Chapter 4
Ameerah's POV
Prince Clarence helped me up the horse and when he was sure that I was fine, he got on his own horse. We were leaving when Mama arrived. I waved at her.
"Ameerah? Why did you think of going to Ihmapuleya? It's just amazing because it's not always done there," Mama asked with a frown.
I smiled at him. "That's why I'm going Ma because I don't get used to it anymore. I want to see the beauty of the kingdom where you came from and see them Grandpa and Grandma. Time is short. Maybe I won't see them again," because after a week, I'm leaving
Mama smiled but there were traces of sadness and love. He held my hand holding the horse's leash.
"Be careful son. Say hello to Mother and Father," he said
"Opo Ma. We'll go first," I said goodbye
He stepped back and smiled at Prince Clarence. "Take care of my Princess, Prince Clarence. She's the Filifia's diamond," Mama
Prince Clarence nodded and smiled. "I promised your highness,"
We also traveled a few hours before we reached the Ihmapuleya palace. It is said that a lot has really changed here from the way people live, security and especially the palace. It was very far from its condition then according to the story. Thanks to my very smart and wonderful mother.
Everyone was happy when we arrived, especially Grandpa and Grandma because their only granddaughter visited them. I just laughed and hugged them. The same goes for Lady Son who was Mama's former helper. She even said I look like my mom because I got her blue eyes and diamond blonde hair.
"Ameerah? What a surprise my little princess!" Kuya Vane greeted me
I quickly rushed to hug him and he hugged me back as well. We're acting like he's a few years older than me but the truth is, we're the same age. We're twins. She was just born first. If she becomes a girl, maybe we will look very much alike.
"I'm not a little anymore Kuya Vane," I joked
"Then my old princess. Is that what you want?" Her teasing
And because I don't lose when it comes to this bully we used to. We continue pissing each other off and I also don"t stop annoying and repeating to him because I know.
This will be going to be the last time
Valdus's POV
I glared at this annoying female Aldafor who cursed me. If I could only use my power as the King. I will send her to a dungeon surrounded by rotten meat. She was obviously making fun of me!
"Why are you here?" I asked clearly annoyed in her presence
She plastered that goddamn pissing smile, "Am I right? Princess Ameerah was very very beautiful lady and the great King Dwight and Queen Samara's blood runs in her. She will definitely be the perfect queen of the Kingdom of Aldafor,"
I gritted my teeth in annoyance. Let me ripped that smile off lady!
"Could you just shut up and go? I don't need an old woman chitchatting in front,"
She shook her head in disapproval and before she narrowed her eyes. Her yellow eyes glowed in irritation.
"You'd never learn King Valdus. Do you think that when you go home and marry the princess. Then the curse will be recovered? You're wrong, Your Majesty,"
I stood up abruptly in so much anger, "WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO ME!"
"You have rules to follow your highness. One, don't hurt her physically. Two! Never used your magic to seduce her! And three! Don't you ever force yourself into her! She needs to gave it willingly and if she get pregnant. That's the signed that you already broke the cursed. After that, you can now leave her alone. I wish you luck and lesson, "Her eyes glowed. "Your highness," then she disappeared
Goddamn it!
Ameerah's POV
It was evening when Prince Clarence and I returned home after our five -day stay in Ihmapuleya. I have a lot of memories accumulated there but I feel like it's not enough. I'm still sad because I know it won't happen again.
I only have two days to let Dad and Mom know that I love them so much before I leave.
I sighed as I stood up and clung to the stone railing of my balcony. The cold air reminds me of Valdus. I really loathed that man! All my plans were ruined and not only that. He will take me away from the Philippines and my family. I wiped the tears that fell from my eyes.
"I loathed you Valdus," I whispered
It's the day after tomorrow. I don"t know what will happen to me there but I don"t care anymore. I only care how my parents will feel when I'm away. I don't even know how Valdus will do that but I'm sure it'll cause them pain.
"Princess Ameerah?"
I turned to Prince Clarence with a worried expression on his face. I gave him a small smile before looking back at the sea below my balcony. I felt him approach me.
"I know you're happy but I can't help but to ask why you're eyes say the opposite? Are you okay Princess?" Prince Clarence asked seriously
I sigh once shake him. "I'm fine," I replied shortly
I froze when he held my hands. My eyes widened as I stared at him. It felt new. No man has ever held me this close. I felt uneasy.
Back when I was young. I really hate it when princes try so hard to have my hand. So when I found out the purpose of a man to me. Even touch in my hand. I forbid them.
"You can tell me what's wrong Princess," Prince Clarence
I quickly snatched my hand away from him. I walked away and he started following me.
"I want to rest Prince Clarence. I know he's tired,"
I didn't wait for his answer and lay down on the bed and then covered myself with a blanket. This feels weird. I felt weird.
"If that's what you want Princess. Goodnight,"
I heard the door open and close. I closed my eyes and let myself fell asleep as I remembered.
'You must remain untouched'
Valdus ...
I slowly opened my eyes then lay down. The chirping of birds could be heard outside and it was so relaxing.
"Ameerah,"
My eyes widens at the voice and I immediately sit just to look at those beautiful ruby red eyes. I blinked enumerably times to sink in what he has wearing.
"Y-You have a crown in your ... head?" I whispered
"Of course. I am the great King of Aldafor. We need to to go,"
I was suddenly nervous at what he said. "W-Where are we going?"
"In my palace. Where else?" He seemed irritated by the answer
I was overwhelmed and then got up from my seat. I looked at him badly.
"But it's still tomorrow! You said one week. It means seven days and it will end tomorrow!" I protest
He approached me and I was so shocked when he put the hair on both my ears that covered my face. My heart is abnormally fast.
"Ameerah. I didn't promise so don't protest. Come with me," he said stubbornly
I can feel my tears building up on how firm his voice was. I knew I had no fight so I grabbed his arm.
"B-But ... I want to see my mother and father. I-I can't just leave them,"
He was taken aback when a tear fell from my eyes. I can't hold it anymore. I know I'm stubborn and strong but I am only a human. I had my weaknesses and family was one it. I don't want to be away from them without even letting them know.
He looked away before sighing. "You can't say goodbye to them but you can see them one last time. But I am afraid it will only hurt you more," he said softly.
"Just let me see them!"
He turned and went out on the balcony. I followed him. "Just call my name," that's all and it's like the moon went with the wind
I suddenly turned to the door when I heard Lady Alice calling to me. There was a hint of concern in her voice so I hurriedly approached but I stiffened in my stance when I saw her menacing eyes and the tears falling in her eyes.
"Princess Ameerah !! Jusko! Wake up majesty!"
A tear escaped my eyes when I saw my own self laying on the bed. Pale and lifeless. I slowly backed away as Dad came in and quickly hugged me. I even saw how a tear escape his eyes when he held my wrist.
"A-Ameerah! Son! What happened to my daughter! What happened to her!" Mom shouted as she hugged me
Tears welled up in my eyes at Dad's words.
"O-Our princess was d-dead My Queen. I-I'm sorry,"
Ameerah's POV
"S-She was poisoned," Dad said with difficulty
Mama kept crying and squeezing my chest. I wanted to hug them but I was stuck outside the balcony. It was as if something was stopping me from touching them.
"M-Mama ... P-Papa ... I-I'm so sorry. P-This is for you. I-I'm so sorry," I cried apologetically
I can't bear the tightness in my chest anymore when my brother Lu rush into me. His eyes where teary as he hug me tightly. I just cried and cried until I felt someone hug me from behind.
"We need to go Ameerah. I-I'm sorry,"
I woke up from lying on the soft bed. I was silently praying that it was just a dream but no. It's real. It's not an illusion. I roamed my eyes around the room. I noticed that almost everything inside was red. Even the bedsheet, blanket and pillows were red.
"W-Where am I?" I whispered to myself
I let my bare feet touch the red carpet. I caressed the red vanity table. It was only then that I noticed that I was wearing a red gown. The whole room were red but it was glistening. More like sparkling.
I opened the little box and I was just amazed to see the shiny jewelry. Wow. I'm already used of jewelries but these ones. It was extremely beautiful and unique.
There was a knock on the door. Suddenly a woman looked up and smiled at me. My lips parted when I saw how beautiful she was. Her skin was so flawless and pale to match her red lipstick. She smiled at me and bowed her head.
"Good morning your majesty. Let us fix you before we head to Mighty King Valdus,"
I could not answer right away. He approached me and took off my clothes. She guided towards the comfort room. The bloody red water makes me feel uneasy so I turned to him.
"A-You know I'm probably human. A-And I don't swim in bloody colored water," I said with a grin.
He smiled at me. Her hands were clasped together. "Don't worry your majesty. It's safe. It came from the great mountain of Albatris. That will help to make your skin beautiful, majesty,"
I nodded and cast a spell. I turned back into that water and then dipped one of my feet. I bit my lips when I felt an extremely unfamiliar warm. I completely immersed my body.
I closed my eyes and let my lips parted in contentment. The water was perfect. I swim in the other side because this bathtub made of glass is spacious. It took me a few minutes before I got out of the water. She immediately covered my nakedness in a soft thick coat that reached to my knees.
He quickly arranged me from head to toe and he took care of it. Even if I can because Lady Alice doesn't take care of me. He still wore red heels for me. For the final, she put a crown made of sparkling ruby.
"The King was probably waiting for you Queen Ameerah,"
My lips were still parted while I was walking in the hallway of their palace. I know the palace in the Philippines is beautiful but there is something in this palace that impresses me. Maybe because of it's grand and magnificent aura because of the glowing red. Even the soldier's armor is made of red but there is also black.
We were close to the two-door big mahogany door when I heard the conversation from inside. Suddenly I stopped walking and so did Laydress Amber, who had taken care of me earlier.
"Yes majesty?" Amber asked but I ignore her
"How could you be so sure that this human can fulfill her responsibilities as the Queen of Aldaforistrivle?"
"Is she beautiful like Princess Alderie? You can still change your mind, your highness,"
"She was a human! She knows nothing about us!"
"She's incapable of being the Queen!"
I can sense Amber's apologetic stare but I didn't mutter any word. Those are diminished in what they say. I dare them ?! I did not leave my own palace and hurt my family just to insult them !!
They will see who I am !!
I was not called stubborn and combative in our world to let them insult me. I'll be who I am in this world. No holding back!
I will show this man that it was wrong for him to take me to my palace!
I myself opened the door to strong forces. It create a loud sound making them look at me. My eyes were burning in anger while they were gaping at me.
"I didn't leave my freaking palace just to be insulted in this unknown kingdom of unrecognizable species! You all bastards!"
I heard them gasped but I don't care. No mother. No father. No brothers. There's no one to stop in my brat stubborn attitude. Valdus smiled as if he was enjoying the scene.
"Princess Ameerah of Filifia? Ah. You get a very great princess from great two kingdoms, King Valdus. I see. I see,"
I turned to the man on the other side. He was handsome. Handsome my ass. They can't deceive me by their looks. I was so used to the stupid princes who used to flirt with me.
"What now ?! Why? Do you also want to take a princess in my world to be faithful to that man," I pointed to Valdus who was just looking at me. "Unfortunately, you don't get anything yet!"
He was amazed at your attitude. What does he think? That I would suddenly be gentle with him like his gentle face? Kiss my ass but I won't.
"Don't be a brat my Queen and sit here," Valdus ordered
I glared at him but his aura was serious. I was forced to approach him to sit next to him. What I can do? He had a full control of me. If I could only kill this..thiss..urgh!
"There's a reason why I chose Ameerah as my Queen so don't dare question my decisions. You all know nothing. You can go now. Dismissed,"
They all hid quickly as soon as they left that room. I was left behind, he and the man we talked to earlier.
"Stop shamelessly staring at my Queen, King Ephraim," Valdus threatened
I just rolled my eyes at them. What am I going to do in this palace? Is this another boring stage of life? How long will I be or maybe while I'm alive here ?! My head just gets hotter than I think.
I stopped at the thought of feeling Valdus touch my waist. He pulled me closer not cutting his stare at the other King.
There's something about the aura of Ephraim that I don't like. He was like planning something bad and he openly showed it.
"I'll wait for you at our room, Ameerah," Valdus
Ehpraim smiled as if challenging Valdus but Valdus was still calm and not bothered by his presence. There was a mischievous glint in his ruby red eyes.
"Obey your King, Queen Ameerah," Ephraim
"Of course. He's my King and he's the only one I will obey,"
Valdus POV
I laughed at her. So feisty, stubborn and bratty. I don't know she had these kind of behaviors but it makes her even more capable of being my Queen.
I laughed more when she rolled her eyes at Ephraim. In a minute, she left the room. I still smell the perfume she's using. Refreshing.
"She came from the blood of King Dwight and the great Queen Samara of Ihmapuleya,"
I raised my brow in this stupid man. "I only choose the best,"
He chuckled which makes him get into my nerves. I want to break his bone but I need to restrain myself from doing so. Reputation is important.
"We both know. It's not you who choose her,"
A dangerous smile appeared my lips. Hmm. Ah, so brave.
"Are you invading illusions King Ephraim? War between our Kingdoms wasn't good for you. I am right. Right? So I suggest to shut your mouth and don't steal my Queen,"
He smirked and I gritted my teeth.
"Hmm. You mean. Just how I stole your Queen Alderie?"
Ameerah's POV
Suddenly I looked at the door when Valdus was released with a frown on his face. Looks like their conversation don't go very well. I just remained depressed and didn"t take my eyes off him.
"Why are you staring?" He asked in disgust
I narrowed my eyes at him. "Eh you? Why are you here?" My arrogant question
His eyes glowed as if he was more disgusted with what I said. I don't really know what this man is planning. He won't just take me here for no reason or benefit. I don't believe he's just claiming me as the change of Filifia's protection.
"Don't pissed me off because I'm already pissed. Stand up. You'll come with me," he commanded
"Come where? Is there a beautiful view here in ... What is the name of your kingdom again? Alflafori—" before I could finish what I was about to say he pressed my lip
I glared at him but he smirked. He quickly pulled my hand upright causing me to sink into his chest. I instantly felt his warm hand in my waist.
"It's Aldafor Ameerah," He answered huskily
His voice can send a tingling sensation in my belly so before I get carried away by this strange feeling. I pulled myself away and rolled my eyes at him.
"Where are we going?" I held my chin up
"Don't my feisty Queen want a tour? It'll be a pleasure if you will let me take you—" I was swallowed by saliva as she barely walked until she was only a handful away from me.
Is it me or there was something in his sentence? It sounds like a double meaning. I gulped again. I was about to push him away when he held my waist tightly. He smirked.
"—Around the palace. I want you to see the beauty of Aldafor and the things you must do for being a Queen,"
"K-Do I have to t-really explain g-this close ?!" I was swallowed
"Why?" He acting like he don't know what I am talking. Which makes me pissed off. "Are you uncomfortable with your King? As far as I know. There's more we have to do,"
I hit his chest and pushed him violently but I pushed myself and he stayed where he was. Because of the force, I fell into the bed. He smiled even more.
"If you want me to take you now My Queen. You could have tell me," He teased
I glared at him. "You can't touch me! I hate you! I hate royals like you! Why are there so many princesses! Why me!" I shouted as I threw a pillow at him
I was unaware of the tears falling on my cheeks. Urgh! I hate this man! I hate this specimen of whatever in the world! I stopped throwing all the exhausted pillows there. I wiped the tears but it continue flowing freely in cheeks. I felt him holding both hands. I wanted to push him away but I lost my strength.
The scene where Mama and Papa were crying while holding my corpse came back to my mind. No. I'm not a corpse because I'm here in the palace of Valdus and I'm very much alive!
"I warned you. I said you will only hurt yourself," she whispered
"No. K-If you don't d-come. S-I hope I'm not hurt and sad right now," I cried correcting what he said
He was silent. I just cried for a few minutes before wiping the tears from my cheeks. A defeaning silence enveloped us afterwards because we both had no intention of speaking.
"Let me show you my world Ameerah. It wasn't that bloody and dark like red. It was beautiful outside," he said softly.
I suddenly looked at his eyes and our gaze locked. I felt lost in his eyes tantalizing eyes. I know I should be scared of the kind of eyes he has but I really found it adorable.
I suddenly gasped as I felt his lips gently touch my forehead. Then I felt his lips in my cheeks next. I unknowingly close my eyes to feel his warmth especially when his finger caresses my cheek.
"I want to make you feel better with me Ameerah,"
I refused to come with him and stay indoors. I'm not in the mood to go around and all I want now is to lie down in the four corners of this red room.
Things were running in my mind just like Valdus' reasons why he was making me his queen.
If I heard it right. His ministers refused me as the Queen because I was a human and said that someone was better able to perform in my position. They even mention a woman's name but I forgot it. I hugged the pillow then leaned over.
I'm annoyed with him. If there is anyone who can act as a queen. Why does he have to torture me? He said he has his reasons but what it is?
"Why not just let that woman be his child and make her queen!" I whispered in disgust
I tried to close my eyes but I couldn"t really sleep. Urgh. Who is that woman? Is she really capable of being a Queen? So what are they're trying to say? That I am worthless and weak?
I gritted my teeth and threw the pillow away. "Don't let yourself down Aneerah! What is that if she's even more okay with you? You must not care. All you have to do is find out the reason why you were chosen !,"
I lay down properly again. That's right. That what I should exactly do. I know it's not just Mom and Dad's blood that's the reason. There must be something more.
I stood up then put on the soles of my feet like boots when I looked. Then I carefully headed to the door and opened it. The hallways were covered with dimlights coming from glowing rubies embedded in the wall. I had a bit of a hard time finding the exit because of the size and volume of the road. I continue strolling around until I found a balcony with two big single sofas and a small table in the middle. I then remembered the balcony in the old palace of Filifia.
I slowly approached there and looked outside. But I was beyond shocked on what I saw. The trees have no leaves and are obviously very dry. The walls were old and the irons were rusting. Everything around seemed to be dead and it was even sadder because of the red moonlight in the sky.
"W-What happened h-here?" I whispered to myself
I stepped back and started walking away. I can't take it. The scenery was breaking me down. I felt sadness and grief at what I saw. It was like, the whole palace needs someone to take care of it.
"W-What ... happened to this palace?" I whispered
I feel like I"m out of my mind while walking. I didn't even know where I was going or where my room was. The palace was way too big and it contains floors because of the stairs I saw earlier.
"Your highness! What are you doing here?"
I was shocked to hear Amber's voice. I turned to her and examined what she was wearing. She had a file of clothes in her arm.
"I-I was lost," was the only answer
"You could have called me your highness. I can always hear you. Common, I know your tired. I'll walk you to your room," he said.
He walked ahead and I remained silent as I followed him. My mind was flying off somewhere and my heart was feeling empty. I'm curious why the surroundings of the palace are like this when we get to my room. I bravely asked her.
"Amber?"
She looked at me with her smiling face. "Yes, your majesty?"
"What happened to Aldafor? Why everything looks like they've died?"
An emotion flickered in her eyes but it disappeared when she smiled that it didn't reach her eyes. He approached me and sat at the foot of my bed. Her eyes was in her lap that's why I can't see her emotions.
"Unfortunately, Queen Ameerah. We were cursed,"
To be continued...