“Because everyone was already bragging about the King. In short, we were all talking about him. That’s why there is no thrill anymore.”
Clavia laughed but the pain in her voice cannot be denied. “Since the two of you had been separated for a long time, let me tell you how the king had been for the past years.” All of a sudden, excitement filled her voice. “I’ve always known how handsome Alex is. But he is incredible each time his eyes would glimmer upon the mere mention of your name.
“Nine out of his ten sentences were always about you and your daughter. The last sentence, if not about the incense, was about the state affair.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I am serious! The truth is… many times, I would indulge him to talk even if I’m already tired hearing about you just to keep seeing that glimmer in his eyes.” Her voice cracked. “I know that was the only way to ease his tension, his weariness, his anxiety, his disappointments, and the pain in his heart.
“Imagine having to bury his family members all at once, being apart from you and Demi, and being trapped here with the same people who judged and forsake him. He’s been carrying the Armethians’ cross for eight years now, and had been putting our lives in his shoulders. He took full responsibility for us despite the sins we committed.”
Clavia covered her face with her hands.
“I admit that there were days when we just wanted to die from humiliation but each time we were tempted to do that, we would think about the blood and sweat he would waste to keep us alive.” Clavia wept. “But we know what he feels. That’s why when we thought that nobody would enter the book anymore, there were parts of us that felt relieved because it meant he could finally rest. Alison, our king had been troubled ever since he was a kid.”
I knew his story and still, I judged him. My only excuse was that I was a human and a very emotional one. I was… hurt and did things that I was now regretting.
I opened my eyes when I felt Clavia reach for my hand.
“I’m begging you, human. Make him happy. That is our only wish for our king. We just wanted to see him smile happily for once and to see him rest. He has suffered enough. I know you did, too. I also know I shouldn’t compare his pain to yours. But Alison, if you only knew…” Her grip tightened.
“Like I said, I know the truth now.” I forced a smile even if I still had no clue what to do. I felt like both my heart and head wanted to burst, because they couldn’t keep up with the truth.
I hadn’t roamed around Arameth yet but I already knew it would be so lovely. And I feel really comfortable here. I had Alexandros’ mark, so I was certain that I could live here for as long as I wanted to. Adjusting wouldn’t be a hard thing to do.
Later on, maybe I could find a job here or something to do. Aside from that, everyone treated me nicely. Granted that they needed me, but I really felt their sincerity. There was no pollution here and definitely no traffic. There were no people who would drag me down, who would belittle me, and who would hurt me.
Arameth was peaceful now, unlike the mortal world.
But I was torn. There was no doubt that I could start a new life here, and begin all over again with Alexandros. In this place, there will be nothing that could separate the two of us anymore. We could finally make our dream come true.
Because it was impossible to deny it anymore. I was still hopelessly in love with Alexandros. I was in pain for a long time all because I still had feelings for him. I kept being hurt because I was still holding on to our memories.
Even if I wanted to forget him, even if I wanted to let go, a part of me still chose to hold on hoping that one day, Alexandros will find his way back to me, back to our daughter. That maybe he was just lost but he would return. I hated and pitied myself at the same time because of that.
But I was proud of my heart now for bravely holding on… because as it turned out, I held on to the right man. I still haven’t heard the explanation yet about the man I saw in the magazines back in my world, back in New York. But that thing could wait.
What mattered was that I could save a kingdom and thousands of lives residing in it if I would choose to stay.
But what about Demi? What about my mother and sibling? Nana Marcia and Jeremiah? I was sure they were busy searching for me right now. My daughter could be crying from worry right now. Alexandros had already missed a lot of details about Demi as a father, and I didn’t want to miss the rest of our daughter’s milestones. I had failed myself so many times. And I didn’t want to fail my daughter as well.
I pressed my forehead, still unsure what my next step was going to be. According to the book, I will find my heart’s desire in the place it would take me to. That’s why it led me to Alexandros. I was searching for answers and healing, too.
But it looked like I can only find answers here, not the healing part.
Because how could I possibly heal if I would dare to leave this place knowing that I was the one who caused Alexandros’ death?
“Alison, let’s go. I finally found him.”
I quickly lifted my head when I heard Nathan’s familiar voice who suddenly appeared beside me. Clavia released me as soon as he heard his announcement.
“Go, be by his side as soon as you can. There is no other person whom the king needs except you,” Clavia encouraged along with that genuine smile of hers.
“Thank you, Clavia.”