The Crown's Entrapment

Xenia dropped her shoulders as she excused herself for a while from Jayra. She wanted some air, so she made her way to the nearest roof, which was coincidentally the one she had already walked through with Darius last night. It was when they went to the parapet, the place where he opened up everything to her about his father’s death.

Walking up, the guards greeted her with utter respect, to which she greeted them back with a curt nod.

“Back here again…”

As she expected, the view atop the roof was great during the daytime. That part of the wall was facing the Miran Ocean, the same ocean that separated Ebodia from the Kingdom of Valcrez.

Slightly spreading her arms, the late afternoon breeze felt nice as it washed over her. It was becoming rather chilly and bracing by now, the inevitable winter creeping ever so closer with each passing day.

Walking further, Xenia only halted when she suddenly saw a familiar figure standing on the parapet._.

‘Clara?’ Xenia thought.

Well, that was awkward… She was about to turn around and leave when Clara turned around, their eyes meeting as a wave of familiarity washed over them.

The latter slightly bowed and greeted her, so Xenia did the same. Now that they’ve seen each other, it would feel weird if she just left like they haven’t met. Besides, it was her intended destination, and it wasn’t like Clara owned that part of the castle.

With a breath, Xenia walked towards the bench that the guard had left there and quietly sat by.

“I was surprised to see that there was an available seat here, so I asked the guards how it happened,” Clara started as she casually sat beside her.

‘This feels weird,’ Xenia mused, scooting over to give Clara her space.

“See there? Darius and I would always play around that part of the castle when we were kids,” Clara reminisced as she pointed towards a particular part of the wall. “I used to go to that wall and walk around without fear back then…”

She then inhaled deeply, letting out a loud sigh as she continued, “Darius would always just watch me, not saying a single word even if he was enjoying himself. He’s quite a man of a few words, you see, and that vexed me.”

She chuckled, “So instead of doing it the old-fashioned way, I tried to gain his attention by putting myself in danger. It wasn’t my brightest idea, but I trusted him. And as I’ve thought, he will always be there at just the right time to always save me, even though he doesn’t really look like he cared at all.”

Xenia didn’t comment. Instead, she listened as Clara narrated more and more stories about her and Darius’s childhood. And as the conversation kept going, the princess knew that there was something at the end of all this. Despite herself, she somehow felt jealous at knowing how fun Clara’s childhood was with Darius around. It was like the two of them were inseparable in her memories, and she would never have that even if she tried.

She looked at the sky when Clara finally wound down, having her moment of silence as they simply basked in each other’s presence…

“That’s nice, having someone you trust beside you. Someone who you wholeheartedly cherish,” Xenia genuinely thought aloud.

“I’m sure Darius also felt wonderful having you by his side, having those memories with a special friend like you, Clara…” She truly meant it too. She knew that Clara was a nice woman, but she wasn’t that naive to not feel the lingering tension hovering between them.

Xenia knew… Clara didn’t look at Darius like how the others did. Her eyes… They held a deep emotion towards Darius, and it had honestly bothered the princess ever since the day she met her.

ɴ[0)ᴠᴇʟ “Darius and I shared a lot of memories together, both good and bad…” Clara sighed. “I witnessed it all with him, and I stood beside him always, constantly watching his back just as he did to mine. He had pains and burdens, most of which he tried  to carry alone, and yet I shared those burdens with him…”

Clara then looked her straight in the eye. “Darius and I have a strong bond, and I refuse to let anyone destroy it. I will not have those times we had together perish just like that. I will fight for him no matter what. As such, I will fight you in the fifth trial, Xenia.”

She almost had a faint smile as she then added, “So make sure you pass the four trials. I’ll be very cross if you didn’t even give me a proper fight.”

Xenia could only return the smile as she saw Clara’s determination. Having a faint smile of her own, she said, “Don’t worry, Clara. You’ll definitely see me in the trial by combat. And those memories that you were saying… I’m sure they won’t perish no matter what happens between us. They’re already a part of Darius; memories that had made him who he is right now.”

She then sincerely added, “As a woman, I understand your heart, Clara… But as Darius’s woman, as well as being someone who loves him deeply, I will not tolerate anyone getting in the way of us creating new memories for our future.”

Having said her piece, Xenia then stood up from her seat. “I’ll be taking my leave, Lady Clara. I truly hope that in the future, after all of this is over, that I can see you not as an enemy, but as a friend who both cares for the welfare of our King and the kingdom that he is protecting. Someone who would set aside her feelings just to consider what it was that our King would want…”

With a genuine smile, Xenia turned around and started to walk away from her. Perhaps one day…

“You’re just an intruder! Not even a Cordonian! Someone who doesn’t care about this place… H-His kingdom…”

Clara’s sharp and accusing voice pierced through Xenia’s back, making her halt her steps. The anguish in her rival’s tone was apparent, one that she had constantly heard from the woman ever since they’ve began butting heads with one another.

Xenia let out a loud sigh. Without looking back, she replied, “I may be an intruder, but Darius is already my kingdom… My home… That alone makes Cordon a place I care for, seeing as this kingdom is Darius’s.”

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July 30, 2022 AN: Yehey!!! We suddenly reached another hundred Golden Tickets (GTs) so 5 chapters were released  for today. Thank you sooo much my lovelies. Don’t forget to continue on voting especially on August 1 for GTs since our Golden Tickets ranking resets monthly. *Kisses and hugs*

PS. More Bonus Chapters once we also reach Thousand Powerstone Ranking weekly and once our book receives Super Gifts. Enjoy the weekends guys. Always keep safe and God Bless.