Chapter 2 Meeting a stranger
Lily's POV:
"Want me to kill him?"
I released a shrill sound, my eyes darting nervously in the garden before it landed on a dark figure at the dark corners of the garden.
" Who is that? ”
When the figure revealed himself, I took a step back. His broad shoulder seemed to fill the space as he stood tall, the moonlight casting a shadow on his masked face. The muscles beneath his fitted casual shirt rippled as he moved, his piercing gaze meant mine through the slit of the fearsome mask that hid his face. His steps were light, but his presence was unnerving.
" Who are you?". I asked again, as I looked for a way to escape.
But instead of answering my questions, he replied, "Want me to kill him?" The mask made his voice sound too low and scary.
" Kill who?" I was confused.
"Kill the man who made you cry" He whispered, his voice sending chills down my body.
I touched my cheeks, drying my tears as if that was going to erase everything, but his low chuckle told me it was all futile.
In an attempt to change the question, I asked, "How do you know it's a man?"
I knew I was supposed to flee, but his presence left me rooted to the ground.
He relaxed his broad shoulder and folded his hand on his chest. " That's the only reason why ladies cry".
I was amazed, no, more like shocked. " You think you men are the only reason in a lady's life?"
He didn't answer my question but lifted his shoulder in a casual shrug. "Then why are you balling your eyes out?"
For some reason, it felt like he actually wanted to know the reason.
" None of your business" I bit out.
"Ohhh. Getting defensive. I see". He held his hand over his mask as though he was closing his mouth.
' His voice is nice,' I thought, listening to his low chuckle.
However, when he took a step towards me, that thought was nowhere to be heard as my heart plummeted.
"Stay away". I held my hand out.
He continued advancing. I turned to flee but with a swift stride, he closed the distance and grasped me, his grip tight. The force sent me crashing into his hard chest, a stark contrast to my fragile frame.
When I attempted to jump away, his arms wrapped me in a tight embrace, holding me captive. He tilted my chin upward to his masked face.
God, that mask was a nightmare.
"Let me go, please". I was pleading, struggling against his strong grip.
This time, he leaned down and whispered in my ears.
"Who is it? The man who made a beautiful lady bawl out her eyes?"
His breath had me shivering. " Why do you want to know?". My fear had gotten a hold of me, that I didn't care what I was saying. "Because you want to kill him? Are you that bored?"
He didn't say anything, but by the way, his embrace became tighter. I knew I had said something wrong.
" I don't even know you and you are putting on a mask. Why should I trust you?"
His next words left me speechless.
"Want me to take it off?" His hand was already on his mask.
And I was about to yell yes when a thought crossed my mind. What if he kills me because of seeing his face?
"No. Don't". I immediately refused.
He cocked his head to the side in confusion, "Why?" And when there was no reply, he released me. "That's bad."
He had the audacity to lower his head, as if he was sad. But that gesture brought him closer, and I caught a whiff of his scented hair. A rich aroma that seemed out of place for a man so imposing.
His action made him look like a big baby.
" A big baby?". He asked.
"Huh?”. Gosh, I was lost in my thoughts.
" You called me a big baby". He repeated, his tone laced with amusement.
I clasped my hands over my mouth and I shaked my head ferociously. " I didn't say that!"
How did I say that out loud?
"You did".
"No"
"Yes"
"No"
"Yes". He insisted
"No".
"No"
"Yes"
"Haha. Got you". He chuckled, the sound low and raspy, but undeniably genuine.
I realized my mistake and slapped my forehead, embarrassment washing over me. But he just continued chuckling with his stupid ominous mask. I glared up at him, about to give him a piece of my mind when my name pierced the air. And it looks like he heard it, because he stiffened.
"Crown princess?". He repeated, but I could not place his tone.
I wanted to say something but nothing at the same time, but it was late. He took a step back, and then another, the distance growing between us.
I know it was stupid, but every step he took made me feel sad.
I rushed back to the entryway of the garden when he stopped me. " Weeping fairy."
I turned back to this stranger, "That's not my name."
He just shrugged as he replied. " I have no intention of calling you a crown princess."
Those words lodged themselves deep into my heart, without my permission.
I continued to move, his next words stopped again. "No man deserves your tears, especially not the crown prince".
With that he vanished into the garden's shadow. I watched his retreating form, a sense of isolation washed over me. At that moment, I craved a companionship.
"There you are, crown princess". A lady servant said as she gasped out in relief.
"Looks like they have found me". I thought miserably.
As I followed the servant out, I glanced back once more because I felt someone's gaze on me and I knew he was still watching him.
So I sent him a smile.
I woke up feeling disorganized. I could not sleep well last night, just kept tossing around. Because of a certain prince, the marriage consummation didn't happen.
My father's displeasure was sure to come, but that was a matter for another time. I relaxed in the luxurious bathtub filled with different scented oil, letting the maids' skilled hands work out the knots in my shoulders.
Just as I was relaxing, a young woman with fiery red hair walked in, her eyes downcast as she bowed.
"Crown princess". She greeted me softly.
I nodded, my gaze flicking to the elderly woman working on my gown. "Who is she?"
The maids took a step back, bowing in unison. "She is your new personal maid, Crown princess."
The girl's lean frame struck out. She looked like she needed a fine meal. But her vibrant hair and striking features were sure to make her stand out.
"Welcome", I smiled warmly.
I turned to the elderly woman, "What's today's plan?"
"You're expected to be downstairs for breakfast with the royal family", one of them said. " The King may not always attend, but the Queen is usually present."
I nodded, taking in the information as I stepped out of the bathtub. They rushed to dress me up and adorned my hair with jewelry before I made my way to the dining room.
My steps faltered, and I stopped dead in my tracks. The King's anger and the Queen's sobbing barely registered. My attention was on the stranger that was being held on the collar by the Crown Prince. Despite the situation, the stra
nger looked unbothered. His posture exuded defiance as he met Elliott's glare.
And when his gaze shifted to me, I felt the air leave my lungs.