Raige
I received a call from Jammy, her voice strained, almost breaking. She was clearly distressed. "Sir, she's giving me a hard time," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "She's... she's refusing to let me help her."
I reassured her, my voice calm, steady. "Don't worry, Jammy," I said, "I've hired someone to follow her. She's safe."
After my meeting with my father, I took him aside, my voice filled with a newfound enthusiasm that was far from genuine. “Father,” I said, my tone sincere, “I’ve decided to attend school to deepen my knowledge of the human world. It’s essential for me to understand their ways.” I assured him of my commitment to remain by his side, to assist him, to prevent him from suspecting that I had a hidden agenda.
I let out a weary sigh, concealing my lack of interest in accepting the throne. Keeping this sentiment to myself was crucial, especially now that Sierra had returned. Until I could devise a plan to conceal my actions regarding the elixir and its consumption, I had to proceed with utmost caution.
My father seemed genuinely pleased by my newfound interest in learning. “I’m glad you’ve decided to pursue your education, Raige,” he said, his voice filled with pride. “Despite not attending school, you’ve dedicated time to reading extensively. You have a good foundation in knowledge.”
My father’s happiness was evident, unaware of my hidden agenda, of my desire to stay close to Sierra, the girl they didn’t know had consumed the elixir.
Stepping into a university for the first time in over a century, I was surprised by the reception I received. Could I be that famous? Regardless, my focus remained on being near Sierra, or rather, Aliyah.
Sensing her presence, I swiftly made my way toward her location. I was relieved to see that Hilda and her friends were absent, perhaps her father had summoned her elsewhere. I was surprised by her unwavering enthusiasm for education, considering this was her second stint in college. She seemed to find the environment entertaining and a convenient source of food.
I overheard whispers questioning my decision to align my schedule with Aliyah’s. I tilted my head, reminding myself once again that her name was now Aliyah, not Sierra. If I continued this slip-up, my carelessness may jeopardize her safety.
I smirked as her face flushed red in frustration. Her adult form was even more attractive and seductive, especially when she was angry.
“Do you find me amusing?” she retorted defiantly. “I couldn’t care less if you were the son of the wealthiest man in the world. I won’t tolerate being mocked.”
I smiled genuinely, though it may have appeared as a smirk to her. It was possible that this misunderstanding led her to believe I was mocking her.
I was on the verge of explaining, but Hilda and some of her friends approached me cheerfully, forming a circle around me. I resolved to engage in conversation with Hilda, diverting attention away from Aliyah to ensure that they wouldn’t bother her.
“Raige!” Hilda exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. “Finally! I thought my father was joking when he mentioned you being at my university, and that I had to accompany you.”
I signaled for her to leave me be, but she didn’t understand and moved closer.
“Come on, Raige,” Hilda said, her voice laced with a touch of desperation. “You’ve been living abroad for too long and may not be familiar with this country. I’m here to help you. Besides, I’m your fiancée, so it’s my duty to look after you.” She wrapped her arms around my arm, her touch possessive.
“Are you not listening to me?” I asked, my voice edged with frustration. “I’ve made it clear that I don’t need your help. I can take care of myself. Why don’t you mind your own business?”
I noticed Aliyah walking away in the distance, engrossed in conversation with Hilda. I decided to let her go unnoticed for now.
“Why are you so stubborn, Raige?” Hilda persisted, her voice laced with a hint of accusation. “You need to come to terms with the fact that I’ll be your wife sooner or later. You have to get accustomed to my presence, whether you like it or not.”
“Why are you being so obstinate?” I said, my voice rising with irritation. “Are you dense? Do you still have a brain to understand a simple phrase like ‘mind your own business’?” I watched Hilda grit her teeth, her frustration evident. I refrained from using harsh words, knowing that she was already irritated by something as simple as that.
“Okay, fine,” she said, her voice softening, a touch of resignation creeping in. “I understand that you don’t want to be guarded by your fiancée because you still want to have fun with other girls. Even though our engagement is merely for convenience, I hope you remember the importance of respect and avoid irresponsible behavior. I’ve heard rumors of you enjoying the company of other women, but I trust that the elders are unaware. Have your fun, but steer clear of trouble.” She grasped my attention firmly, her words laced with a warning.
Frustration surged through me, a wave of anger washing over me. She was oblivious to Sierra, yet she dared to lecture me. I grabbed Hilda by the neck, my grip tightening, my frustration boiling over.
“Who gave you the right to meddle in my affairs?” I snarled, my voice a low growl. “You’re just my fiancée; you’re not hired to obstruct my path. How dare you speak to me in such a manner?”
I felt her tapping my arm, her struggles for breath evident. I swiftly let go, my anger momentarily subsiding.
“This is the first and last time I am telling you,” I said, my voice cold and dangerous, “Whoever the girl I’m involved with, stay away from her and don’t harm her. If I discover that you have, you know the consequences. I trust you understand the severity when I’m angered.”
I released her, my gaze piercing with intensity, hoping she comprehended my message. I turned away, grabbing my schedule from the counter, and swiftly made my way to where Aliyah was. Guided by my heightened sense of smell, I located her at the back of the school, seated on a bench, observing a student soccer game.
I approached her, and she was startled to see me again.
“You again?” she exclaimed, her voice laced with a touch of annoyance. “Won’t you leave me alone? I just want a peaceful university life, and if you keep following me, your fans might start bothering me. I’m a simple girl with nothing to offer, and besides, you already have the most important thing to me, right? What more could you want?” She was clearly taken aback.
“I’m sorry if you feel like I’m causing chaos in your life,” I said, my voice softening. “But I assure you, I’m here to protect you. I can’t disclose all the details now, but trust me, there’s nothing more important to me in this world than your safety. If you think your most precious possession is your virginity, you’re mistaken. Aliyah, please allow me to be by your side. I promise to behave.”
I hoped she could sense my sincerity, my genuine desire to protect her.