Chapter 23: (Part 1)-1

~Emily~ "Our objective?" I asked. Harry smiled, walking towards my window and staring at the vast view. "Yes. Our objective. You want to find out what compelled you to run away. I, too, wish to find out the answer to this disturbing enigma," he explained. I raised my eyebrows, standing. "Wait, so you're going to help me?" I asked. He shook his head. "No. You are going to help me," he corrected. I was confused. "How can I help you? I don't even remember anything." "Your memory is not the only thing that could help me solve this mystery." "Then what can?" "Little girl, how about I tell you about what happened on the day you left us all?" suggested Harry. My eyes widened. Yes! This is exactly what I want to know about! "Yes! Tell me everything!" I exclaimed. He continued to smile. "Let's sit," he said, sitting on my bed. I sat down as well. "Gertrude!" he called, pressing the button. A minute later, Gertrude entered. "Yes, Master Harry?" she asked, bowing. "Fetch some cookies and popcorn please. Oh, little girl, would you like coffee, hot chocolate or milk?" he asked, facing me. I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "Uh... Hot chocolate?" I said. He nodded. "And hot chocolate please," he ordered. Gertrude nodded. "Yes, Master Harry," she said, leaving the room and closing the door. "Now, get comfortable," he said. "This is going to take a while." I leaned against the bed frame and relaxed. "Now can you start?" I asked. "Wait," he said, picking up my baby beaver from the basket. Placing the baby beaver on my lap, Harry said, "There! You might want to cuddle him when I tell you the suspenseful parts. Now that we're all comfortable, let me begin!" I sighed and nodded, impatient. *** ~5 years prior~ ~Harry~ "Oh, the tragic day has finally arrived!" I sighed, placing my hand on my forehead. "Harry—" "Oh! I can't bear the horror of seeing you trapped!" I continued. "We've had this discussion before! I'm not—" "You can still think about it, my dear. You can still think about running away with me and remaining a handsome bachelor forever!" I grabbed his arm. "Please?" I begged, pouting. My naïve, older cousin sighed, vexed by my foolish drama. "Are you done with your balderdash?" asked Nathan. I nodded, hopeful. "Harry, you should be happy to see me elated. Today, the whole Kingdom will know who Sertia Anne Albany is to me, and I to her. So, muster up some courage, you fool, and enjoy this day," he said, smiling. I, of course, knew that he was extremely happy that day; his bright blue eyes revealed everything. I was happy for him as well but my joy was slightly tainted by sadness since our friendship wouldn't be the same. "But... But... We won't be able to have our infamous bachelor nights...ever!" I said, sniffing. Those bachelor nights were memorable and invigorating. Rolling his eyes, Nathan was annoyed. Seeing him unmoved by my persuasions, I said, "Fine. I might've lost today, but on your wedding day, I'm going to kidnap you and lock you up in a cave," I mumbled. "I'm going to Sertia," informed Nathan, raising his eyebrows. Using his vampire speed, he left the huge banquet hall that was being extravagantly decorated. "Don't leave, you blinded coward! Sertia can't always protect you from me, you know!" I called, following him. Ever since Nathan found Sertia, he started looking like a dependent dog; following his master, who was Sertia, and doing everything he could to please her. In short, Sertia stole my most good friend and cousin, Nathan, from me. I ran through the ostentatious corridors and climbed up the grand staircase. Then, I ran through the corridors until finally, I reached the door of Sertia's bedroom. I stood outside Sertia's temporary bedroom. The white, grand door was slightly cracked open and I could hear her giggles. I didn't enter her room. "Nathan, you scared me!" she laughed. Her laughs always sounded beautiful, no doubt. "You look beautiful," complimented Nathan. "You always say that." "But you look very beautiful today." "Okay, stop with the flattery. You're embarrassing me," said Sertia, happy. Although I couldn't see her, I knew absolutely well that she was blushing fiercely. "Well, sorry to disappoint you, I don't think I can ever stop complimenting you, my love," said Nathan lovingly. I gagged. "Hm..." she said. "What is wrong? You are looking a bit down now," asked Nathan, concerned. My ears perked up. "It's nothing..." she replied quickly. "Sertia, tell me," he pressed. I heard her sigh. Damn it, little girl! Hurry up and spill the juicy beans! "...I'm just feeling so...overwhelmed right now. It's been six months since I met you for the first time. And now look; I'm engaged to you and tonight we are going to show the whole Kingdom our bond," she explained. I frowned. That's all? She was upset because all of this was just too overwhelming for her? Wow, she's weak. "Darling, if you want, we can delay the Engagement Ball," suggested Nathan. My eyes widened. Yes! Say 'yes', little girl! Yes! Yes! Yesss! If the dreaded Ball is delayed, I'll get a chance to hypnotise Nathan into staying single forever! "No, Nathan," she said. My jaw dropped. All the raised hopes I had dissipated. "Everyone has put in a lot of effort into this event. I don't want to waste their laborious efforts. I'll be fine, trust me," she assured. "Trust me," she repeated. "Fine," sighed Nathan. "But if you change your mind–" "I'll let you know," she averred, interrupting Nathan.