《Cid Rellah (Complete)》 Chapter 1 ¡°Can¡¯t you see, Cid, it no longer shows that there is a profit! How is it that you say you don¡¯t need my help?¡± Cid frowned, looking as though he was really listening to his stepfather, Leonard. Really though, Cid couldn¡¯t wait for this conversation to be over, even though it just started. ¡°My friend is helping me with it, so don¡¯t worry.¡± Just stick your nose out of my business, that would be muchly appreciated, old man! ¡°Then don¡¯t you owe your friend quite an amount? Your father¡¯s business is a bust and it has been for a very long time! If you let me merge your father¡¯s blacksmithing shop with mine, there will be a profit once again! I grant you that!¡± A profit for whom? Cid asked his stepfather quietly. It has been obvious to Cid for so long now that if he handed over the rights of his father¡¯s blacksmithing shop, he would not get a dim for it, or after it was taken! Cid knew that his father¡¯s old blacksmithing shop had not done well since his father¡¯s death, but it wasn¡¯t like they had to shut it down completely¡­Well, not in the past¡­ And just signing it away like this!? No way! In Cid¡¯s eyes, his father¡¯s shop was priceless, and he found his stepfather really stupid to think that he¡¯d sign something and get nothing for it in return! Not once had Leonard offered anything for it! Did he really think I¡¯d say yes!? What a senseless old man! Looking upon the books, that his stepfather seemed to obtain without approval, Cid frowned again. If the books had been done properly, then it really was a problem! In the last six months, it had gone completely backwards! Only quickly skimming over it, narrowing his eyes to the words and numbers, Cid quickly looked away, not wanting to show that he understood what was going on. This wasn¡¯t much of a trick that he could play for too much longer, showing that he was ignorant and someone that had troubles understanding things, but he had to use it for as long as he could¡­God knows what Leonard would do if he knew Cid understood! Would he then try to give him money for it? Would he just take it? Would he use blackmail? Would he make him sign the papers in his sleep? It gave Cid the shivers just thinking about it¡­ ¡°You see it now? The minus means backwards, it means you are spending more money! You aren¡¯t getting anything! Is it not a predicament!?¡± Leonard stated through matter of fact. Cid took in a breath and sighed in his heart. His father¡¯s business had been managed by his best friends¡¯ parents, but it was at least once every two or three years that Leonard would try to obtain the business rights to it, although it was getting more and more often these days¡­ Cid wished that things may have been different and that his father had left his business in his friend¡¯s name, instead of his, but now¡­Now that he really was of age to hand over the rights to it, Leonard was becoming something that seemed to stick to him and he couldn¡¯t get rid of it! Cid¡¯s small room had become a mess multiple of times and the so-called reason behind it was that ¡®thieves had come¡¯, or ¡®dogs or wolves¡¯ had come and that it was his fault for having food in there! At first Cid had accepted the so-called reasons like an idiot, but no, it was most likely because a search had been done for specific papers! Not only do they go into his small room without consent, they throw everything around, wreck the small things that he has kept as treasures and just leave it in a mess for him to clean it up! This family, all of them seemed to annoy him and the worst one of them was this stepfather of his! ¡­What in the world did his mother see in him all those years ago!? It already was such a hassle because Cid knew that if there were times that he was abused in a way, it was most likely because of the blacksmithing shop! The first time he had tried to get Cid to give his father¡¯s shop to him, Cid had been lucky to at least have the knowledge to not sign anything, as he had only been eleven at the time. He had already been warned beforehand, as Leonard had already gone to his friends to try to claim the business as his own, because of Ella, Cid¡¯s mother, who had been married to him. He had never thought that the business management had been the only thing that his friend¡¯s parent¡¯s, Pauletta and Benjamin, did. No, the one that owned the shop, was the poor kid that no longer had any parents! Pauletta and Benjamin looked after the rights of the shop all these years but when Cid came of age to take possession of it, they had given it back to him, as he was the rightful owner¡­ Back then, with his stepfather¡¯s made up version of transferring the shop into his hands, Cid had been able to read it, even though there had been some big words, and so he didn¡¯t sign it, stating openly then that he was told not to sign anything he didn¡¯t understand. His stepfather had tried to make him understand afterwards, changing some already known facts to benefit himself from what Cid had already learnt but...Cid made himself look stupid and that was the first lot of painful punishments that he had received from his stepfather¡­ At the time, he was still mourning his mother¡¯s death and never thought that life could have gotten worse¡­But they did¡­ ¡®This is for not paying attention and understanding what is being taught to you!¡¯ His stepfather had said back then, but¡­Cid found out later that it was probably because he was mad and wanted a reason to torment him¡­ All because he didn¡¯t get what he wanted! Now, what Cid had not countered for, was that if the books were right, they really might have to shut down the business¡­ But that is still not reason enough to just hand it over! Even if his stepfather could make the business profitable again! ¡°Here, just sign it and I will get the business back up again, guaranteed!¡± Already, a piece of parchment was ready for Cid to sign. It wasn¡¯t his, no, he had hidden it! Obviously, he had hidden it well enough that his stepfather hadn¡¯t found it yet! The parchment stated clearly that the real ownership papers were lost and that this renews it, so on and so forth. It was only slightly different to the last time he had done it¡­If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. ¡°I will see David¡­I mean David¡¯s parents.¡± Cid stated, knowing that he sounded a bit like a child. Some of the time if he acted like he didn¡¯t know what to do, Leonard would get annoyed and just walk away in a huff. The other times¡­Well, there would be the obvious punishments for something made out of the blue and Cid would be in bed for at least a day to ¡®Never make that mistake again!¡¯ ¡°Are you sure that will help, Cid? They are managing it right now and yet look at it! Do you think it wise to continue to tolerate what they are doing to your late father¡¯s work?¡± Blaming them!? If there was anyone to blame¡­ Taking a moment, before looking at Leonard, Cid smiled, ¡°Perhaps there¡¯s a mistake?¡± Leonard frowned at Cid and pointed at the books, ¡°This is a mistake!? Unlikely! Sign this so that I can bring it back to its former glory! Surely you would want the same for your late father and his business!¡± Cid remembered his father¡¯s blacksmithing business and never really thought that it had too much glory to begin with, he even wondered why his stepfather was so keen to take it from him so badly! Cid wanted to state logical points like this to his stepfather, that the business might not be making a profit but it wasn¡¯t making much to begin with anyway¡­Yet, he did not wish to get into a debate about who¡¯s right and what¡¯s wrong to do¡­And so on¡­Much ¡®til the time of dawn and getting a lecture of how to do business¡­Oh, and not his father¡¯s business, it was instead that of his stepfathers. Oh, and how his stepbrothers understood ¡®exactly what I¡¯ve told you!¡¯ ¡®Your eldest brother¡¯ this, ¡®Your eldest brother¡¯ that¡­Yet, the only time he called the stepbrother¡¯s ¡®brothers¡¯ was when he was trying to act nice. It was just too obvious now because other times he would state ¡®Steven¡¯ or ¡®Freddie¡¯, as though they were his masters and he was the slave! Steven, Cid¡¯s eldest stepbrother, was intolerably arrogant, but ¡®Freddie¡¯ was a lot easier to deal with. In fact, Freddie rarely did anything to make his day worse, it was Steven that tried to walk all over him and order him around like they weren¡¯t related through marriage¡­ Steven had also done what his father had done and visited the blacksmithing shop, even going as far as asking for it himself! Yeah, Cid has tried logical, practical, basic and emotional¡­None of them seemed to work though with the greedy stepfather and elder stepbrother of his¡­ It wasn¡¯t like he needed more then two others working for the blacksmithing business and it wasn¡¯t even situated in the capital, like where Leonard''s jewellery crafting shop was and where he now lived, but it had done enough for them to live well back then¡­Back when both of his parents had been alive¡­ Agitated, because Leonard ¡®acted¡¯ like he wanted to do well, Cid knew that Leonard only wanted to own the blacksmithing shop and get all the ¡®special and unique¡¯ tricks that had been up his father¡¯s sleeve! But really, was that all? Was there really nothing else? Maybe the blacksmithing shop was on a gold mine or something! It really can¡¯t just be the so called ¡®special and unique¡¯ tricks that was apparently located or hidden in the shop¡­ Cid found that piece of news quite comical actually¡­ At first, Cid had been forced to help his stepfather¡¯s business, but never did either of them think that Cid had a natural talent of making fine jewellery! When Cid had made two things, that came out to become quite popular, Cid had stated that it was a ¡®special¡¯ trick of his father¡¯s¡­And since then, Leonard had been antsy about the blacksmithing shop that had gone in Cid¡¯s name upon his mother¡¯s death. Cid was sure that he hadn¡¯t made it to become some legendary type of work¡­But now it seems to have become that over the years. It was true that his father had tricks, but he had told most of them to Cid¡­In fact, the knowledge that his father gave him was more generalized, not as specific as he thinks Leonard might think it to be. For blacksmithing, and what Cid was using to make his Jewellery, his father had only stated three points on making a masterpiece¡­ First off, his father had said that the basic things matter! Like the color and type of wood or how hard the metal was¡­So, Cid found that to also mean quality, when he grew up. Then, his father had said that a design needs to have something that stands out from the rest! He had meant something like that of a signature or a type of finishing design on some armor¡­ Lastly, his father had stated that one size does not fit all! Again, he was talking about armor! Cid had taken in all this knowledge from his father and just changed some of the words or ideas for jewellery crafting. So, instead of a good type of wood for a hammer, it was a smooth as jade stone or gem. He would also use the same type of thing for the design, making the piece of jewellery one of a kind. And, of course, the last one was something Cid had only gotten better at lately¡­Because of one certain person and a sudden attraction¡­ There was no secret notebook, and no secret compartment that had the secret notebook¡­ Cid really wasn¡¯t sure how that came to be something ¡®real¡¯¡­ It had been a strange situation because Leonard had thought that anything that Ella, his mother, had owned, would have gone to him, after all, he had been the husband...But he did not realize that David and his parents had intervened along the lines, years beforehand, and had made things difficult! Yes, from Cid¡¯s father¡¯s death, David¡¯s parents had already managed the blacksmithing shop, keeping the shop quite private from Leonard¡¯s eagle eyes¡­And it still didn¡¯t stop Leonard from making his own books in ¡®evidence¡¯ for him to take the shop for himself! Cid wasn¡¯t stupid, he knew that Leonard had already started to ¡®manage¡¯ the place, slowly at first, going there once a month, to now going there once a week. He¡¯d ordered for the books for him to read and ended up making a copy for himself, yet, it had not been enough! Secretly, it had been six months that he had been able to get a hold of those who were using the blacksmithing shop to stop using it, to make this ¡®evidence¡¯ of the shop to state it was now something that Cid should give to him to ¡®help¡¯ because of no profits coming in anymore. Being too busy to do much about his shop, it helped that David and his parents had stated that he wasn¡¯t to worry about it until he was to get to the point of moving out and getting his own life together. The problem was, even if Cid was thinking about moving out, Leonard seemed to have no intention of letting him go, only wanting him to work harder and harder! Yes, he was more of a slave to this added family of his, not a stepson or stepbrother¡­ Leonard never used to be so popular, only having done jewellery with stones and had made bracelets and necklaces. He hadn¡¯t been that poor, but he had been far from rich, yet, Leonard seemed to able to be known about and sometimes able to see the ¡®rich circle of friends¡¯. But now, now that rings, tiara¡¯s and even earrings were being made, the demand for his jewellery had risen more then double in the last five years! The problem was, anything new that came out, was because of Cid and his ¡®special¡¯ trick, which meant that Leonard was depending upon Cid to continue to bring out more different varieties¡­Which meant, never letting him go! Cid could only shake his head to Leonard still believing him that he was still using a special trick from his father¡­How many tricks could his father had made in the way for jewellery, when his father had been a blacksmith¡­ Could a man be this gullible? His father¡¯s ¡®special¡¯ tricks had run out long ago! About two years after doing this job for most of his day, nearly every day, Cid had been coming up with ideas all on his own! It was only the guidelines of what his father had left for a masterpiece in blacksmithing that Cid was using now! ¡­It seemed that if Cid told Leonard that though, things would probably take an even worse route then the path he was on now¡­ ¡°Oh! Ethan, nice to see you!¡± Cid stated, really glad to see the person who was sneakily poking their head around the side. ¡°How could you! You know that is the Princess, yet you dare call her a male¡¯s name!¡± Leonard stated, hitting Cid on the back of the head. Cid frowned and put a hand to his head and then nodded to the princess, ¡°Bethany.¡± Again, another hit to the back of the head from Leonard, ¡°It¡¯s Princess Bethany, Boy! My¡­I sincerely apologize, Your Highness! Quick boy, get on your knees!¡± ¡°Please¡­Sir, it¡¯s fine. Let me punish him myself!¡± The Princess stated, with all her strangeness coming away from the corner of the room. ¡°Yes, of course, Your Highness!¡± Leonard stated very formally, then, before walking off, he glared fiercely at Cid. Whether he wanted to or not, he had to stop the conversation¡­Which was a big reason why he disliked the Princess constantly coming to see Cid¡­ He had to go and find Steven or Freddie, to try and get them to somehow get the Princess away from Cid again¡­ For¡­As long as the Princess is there, he could only act like the stepfather¡­But, as soon as the Princess goes away today, he was going to tell that boy to work longer tonight! He was angry! He was always angry when it came to Cid! Cid let out a deep breath and smiled at Princess Bethany, ¡°You have come at a good time!¡± The Princess smiled and sat down, not having to bother about a dress, because she wasn¡¯t wearing one today! It wasn¡¯t the first time, nor did Cid think it would be the last! Princess Bethany had dressed up as a male and come out to play, which indeed was something strange to everyone else but him. No one seemed to be getting used it like him¡­No one seemed to accept her as she is¡­Unlike him¡­ No, he liked her very much the way she was! ¡°I¡¯m glad you think so!¡± She stated happily, ¡°When I left last time, you were cranky!¡± Cid nodded and hummed a reply, putting the books from the shop away, not wanting them to attract the same conversation again anytime soon. ¡°And when Cid is cranky, I think it would be good that he stays away from everyone!¡± The Princess continued to state, looking at two people nearby as though she wanted them to get the message. ¡°I stay away from everyone? I shouldn¡¯t have to be the one to leave!¡± Cid stated, busying himself with getting his table ready to continue on with his job. ¡°But if you leave, everyone will be fine¡­Do you expect everyone else to leave? How is that fair?¡± The Princess asked with innocent eyes. Cid looked up at her for a moment, then looked away. Her eyes were too¡­Pretty, so he shouldn¡¯t look and loss his concentration! ¡°This is where I work, everyone else can leave!¡± Chapter 2
The Princess moved closer to Cid, and then asked, ¡°What are you working on?¡± Cid tried to stay calm and moved slightly away from her, ¡°The same one as last time.¡± ¡°Oh, still? How boring!¡± She said, sighing and losing her posture into a slump. ¡°If it¡¯s so boring, find something to do.¡± Cid stated. ¡°What if what I find what to do is also boring?¡± The Princess humphed. Smirking to her being her normal self and fighting everything said to her, Cid stated back, ¡°Then perhaps you should reconsider the word bored because maybe you are just using that word wrong.¡± ¡°Am not!¡± She rebutted back. ¡°Then what is your definition of bored, Bethany?¡± Cid asked, trying very hard to keep a still hand to handle very small and delicate items. ¡°When you have nothing to do!¡± The Princess answered his question. ¡°Are you telling me that you can¡¯t draw, paint, sing¡­¡± ¡°¡­Shut up! You¡¯re saying that in this case I should never be bored!¡± ¡°Correct!¡± Cid replied, making a nice small hole into one of the shells he had on his table. Cid was still new at knowing his feelings for this girl, so he still felt strange sitting next to her so closely. Yet, one thing that had not changed though, were their fights. Usually, they fought all the time, they were like siblings that never had peace! The strange thing was, she sometimes would get him things that he needed, like socks, or a warmer jacket and then he would return to her some ¡®broken¡¯ jewellery as a thank you and now¡­Now that he found that he liked fighting with her and seeing her sweet sincerity, things have been slightly awkward for him! ¡°Hey! Let¡¯s go and try find some gems or something! Isn¡¯t David still in town?¡± Looking at the pretty Princess, even though she was in male attire¡­That didn¡¯t look good on her, Cid smiled, ¡°¡­He¡¯s still here for another two weeks.¡± ¡°Great! Let¡¯s go!¡± The Princess stood up and grabbed his hand and Cid frowned, he just ruined a shell completely¡­ There was no way he was going to be able to use the shell when it was broken into two! With the reason to leave, because of the Princess, he would be fine to get away with it but, it didn¡¯t mean that he wouldn¡¯t get beaten slightly because of it. ¡°I¡¯m too busy, you go!¡± Sitting right back down, Cid let go of his worries and already started to get into making his newest ¡®special¡¯ trick. Shells! The idea only came to him when the Princess¡­ ¡°No! I¡¯m not going alone!¡± Princess Bethany said firmly, folding her arms to her chest. Cid didn¡¯t look up, not wanting to loss his attention, ¡°Then don¡¯t go.¡± ¡°But I want to go!¡± The Princess complained. ¡°Then go!¡± Cid said back, now in monotone and in a busy like manner. He had already started to do another hole in another shell. ¡°Fine!¡± Cid wasn¡¯t surprised when Princess Bethany sat back down right beside him¡­Still too close¡­ Having done this so many times now, he put in front of the pretty Princess the same things as himself and they both made jewellery together. The Princess would not be a part of any of the hard and careful creative bits of jewellery making, nor where it may have to go into any type of heat, but she still liked to play with some small pieces of gold and small pieces of silver. Now she saw the shells and giggled, ¡°I still like the fact that you got another idea from me, isn¡¯t it about time that I be compensated!?¡± ¡°If I break one, it¡¯s yours.¡± Cid stated, then blew through the new hole of another shell. At first, Cid had worried when she had started to play with his jewellery bits and pieces without asking! His stepfather was not someone easily satisfied and when unsatisfied¡­ What if she lost it!? But¡­She was quite the girl and always made sure that she didn¡¯t lose anything, surprising Cid greatly! Everything was a surprise to him with her! How she dressed, how she talked to him, how she treated him like a friend and how they fought. How sincere she was and how clean she was. And just like every other time, they sat together for about an hour, annoying each other yet happily tolerating the others presence. *** They had first met at a quite dramatic time for the Princess. She had been a little girl of near fifteen and upset that her parents didn''t pay attention to her. At the time, she was near marriageable age and they were wondering on the best candidate to be her husband. She had not wanted to get married at all, she felt herself way too young and half of the men that she discreetly saw them looking at were all old! She ran away because they weren¡¯t putting her into account at all, they only wanted the best man to give them something in return! ¡®Miles, Robert Miles. Your Majesty, he is a nobleman whom has¡­¡¯ Her mother had said about one of them. ¡®Their money isn¡¯t new¡­But it is bound to run out, I want someone to rely on!¡¯ Her father, the King, had stated firmly back to her mother¡­ Not once did they ask the Princess, not once had they thought to ask her or tell her anything! No, she had been in the dark and only knew so much because she had courage to find out all of this on her own! Having wanted attention, she went out of the palace and ran away! She never expected that she wasn''t found straight away, and in her depressive state, she had started to cry. She had been so alone, in that palace, now she was alone on the outside too. If she were to go back, she will no doubt marry someone twice her age or more¡­If, instead, she was to stay on the outside, she will have no idea on how to live! She felt like she was losing no matter what she chooses to do!This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Having looked around, through wet eyes, she found that she had no money to buy food or shelter¡­She had no idea on how to make bread or to get some water! Being in the palace, she had to just ask for it, out here¡­It was a whole other story! But¡­Was it worth being served when she never saw her parents anyway? Was it really worth being a Princess when she felt so below that, that she might as well just be here, outside of the palace, instead!? All her parents ever cared about where themselves and her eldest brother. Why couldn¡¯t she do what her second brother did and leave the palace and go out to see the world!? So many wants, questions and reasons to be upset, led the Princess to not go anywhere and stay put where she was and cry a bit more. Upon being near a popular tavern, on a popular street, a drunken man saw her like this and had hugged her because she was crying. Cid had seen this himself and saw that the drunken man was quite innocent and just wanted to help the poor girl who was crying but...The King''s rage upon what had happened had ended the poor man''s life and it was already too late for the Princess''s reputation. From then, marriage had not been talked about even though she was nearly eighteen now, and even the gossip about her had practically disappeared. Cid had been there for her when she had cried like a little baby and out of the blue told her that since it had come to this, that her reputation was somewhat ruined, then she could get away with things. Never did he think that she had taken it so literally! He had only tried to come up with something positive out of everything that had been bad! Well, it¡¯s what he did in his life¡­ Not only did Princess Bethany no longer care that she was somewhat neglected, but she dressed up in male clothing and did practically whatever she wanted. Cid wasn¡¯t sure why she wore male¡¯s attire, but he has got an idea towards it. It was either because it was more comfortable for her, which seemed more like the answer, as the other idea he had was because she just wanted attention. The reason why he thought she wore male¡¯s attire because it was more comfortable was because she didn¡¯t want attention from her parents anymore for some reason, and well¡­With all the running, hiding and skipping that she does, he himself would think it would be easier to wear what he¡¯s wearing instead of a dress. She had clung onto Cid for quite a while after that incident but once David joined them, she started to calm down. Cid knows that the death of the drunken man who had hugged her weighs on her heart, even though she wasn¡¯t the one that killed him. It was weird that she had taken him so literally but was actually very specific about her actions. She might dress in male attire, but Cid knows that the attire is made by her because she didn¡¯t want to kill someone because of it. No¡­Cid admires her deeply because she has overcome that person¡¯s death and has even learnt from it. ¡­At one stage, the Princess had even stayed away from him for a whole month and Cid was sure it might have been because she was worried that he might become someone that the King would be angry with. For some years now, David, Princess Bethany and himself were now known of as friends. The Princess would always be the one to speak to those who try to make something of it, claiming not only her innocence but also using her power as a Princess as well. So¡­David and himself were no longer getting scorned nor do they get bullied any other way. Well, at least not because they hung out with the Princess¡­ Their reputations stayed clean and hers did not grow worse¡­ They were all friends now and it seems that she had gotten over her ordeal, which was good. The next problem was, she became more outspoken and happier after about a year...And it seems that this was just a part of who she was, and it had never really appeared until she, assumingly, felt comfortable with those around her. Beyond that, Cid never really thought about it, but he was sure that this was how the Princess worked, or something like that. When Cid started to feel strange about getting something from her, that was when he started to give her jewellery. The first piece was something that he had just lying around and hadn''t finished, thinking it was good enough as a thank you and something to give to her because she had given something to him. ¡­As time went on though, he found that he was spending more and more effort into what he gives her and even on purpose would take one stone or gem out of something to say it''s ''broken'', just so that he could give it to her. To a certain degree, Cid was worried about himself! He''d now often also use gems, stones or colors that would suit her the best and it was starting to freak him out! Before, jewellery crafting was simple. Do this, do that, add something different and done. Now he worried about how that colour would suit a certain person''s skin or a certain person''s clothes. And that''s how he figured out that he liked her¡­ That he liked someone that was completely out of his reach! ¡®Forbidden fruit¡¯ was the perfect saying for his feelings for her. He knew he can¡¯t have her, in this life and most likely any others. But¡­He had fallen¡­ Wanting to think that his attraction towards her would slowly dissipate, so that he could just go back to be the normal friend he was a while ago, he could only see his attraction steadily getting worse¡­Or in another way, growing even more fonder of her¡­ It was starting to get to a point that he wanted to see her once every day, just to see that she was ok and that she was happy. It had now even gotten to a point that Cid was disliking his countries King because of the way he treated his daughter! He found himself excited, his heart pounding, embarrassed and to a sad, stupid decree, completely captivated! Which did not help him at all! He wanted her to sit next to him, like she was now. He wanted her to be herself yet stay away from all the other men¡­It was becoming a mess! The only thing he could do or tell himself, is that his life went on a different path then hers. That he needed to break away from his stepfather, he needed to get more money to do that and that means¡­He had no time for romance. So¡­He tries not to think about his most precious, most alluring ¡®forbidden fruit¡¯¡­ There was just no way he could tell her! It was a big secret and Cid tried very much to act like he used to before he knew, and to not think about her in any other way besides the fact that she was his friend. But certain things do change, and he can''t help but change a few things around. Certain things like, he can''t look at her for too long, nor can he be too close to her. Their fights mostly end now with her winning and he not getting vexed as much as he used to. Besides thinking about her and jewellery, he also finds that he anticipates her arrival and doesn''t know what he would do now without her constant loitering around him¡­ He wanted to be a man though, a man that didn''t become obsessed with a woman and he was a man that wanted to make his life his own. That was his ultimate goal but...He can''t help but want to know where the Princess has been when she didn''t see him... Cid could only sigh and remind himself that he has no chance and that he needs to work on his ultimate goal and that is how his desires come to a halt. Every now and again, Cid would catch a free glimpse at the girl beside him...A secret smile stashed in his heart. It was only David and her that made him forget about his life problems, and that was something that he was thankful for! ¡­Yet another reason to be fond of her¡­ If neither of them were around, Cid would barely speak, barely show any enthusiasm¡­He¡¯d just do his work, focusing so much that without wanting to, he would make something that people apparently liked¡­But really, he would probably waste away and not care for anything¡­ So¡­He found himself to be very lucky¡­ *** Cid stumbled into the back door of the new mansion, that was now owned by his stepfather, and a few items fell down, making noises. It¡¯s not like the items will fall further if they are already on the ground¡­ ¡°Stay there then.¡± He mumbled, while he continued to shuffle towards his side room, that was close to the kitchen and laundry. He was so tired! So¡­Very tired! Falling onto his bed, not even able to wash his face first, Cid closed his already half-closed eyes and feel right asleep. Cid was sure that the reason why he was pushed to work this late, was because he hadn¡¯t signed to handed over his father¡¯s business to his stepfather. ¡®There¡¯s an order for fifty more of the latest earrings, needed for tomorrow. If I see that you haven¡¯t finished it before you sleep, I will not pay you this week!¡¯ Week after week, Leonard had always seemed to come up with excuses not to pay him his wages. It had taken Cid two years to convince his stepfather to give him payment since he was such a crucial, needed aspect of his jewellery crafting business, and he was only accepted to get that because Cid went on strike and simply stated that he would work again when he was going to get paid! That had been such a hard few days of his life. He endured through that much pain and suffering through beatings that he was just about ready to give up and state the he would work again without pay¡­ It became obvious pretty quickly to Cid, after his mother¡¯s death, that Leonard wanted a lot for nothing. And so¡­Cid had grown up so quickly that even his best friend David was astonished to his change. They had used to play together, so he would have known, but then that all nearly completely stopped all together¡­ After his mother died, Cid had only taken a few weeks to fall into a working routine, simply because he still depended on Leonard at the time. Being eleven and sad, his life turned upside down and since then, he had been doing a lot of work, with little pay and with not much other option besides to run away. Running away required effort and Cid knew that it would be something that he hadn¡¯t been ready for back then but¡­Now that he wasn¡¯t entirely depending on Leonard, the problem was, he had made a name for himself and felt that he could try and hold out for as long as he could. He didn¡¯t want to run away, this was his home now. He was close to David and his family, close to the Princess, he was doing something he liked doing and if he ran away, he wouldn¡¯t have any of those things! It was definitely a last resort, so his mediocre skills on hunting and secret stash of money was going to have to wait! Falling down on his bed like this, in utter exhaustion, was something he was used to now. He had been pushed and pulled so much, that now, it seems that he was able to pull through anything. The problem was¡­He was still so far away from his goal! He needed to make more of a name for himself, get some more money, so that he could then start up his own business. Originally, he wasn¡¯t going to fight his business with Leonard¡¯s but over the last couple of years, he¡¯s stocked all of what he has endured into becoming that business that will compete against his stepfathers! Chapter 3
Cid was good at jewellery making, which was obviously a good reason to start that type of business. But that didn¡¯t mean that was all to it. He had already thought about how Leonard¡¯s jewellery business had quite a number of regular customers that would be hard to obtain, if they were obtainable at all. Then, on top of that, he might be able to get gems and stones cheap from his friend David, but he had to make sure he had everything else. He needed to get a building, a home, or possibly both together. He also wanted to make business propositions with the pottery people on the other side of town. Argh, if only he had some time on his hands and had a regular payment to put away for this! His stash of money was hidden with his papers to his father¡¯s business and the idea on where to hide it was through his friend¡¯s mother, Pauletta. She had tried to find something that was right in front of her and still had trouble and so¡­Cid uses that same strategy with his secret stash! His stepfather has probably looked at the blacksmithing shop and also his room¡­Many times! But, did he ever consider that what he¡¯s looking for was under his very nose? It was a laughable matter, really! For years, Cid had stashed his money there and then his papers there later, right in his Stepfather¡¯s office! Cid doesn¡¯t go to his stepfather¡¯s office unless he¡¯s called to go there but¡­That isn¡¯t hard! Leonard would tell him to dust, stating he forgot to tell the workers to do it instead¡­Well, that and get firewood and put books away and write something for him and¡­So on¡­ And¡­In doing these chores it was also a way to nit pick and find a fault in him, especially when Leonard would get him to write. Having to play dumb and not write well, Cid already knew as soon as the words left Leonard¡¯s mouth that he was going to be punished¡­ So, Cid only needed to wait for his stepfather to be away for a short moment, for him to put away his money, and then continue to work as though nothing had happened! Simple, easy and so far¡­Nothing had been found. Sadly, Cid knew that if his money was found, he¡¯d lose it¡­As the first two times, when he had kept his money in his room, it had gone. It was his papers that he was worried about but¡­What else was he to do? Benjamin and Pauletta had already helped him out a great deal! He doesn¡¯t even know how to repay them for all of their help! Only to ask for more help from them seemed completely wrong and he wasn¡¯t going to do that! Cid just couldn¡¯t do it! He had to rely on himself and so if the papers get taken and somehow his stepfather gains the ownership through finding it, then¡­So be it¡­ Keeping it from the stepfather this long has already tired him out and Cid also knew that he wasn¡¯t looking at doing blacksmithing after he moved away anyway¡­What was worth it though, was not giving the man what he wanted! That was what Cid was getting out of this! If he can stop his stepfather from gaining something for nothing, then that was enough for now! *** With four hours sleep, Cid was up once again to trot down the path and be the first person to enter into the jewellery factory. The building wasn¡¯t as big as you would think it would be, as jewellery making was mostly into storage of little things, but they now made wire here, which took up a bit of space because of the materials there that was used for it. Boxes, compartments and draws were filled with itty bitty pieces and for some reason, Cid felt like it was his home. He had gotten into jewellery crafting full time after his mother had died, instead of beforehand of only doing it on a few occasions. His mother had started him onto it, as she had played with her new husband¡¯s itty-bitty bits and so¡­Those times were refreshed in his mind when coming here. His mother was not a businessperson, she wouldn¡¯t have had any idea upon how to keep the blacksmithing business his father owned going. That was why David¡¯s parents took over the shop after his father had died¡­ His mother was a wonderful lady, putting him first and trying to balance everything out¡­The problem was, she didn¡¯t choose to well in obtaining a husband¡­Back then, Leonard had acted well and did not show his true self, making Cid ever so reluctant to marry in the future¡­ Cid found out that his mother had even put him first when he had mourned his father¡¯s death, finding her crying alone a few weeks later, mumbling out his father¡¯s name¡­ It wasn¡¯t long after his mother remarried that his father¡¯s memories became a bit blurry, where upon only words were remembered, not his face. Yet, now that his mother had perished years ago, he remembers his mother¡¯s smiling face quite clearly, but could not remember everything except the good times. Well, Cid strived on his memories on his parents and maybe he thought about his father¡¯s words and his mother¡¯s good times the most, therefore maybe forgetting the rest? He wasn¡¯t sure but that would be reason enough for him and once he accepted that as an answer, he no longer thought about it. ¡°Ah! There you are!¡± Cid knew that voice¡­It was Steven¡­ The last time Steven had talked to him, he wanted to change the people that had been at his father¡¯s shop, that had worked there for over a decade¡­The time before that he had said that he was not worthy of being in the Princess¡¯s presence¡­What will his stepbrother want this time? ¡°I¡¯ve come to inform you that those two lowly servants in the blacksmithing shop have been dismissed. Don¡¯t be worried though, I have placed two others there to continue their work.¡± Cid stopped what he was doing and just stared at his brother. The two people that he kept at the blacksmithing shop had been his father¡¯s friends. He remembered them and they were also loyal¡­ ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Steven asked, smirking at him. Cid kept himself from getting angry and tried to remember what words he should be using instead, ¡°Oh? They were not good people?¡± ¡°Of course not! They were terribly rude! If they were to stay there, they would ruin the business! No, I told them that if they had any courtesy, they would leave on their own accord!¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Hiding his hand away from his stepbrother¡¯s eyes, Cid clenched and unclenched it, ¡°If¡­If they are bad people then¡­I understand.¡± You¡¯re a nasty person! How dare you think you could do this! ¡°Don¡¯t worry, little brother, they are loyal to me and will report to me so that I can look after the business!¡± Cid desperately wanted to laugh! Loyal to you!? It has come to this! At least your father has not come this far! Cid could see that extra bit of ego that this boy has got, whereas his father might have a bit more brains! It is done! Since his eldest stepbrother wants to even take management off Benjamin, then I will then close the shop! It¡¯s not like my father¡¯s friends are still there to worry about now! ¡°Thank you, stepbrother!¡± ¡°It is what I should do!¡± Says Steven. Ho! Well done! Cid clapped for Steven in his mind, thinking that he was a pure idiot! His stepbrother walked out happily, like he was on air. Taking a deep breath and waiting until he was out of eyesight, Cid grabbed his coat and left. He was already coming up with a plan to use this information as a reason to close the shop. He will say, ¡®Did you not say that the shop was not making me any money? What is wrong with closing it?¡¯ His stepfather will get mad and state about not closing it but giving it to him and then Cid was thinking of something like, ¡®My stepbrother brought in two new people, how can I pay them? They will most likely want more then the last people who were my father¡¯s friends! I can¡¯t afford anything anymore, so I just think it¡¯s better to shut it down. Doesn¡¯t¡¯ that make more sense?¡¯ Cid got out his money, but frowned, he had only recently put money in his stash, so he didn¡¯t have much left. It looks like he will have to walk! As Cid continued to walk towards where his friend lived, he continued potential conversations in his head. ¡®Don¡¯t worry, boy.¡¯ His stepfather might say, ¡®I¡¯ll get those two people back for you, then we can bring it back to as it once was!¡¯ Crossing a road, Cid suddenly stopped at the end and turned¡­ Sighing, he raised his eyebrows and waved with his hand. Seeing the little figure come out and sheepishly smile at him, he waved his arm again. If you¡¯re coming, then come! Waiting for the pretty Princess to cross the road, he began to walk straight away. ¡°You are up early, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Hey! What happened to Ethan! I¡¯m Ethan!¡± Cid didn¡¯t have time to play around, ¡°Ethan, you are up early today.¡± ¡°Better!¡± Cid took her hand and brought her away from someone who was transporting goods. Continuing on, he released her hand, only for her to hold it again. ¡°Princess¡­¡± Cid said, stopping and looking at her. ¡°Obviously I need your help¡­¡± She looked around, clearly not wanting to look at him and he couldn¡¯t help but feel that for a little while he might be blessed. ¡°Let¡¯s go! Oh¡­Where are we going?¡± Cid started walking again and was ever so distracted with the hand holding onto his. It wasn¡¯t the first time¡­No¡­ Dammit! ¡°Oh, I know where we are going!¡± Cid smiled, hearing Bethany¡¯s happiness. It was what she wanted to do yesterday! Leading the way to his friend¡¯s place of residence, Cid continued to make sure that the pretty Princess did not step in puddles, unless she wanted to, and did not get in the path of other people. Really, it never used to be so hard to walk through the street with her! Now, he was worried all the time! Cid could only sigh in his heart¡­Telling it not to care so much. After quite a number of minutes, Cid finally came to house that was well situated and well attained. It wasn¡¯t a rich mansion, like that of his stepfather¡¯s, but it was not poor. Cid already knew that Benjamin would not be there. They had their own business to worry about, so he would most likely be taking up the last lot of orders from people for when they leave in less than two weeks¡¯ time. Knocking on the door, Cid looked at Bethany and pulled their hands up. Seeing her blush, Cid held in a smile and finally his hand was loose. Looking away, already distracted enough as it is, it was only a second after that he saw Pauletta opening the door. ¡°Cid, my dear. Come in, come in!¡± ¡°Auntie!¡± Cid stated, a normal thing in such a circumstance. She wasn¡¯t his Auntie, but she was more than ¡®Pauletta¡¯. ¡°Auntie!¡± Bethany had seemed to be behind Cid, always hiding¡­ ¡°Princess!¡± Pauletta went to bow but Bethany stopped her. ¡°Quick!¡± Princess Bethany stated, pushing her inside. Cid then suddenly saw a hand coming out to him and was pulled inside the door by his collar. Being pulled in like that, Cid was surprised and grabbed onto Bethany¡¯s waist to support both of them. Without rational thought, Cid stared at the pretty Princess, unable to process anything else but how close they were and pretty she was¡­She really was a natural, he couldn¡¯t find any makeup on her face at all¡­ Seeing her blush once again, Cid took a breath and quickly let her go. Turning, trying to get his brain to work, he saw Pauletta and blinked¡­Right! ¡°Where is Uncle?¡± Pauletta smiled at him, ¡°He said that he was going to your father¡¯s shop today, someone came over yesterday evening¡­I¡¯m not quite sure what is happening, but I have faith that Ben will do the best he can!¡± Cid shook his head, ¡°It is not that I don¡¯t have faith in Uncle, Auntie. Be assured that you two are great to me and I know it and am grateful. I was just here to shut the shop down.¡± ¡°What!¡± Pauletta stated. Cid sighed and scratched his head, ¡°I don¡¯t want people there that aren¡¯t my own, so I¡¯m shutting it down.¡± Pauletta frowned and then mumbled, ¡°Is that what happened?¡± Watching her widen her eyes, she looked back at him, and said, ¡°Those damned people! It was them wasn¡¯t it! If it¡¯s not the father, it was the little brat of a son that man has got!¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, Auntie. Since Ben is there, I will go there myself and make sure the process is complete.¡± ¡°Oh¡­Well, take our carriage¡­¡± Pauletta stated, clearly unhappy. As much as Cid preferred to not accept more help from Pauletta, he held his pride and nodded to her. He knew the time wasn¡¯t now to make things harder for himself! Cid knew that she always wanted the best for him and always tried to say so, but he couldn¡¯t stay longer if he was to catch his uncle while he was at the shop. ¡°I have to go, Auntie. Forgive Ben if he is home late.¡± ¡°Of course, my dear, of course! You do what you feel is best! I¡¯ll¡­I¡¯ll look after the Princess!¡± ¡°But I want to go with Cid!¡± Cid looked at the Princess and smiled, ¡°You can stay here, Ethan!¡± ¡°No, wait!¡± But Cid ran out, quickly getting onto the carriage, waiting for Pauletta to finish telling someone where to take him. In no time, the Princess ran out and started running towards him and Cid looked at her sternly, ¡°Princess, you must stay here!¡± Cid melted at her pouting look and nearly gave in then and there. ¡°But I want to go with you.¡± My dear, help me say no to you! Instead of saying no to the Princess, Cid turned to the driver and said, ¡°Go!¡± Looking back, Cid sighed, seeing the pretty Princess angry and putting her hands across her chest. ¡°My dear Princess, he has business. As a woman you need to understand this side of a man!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to!¡± Pauletta took the Princess¡¯s hand and smiled, ¡°If you are keen on marrying that young man, my dear, then you must accept that sometimes he would prefer to do some things on his own.¡± The Princess swallowed and looked away, ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°My dear, if you crowd him too much, he will only step away¡­You remember what I said? That he may not have you in his mind because he has so much other things to think about?¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­¡± Pauletta put her other hand over the Princess, ¡°Well, I think he does have you in mind, so you are one step further ahead.¡± ¡°Wha¡­Really!?¡± The Princess grabbed onto Pauletta¡¯s hand and gave her a dazzling smile. ¡°Did he not stare at you then, Princess? I saw it with my own eyes!¡± Pauletta smiled back. For so long this Princess had been head over heals in love with Cid¡­It was almost sad! ¡°Really, you really believe that he sees me now? Not just as a friend?¡± Pauletta nodded, but then stopped and firmly stared at her, ¡°Remember though, Cid needs to find his way. Let him¡­¡± ¡°I know¡­He needs to break away from that family!¡± Pauletta nodded, looking towards the carriage, that was now nearly out of eyesight. ¡°We all want this for him. The faster the better but¡­He is so stubborn, just like his father!¡± Yes, Pauletta and Benjamin had wanted to help him more, much more, but Cid no longer wants any more help. ¡°I know how stubborn he is, Auntie!¡± ¡°Mmm, I believe you do, Princess¡­I believe you do!¡± The two women looked out, holding each other¡¯s hands, both filled with worry and a certain impatience. *** Cid walked into his father¡¯s blacksmithing shop and choose not to let himself think of the past. He knew these walls, the stones, the metal, how hot¡­ There was no time for that¡­ Looking around, he saw that Benjamin wasn¡¯t here. I must have just missed him, Cid thought. Then, looking at the two guys sitting together with their hands folded, Cid took in a deep breath before letting his anger show¡­ They weren¡¯t blacksmith¡¯s¡­They were loyal subordinates, more like servants of Steven¡­ Having used to serving Steven, it seems their new job was to take over this establishment¡­ Trying to come up with a stupid look on his face, Cid could hardly contain it! ¡°Who¡­Are you?¡± They walked up to him and saw them smirk, ¡°We are your new boss!¡± The other stated, ¡°You know us! Did you forget?¡± Cid did not forget! Steven had never touched him, but these two have¡­ And just as he thought that, Cid felt pain in his stomach¡­ Ok¡­He thought this might have been easier¡­ His initial thoughts were to come here, shut the business down, dismiss these two and be gone again¡­Then go back and pretend that he thought he did what¡­ A punch came across his face and Cid fell to the side, and even though he had his hands and knees helping him, he still hit his head on the side of an anvil. Hearing laughter, Cid couldn¡¯t even open his eyes. His head hurt so much! ¡°That¡¯s enough, we can¡¯t kill him.¡± Hearing footsteps walking away, Cid heard silence afterwards and put a hand to his head. He was bleeding¡­ Getting into a sitting position on the floor, Cid couldn¡¯t believe that even as an owner of a shop, he would still get beaten up. With such a huge headache, Cid tried to focus on bandaging his wound, but he felt like it took forever to do. ¡°Here!¡± Something fell before him and Cid was surprised to see the two man had come back¡­ He thought they wouldn¡¯t¡­ ¡­His head hurt so much that he didn¡¯t even know what they had thrown down to him on the floor! Chapter 4
¡°Sign it!¡± One man stated, kneeling down and putting a quill into Cid¡¯s hand. It was blurry, Cid couldn¡¯t even read it! ¡°Sign it!¡± They impatiently repeated. Cid slowly looked up and then¡­All he could think was to pretend to faint¡­ When he fell to the floor, Cid stayed there so easily that he was starting to worry if he really will faint. ¡°Dammit! Master will get upset if the papers aren¡¯t signed!¡± ¡°What do we do?¡± ¡°¡­Wreck the shop!¡± ¡°Won¡¯t he know it¡¯ll be us?¡± ¡°So what? Where would be his evidence? There¡¯s no one here watching us, and we could say that we went to get something to eat and get witnesses.¡± ¡°Alright! But¡­¡± ¡°Come on, seeing his shop look wrecked he has to sign it!¡± ¡°But won¡¯t Master Steven get upset to see his shop wrecked?¡± ¡°¡­Oh, right¡­But what do we do?¡± Cid heard other footsteps and tried to focus, if this is anyone else besides Steven, perhaps he could get help! ¡°¡­Two better¡­What are you doing here? I told you that I did not ask for you to work he¡­Cid!¡± Cid heard Ben and was glad that he had come back. He had already thought that his Uncle had left, not to return¡­ ¡°Ah, he¡­He hit his head!¡± One of the other men stated. ¡°We were just going to¡­Get help¡­¡± Cid opened his eyes, putting a hand to his head and cleared his throat, ¡°I didn¡¯t. They punched me and then I hit my head, falling to the floor.¡± Their master wasn¡¯t here right now, so Cid didn¡¯t hold back, wanting these two to get into trouble¡­That wasn¡¯t the only reason either as he wasn¡¯t able to think straight and keep up his ¡®dumb¡¯ look and behavior. Blinking a few times, to clear his vision, Cid found his Uncle in a fist fight with the two others. This was one great thing about his uncle¡­He was big and hard! He took the two on by himself and Cid tried to watch Ben take them out of the shop, to what Cid thought would be the officers just down the dirt road¡­But he wasn¡¯t able to think more into it as not only blood was near his eyes but his head hurt so badly¡­ Unable to get up at that moment, Cid just sat there, hoping he doesn¡¯t go to sleep. He wiped the blood away from his eyes, finding out that he needed to be gentle, as his head seemed to hurt more, the more it moved. When the fighting was happening, it had been easier but as the moments go by and he is currently all by himself, Cid found it harder and harder to stay awake. He had a doctor once state that a hit on the head was not a good thing and that he shouldn¡¯t go to sleep. Well, if he remembers correctly that is¡­ As it was, he had a headache and he was bleeding and he was having trouble focusing, so¡­He just worked hard on just not falling asleep. ¡°Cid, lad, you¡­¡± Ben¡¯s voice helped him pay attention, ¡°I¡¯m alright, Uncle.¡± ¡°I went to see the two that used to work here but they didn¡¯t want to come back! They must have gone through a lot yesterday! So¡­I was¡­Going to close the shop.¡± Cid smiled and slightly nodded, ¡°Good¡­You did good Uncle.¡± Feeling hands gently going over his head, Cid felt a sudden urge to sleep. ¡°Cid, come on, stand up. Let¡¯s go see a doctor.¡± Cid couldn¡¯t open his eyes, now he was all deflated. His hands were limp down his sides and he completely relied on his uncle holding his body off the ground. ¡°Cid¡­Cid!¡± Benjamin hurriedly put the boy on his back and ran like the wind towards the closest doctor. ¡°Doc¡­Doc! Hurry, he got hit in the head.¡± Quickly putting Cid down on a low bed on the ground, he watched the doctor look at the boy and started to get impatient. ¡°Doc, is he alright?¡± The doctor put his utensil down and shook the boy on the bed, ¡°Hey, wake up!¡± Seeing the doctor act this way, Benjamin got down on his knees and he too shook Cid. ¡°Cid!¡± ¡°¡­Tired¡­¡± ¡°Keep him awake!¡± Benjamin made Cid sit up, then hit him on the arm, seeing him act all lethargic, ¡°Oi, Cid!¡± Cid could only follow the urgency in his Uncle¡¯s voice and tried to do as he was told but¡­ It was strange all of a sudden, he felt like everything was fine¡­Until he woke up¡­ Now he was hurt and annoyed, tired and groggy. Luckily though, Cid found that he felt a lot better after the pain had subsided. He was able to open his eyes then and see Ben¡­Feeling bad when that worried look was on his face. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Uncle¡­I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t scare me like that, lad! Your father would kill me if you died!¡± ¡°My father¡­Is¡­Not able to touch you¡­¡± Cid said, not understanding what his uncle said. Putting a hand to his head, he felt groggier. ¡°What did you give me, doc?¡± ¡°Pain relief.¡± Cid suddenly laughed and nodded, ¡°Right¡­¡± It seemed that the doctor wanted him to stay awake to not only take the medication as early as possible but needed to find out how alert he was. Having been able to focus better, now that the pain had dissipated, and that Cid could even respond and have a conversation, the doctor stated that Cid should be fine after some rest. The problem was, Cid felt a strange, light headedness come over him. ¡°I was bleeding.¡± Cid mumbled, sitting back and feeling lazy. ¡°It was red¡­Red blood¡­Falling down my face¡­¡± ¡°Cid?¡± ¡°I believe the pain relief is already working¡­¡±If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. More mumbling followed¡­ A blur went by and Cid can¡¯t remember what had happened, but he suddenly became aware that he was on a carriage. ¡°Uncle?¡± He watched as his uncle looked at him with searching eyes, ¡°Are you back to normal now?¡± Cid frowned and nodded, feeling slight pain. ¡°Mmm.¡± ¡°You went a bit funny there, lad.¡± Cid sighed and put his head back, ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°I closed the shop, but the two senseless men were let free.¡± It took a while for the news to settle in and Cid nodded, ¡°Thank you, Uncle. It probably will work better if you shut down the shop instead of me.¡± Benjamin put a hand to Cid¡¯s head, ¡°How are you feeling, lad?¡± Cid closed his eyes, and said, ¡°I¡¯m alright.¡± ¡°The doc said for us to watch you for a while, so you¡¯re staying with us!¡± ¡°Leonard won¡¯t allow it.¡± Cid said. ¡°Tough, I¡¯ll just tell him who beat you up then!¡± Benjamin growled out in anger. ¡°He will deny it, just like Steven will.¡± Cid said, resting his head on the side of the carriage. If only it wasn¡¯t so bumpy¡­ ¡°¡­Then¡­I¡¯ll just¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright Uncle, if he won¡¯t relent, I¡¯ll go back with him. I would go back now, to stop you from getting into trouble, but I just don¡¯t have the energy and I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t just drop me off.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right!¡± Benjamin stated firmly. Cid smiled, just like he had thought. It was nice to be among people who cared for you once in a while¡­ After another hour, Cid got out of the carriage and slowly walked towards Pauletta¡¯s and Benjamin¡¯s home, becoming completely overwhelmed when a soft body rammed into his. ¡°Cid! What happened to you!¡± Cid can only be glad that the Princess had not been with him when he had gone to the shop. His relief felt like another problem had been resolved¡­ ¡°Your Highness¡­¡± Was all he could say. ¡°You idiot! Why are you in such a mess!?¡± She yelled and Cid only found it nice and adorable that she already was frowning and lightly touching his head. ¡°I¡¯m alright, Princess¡­¡± Cid stated, stumbling and then feeling her body attempting to help take his. Too close! After another stumble, nearly falling over completely, Cid stood still for a moment. No more stumbles please¡­ ¡°¡­Are you really alright, Cid?¡± Closing his eyes, Cid relished that sweet voice and placed it into his heart, locking it there. ¡°I¡¯m alright.¡± It seems that the Princess got shaken up or something because Cid didn¡¯t hear her talk after, making him look at her in question. He needed to sit down though, he was just a bit too dizzy to stand at the moment. Upon sitting down, he looked back up at the pretty Princess, worried, and found her nearly in tears. ¡°Hush, Princess, I¡¯m alright!¡± He couldn¡¯t help but try and console her. The Princess looked at Cid with her watery eyes and did not make a move or say anything. Cid felt his heart breaking for her, and sighed, ¡°Mmm, the Princess is worried about me, I should get hit more often!¡± ¡°No, you won¡¯t! No! I forbid it!¡± She yelled. Seeing her come up to him and hit him on the arm, Cid felt better. She started to cry, and she put her hands to her face, ¡°Don¡¯t¡­Hurt¡­You¡­¡± He just couldn¡¯t leave her like this! Cid took her into his arms and cuddled her tightly, ¡°I¡¯m alright, Bethany. Shh, don¡¯t worry.¡± Stiffening up, because she only cried louder, Cid looked up at his Uncle and then his Auntie, wondering what to do. Pauletta made an action with her hand and Cid tapped the Princess lightly on the back. Whoa¡­ Cid went into another world as all he could think about was the hands around his neck, a body pressed against his and that it was¡­Female¡­It was the girl of his dreams¡­It was¡­A woman¡­ She wasn¡¯t a girl, he already knew that, but now he felt it! His hands wanted to roam like crazy, but he kept them still as he forced himself to keep his cool¡­She was, after all, forbidden fruit¡­ It was nice though¡­Very nice¡­ Those nice soft things were nice against him¡­ ¡°¡­Hell!¡± Looking up, Cid saw David and smiled, ¡°Hey buddy!¡± ¡°Your head!¡± David pointed at his friend¡¯s head but did secretly notice how close his friend was with the Princess¡­He too knew of the attraction between them, so it was not of that much of a surprise. Cid put a hand to his head, and flinched, ¡°Mmm, I hit an anvil.¡± ¡°Ouch! That must have hurt!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll hurt you, boy!¡± Benjamin hit his son over the head and frowned. David sat right next to Cid, on the other side, and raised his eyebrows, ¡°Ethan, are you sleeping?¡± ¡°No!¡± Came a voice from Cid¡¯s neck. ¡°Hiding then?¡± David then asked, unable to stop himself from tormenting the Princess. Their friendship seemed based on a few things and David¡¯s blunt and positive nature was muchly appreciated by both the Princess and Cid. David was one that wanted to do things and go to parties, Cid was more a mature and smarter approach and as for the Princess, she was a gullible, yet one that made you laugh heartily because of her antics. So¡­This wasn¡¯t the first time that David was playing with her¡­ ¡°No!¡± ¡°You can¡¯t be crying because boys don¡¯t cry!¡± David stated. Feeling the Princess stiffen in his embrace, Cid smiled. The Princess will retaliate to that! ¡°I¡¯m not crying!¡± There it is! David looked at her, then away from her, and easily said, ¡°Could have fooled me!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not crying!¡± The Princess stated, wiping her eyes and then glaring at David. ¡°Ok, I believe you!¡± David said, shrugging. Seeing Princess Bethany get even more angry, but still unwilling to leave his embrace, Cid stopped his hands from traveling further up. His instincts¡­Or wants, were starting to get the better of him and obviously wanted this forbidden fruit¡­ Woe is me, Cid thought, reminding himself that this can¡¯t happen. She is upset and will be fine soon, then she will be out of his arms. Hold your wants at bay like you¡¯ve always done! ¡°¡­On him¡­¡± Cid looked at his Uncle, then to David. He¡­Wasn¡¯t paying attention. No, how could he pay attention when he had only dreamt of something like this happening!? Her smell was nice, her holding onto him, her face¡­Lips¡­ ¡°I¡¯ll do it!¡± Cid looked at the Princess and wished he knew what they were talking about. ¡°Oh, honey, I can¡¯t¡­Really trust Cid, if you do that¡­¡± Cid frowned at his Uncle and then saw his Uncle nod towards the Princess. Oh¡­ Putting down his arms, Cid closed his eyes. With so much happening, with his head and being so close to someone so desirable, he had not even noticed his hands go to the Princess¡¯s waist! With all the work to stop his hands¡­It still hadn¡¯t worked! Please, Princess, hop off now! ¡°Your Highness, come, let us find something for Cid to eat!¡± Pauletta stated, seeing how Cid was having¡­Troubles¡­ The Princess didn¡¯t think Cid was having troubles at all, she had liked crying¡­In a specific person¡¯s arms¡­ ¡°Princess!¡± Seeing Pauletta give her a stare, Bethany could only relent and remember what they had talked about earlier that day, ¡°Alright.¡± And so, the girls got some food and the boys laughed about Benjamin beating up two men. It was well and good for another three, four hours but it was during evening, night-time, that someone by the name of Leonard came to the house¡­ ¡°It seems there¡¯s been a misunderstanding.¡± Cid was not surprised at what Leonard said, not surprised in the least. Not having gotten up from his chair and even put on more effort to look as though he was in a lot of pain, Cid did not speak and let his Uncle continue to speak to Leonard. ¡°A misunderstanding? I tried to get those two people to return and work back there again but they were desperate to stay away! It was like they had been threatened or something! How is that a misunderstanding!?¡± ¡°¡­I¡­My son is not one to make big mistakes, there was probably a problem that he had tried to fix but went overboard in doing so.¡± Cid took a small moment to look at Leonard, seeing him upset, making Cid smile in his head. And just like Cid thought, Leonard was most annoyed with his eldest son right at this moment! Benjamin then said, ¡°Who is ¡®your son¡¯, to this business? Does he own it?¡± All of us knew why Benjamin had stated ¡®your son¡¯ in a different tone. It was because Cid was also classified as Leonard¡¯s son as well, it just wasn¡¯t seen like that by Leonard¡­ ¡°He does not!¡± Leonard spoke firmly. Again, it was like they all knew what was behind those words. It was because if anyone was to own that shop, it ¡®should be him¡¯. Cid sighed in his heart, seriously not in the mood anymore with how greedy his step-family is. Why? Why can¡¯t they just leave him alone!? Normally he could cope with all this, dealing with it and able to sleep well and continue with his life the next day, just¡­Today he couldn¡¯t! ¡°Stop it! I don¡¯t want to talk about the shop today! I¡¯m sore and don¡¯t have the energy! The shop is already closed, so let it be!¡± ¡°But¡­But Cid¡­¡± Leonard stated but Cid interrupted him, ¡°No! I can¡¯t deal with what I should do right now! The shop is closed and that¡¯s that! I will stay here for the night and be back tomorrow, you have my word!¡± Putting his arm down from his head, hearing it flop beside him, Cid closed his eyes and breathed out. No, he wasn¡¯t acting at the moment, he really just couldn¡¯t take it anymore! ¡°Tomorrow? Then¡­I will expect you home early!¡± Leonard stated, then quickly left, obviously not wanting them to speak after him, especially if they wanted to state that Cid may be home later¡­ Nearly all the people still left in the room frowned, except for that of Cid. They all felt like Cid should be treated better, like that of Leonard offering to let Cid stay there until he was healthy again or at least say that he¡¯d come to pick him up with a carriage, but none of that was said. It was obvious that Cid had to make his own way back home, or ask for help from his Aunt and Uncle, even though he had just gone through a dramatic experience, especially when it was done by two people that were under Steven. It made Pauletta and Benjamin furious that they had no conscious! They will most likely never apologize and try to come up with excuses! But it had been years now and after the man left, they were like Cid and weren¡¯t surprised with how Cid was treated, after all, they had seen it a few times before already. How they wished they could adopt the boy or have the boy move in with them! But¡­Not only was Cid now too old to adopt but the boy was stubborn! The door didn¡¯t slam shut but they could all hear that a bit of extra force was used on it, making us all frown. ¡°That man makes me so mad!¡± Coming out from around the corner, Princess Bethany made everyone remember that she was still here! Pauletta widened her eyes and quickly pulled the Princess to the door, ¡°David, quick, take her back to the palace!¡± ¡°But¡­¡± The Princess was interrupted by Pauletta, ¡°No buts, you must return, or we could get into trouble!¡± Pauletta knew this statement always worked with the Princess and did use it, especially in times such as this! Leonard should not be something that the Princess should worry about, they needed to deal with him on their own! ¡°Yes¡­Of course, the hour is late, and I should return.¡± The Princess stated, quickly looking at Cid, before looking defeated and continued to walk out the door. Cid didn¡¯t open his eyes, but did loudly say his goodbyes to her, which seemed to be enough to put the Princess in a better mood. David might be one to play up, but he knew this matter wasn¡¯t something he was going to go against, so he was quick to follow the Princess out and do as his mother told him to do. Chapter 5
¡°Cid, lad, you showed courage, I like it!¡± Benjamin said, giving the boy on the chair a slight hit on the shoulders, as he sat down. ¡°¡­Thank you, Uncle.¡± Not sure if what he had done was wise or not, Cid felt like he was still losing, even though he had gotten what he had asked for. ¡°Honey, I¡¯ve already set up the bed for you, go lay down! You look exhausted!¡± Opening his eyes and smiling at Pauletta, Cid nodded, ¡°Thank you, Auntie! I really appreciate¡­¡± Pauletta quickly interrupted him, ¡°It is of no problem, child. It is something that I should do! Now go, we¡¯ll check on you a bit later.¡± Cid slowly made his way to a bed that he had used often before. He used to come over here a lot more but since his mother had died¡­The bed he was now on had hardly been used¡­ Falling quickly into a deep, dreamless sleep, Cid didn¡¯t know that both his Aunt and Uncle had checked up on him a few times during the night¡­ *** Cid did as he said he would and went back to the jewellery factory the next day. His head still hurt quite a lot, but he knew that he could only take his medicine and deal with it. The bandage around his head, when he checked, no longer showed that he was bleeding and so he removed it. Having had a nice, uninterrupted sleep, Cid did feel rested, but as he began to work just before lunch, his head didn¡¯t help him concentrate. It seemed that he would be relying on medicine for longer then he originally thought¡­ Normally, he¡¯d deal with the pain a lot easier but for once, it was his head that hurt, not his arm or leg or stomach and so he wasn¡¯t used to it at all. ¡°We need these done by today!¡± Cid just nodded and blinked, trying to keep himself awake. He knew it though, the ¡®job¡¯ that needed to be done today was just made up. Most of them were, Cid was sure of it but¡­If he didn¡¯t do it, he would lose something or be punished. How could I keep living like this!? He thought. He didn¡¯t mean to continue his angry feelings but as time went on and it was afternoon, Cid was getting more and more angrier. For all the times that he had been hurt, for all the times that he wasn¡¯t accepted as a stepson. All the times that he had worked for free, that his earned or precious things were stolen. From all the times that he had done nothing wrong but still got punished just because they weren¡¯t happy! For all this time that he felt like a worker, even though he was really a part of the family¡­Wasn¡¯t family something that he should be able to count on but¡­This family was the complete opposite and just making life hard for him! His emotions were sliding down a black walkway and Cid couldn¡¯t grasp them at all¡­He was just¡­So damned angry! The black walkway was slowly showing less and less light as he got more and more upset to his current situation. ¡°Cid, are you alright!¡± Looking up at David, seeing Princess Bethany hiding behind him, Cid looked back down, ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± ¡°Mother wanted me to tell you that she was going to stay while father and I go and trade.¡± David stated, picking up one of the bracelets that was nearly made. Cid took the bracelet and put it onto the table in front of him, ¡°Tell her not to bother.¡± ¡°¡­Cid?¡± Closing his eyes and clenching his hands, Cid looked up at David, ¡°You were only leaving for a month this time, right? What can happen in a month?¡± After that being said, Cid tried to focus once again. ¡°A lot¡­¡± Cid breathed out harshly and looked back at David, ¡°I¡¯ll be fine! Don¡¯t worry about me!¡± David looked intensely at Cid for a moment and then nodded, ¡°Understood, I¡¯ll tell her.¡± Turning around and taking the Princess with him, David left the area. ¡°What¡­Wait! I want to go to Cid!¡± Continuing to walk, David sighed, ¡°Cid is only going to yell at you if you go there now. Didn¡¯t you recognize what he was like? Don¡¯t put him into a position where he might regret saying something!¡± The Princess forced her arm away and glared at David, ¡°What are you talking about!¡± David looked at where Cid would be, then back at the Princess, ¡°You know what he¡¯s like when he¡¯s angry, Princess!¡± ¡°A¡­Angry¡­¡± Princess Bethany quickly looked towards where Cid would be and flinched. ¡°Give him some space, let him calm down.¡± David stated, hoping that the Princess would understand. The Princess looked down and then nodded. Cid was one of those people that held a lot in. When he was angry, he was really angry! It would be like a years¡¯ worth of anger coming out all at once and she remembers well¡­ It had happened twice, twice Cid had raged out with hurting words and afterwards, it was like a mess of emotions. The first time it happened, Bethany had been told to ¡®go away¡¯ and then even scolded about how she had to nit-pick about everything, ¡®just like his stepbrothers¡¯. After Cid had calmed down, he apologized but¡­That was what David was telling her now. That if she were to go to him, while he was like this, he might say something that he didn¡¯t mean. That¡­He wasn¡¯t angry at her, but he could still lash out because she would be there and that might make things harder for him. She still wanted to go, as she wasn¡¯t scared of Cid being like this, but she really didn¡¯t want to bring extra pain to Cid. David¡¯s words were taken pretty seriously by the Princess and so she could only wait. Perhaps she could help somehow? What could I do for him? If only she knew what else could she do, when they talked and fought, it still didn¡¯t mean that he stated that he needed something.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Cid was someone that didn¡¯t ask for help, he was stubborn, and it was hard to get into his head! David had no extra feelings about this at all. He knew this Cid well and it was obvious to him why he was like this¡­Especially when it had started not long after Cid¡¯s mother had died. To him it wasn¡¯t a big deal, words were just words, but how could he show the bad side of Cid to the Princess like this!? As a friend, he could only shake the girl away for now and met up together later. If they just give Cid some space, then it¡¯ll be over and if he wants to talk, they¡¯ll be there. So why bother worrying about it? What he will do though, is bring up his mother staying for him at another time, just in case. If he was angry, his real answer might mean for his mother to stay and so¡­David wanted to give his friend this chance to change his mind. Cid got lonely, David knew, even if he didn¡¯t admit it, and sometimes it was hard to get Cid to smile upon his family returning from having traveled away. ¡°Just go back to the palace today, Princess.¡± David stated, putting a hand to her head, ¡°He should be back to normal tomorrow!¡± And just as David had assumed, Cid calmed down and was feeling less emotional the next day. Sometimes¡­He just wasn¡¯t able to keep his emotions at bay. They filled him up too much and he just had to let some of it out, but he felt glad that David had let him be the day before. He was not angry at Princess Bethany nor David, so it was good that his friends understood what was going on without even being told. Smiling to his best friend knowing him so well, Cid only felt better. His head had a dull ache now, but he was able to tolerate this pain a lot better than the day before. It seemed that he was back to his usual routine once again and¡­With the Princess coming to sit next to him, Cid was glad that she seemed somewhat normal considering that she was probably forced to leave the day before. Something was different this time though, as the Princess sat there more quietly then normal. What was wrong with her? Cid thought. ¡°If you had a choice of a long coat or a short coat, for when you go outside, which one would you choose?¡± ¡°Why are you asking me that Princess?¡± Cid raised his eyebrows but continued to work. Princess Bethany shrugged, honestly, she wished that she could just come out and just ask properly but this question, that wasn¡¯t pointed specifically towards something in particular, had won out. ¡°Long or short?¡± Cid took a breath and had a moment to think, ¡°Considering that I am not a noble, a long coat would not suit the status of someone like myself.¡± ¡°If you could choose?¡± Bethany asked, intently looking at him. ¡°If I could choose, I¡¯d prefer the long coat. Is it not someone¡¯s dream to be well dressed? I also like the look of it too. It¡¯s different¡­¡± Cid stated, then got back to his work. He was used to the dress of someone like a slave, so why wouldn¡¯t he want to try out something that looked better and was different to what he usually wore? ¡°What about top hats? Do you like the flat ones or ones that aren¡¯t black? They¡¯re all black! Why does everyone like black top hats!?¡± Princess Bethany asked out loud. Cid laughed and looked at Princess Bethany, ¡°It is called style and black top hats represent authority¡­Power. Why¡­Are you upset that you don¡¯t wear a black top hat?¡± The Princess frowned at him and folded her hands together, ¡°I could wear one if I wanted too!¡± ¡°Then wear one then, perhaps you will find yourself liking it!¡± Cid stated, smiling and getting back to his work. ¡°I don¡¯t want too!¡± And just like this, she did not really find out if Cid really did like a black top hat or not¡­ Sadly, the days seemed to flow fast after that and Cid found himself waving goodbye to David, Pauletta and Benjamin. The Princess waved along with him and Cid looked at her and saw that she was standing straight, waving like a Princess. Did she have some more lessons then? The King had not given her many lessons all these years and when she was young, she had not been paying attention. She told him once that she had wanted to get into trouble, she wanted her Queen mother or King father to punish her but¡­She took a while to understand that she was only getting punished by others and scolded by others. Only her elder brother would speak to her with words that were directly for her. At least her elder brother looked at her in the face and cared¡­ ¡°You are growing up, Princess!¡± Cid stated. ¡°I¡¯m already grown!¡± Bethany retorted, making Cid let out a short laugh to feeling that her mature look disappeared as soon as she opened her mouth! ¡°Are you laughing at me?¡± Bethany stated, putting her hands over her body, looking at him with narrowed eyes. ¡°Yes!¡± Cid stated, taking a quick step back and then turning. ¡°Cid¡­¡± Stopping in a quick moment, Cid looked up to see the Prince, who was looking at Bethany. ¡°My dearest younger sister¡­¡± ¡°Elton!¡± Bethany smiled and ran up to her brother, hugging him, ¡°You¡¯re back!¡± ¡°Prince Elton.¡± Cid bowed his head formally and bowed. ¡°You may rise, Cid. I was only here to see David, but it seems that I have arrived too late.¡± Looking up at Prince Elton, Cid looked towards the direction David had left in and didn¡¯t see the carriage. ¡°They will be gone for a month, Prince Elton, surely you will see David again soon.¡± ¡°Indeed. Come Bethany, I had only spoken a few words before I left the palace. We should return back together.¡± Cid saw Bethany turn to him, so he nodded at her and waved. Watching the royal Prince and Princess leave in a carriage that had shown up at some point, Cid sighed. He had not wanted to burden Pauletta into staying and now the Princess was probably going to be busy with her brother, so¡­Perhaps it was a good time to get lost into his work. Maybe he could come up with yet another idea? It had been early so far on this day, and Cid went to the factory to start working. Now¡­It seems the days grew longer. It felt like an entire week went by, but it was really only been two days. Cid had not seen anyone beyond the workers in the factory and his stepfather. Yet, he didn¡¯t know that one thing had come to pass in the last day, which only started Cid to feel like he was heading towards a blocked place in his heart¡­ When he got home that day, Cid ate dinner and bathed, which was a nice change but¡­He didn¡¯t expect to see his stepfather leaning against the doorway upon finishing his bath. ¡°Leonard?¡± Cid felt uneasy straight away. What was he doing here? Most of the time they came when I wasn¡¯t here, this¡­Was weird¡­Why didn¡¯t he just call for me? Cid was a bit lost in thought and honestly had no idea why Leonard would be waiting for him just like this. ¡°I found your little stash, you sneak! How dare you use my study place to hide your little things!¡± Swallowing, Cid couldn¡¯t help but look at Leonard with wide eyes¡­ He found it! Calm down, he told himself, it doesn¡¯t matter¡­ ¡°I see that you had quite the amount of money, I¡¯m feeling very generous and will give it back to you¡­On one condition.¡± Leonard smirked. He knew that he couldn¡¯t make things too terrible for him, as he still needed the little sneak to work for him! Cid knew straight away about the ¡®one condition¡¯. ¡°Sign it over!¡± Swallowing again, Cid took a deep breath in and repeated to himself that everything was alright and that he had already accepted that this was going to happen. Nodding his head, Cid spoke, ¡°I will sign.¡± ¡°Good boy!¡± Cid couldn¡¯t even get dressed properly before Leonard put down the real property ownership papers of his father¡¯s blacksmiths shop on a surface that he could sign on. It seemed that his stepfather had already thought of this before, as he watched his stepfather quickly set up ink and a quill. ¡°Go on then, sign it and see that I will make the shop much better!¡± With each step that Cid took towards that piece of parchment, Cid could remember his father¡¯s words. ¡®My boy, do you know why I chose to become a blacksmith?¡¯ ¡®Cid! Watch this! See that? That could be the start of a new type of armor!¡¯ ¡®Go to your mother and say I¡¯ll be home late but we¡¯ll go do something fun tomorrow!¡¯ Seeing his hand shaking, as he picked up the quill, Cid took a sharp breath in and tried to concentrate. He knew this was probably going to happen, yet, why did he feel like he was surprised? Why did he feel like he couldn¡¯t take it? Why¡­Why does he have to give his father¡¯s shop away!? ¡°Cid¡­You said that you would sign it¡­Here, see, I keep my word.¡± Watching his stepfather bring out money, that seemed about the amount that Cid had stashed away, Cid suddenly wondered where he would hide that now. Wouldn¡¯t he just loss it? What was he going to do? ¡°Come on boy, sign it!¡± With a hit over the head, Cid fell over the table surface and flinched. His head had gotten better but he felt sensitive because that had hurt. Clenching his fist, Cid signed the parchment, feeling pathetic. It was done¡­ I gave away my father¡¯s shop to retrieve back my own money¡­That will probably be taken away from me anyway¡­And that was all Cid could think of¡­ Dropping the quill, Cid stood there, bowing his head in shame. ¡°Good boy! I¡¯ll be off now, don¡¯t be late tomorrow morning!¡± How did he sleep at night? Why, why do they torment me like this!? Slamming down his fist on the table, it rattled, being old and just about ready to break down. Seeing the money fall and flutter to the ground, Cid let out a small laugh. Should he even bother to hide it? If he hid it, they¡¯d only find it¡­ Falling to the floor, Cid took in a deep breath and looked out through the small window. ¡®My boy, what are you talking about? I¡¯m not going to lose business just because someone else came. I have my unique ways that will keep me going! Don¡¯t worry¡­¡¯ Right¡­ Nodding absentmindedly, Cid took in another deep breath and remembered about his goal. He will be his own man! He will escape from this! Picking up the money that fell to the floor, Cid stared at it for a moment and wondered where he would hide it. The Princess!? Could I let her hold it for me? He wondered. Putting the money together into one bundle, Cid put it into a keepsake, small box and put it on the table. Should he rely on the Princess? Smiling, he knew that he could trust her, it¡¯s just¡­ He felt like he would be cheating if he did that¡­Wasn¡¯t he going to stand up on his own two feet? Besides¡­It was about time to get ready to leave¡­Wasn¡¯t it¡­ He knew that there was only so much he could endure and knew that he had started a path to be on his own two feet, it was just¡­He had hoped it would be easier than this¡­ Chapter 6 Holding onto the box, that had his money in it, Cid sighed and looked around. Should he dig up a hole outside and put it into the dirt? Should he hold onto it and have it on him all the time? What should he do, at least for now, to keep it safe because¡­It was all he had left. Jewellery¡­ Why was he¡­How could jewellery help at this? Frowning, Cid went to pick up his clothes, to get dressed, and suddenly stared at it. Moving the cloth around easily, Cid then looked at the box and then back at the cloth. Stopped moving now, Cid widened his eyes and just wondered if he could use specific things to make another type of keep safe, small item that would be better than a box. Right¡­ Putting on his clothes, Cid rummaged around and found a few items that he could use. One was the obvious cloth, yet¡­Was it strong enough? Another was a small bit of wire, would it be enough? Sitting down at the table, Cid pulled at the cloth and pulled some more, to see that it really wasn¡¯t strong enough. But¡­He could at least find something else out too if he were to try to do the project¡­ How big would the clothe need to be? Would it even be worth it to make? Getting some needle and thread, Cid got to work on the cloth, keeping in mind that another type of cloth would be used for the real thing to work. What type of cloth? Perhaps a cloth that wouldn¡¯t be so hard to bend¡­ After a certain amount of sewing, Cid got the wire and put it through, closing the gap afterwards and looking at the little pouch. Cutting around some areas, Cid then added a buckle, so that it could close better and then he saw that the first product was finished. Of course, this was only an idea still, but Cid felt confident that he made something work for this first product. Putting the money into his newly made product, having to fold it in half, Cid closed the pouch, seeing it bulge out a bit. Using the buckle, it closed, and Cid threw it to the wall, to see it fall and not fall apart. He knew there were things called purses, but he had not been able to get one, not only that but they weren¡¯t cheap because they had only come to be invented a little while ago. The sad thing about their kingdom was that they were behind in some technology and Cid was sure that the kingdom was also short on money to bring them to the same as their neighboring kingdoms were at. Not only that, but purses were something obvious to people that only the nobles seemed to carry around¡­ No, Cid didn¡¯t particularly want a purse, he wanted something that could attach to him yet be somewhat undetectable at the same time. He then turned his product around and wondered how he would add a strap to it, so that it could go around his neck or around his side. Then, after that, he needed some type of artwork or some type of jewellery to place over the pouch, so that it would cover up the idea that money was hidden inside¡­Yet, how was he to do that¡­ There were shells¡­Perhaps one of those shells that have a hole in them? There were bigger ones near the sea¡­ David¡­If only he could get a hold of David! Cid stopped though and put his hand to his face. Calm down, he told himself, I need to think first. What if the shell wouldn¡¯t work anyway!? Right¡­Ideas¡­ The strap, it obviously needed to be strong so that the pouch wouldn¡¯t break from it and that it could hold the pouch. Whatever covers the pouch needed to be moveable too, so that you could get to what was inside it. What could it be? Looking aimlessly around his small room, Cid found a worn sock and just stared at it. A sock¡­ Frowning, Cid just couldn¡¯t believe that he could be considering using a plain old sock¡­ Disguise¡­Isn¡¯t that the idea? If a sock or something dirty was used¡­ If people then found such a thing, they wouldn¡¯t think to proceed to look more¡­Would they? Putting his face onto his hand, he stared at the worn sock, that was poking out of the chest that he put his clothes into. If he used something like a sock that had better material¡­ Right¡­What about a water pouch!? They were made from leather¡­Right¡­The strap shouldn¡¯t break so easily if it was attached to leather, and I could¡­ Cid rummaged around, but could not find a water pouch, making him upset as he was so keen to finish this now! Not only was he excited to make something, but also the idea of keeping this money that was his, made him want to finish what he had started! With a look towards the door, Cid rethought what he should do. He really wanted to try and get that water pouch! Unable to stop himself, Cid got up and left, slowly making his way towards the kitchen area to find himself a water pouch. Being lucky, because it was so late at night, Cid had easily found a small water pouch from the kitchen, without being found out by anyone, and quickly returned to his room. Smiling to the water pouch, Cid got the sock from the chest and then placed the money pouch with the small water pouch and put the sock over it, making sure the money pouch was well hidden, and like it was a part of the water pouch. Feeling the sock, that covered the small water pouch, Cid smiled and let out a laugh. It wasn¡¯t that great but¡­Right now it was enough! Placing some water into the pouch, Cid checked it once more and found that there were some things that he could obviously make better but¡­It was still an interesting idea!Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Should he make more? Letting out another small laugh, Cid sighed and then wondered where he would put a strap on it. He couldn¡¯t place it onto or through the sock, or¡­Could he? He¡¯d have to be able to take his money pouch out, but could he take it out with the sock still on? Trying to hold the sock to the water pouch, Cid tried to get the money pouch out, finding it hard to do so. Did that mean that he had to place the strap to the water pouch then? Putting his product in front of his eyes and staring at it, Cid put a finger to a part of the sock and then narrowed his eyes. Lower down¡­If he put the strap lower, he should attach the strap through the sock and onto the water pouch, then not only will the sock not come off but¡­ He again tried to get the money pouch out from holding the sock lower down, and found it a lot better, and it still seemed well secured. That¡¯s it! Smiling, Cid fixed everything back up and wondered where he would get the strap from. He¡¯d need something that would be longer than an arm¡¯s length¡­So, it might be difficult to find¡­ Frowning and going deep into thought, Cid then could only think that he might just have to go to the leatherworking places to get this strap. If he used another material, it might not work, and it might not be strong enough. And, at the same time, he didn¡¯t want his new product to stand out¡­ Sighing, Cid didn¡¯t know what to do, he still needed a strap! He wondered, would the money be fine like this until I find a strap? What if someone sees it and would take it to the kitchen? After all, he was worried that he would get into trouble for even having a water pouch. They were used for trips, not to use at home, so was he ready to have questions being asked to him about it? Cid sat back and looked towards the shabby roof of his small room. What will I say if someone asks why I have a water pouch, he asked himself. Could I say that I was working a lot? What about using the water for¡­Something else¡­But what? Wetting my hair? Wetting some jewellery? No¡­That would be stupid¡­ What could he say!? Perhaps that the doctor told him to drink more since he had been hit on the head? Rubbing at his eyes, Cid sighed. It must be well into the night, perhaps even early morning, so he really should try and get some rest. Sighing, Cid went to the bed and put the pouch close to his head. Perhaps he might find something to do with it when he wakes up¡­ Upon waking, Cid could only quickly get out of his small, humble room, so that he could visit the leatherworking shop before going to work. Getting a strap easily, considering that he had his money on him already, Cid then quickly left for his work, hoping that no one would be there when he got there. If no one was there, he could be quick enough to finish his first product, and have it bound to himself. He then didn¡¯t have to rush to make a better one till later. He felt lucky upon entering into the jewellery factory, as no one was there, and he quickly got to work to put the strap onto the water pouch, that now held his money safely next to it inside the sock. With the strap on, Cid found that he would have preferred if it was around his waist, making him think that perhaps he should get some sort of belt instead. But it was done for now, safely inside his clothes and attached to him¡­ That will have to do for now¡­ It wasn¡¯t that long after he finished his product and put it on though, before Freddie came in. ¡°Cid! Did you hear the news! Oh, you¡¯re here too!¡± Looking up, to see not only Freddie but another worker coming into the factory, Cid looked back down again. He¡¯d only just started working and calmly continued to do so. ¡°Young Master.¡± Stated the worker that came in. ¡°Hehe, did you get that book?¡± ¡°Yes, of course, Young Master¡­But, I should return¡­¡± Freddie interrupted them, ¡°It¡¯s fine! It¡¯s fine! You really should read it, top to bottom!¡± Cid looked up then, to see Freddie winking at the worker and patting his shoulder. Seeing the worker look a bit stunned and shocked, Cid wondered what they were talking about. It wasn¡¯t that odd that Freddie would make someone shocked like this, but Cid could never understand him! Freddie was nasty when Steven was around but when his elder brother wasn¡¯t around, Freddie was¡­Well, it seemed like he was just a mischievous, little boy! It was best to just try and stay away from Freddie, Cid always thought, going back to his work. ¡°How could you think of giving it back! You were the one that looked like you had problems at home! I¡¯m just trying to help you solve them!¡± ¡°I¡­I apologize, Young Master! I¡­I didn¡¯t mean¡­¡± ¡°Good! Just look at it and see if it works!¡± Cid wanted to shake his head, it seems that Freddie was getting himself into other people¡¯s business again! The last time that Freddie got into other people¡¯s business, he ended up getting grounded to the mansion! It was strange because Freddie choose who he was going to annoy, which made him spontaneous and that seemed something that Leonard disliked about Freddie¡­ It could be a maid, having done something wrong but Freddie ends up doing the same thing and is found laughing with the maid like they were little children. Then, it could be a noble person and Freddie was playing tricks on them, all because the boy or girl didn¡¯t let Freddie play with them. He really hadn¡¯t grown up yet! Cid momentarily remember his mother upon this thought¡­She had liked Freddie and had played with him a few times. ¡­It was probably the only reason why Cid tolerated Freddie a lot better then Steven, because his mother had liked him. ¡°Oh, I almost forgot! Cid, Steven¡¯s getting engaged!¡± Feeling Freddie¡¯s presence coming closer to him, Cid looked up and nodded. What did that have to do with him? ¡°¡­To the Princess!¡± Stopping, Cid swallowed and repeated those words in his head. To¡­The Princess? ¡°¡­Hardly fair! The King should have had at least two daughters, so that I could get married to a Princess too!¡± It was really true? Bethany was¡­Going to be engaged to¡­Steven? Cid was at a loss of words¡­ ¡°Do you think a Princess is a plaything?¡± Looking up to see Princess Bethany enter the area¡­Looking a bit disheveled, Cid couldn¡¯t speak a word. He knew that the Princess was bound to marry one day. He also knew that the person that she would marry wouldn¡¯t be him but¡­Why did he feel so shocked when it was becoming true and real? Seeing her walk towards him, Cid bowed his head, but was unable to work. She didn¡¯t sit beside him, but he knew that she was close by. The problem was Freddie was in her ear, about choosing him instead of his brother and it was not only angering Cid, but that of Princess Bethany as well. ¡°You¡­You don¡¯t have anything to say?¡± Cid looked up to see Bethany looking straight at him and he bowed his head again, ¡°¡­Congratulations¡­¡± Clearing his throat, Cid picked up something, not really even knowing what it was and tried to continue to work but¡­ ¡°Congratulations?¡± In a smaller voice, Cid said, ¡°You were bound to marry at some point¡­Isn¡¯t that right?¡± ¡°¡­And so, now that it happens, all you say is¡­Congratulations?¡± He heard her feelings through her words but¡­What could he do, it wasn¡¯t like he had the power to stop a King¡¯s command! He was a nobody and didn¡¯t even deserve the pretty Princess! ¡°Ah, there is my bride to be! Princess¡­¡± Steven¡¯s voice only made matters worse for both the Princess and Cid. Everything just became real too quickly and all that could be done¡­Was a quick escape from the Princess. She ran like the wind and didn¡¯t know why she had bothered to have left without consent to run to Cid. What had she expected? As soon as she found out, she couldn¡¯t even dress herself fast enough, having not even realized that her hair was a bit of a mess, and had come straight to Cid. How¡­How could he just say that? Why¡­Why was it all that he had said? Doesn¡¯t¡­He like me at all? She thought, then next, she even wondered if she should still send the coat and hat that she had gotten for him. Why should she send it!? Why!? Cid did not chase after the Princess, only watching her flee. He didn¡¯t know what he was thinking right now, nor how he felt, all he knew was that he wished for both of these brothers to go away! He tried to ignore them and continue working but hushed words of the marriage flew right into his ears and Cid suddenly stood up. ¡°And where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± Steven asked, you could hear how arrogant he was through how he said these words. ¡°Latrine.¡± Cid stated, walking away, only to be stopped by Steven. ¡°Then you won¡¯t mind if I go with you?¡± He just wanted to be alone! Cid clenched his hands but nodded, continuing to walk. It was obvious, Steven didn¡¯t want him to go after the Princess but¡­Even if Cid decided to go after the Princess, what could he possibly say? ¡®Marry me instead¡¯¡­ I wish, Cid thought, going into the latrine. His life, he wanted to make it his, now! If he could make a business and expand slightly, perhaps then¡­ Widening his eyes, Cid then let out a small laugh. What was he thinking? That he will be good enough for the King, so that he could take his daughter¡¯s hand in marriage? No, he¡­He didn¡¯t¡­He hadn¡¯t planned on something like that. Besides¡­ Cid really tried to calm himself down and think less of the situation, but no matter what he told himself, he still felt upset. It¡¯s because you really like her, he told himself. And¡­And she deserved better than Steven! She deserved so much more! Going back to work, Steven in tow, Cid felt slightly calmer yet¡­Hopeless. He really hated this King! *** The next day, the Princess came once again, and Cid was then placed to do jewellery in his room. It had not been so easy though, as Cid got punished for ¡®tempting¡¯ an engaged Princess and had gotten punished. It was the first time in a long time that the Princess had not cared that she brought punishment onto someone else for her actions. Having seen Cid once again, to find him have no change of heart, showing that, if anything, he was accepting this, she had finally cried, dropping her present for Cid on the floor before leaving. Stating that she didn¡¯t want to see him again, Cid was distraught but hid it very well. Upon being lightly hit by Bethany¡¯s angry fists and seeing that she had even brought something for him, Cid couldn¡¯t speak a word for a whole minute, even though the Princess had long gone. Picking up the items, Cid put them into a bag, wanting to know what they were yet scared that he¡¯d grow soft and chase after her with empty promises¡­ Getting punished had even helped Cid overcome his emotions and he even accepted working in his small room easily. He didn¡¯t want to see the Princess. He didn¡¯t want to see her cry like that and he didn¡¯t want her to be unhappy. She¡­If only she wasn¡¯t getting married to Steven, then Cid would feel better, but no¡­He didn¡¯t want to accept it either but what other choice did he have? The person who he was now, was not someone that could fight for Princess. The person who he was now, did not deserve her care! Seeing that she had got him a long coat and a black top hat, Cid felt like he was at his limits! They had such a great friendship, did that have to be completely gone now? With someone with a status like himself, does he have no right? It was time¡­Cid thought. It was time for him to find his own way! His own way was going to be hard because Leonard will obviously not let him go willingly, but Cid had known this! Yes¡­It was time to finalize arrangements to disappear! Chapter 7
Two weeks go by, after Cid found out about the engagement, and they were the loneliest two weeks that Cid had ever lived. He worked, he had even made a better pouch and slept. Staying out of people¡¯s way, he rarely left the confides of his own small room and had only looked as though he was secluding himself, when really¡­He was preparing to move on¡­Even though he was so lonely. He missed David¡­His family¡­His father, his mother but¡­Most of all, he missed that one person that sat beside him so much. It probably wouldn¡¯t happen again now. She was gone¡­She was going to be another man¡¯s fiance, then, soon after, wife. He probably wouldn¡¯t see her again, let alone sit next to her. Especially when she stated that she didn¡¯t want to see him again. Was the King so blind to have given his lovely daughter to such a terrible person? And that question was how Cid found out that it was most likely because of money that the King made his daughter marry into Leonard¡¯s family. Even the thought that he was actually a stepson to Leonard had come to mind, but Cid didn¡¯t know how to hope on that small, unseen by others, information. However much as he wished it were him, it could never be. Steven was the first born and that was only one reason. Steven was the heir to his father¡¯s business, that was yet another reason and¡­Well, Steven was a full-blooded son, whereas Cid wasn¡¯t¡­He wasn¡¯t even blood related to Leonard. ¡­Even if it wasn¡¯t Steven, Freddie would have been the next choice, not him¡­How could he hope? Cid could only accept it, he could only continue with his work and silently gain the favor of a few others that could help him for when he was to leave Leonard¡¯s family. He had spoken now to two places that required a certain amount in exchange to working with him and Cid was unsure if they would stay when they found out who he was without his other ¡®identity¡¯. Having used another identity while talking to them, Cid could only try to see if he could respect and accomplish what they wanted in exchange for having their loyalty. He wanted materials, he needed some people to help him accomplish his goal but¡­He was sure if he was to pronounce who he was, he probably wouldn¡¯t get what he needed. Especially of that of help of a small loan to help him start his own business. No¡­He had to change his name. He had to become someone else that was not known about¡­And that was obviously because Leonard would do anything to stop him from doing this! Since having lost his mother and the first time he thought of running away, all these points of being on his own feet had been on his mind. Knowing where he could borrow money and where he could go to get materials had already been something decided upon before leaving Leonard¡¯s family. He had wanted to stand on his own two feet another way but of course had planned for running away nonetheless¡­And all the preparing for it had come in handy! His other identity was also something that was ready within just a day or two as his ¡®documents¡¯ had been secured within Benjamin¡¯s trading post! Finally, after all this time, it was now a brand-new type of life¡­And now he was his own boss! In the next week, there was a ball that was pronounced to be happening soon, to formally accept the engagement of the Princess and so¡­This was when Cid decided to start his new identity. He didn¡¯t have much with him, but he did know that he had to get away from Leonard¡¯s family! Not able to buy a small place, Cid rented something that looked run down, but the main thing that he wanted, was security. The place was able to be securely locked and did not leak, and that was all that mattered. After that, Cid discretely got himself a business license for his new identity, having already had one for the blacksmithing shop. His business licence for the blacksmithing shop had mostly been done by Benjamin, so Cid wasn¡¯t exactly sure on how hard it was to obtain one all by himself. It wasn¡¯t as hard as he had thought though, but it did take some money to invest into it properly and have it so that it was legal and binding. Now that he had a small place that he¡¯d make his home and factory, and his licence, Cid then got his belongings there and suddenly disappeared from Leonard¡¯s hands one storming night. It wasn¡¯t until the next day that Leonard knew, simply because Cid wasn¡¯t working. But straight away, Leonard started to panic. He could plainly see that some things were gone, only leaving behind what Cid had been working on, in that small room of his. Running wildly back to the main quarters of the residence, Leonard pronounced that everyone should look for Cid and to bring him back! In the previous week Leonard couldn¡¯t find a single thing that would help his jewelry crafting business out from the blacksmithing shop, and it seemed that everything was coming from Cid himself! He couldn¡¯t believe that at first, rummaging around the blacksmithing shop like a madman but¡­There could really only be one thing left that he had to admit to because he simply found nothing to do with jewelry crafting there! Cid must be the one with the ideas! After all this time, Cid had been coming up with things and Leonard finally understood that the blacksmithing shop was nothing! But¡­That also meant something else that surprised Leonard and made him have to think¡­And that was, Cid may indeed be smarter than he had originally thought! He had to keep Cid somehow! He had to lock him up and get him to work his ideas and keep their business popular! Obviously, now that he was sure that Cid was smarter, Leonard had to come up with a plan to make Cid do what he wanted! The next problem was¡­Leonard had tried to think of Cid¡¯s weakness but¡­Couldn¡¯t find anything! They had already taken his blacksmithing shop! They had already broken things in his room and¡­The biggest weakness, other than those ideas, was that of the Princess, but she was already getting engaged to his son! What could he gain to make Cid do whatever he asked of him!?A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Yet¡­Cid having disappeared all of a sudden had stopped him before he could come up with a plan! Just one more day and he would have a locked area that would be ready for Cid but¡­ But¡­No one could find him anywhere¡­ No¡­Cid was not currently inside the capital anymore, as his rented place was outside of the capital. He had not contacted anyone else besides his suppliers and had even given them a free sample to what he would use their supplies for but¡­His main objective was not the capital¡­No, he wanted his works to be taken away from here, at least at the start. He was slightly worried about being found out but his money would only taken him so far and so he did his own private way of selling his items. The traders that came and go, Cid risked his belongings with them, only getting a small sum before they left, making him only be able to have faith in those traders to return with any money he might receive if some of his items were sold while they were gone. Some didn¡¯t even give him anything first and Cid had not even used one of the traders because of the way they had looked and acted. But this was not just because he was hiding from Leonard and saving money to go to a better place. No, another reason why he was using the traders was because he wanted to expand his work. Leonard was popular yes, but only within this country. His stepfather had not trusted people, so he had not gone beyond that of the capital, only sometimes using traders that would only travel to nearby towns. Cid wanted more¡­He wanted to expand his jewelry over a distance and be able to obtain more people and money, so that he could feel free from his burdens. Well¡­He was also proud of his work, as he did like it as well but, at the moment, it was to grow and find himself able to stand on his own two feet, so that he wouldn¡¯t have to return, even if he was found by Leonard. Cid had even gone to the extent of having only two or three things to eat since leaving Leonard¡¯s residence. Saving money was very crucial at this point of time and food was something that he was willing to have little of, and something also that was simple. As simple as bread and one spread was all Cid had to eat, using the water well to get his water and that was all that he wanted for now. He also didn¡¯t buy more clothing, even though most of what he brought with him from Leonard¡¯s residence were servants¡¯ attire. He had to wash his one set of good clothes himself, just like his other clothing, so that he could just wear them again and again for when he went out, having no one to help him with it. He wasn¡¯t ready to get someone¡¯s help with jobs around the house, not wanting to get the wrong person and be found out, so¡­He did everything himself! Actually, Cid put in a lot of effort not to be found out. He traveled a day away from his humble, small home to meet traders and made sure not to use traders from the area he lived at or traders that were going in that direction. Cid also tried to stay as mysterious as possible for two reasons, not just because of wanting to somewhat ¡®scare¡¯ the traders so they wouldn¡¯t take advantage of him but also because he didn¡¯t want to be found out just because of what he wore or what he acted like. He acted like someone that wasn¡¯t the boss but was domineering, someone that was getting paid by a manager, someone that was below someone that was possibly rich and powerful¡­ It was also something that helped him get over his sad loneliness, as it was quite a fun thing for him to do¡­ Upon returning back home though¡­Cid on purposely lost himself to working by himself in his small home. Even though there were a few ideas that he had kept to himself all these years, upon what he could do in jewelry making, it didn¡¯t fill that empty hole¡­ That empty hole that he felt inside also didn¡¯t help him with sleep, as it was starting to become normal for him to get no more then four hours sleep a night. It was so different to the person he became to talk to the traders, he was someone that tried now not to slouch in a depressed way, someone that was always frowning and working, so that he didn¡¯t have to think. He didn¡¯t want to think of the Princess and the seat that was absent beside him. He didn¡¯t want to think that he¡¯d be found out and forced back to that place and be used as a slave. He didn¡¯t want to think about how he lost his father¡¯s blacksmithing shop and how he had taken so long, and had to go to such lengths, to become his own person¡­His own master. He just needed¡­Some time¡­ Time going by seemed to help him grow more courage again. Time helped him see that even though he might have very little at that current moment, he would still work hard to obtain more and become someone that he was proud of! Time¡­Had gone by and he gotten more and more courage to even think he could attend this so-called ball that was being held as an engagement for his older stepbrother. He wanted to see if the Princess was happy, he wanted to see her smile, even if it was the last time¡­ Because¡­He was thinking of moving even further away¡­Perhaps even to another country altogether! *** When David and his family returned from their travels, they were flabbergasted at what they found out. Not only was the King¡¯s daughter getting engaged to someone else other than Cid, but Cid had indeed gone missing! Leonard came to see them not long after they had returned but they could only state that they knew nothing¡­As it was the truth! There was only one good thing that came to them, because of Leonard¡¯s appearance, and that was that Cid had gone by himself and had not disappeared because of this man¡­ Leonard didn¡¯t want to believe the truth though and he started to curse them, stating that everything was their fault, but Benjamin could not tolerate it anymore and manhandled the cursing man to get out of their home! Once this was over, it wasn¡¯t long before a certain other person came, and as much as they respected this person, they were just too worried and had wished it was Cid that had come instead. ¡°Your Highness. You¡¯ve returned!¡± ¡°Greetings.¡± Prince Elton stated. ¡°David, a word.¡± Benjamin and Pauletta watched as David followed the Prince to another room from the one that they were in. ¡°Don¡¯t be strict upon David while the Prince is here.¡± Was all Benjamin stated, before walking out the front door. He had to find out what was going on with Cid! How could he speak to Cid¡¯s father again in the afterlife if he won¡¯t be able to find him and make sure that he was safe and sound!? ¡°I¡¯ve gotten all your messages. Was there any evidence?¡± David looked straight at the Prince and then sat down, ¡°The children aren¡¯t obviously enough then?¡± ¡°No.¡± Prince Elton sat down next to David and looked down, ¡°I¡¯m not to do this half-heartedly. I need more if I am to get the people to understand why I am going to take the King¡¯s throne.¡± David sighed, ¡°The business is crude, but they don¡¯t have evidence against the King himself. It is either that the people are too loyal or that the King really has no part in it.¡± Prince Elton stood then, ¡°Very well. It seems that I will have to wait to give that man what he deserves.¡± ¡°Wait, Prince. Do you remember Cid?¡± Prince Elton turned to David and narrowed his eyes, ¡°Yes, he had certain eyes for my little sister.¡± ¡°Oh, well¡­Why I¡¯m asking is because¡­He¡¯s gone missing.¡± Prince Elton thought for a moment and then looked at David, ¡°Give me reports on that family of his.¡± David frowned, ¡°Don¡¯t you remember, Cid¡¯s mother remarried into the family and they treated him poorly. I¡¯d be upset if you think of him as some sort of villain!¡± Prince Elton frowned back at him, ¡°¡­It is that person then? I see¡­Give me reports on that family, nonetheless. My sister is getting married to the eldest son, I have only recovered normal records with the people beside me.¡± ¡°Ah, so this is the real reason for His Highness to come and see me then?¡± David smirked. ¡°Indeed.¡± David let out a small laugh and stood up to be beside Prince Elton, ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll go and dig up some stuff and give it to you soon!¡± Prince Elton watched David walk away, and then frowned. His kingdom was falling¡­All for his father¡¯s greed! And now, worst of all, his father was using his daughter to get more! It was good to finally have David return to his side so that he could get more information from a dark territory! Black markets, thieves and assassins¡­Prince Elton had brought many assassins to his side with a lot of effort but yet still has to be the master of the thieves and black markets! With the help of David¡­He will only get there in a matter of time! *** Since David was known as a ¡®trader¡¯, he had a talent of talking to people and he already knew of a few certain people within Leonard¡¯s residence that would give him information. It wasn¡¯t the only option either, as David was someone within the Black market circle, but he was not the boss of it¡­Of course, it would be much better if he didn¡¯t have to rely upon the black market to obtain information, so he will start with Leonard¡¯s residence first! It was easy to obtain information upon the family with his ¡®spy¡¯, who didn¡¯t even know they were ¡®spying¡¯, and so the most recent information was then taken to the Prince within the castle, not long before the ball was to be held. David did not walk into the main entrance, as many couldn¡¯t do that, but he was known as a friend of the Prince¡¯s from one of the side entrances and was let in straight away. He saw servants running around and doing work but did not see the actual place that the ball was being held. ¡°David, you have come!¡± Prince Elton stated, walking to David. They met up and then walked to a secluded area. David then gave the Prince what he had found. Skimming over the information, the Prince looked at David and frowned. ¡°This won¡¯t help me with your friend.¡± David frowned in return but nodded, knowing of this answer. He had contacted the black market already but they had not sent word yet¡­Who knows when it would come, especially if he does not go himself¡­The black market are on their own terms, which can be an awesome asset but a huge downfall at the same time! Otherwise, he could not pin down enough problems with the family to either put them into jail or get them interrogated. Even the fact that Cid was seen from a witness, being punished by the stepfather, was not something that they could get into, as Cid himself was not around and the reasons for punishment may even stop them from trying to take that as a reason to help them out. ¡°My sister is still trapped.¡± The Prince stated, putting his hand down that was holding the papers. David stood there silent, while the Prince went into deep thought. Chapter 8
¡°How deep will your people go?¡± Prince Elton suddenly asked David. David sighed and scratched his head, ¡°They are loyal, no need to ask.¡± ¡°Then tell them to search even more, to find something to stop the engagement.¡± Prince Elton was then looking at David. ¡°Father won¡¯t be driven away by money for something small, it must be something that would ruin reputation or them having nothing left to their name!¡± David raised his eyebrows at the Prince, ¡°Having nothing is already in motion, Your Highness. Leonard severely depended upon Cid very much for business, if we could just keep an eye on the business, it should show a steady decline now that Cid has gone.¡± The Prince also raised his eyebrows, ¡°¡­You have too much faith in your friend!¡± David scoffed, ¡°And you not enough.¡± Prince Elton laughed and shock his head, ¡°If we could wait a month, that would be better, but the ball is held tomorrow.¡± ¡°Engagements can be broken, Your Highness.¡± David stated smugly. The Prince gave some thought to this, while staring at the horizon, ¡°¡­My sister will not be at fault, but it still won¡¯t look good for her.¡± Putting hands to the back of his head, David sighed, ¡°Cid won¡¯t care, he will still marry her!¡± The Prince hit David with his empty hand, ¡°Who is to say that Cid can have my sister!?¡± Laughing at the Prince, David backed away from him, ¡°Then you will tolerate her being sad?¡± ¡°She will have me, there will be no need to be sad!¡± The Prince declared. ¡°You really don¡¯t know what love is do you?¡± David stated with his hands up in surrender. The Prince stood still again and clenched his free hand by his side, ¡°I know what can be achieved without it!¡± Shaking his head, David looked at the Prince, ¡°Perhaps it is something that you need to see up close or go through yourself to understand it then. I pity you, Your Highness, that you have not been able to know to any extent what someone may do for love.¡± The Prince frowned, ¡°I have achieved enough, traveled and will bring peace and prosperity to the kingdom. Love makes people stupid and so I think it would be wrong for me to go through it.¡± ¡°Whatever, young Prince!¡± David said, putting his hands down, only to be hit again by the Prince. ¡°You¡¯ve become quite disobedient!¡± The Prince stated openly, kicking David lightly behind the knee and seeing David fall, only to roll away from him. ¡°Your Highness, please forgive me¡­¡± David stated lazily, as he got up and kept a distance away. Lifting a hand and waving it in annoyance, the Prince frowned, ¡°Away with you!¡± David smirked and shrugged, ¡°See you tomorrow at the ball.¡± Prince Elton watched as his friend David left and sighed. It looks like the engagement will have to continue for now. They will still have to find a decent reason to stop the marriage before the wedding takes place though. Looking at the palace, to a certain area, Prince Elton¡¯s eyes flashed with disgust. He had to not only stop this wedding but stop his father from being the King of this country! With children becoming slaves and being hidden away, working with little sleep and food, there had to be something there that was connected to the King! Even if there wasn¡¯t, he was going to stop it! He knew about them now, nearly finding the base with just a few more days, then he was going to use the army to go and free them! In the time he had left, before freeing those poor children, he was looking for a place to hold them that would be big enough and even found a business that would provide food and water. Since he was going to use the business¡¯s pastries and bread for the ball, to hopefully give the business more customers in return, the business had relented in giving a helping hand to gift some food for a short period of time. Not only this, but Prince Elton had a loyal companion within the authorities to already start searching for parents who had missing children. Some of those poor children might be able to go back home, yet¡­Prince Elton was sure, some wouldn¡¯t even be from the capital¡­Which meant that a wider search needed to be done and names needed to be found! It was only one job that he was in the middle of right now¡­ Yes, Prince Elton had plans! He had plans to expose those doing things illegally, he had plans to broaden their kingdoms horizons, knowing himself that they were behind in technology, and also on top of all that, work the land better. They wasted too many things, and didn¡¯t plan, making the kingdom easier to invade and that was not something the Prince wanted to continue to see! He was determined! Determined to be a better King then that of his Father! *** Woman with formal gowns, draped down to their feet, exited their carriages, walking up the palace steps and holding onto a man¡¯s or brother¡¯s arms. Males would wear top notch clothing that made them look elegant and gentlemanly. Palace servants helped carriages move forward, their job being ever repetitive throughout the whole afternoon and evening. It was, after all, a big event! Not only were the people able to enter into the palace, but it was a celebration over a person over the royal family becoming engaged! Music fluttered around the ball area, to four open areas around it and lots of food and drinks were there as well, and that of a dancefloor. Many went up to the newly engaged couple, who were standing at the front, yet, there was a faraway look in one set of eyes. She hardly knew how things had come to this point¡­ How had she become engaged so quickly to someone that wasn¡¯t Cid? How had it come to a point where there were weeks in between times that she had seen that one person? It didn¡¯t make sense to her and she had fallen into a daze, not knowing how to deal with the current situation. There had been no choice and she knew now that her marriage was mostly done for money. She had tried once to stop the engagement, only to be yelled out and scolded to a point that she nearly had to kneel.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Then, on top of that, she seemed to feel at a loss for courage. So¡­She was here, not feeling the want to fight anymore. What would she be fighting for if she did fight? The person that she wanted to be with was gone. The person she wanted to be with had accepted this fate like he was happy for her. Should she really just accept it then? Accept marrying a person that she had no feelings for? Should she accept that she may not even see the man that she missed so much again? ¡­How had it come to this? ¡°Princess.¡± Princess Bethany nodded absentmindedly, to someone taking her hand and kissing it. So many had done this already¡­ The women would curtsy, the men would kiss her hand. This really was the second time she had so many people that were giving her attention yet¡­She felt nothing¡­ ¡°Princess.¡± Ah, this one was a woman. In her eyes, she saw the woman curtsy and then slowly walk away. Is that woman¡­Has she been so desolate before like her? What about this man, did he say goodbye to a friend of his and watched her marry someone else? ¡°Princess.¡± Princess Bethany tried not to sigh and act improper, lifting her hand to the next gentleman. Did this man come across Cid? Did he see him somewhere? A loud noise was heard, and the Princess watched as her betrothed laughed happily and walked inside, leaving her behind. He was even talking so openly to a woman that looked like she was happy to be beside him. Seeing her look back to smirk didn¡¯t even do anything to the Princess as she got herself ready to leave. Will this be my life from now on? Left behind and even placed as less important than another¡­ ¡°Princess¡­¡± A certain voice, a certain¡­ Turning slightly and looking up to the man coming up the stairs, Princess Bethany lost her sudden curiosity and slowly turned back to walk into the palace¡­She wished it to be so. She wished it was him. Yet, even if it was him¡­That person¡­What would she do? She would be happy, happy that he was safe and sound. But¡­What¡¯s the point of even thinking of this? Trying to forget a certain person¡¯s voice, along with their face, Princess Bethany walked into the ballroom. Unknowingly, Princess Bethany had been right, and it had indeed been Cid¡¯s voice! As Cid had been on the other side of her, closer than that of the other gentleman that had been walking up the stairs. He had just about been ready to come before her, to take her hand, when she had walked into the ball room, but he came to a still¡­ He had seen her now. She had been right there in front of him¡­ As much as he thought he fulfilled his request on seeing the pretty Princess, his legs carried him in further into the ballroom, as his eyes continued to watch her from behind¡­ Yes, he has missed her! Missed her complaining and fidgeting! Missed her playing up in men¡¯s clothing and laughing! He had missed finding her hiding around some corner like a scared little rabbit! Perhaps that was why he followed her in, having thought previously that one look would have been enough to go back home afterwards¡­Because¡­Princess Bethany was not laughing, she was not complaining¡­ It was wrong¡­ Cid knew it was wrong, she was so different like this that he swallowed in frustration. The King himself talking, the crowd¡¯s talking, the announcements, the food and drinks¡­None of that seemed to faze Cid out of his one-track mind of watching a certain Princess. In the space of an hour, he had slowly gone closer to her, often stunned to the lack of life in her eyes. She looked so different¡­ If only she would lose that lost look on his face, he¡¯d be alright to leave! If only she would smile, laugh at something, anything, he would feel lighter! But no¡­As he slowly got closer and closer to her, his heart grew heavier and heavier. He wanted to race up to her and take her away! Demand her to smile! His resolve to let her go started to crumble into pieces as he continued to see her this way! How could he let her stay with someone if she wasn¡¯t happy!? How could he do nothing right now!? But what could he do!? Conflicted, Cid could only watch with his longing eyes at the forbidden fruit that was meters away from him¡­ Dammit, what do I do!? What will make her happy!? Should I¡­Somehow stop the wedding then? Is that what she wants? Clenching his hands into fists, Cid stood firmly, knowing that he wanted to race over there now and talk to her! Don¡¯t do anything stupid! He told himself sternly. As it was, he was in the presence of his stepfather! ¡­Just over at the other side of the ballroom was Leonard! Even though Cid was in special clothes that the Princess had gifted him, making him look like every other gentleman, instead of his usual look of a slave, Cid had to be very careful not to stand out¡­ ¡­As much as Cid was thinking of not standing out, there were two people that had indeed looked at Cid with questions in their eyes. The giveaway to who he was, even though he was well dressed and now had a short beard on his face, was that Cid was watching the Princess so intently! One person narrowed their eyes, smirking to himself upon finally finding his ¡®prey¡¯. The other was the opposite, having raised eyebrows and frowning to the obvious problems that could occur from this! Steven was acting like he was paying attention to everyone, but he was ready, ready that is to leave and follow that slave and capture him! David, on the other hand, saw Steven do this, ready to interrupt anything that Steven might do! Without Cid knowing, that he was already found out, David was ready to send someone to get Steven¡¯s attention and to go and get Cid out of here! It had been a long time since David had seen Cid, to only see him in trouble, and he rushed to whisper to his father that Cid was there. Benjamin was so glad to have finally found Cid too, but he too saw the predicament upon what Steven may do. They both had to try and immediately get Cid back to safety! As¡­There was only a certain amount of time before Cid would be seen by Leonard, or told by Steven, and so before that happens, they wanted to get Cid away, especially since they wanted to talk to him and see how he was going! What they never thought would happen though¡­Was that Cid had his own plans and all they could do was try to work in the shadows to protect him! It wouldn¡¯t be plans Cid made initially, but that was just how it looked like¡­As¡­ Seeing Steven touch the pretty Princess¡­And seeing the Princess absently just nod and lower her head in such defeat! He couldn¡¯t handle it anymore and slowly got closer, not even knowing what he was planning to do anymore! In just a split second, Cid pulled the Princess around a corner and put his hand over her mouth. Ah¡­Her eyes were showing something different. So, she must still have some fight within her¡­She must! Putting a finger to his lips, showing that he wanted her to be quiet, he saw her nod with her wide eyes staring at him. ¡­Did she already know who he was? Taking away his hand and pulling her away and into one of the four outer rooms, Cid looked back at her, to still see a shocked, wide eyed look on her face. Would she act like this with just anyone that has taken her away!? Suddenly, Cid was a bit angry! She really has no idea! ¡­She really should take better care of herself! Stopping, after going downstairs and hiding in bushes, Cid found her in his embrace before he even knew what he was doing! He had¡­ What was he doing? The Princess was here, he was holding that soft body of hers¡­ In his time of being in a daze, he was suddenly kicked on his leg and Cid yelped. ¡°Hey!¡± She had turned around by this time, ready to leave the bush area¡­But stopped after Cid had spoken¡­ Cid swallowed¡­ Did he give away who he was? Should it matter if she knew? She was always someone that he trusted, she was so sweet¡­ ¡°Princess¡­¡± Reaching out to the Princess, Cid touched her shoulder and stood behind her, noticing that she still wasn¡¯t turning around. Silence overcame the area and Cid didn¡¯t know what to do. Had she¡­Did she really not like him anymore? That¡¯s right¡­She had said that she hadn¡¯t wanted to see him ever again! ¡­He¡¯d completely forgotten about that! Frowning, Cid removed his hand from her shoulder¡­ He didn¡¯t want to leave¡­But¡­ Taking a step back, he watched as the Princess suddenly turned around. Cid put a hand up defeatedly and took another step back, ¡°I forgot.¡± That was all he could say¡­If he spoke more, he was afraid¡­Afraid of making false promises. Afraid that, even if she might have any type of feeling for him, she would only state that it was too late¡­ It was always too late¡­There had never been once that he could be with her, and he knew that, but why, right now was he still thinking that he wanted that chance!? For a few moments, Cid stared at that pretty Princess in front of him. He took in that hair, that nose and ears, those beautiful eyes of hers. In turn, the Princess was certain that this man was indeed Cid! She had intended to walk away, repeating what she had last said to him but¡­ After he had placed his hand on her shoulder, after his words being his, knowing who he was¡­She couldn¡¯t seem to have put one foot in front of the other! Now turned to face him, seeing him different than before, Bethany wondered how his short beard would feel, how nicely dressed he was¡­How nice it was to be the center of his attention once again. She was unable to move, unable to do anything but stare right back at him. An unknown time passed by and Cid finally was able to snap out of his daze. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± With that, Cid turned to leave, swallowing his pride. He had forgotten all about what she had said! All that had mattered was that she was not happy, and he had forgotten! Feelings had resorted him to have acted without thinking! But, after a few steps, just about out of the bushes, hands went around him, and he stopped... The pretty Princess was...Hugging him... Her arms were around him, she was behind him and he could feel her head lowered on his back. It really was ironic...All of it! How he adored her and thought... Unable to stop himself, he placed his hands over hers, tenderly brushing his fingers against hers. "¡­I didn''t mean it!" With her clear words coming from behind him, Cid turned around and took her into his arms. "I didn''t mean it!" Hearing a sob from her, Cid held her tighter and felt a happiness surge right to his heart. That''s right, he probably knew deep down that she hadn''t meant it all along! Hadn¡¯t he¡­All this time, just used her absence and words as an excuse!? He had clung onto her words to give him a reason to stay away¡­ Did he honestly think that he could have cut ties with her so completely though? ¡­He felt like an idiot¡­ She has, and always will be¡­The only one for him! Chapter 9
The Princess pulled back her head and stared at him, one tear falling from an eye, "I didn''t mean it! I missed you, you¡­You nasty man!" Cid smiled to her small fist hitting his chest and the sob that escaped her lips. Even though she looked this way, crying and hitting him, he had never felt such happiness and hopelessness ever in his life! And those direct feelings seemed to take him to do something that neither of them expected! With the lips¡­That were now against his, Cid suddenly stopped in complete shock! How long...How long had he wanted to kiss her? It was like a dream, it wasn''t real! Except, just as he went to draw away, the Princess put her hands around his neck and kissed him back. Neither of them wasn¡¯t well learnt in the art of kissing, just putting one lips against the other, but that seemed enough... Putting a hand to her face, Cid lingered on her lips, those soft lips, like he had finally accomplished some goal, and this was his prize! ¡­He''d never kissed a girl before, he didn''t have any deep thoughts towards the procedure but now that he had experienced this much, he knew...He knew that he had underrated it! With the Princess in his arms, Cid felt like he was on top of the world. There was just no other place he''d prefer to be... Such a treasure she was... Releasing his lips from hers, Cid then kissed her cheeks, her forehead and then her nose, hearing her small giggle because of it. Ah, he thought, now she is happy. ¡­Could it really be so simple? That he, just him being with her and who he was, was what made her happy? ...Cid didn''t want to believe it... After all, he was practically a servant, a man that wasn''t even standing on his own two feet! How could such a sweet, perfect and pretty Princess rely on him for her happiness? Putting his forehead against hers, Cid sighed. What was he going to do with her!? "You love me, don''t you!" He heard her say, making him open his eyes to hers, that were now only inches away from him. "Of course, I do!" Cid stated back easily. But...What he never thought, was that the Princess would see right through his words, "I meant more than a friend, more than a sister type of way. You love me!" Pulling back, Cid fought against showing how much he knew how sneaky and brilliant she was! I do love you Princess...Much more than that of a friend and sister! I love you that much that I can¡¯t feel right if you¡¯re not around¡­That I want you beside me, selfishly¡­ "Say it!" The pretty Princess stated, now looking angrily at him. Cid moved a stray piece of her hair behind her ears and sighed. For the life of him, he couldn''t say that he didn''t...He couldn''t do it! At the same time though, could he say that he did! After a short silence between them, the pretty Princess hit his chest again and then grabbed his head, making him look at her, "Say it!" Cid blinked rapidly and started to shake his head... He can''t promise her anything! How could he swear his undying love for her!? Wasn''t she better off... "Say it!" She stated more loudly now. Cid didn''t reply to the pretty Princess, just looking down at the ground instead. He didn''t want to hurt her, and he couldn''t seem to say the words, so he really was at a loss! Taking his hands to hers, that were on the sides of his face, he brought her hands back down and went to let them go but, the Princess didn''t let him go. She looked down and then pulled one of his hands up, closer to her face. Cid saw what she was looking at and quickly went to pull his hand away. He had made that ring a while ago now but never intended to give it to the person that he had made it for. It was a simple gold ring, looking at it now but... With the Princess taking his hand back, with a force that he didn''t know she had, she turned it around and Cid looked around randomly upon wondering what to do. Yes, he had placed the ring the wrong way, just showing one side that was gold. It made him fit that part of becoming more of a ''noble'', yet...On the other side of the ring, there was a colorful stone in the middle of a word. He had spent so much time engraving this ring, to now have it be seen by one other person...And that one other person...Was her! "Promise." Cid sighed, looking over her head. It wasn''t just ''promise'', as the eternity symbol was before the ''p''...It was eternal promise! The first time that something, anything, was engraved and thought of...Was this ring...It was indeed a new idea that he was going to improve on in no time! The courage of the Princess made Cid stunned as he suddenly became aware of the ring that was on his pinkie was now removed! "Hey!" He stated, going to get it back. The Princess held it into her hands tightly and looked directly at him, "I want it! I want your promise!" My...How... Princess...It is your ring... My promise to you was to only hold you in my heart, Cid stated silently. Only her... Closing his eyes for a short moment, Cid then pulled her hand opened, hearing her obvious dislike to it but then he placed the ring on a particular finger.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. It fits... It was only slightly big, but it wouldn''t fall off easily, so to him, he thought that he had done well! With the ring now upon her finger, the Princess looked up at Cid and saw his proud smile. She was right! He did love her! The Princess smiled then and turned his head to look at her, "I love you too." She watched at how stunned he was and let out a chuckle. "Idiot!" Pulling his head down, with courage she never knew she had, she quickly gave him a kiss and let his head go again. "I''ll look after this ring really well!" She stated happily. Cid didn''t know what to do! Not only had the pretty Princess finally seen his true feelings for her¡­But she had kissed him herself! She really was a piece of work! Just¡­ She said¡­ Still stunned, Cid finally took in the words that she had said. ¡®I love you too.¡¯ ¡®I love you too.¡¯ It kept repeating in his mind¡­ So¡­She¡­ She loves me! Cid hadn¡¯t heard such great words in¡­Well, maybe since his mother had died. Remembering his mother and comparing it to now, Cid was sure that this was different. This girl, this pretty Princess, and her words, meant so much to him that he felt like his heart might actually explode! ¡­She loves me¡­ No other thoughts seemed to enter his mind at the moment as he took her into his arms once again. He felt so unworthy of her love yet wanted to accept it all completely! It really was so conflicting to him that he started to soon come back to his senses¡­ It really was a dilemma... Even now, knowing that they loved each other, she was already engaged to be married to someone else...And if they were able to, somehow, stop her engagement...How was he still able to marry her himself!? He needed to get on his own two feet, as fast as possible! Did he...Did he really have a chance though, even if he worked like crazy to become someone? The Princess saw Cid with a worried and conflicted look, and she hit him softly once again in the chest, "Don''t worry. We''ll make it work!" Cid stared at her, utterly shocked! Shouldn''t it be him telling her that it should be well? Shouldn''t it be him that should make things work!? Such a scary girl! She really might make his life harder! Of course, he only smiled at the thought. Was there really a chance!? Could he really think of a future with her by his side!? "Princess." Cid said, not really able to say anything else. Yes, he loved her! Yes, he wanted to be with her! She smugly smiled at him, then at the ring in her hand...Then suddenly frowned. "Right, give me your necklace too!" Cid blinked, a bit shocked. She made him bend over a bit, and he did as she wanted, and his necklace came off. This was also just something that he wanted to use as something that made him look like he had money...But...It seemed the pretty Princess had a plan. Watching her place, the ring on the necklace, then put it around her neck, hiding the ring in her clothes, she then looked up and said, "I''ll put it on after the engagement is officially cancelled." With the significance of the conversation, Cid became serious once again, "How...How can such a thing happen? You are...A Princess..." It was rare as it was for engagements to end with normal people, let alone a Princess! How was a Princess going to get out of it!? ¡°That¡¯s right, I¡¯m a Princess!¡± She stated, smiling at him. My¡­I just keep falling¡­ Cid was just about to ask her what she meant by that or what she might plan on doing, when a yell came from close by. ¡°Princess! Princess Bethany!¡± Cid widened his eyes and was sure that the person yelling wasn¡¯t that far away. ¡°I know, you should go.¡± The Princess stated, pouting. Looking down at her, unable to stop his eyes from turning gentle, Cid kissed her on the forehead. ¡°I will talk to you soon, Princess. Give me a couple of days and I¡¯ll get in touch with you.¡± The Princess moved from side to side, looking happy and then suddenly stopped, just as Cid was nearly out of the small bush, ¡°Where? Where do I met you?¡± The yelling came closer, stopping Cid from answering the Princess and he just ran out, quickly wanting to get back to his horse and ride out of the area. He didn¡¯t want anything bad to happen to the Princess because of him! The Princess came out of the bush, coming directly in front of the servant that was yelling for her, and said, ¡°Enough.¡± She then left, leaving the servant stunned to her sudden appearance¡­ Having walked up the steps and back to where most of the people were, the Princess held a secret smile. ¡°Where have you been, little sister?¡± Princess Bethany smiled again at her elder brother and took his hand, wanting to speak before he said another word, ¡°Take my side, will you?¡± Before he could ask her what she was talking about, Princess Bethany walked to be in the middle of the room and clapped her hands to get everyone¡¯s attention. It took about ten seconds for the music to stop, dancers to stop dancing and for everyone to look at her. In that time, the Princess had searched for her so-called fiance but had not found him in the area, making her believe that what she was going to do might actually become easier. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to stop you but this will no longer be an engagement gathering as I am withdrawing myself from the marriage!¡± The Princess stated with a determined and loud voice. Gasps were heard throughout the whole area and it took a moment for the King to come forth and speak, ¡°What¡­What are you doing!? Guards, take her away, she is speaking nonsense!¡± Princess Bethany turned to her father, with the most courage that she has ever had in her whole life, and said, ¡°I will not marry Mr Otter, Father! Instead, I would like to do something else that will grant me my husband!¡± The King angrily stepped closer to the Princess, as she got a ring out of her dress, ¡°I just found this, as I was wondering aimlessly around, and for the person who knows what it is and will make a copy of it in evidence, I will marry that person!¡± A sudden noise came through the crowd and a few people wanted to get in closer to have a look at the ring. The idea seemed easy, as the ring didn¡¯t look all that different. With a small number of people there who would be able to make a ring, they started to get excited¡­With the rest who had no idea on how to make a ring themselves, they wondered if they could pay someone to make a ring for them, just so that they would have the chance to marry the Princess and become royalty! ¡°Preposterous!¡± The King yelled, once again ordering the guards to take the Princess away but¡­ Prince Elton stood in between the Princess and the guards, glaring at his father, ¡°Father, please reconsider¡­¡± ¡°Both¡­Both of you are playing games!?¡± The King asked angrily. ¡°I dare not to play games, Father. In fact, I happen to think that the Princess has done a good deed!¡± Elton stated, having an idea upon what the Princess was not saying at this moment. He guessed that the ring was from Cid and that they had even been together just before¡­ To have his little sister act this way and be so determined, Prince Elton wanted to help her, especially when he was sure that Mr Stephen Otter was not someone good for her anyway. ¡°It is not of the Princess choosing, I had found her a husband and so¡­¡± Prince Elton interrupted the King, ¡°Then, as the next heir to the throne I must state openly my disagreement to my sister¡¯s chosen husband and agree with her abolishing this engagement with Mr Otter!¡± ¡°¡­How dare you!¡± The King pointed, so angry now that he was nearly stuttering with his words. Prince Elton then waved at the guards, to which they stepped back, and then he walked towards his father. Getting close now to the King, Prince Elton lowered his voice, ¡°Father, I have news that the business that will come under Mr Otter in the future will lose out and even already shows evidence of it. Will you not reconsider?¡± The King widened his eyes and looked at his son directly, ¡°Is it true?¡± Prince Elton nodded his head, ¡°Yes, Father. I¡¯ll show better results within the week!¡± The King took in a deep breath and looked around, finding Leonard Otter looking a bit panicked, showing that this may indeed be worthy of him looking into but¡­ ¡°You have guts, my son, to talk to me like this in front of everyone!¡± Prince Elton stepped back and stood firm, ¡°I will take any punishment, Your Majesty. If knowing of what I knew, do you blame me for speaking though? Wouldn¡¯t you regret it if I had not said anything?¡± Without further ado, the King sighed, unable to see flaws in his son¡¯s words, and then loudly stated, ¡°For now the engagement has been put on hold!¡± Another noise came from the crowd and the Princess frowned. So easily she had been over voiced and now no one probably remembers of her condition! As much as she appreciated her brother¡¯s interference and even somehow made her father change his mind somewhat, she still felt like she had to make herself clear! Clapping her hands in anger, making them hurt in the process, again everyone stopped and looked at her. The Princess again brought out the ring, and said, ¡°To the person who makes the same ring as this one, I will marry you!¡± Then she quickly walked off, wanting to make her statement set in iron, to even that of the King! The one being talked of, the fiance that may no longer be a fiance, was currently riding after what he thought was Cid! How could he not try and capture this pest!? For a time, he had been stopped by Cid¡¯s friend and if he hadn¡¯t gotten away when he had, he might have missed Cid riding away and been unable to go after him! He had personally seen the Princess be taken away because of Cid but having David touch him and pull him to a popular place and on purposely bring up the subject of him taking over his father¡¯s business in the future, it had gotten a lot of people wanting to please him. After trying to end the conversation with all those people trying to satisfy him, seeing that David also wasn¡¯t leaving his side, Steven had used personal reasons to leave the lot of people. After going to a certain area, knowing David was still following him, Steven had used the walls, by hiding around the corner, to give David a surprise attack and had punched David as hard as he could! Seeing that David was slowed, that was when Steven finally got away and thought that it would be best to wait for Cid near the front of the palace, only to make it there just in time to see him leave! Cid didn¡¯t know until quite a number of minutes of riding but when he found out that someone was indeed following him, he had to think quick, as he obviously couldn¡¯t go back to his new home. His home was still a safe place, a place that no one knew about, and if it was a person following him, he had to go elsewhere! But where? He already had a fair idea upon who could be chasing him, but he also needed to go somewhere where he could also get help. There was only one place in the capital that would provide him with help, but Cid was sure that they wouldn¡¯t be home at this point and instead thought he might be best to get out of the capital instead¡­ Chapter 10
It looked like there were a lot less people around on the streets, not only because it was getting dark, but also because many were probably still at the ball in the palace. Getting out of the city walls, that surrounded the capital, Cid could only think of going to his father¡¯s blacksmithing shop, not wanting to go anywhere else that might get the person that was following him know about what he¡¯s been doing since leaving Leonard. That wasn¡¯t the only reason, as¡­Uncle Ben and David also knew of this place and if he were to get into any trouble, they might be able to come and help him¡­Most of the time he had pride and didn¡¯t want to ask for help but, for some reason, he felt like he needed to go somewhere that both Leonard and Uncle Ben knew of¡­Just in case¡­ Riding at full speed, Cid reached the shop and got off his horse. Upon walking right up to the place, seeing that it was locked, Cid stopped with wide eyes and started to panic. Why hadn¡¯t he thought of it being locked!? Before he had signed away the blacksmithing shop, there had been a lock for the blacksmithing shop, but he had let his father¡¯s workers to unlock it themselves, trusting them like his father had but¡­This lock¡­Was not the same one! The key that he used to have, had been left where he used to stay at Leonard¡¯s residence, and he must of thought of this earlier but after the rush to come here¡­He had forgotten! Turning around, seeing that the person behind him was quickly approaching, Cid went around the area, seeing a window. The shop only had two windows, if he was lucky, one of them should still work! Checking the first, hearing the horse slow to a stop, Cid let out a small curse and then rushed to the other window, seeing it slightly open. Quickly going inside the shop, and locking the window after going through, Cid walked backwards, away from the window and waited, while breathing heavily. He had never thought of this outcome, how could he¡­ Instead of someone either unlocking the door, or coming through the window to come after him, another type of situation happened that brought real panic to Cid¡­And that was that something went over the window, stopping any light coming in from the outside! Cid grabbed at his clothes, as he started to feel more and more anxious, and wondered if it was the scrap metal that was outside that was now covering the window¡­ ¡°Stop!¡± Cid stated, going up to the window, then a big noise came to his ears, making him cringe. ¡°Stop it!¡± He yelled again, hearing a loud groan from the other side. What¡­What was going on? ¡°Haha! Now look at you! Locked up and no one to help you! What a great idea!¡± Steven¡­That was Steven¡¯s voice! Going up to the window and opening it, Cid pushed at the scrap metal, but it only moved slightly. How did Steven get it to stay there!? If Cid wasn¡¯t so worried about being locked into the place, he would think that Steven showed some intellect if he knew how he did it! Steven had placed a long piece of scrap metal from the ground to hold the other scrap metal in place, which was probably the smartest thing Steven had ever done! Seeing that the metal didn¡¯t move, Cid directly turned to the other window, rushing over to it, only to see the same thing start to happen there as well! ¡°No!¡± Cid yelled, wanting to open the window and push at the scrap metal before it was too late. ¡°Don¡¯t do this!¡± ¡°Too late! You wanted to come in between the Princess and I, this is what happens!¡± Came Steven¡¯s replay. With another groan from outside of the shop, something heavy was placed to hold the scrap metal in place against the window. ¡°Well, I feel much better now! Have fun while you don¡¯t get any food or water!¡± With that said, Cid heard steps slowly grew more faint and then a horse galloping away. ¡°¡­No!¡± Cid stated, clenching his hands. ¡°I can¡¯t stay here!¡± Pushing with all his might, to try and get out of one of the windows, Cid found that they didn¡¯t move enough, so he tried the door. The door was old, but it was sturdy, making anything that Cid tried to do, not work¡­ ¡°¡­No¡­¡± Cid stated, putting his back against the door, breathing heavily. How could he end up like this!? Looking around to his surroundings, Cid attempted to swallow his defeated thoughts of water, seeing none around. The shop had been closed, still not reopened after Leonard had taken it, so there was no water here. Well, if there were, it probably wouldn¡¯t be suitable to drink anyway¡­ His father had not had his shop opened like some others did with that extra side of the building exposed, but for once Cid wished it was, so that there would have been no way for him to be locked in it! Cid slid down to the floor, his hands dropping to the ground and he sat there in a daze. How could he have the best and worst day? The pretty Princess loves him, she loves him like he loves her, even willing to want a relationship to work but¡­Now, he was locked in this desolate, closed and dark place, not having any idea upon when he might get out! There was no doubt that Leonard had the key, but¡­If Steven won¡¯t tell his father that he was here, locked inside¡­ A person without food or water, is that really what Steven was doing? Wanting me to die? Cid blinked to his thoughts and couldn¡¯t seem to place Steven as a killer¡­He was nasty and cruel but not a murderer! No¡­This¡­It can¡¯t be where he dies! It¡¯s just¡­The place was quite a mess and Cid could tell that it had been looked through thoroughly, probably more times than once, so¡­Maybe Leonard would not do anything at all with this shop! What were the chances that he would be found within a day? Cid caught himself breathing more and more heavily, so he tried to calm himself down.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. It was probably the worst circumstance that he had ever been in, so it was no wonder that he was having troubles dealing with it. He didn¡¯t know how much time went by, but he finally calmed himself down and tried to think about what he could do, without thinking too much about not being found in time. It was dark now, inside the shop, so he couldn¡¯t look for any food, but he highly doubted there would be food anyway. So, he just needed to find a place to get out of there¡­That was all¡­ Yet¡­It was no easy feat! His father had built this small shop well and Cid didn¡¯t find any broken walls that could suggest another way to get out. After trying to get out from using the walls, Cid found what they used to place into the forge and picked it up. Perhaps he could use this to get the window free¡­ Taking the heavy object over to the window, Cid put it to the bottom of the scrap metal, trying to push it¡­To again only see a slight movement but no freedom. So, he tried the top of the scrap metal but didn¡¯t get anywhere, because it was just too hard to push the scrap metal without the object being pushed to the edge of the window, having less stability. Cursing, Cid threw the heavy object to the ground and leaned on the closest wall. Looking up, he suddenly had another idea¡­ If he could climb, he could try the roof! Setting up a very unstable ladder, made up of a broken chair and a few other items in the shop, Cid did manage to get onto one of the parts of the inner roof but when he did, the ¡®ladder¡¯ fell to the ground with a loud noise. It hadn¡¯t helped that it was quite dark though, as Cid hardly knew how he had made a ladder in the first place! Cid held onto the roof railing, panting, glad that he had at least gotten this far. The roof wasn¡¯t all that far from the ground, but the problem was, the roof was a lot more stable then Cid thought. Because a blacksmith needed a forge, therefore an area that had to deal with heat, the roof was not any type of regular roof, it was sturdy and probably was capable of handling more heat than that of a normal roof. Pushing with all his might against the areas that he could get to, Cid could only do so much before he realized that this was also a place in the building that seems to be well built. Hugging the beam for a moment, Cid closed his eyes, not wanting to give up but not sure how else he could get out of this predicament! It was dark and he had come across a few spider webs, not knowing if at this present moment a spider may be on him. He assumed that his clothes were very dirty now too, wishing that he had taken off his good long coat, that the Princess had gifted to him, before coming up to the roof¡­ By now, the sun was starting to come up, but it was still quite dark in the shop, not helping Cid knowing what time it really was and how long he¡¯d been there. ¡­Exhausted, Cid got down and sat down against the wall. Closing his eyes, he told himself that he had tried enough and that he should get some sleep. One side of him agreed, but another didn¡¯t. What if someone came and left because he did not reply to them? What if he kept thinking and would think of a way to get out of here, that all he needed was another hour and he¡¯d come up with another way? But if he were asleep¡­ He wanted to be awake for when Benjamin might come, or David, but considering that he had worked so hard to try and get out of this place, he was really tired¡­ ¡°Mmm, this might sell.¡± Frowning, Cid looked to a certain spot, wondering if he really heard someone speak. In another instant, a noise clattered outside and Cid found light coming into one of the windows. Getting up quickly, Cid raced to the window and opened it, seeing someone outside, looking at the scrap metal. When that person saw him, they stopped and Cid smiled at them when he was fully out of the window, ¡°Thank you.¡± The person looked at the scrap metal and Cid could see a huge difference in them all of a sudden. Holding out their hand, they said, ¡°Money!¡± Astonished, Cid stood there in a daze¡­ ¡°I haven¡¯t got all day!¡± It was a woman¡¯s voice and Cid, who was still relishing from being let out, was having trouble holding back a smile. The woman in front of him put her hands to her hips and angrily looked at him, and that was enough for Cid to laugh. He had been in such a terrible state before and now felt like he had another lease on life, to see that the person that saved him, who didn¡¯t mean to, must be a thief! Before he knew it, the woman came to him and started to go through his clothes, making him go stiff. ¡°Hey!¡± Cid stated, trying to get away from her. ¡°Pay up!¡± She stated, obviously not caring for normal space between a man and woman. Cid tried harder to stay away from her and they ended up going in a bit of a circle, then headed away from behind the shop, ¡°Keep your hands to yourself!¡± ¡°I¡¯m only trying to obtain what I deserve! A life is priceless so I will not only take your coat and your hat, but you must give me even more!¡± The woman stated, already holding the coat and hat, making Cid extremely angry. What a demon! ¡°Have the metal, didn¡¯t you want that first anyway?¡± Cid pointed, not just because he wanted her to change her direction of thoughts regarding payment, but also that of wanting to get his stuff back from her! It hadn¡¯t worked though, she kept a good hold of his belongings, not letting him go near them. ¡°No, thank you. I¡¯d much rather money.¡± Cid frowned and put a hand to his money pouch, that was attached to his waist now. Getting out a few notes, Cid held them out, to which the woman tried to snatch them straight away, but Cid didn¡¯t let her! ¡°Give me my clothes back and I¡¯ll let you have this money!¡± Cid declared, keeping an eye out on any tricks that she might have. The woman narrowed her eyes at him, not moving for a moment. Clearly, she was thinking, and Cid hoped that she would just take this opportunity that he was giving her and stop giving him a hard time! Finally, the woman moved, but not like he wanted her too! She had smiled, then went to the window and placed his clothes back inside of the shop, making Cid extremely angry! He had just gotten out of there! Putting the money away, the woman frowned, ¡°I¡¯m not holding your things anymore, why put away something that you are just going to give to me!?¡± Cid stood up straight, having enough of these stupid games of hers and started to walk away. He was not going to go back in there! So¡­He will just have to pick up his coat and hat another time! He had the certain suspicion that the woman would lock him up again, wanting to milk him dry of all his worth! She really had a lot of guts! ¡°Wait, you haven¡¯t paid me yet!¡± The woman stated, following after him. Cid had already walked to the front, to see his horse gone, and sighed. He closed his eyes for a moment and tried to calm himself down. What does he expect? Of course, Steven would take his horse so why was he so surprised!? Cid stopped a hand trying to reach into his clothes again and turned around, showing this woman his anger. The woman stepped back, trying to pull at her hand but Cid didn¡¯t release it. ¡°Ok, I won¡¯t steal, alright! Now let me go!¡± The woman stated, still pulling at her hand. Cid took a deep breath and could only come up with one solution, and that was that he¡¯d have to walk all the way to his home. It would most likely take an hour or so, but he was all pent up with anger right now and decided that it might do him some good. ¡°Hey! Let go of me!¡± The woman yelled, getting Cid¡¯s attention once again. Looking at the woman, pretty sure that she will only cause him more troubles, Cid picked up some broken rope and tied her hands to one of the pillars outside of the shop. ¡°Hey¡­Hey, what are you doing!?¡± Cid tightened the rope and looked at her, ¡°I don¡¯t want you to follow me.¡± ¡°What are you, some type of hermit!¡± She stated. ¡°So what if I am.¡± Cid stated, showing her some notes, then placing them into her clothes. ¡°Hey! You!¡± Making sure that the rope wouldn¡¯t fall lose at any time soon, Cid dashed into the shop and quickly got his clothes, unable to leave without his gifts. He was scared of being locked in there once again that his heart was racing upon coming back out¡­Glad to see the woman still roped up to the pillar. Breathing out in relief, ignoring her further, Cid put on his dirty coat and hat, already looking in the direction that he needed to go back home. Then, Cid started to leave and even started to jog, feeling better already to be on his way home. He was tired, that was for sure, but he was also very glad that the woman had come, even if she was a thief. He had paid her willingly, as he was that grateful to be gone from that place¡­ It wasn¡¯t long after, that the woman rubbed her hands after she had freed herself. They weren¡¯t bleeding but they felt itchy and were a bit red. Mumbling, she sighed and got out the notes that had been placed into her clothes. Smiling, she put away the money and took a deep breath, ¡°Today seems to be such a good day already!¡± ¡°Who are you!?¡± The woman turned, seeing three men in front of her¡­Smiling, she took a step back and turned. Hearing the words, ¡®catch her¡¯ from behind, the woman used people, shops, houses and other things to get away or put more space between her and her pursuers. On the process now of getting on top of a roof, where she knew she could jump from one roof to another, the woman had yet to stand up before she saw someone standing in front of her. ¡°That¡¯s an interesting talent you have there.¡± The woman sighed and quickly wondered how she was going to get out of this mess! Within no time, a big hand went around her wrist and she mumbled, acting out her grievance, as she tried to use her other hand to go into the man¡¯s clothing. Taking out something, seeing now that she was on the ground once again, she hid what she had stolen and lowered her head, as it seems they were walking back to where they had found her originally. She¡¯d been caught a few times before, if she acted like she was sorry, she had better chances of getting away with it! ¡°Did you possibly see someone here, a young man, about this tall?¡± The woman looked at the middle-aged man and blinked¡­They weren¡¯t going to claim her as a criminal? They weren¡¯t going to lock her up? ¡°Did you or did you not?¡± Came words from beside her, who she guessed was the one holding her wrist. Looking at him, her mouth fell opened a bit in shock¡­ ¡°What, lost your nerve now?¡± He stated, but she was a bit in a daze to how handsome he was. A blush formed on her face and she looked away, only to look back at him and smile, ¡°Hey handsome.¡± Chapter 11
The man frowned and stared at her for a moment, ¡°Did you see someone or not?¡± So pushy, she thought, pouting her lips. In an instant, her wrist was held tighter and she frowned, hearing, ¡°All you need to do is answer the question!¡± Now that she looked at all of the men, they really did look like they were searching for that man. ¡°Pay me and I¡¯ll tell you!¡± She stated frankly, after all, she was a thief...She can¡¯t give without getting something in return! And that¡¯s if she gave anything at all! Of course¡­She did not include the small item that she had already taken, that was¡­That was payment for startling her¡­ ¡°You already took something of mine, so now you will tell us!¡± Said the handsome man. Pursing her lips, then smiling at the handsome man, she then looked away, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± Jumping, to a hand going into her clothes, she gave out a small shriek, ¡°Hey!¡± The handsome man put in front of her face then what she had taken before and she looked at him with a smile, ¡°I found it on the ground¡­¡± Coming to a stop, with both her words and actions, for a quick moment she showed a surprised look upon now seeing what she had stolen just before from this man¡­Royalty! Unable to stop herself from getting a flashback that made her stiffen up, she cringed. No! She wasn¡¯t hopeless anymore! He can have his token back! Get it away from me! If only she hadn¡¯t seen it, because now she was angry! If only she had been a real thief from the beginning! If only¡­ Sighing, she tried to forget her thoughts for now, but she had to try to get away from¡­Here¡­As soon as possible! She didn¡¯t want to spend another minute in the presence of a royal! At least not until they have lost all their money! With remembering that long term goal and thought, the woman was no longer stiff and edgy anymore¡­ ¡°Thief¡­¡± Was all he said, putting the item away, back inside his own clothes. Not only did she want to get away fast, but it seemed that she might not be able to push these men any further anyway. It might be time to cut my losses, she thought, as she figured she probably won¡¯t get anything from them. Not unless¡­What if they knew that she saved the person that they were looking for? For some extra tender, it was worth a try! ¡°Yes, I saw someone, he was locked in the place and I saved him!¡± ¡°Locked in?¡± Two of them asked her, coming a step closer. The woman narrowed her eyes and now finally wondered why that person was locked in. ¡°Yeah¡­Locked in. There was scrap metal over the windows¡­Isn¡¯t that weird?¡± ¡°Where did he go after?¡± The younger, other man said. She looked at him and raised an eyebrow, ¡°Well, he chased me around and then tied his saviour up! Why are you looking for such a nasty person?¡± She was curious but if¡­If they could get distracted somehow¡­She could get out of here! It was either pay her and she¡¯ll tell or if they get distracted, then she¡¯ll run¡­ The one to her side chuckled, ¡°He is much smarter than I gave him credit for.¡± Frowning at the handsome man, the woman then looked at the other two, ¡°If you pay me, I¡¯ll tell you which way he went.¡± ¡°Just pay the girl!¡± The middle-aged man stated, ¡°We need to find Cid!¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright, I know a few of the thieves, I¡¯ll just talk to them and get this little girl kicked out!¡± One of the men said. Next came two people speaking, making two of them look from one to the other. ¡°I¡¯m not a girl! And you can¡¯t tell me what I can and can¡¯t do!¡± The woman yelled out, pouting and crossing only one hand over her chest, as her other arm was still being held by a certain handsome man¡­ The other voice that spoke was the middle-aged man, ¡°What are you talking about? How would you know other thieves?¡± Frowning, the woman looked from one to the other and then at the man¡¯s hand holding hers. With a swift motion, she broke out of the weak spot of his hold and started running. To what she thought might have gotten her some time, as the men seemed into their own conversation, she was wrong. Straight away the handsome man was on her tail and quickly catching up to her, with the other two coming towards her too. Well, that didn¡¯t go as planned, she thought. Stopping suddenly, she put her hands up and smiled, ¡°I saw a bee¡­It¡¯s gone now. I¡¯m scared¡­Of bees¡­¡± Not one of the men believed her words, especially since she didn¡¯t look scared at that moment. It was completely obvious that she was just trying to get away and only stopped because she knew that she would have been caught! One of the younger men shook their heads and sighed too dramatically, ¡°I never liked thieves!¡± ¡°Yes, when we get home you need to explain yourself to me boy!¡± ¡°Just wait until he tells you what he really does!¡± Stated the ¡®handsome¡¯ man. Was this another ploy? Or¡­Where they making fun of her? The woman frowned again but didn¡¯t run, thinking that perhaps they were doing this to her on purpose! ¡°What does that mean, Your¡­¡± Elton cut off the father of his friend and bluntly stated, ¡°He¡¯s into the black market.¡± ¡°What a friend you¡¯ve turned out to be!¡± David shouted out. ¡°This is why I wanna go out to the sea, even my friend stabs me in the back here!¡± ¡°Then you shouldn¡¯t have said anything to begin with! Isn¡¯t your flaw that has led us to here?¡± Elton stated frankly, flicking David on the forehead. That short sentence made David think for a moment and look away in defeat¡­Rubbing his forehead in the process¡­ He was right, he shouldn¡¯t have said anything about knowing thieves! He also should have known that if he had brought up this point in front of his father, that His Highness would bring his hidden ¡®job¡¯ to light happily¡­That is what the Prince wanted¡­He wanted David to spend more time as someone in the black market, instead of what he was doing with his father! Idiot! And look at that happy smirk on the that stupid Prince¡¯s face. I just want to punch it! David glared at the Prince with these thoughts!Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. The woman was quite stunned to see royalty act in such a way. Perhaps¡­Perhaps the Prince here was¡­Childish? Immature? Flicking someone and on purposely telling out their friend¡¯s secrets¡­ She didn¡¯t like this Prince at all! Seeing that things may turn out that his title of Prince may be told to this stranger, Elton turned to the woman and narrowed his eyes at her, ¡°Which way did he go?¡± The woman squirmed a bit under that gaze of his but ended up with hooded eyes and biting her lip. ¡°He¡¯s not someone you can seduce, you¡¯ll be wasting your time with this cold ice cube!¡± David stated impatiently but also in an attempt of getting his own back upon the prince who just gave his secret job away to his father! Doing this though, probably wouldn¡¯t do anything, the stupid Prince was never interested in a girl! But¡­When he does finally find a woman, I¡¯ll be there! I¡¯ll tell her all his secrets! David suddenly got his enthusiasm back again and decided to focus upon getting to Cid, now that he had a plan for payback with his friend! Now biting the inside of her mouth, the woman sighed and got series, ¡°He went that way.¡± It seemed obvious that these boys didn¡¯t want to give her money, it was also getting out of her control fast so¡­The only thing she could do was tell them what they want, in hope that she will obtain her freedom afterwards. ¡°Was that so hard?¡± The handsome man asked yet showing her through his noble face how he thought her as incompetent. The woman looked at him, showing a gaze that made him stop for a moment and blink. What was that? The woman clearly was dirty, in need of new clothes and a bath. She was a thief, one that probably rarely talked to people, unless it was to get out of trouble, yet¡­ The gaze that had him looking back in shock was one from what a noble young lady would look like if she was dissatisfied! It was not an obvious look, more pompous, a lift of the chin in near defiance and eyes that was the only part that would show of their unhappiness¡­ He¡¯d seen it enough on his travels¡­He¡¯d seen it enough here, back home¡­ ¡°Saves me the trouble.¡± After her little mumble, she pulled her arm free from his, making a disgusted face. Elton frowned at the woman who had turned and started to walk away, remembering what they had said before. So¡­She clearly was not wanting to do what many other young ladies did and openly want to marry him¡­In fact, it seems the idea of it looked¡­ Who was out of who¡¯s league here!? It was most certainly not him out of her league! No¡­It was her out of his league! She¡­She wasn¡¯t even that pretty! Shaking his head, Elton asked himself why he cared, while he went to catch up to the other two. It wasn¡¯t like the girl had anything to offer him¡­Besides that of a¡­ Right! She was a thief! She could in fact become useful! As he still needed the master of the thieves on his side! Smirking, Elton started to come up with ideas upon not only that woman but that of David helping him too! He felt like he was one step closer in getting the thieves to work for him! In fact¡­ ¡°David.¡± Prince Elton said this loudly, stopping from where he was. David looked at his father, having stopped running and walked back towards the Prince, ¡°Your Highness?¡± Seeing Prince Elton look quickly around, David questionably looked at his friend and didn¡¯t know what to think upon seeing him this way. Weird¡­ ¡°I will not be accompanying you, but I want you to come and update me at the palace before this day ends!¡± With that nearly whispered speech, the Prince turned and strode away, putting up his hand and just like it was magic, a carriage came out of nowhere, coming towards the Prince from two blocks away¡­ How did he do that? ¡°The Prince has something more important to do?¡± Benjamin asked, a bit upset. David scoffed, ¡°Nearly anything else is more important then this, father! You should know His Highness by now!¡± While two went one way, to try and catch up to Cid, the Prince got into his carriage and sat down for a moment. ¡°¡­Your Highness? Are we going back to the palace?¡± ¡­I heard that the thieves often go to one place when they weren¡¯t working, Elton thought. I remember thinking it strange that thieves would gather¡­ As far as Elton was concerned a few years ago, thieves worked alone. Well, many people believed that, and it is indeed half true but¡­ Thieves do tend to do some jobs together, using themselves as innocent ploys or obstacles so that the more important jobs have more chance of success. Actually, thieves have a strange perception upon a job¡­They were somewhat the complete opposite of pirates. Pirates could not work with anyone, complaining to the bitter end if they did, whereas thieves could work together, quite brilliantly but fight after the job is done, whereas the pirates¡­They steal and run¡­ They really did deserve different names, Prince Elton thought. Yet, he thought it was quite hilarious that the thieves fight whereas the pirates steal and run. What was that about? Why wouldn¡¯t the thieves steal and run after the job is done too? Why¡­Quarrel as they do? It didn¡¯t make any sense¡­ The Prince decided that he will have to ask about this, so that he could understand¡­The problem was, he could only ask a thief¡­ Upon finding out that the thieves in his kingdom were quite resourceful and stealing more and more rare and more expensive wares, it was this reason why Prince Elton had wanted to get them onto his side, instead of eradicating them all completely! It is because they may prove to be more useful being alive! He had heard of the notion of spies before, and perhaps his father already had spies in other countries, but¡­His idea was to make the thieves his spies, of course though, it was still just an idea at the moment. He¡¯d have to met them first and see what they are like, because, as it is, he¡¯d only met at most three of them¡­Well, three that he knew about¡­And there was one big thing about thieves that could make this ¡®idea¡¯ not work! And that was loyalty¡­ Thieves don¡¯t seem to have loyalty! They like stealing, they are proud of stealing and even can go into a team to steal, but that was just a job after all. Take the job of stealing away from a thief and they are¡­Somewhat empty. Perhaps that was why thieves can live so casually, so easily satisfied as long as they have money, because they don¡¯t care for people¡­Well, it was something to be curious over for Prince Elton as¡­He didn¡¯t understand¡­ He understood that he was a Prince and that his job was to become King one day and look after the people, so that was why he was doing what he was doing, but practically anything else didn¡¯t make sense to him. He didn¡¯t used to care that he didn¡¯t understand but lately, he felt like he needed to fill in some gaps in his life, perhaps because¡­He felt a bit empty¡­Again, that was just another thing that didn¡¯t make sense to him! He had such a huge job, involving many people and work, and yet, it doesn¡¯t make sense to feel this way, to which has helped him be doubtful of feeling this way and gone this far without ¡®understanding¡¯ more¡­ Shaking these ¡®strange thoughts¡¯ out of his head, Prince Elton went back to his usual self, usual ¡®working as a Prince¡¯ self that is¡­ ¡°Return to the pa¡­Wait¡­¡± Remembering the direction that the woman went in, Prince Elton wondered if he should follow her instead. Yet, it had been a few minutes since then so she most likely won¡¯t be found now. But¡­That direction¡­ Frowning, not understanding this person at all, Prince Elton suddenly got out of the carriage and found himself walking in the direction that the woman went in. Where the thieves go to meet, was not in this direction¡­No¡­This direction led to the nobles that lived outside of the capital¡­Well, what was left of the nobles outside of the capital¡­ Why¡­Why was she going this way? Curiosity¡­He hadn¡¯t been this curious for a while¡­ With determined steps, Prince Elton continued, looking out for a little brat of a woman¡­ Not being able to even see a shadow of a specific annoying woman, Prince Elton narrowed his eyes upon the route he was taking and thought that she must have meant to leave in this direction on purpose¡­Just so that he would do what he¡¯s doing right now! Wasting his time! How¡­Infuriating! He forgot who he was following! Why would a thief leave openly in this direction!? He must have been stupid to think that it was for any other reason, besides to steal or to led someone following astray, so he felt like a complete and utter fool! She was like another David! He got along with David because his friend made him think or act differently¡­Yet, having him feel this way with a thief and a female¡­Gave him a shiver down his spine! One simple thought followed, I will return this favor, Little Pilliager! Shaking his head and taking a deep breath in, Prince Elton looked around, wondering whether to check on a few of the homes close by, to see if they are being robbed, or not. Just a bit further was the nobles, some having moved into the capital, leaving houses absent but¡­There were a few families still behind that kept this area quite well looked after and looked upon by others. He hadn¡¯t heard which specific families had moved, nor which families stayed but there was one particular noble home that stood out from the rest. It was abandoned, broken even¡­Vandalized¡­ Right¡­ Having not thought much of this particular family for a long time, Prince Elton shrugged and turned around. He didn¡¯t want to waste time upon thinking of criminals! The woman wasn¡¯t here, so there was no reason to stay any longer! With a quick motion, a carriage traveled towards him and Prince Elton waited. Taking one more look at the vandalized noble house, Elton frowned and had a sudden thought¡­ Back then, all that time ago, he had not been as he is now and questioned things¡­ And¡­It wouldn¡¯t be the first time that his father had done something harsh to someone else who was innocent, and he had only found out later, when it was too late¡­ This noble family, there was prove, there was also a certain circumstance that made their crime real. It couldn¡¯t possibly be¡­ Widening his eyes, Prince Elton swallowed and looked at a point that perhaps someone might have missed over the ¡®evidence¡¯ that could be seen so directly back then, just like he had until this very moment! This noble family used to have a lot of money, no doubt that was the reason why the daughter had been betrothed to him but¡­It would be seriously disappointing if it was a scandal! A scandal¡­Something like this might even be enough to get that father of his off the throne! The people, if they came to see¡­ Right, I need evidence! I need to find out if there was a scandal here first! Now that Prince Elton had found something that could become quite a large scandal, he couldn¡¯t relax! Straight away he got into the carriage, calling for it to return to the palace and could not wait to get there, as he was even tempted to get off the carriage and take one of the horses, to ride back himself! Talking himself into taking this time, of being stuck inside a carriage, to plan what he had to do to find out if what happened to the noble family was a scandal or not, he knew what he had to do upon the carriage coming to a halt at the palace. He knew that for the moment, this would have to be a secret. He also knew that what happened, happened quite some time ago and that getting information was going to be difficult but¡­For some reason¡­Probably because this may be the very thing that gets his greedy father off the throne, the Prince couldn¡¯t even sleep that night because of the idea of this scandal! *** Chapter 12 David and his father had run for a long time before neither of them could continue, having to walk instead. They had gone down two different areas that were adjacent to one another and both kept an eye out from their positions and each other. Having not found anything as of yet, it now being close to an hour since leaving the capital, they were starting to panic upon whether they would find Cid at all! Feeling like they might have just missed him, more than once, they started to wonder if they had gone the wrong way and perhaps this was also a reason why they started to walk instead of run. Coming together, they both agreed that they will search further away now, as the roads they were taking were doing that anyway¡­The problem was, it was better to split up and all they could do is state to meet back to where they were now. If they wouldn¡¯t find Cid in an hour, they would return to where they were now and go closer to the capital and do the same thing again further down, hopefully finding Cid that way as¡­The road really did go towards another town from here, where they would no longer be close to the capital¡­ With the plan in motion, Benjamin went one way and David went the other and it seemed that they did indeed go too far¡­ Cid leaned against the door frame and closed his eyes. He¡¯d gotten away, which meant Steven will find out soon enough and when he does¡­ As far as Cid was aware, Steven and the Princess were still engaged to be married. He didn¡¯t have a clue upon how the Princess seemed so carefree of how she was going to cancel the engagement so¡­ He should believe that it could be done, he should¡­Believe in her. Then¡­If she were to cancel the engagement, then¡­ Right, he needed to prove himself! Opening his eyes and nodding, Cid smiled and gave his jewellery crafting a quick thought. How long would it take for him to get to a point of being someone good enough for the Princess? The traders won¡¯t return for a while yet, one in a week, two in a month or so, so he won¡¯t know how much he¡¯s sold for a while and¡­His name or his jewellery crafting methods won¡¯t be known straight away. It seemed¡­That it will be a while yet¡­ He wanted to get in enough money so that he could support a family, he wanted his work to be known so that they knew for certain that he would not fall into mishap and not be able to protect and look after the Princess. Putting a hand through his hair, Cid again put his head back against the door and sighed. It wasn¡¯t all that long ago that all he wanted was to get away, now¡­Now he wanted to be known, he wanted to marry the Princess and he wanted to have sufficient funds¡­ Letting out a small laugh and shaking his head, Cid sighed. His Princess was¡­ She was worth it and¡­He will do what he can¡­He will! Pushing himself off the door and unlocking it, Cid went into his small house and closed the door behind him. It was too late and cold to wash himself, so he just did his face and took off his long coat and hat. Just as he finished cleaning his face and was ready to put on the fire and boil some water, a rushed knock was on the door and Cid frowned¡­ Could it be Steven? Perhaps he saw that he had gotten free and followed after him? Not sure if he should open it or not, a familiar voice came through the closed door, ¡°Cid? Is that you in there?¡± It was nearly a whisper and it was uncertain but¡­David¡¯s voice, it really sounded like David! Opening the door, Cid looked at David and let out a small laugh. ¡°Cid!¡± David pushed Cid back, turned him against a wall and suddenly he felt like it was hard to breath. ¡°Dav¡­Id¡± ¡°You say you don¡¯t need my mother, I accepted that, trusting you! Then, upon coming back, after not hearing one word from you while we were gone, I find that you have disappeared! No more running, right!?¡± Cid pulled at David¡¯s arm, trying to push it away, yet he was listening¡­Feeling slightly bad, so his pushing wasn¡¯t with all his strength. The only thing Cid could do was nod¡­He at least was able to do that, letting David nod too and then continue, ¡°I was so glad to see you at the ball, but you know what! Straight away you are already targeted by Steven! Cid, really! I find that you were locked in, I mean, if we didn¡¯t follow Steven, how would have you had¡­¡± David stopped, remembering a certain thief and frowned. Cid probably would have been alright yet¡­It didn¡¯t matter! How would they have found Cid now, if they hadn¡¯t have chased after Steven so quickly!? It all would have been so much easier if Cid had just let them know where he was! This¡­This was the reason why David was having so much trouble! He saw people as problems! Each one of them had troubles and so each one of them were problems! Cid¡­He had troubles, so he was a problem! David couldn¡¯t get mad though, he was still pretty glad that Cid was safe, and well, they were friends¡­ Pushing off Cid, David let out a deep breath and looked at the ground, ¡°Why did you not contact us?¡± Don¡¯t hit him! Don¡¯t hit him! Cid swallowed and put a hand to David¡¯s shoulder, ¡°¡­Two reasons, but I guess I should have done so, just so you wouldn¡¯t be this worried and want to hit me. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± David rolled his eyes and made a face at Cid, ¡°¡­It doesn¡¯t matter now, I gotta get back to father and let him know.¡± Cid stopped David and both of them looked at each other. Just for a quick moment, no words were said but both of them seemed to understand. David understood that Cid was sorry and that he was just trying to do what he could to survive, and Cid understood David¡¯s panic and did mean his apology. They were best of friends for years after all so with only David nodding and leaving the house, Cid slowly nodding too, they had made up.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Their relationship wasn¡¯t based upon how much the other was mad at the other, or happy¡­It was more based on why the other acted as such and trying to understand each other. Perhaps they weren¡¯t as close as real brothers, as they might not make amends like others do, but¡­They were closer than some relationships, as they were still able to feel quite free, knowing that whatever the other might do, as long as they could find a way to understand why they do something, it was something that they could look over and forgive¡­ Cid found David to be observant yet someone that needed to understand, and seeing David was in fact this way brought Cid to being able to handle David and their relationship. On the other hand, Cid¡¯s relationship with the Princess was different. It wasn¡¯t about letting another understand and understanding their point of view, it was¡­A little harder¡­ Having feelings, extra feelings then those of with David, Pauletta and Benjamin, Cid has already made mistakes so¡­The relationship with the Princess had already had twists and turns that Cid could hardly handle at first! Now¡­His relationship with the Princess, twists and turns included, was more based upon her happiness and wanting to be close to her, as she wanted to be close to him¡­ Right up until the ball, Cid had not completely understood Princess Bethany. He had made her upset and angry because he had wished her well when she had not been happy about the marriage events. And so, he had to see that her real happiness wasn¡¯t just her brother, nor Pauletta, Benjamin and sometimes even David¡¯s happiness¡­It was himself as well. It seemed so silly to Cid, that she could care so much about him but, that was what it was! She had confessed, she had kissed him and accepted his ring¡­It had to be true that he was a part of her happiness! If he didn¡¯t believe it, wouldn¡¯t he be stupid!? So¡­Now he finally understood their relationship better! Noticing that he was smiling, Cid bowed his head, only to realize that he had already put water over the fire¡­ When had he done that? With no idea upon how much time had gone, just thinking and absentmindedly getting a fire going and heating up water, Cid blinked and shook his head. He really was a goner for the Princess! Putting her lovely face out of his mind for a moment, Cid focused on getting out all his cups, which was only two, then put on something warmer, as he had taken off his long coat. Just about ready to clean his long coat, while waiting for the water to boil, there was a knock on the door, but it was opened a second after, with Benjamin walking straight in, ¡°Cid!¡± Cid stood up and accepted Benjamin¡¯s warm hug. With a few slaps on the back, Benjamin released him and stood back, smiling, ¡°It is good to see you!¡± Cid smiled back, just that smile of his uncle¡¯s and those words put warmth into his lonely heart¡­ Weeks had gone by and Cid never knew how cold his heart had gotten. It wasn¡¯t the first time Benjamin had left with his wife and son but¡­Why was it that this time that smile, and those words, meant so much to him? ¡°Have you been well?¡± Cid nodded, still a bit too emotional to talk at the moment but he did not lose it and cry. He was a man after all! ¡°Ah, no¡­I can¡¯t find any food!¡± Cid snapped to look at the other voice and saw that David was going through the small number of cupboards in the house¡­ ¡°Nothing!?¡± Benjamin asked in a disbelieving manner, looking at David. Cid put up his hands and tried to quickly come up with something, ¡°I¡­I ate¡­It.¡± Both of the other men now looked at Cid and narrowed their eyes¡­ Ah, both father and son¡­ Cid looked away from both of them and came to see the hot water over the fire was ready, so he had something else to worry about! ¡°¡­Back with us!¡± As Cid put down the hot water safely, he quickly looked up and said, ¡°Please, I don¡¯t need to! I have everything I need here!¡± ¡°Except food.¡± David bluntly said. Glaring at David, Cid then looked at Benjamin, only to be glared at by him too. He really did have food earlier! He just¡­Ate it! He wasn¡¯t starving! Why are they glaring at him so fiercely!? ¡°You need to be somewhere where you can make your ring.¡± Benjamin stated, sighing, ¡°That¡¯s why here isn¡¯t the place to be.¡± Cid went silent and didn¡¯t understand, ¡°¡­What ring?¡± ¡°The Princess is going to marry the person who can make her a specific ring. I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s the one you gave her, so you should know what it looks like.¡± ¡°More then that! He should know everything about that ring!¡± David stated, making a face to the dirty wall that he had just leaned against. ¡°She¡¯s¡­Going to marry the person who¡­¡± Cid was stunned! Was this how the Princess stopped her engagement? It can¡¯t be! ¡°What about her engagement!?¡± Cid asked. ¡°Prince Elton helped the Princess dissolve it into nothing.¡± David stated, frowning to saying ¡®Prince Elton¡¯¡­How dare that friend of his so openly talk about what he does away from his father! ¡°Nothing?¡± Cid asked, quite stunned, ¡°They aren¡¯t¡­¡± Benjamin came to Cid then and put a hand to his shoulder, smiling like an idiot, ¡°Yes, Cid. They are no longer getting married and¡­I assume it¡¯s you and the Princess that will be getting married instead!¡± Cid backed himself against a wall, holding himself up. Shock, excitement and happiness went through him like it had never before! They, Steven and Bethany, weren¡¯t going to marry and¡­And he had¡­He knew how to make the ring that she¡­ Before now he was wondering just how much he had to prove himself to be someone worthy of the Princess but with this happening¡­ ¡°¡­Left Earlier, remember?¡± ¡°Right, well, doesn¡¯t matter now! What matters now is to get Cid to a place that will help him make the ring! Come on boy, come to your senses!¡± Benjamin slapped Cid on the shoulder and Cid nodded, his eyes still glazed over in wonder, but he got off the wall and started to nod. ¡°Can we use your father¡¯s shop?¡± Benjamin asked. ¡°What¡¯s the state that¡­¡± ¡°No, I was locked in¡­¡± Cid started to say. Benjamin widened his eyes, ¡°Right¡­No¡­We mustn¡¯t use¡­¡± Cruel people! They had absolutely no right to take that place! Benjamin felt so angry that he forgot why they were talking about a blacksmith in the first place and even put a fisted hand into his other opened hand. ¡°They deserve much more than a¡­¡± ¡°Father! Focus!¡± David stated. Even his father was trouble! Benjamin immediately remembered and dropped his hands, ¡°Who else then? What about¡­No, that would be silly too¡­¡± They couldn¡¯t use a blacksmith that was directly connected to those cruel people! Even if the blacksmith was not someone used by Leonard, there was one that was friends with him¡­Which doesn¡¯t leave very much left now in the capital! Cid looked at them then, and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry yourselves, I have a new supplier and I will ask them to help me.¡± ¡°New? Then you haven¡¯t used them for long?¡± Benjamin stated, narrowing his eyes. David let out a huff, ¡°Cid will only have to let them know a secret and they should be fine!¡± Benjamin turned and looked at his son for a moment, reminded of something said to him just earlier this day, ¡°Did your friends tell you this, uh?¡± David frowned and shook his head, ¡°Not the time for this, Father!¡± No, never was a good time for this conversation! Talking about his place in the black market was something that even he himself didn¡¯t care too much for anymore! After all, it was the black markets fault for opening his mind to the scheming of people¡­ David quickly turned to Cid, who went back to cleaning his coat, and said, ¡°Where is this place?¡± ¡°Capital.¡± With a look from Cid, asking silently, and David raising his eyebrows and nodding, the conversation seemed over, ¡°Need help then?¡± Cid sighed, ¡°Does Pauletta know how to clean the coat better?¡± Benjamin smiled and said, ¡°Call her Aunt, my boy!¡± Not only was Cid finally asking for help, but Benjamin understood what seemed to have been agreed upon! Cid was coming home with them! ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± *** The days that followed were hectic for Cid. He did indeed spend the next few days at his Aunt and Uncle¡¯s, and after a long conversation with the blacksmith, Cid was finally able to use it to make the ring. If the blacksmith was great, it would be under his stepfather but¡­The blacksmith was not. It was a business that a rich noble had and he did not look after it well, nor cared for who worked there. Cid didn¡¯t want to use him too much and only when absolutely necessary but right now there wasn¡¯t much other choice! Not only would any other blacksmith be a stranger, where their work and materials were unknown of quality, but they would have to be outside of the capital as well. The blacksmith had work from people so, strangely, it stayed afloat, the problem was¡­Cid felt like he had given away too much! It was understandable that they did not think that the ring that Cid was making was the real one, but they still wanted so much, even if it wasn¡¯t! The blacksmith wanted profit, they persisted that this project has their name written all over it! Not only that but Cid had to pay them extra, not just for the materials but also for ¡®making¡¯ it¡­When they weren¡¯t even making it! It was a total rip off, but it was to be done in silence, and that was where David came in¡­ David had not shown what he was capable of until the blacksmith had the urge to speak to someone and then¡­Not only David¡¯s father became flabbergasted, but also that of Cid and the poor person, the blacksmith, was practically scared out of his wits that he now even bows to David upon seeing him. To David, it wasn¡¯t much of a trick, he just placed the blacksmith as someone that needed to pay a large sum of debt in a month and was looking at running away. The job was to ¡®watch¡¯, be discrete to others but to be known largely by the blacksmith¡­And he nearly wet his pants to how many black clothed eyes would stare at him and¡­And weapons¡­ David thought it was absolutely hilarious, but his father thought otherwise¡­He was going to have to have a good stern chat with his son! It was in these days that Cid finally felt like he had gone back to normal. He had depended solely upon himself, surviving and having to do everything on his own but now¡­Now, Pauletta had cleaned his coat, making it look like new. Any other type of materials needed for his ring, that the blacksmith didn¡¯t supply, were supplied without cost or question by Benjamin and he felt warm¡­ Food, that was meat and vegetables, he was able to enjoy eating it with others. To see a made bed with warm blankets, clean tabletops and water easily to get to¡­Even Pauletta washed his clothes so that he didn¡¯t have to do it¡­ Yes, Cid felt like he had missed these things and felt quite grateful to have them once again, even if it was for a little while. Well, some of them anyway¡­He¡¯d always done his own clothes washing but at least he was eating better once again. ¡­What had not changed though, was his stepfamily¡­ Chapter 13
Steven found out that Cid had broken free from the blacksmith, but it didn¡¯t matter to him. He had planned to let him go free not long after he slept that night, simply because he didn¡¯t want to go quite that far. He might go as far as taking possessions and locking people up, but he was not a murderer. It seemed a good time to change things, as he thought about the person he was and even for a moment found he disliked it but¡­It was gone moments later and he was the man he ever was once again. He was a rich heir, someone with a business, a thriving business! Perhaps if he had not suffered such a humiliating experience of being dumped by a Princess, Stephan may have had a chance to change at this time¡­But humiliation can do such things to a person¡­As well as that of being afraid of change and what would happen if one does change¡­ For Steven, this is only the first time and it won¡¯t be the last time of not only feeling the chance to change and feeling disgust within himself but also that for humiliation¡­ It was Leonard that even had the inclination to continue to come to Pauletta and Benjamin¡¯s house to look around, like a sneaky, old man! As far as he was aware, his ¡®son¡¯ had gone missing and as a ¡®good father¡¯, he had to find him and bring him back home! Of course, Leonard had a suspicion that a certain ring was done by a certain someone, but he had absolutely no evidence! He played the caring and doting father on the outside, so that no one would question his actions but¡­When no one was looking, he was swearing and growling at mainly Benjamin, who continued to stand in the way! Whether the ring was done by Cid or not, Leonard had to get him back! It wasn¡¯t just the prospect of perhaps being the father of the person who may marry the princess but¡­It was of course about his own business! He needed Cid back simply because his business was already showing signs of slightly less of a profit! It would only be a matter of time before Leonard¡¯s faithful customers realize that there isn¡¯t anymore ¡®Cid like¡¯ new productions coming and might end up turning their heads¡­No! Leonard had to get Cid to return and work for him again, even if he had to chain him to the desk! Benjamin did have other work to do and really should tend to it but keeping Leonard away from Cid was more important! They were so close to making it so that Cid can never be touched again by the cruel people, so Benjamin was willing to put everything on the line! The ring needed to be made, it needed to be finished and then taken all the way to the Princess, it had to be done! David, on the other hand, was in charge of Cid¡¯s safety, when he wasn¡¯t at their house, and did a great job! If there was one thing that David knew, it was trouble and that people were trouble themselves! He played what he called ¡®little tricks¡¯ to deceive and basically made Cid something that was non existing¡­ Cid found it remarkable that he could even travel down a normally busy main walkway, to never been ¡®seen¡¯, simply because David had created a fight or something else, not too far away. Seeing David smirking, seeing him having fun, gave Cid the shivers while remembering some tricks from the past. ¡°That time, when something happened not far from where we met up with the Princess¡­¡± Cid started to ask. David interrupted him, ¡°Yes, that was me! I¡¯d already realized then then you liked her and gave you some alone time!¡± For a moment, Cid was angry but¡­He got over it extremely fast¡­ While they continued to walk like ghosts, Cid smiled, ¡°You knew much earlier than myself.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m smarter than you.¡± David stated, so simply and bluntly that Cid glared at him! On times that David didn¡¯t have much to do, he did go and see the Prince but that had not happened as often as it used to, simply because he was still annoyed at the Prince for telling his father that he worked in the black market. He wasn¡¯t angry anymore, just annoyed. His father brings it up on occasion, talking to him about it. How can he remove himself from that place? How dangerous is it? It was¡­Annoying! Then, on top of that, the Prince wanted him to do things like a servant! There was no ¡®Please¡¯ or ¡®Thank you¡¯, when it came to that man! ¡®Go and search out the noble family of blah blah blah¡¯! Yes, Your Majesty! I¡¯ll just go and expect absolutely nothing in return! Being his friend...Is too much! What no one expected, was the big line up at the palace. There were so many people with rings, claiming to be the Princess¡¯s new fianc¨¦! Was half of the capital here!? Upon Cid seeing this, with minimal work left to do on the ring, he was dumbfounded. Actually, the ring would have been done by now if ¡®engraving¡¯ had not had to be done. Cid calls it ¡®engraving¡¯ simply because he didn¡¯t want the words to disappear¡­He wanted to engrave the words into her heart, forever¡­ But yes, that is what was taking so long. The new idea of making the ¡®engraver¡¯ was made from scratch and Cid was just about to engrave words on this day¡­ ¡°So many¡­¡± Cid muttered. These were men that wanted his bride! ¡°Whoa! Make your ring and she¡¯ll only be yours then! Fighting today is not a good idea!¡± David stated, knowing himself that a brawl had already been started the day before and those men were now not allowed to line up any longer. ¡°They say that a real master is the one seeing to the rings and not someone of the royal family. It¡¯s¡­Supposed to be fair¡­¡± It also seemed¡­That there was another type of way that things will be done now, as lining up seemed to be a problem. Well, he could be wrong but to him, lining up was not working and they needed to make things better! As he was watching, to see what was happening, David tripped and knocked into a woman. ¡°Sorry, sorry!¡± He uttered, noticing that she hadn¡¯t really moved. Was she a rock? A big rock¡­ Looking up at the woman, David could tell straight away that she was not from here¡­ ¡°Do you want to know what I do to men who bump into me?¡± The woman stated, looking at him with so much¡­ Stunned, David stood there, staring at what he would call ¡®the feminine core¡¯. She was oozing out the charms of a woman completely! He could see her arms, he could see a tattoo! She really wasn¡¯t a lady at all yet that was the word that sprung to his mind¡­Feminine¡­ Already, the bird part of the tattoo made him like her a lot¡­She was a free, feminine core! Perfect! In just a split second he was then punched directly on the face and he took two steps back¡­ Uh? The woman sat down and put her feet up on the table and laughed, alongside to what looked like¡­Pirates¡­The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. She¡­Was a pirate? Dam¡­They had a lot of guts¡­Right near the palace too¡­ Ow! Where she hit him finally became known as he felt it. She really was a rock! A hard, big rock! David quickly got his ¡®senses¡¯ back and found Cid, running back to him like nothing happened¡­That there was nothing that existed like ¡®the perfect, free, feminine core¡¯! What woman punches other men!? What woman is a pirate!? Ludicrous! Yet¡­He looked back once and could not help but sigh¡­From a distance, that was indeed what she was to him¡­Even with her feet on a table like that¡­ Really? Was that his kind of woman!? No way! *** Cid finally finished the ring the next day. He had a steady hand and had taken his time, just like his father had told him too. This ring, well both of them now, was his best work, work that he did not rush in the slightest! There was a difference though, and he hoped that that wouldn¡¯t matter! One will be bigger than the other because¡­One was for her and one was for him¡­ It was his initial idea anyway but, will they claim that it is not right? He didn¡¯t want to lose the Princess simply because one ring was bigger than the other! With one more wipe, Cid put the ring in a small box, then sighed. It had been a long couple of days! Now that he didn¡¯t have to return back to the blacksmith shop, Cid bid his farewells and promised the boss again that he will not forget to tell upon which blacksmith was behind making the ring that seemed to be the most popular object in the kingdom right now! The fact that so much time had already passed by since the declaration was made, still didn¡¯t mean that the subject was no longer talked of! There was still quite a line up at the palace, now that people have come from other places outside of the capital, and then there were people were just hanging around, talking¡­ As Cid took a deep breath and added himself to the line, he held tightly onto the ring in the box, now hiding in his pocket. He had wanted to just charge ahead, being filled with enthusiasm upon finishing the ring, but now¡­Now he felt like he needed this time to tell himself of what was going to happen. Apparently, the ring was all that was needed, and he and the Princess would become engaged. He¡¯d heard it from so many people! Rumours on the streets, from Pauletta and Benjamin, even from Leonard who had yelled it past Benjamin to where he was hiding inside their house. It still didn¡¯t seem real though to Cid. He felt like he had to be someone that could duel a thousand warriors and walk across a desert! Taking another deep breath, Cid walked forward. The line only took a long time because of pleasantries and people who demand more after the ring is told to be not the right one. The line could be faster but, it was going too fast for Cid! He was so nervous, so very nervous! Making the ring, it was fine! Doing his best, pouring in his effort of his love for her, that was fine! Now¡­Now, in person, giving her the ring in front of so many¡­Why¡­Why can¡¯t they do it in peace, I mean¡­By themselves? With the sudden memory of the Princess kissing him, Cid suddenly changed his mind and thought it was better to have people around! Just, why can¡¯t he calm down. She wasn¡¯t going to bite his head off! Cid took another step closer and heard a voice. This voice came to him in so many different ways. Angry, stubborn, happy¡­ Right now, it was¡­Bored¡­Totally indifferent! Cid smiled and could picture her face. She could also have her arms crossed over her chest and maybe even going to the extreme of tapping her foot! Ah, the dear, how will I keep her happy? ¡°Bring in the next gentleman.¡± With all the ideas of her voice and how her face would look like, Cid didn¡¯t even know how close he was getting to the front of the line! ¡°The ring is missing at least two distinguished features of the Princess¡¯s choice ring, would you like to look, Your Highness?¡± ¡°Send them off¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s there, the¡­The features are hiding or¡­Or those features aren¡¯t real!¡± Cid heard from inside. ¡°Another¡­I can¡¯t keep repeating what I have already said.¡± Said the Princess, the voice being bored and upset. ¡°I can be a good husband for you, Your Highness.¡± Stated that same voice again. ¡°Repeat my words.¡± Said the Princess. Then what seemed as the servant or person looking at the ring said, ¡°The Princess has claimed to only marry the person with the exact ring as I have expected and appraised, mind you, I also have the Prince, Prince Elton behind me¡­Oh and Her Highness, the Prince is behind her as well of course! She is not suited for another as it is a promise that had to be made to change the will of a King. As a Princess of a country, she must keep her word and does not mean any ill intent or to be discourteous in any refusal. Please, good sir, take your leave.¡± With what seemed like stomping feet, Cid finally saw a man well dressed and obviously very angry. ¡°Don¡¯t bother!¡± He stated, before leaving. Yet inside there were voices too. ¡°You still need to shorten it, sir.¡± ¡°Yes, yes, Your Highness, you are completely right!¡± Cid shook his head, how could he leave! Just to hear her being bored and upset, how could he leave her like that? ¡°Bring in the next gentlemen.¡± Wanting to make a specific person smile, Cid calmly walked in and removed his hat from his head, to smile at that lovely face of hers. Straight away she jumped up and ran to him, nearly falling over the hem of her dress! ¡°You are finally here! You kept me waiting!¡± She stated, pushing her dress down again, after having to pick it up. ¡°Show him!¡± Cid let out a small laugh and gave the small box to the men, who then looked up at Cid. ¡°Very nice and elegant!¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Cid stated. It really was just a box¡­ Both the Princess and Cid heard the intake of breath after the box was opened and the Princess smiled at Cid. Cid smiled back, having completed his objective as¡­She was now smiling¡­ It took another moment for the man to check the entirety of the ring and afterwards he nodded, ¡°It gives me great pleasure to have finally found you!¡± Cid nodded politely and looked at the Princess, ¡°I didn¡¯t want to rush making it, only to ruin it.¡± ¡°Indeed! I am a ring maker and was picked because¡­Well nonetheless, I am so honored to have meet you! May I know your name?¡± Suddenly, the fact that the long-lost maker of the ring being found was forgotten, as a professional ring maker was beaming at what he thought was another professional ring maker. ¡°Cid, Cid Rellah. I used to do jewellery crafting with my stepfather but have now broken away and started my own jewellery crafting.¡± Cid put out his hand to the other man¡¯s outstretched hand and felt quite shocked to the strength he had. ¡°Very glad to have met you! I wish to get together to exchange ideas, that would be¡­¡± With a loud sigh, the Princess then interrupted them, ¡°Can we please take this to my brother now! It would be unkind of me to not send the people outside off when there is no reason for them to be there!¡± ¡°Yes, yes of course, Your Highness!¡± Before another word was said, the Princess took the ring from the man and led Cid away from the room. Cid stopped her when they were away from sight and smiled at her. He had words to say but didn¡¯t know how to speak at that moment¡­ The Princess smiled back and walked to be right in front of him, ¡°You¡¯re late!¡± ¡°I know¡­¡± Cid stated, putting a hand gently to her face, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She let out a laugh and lifted the heals of her feet up and down briefly. Smiling like idiots they just stood there¡­ All their dreams had come true! ¡°Send her in!¡± ¡°Come on!¡± The Princess quickly led the way once again and raced through the corridor and through the door. ¡°Brother!¡± Prince Elton frowned, ¡°A Princess¡­¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t run, I know! Look, it¡¯s the ring, it¡¯s Cid! Cid is here!¡± She stated, putting both the rings down and pushing Cid forward after. Seeing her so flustered, Cid held onto his laugh, and as much as he could, his smile as well. It was so obvious that she was happy, and that made him happy in return¡­ Life¡­Life was good! ¡°So it is.¡± Was all Elton stated as he looked at both of the rings. ¡°That means we are engaged now, right brother!?¡± The Princess stated, boldly taking Cid¡¯s hand in hers, right in front of her brother. Prince Elton stared at their hands and the Princess let go, going silent. ¡°You are to hold the conduct of a Princess¡­At least until you are married and out of sight of everyone!¡± Cid put his hands up and hurriedly stated, ¡°I¡­I am an honorable man, Prince Elton. Your sis¡­Her Highness and I¡­¡± Prince Elton stood up then and walked to be in front of Cid, ¡°I would have known otherwise, Cid.¡± Cid blinked and didn¡¯t know how to respond, whilst Elton looked from one, to the other. He just quite simply didn¡¯t understand¡­ Was it that Cid liked his sister because she was a Princess? That¡¯s what he had heard from many of those in the line these days¡­ But he knew¡­He knew that it wasn¡¯t that for Cid. But then what was it? ¡°By tomorrow the two of you will be engaged to be married.¡± Prince Elton stated and then went to walk out of the room. ¡°Brother, please, can we get married soon?¡± The Princess asked, almost begging. Prince Elton stopped and turned, ¡°Why so quickly?¡± Cid watched the Prince and found that he had not changed at all in so long¡­Detached¡­Alone¡­ He always thought that Prince Elton was this way because of the responsibility of his status but for once, for once Cid wondered if Prince Elton really didn¡¯t feel much outside of his status. Did he really not know how to love someone? ¡°¡­An uncle!¡± ¡°What!?¡± Both males said, while looking at Princess Bethany in clear shock. ¡°Since that is on your mind you will wait even longer now to be married!¡± Prince Elton stated, almost angrily. The Princess glared at her brother and crossed her arms over her stomach, ¡°Are you not human, this is what we do! If you don¡¯t marry us properly in two months¡¯ time¡­We¡¯ll do it ourselves!¡± Both Cid and Prince Elton continued to be stunned! ¡°¡­You will not!¡± Prince Elton stated back, losing his normally cold face, to that of anger. ¡°Then I suggest you state that we are to be married then!¡± The Princess stated, while grabbing Cid¡¯s hand, ¡°You have two months, brother!¡± After they left the room a loud noise was heard and the Princess held onto her chest with a hand, ¡°Wow, I haven¡¯t gone that far before!¡± Cid was hopeless against her, ¡°Was it worth provoking your brother?¡± The Princess frowned, but then a moment later smiled, ¡°I know what I want, now I just want to live my life.¡± Kissing her forehead, Cid heard her say, ¡°I was¡­I wasn¡¯t¡­What I said, in there¡­I meant it.¡± Once again, not knowing what to say or what else to do, Cid kissed her forehead again. Was he ready? Was he going to be a good husband, father? Well, he knew the alternative, of not being with this woman, this girl¡­The stubborn girl that fights everything¡­It wasn¡¯t what he wanted. Then¡­It seemed he can only do what makes her happy¡­Isn¡¯t that after all what made him happy too? Cid decided to keep things simple, if he didn¡¯t think too much into things and remembered how much he loved her and loved being with her¡­That was all that mattered. He will do what he can to protect and cherish her to the rest of his days! YOU WILL FIND MORE OF CID AND BETHANY IN THE NEXT NOVEL: DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH Diamond in the Rough is about Prince Elton and Alison. One is currently a thief, the other a Prince. With a chance to find out more about what happened years ago, both end up on the same wavelength and even with a bit of what they think of as an out of reach wish¡­ Based on ¡®Aladdin¡¯ but in reverse and no ¡®magic¡¯.