Chapter 44 Chapter 44: Hidden Place of Truth
Chapter 44: Hidden Place of Truth
Vishiea’s POV
After lunch, Nathan and I decided to talk for a while.
We were walking in the kingdom when he decided to tour me in the village. I agreed since I’m getting bored staying inside the palace.
“The living here in the village is simple. Since King Darius took over the throne, he makes sure that everyone has a great life and the kingdom can supply everyone with their basic needs,” Nathan said. I only nodded my head. That was a great idea. However, it won't change the fact that he's still a cheater and a bastard.
I looked around and everyone seemed to have a comfortable life.
He stopped for the meantime. I followed his gaze, and he was looking at an old man.
“You know him?” I asked. He sighed, nodding his head.
“Yes, he's a former knight. However, due to an unexpected incident, he got shot by an arrow. From that day on, he wasn’t allowed to be in his position,” he told me. I looked at the man.
“Why?” I asked out of nowhere. He looked at me.
“From that day, he’s not able to come with us. He's weak and his heart hurts,” he answered me, then started walking. I followed him.
“Being a knight isn't easy. Protecting the king and kingdom is a big responsibility,” I told him. He just kept on walking until we were out of the village.
“You're right. It's indeed challenging. But that's life,” he told me. Until now, I still don't understand the reason why he chose to be a knight.
“Nathan, tell me. Do you actually want this position?” I asked him. He stopped walking for the meantime and stared at me.
I avoided his gaze and started to walk. There’s something in his stares that I couldn’t explain.
“I didn't dream of becoming a knight,” he told me, which made me confused. But why did he choose to be one?
“When I was a kid, my father became a knight. Life was actually simple and happy until one day we found out what happened during the war. Dad was killed and we never saw him again. My mom couldn't bear what happened and chose to end her own life.” I was surprised because of what I heard.
Nathan was my childhood friend, but I didn’t know what happened to his parents.
“I’m sorry,” I said, guilty for what I had heard.
“You don't have to be sorry. When I found out the truth, I was determined to be a knight. It wasn’t easy, but I had to be. I became a knight not because I wanted to get revenge on the enemies, but because I wanted to continue my dad's dream, and that’s to protect the kingdom and the king—to serve with loyalty,” he said.
I smiled because of what I heard. Nathan is actually someone that everyone would admire.
He's not just a hero, but he also has strong determination and loyalty to the kingdom.
“You're incredible, Nathan. After what happened to your father, you still wanted to be a knight and continue his dream,” I said while smiling. He looked at me, our eyes met.
“Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face?” I asked him. He shook his head.
“It's just that I couldn't help but stare. You really look like someone I used to admire before,” he answered. I was silent for the meantime.
“I bet you're referring to Vishiea?” I asked him. He nodded his head. I could see the sadness in his eyes.
Nathan was my childhood friend, and we still shared memories together.
He wasn’t that loud kid before. He was actually silent, yet he knew how to get along with people around him. Humble, and someone you could trust.
“My apology, I know you're not her. It's just that you have similarities,” he answered me. I chuckled and started walking again.
So, did he actually admire me before? I didn't know anything about that.
“So tell me about Vishiea, is she beautiful?” I asked him. He cleared his throat while walking beside me.
“You're gorgeous, that's why she's definitely gorgeous too. You actually like the same things. I even thought you were her twin sister,” he said honestly, which made me smile.
Nathan doesn't know how to lie. If you only knew it was me, what would you do, Nathan? Would you question me? Hate me for lying? Would anyone of you who became close to me in this kingdom treat me indifferently once you found out I am Vishiea?
“Well, sad to say, I am only my mother Kiara’s daughter. She never mentioned to me that I have twins. Maybe Vishiea and I aren’t related after all. We only have similarities, that’s it,” I told him.
He didn’t respond, and he went to open a wooden gate. I got curious about what’s inside that wooden gate.
“You're right. You're actually different from her,” he said as he entered, and my jaw dropped as I stared at the whole place.
There was a hidden river in this kingdom. There were a lot of flowers, and butterflies were flying around.
“Wow, I– I wasn’t informed that there are actually places like this here,” I blurted out. I heard him chuckle, but I was busy watching the whole place.
I honestly didn’t know there was a place like this in this kingdom. I had never been here before.
“I discovered this place when I was a kid. I often go here when I feel like surrendering. This place witnessed everything about me,” he said as he sat on the ground.
I did the same thing. This place was actually great.
“Does anyone know this place aside from you?” I asked him. He shook his head.
“I was surprised to find this place in the first place. But since then, I always come here to relax. The view is great,” he uttered. I nodded my head.
“I would like to go back to this place again. This is more relaxing than staying in the palace,” I told him and let out a deep breath.
“You're always welcome here, Lady Anastasia. I will escort you anytime,” he uttered. I could feel that he was staring at me right now. I looked at him.
“Thank you for bringing me here.” Our eyes met. He smiled.
“Anything for you, Lady Anastasia.”