Chapter 39: Arena Games

Chapter 39: Arena Games
Alicia looked around “Let's take a walk to somewhere else, I wouldn't want for someone else to hear”

Althea nodded, she walked side by side with Alcia to a different part of the estate not far from her training ground.

Their maids and guards walked a few distance behind.

Althea stopped walking and she did too "There is no one here, you can tell me what it is”

Alicia looked around to confirm there was no one close enough to hear them.

“I haven't told you the main reason why I wanted us to be close and that is because I want to help you. I heard this marriage was against your wish and there were rumors that you tried to run away but the Baron caught you and brought you back. If you still do not want to stay I can help you escape this time and the Baron won't be able to catch you because I am someone with lots of connections. I will help you run to a far away land, he won't need to find you because to him you will be dead, I will help you fake your death” Alicia said this in one goal and with a very serious expression on her face.

Althea knew she was not bluffing, she was very serious with all she just said and seemed concerned about her. It took her by surprise that Alicia knew all this and wanted to help her. But why does she really want to help her and why does it seem like it was important that she does.

“Why” 

Alicia smiled because she expected the question and already has an answer for her "Because no woman would want to be in your shoes, no girl who has dreams would want to be forced into a marriage they don't want. I wouldn't want to be forced into a marriage I do not want. I like you a lot and even if I know you for just a short period of time, I want to help and also because I know  Damian very well that he wi not what to let you go, you will leave here for the rest of your life being forced to do things he wants, so let me help you”

Althea looked at her not knowing what to say. Yes she wants to leave but then she doesn't want to agree because this might just be a trap since it's so unexpected and unreal that she wanted to do this for her. Is Damian testing her? She is sure he is, and even if he is not, she doesn't think allowing Alicia to help her is the best thing to do.

“No thanks” 

Alicia was surprised that she refused. Is it that she had changed her mind about leaving? She doubts.

“Do you think it's a trap that the Baron is making me test you?” 

“Isn't he?”

“No he is not. I don't know if you have noticed but I and the Baron don't have a great relationship like we did when we were little. Yes we are friends but not that close, he won't ask me to do such. You have to believe me that I want to sincerely help you” Alicia spoke with all the sincerity she had.

Yes she wants to help Althea escape, this was not Damian's trap. But she had a selfish reason, it is not to help her, it is to make sure she goes as far away as possible from Damian so Damian will marry her instead with Althea not in the picture.

She might be saying the truth but still Althea doesn't want to agree with it “No is still my answer”.

Alicia faked a smile “It's fine its your choice, I just wanted to help. But if you change your mind you know how to reach me. Have a nice day Baroness” Alicia bowed then turned and walked out of there. She was so angry, she wished there was another way to get rid of Alicia. Why is she being so hesitant? Why!!? Or is she already warming up to Damian? Alicia gritted her teeth in annoyance.



Finally the day of the Arena games arrived

The capital was so busy with people coming in from other provinces and the market place was filled with items. Everyone was dressed in different colors to represent the warriors they support.

Althea was not excited about the arena games; she is just glad she will be leaving the estate after more than a month of not doing so.

She was dressed in a white gown with black boots. Nina brought in gold accessories for her, which was used in designing her neck, hand and hair.

She looked at herself in the mirror and was pleased with how she looked. Her makeup was not much which she is glad about. It was sunny so it will surely get sweaty.

According to Nina, Damian was already at the Arena and she will be going there along with her guards. She is sure he will double security on her so she will not escape.

She got down stairs and got into the black exotic carriage waiting for her. Nina got in with her and soon they were on their way to the Arena location.

Nina told her that the game takes hours till it gets dark, but she could choose to leave anytime.

Althea looked outside the window and saw how busy the market place was. This was just like a festival. She wonders how it will look like when they are actually celebrating a festival, it will surely be more packed and crowded than this.

About 30 minutes later they arrived at the Arena.

It was so big, the walls surrounding it were so high. 

“How many capacity does this contain"

“30,000 people”

“Wow” Althea was in awe.

They went down and headed through a secured and private entrance different from the one the crowds were entering. Seems this is excluded to just the very important persons.

They kept clipping till they got to the top floor. Nina took her to where Damian is. She could see Damian and someone else talking. The person was dressed extravagantly with a crown on his head. He must be royalty.

Damain turned to look at her and his eyes moved up and down her body.

He walked towards her and held her hand. You look beautiful. He whispered in her ear.

Damain took her to meet Enzo who had a smile on his face.

“This is the crown prince Enzo,” Damian said to her.

Althea bowed her head to show respect “Hello prince Exo, nice to meet you”

Enzo smiled “It's nice to finally meet you Baroness, the Baron has said a lot about you, one of which is that you are very beautiful which I now see is very true” he said.

Althea smiled “Thank you”

They spoke a bit more and she got to like Enzo's personality.

The game started with a dance group opening the game. And then the game chairman made mention of the prince's presence which made the crowned cheer and also made mention of the Baron and Baroness presence.

A lot of people kept quiet when she was mentioned.

“You have to get up and wave, they need to know who their Baroness is” Damin whispered to her.

Althea suddenly felt nervous. How will they take her, will they groan in displeasure or shout happily?