CHAPTER SIX

I did not know what I was expecting when I opened the door but what I saw left me in awe. The room I entered was fairly rounded in shape. A few large windows let in just the right amount of light or so I thought considering it's dark outside. Furniture in dark hues was placed in a circular order mimicking the shape of the room. A fire was burning by the side giving warmth to the room. A large staircase led to the second floor which I assume consists of the bedrooms. Looking straight ahead I saw a door. I unconsciously walked towards it and stepped outside. The place was surrounded by gorgeous gardens including various trees, bushes, flowers, and a large pond. The ground leading to the pond was paved with various potted plants arranged neatly in a row. Letting out a soft sigh at the beauty of this place I decided to go back inside it was then I returned to my senses and realized I just left the person I was supposed to serve inside and wandered off. Calling myself all sorts of names in my head I went back inside. The sight that greeted me was a pacing prince Cleon. He has taken off his hood and I couldn't help but stare at him. Blonde short hair awkwardly hanging over a ruggedly handsome face with blue eyes set deep within their socket with those eyes currently staring at me. I find him fascinating maybe it is the rumor about him being different or simply the aura he gives off. Nonetheless, I find him to be the most handsome man I've ever seen not that I've seen many. Looking at his eyes I couldn't help but wonder how come they are blue considering the stories I've heard I was expecting his eyes to be black.

Pacing around my living room I couldn't help but wonder how I ended up having a helper. My father has always made sure I knew that I'm an abomination. His words, not mine. I rarely go out for social gatherings, my dad made sure my only duty as prince of Aegalia is fighting wars. So I was never involved in any social events the only time I get to interact with people is in the classroom perfecting my magic and the battlefield. When my dad told me or rather ordered me to attend the selection I thought he was joking and I told him exactly that. My brother Casper however said while laughing that it's not as if any sane girl will pick me to serve. So I found comfort in that though I know he was mocking me. I saw a girl smile when I entered the throne room not paying any attention to her I walked to my special chair and sat down. I noticed however that Caleb Langston one of the council members as well as Celeste the new wife of the dressmaker could pass off as the parents of the smiling girl. The girl looked like them especially Celeste. I sat down drowning the noise around me waiting for the event to come to an end. I was brought back to the present when I felt someone standing before me although my head was bowed I recognized the person to be the smiling girl not long after that she walked and stood beside me. Hearing Lady Agatha's voice congratulating the selected helpers as well as calling for the celebrations to begin. I decided to leave since I know my father will not be expecting me to stay. Standing up and walking out of the throne room I sensed someone quietly following me it was then I realized that the smiling girl voluntarily decided to be my helper. Cursing myself for not fighting my father over not attending the selection I walked towards my wing popularly known as the forbidden wing. This has been my place of refuge ever since I was born my father not wanting anything to do with me kept me in this wing with servants to attend to my needs. While growing up I had terrifying nightmares and I often woke up with ear-splitting screams the servants were terrified thus they made sure not to see me when taking care of my wing. The only person that attends to me in person is Martha the head cook. Entering inside my wing I sensed the smiling girl coming in as well and I saw her expression as she took everything in. She walked outside in a daze leaving me wondering if the whispers I heard about her in the throne room were true if indeed she was crazy. Taking off the hood I started pacing the room in deep thought thinking of what to do with this latest addition to my life. No one has ever come to the forbidden wing apart from the servants. I have everything in my life in control I attend my classes as well as lead my men to war that has been my life since I turned fifteen. There is nothing this girl can do for me. Lost in thought I sensed someone staring at me I stopped and looked in her direction. Your eyes are blue she said her voice was soft and pleasant to the ears at least that's a point in her favor. I looked at her and asked. You expect them to be different? She nodded her head and said yes and you are very good-looking. Thinking she might be crazy and not wanting to be in the same room with a deranged girl I asked. What is your name? Evelinde Hale, your highness she replied to me. Cleon, I told her looking at her confused expression I clarified, my name is Cleon and that's what you will be calling me. I could sense her about to disagree with me. You have to do as I say if I say you are to call me by name that is what you will do I told her in a tone that left no room for argument. Looking at her I said you could pass off as the child of Caleb Langston and Celeste. Sensing her discomfort and wanting nothing to with whatever brand of crazy she is operating on I quickly asked her. What made you choose me while looking at her. I sensed her uneasiness and waited for her to answer me. She looked at me and said I don't know but when I saw you I felt something in me it was as if something inside of me woke up I couldn't help it so I walked towards you by so doing choose you. Looking at her I knew she was telling me the truth. You do know my story right I asked her and I know you heard what people were saying about you back in the throne room. She shrugged and said, people are entitled to their opinions it's no business of mine what others think, say, or do. Are you not afraid of me I said walking towards her? Are you not afraid of what I might do to you I asked standing right in front of her. Tilting her head to look at me she said so far I have no reason to and I don't think I will ever have any reason to be afraid of you. Walking to one of the chairs I sat down and said to her. I don't know what is going on in that head of yours but I want you to know that I'm not a good person I have darkness and demons inside and around me, this is no place for someone like you I suggest you go back to where you are coming from I have everything I need. There is nothing you can do for me so I suggest you leave now while I'm still being likable. Walking towards me she said perhaps my darkness and demons recognize yours there is something about you that excites me for once I feel this fire inside me I don't know how else to explain it. Standing in front of me she said I have no family to go back to I have no one waiting for me you have to put up with me. Starring at nothing I realized my demons have been unusually quiet since I met her. She calms me while according to her I bring out the fire in her. Looking at her I said it appears you are the perfect companion then. You are the ice to my fire and I am the fire to your ice. Since you've offered yourself to me in a platter of gold I think it will be unwise to turn you down. So smiles, welcome to the dark side since I have no experience with things like this I suggest we go with the flow but for now, let's eat. Smiles, She asked. I saw you smiling when I entered the throne room earlier. You did she asked and I nodded in agreement. We went to the dining area and sat down to eat. As we were eating the scarf she was using to tie her hair came undone and I saw white strands of her mixed with her black ones she quickly tied back the scarf and accidentally knocked over a cup of water I reached out my hand to pick the cup when I noticed her hand on top of the water but instead of water, there was ice. What do we have here I chuckled, you know when I made mention of water and ice earlier I meant figuratively not literally. I must say this is a pleasant surprise smiles. She was staring back and forth between the ice and her hand I don't understand she said I've never done magic before this is the first time I don't know what's going on. It's okay I told her you will attend lessons with me tomorrow anyway so we can start from there. After eating I took her to the second floor and pointed to the room opposite mine. Since you are alone and I'm responsible for you this will be your room a new set of clothes will be waiting for you in the morning since you are team Cleon you have to look the part. You will no longer be needing your scarf I deduced from your reaction that you don't feel too good about your hair you have to do away with that thought. As from tomorrow you are owning up to yourself flaws and all if you can't do that you are free to leave but If I find you still here tomorrow there will be no going back. Welcome to the forbidden wing I said walking to my room and shutting the door.