Chapter 2

......Chapter 2...

...

“My lady! My lady!”

“Wake up my lady!”

“Today is a very important day. You can’t be late.”

A voice called for me over and over with someone’s hand gently patting my shoulder.

“Hmm… Who is it? Emily? What day is it? I spoke with weary eyes. I slept a really deep sleep.

“My lady you're joking right? How can you forget about your own coming of age ceremony ?

“Oh yes!” How can I forget about it. Aunt is holding a ball for me and tortured me to try gowns and jewellery a whole week beforehand. If I am late today, she just won’t let me be.

I sprang to my feet while Emily and Mary grabbed me and dragged me to the lavatory.

…

I sat at one place while they did there thing. I remembered the dream I had today. Again, I dreamt about my past self from two years ago. That dream was so fulfilling that for once I didn’t even want to wake up.

But nothing remains constant. Now everything is very different than how it used to be. Everything has changed, especially me.

Although I have to admit that change did bring some good as well.

A sudden thought of him popped into mind out of nowhere but I shook my head and went with my schedule.

…

It took me a lot of time to get ready. Breakfast and lunch were brought to my room on which I almost choked, due to eating within minutes as Emily and Mary were still working on my gown and hairstyle. I can’t even remember just what have I gone through since this morning.

I am already exhausted. God knows if I’ll make it from the ball room alive? But I can at least do this much before leaving. For Aunt…and uncle…and my family. It's my way of repaying. A pleasant memory. A goodbye. The ball. Now that I think about it the ball would start at night, of course, after all it is to congratulate me as soon as I step into my birthday. Although the ceremony was supposed to take place a year ago, mine was delayed becau_

“It’s done my lady.”

“Oh…”

After all the things that I have suffered today, the result was worth it.

I got mesmerized by my own reflection as I stared in the mirror for so long until Emily called out for me. Is it really me? It seems I am no longer used to it anymore. My waist length raven hair let down with pearls clipping accompanied by a lavender gown circling an area of arm’s length; it swayed beautifully as I spun. Aunt’s gem necklace hanged from my neck.

After thanking Emily and Mary, I went down outside the ball room where my family was

waiting.

Family…

Sounds familiar yet strange.

“Cynthia! You're here. You look gorgeous. Now here, let me put this on for you.”

Aunt put a tiara on me. It was an heirloom which mother wore on her coming of age ceremony, from what aunt told me. Now it’s my turn.

Though I don’t remember her. Her face? Her voice? Nothing. I feel nothing towards that word— ‘mother’. Hah…Ironic.

Isn’t it strange to talk about dead on such a

day? But somehow it feels strange when I hear aunt saying that word with such emotions.

Like a void in my stomach. Like someone stole a piece of me? Like I forgot something important that I wasn’t supposed to.

Aunt, Elex and Elis went inside first. Me and Uncle were to go next.

My fingers fidgeted with the hem of my skirt leaving obvious creases…

Do I have to do this?

Why am I even here?

Do I have to go through that door?

That pack of hyenas?

Sigh—

How very annoying.

This is my very first birthday celebrated amongst the aristocracy.

I wonder why aunt arranged it all of a sudden?

I don’t like banquets and balls. It’s not like I have a grudge against them. I just don’t prefer them.

Why?

Cause they are filled with fakes_ Fake people. Fake smiles. Fake flattery. Fake friends. All the people in there only have one goal—to get the best for them selves. Even if it means bootlicking or backstabbing, you think it, they’ll do it.

‘Huu…’ I took a deep breath.

Just for today.

It’s just for today.

I can make it.

My thoughts must be drawn all over my face or maybe he noticed the wrinkled skirt that he spoke_

“It’s ok, you’ll be fine. Just be yourself.” As soon as these words came out of Uncle’s mouth, I turned to him. He didn’t show any particular expression but the words are surprisingly soothing. I think all my efforts for the last two years weren’t in vain. A slight change is visible. A soft thank-you slipped my lips. He seemed surprised and smirked.

“Presenting Grand Duke Edward Sherriden and lady Cynthia Sherriden.”

Our entrance was announced.

We entered and I grabbed almost everyone’s attention rather quickly and unknowingly.

Many eyes are on me and many whispers echoed throughout the hall.

As Uncle escorted me towards the centre of the hall for a dance, I saw my aunt and siblings cheering. Aunt’s complexion seems much better than two years ago. She looks healthier and more beautiful in her amber gown.

Elis and Elex, both inherited their ginger hair colour from Uncle which shone like ruby threads in the hall’s dim light. Elis cheered for me from across the hall in her lush gown which complimented her hair colour while Uncle and Elex are in their linen mantles.

The music began. I placed my hand onto Uncle’s and my feet slide into rhythm. My feet tapped on the floor along the music. We twirled and swayed and waltzed down the hall. I took a spin and felt the panic subside slowly inside of me. My raven hair swirled along.

My legs moved along with the flow. I drifted with the music, then came one more swirl. I bowed as the music ended.

After the dance was finished; we parted, in a blink of an eye – prince of neighbouring kingdoms, nobles from different houses, ladies; surrounded me with invites for dance and social circles.

“Happy birthday lady Cynthia Sherriden —”

“Hello your ladyship—”

“May I invite you to a dance lady Cynthia Sherriden —”

“I am_”

“Please come with me lady Cynthia Sherriden—”

So many people! No, I need to get out of here, out somewhere to get some fresh air. It’s too much for me. I squeezed my way out and finally managed to slip out from that bursty place to behind a pillar. I called for Emily and handed her all the jewellery as well as the tiara as I was feeling stuffy.

“Phew… Now I can breathe. Emily, take these things back to my room and settle everything here for me.”

“Don’t worry my lady but may I ask when you’ll be back?”

“I’ll be back before the ball ends so, please look out for me. I am just going outside to get some fresh air and maybe enjoy the view.”

She nodded and went on her way. Emily had been by my side from when I was really young. She understands me very well. Huu.

Now that all the extra weight is off, I can move around a little more freely. I don’t wear these usually so it’s kind of uncomfortable. I walked to one corner and put on my enchanted ring to change my appearance as to not get dragged into another dance.

I came out on the balcony since it was peaceful. Soft music rang in my ears and the cool breeze along the night sky calmed me. Placing my chin on my palm I starred till lost.

The cotton candy clouds floated slowly, surrounding the moon as if confining it to keep it’s beauty for themselves. The sky like a dark and serene ocean, so deep while so mysterious, nurturing distant stars and at the same time welcoming even the tiniest bit of glow from all around.

The cool night breeze kissed my cheek and brushed my tresses while I admired the allure up ahead. The moon was exceptionally beautiful today.

“It’s beautiful. Isn’t it?”

A voice interrupted.

My head went blank and the smile on my lips disappeared in the moment. Wait, I know this voice; the one which I heard last two years ago. I can recognise it anywhere. No, it can’t be!

I turned to see who it was. At the sight of him my face went pale.

“You?” I blurted out so much as a whisper.

Why is he here? How? Why did he show up now? And not then? He vanished two years ago without a trace, like he was never there, never met me, never annoyed me, never surprised me, like he never existed. For a moment I even believed it was all a dream while here he stood right in front of me. A rope tied down to a railing in the balcony all the way down to the ground. He was followed by John, his knight more of a buddy.

Looks like the security needs to be tighten.

“Missed me?” he asked following his candid tone.

“Only an idiot would.”

His lips turned to a smirk; “Are you one?”

How dare he! but I need to keep my composure. “No way.” I replied.

“Terrible liar, you know. Then if I may, who’s the unlucky one keeping you busy with their thoughts even though–” he cocked his head towards the door. “There’s a ball going on inside?” he asked raising his brows.

“You needn’t know”, asking like you don’t know me enough. I am here to get some fresh air.

“I’m kind of hurt and here I thought you were thinking about me. What about lady Cynthia Sherriden? Are you done here?” he continues.

“She is enjoying; well of course it’s her coming of age ceremony . What? You want an audience?” I tried to tease him.

“No. I am here for you but it seems like you missed me enough to still be furious with me for ghosting you for whole two years.”

I let out a snort. As if!

“I knew it. You’re bored. Let’s go somewhere peaceful and quiet to talk it out.”

“Aren’t you curious?” he asked reaching out his hand.

” I don’t_” before I could finish, his hand went to my waist and the other for the rope. We slid down the high walls of the mansion.

I let him, as a part of me wanted to. I don’t know why? Maybe because I was seeking some thrill. Or may be because it’s him?

We ran outside the mansion hiding and barely escaping the guards. I felt alive doing all of this once again. After running for a while, I saw two horses waiting for their owners.

While John climbed onto the black one, he pushed me upon the brown horse and then mounted behind me.

As we rode through the estate, I thought about our first encounter.

Had uncle not banned me from practicing sword, had I obeyed instead of sneaking out through the secret pathway, had I not gone to admire the waterfall afterwards, would he have been dead by now?

Both of them were struggling miserably for their lives. John was badly hurt whereas

Lucas was…

My gaze shifted to the ring on my hand.

“What thoughts are you lost in?” a voice jerked me out my thoughts from behind. It was Lucas.

Huh? I was so lost in the past that I didn’t even realise. Urgh how embarrassing! It’s good that he can’t see my face right now.

“Nothing much. Just recalling when I saved two fools from the brink of death even though it meant putting myself in danger.” I said, my voice coming out surprisingly firm.

He scoffed while john cleared his throat.

“Ahem!” We both turned to him.

“So, you haven’t gone mute? And here I thought that you lost your voice due to shouting after this idiot for these whole last two years.”

“Yes_ I mean N-No!” answered John rather embarrassingly after realising he got trapped in my word game. I could imagine Lucas’s typical expression even from my back.

“It’s ok John. I understand just how hard it must be for you to serve this young master.” I said teasingly. I was enjoying myself to the fullest.

“No-No! Its ok. I am used to it.”

“Pfft...” Looks like he really gave up on him.

“Alright-Alright. I get it. Now look ahead, we’ve reached.” Lucas tried to divert my attention and undoubtedly, he was successful.

How in the world can I ignore this astonishing view?

We got off the horse and walked towards the shore line while John walked to a stash of wood piled near a bush and opened his bag. In it were some snacks and hare meat which I guess they must have bought from the market. They prepared everything. He lit the bonfire and started roasting the hare.

I admired the glamour in front. The silver orb floated atop while the blinking stars accompanied, like sailors sailing through the vast stillness of the darkness. Trees billowed and danced whilst soft gales sang distant folklores, unheard, and undeciphered. The milky waterfall disrupted the lake’s tranquillity, brimming with otherworldly sheen.

I gazed upward towards the top of the fall where I and Ami would frequent to enjoy the view of down here.

Ami...

It’s been so long since I last saw her; She kept her promise, so should I . She must have realised my presence here in this forest. I wonder where she is ?

Something in the lake caught my eye. Auburn hair down the waist and eyes the shade of coal, accompanied by a finger long faint scar down the chin. It’s been so long since I wore this disguise. Once in that hellish place, no one was around to recognise me so what use was this ring?

“Miss Rose. May I?” Lucas turned to raise his hand towards me with an inexplicable grin.

“No way! I don’t know how to dance.” Yeah, he called me Rose. That’s what I introduced myself as when I met him for the very first time.

“How about I teach you?”

“N-NO Thanks. May be next time and by the way I am really tired from the ball,” what’s up with him?

I saw something dark flash in his eyes but it was gone the other moment.

“Ayee.” He returned to his usual sarcastic and carefree self. “I was going to blame you for stepping over my feet”, he stepped close and leaned over his face close to mine.

“And make you do my bidding for at least a few weeks”, I felt his breath on my face, his eyes having that mischievous grin.

Hah! May be I was mistaken.

I flew a punch towards his gut but he dodged.

Just then john called out to us_

“Rose! Lucas! It’s ready. Come eat.”

“Okay! Let’s go.”

We both walked towards him and I sat down on the big stone while Lucas settled on the grass next to John.

The meal was quite simple unlike those delicacies at the palace but who cares? I just like it here.

The smell of smoke and burned skin still lingered while the glow from the bonfire felt nostalgic. It brought back memories–some good, some bad. The meat was tender inside and crispy outside. I ate my fill as I was starving. I hadn’t been able to eat much before the ball just now. We ate and chatted silly, time passed by pretty nicely though Lucas was still annoying at turns. The sky was much darker now, may be its almost around midnight.

‘Happy birth day to me.’

The ball will probably continue for the whole night. I guess Emily covered for me.

“Hmm? This feeling? Is it….”

Just as I was listening to the jokes and munching on my snacks, I felt something strange, some one’s presence. I dashed my eyes around in hopes to see a familiar figure and landed them on the waterfall’s top where a shadow peered at us.

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