5 Into another kingdom

The chaotic situation almost made me overlook the wound. I was so concentrated on running away and my father, I almost forgot to look after this, but do I even deserve to?

I was a murderer.

I turned back to inspect if I had left any signs that could draw a lot of people here. It was too dark for me to see the surroundings.

I faced my grandmother and stared at her teary eyes. "Grandmother, I have to go," I said.

Grandmother was like a mother figure to me. If grandmother asked me anything about the situation, I would have no choice but to answer.

She looked around and abruptly rubbed her eyes. "Stay still," her voice was trembling yet unwavering. Seeing her grandchild after years with an injury must be agonizing.

She gently put her hand over my wound. A light golden light emitted from her hand and she slowly brushed over my wound. It was enchanting and cozy. I could feel motherly love just by her powers alone.

My pain was slowly sweeping away from me, a warm embrace was all I could feel.

Within seconds, the wound was gone. "I knew I shouldn't have trusted my prediction completely," Grandmother mumbled, biting her lips. She slowly glanced up just to see me taken completely aback.

"With so many things happening at once, it's not a wonder to see you making that face." Grandmother smiled as she fondled my long black hair. The chaos had made it dusty and sticky, yet she fondled it like it was like the starry night above, reflecting the moonlight and looking glamorous. "You have grown well, my child. You are even towering over me now."

"Thanks to you, Grandmother." I touched my wounded shoulder once or twice to confirm what I saw was true. "I thought you lost your power," I said.

Grandmother touched my cheeks. The warmth slowly spread out, relaxing me. "Are you hurt in other places?"

I pushed her hand aside and gave a big sigh. "Grandmother, I have to go," I said, with my eyes begging her not to ask me anything.

As I pushed her arm, I realized my hands had his blood smudged…. I stared at my dusty, blood-stained hands, but then recoiled at its appearance. 'Why am I letting her see this? This is her son's…' My eyes watered once again at the thought.

"Zelda," her voice was firm. "listen to me very carefully now. Remember, each and every word I say,"

I could do nothing but nod while my tears couldn't help but escape. Grandmother wiped my tears and sighed. "I know this is hard. Everything you did must feel wrong, you haven't messed up Zelda not at all. Don't let the guilt cloud your thoughts."

I stood quietly, clenching my dress. It felt like I was back to my 15-year-old self getting consoled by my grandmother.

"I had powers, almost like a saint. I could see the future and heal people. This power was the reason I got lucky enough to marry your grandfather." she put her hands down and took a deep breath. "I could see one's future, but just once. And after seeing your future…. I knew I had to change it. You were supposed to die today, but I taught you the 'spells'. After teaching you those, I checked your future again to confirm if I made the right decision. I did. That's how I lost my power to see the future." Grandmother clenched my bloody hand and wavered a smile. "I don't regret it. Not at all."

My lips trembled while a nosy tone left my lips. "Grandmother…We killed father?" My voice cracked.

She gasped at my question. "It was the game of life and death. He would have died today. And I had to protect you. He had sinned. This was karma. He turned into the thing he killed and despised the most."

As some subtle noise was heard from afar, it was likely that someone had discovered the king's body.

"I went to the cold palace to stay out of people's sight. I arranged everything for you, my dear," she said, her tone getting hastier with each second. She knew they were coming close. She gulped, "Just outside of this forest, you will meet a merchant who will lead you to a ship. Go to our enemy's kingdom, work in the palace as a maid and sneak into the ancient forest, the faes will teach you everything about your powers. They will be the best thing that happened to you. Take what's yours. It's your right, Zelda."

Grandmother hugged me. "Now go."

I couldn't help but tremble and cry. "I love you grandmother, Thank you for everything."

"They will be here in seconds." Grandmother's hug tightened. "Remember, red eyes will be your demise. Either they will be a blessing or a curse, don't risk it. Run."

I nodded while Grandmother's grip loosened. "Quick, my child." She handed out a piece of paper and a locket.

I bit my lips and gave out a smile with my dampened eyes. "I will take care of these," I said.

Grandmother whimpered, and her tears slowly rolled down. She knew this would be the last time she would see her grandchild. "Take care." She whispered, "The next time we meet, you are going to be the greatest witch whispering to my grave." "Take care," I whispered and quickly crawled down, running out of the palace walls.

***Athena De Amherst Fiona***

"Did you find her?" her voice soared in the vast room where all the soldiers said nothing but trembled with fear.

"N-no, your majesty," the commander bowed down. "But we promi-"

She threw the wineglass in his head. "You are telling me the traitor escaped?!"

All the nobles gathered there flinched as the glass shattered. "I don't care how many people it takes. Find her!"

"Yes, Your Majesty the Queen," he said while his blood dripped on the floor.

****Zelda******

"Everyone get ready to sail!!" the captain screamed

"Yeah!" screamed hundreds of merchants, ready to go to their homes. Hiding among those voices resided mine, also ready for the new kingdom to find answers.

"Are you the new member?" A young man asked.

He wasn't curious about my identity, but instead just wanted a topic to talk about. I could see the lust in his eyes.

I wasn't in the mood for dealing with these hungry men who walk up to any woman they see.

It was clear that my speech and position stood out on a ship full of commoners. Acting like a dignified noble when I was a mare half species, they would dislike me, especially women.

It was going to be challenging for me to alter my way of speaking and manners in a few days. I remained this way for the past 25 years. Although I tried my best, an overnight change was impossible.

It didn't really make me happy to see me stand out like a sore thumb in front of these hungry men. In the palace, I didn't have any chance cause Athena was there.

"No, no, just a temporary maid. I will be helping until we reach our destination." I gave the same political smile I had learned. I didn't want to talk much or give further information about myself.

The man paused for a second before questioning me again. "Are you a commoner? Your beauty can surpass even elites"

In comparison to Athena's who looked eloquent, no matter what, I was said to be more of a natural beauty. I know they were just trying to make me feel better.

I knew my self-esteem was low because people kept comparing me to Athena. Grandmother used to console me, saying we both wear pretty and smart but didn't fit in the same category. It was like comparing the sea and the sky, the day and the night, the sun and the moon. It felt like she was exaggerating.

"Fallen noble, to be exact. I am here for my husband's work," I smiled again before turning away and walking into my room. It was rude for me to leave without stating my name, but that surely made my intention clear to the man.

My new identity had the same name as my old, Zelda. My identity card stated I was a half fairy and half-elf. I was the wife of a merchant who apparently had gone missing. So I was about to head to that area in search of him. I have no idea why grandmother chose this background out of everything, but since she saw my future, I do not dare doubt her decision.

In my room, I sat down on my bed intensely staring at my pouch. Inside it, there was the same jewelry I wore at the party, the letter and the locket my grandmother gave me.