evidence to support his claims and the men were no fools to not believe him. So, the next moment, they tried to flee away from the place.


    But even before they could the first step, Kieran waved his hand as though he was slitting their throats and the four men fell to their knees as they started to cough out blood. They stared at him in horror before they took their last breaths.

 46. Rogue vampires

    Kieran stared at all the useless people before him who had taken their last breaths before he eyed the young boy who was shivering in fear. He noticed how his already pale face was turning white as he took a step away from him. Unable to tolerate the stress any longer, he dropped to his knees as he groveled before him to spare him.


    "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I was wrong. I did not know what I was doing. Please forgive me." He was almost on the verge of crying and Seymour felt terrible for him even though he did even know what was happening. He was still far away from his King as he watched him kill the group, sparing the lad quickly.


    Even though he pitied the lad, Seymour left it to the King to deal with him. He still did not know how cunning the boy was and his actual intentions. Only his King was excellent at reading people, and every time, his judgment of people had been perfect and accurate.


    If he had spared the young man instead of crushing him to death like the others, it only meant that the King did not deem him worthy of being held responsible for troubling the people and did not deserve to be punished.


    Kieran scrutinized the boy in front of him silently. He did not sense anything wicked or vicious about him, just as he had expected. Even though he was a lowly vampire, who, just like him, was feeding on people''s blood, he was unlike his companions. Instead, he sensed the honesty and purity in him, a rarity among the people of his kind.


    "What is your name, lad?" Kieran queried, not bothering to help him to his feet. He deemed it better that he stayed on his knees, for it would be easier to instill fear in him and make him speak the truth without him having to threaten the young man.


    "Ga-Gavin, Your Majesty," He stuttered and Kieran''s lips quirked up at his fear. Even though he was not a man who fed on people''s fears, he found it necessary to be intimidating to keep them in their places. Else, it would not take even a moment for the wicked people to come for him and his throne, which they did not even deserve.


    "Gavin, why were you here?" Kieran continued, his angry voice still sending trembles down Gavin''s body.


    "Your Majesty, I was forced to come here." This time, there were no apparent changes in Gavin''s voice. It was as though he was complaining to King Kieran about the injustice he had suffered these years.


    "Why were you forced, Gavin? What did they want of you?" Kieran continued, still not sparing him any sympathy.


    "Your Majesty, I am a converted vampire. I was kidnapped when I was passing by the jungle one evening by a group of vampires."


    Kieran immediately understood who Gavin was referring to. They were the rogue vampires famous for their vicious behavior and desire to kill people for pleasure. They immediately took refuge in the jungle, fearing him and his punishments, when they found the King trying to track them and their group to finish them.


    "My human mother is in their captivity. They are threatening me with her and I cannot do anything but follow their orders even though I do not want to." The boy continued and lowered his head in guilt.


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    "Answer this question honestly and I will help you find your mother and save her too."


    The young man did not doubt Kieran''s words. He had seen how he had killed his companions in an instant, which was enough to show how formidable the man before him was. He also did not doubt his identity as King as it was impossible for anybody else to impersonate him and claim himself to be the King when there were high chances of him being killed on getting caught.


    "How many people have you killed by now?"


    "None, Your Majesty." The lad''s reply was instant and it took Kieran by surprise. He had never expected him not to have killed anyone, for newly converted vampires had difficulty controlling their urges to drink human blood.


    "Interesting," Kieran remarked. " How have you survived all these days? Animal blood?"


    The young man did not have the courage to speak. Instead, he was guilty when he remembered how he had killed all those animals to satisfy his cravings. But he had no choice either. It was either him or the animal and he had chosen to save himself, succumbing to his selfishness for once.


    Gavin just nodded and Kieran could not help but marvel at his self-control. He knew how much strength the lad must have used to stop himself from sucking a person dry of his blood. It was almost impossible, and only a few vampires with strong willpower had achieved this feat.


    Kieran did not doubt the boy whatsoever. Every word of his was filled with honesty. He slowly stepped forward and the moment he did so, the boy tried to scramble away from him in terror.


    "Relax." Kieran held the boy''s shoulders and helped him stand. "I will not do anything to you. You are just an innocent person who got caught by the wrong people." He tried to comfort him with an assuring smile, and the next moment, the young man let out a breath of relief. Only he knew how scared he had been to be in the presence of the King who held the authority over his life.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you very much."


    "As promised, I will save your mother from the evil vampires'' clutches. All I want is for you to lead me to their place. Can you do it?" Kieran held the young man''s gaze, giving him the needed mental strength.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I will take you to them." Gavin did not hesitate to do as he was ordered and watched the King''s smile widen.


    "Great. Give me a moment. I will speak to my man first and we will set off immediately." Kieran stated and looked behind him, sending a signal to Seymour and at once, the old Duke came rushing towards him.


    The moment Seymour stepped closer to Seymour, Gavin''s expression changed and he started to battle his urges which Kieran noticed. Then, not wanting to put the boy through any more pain, he took Seymour with him, away from the boy and once he did so, Gavin caught hold of his self-control.


    "What orders do you have for me, Your Majesty?" Seymour had not seen the dilemma the lad was in. All he was focused on was his King, who had a solemn expression.


    "I will follow the young man to find the other vampires behind this matter. Please find the people and assure them of their safety. Keep these bodies as proof to show that their King will never abandon them and also apologize to them on my behalf for ignoring this matter for a long time. I will apologize to them personally when I return after handling my brother."


    Seymour took note of all the instructions carefully. Although he was still not sure why the King had spared the young man''s life, he did not suspect him for it. His King always had a plan for everything and he trusted him to deal with every situation carefully.


    "I will now be leaving with Gavin. Seymour, stay here and make sure that the people are appeased. They have suffered a lot all these years."


    Once Kieran was done giving out the orders to Seymour, he approached Gavin, whose body stiffened on seeing him arrive. "Show me the place. The sooner we get to the vampires, the better. I cannot allow them to wreak havoc on my land anymore. They are done leading their lives."

 47. Inside the cave - Part 1

    Every once in a while, Gavin looked behind to see if the King was following him. Though he did not doubt him or his intentions to help him save his mother, his fear for the man who held her captive got the best of him, clouding his judgment and rationality. Gavin could not help but turn around while he kept running towards the destination he had in mind.


    Kieran noticed how insecure and suspicious the lad was. But he was not infuriated about it. He understood the state of mind he was in and he also understood why he was behaving this way. Without any word, he kept following Gavin as they ran at an inhuman speed through the depths of the jungle.


    It was only when they reached a small waterfall in a less dense area filled with rocks and short trees did Gavin stop running. He waited until the King was behind him before he pointed towards a cave beside the waterfall.


    "Your Majesty, all the people you want are in there. But..."


    "But?" Kieran followed the man''s hand to see where he was pointing. At first glance, it was impossible to find the cave for thick climbers were surrounding it, blocking the entrance. Only on a closer look could anyone notice. But nothing could get past Kieran''s keen and sharp eyes and he had noticed the den even before Gavin had pointed it out.


    "But my mother is not here. They have hidden her in another place. Could the Majesty...." Gavin did not have the courage to continue. But Kieran perceived what he wished to convey and turned towards him to meet him in the eye, only to find him lowering his gaze in respect.


    "Gavin, look at me." Kieran''s tone was filled with power and command and Gavin looked up instantly on reflex. It was as though his body already knew who he was supposed to listen to and obey.


    "I will not ask you to trust me for I know that in your predicament, it will be quite difficult for you to do so." Kieran held the young man''s gaze as he enunciated his thoughts slowly and carefully. "It is rightful of you to suspect everyone around you. But I promise I will find your mother and she will return safely. All I need is your cooperation. Can you do it?"


    Gavin had no choice but to nod his head in reply. The King was his only and last hope. Only with his help could he get his mother back.


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    "Good. Things might turn ugly in a few moments after I enter the cave. If you are unwilling to watch them, you may stay here and wait for my return. I will leave it to you to decide." Kieran allowed him to choose as he scrutinized the area around him. Except for the sound of the waterfall, he could not hear anything and he fairly understood why the perpetrators had chosen this place out of all as their hideout.


    "I will accompany you, Your Majesty. I want to see the men who destroyed my life die a painful death." His eyes were filled with resolve and for a moment, Kieran was impressed by him. He seemed to be an upright man and Kieran, then and there, decided to train and appoint him as his close trusted man once he finished dealing with the rogue vampires.


    This time, Kieran walked in the front while Gavin followed him closely. The only safe place for him was right behind the King. Anywhere else, there was a danger to his life, especially when inside the cave.


    Kieran slowly stepped inside the cave, keeping his eyes and ears open for the rogues he was looking for. But before that, he did not forget to mask his and Gavin''s scent secretly, making it impossible for anyone to detect them without them seeing the two men.


    As soon as he stepped inside the cave, Kieran was hit by the pungent stench of blood and he frowned in worry. His first reaction was to look at the boy behind him who was already in discomfort. His eyes and face were changing drastically and he was slowly losing control. And that was the last thing Kieran wanted. He was here to deal with the rogue vampires, not handle a newly turned vampire going berserk in search of blood.


    Kieran, at once, held Gavin''s hand, forcing the lad to look at him. Though he did not say anything, the message in his eyes was unmistakable. They were ordering him silently not to let his control slip. He was compelling the young man to follow his orders and to his relief, it worked. Though it took a lot of time, Gavin eventually relaxed and his thirst for blood was subdued.


    Kieran did not speak a word. He only used his free hand to gesture and command the boy to keep his eyes focused on him and him alone and to forget everything else. All Gavin could do was meekly nod at him in acceptance.


    Kieran started walking again and they moved further away from the source of light at the entrance of the cave. As they proceeded further, it was completely dark. But that did not hinder Kieran''s eyesight for he could see everything around him clearly.


    However, that was not the situation with Gavin. He had to squint his eyes to keep his eyes focused on the formidable King in front of him and he even stumbled on his foot in the dark. Yet, that did not stop him from looking at the only man who could help him.


    Fortunately for them, the darkness vanished as light from the torches hung on the wall illuminated their path as they moved closer to where Kieran felt the rogues to be hiding. He cautioned Gavin to stay silent and just stay beside him as he continued to hold his hand and only after getting an assuring nod, did he enter the place where he had smelled the scent of rogue vampires.

 48. Inside the cave - Part 2

    Kieran followed the scent of the rogue vampires lingering in the air while Gavin followed him closely. At one point, they entered an intersection where they had to take a turn. This time, Kieran did not even have to rely on the scent. He heard roars of laughter echoing through the cave the moment they started moving again.


    A sardonic smile graced Kieran''s lips as he picked up a few pebbles and rolled them along his palm before he started to play with them. He knew exactly what he was doing while Gavin just stared at him, puzzled.


    Gavin was just about to question him about it when he heard Kieran laugh all of a sudden, startling him with his unexpected action. He was uncertain as to why the King had started laughing. But he sure trusted him. So, he just watched him silently, waiting for the men to leave their hiding.


    Kieran''s menacing chuckle reverberated through the cave, overpowering the other vampires'' laughter, and soon, only his laugh filled the place. The other vampires had stopped laughing. Now all that remained was for them to come out and confront the intruder.


    Barely a moment had passed when more than ten vampires entered Kieran''s sight and his eyes turned cold in anger. He stared at the man leading them, an obvious scoff leaving his lips.


    Kieran had decided to hide his true self in front of the rogue vampires, not wanting to give them the pleasure of finding out the identity of the person ripping their bodies apart until they bled to death. He was already without a mask and all that remained was for him to hide the color of his eyes.


    Kieran stood facing the rogue vampires, showing them his true face. But none of the men recognized him as the King of Rothnia, who could end them instantly. Nor did they know that he was the man they had been trying to hide from all these years, the man who could send them to hell forever.


    "You must be bold or foolish to come to our den alone." The leader remarked with a smile as he observed Kieran with narrowed eyes. His normal colored eyes betrayed his identity and the man assumed he was a human Gavin had brought with him.


    "And you must be stupid and brainless to even think of attacking the people of Rothnia when you know how the King of Rothnia is." Kieran shot back with a smirk. His words only riled the rogue vampires and they took a step forward in anger. While Kieran stood still, waiting for them to strike first, Gavin was not that calm. His fear had increased tremendously, and he hoped for the King to end all of this and help him find his mother.


    "Are you the King''s underhand? Do you even know who the King is?" The leader continued while the men behind him just chuckled in amusement.


    But the one who was actually amused the most was Gavin. Though he had no idea what the King''s plan was, he sure was enjoying the game he was playing. All his worries vanished gradually as he focused on what would happen to the rogue vampires once they found out the truth. What would happen to them once they found out that they were speaking to the King himself?


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    "Let''s just say I am someone the King has sent to take care of all of you," Kieran stated with an air of mystery around him, and for a moment, nobody from the group of rogue vampires knew what to speak. Instead, they gaped at him blatantly, completely forgetting their initial intentions.


    "As I said before, all of you here are just brainless." Kieran sneered and this got them out of their trance.


    "What are you all waiting for? He is just disrespecting us. Take him down before I kill you all." The man in the front roared, making Gavin flinch at his harsh voice. He had never heard such a disgusting voice before and to think that he was with this hateful man, obeying his orders all this time, made him want to kill himself in misery.


    The men did not even have the time to register what had happened for even before they took a step towards Kieran, their leader had fallen dead. They stared at the man before them in horror and turned to look at their leader, who had a hole on his head from where blood was oozing before it stopped altogether. Immediately, their eyes shifted to Kieran''s hands to find him playing with pebbles with a satisfied smile.


    "One down, nine more to go. Who wants to go next?" His intimidating voice fell on the rogue vampires, and for a moment, they did not know what to do. They just stared at him wide-eyed.


    "Does nobody else wants to come forward and fight me?" Kieran sneered triumphantly. "As I had said before, you all are cowards. Let me make this easy for all of you and end your misery soon." He ran his eyes over the nine people, observing them and their body language.


    While his eyes were focused on one man, his hand aimed at the other, taking down all the eight men with the pebbles he had in his hand. It took Gavin by surprise to see the King''s precise and perfect aim and he did not even have to use his powers as he had on the streets to deal with his companions. All he had used was his strength and to handle the men who had sent tremors down his spine since they had taken him into their group.


    "What do we do with you?" Kieran walked towards the only vampire remaining in the group as he played with the pebble in his hand, his eyes not once looking at him. But this alone was enough to send the man dropping to his feet as he started to beg for mercy.


    "Please let me go. I am completely innocent. Please." He begged and Gavin had the sudden urge to roll his eyes at his overt lie.


    "Why do I not believe you?" Kieran stated and looked at the man who had his head bowed before him. "Were you not laughing with the others, who right now are on the way to hell, when they insulted the King and me?"


    "I was stupid, as you said before. I did not know what I was doing. Please let me go this once. I promise I will not step into Rothnia again." He started to cry and Kieran sighed at the mortified man with an unimpressed face.


    "Although I do not promise you anything, I will only let you go on one condition." He continued and again resorted to playing with the last pebble on his hand, immediately making the man scramble towards him.


    "Please state your condition. I will do anything you want. I promise." He did not hesitate to take this opportunity to obtain his freedom. He was even willing to cut his limbs off if the man before him asked for it in exchange for his release.


    "Since you have promised, I expect you to keep it. All I want is for you to tell me where Gavin''s mother is held captive and you will gain the freedom you desperately seek."

 49. Inside the cave - Part 3

    Kieran''s captive stared at him dumbfounded before his eyes drifted to Gavin. He was in disbelief to think that Gavin had betrayed them this way, but he did not blame him for this. Who in their sane mind would let the people who captured their mother go unscathed? What stunned him more was that he had returned with a man capable of sending his entire group to hell in a short span and all he needed were a few pebbles for his aid.


    Gavin did not show any changes in his expressions whatsoever, allowing the man to fear and doubt him as much as he wanted. Even though the man before him had not been proactive in torturing him when they had brought him to the cave after capturing him, he had not stayed still either. He had joined in the fun and urged him until he begged for blood.


    The group of rogue vampires had turned him against his wishes and to make him taste his first sip of blood, they had tortured him until he had become weak. Only when he could no longer survive, they placed a glass of animal blood before him, the scent of which compelled his strong mind to give in and drink it eventually.


    Since then, Gavin had hated all the men solely responsible for his misery, including the man before him. To him, all the vampires who had put him and his mother in agony were enemies and he wanted nothing more than to watch them suffer and die a painful death. He just stared at the man before him spitefully before turning his gaze away.


    "Shall I presume your silence to be your denial to reveal where Gavin''s mother is being kept hidden?" Kieran''s menacing voice echoed through the silent cave, and for a moment, the man kneeling on the ground felt himself shuddering in fear. After witnessing what his captor was capable of, he did not doubt what would happen if he refused him.


    "No, no, no. I will lead you to her. Please let me go. Please." He begged, his eyes turning red, showing how frightened he was. But Kieran ignored his state. He had already decided what to do with him once he led him to Gavin''s mother. He would let him go for sure and ensure he would not hurt another innocent again.


    "Led the way." That was all Kieran said before the man stood up and started walking in the direction from where he had emerged before.


    Gavin was surprised to see him walk in this direction, especially when he knew there was no path leading anywhere. He was quite skeptical about following the man, but he had nothing to worry about with the King beside him. Eventually, he walked behind the King, his frown not leaving his face the entire time.


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    The rogue vampire turned back occasionally to see if the two men were following, though he hoped for them not to. At least then, he could escape from the monster who had killed the other vampires in his group. But to his misfortune, the two men were close behind him, not allowing him to escape their sight even for a moment.


    Gavin''s frown only deepened as they ventured deep inside the cave. He had not explored the area before to know where they were going. He had only covered a few areas secretly to find out where his mother was kept hidden and this was not one of them.


    ''How did I miss this route?'' He wondered as he looked around him. But he could not come up with any possible conclusion.


    Kieran sensed the apprehension from the boy behind him. But he did not say a word, walking in front of him silently. Though he disliked the constricting space they were in, he could do nothing about it. They had to find Gavin''s mother before it was too late.


    From his experience and knowledge, Kieran already had an intuition that his mother would not be alone. She would be guarded closely and he would have more rogue vampires to deal with. So, he was prepared for it. When neither Gavin nor the rogue vampire noticed, he picked up a few more pebbles, ready to take action when required.


    The three men soon reached a small opening that led to another cave. They had to bend their heads to enter it, especially Kieran, who was taller than the other two by at least a foot. A familiar stench of blood hit him as soon as he entered the cave. Although it was not as strong as the one he had felt before, it still made him frown in worry.


    Kieran''s heightened sense of smell and hearing enabled him to hear the heartbeat of the only human in the vicinity. Even though her breathing was low and her heart was beating slowly, Gavin''s mother was alive and that was all he needed for now.


    Now that he had found out where Gavin''s mother was, there was no use for the rogue vampire in front of him. So, he decided to let him go. He twisted his fingers slightly and that was all it took for the vampire to drop to his knees in pain and start coughing blood. He stared at Kieran in horror, complaining silently for not keeping his word. He was just about to voice his complaints when Kieran twirled his fingers, making the man cough out more blood.


    A twisted smile landed on Kieran''s lips. Though he did not speak, his eyes conveyed what he wanted to say. His eyes clearly stated that he had kept his share of the bargain and had let him go. There was no use blaming him when he was completely innocent.


    The rogue vampire could only widen his eyes in fear before dropping dead. His body turned white and charred in an instant. But neither Gavin nor Kieran was there to witness it. They had walked past him towards the destination they had in mind, leaving the dead body to rot.

 50. Past encounters - Part 1

    Gavin had never been to this part of the cave and he was as careful as ever as he followed the powerful man in front of him. But soon, his eyes changed colors as his thirst increased when the scent of blood hit him. It was too strong to ignore and his face morphed gradually as he started to succumb to his cravings.


    Keiran sensed the changes in the boy behind him and he stopped suddenly. This was not good. Just like Gavin, he also smelled the scent of blood, and to whomever it belonged, the person was still alive. He could not allow the lad to lose control of himself, not when he had an inkling that the person inside was the lady they were looking for.


    Kieran turned around suddenly and faced Gavin with such intensity in his eyes that the boy lowered his gaze instinctively, his respect for his King forcing him to submit. Yet, his desire for blood was still evident and Keiran''s eyes softened.


    ''The lad is definitely strong-willed.'' He commended and nodded lightly.


    "Gavin, look at me." Kieran''s voice was soft yet commanding and Gavin did not hesitate even for a moment. Why would he when he was under his King''s control?


    "I will use my powers on you and control your mind. This will stop you from going desperate for blood." His expression relaxed and he took a step closer to the boy who was looking back at him attentively without putting up a fight.


    "You will be in pain and I want you to fight it. Remember," He pressed the boy''s shoulder lightly. "We are here to save your mother, not kill her."


    Gavin nodded in response and barely had he done so, his eyes dazed and they lost focus. He was now entirely under Kieran''s control and command.


    "I am doing this for your good, boy. But I do apologize for the misery you will be going through next." Kieran smiled faintly before he turned around and walked inside the cave, with Gavin following him expressionlessly.


    Inside, the stench of blood was stronger than ever and Kieran heard the boy behind him groan in pain. Ignoring him, he raised his palm, and the initially dark cave was illuminated immediately. While the fire danced on his fingers, Kieran''s eyes moved toward the lady chained to the cave wall. Her hair covered her face while her entire body was sagging forward. She resembled nothing less than a corpse if not for her faint heartbeat.


    "Stay here," Kieran ordered the boy, even though he would not dare move a step without his permission.


    Kieran approached the woman who had fallen unconscious long ago. Blood trickled down her limbs and lips and bruises marred her face. Kieran had no doubt that her body too was filled with them.


    He leaned forward and held the woman''s arms. Slowly, he started to heal her using his powers. Although he healed her wounds, he could not remove the marks on her body. But at least, she did not reek of fresh blood anymore.


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    When he was done, Keiran sighed and unshackled the woman, who still had her eyes closed. She had not responded even once, and the moment she was freed from the chains, she toppled over, her body losing its balance.


    Kieran was quick enough to catch her and laid her down on her ground before he parted her hair to look at her face. But the moment he did so, his eyes flickered in recognition. Memories of the past came flooding back to him and he closed his eyes in despair.


    It took him a long time to calm himself down and when he finally did, his eyes finally snapped to Gavin, who stood motionless in his place. While his face was still expressionless, his eyes were red and glazed.


    "Come here, Gavin." He commanded and the boy got walking before he kneeled beside his mother.


    "Your mother is alive but weak. She needs to recuperate well and I will make sure she does. Do you trust me?" Kieran queried all of a sudden and Gavin looked at him astounded. He was now not under the King''s spell and his eyes immediately darted to his mother.


    "Do you trust me?" Kieran queried again and the boy nodded at him. He had no reason to do otherwise. The King had saved him and his mother. He was indebted to the formidable man for life.


    "Good. Let us go back first and when you and she are fine," Kieran''s eyes lowered as he observed the woman with his brows narrowed. "I have some questions to ask you."


    Gavin did not know what his King had in mind. Yet, he accepted his order without questions.


    "Hold on to me, boy. Let us leave this disgusting place first." Kieran picked up Gavin''s mother and looked at the lad, who held his elbow lightly with uncertainty.


    Kieran did not give Gavin any warning and in just a blink of an eye, they reached his castle. They were in the throne room and Seymour was waiting for them.


    Gavin blinked once, twice, thrice before the truth hit him. Everything was so surreal, but it was the reality and he had to accept it even if he felt it to be a dream.


    "Your Majesty," Seymour came running to him as soon as he saw his King and Gavin appear suddenly before him.


    "Call for the physician and get her checked. Let me know once you are done." Kieran ordered and Seymour got to work immediately, not questioning him even once.


    Kieran may be a monster, but he knew otherwise. The man had a heart of gold. He was a king worthy of everyone''s admiration and respect and Seymour was glad he was working for him.


    "Gavin, stay back," Kieran instructed and nodded at Seymour, who closed the door after him, leaving his King and the boy to converse in peace.


    "Your Majesty." Gavin bowed deeply at the man who had pulled his mother from the grim reaper''s clasps. He was filled with gratitude towards him and his expression eased now that his mother was out of danger. "Thank you for helping my mother and me. I am indebted to you for life. I," Gavin kneeled on one knee all of a sudden, and Kieran raised his brow at him, understanding right away what the boy was up to. But he did not stop him.


    "Gavin, pledge my loyalty to you, my King."


    Kieran noticed that the boy had not spoken his surname, but he did not question him about it. Instead, he stepped forward and helped him to his feet.


    "Before everything else," He picked up a chalice from the table beside his throne and handed it to him. "I need you to drink this."


    Gavin''s eyes darkened when the delicious scent hit his nose and he fidgetted in his place uneasily.


    "Do not fight it. You need it to stay alive and...to keep your mother protected. Drink it and then..." Kieran stopped momentarily, "I have some questions to ask you."

 51. Past encounters - Part 2

    Gavin stared at the chalice of blood and his face distorted in pain. His expression changed while his blood veins started to protrude on his skin. Even though he had his salvation before him, he held himself back, forcing all his strength to withhold himself. He looked at his King, his eyes blood red and pleading.


    Even if Kieran did not hear a word from the boy, he understood his plead and nodded at him, smiling at him, encouraging him to drink the blood. Not once did he show his surprise when Gavin asked him for permission to drink, even when the delirious liquid was just a stretch away.


    Kieran''s impression of him rose and he nodded to himself quietly, observing Gavin relish the liquid with delight. The boy''s eyes said it all and Kieran looked at him knowingly. He waited until Gavin was satisfied before he took his throne and stared down at him, who had regained his rationality.


    Gavin seemed fine and stronger and Kieran pushed back his concerns and focused on the matter at hand.


    "Gavin," His commanding voice compelled Gavin to stiffen and lower his head as a symbol of his respect and submission.


    "Lift your head and look at me, boy," Kieran ordered. He needed Gavin''s attention on him for what he had in mind and waited until he had the boy''s eyes on him.


    "I have some questions for you and I hope you answer me honestly," Kieran stressed again and Gavin gulped, yet he did not look away from him, nodding at him lightly.


    Kieran did not say a word regarding the young man''s terror for him, allowing it to heighten and take root in his heart and mind. It was best Gavin feared him and stayed within his limit. It would ensure that he never crossed his King, ever.


    "How did you and your mother get caught by the vampires?" Kieran''s eyes narrowed, and Gavin closed his eyes for a moment in anguish, realizing that the King already had an inkling regarding his past and had approached him to confirm it.


    "Your Majesty, I.." Gavin took a deep breath to calm himself and clenched his fists. "My mother and I were captured at the kingdom border while entering Rothnia."


    "I see." Kieran nodded, Gavin''s reply matching the scenario he had assumed in mind. "And why are you in Rothnia? What brought you and your mother here?"


    Gavin was visibly stunned and he stood perplexed and frozen in his place. He blinked a few times while Kieran waited for him to accept that he knew everything and nothing could be hidden from him.


    "You are not from Rothnia, nor do you have any relatives here. What brought you and your mother here?" Kieran questioned again and Gavin snapped out of his thoughts.


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    "Your Majesty," His lips trembled and Kieran''s eyes narrowed dangerously. Gavin''s eyes told him that whatever he would hear next would be anything but pleasant.


    "We were escaping from our captors and ended up in Rothnia."


    Kieran''s brows shot up and he leaned forward, his red eyes turning pitch black. "Captors?"


    His voice told that he was waiting for an explanation and there was no room for silence or objection, which Gavin understood.


    "Your Majesty, my father sold my mother and me to the slave market and we escaped before they caught us."


    Kieran thought about Gavin''s words and his lips thinned. The only slave market in the neighboring kingdoms was in the kingdom of Vorkos. But...


    "Remind me, boy. Which kingdom do you belong to?"


    "The kingdom of Nalia."


    Kieran stood up suddenly, his quick action frightening Gavin so much that he took a few steps back. He stared at his King in apprehension, not understanding what had got him all riled up in an instant.


    "This is more convoluted than I thought it to be," Kieran mumbled, examining the lad before him.


    Time ticked and neither man moved from their places. While Keiran had his menacing gaze fixed on Gavin, the lad, in return, maintained his eyes on his enigmatic King, forcing everything in him to stay put and not run away from his place.


    Seconds passed and Gavin''s willpower to keep his eyes focused on his King started to crumble. His fear overtook him and he was just short of submitting and kneeling before him when the powerful man moved his eyes away, breaking the tension in the air.


    "You may leave now, Gavin. I will meet you later."


    Although he did not elaborate on it, Gavin understood that his King was not done questioning him and this was just an interlude for him to take a break and sort himself out.


    "Yours and your mother''s needs will be taken care of." Kieran dismissed him with a flick of his wrist, and Gavin did not stay in the dark throne room for another moment. It was too terrifying, especially when the King seemed livid and bloodthirsty.


    "Are you alright, son?"


    Gavin almost jumped in fright when he heard a voice beside him and relaxed when he noticed a familiar face.


    "Calm down, boy. I will not kill you." Seymour chuckled and shook his head in pity seeing the boy''s condition, discerning what had got him all flustered and anxious to the point of being wary of everything.


    "Come with me. Let me take you to your room." Seymour smiled at him warmly. Since the King was willing to take the lad and his mother, it only meant that Gavin was of some worth, and the King had high opinions of him.


    "How is my mother? May I meet her?" Gavin swallowed his fear as he turned towards the man smiling at him gently, with no malice or rage in his eyes.


    "You may meet her, but not now." Gavin looked at him in confusion and was about to argue when Seymour continued, "You are to rest and will only be allowed to meet her in the morning."


    "But..."


    "They are the King''s orders, son. You do not want to be disobeying them, do you?"


    That got Gavin silent and Seymour nodded at him in appreciation. "You have a long way ahead, Gavin. But before that, you need to strengthen yourself. And the first thing in line is.." Seymour gestured for him to move with him, and the two men started walking.


    "To rest and it is even more important," Seymour paused, forcing Gavin to look at him even if they kept walking. "To listen to your King. He sure has high expectations of you. Otherwise, he would not have even allowed you inside his palace. Remember it!"

 52. Brief meeting

    "Your Majesty, do you have any other orders for me?" Seymour stood before the man he admired and feared the most in the whole world. Although his king was younger than him in appearance, Seymour had long perceived that he was older, not just by a few decades but by centuries, and that only made it all the more frightening.


    "Yes, I have modified my plans. I will leave tonight and return by the end of tomorrow." Kieran thought for a few moments before his eyes gleamed. "Until I return, take good care of our kingdom and..." He stopped, and Seymour straightened his posture, not knowing why the king was looking at him with a profound gaze.


    "Prepare well for the last day of the Mid-Autumn Festival. I do not want any negligence." Although it was an order, it was also filled with a silent threat, and Seymour gulped as he started nodding frantically.


    "You do not have to worry about it, Your Majesty. I will take care of the preparations and ensure that they are excellent. Therefore, you will have nothing to complain about."


    "I expect nothing less from you, Seymour." Kieran nodded. "You may leave now. Your daughter must be waiting for you. You might as well accompany her."


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I will take my leave now." Seymour bowed to the man before he left the throne room, excitement dancing in his eyes.


    Kieran waited until the doors were closed before letting out an amused chuckle. The old human''s excitement was floating in the air, and he could smell it from where he was. Albeit finding it entertaining, he was genuinely happy for the man who had pledged his loyalty to him a long time back.


    Kieran sat in the throne room until the sun vanished below the horizon before he stood up. Now that Gavin and his mother were in the palace, he had another matter to look into, especially when their situation was utterly suspicious. However, before that, he had to handle his brother, who was going rampant by sucking innocent women dry.


    Kieran took a deep breath and closed his eyes, and the next time he opened his eyes, he was in his room near the hearth. He squatted in front of the fire and looked at the burning flames that only kept getting bigger and brighter as moments passed.


    "Castiel." Kieran gritted his teeth and bit his wrist until blood oozed. He held his bleeding hand near the fire, allowing it to devour the crimson liquid.


    The next instant, Kieran was pulled into a dark, bottomless void. Albeit the darkness everywhere, he could still see the space he was traveling in, and the coldness around him did not bother him. So he just waited, and a few moments later, when he noticed the bright light far ahead of him, he smoothened his coat and ran a hand through his hair as he landed at the destination safely.


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    Kieran was not appalled by the stench of blood in the air. This was how it had been in the past. The air around him smelt of blood, death, viciousness, and Castiel. Typical Castiel.


    Keiran''s blood boiled, and he started walking toward where he could feel his bloodline connection. With every step he took closer to Castiel, he heard the heartbeat of the human his brother was in now, and Kieran felt nothing but remorse. Such a monster was his brother, and he could do nothing but curse his fate.


    "I was waiting for you, brother." He heard a chuckle from somewhere towards his right, and Kieran stood in his place as he waited for his brother to show himself to him.


    "You were quick this time." Castiel chastised as he strolled towards Kieran slowly, licking his lips off the blood he had just drunk from the now-dead girl.


    Kieran stood still with his hands behind him, his regality and dignified aura not diminishing even for a moment. Castiel had long died for him; the man before him was a scoundrel he did not recognize. Despite staring at a stranger in his early forties with a few strands of gray hair, Kieran still saw glimpses of the evilness of Castiel, and his jaw ticked in rage. His presence did not affect him in any other way, and he waited for Castiel to say his last words before he lost his current body.


    "You did not allow me to enjoy my new life for a few days. Did you have to come and end this for me this quickly?" Castiel chided, not hiding that he knew why the man was there. It was always the same, every time, and Castiel had come to terms with it.


    "At least I had my merriment this time and killed more women than the previous time in just a few days." He boasted, smirking faintly, only to lose his grin when he noticed Kieran''s expressionless face.


    "Kieran, could you appreciate my achievements? I am your brother, after all."


    "Correction, please." Kieran raised his hand, forcing Castiel to stop speaking. "You were my brother, but he died long ago, and I do not know who you are."


    "Do you have to be this heartless, brother?" Castiel smiled suddenly as he approached Kieran. But the young King of Rothnia did not even react and stood still.


    Castiel could do nothing to him, nothing at all. Kieran was more capable and powerful. Besides being unable to kill Castiel''s soul, Kieran could end him in the blink of an eye.


    "Are you done, or do you still wish to proceed with your nonsensical talk?"


    "I have one important thing to tell you, brother."


    Castiel''s wicked smile made Kieran fidgety for reasons he could not discern. His brows narrowed while his eyes darkened.


    "I wonder why I am unable to detect any gloominess and sorrow in you this time." Castiel mused. "Is it because of her? Is she back?"


    "You..." Kieran took a step forward and bared his teeth in anger. He let out a low menacing growl as a warning which Castiel ignored.


    "I wonder if her blood tastes the same, delicious and addictive. Ire.."


    Castiel did not even have the opportunity to finish his words when Kieran pulled his heart out at once. He then crushed it hard, ignoring the blood coating his hand as he watched the stranger possessed by his brother die immediately.


    "How dare you speak about her!" Kieran snarled, his eyes taking the color of the night sky. "You are not worthy of thinking about her, let alone take her name. You despicable piece of trash."


    Kieran dropped the crushed heart beside the dead body, which erupted into flames immediately, leaving nothing but ash.

 53. Dead in the night

    Kieran waited until the body had turned into ash before he closed his eyes. He clenched his fists as he thought about what Castiel had said before he killed him.


    ''How did he know that Irene is back?'' He narrowed his eyes and stared at the spot where his brother had been standing a few moments ago. ''This is bad. This is really bad. I cannot allow the past to repeat itself. I need to find the witch and protect Irene. I have a year now. I need to do something soon.''


    Kieran clenched his fists and hoped to find someone who could help him while he pitied all the innocent lives his brother had taken in his madness. Yet, as a king, he was helpless. He was incapable of doing anything and could only wait until he found a way to end his brother for good. Until then, he was bound to lose his people, and the innocent were bound to lose their lives.


    Kieran raised his head and looked at the twinkling stars. "I hope I will have an answer by the time he wakes up next." He sighed and the next moment he vanished from the place, leaving only a speck of ash on the ground.


    In the dark night, no one from the village of Sayre realized that their King had visited them and had taken care of the threat that had been looming over them for days.


    Kieran hid in the dark as he walked around the borders of his kingdom, his observant eyes making sure to keep a lookout. He had taken care of one matter and he had another matter to handle before he could return to his castle.


    ''Percival...'' He mumbled and looked at the vast darkness ahead of him. Although the jungle separated Angra and Ketroike, that was all it took for his enemies to enter his kingdom and harm his subjects. The dense jungle served as a cover for the warriors of Angra to hide and hatch a plan of attack.


    However... Kieran smiled all of a sudden. As easy as it was to hatch a plan, it was impossibly difficult to break through the defense of his army and wage war against his people. Not only did he have his warriors guarding his kingdom, but there were also his men who were protecting Rothnia in secret.


    Kieran smiled wickedly as he thought about the bloodshed that awaited Percival and his army. ''This would be fun, gruesome but fun.'' He snapped his fingers in joy as he licked his lips, only to stiffen when he smelt the delicious scent of blood in the air. It was impossible to ignore and Kieran''s legs guided him toward the source even before he could stop himself.


    The more he walked, the stronger the stench of blood and it belonged to not just one. The air was filled with different scents of blood and all the hunger he felt vanished immediately.


    Kieran frowned as he arrived at the spot where he could smell the miasma of blood. Although the sight before him was repulsive, ghastly, and gruesome, he was unfazed by it and stared at the dead bodies, observing them keenly. The dead did not surprise him, for he knew who they were.


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    "Should I praise you for your bravery, or scold you for your foolishness, Percival?" He clicked his tongue and squatted beside one of the men whose neck had two distinct fang marks. The man''s eyes were staring into space blankly. Even though he was dead, his body was still warm and Kieran let out a chuckle as he shook his head.


    "Show yourselves to me." He ordered softly and immediately after, he heard the leaves rustling around him. As he stood up, he met the young and curious pairs of eyes he had not seen for quite some time.


    "Did you make this mess?" He pointed towards the dead bodies near his foot and raised his brows lightly as he watched the young people in front of him nodding their heads. "I see." He mused and approached the group, his face impassive and calm. "May I know what happened here?" He queried and started circling the group slowly, agonizingly as he examined them.


    Kieran''s lips arched up when he saw them stiffen in his presence and even more so as he neared them. "I would appreciate it if someone among you started speaking."


    Although he did not threaten him, his voice did not come out less commanding, and, coupled with his intimidating aura, the eight lads had no choice but to start speaking.


    "Your Majesty," One of the lads took the lead and started. "We noticed suspicious movements from Angra and we started following them from Angra to Ketroike."


    "And?" Kieran prompted when he realized that there was more to it.


    "And we could not stop ourselves when one of the men from our enemies started to scold our King." The youngest boy in the group blurted out, not noticing the looks of warning from the others.


    "You killed them because they were insulting me. Am I right?" Kieran replied and the group nodded at him immediately.


    Silence ensued throughout the place and other than the sound of the leaves rustling and the howls of wind, there were no other noises.


    Kieran kept walking back and forth as he glanced at the group of boys who had their heads lowered. They were not guilty of what they had done, he could see it on their faces. Instead, they were proud of their work. However, it was their nervousness and their desire to please their king that made them all antsy and anxious.


    "I am glad I have such an amazing group of warriors to protect my kingdom." Kieran started all of a sudden, his words compelling the group to raise their heads and meet his eyes. "Rothnia is blessed to have you all and I am certain that with you around, I have nothing to worry about."


    "Your Majesty, are you not furious at us?" One of the boys inquired, his eyes blinking in confusion and Kieran let out a chortle in amusement.


    "Why do you think I would be livid? Did any of you do anything that might annoy me?" He raised his brows and the boys shook their heads instantly.


    "Then?"


    "We thought that...."


    "You thought that I would be angry at you all for killing them," Kieran pointed at the dead people again, his eyes filled with disgust. "You are gravely mistaken, my boy. I will never be angry at what you all did today. Instead, I am happy and I would like to reward all of you for your loyalty and hard work."


    "Your Majesty, there is no need for it. We are honored that you think highly of us." The eldest in the group stepped forward and kneeled in front of him, forcing everyone behind him to follow suit. His eyes were filled with genuine respect and admiration, just like the other seven boys. "We are here to serve you and carry out your orders."


    "I appreciate it very much, Nikotar. You have done your duty well, you all have and now, you have one more task to complete."


    "Please give us the orders, Your Majesty," Nikotar stated with determination while the others nodded in agreement instantly.


    "I want you to drop the dead bodies back at the place where they belong. Let Parcival know what happens when he chooses to challenge me."

 54. Questions and answers

    Irene could not sleep whatsoever and she kept tossing and turning on her bed. The events from before kept running in her mind, forcing her to stay wide awake. She stared at the ceiling as she lay on the bed with her hands on her stomach.


    "How did we lose consciousness all of a sudden?" She mumbled and bit the inside of her right cheek thoughtfully. "And why does no one remember what happened?"


    Irene narrowed her eyes and tapped her right fingers on her left hand. ''What is happening here? Who can answer my questions?'' She wondered and pushed herself off the bed, unable to stay still anymore.


    The window was closed and Irene opened it, allowing the cold air to hit her cheeks. Her loose hair fluttered with the wind as she watched the garden at night, admiring the view for a moment before she returned to her convoluted thoughts.


    Irene leaned against the window and looked at the moon. ''Will Father be able to answer me? Should I confront him about it?''


    Irene yawned until her eye teared up. But she did not move from the window, allowing the cool breeze to calm her mind. Slowly, she started to analyze all that had happened to her.


    "First, I transmigrated from my world to this place under strange circumstances." She pursed her lips and tilted her head thoughtfully.


    "Second, the King of Rothnia was able to light a fire magically without using anything," Irene recalled the man who had occupied her thoughts since the time she had seen him on the first night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. His enigmatic self had ignited her curiosity and she wanted to know more about him.


    "Third, how did we lose our consciousness all of a sudden and why does nobody else remember it?" Irene blinked, her eyes clouded with confusion as she kept looking at the moon.


    "Fourth, what the hell is happening in my dreams? Who is the man or men should I say?" She pulled her hair lightly in frustration. "I don''t even know how many people have entered my dreams."


    Although she had only seen one man''s face clearly in her dream, she had an inkling that he was not the one who had chased her in the jungle. The man who chased her was predatory and fearsome and his intentions were clear, he wanted to kill her.


    ''While....'' Irene''s face heated up when she thought about the man who always waited for her in front of the painting in the castle. The man seemed especially caring and gentle towards her. From his expression and words, it seemed he had been waiting for her all these years.


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    As soon as the thought entered her mind, the man''s face overlapped with the King''s and she jerked immediately. It was too unbelievable to be true and her lips parted in shock.


    "Is he the one who haunts my dreams?" Irene mumbled but shook her head immediately. "How can it be? I don''t think so and why will the King haunt my dreams? What will he get out of it?"


    Irene sighed and lowered her eyes, focusing on the fountain. The light from the moon reflected on the water in the fountain, giving it an ethereal feeling, while the flowers in the garden moved to the rhythm of the window.


    "Moreover, he already has a Queen." She thought sadly and felt a pang in her heart immediately, making her widen her eyes when she realized what she had said. "Why am I concerned that he has a Queen? Why does it bother me so much? What is happening?"


    Irene was so baffled for a moment that she stared blankly, not knowing what to think or even make out of her situation. She snapped out of her thoughts only when another breeze blew.


    "You have gone crazy, Irene. Get your thoughts right." She shook her head to remove unwanted thoughts and focused on the crucial matters. "Forget about the King and his Queen for now. Think about the bizarre events happening with you."


    "Next, who is the guy I saw in the garden the other day? Where did he vanish and how did no one notice him?" She tapped her fingers on her elbows and stiffened instantly when the man''s dreadful face flashed before her.


    Although the hood of his cloak covered his eyes, she still felt the negative energy and murderous intent from him and she trembled in her place. The man was not present before her, yet Irene still felt a lingering fear for him.


    "Should I speak to Father about this matter? Will he have answers for me?" Irene wondered and sighed again when she could not decide even after a long time had passed. "Father must know a thing or two about the King. Maybe he will...."


    "Wait a minute..." A bold idea entered Irene''s mind and unknowingly her eyes twinkled like the stars in the sky. "Should I go and confront the King directly? Maybe he might have the answers I so desperately seek."


    Irene''s heart started to beat erratically and a smile landed on her face gradually. "Maybe I should confront him head-on and discover what is happening."


    Irene was convinced that only the King had answers to her questions and she decided to speak to her father about it in the morning. With a clear head, she returned to her bed and this time, she fell asleep in no time.


    However, barely had she entered her dreamland, she heard a stranger whispering to her, his voice enchanting but filled with a daunting promise.


    "Irene." The man whispered, and Irene quivered in fright. She wanted to move away from the voice. But she was frozen in her spot and she could not move even after trying hard.


    "I could not meet you after you returned. I had to leave before I could even get to talk to you. But do not worry, my dear." He mumbled and Irene did not miss the delight in his tone.


    "I will meet you again after a year and nobody will be able to stop me. Until then..." The man breathed and Irene stayed still as she held her breath. "Wait for me."


    The voice vanished and Irene''s body relaxed. She went back to sleep immediately and everything became peaceful once again.

 55. Irenes request

    Irene sat beside her father at the dining table, her face pale and sickly. She was even sweating profusely and her back was completely drenched. She was not in the mood to eat and the food before her only made her nauseous.


    The words she had heard in her sleep kept playing like a broken record and every time she thought about it, she felt fear creeping in slowly.


    ''What the hell is happening?'' She screamed in her mind, her heart palpitating loud enough for her to hear. ''Who is that man and what the hell does he want of me?''


    Irene was agitated and beyond frightened and could not mask her expression even if she wanted to. Her fear was evident on her face, and Seymour, who had not stopped staring at her since she had gone into a trance, instantly sensed her abnormality.


    "Sylvaine, what happened? Is something the matter?"


    Irene jumped in her place when she heard the old man''s voice, and her unexpected action only increased his worry for her.


    "What happened, dear? Do you feel sick?" He did not hesitate and pressed his palm on her forehead. "Oh my Lord, you are burning, Sylvaine." He jumped to his feet immediately and Reyna, who was standing nearby, ran towards them in fright.


    "Call the physician. My dear daughter, what happened? How did you fall sick again?" Seymour''s heart ached and he glared at Reyna, who lowered her head immediately.


    "Do you not know my daughter is sick? How could you be careless?"


    "Father, please do not blame her. She is innocent." Irene tried hard when she came out of her stupor.


    But Seymour was having none of it, and he continued glaring at the poor girl. "Take her back to her room. I will deal with you later."


    His dark promise made Reyna gulp and she was almost on the verge of tears. Yet, she did not break down and helped her mistress to her feet.


    Irene was too tired to handle the old man. She felt weak all over and her head was heavy. So, she leaned against Reyna as the young girl helped her back to her room.


    "Do not worry, Reyna. I will talk to Father later." Irene tried, but Reyna shook her head immediately.


    "No, no, Milady. I should be punished. I had no idea you were sick. I am your personal maid, I should have been more careful and considerate." Reyna blamed herself for her mistress'' condition and Irene felt guilty for putting the young girl through such misery. She secretly made a note to talk to her father later.


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    With Reyna''s help, Irene lay on the bed and closed her eyes for a few moments.


    "What happened, dear? Why are you falling sick every now and then? What is wrong?" Seymour sat beside his daughter and looked at her in concern. Although he was putting up a brave front, his teary eyes gave his condition away and Irene felt terrible to see him this way.


    It was all due to the man who had visited her when she was asleep. Even though she was asleep, she had heard everything the man wanted to say. It was as though he wanted her to remember them even after she woke up.


    It was the most terrifying incident Irene had ever experienced. ''Until now, I only had dreams. But now...People are speaking to me when I am asleep. Does that mean the man was here in my room when I was asleep?''


    As soon as the notion entered her mind, Irene felt her heartbeat rising in fear and her hair standing on her skin. It spooked the hell out of her and she trembled subconsciously.


    Seymour pushed the duvet to her chin on seeing her state and tucked her in. He had never felt this weak and helpless before and he could not help but feel his heart ache.


    Irene was mortified to care about the old man. Her breathing turned erratic and sweat dripped down her forehead and cheeks.


    Reyna rushed in with a basin of warm water and started wiping her face slowly and carefully.


    Irene took deep breaths to calm herself down and with the warm water helping her fight her fear, she felt better slowly.


    "I had a nightmare," Irene mumbled all of a sudden when she noticed her father''s worry. "I dreamt of the day I slipped down the staircase."


    "It is fine, dear." Seymour held out his hand at Reyna and she handed him the cloth before moving a few steps away. "It was just a nightmare."


    ''If only you knew.'' Irene thought in her mind but did not show it on her face.


    "Your Grace, the physician is here." The servant announced and Seymour stood up to make way for the physician.


    "Please check my daughter. She is burning."


    The physician got to work and Irene cooperated with him and thought, ''This body is weaker than I thought. I need to start exercising once I recover.''


    "Your Grace, My Lady is running a fever. I will prescribe a tonic. Please mix it with milk and make her drink it three times after food for two days." The old physician handed the bottle of tonic to Seymour. "She will recover quickly."


    "I understand." Seymour handed over the bottle to Reyna, who cowered in her place when she felt his glare again.


    Seymour waited for the physician to leave and looked at his daughter with tears in his tears. "Please get well soon, dear. I cannot see you this way. This old man prefers to see you hate him for life than to see you see sick and suffer."


    Although the last few words were barely a whisper, Irene still heard them and she felt a pang in her heart.


    ''I need to recover soon and find out what is happening to me. I cannot allow this to go on forever.'' Irene pursed her lips and looked at her father in a dilemma before she sighed in determination.


    "Father, I have something to ask you."


    "Sure, Sylvanie. Please tell me. I will do anything you want me to." Seymour did not hesitate even for a moment and held her palm in his, giving her the warmth she so desperately wanted.


    Although Irene felt weak, that did not stop her from stating her request. She had already decided the previous night and she had to act upon it immediately before she went crazy due to the bizarre incidents that were happening with her recently.


    "Please help me meet the King. I want to meet him in person."

 56. Ridiculousness

    Seymour looked at his daughter, perplexed. Her request was unexpected and almost impossible to fulfill. Curious to know why, he leaned forward, smiling at her warmly.


    "Why do you want to meet His Majesty, dear? Is something the matter?" A myriad of possibilities flashed through his mind and his heart skipped a beat when one notion dominated everything else.


    ''Did Sylvaine fall for His Majesty''s charms? Does she like him?'' A shiver ran down his spine when he thought of the possibility. It was the most bizarre prospect he could come up with and immediately, his King''s foreboding gaze appeared before him, jostling him from his thoughts in fear.


    "Father, what''s wrong? What happened?" Irene jolted up to see the old Duke mortified all of a sudden. His face was pale and his forehead was heavily beaded with perspiration.


    "Sylvaine," Seymour sighed, aggrieved to think that his daughter liked the young King. Although he trusted the powerful man, he was uncertain if he could trust him with his daughter, even more so when he already had a Queen.


    ''How do I tell you that you are bound for heartbreak? His Majesty will never take a concubine. He loves his Queen dearly.''


    Irene did not miss the anguish in her father''s eyes and her heart dropped all the more. ''What''s wrong with him? Did I speak anything wrong? Did I go overboard with my request? Is it a sin to meet the King? But why?''


    She could still not understand what had petrified her old man and she scooted closer to him, glancing at Reyna, who held a similar expression as her father''s, stupefying her all the more.


    "Father, what''s wrong? Should I not meet the King? Will I be punished for doing so?" Irene held his palm in hers and patted it lightly.


    "Sylvaine, dear, will you answer this question of mine?"


    Irene was puzzled to see the man look at her suspiciously. Her forehead creased into a frown and she gave him a confused look. Yet, she nodded at him in response. "Yes, Father. What is it? What is bothering you?"


    "Do you like His Majesty?"


    "What?" Irene almost jumped in shock. Her eyes widened and she gaped at the man as if he was a fool.


    "Do you like the young King? Is this why you want to meet him?" Seymour gazed at his daughter, hoping she would deny his claims.


    Irene blinked at him a few times before the realization hit her and she burst out laughing, startling the other two people in the room. She teared up as she held her stomach, the absurdity of her father''s thoughts making her double over in laughter.


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    Seymour''s expression changed into confusion from worry and he glanced at Reyna to confirm that he was not the only baffled one.


    "Father..." Irene wheezed as she tried to suppress her laughter. "Did I ever tell you that you are so cute?"


    "What?" Seymour could not discern what his daughter was mumbling and his frown deepened.


    "Father, why did you assume that I like His Majesty?" Irene still could not comprehend how her father had come to that conclusion. ''Did my words suggest that? But I never mentioned anything about liking the handsome man.'' She wondered as she wiped her tears.


    "Did you just not request to meet His Majesty? I thought..."


    "Father...Father..." Irene now perceived where the misunderstanding had happened. "I do not like His Majesty. Really."


    Seymour was unassured. "Then, why do you want to meet him?"


    "I just had a request to make of him. It''s not that important."


    "You can tell me, dear. I will speak to His Majesty about it." Seymour was oddly relieved that his daughter did not like His Majesty. Although the young King was a fine man, he was still unworthy of his daughter.


    ''But is there anyone else worthy of Sylvaine in Rothnia?'' He wondered. The thought was just brief, his daughter''s voice distracted him immediately.


    "It''s not that important, Father. Do not worry." Irene persuaded him and eventually, the old Duke gave up probing further into the matter.


    "If you say so, dear. But please know that you can come to me if you need anything, anything at all."


    "I understand, Father. Thank you." Irene was relieved to see the old man no longer suspecting her feelings for the King. Although the powerful man was charming and attractive, she had nothing for him besides admiration.


    ''Moreover, he is not even my type.'' She thought and shook her head, still bewildered about her father''s assumptions.


    "Good girl. Now rest well. I need to go to the palace. I have some important matters to handle." Seymour was desperate to meet his King and find out all that had happened the previous night. Castiel''s presence was a huge threat to them and it was best if he was dealt with quickly.


    ''If only I could accompany you.'' Irene wished and sighed in her mind.


    "Do not worry, Father. I am fine."


    "And you are not going to the Mid-Autumn Festival today."


    "But Father..."


    "I said no. You need to rest." Seymour''s expression turned stern, although his eyes were filled with dotingness for her.


    Irene realized that no amount of wheedling or begging would work. So, she gave up persuading him. "Fine, I will listen to you." She grumbled and folded her hands.


    "Good girl." Seymour''s expression softened and he caressed her hair lovingly. "Rest well, dear. I will see you later."


    "Yes, Father. I will wait for you."


    Seymour''s smile faded when he turned to Reyna and the young maid cowered in her place. "Take good care of her. I am letting you go this time."


    "Yes, Your Grace. Thank you for showing mercy on me."


    Seymour scoffed and walked out of the room while Irene just shook her head helplessly.


    "Please forgive me, Reyna. I put you in trouble this time."


    "No, no, Milady. It was my fault, I should have taken better care of you."


    Irene did not argue with her. The cycle would only be endless with each considering themself to be at fault. Instead, she returned to the thoughts she had quelled some time ago.


    ''I cannot rely on my father to meet the King. It looks like I will have to plan this on my own.'' She mused and glanced at Reyna, standing beside her bed silently. ''And I know just what to do.''

 57. Seymour and the lads

    ''Why did Sylvaine want to meet His Majesty?'' Seymour wondered as his carriage moved along the path that led to the palace. His frown lines did not leave his forehead as he thought of all the possible reasons his daughter would wish to meet the man who had instilled fear in his subjects.


    ''Does she really like His Majesty or is it just that she is intrigued by him and it is all momentary fascination? Seymour''s thoughts ran wild, and for an instant, he even wondered if his daughter had fallen deeply for the young King. But he shook his head and dispelled his notions when he realized how absurd they sounded.


    "We have reached, Your Grace." The coachman knocked at the door and waited a few seconds before opening it.


    Seymour cleared the creases on his robe before he got off the carriage, pushing back his thoughts for the time being. "I will be late today. You may rest until then."


    "Yes, Your Grace." The man replied politely before bowing at him.


    Seymour looked at the majestic palace before him and sighed lightly as he climbed the steps. But he stopped when he heard a group of people murmur behind him.


    "Nikotar, why are you..." He was astounded to see the eight lads whose aura sometimes resembled the young King''s.


    "Greetings, Duke Seymour." Nikotar took the lead and bowed before the man while the other seven followed suit.


    "Well, greetings to you too. How have you all been?" Seymour smiled at them warmly. They were His Majesty''s trusted men and one of the few people with no selfish bones. Although they wore dark and grim expressions all the time, they were one of the sweetest people he had ever met and he could not stop himself from showing his care for them.


    "We have been well, Duke Seymour. Thank you for asking." The youngest boy in the group, Lyall, replied.


    Although he was the youngest, Seymour did not doubt his strength whatsoever. He had once witnessed the man''s power, and the scene was still etched in his mind.


    "Good, good." Seymour nodded. "When did you return? Please tell me if you need anything. I will help you with anything you need."


    "Thank you for your kindness, Duke Seymour. We will be troubling you soon." Nikotar replied, his eyes flickering briefly.


    Seymour was surprised by his words. After all these years of knowing them, this was the first time they were willing to take his help. He was beyond ecstatic and he could not control his delight.


    "It would be my pleasure. Do you need anything from me now?"


    "No, Duke Seymour. We are fine now. We might need your help in a few days. We will come to you then." Nikotar answered for his group, who nodded in agreement.


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    Though baffled, Seymour did not force them to reveal what they wanted his help in. The boys were as mysterious as the young King and it would do him no good if he were to probe more than required.


    "Are you going to meet His Majesty?" Seymour turned towards the palace and looked at the mighty guards, who stood still without moving. Their stance alone was daunting enough to send weak people running for their lives.


    However, Seymour was not one among them. The only person he feared was the young King. His Majesty held absolute power and in front of him, everybody else was his puppets. They would never dare to act on their own accord with his orders.


    "Yes, Duke Seymour. We can go together." Lyall added, his red eyes twinkling with mirth while the others just smiled faintly.


    Seymour looked at the group suspiciously, his brows furrowing into a frown.


    "Why do I feel you are up to something?" He questioned and looked behind him again before he returned his gaze to the group.


    "You have nothing to worry about, Duke Seymour. You are never our target of mischief." Felix blurted out before the others could warn him. However, the young man was not affected by their warning signals.


    "I should have known. How could you people remain still and do nothing for this long?" Seymour sighed helplessly. "What did you do?"


    "Nothing, Duke Seymour. We just taught someone a lesson. You do not have to concern yourself in this matter." Nikotar dismissed the topic, forcing the older man to take a step back.


    "If you say so," Seymour was still not convinced. But he did not force them to speak about it anymore.


    "After you, Duke Seymour."


    The man before him held a higher position and was closer to their King. So, they were especially patient with him and waited for him to move first while they followed him.


    Seymour''s lips twitched when he imagined the scene he was portraying to everyone looking at him. ''I presume I look like the leader of these lads.'' He thought and shook his head. ''These young men will drive me insane one day.''


    Even though he was chastising them in his mind, he still sounded gentle and warm, and one of the lads listening to his thoughts smiled in contentment.


    There were no guards near the courtroom. But that did not mean the place was empty. All the men knew who was inside and why no one was guarding the courtroom.


    The situation was grave; Seymour perceived and glanced at the youth behind him, waiting for him to lead them inside. They dreaded their King even more than he did, and the old Duke wondered if they feared anyone else.


    "No, Duke Seymour." The chap who had been listening to his thoughts interrupted him immediately. "We do not revere anyone else other than His Majesty. But we do have someone we respect."


    "Who?" Seymour was intrigued and he looked at the boy curiously. "Is it someone I know?"


    "Yes, you do, Suke Seymour." The lad answered, his lips arching up while his eyes held a teasing glint. "But I am not in the mood to tell you now."


    "You..." Seymour glared at him helplessly. However, his expression only resembled an annoyed but powerless old man who could do nothing but tolerate the troublemakers.


    "Hold on." Seymour''s eyes widened when he realized what the youth had done. "Were you listening to my thoughts, Felix?"


    "I could not help it. Your thoughts were too loud." The young man shrugged as though it was nothing and Seymour was again speechless.


    "I need to be careful with you all." Seymour patted his heart as if he was consoling himself. "Otherwise, I do not know when you will start targeting me."


    "As we said previously, Duke Seymour, we will never do anything to you," Nikotar stated, his expression barely changing. "You can be at peace."


    "I hope so too." Seymour could only smile at them and turned around as he knocked at the door before entering inside while the group followed him, allowing him to take the lead again.