THEIR FIGHT.

I pushed my hand away from his. Immediately, we were outside the palace. You have got to be kidding me. How do I put up with all of this?

“Look, I really don't know what our parents are discussing in there, but we can't let this happen.” I told him, but instead of replying, he walked away.

How can he be so rude?

“Are you seriously going to ignore me right now? Well, I don't blame you because you really don't have anything to lose.” I said to him, I never knew my word was going to piss him off.

He turned towards me with a force that took me off guard as I bumped into him, giving me the impression that I was chasing after him when he walked away.

“Does this face look like someone who had nothing to lose? Does it look like I am happy getting married to a princess whose mother groomed her all her life?”

“Excuse me, watch your language. I don't want this to happen, and don't ever look down on me like some spoilt princess.”

“But that is what you are. The only reason I am here is because I don't have any options, so get that in your head.” He said this as he came close to me. His face was so close to mine that I could feel his breath on my face.

“Keep your distance away from me!!” I let out a sigh as I hit his chest with a force that sent him away to the other side of the garden.

I could tell I took him off guard from the shocking expression on his face. He pushed himself back up and, angry, marched towards me. I positioned myself in a very comfortable position as I formed a fist with my hands, waiting for him to attack.

“Are you kidding me? What is wrong with you?”

“I should be the one asking you that. How dare you stand so close to me without permission?”

“Wow, you are unbelievable. So now I need to get permission before I can stand close to you? Why don't you write a rule instead and have it pasted on your head? Some princess you are.” I was furious.

I can't believe my mother wants me to get married to him. Is this what I'm going to deal with for the rest of my life? I felt a shiver run down my spine even as I thought about it.

“I will rather run away than marry a jerk like you.”

“I will rather lose my chief title than marry you.” How can he say such mean things? The sound of someone clapping behind me left me startled and, at the same time, running to Eldarion’s side.

“Wow, you both are awesome. Our parents want you both to get along, but instead you are engaging in a fist fight.” I was surprised to find Eldarion’s sister standing not too far away from us, as she kept clapping.

“Albina, what are you doing out here?” Eldarion asked.

“Nothing much; I just came to know how my brother is holding up with his new bride, but I guess it was a mistake.” I could hear the teasing in her voice.

How can two siblings be so rude and annoying? I couldn't help letting out a big sigh as I watched her approach us.

“I will advise you to stay out of my business.”

“Oh well, too bad our parents are already fixing a date for the wedding. Was it the day of the elf festival or the day of the wild hunt?”

“What!!!” I couldn't help screaming out. How could they do this to me?

"Relax, princess. Both events are still very far from happening, so you both have enough time to enjoy your singlehood,” Albina said with a smile on her face.

“Does this look funny to you? My life is about to be over just by having your parents and my mother set me up with your brother.”

“You are too worked up, princess. If you both don't want to get married, then trash the wedding. Don't just stand there flaming in anger; it's not going to solve anything.”

She was right; I don't want this marriage, and neither does Eldarion; we just need to stop the wedding from happening.

"Albina, leave now!”

“Calm down, Eldarion; I'm only looking out for you. I mean, I could be of help if you want me to.”

I watched as they both glared at each other. These two might be siblings, but I don't think they get along at all. Just having them glare at each other like that made me realise what a wonderful relationship I have with my sister.

“Your sister is right, Eldarion. We both don't want this marriage, but our parents are not listening to us, especially my mother. We need to find our own way out of this.”

“Fine, but count her out of it,” he said, pointing at Albina.

“But I can help; I can be your eyes and ears around mum and dad. You know I'm pretty close to them, and I can simply get my information.”

“I know you too well, Albina; you don't help others without wanting something in return.” Eldarion said it with a straight face.

“Ha ha ha ha ha, how could you say that? Of course I want something in return; you know me too well.”

I couldn't help shaking my head unbelievably; she is much more annoying than her brother.

“Name your price." I am willing to give anything just to get out of this.

“Don't worry, princess; only my brother can do this for me. I want you to set me up on a date with Earendil.”

“Never. I am not going to have you use me for one of your games.”

“Who is Earendil?”

“Oh, he is the man of my dreams, and my brother wouldn't help me have him. That's okay, but I don't know how long I can keep my mouth shut about you two trying to jeopardise your marriage.”

“He will do it. I assure you that he will set up a date for you and Earendil.”

“Thank you, princess. See you both inside, and also try not to kill each other.” With that being said, she left.

“Why did you say that to her? I am not setting her up with anybody.”

“Why are you making this a big deal? It's just a date.”

“Well, I know my sister more than you know her, and trust me, she is a handful. I would rather not let her drag me into her mess.”

“And you are willing to get married to me then?” I waited for his reply but got only silence as my answer.

“We need to act fast, or you will be taking me back to your village as your bride, and trust me, you don't want to have me around. I'm going to be your worst nightmare.” I told him and walked away, leaving him standing in the garden alone.

I also need some time for myself. What on earth am I supposed to do? How do I get myself out of this mess?

These are times I wish I could disappear and never return. I kept walking without even realising that I had left the palace. My mum is going to freak out if she discovers that I left Eldarion all alone at the palace when I'm supposed to be glued to him.

I ended up on top of a mountain that wasn't so far from the palace. This place has become my favourite palace to ease my anger and worries.

But today is just the worst. I wish I was born in another world, or maybe I was born into a nonroyal family; maybe then life would have been a little more fair.

Alda's POV

“Are you sure you want to go home? You can come stay with me until you are ready to face him,” Anna said for the second time since we left the restaurant.

“Don't worry, Anna; I'm fine. I have been running away from him all day; I should go home and face him.” I said, but I wasn't too sure what I was saying.

I wanted to follow Anna home because I'm scared of facing Seth. I'm scared of what I will find or discover if I face him, but I didn't want to bother Anna.

“You don't look that good to me. I would rather have you stay with me for the night than go home to meet that jerk.”

“I know you are worried about me, but I will have to face him one way or another. I can't avoid him for the rest of my life.”

“Fine, but I'm dropping you off.”

“Anna, you don't have to worry about that. I will have Albert take me home. Just go home and rest; I'm sure today was very hectic for you.”

“Are you sure you will be okay by yourself?”

“I am fine, so get going.”

“Call me immediately if anything comes up, okay?”

"Okay.” I followed her to the parking lot and wished her goodnight before she left. And once again, I felt scared. I didn't want to go home; I didn't want to face him today.

I lack the courage to face him, so all I could do was just run away. For today, I will just hide, but where will I hide?

I can't go home, or my parents will get suspicious. I don't have any other friends other than Anna. Maybe I should book a hotel for the night. I took my phone and dialled Albert's number.

“Hello ma'am”

"Albert, where are you?”

“I have been waiting for you at the company.”

“Oh my God, I'm so sorry for leaving you behind. I will be spending the night at Anna’s place, so please go home and rest for the day.”

“Are you sure? You have been acting off all day, Alda. Is something wrong?” I couldn't remember the last time I heard Albert call me by my name. That should be when I finished high school and headed off for courage.

Since I returned and started my company, Albert has never called me by my name, even though I begged him to, but hearing him say my name made me realise that he is either worried about me or suspecting that something happened between Seth and me.

“I'm fine, Albert; I just want to sleep over at Anna's. Why don't you go see your family tomorrow since it will be the weekend? I'm sure they must have missed you a lot.”

“But it's not even my off day.”

“I know, but you are no ordinary employee; to us, you are family. I was going to suggest that you retire and spend time with your family. You don't also have to worry about your payments since you will still receive them every month.”

“I can't do that; I promised your father I had to take care of you. I promised him I would make sure you were happy, and besides, I love my job.

I will only retire when I'm sure you are happy. Thank you for giving me the weekend off. I really appreciate it.”

His words brought tears to my eyes. I wiped them off as I cleared my throat, trying not to make him notice how miserable I was.

"Okay, Albert, I will see you on Monday morning. You can go with the car since I will be visiting my parents for the weekend.”

“Okay, I will come pick you up for work on Monday.”

“Bye Albert.” I ended the call and started walking down the road. I feel like getting wasted this night. I want to forget everything that bothers me, even if it is just for a moment. And the only thing that can help me do that is drink myself to stupor.

A smile appeared on my face when I saw a pub just on the other side of the street. I will just have one or two glasses, then I will go.

I need to make this night less stressful so I can get enough sleep. After all, I will be visiting my parents tomorrow. I need to appear with a smile.