Chapter 11: SNAKE IN A GREEN GRASS.

“Siofra, what is going on? What happened between you and mum?” I ignored Alma, who had followed me up to my room, when she saw me in tears.

"Siofra, say something to me. What is going on?” I turned towards her and opened my mouth to say a word, but I didn't know what to say.

“Talk to me already; why are you packing your things?” I could hear the worry in her face. At least someone still cares. I walked up to her and took her hands in mine.

“I'm very glad you are part of this family; at least mum has someone she believes in. Don't ever disappoint her; you are like her backbone.

I'm sure you are more important than the stone of light.” I said this to her as I smiled in between my tears.

“Siofra What are you even talking about? Nothing is more important to a queen than the stone besotted upon her. And why are you sounding like I'm the only child Mum had?”

“Because I'm about to make mum’s biggest dream come true.”

“I don't understand.”

“I will see you around, Alma; I need to go.” I picked up a few more of my things and headed for the door. I'm done having anyone control my life.

And to think she did not even try to stop me from leaving; she should have at least said something to me.

But then again, I am Siofra, the daughter who never listens and does something right. I wanted to go see my dad, but I didn't want to drag him into my trouble, and besides, he has no say against my mum.

I will just go stay with my grandmother; I'm sure she will be more than happy to see me. We rarely visit her because Mum is against it. She has never been on good terms with Grandma for as long as I can remember.

Alma's POV

I watched her ride out with her horse and rolled my eyes. I don't know why she had to be so annoying. I hope your stay at grandma's house lasts for a long period of time.

I need to act like the concerned sister, which is very annoying. I have been putting up with Siofra for too long, but I'm beginning to run out of patience.

And then again, I can't do anything stupid now since she is of great benefit to me. I adjusted my clothes and went down to confront my mum in the throne room.

There she was, sitting on that magnificent throne, which I have dreamed all my life to one-day sit on. I have trained all my life for this. I had to keep up with all her nonsense to get this far.

I will make sure my name is heard, and then again, I will build my army. Soon, I will be pushing you off that throne because it belonged to me to begin with.

“Your highness,” I greeted as I slightly bowed to her, paying my respect.

“Alma, why are you here?” She asked, looking so lost in her own world.

“I came because Siofra is threatening to leave the palace. What am I even saying? She just left with her bags.”

“That's better; at least I would have a peaceful day and a less stressful day too. She should go stay with her grandma as much as she wants before the wedding.” She replied, looking so carefree. How can she treat her own daughter like that?

“But mother, aren't you worried that she might really be running away for good?”

“I'm not worried, Alma. I want you to focus all your interest in your royal duties and leave your troublesome sister alone for now.” I was shocked; I can't believe she raised me.

I have always been the one stealing all the attention Siofra wanted as she grew up little by little. She was mostly raised by our grandmother (the queen’s mother).

She has always looked like an outcast from the get-go because Siofra was born with a free spirit. But I never thought she could be this heartless about not checking up on her after being the reason she ran away from home.

And then again, why should I care? Siofra might be my sister, but I care more about getting the throne than anything. My wandering eyes glanced at the royal jewellery that once belonged to Siofra.

“Did you also deprive her of her right as the royal princess?”

“I did not; she brought that upon herself. Now if you would excuse me, Alma, I want to be alone.”

Why should I care if Siofra’s life is so unfair to her? I will just make her life a little better after I am queen. After all, we still share the same blood; maybe then I will have her do whatever she wants as long as she stays out of my way.

I turned and left the throne room with one thought in mind. Why hasn't my stone of life come to be? I am of the right age; I have been nothing but a good girl in this kingdom.

Mum said these were the qualities you needed to be the next chosen one. But why hasn't it come to me? What am I getting wrong?

Anna's POV

I haven't been able to reach Alda since last night. She wasn't picking up her calls, which I found strange. I couldn't help getting worried about her. I hope that scumbag of a husband didn't touch his filthy hands on her.

It can't do; I have been calling, and she isn't picking. It's time I go over to that house and know what is happening. I told her to stay with me, but she wouldn't listen.

I quickly rushed up as I grabbed my car key. I am so going to kill Seth if he has done anything stupid to Alda. Even as I drove to her house, I tried to maintain the maximum speed limit, but my worry was getting the best of me.

When I finally dropped off in front of her house, I quickly rushed to the door, pressing the doorbell, but no one was answering.

Does this mean no one is around? What is going on?

“Alda!, Alda, open up; it's me, Anna.” I said as I knocked hard on the door. The door was forcefully pushed open, and I nearly fell. Right in front of the door was Seth; he was shirtless, his hair was roughed into a mess, and he looked like he couldn't get much sleep last night.

“Where is Alda? I need to speak with her.”

“Aren't she supposed to be with you? She never came home last night, so I assumed she was with you.”

“You assumed she was with me and didn't even call to check if she was really with me. You just assumed, and you are comfortable with!?”

“If she is not with you, then maybe she went to her parents house; I'm sure of that. It's not as if she knows any other person or has any friends aside from you.”

The way he spoke showed he wasn't a bit worried about her. I could swear I nearly slapped him hard across the face.

It took every last strength in me to stop myself from doing it.

“You are nothing but a jerk. I know you married her just to get money out of her hands, but I promise I will stop you from hurting her. If you ever want to hurt her, just like you did yesterday, I will.”

"You will what? Get me arrested. Report me to her parents? Because that's all I know you can do. And you don't have any right to judge me, sweetie.” He said he was coming close to me as he leant in towards me.

“You and I are the same. The only reason we have someone like Alda in our lives is for our own benefit. So stop acting like you care about her when you don't." He wishpered in my ears, and then a chuckle followed.

“I am not like you. I care about Alda, and I'm going to save her from someone as pathetic as you.”

“Suit yourself, sweetie; suit yourself. But between you and me, Alda should be more scared of you because you are a snake in green grass.” 

With that being said, he left, went back inside, and shut the door right in my face. What a jerk. I wonder why Alda had to marry someone like him.

I angrily stormed off to my car as I decided to drive to Alda’s family house. If she knew she wasn't going to be back, why didn't she call me?

I had to put up with that stupid husband of hers. I tried to control my anger, but Seth’s words kept ringing in my head. “You are a snake in green grass.”