Allure 42 Chapter forty one

He was going to put the ring. I pressed into my father for support. I couldn't take this but who was I to complain, He wouldn't stop even if he wanted to. I could see the distress in his eyes. None of us wanted this but fate was bound to puppet us. Just as he was about to complete the vow, I saw my cousin pull her finger. You could say my heart almost jumped out of my throat. It was so unexpected. The ring dropped to the ground and made this hollow ringing sound. The one question was why was Lucy rejecting marriage?

"" Marriage isn't a ring worn or the paper signed. It is not something endured but savored. It is the union of two hearts beating as one, each that would sacrifice for the other's happiness and wellbeing. Marriage is meant to be perfect and not a compromise. I can't marry you King Eric because you've found someone already and I wouldn't want to be the wedge..."

They both turned in my direction the second Lucy said those words. I started into Eric's eyes; They shimmered like stars. My heartbeat would not stop hitting against my rib cage so hard. I held my breath the moment he picked up the ring and walked down the altar.

What was happening?

My eyes dutifully followed him as he got closer and closer until he finally stopped. Did he change his mind about the marriage? My mind was really in shambles.

"Maisy, " My mind blanked. Was he really going to ask me to marry him again? I peeped at my father to see how he would react but he looked pretty okay with what was happening. So I listened.

"I'm sorry for everything I've done to hurt you but ever since I've met a person like you, You've made me laugh, worry and repeat. Today, I know that is what love means to me..."

I couldn't be hearing that. Was he being sincere? What was I even saying? Why else would he be here saying this? Yet, Those words made my heart melt.

...I love you Maisy and I thank the heavens for giving me a chance to see I don't want a life without you in it. I hope you still feel the same way about me so I have you know. Maisy, Will you be my queen?" He continued.

He said he loved me... I've heard him say it before but it had never felt so sincere. He was chasing after his heart...for me and he wanted me to rule side to side with him? I glanced at my father again but he still didn't give me any reaction. I felt like he wanted me to face my battles alone. In this case, battles of the heart. A choice here was going to be hard, not that hard though. A part of me believed he was doing this for the inheritance. Lucy rejected him and here I was, the jinxed girl who found it hard to say no to the man who had lied to her repeatedly. This had to be bad for the heart. He stopped and took a good look at me; ripping through my head and trying to gather what I thought of me. He knew I was wary.

"... it's not about the money. I don't care about the money anymore. It's... My heart... It's..."

He couldn't be lying. There was no guarantee I was going to say yes and here he was giving it everything he had to get me to say yes. This wasn't a last resort. This was from his heart. I got up before he could embarrass his title. He was king after all. I spared a look at my father one more time and this time, He reacted. It was that smile you gave your daughter the moment she finally takes her first steps without falling. I took in a deep breath before pouring my heart to him;

"I wish I could quit you Eric but something about you just keeps me coming back. This enchantment..."

"Does this mean...you accept?"

"I do."I retorted, half giggling when I managed to say the words.

He didn't have to say the rest. He immediately took my hand, caressing it as he held the gold ring to my ring finger. He pulled off the first one he placed and slid in the gold band. I admired the Wolf signet imprinted on the flawless gold. I looked into his eyes seeing nothing but his adoration.

"Your turn." He whispered, handing me my old ring.

This was so beautiful. I couldn't believe it was happening. I held his hands and said the words that came to mind.

"Since I set my eyes on you, Its been always you. I don't know what charm you've cast on me but your enchantment has me in place and if there is one thing I can ask, It will be, Eric, Will you be my soulmate?"

"Always and forever."

I fixed in the ring and he drew me in, trapping me in his arms and gently leaned in, kissing me. His lips were warm and left me with a burning desire.  When we pulled apart, I was breathless. If our burning lips didn't touch, if my heart didn't sing his name and if his eyes weren't adoring my very being, I'd probably believe this was a dream. It had to be.

***

  I walked up to Lucy after the procession had been completed. She sat alone and was lost in her own thoughts. I had to appreciate her for bravery. It wasn't easy to turn down the perfect life.

"Thank you," I said, gaining her attention.

"For what?" She queried, wiping away tears from her eyes.

Where was I to begin? Gearing up Eric to accept his feelings, allowing me to accept what Eric meant to me...

"I don't know how things would have played out if you didn't stand up for what was right."

"I know." She grunted. It was hard for her and I could understand her. I wrapped my arm around her and continued.

"You stood up for me there even when you could have it all for yourself. You bought for what was just. I'm sure if I had a sister, She would do the same thing. You were like a big sister there."

Her sobbings got louder and she broke my embrace.

"Trust me when I tell you I'm not and before you ask why, I just want you to know I've done terrible things, unthinkable things that I can't live with... At least, not here."

"What do you mean? You're leaving?"

"I have to," she replied. "But before I do, I have to give you this."

She revealed to me an emerald necklace so beautiful and bright, I could swear it was glowing. She turned it to the slightly sharp edge and pricked her finger. Drops of crimson slid on the green crystal and I watched its green glow drain before being replaced with a magenta color.

"Take this, " She instructed.

"What is it for?" I asked, collecting and examining the necklace.

"The spirits fail sometimes. Sometimes you have to do the forbidden to survive. Tatia was failed by the spirits and me. I can't fail you."

I really did not understand what she was saying but I was thankful for the parting gift.

"Why do you have to go?"

"To heal. To forge my path. My Destiny was never here and it was stupid for me to try to steal yours."

"Mine?"

"Don't worry. It will be clear soon," She assured before getting up. "Goodbye, Maisy."

"Goodbye, Lucy."

***

Anthony

I was unable to get the thought of my own brother having questions of what I was capable of. I grew up with him. I thought he would know me better.

"Can you believe it, Valentine?"

I was drunk. It was the only reason I would be at the exact spot the love of my life died three years ago. I could still smell her hair. I could hear her screeching my name and she wriggled in the flames that took her life. I remembered the look in her eyes when she died and I couldn't save her. I smashed the ale bottle to a tree just thinking about it. My brother put that on me. He could actually imagine me doing something that horrible to the woman I cherished so much I would switch places with her in a second. I ran my hands through my hair as thinking about it just gave me a headache. In my lowly state, I saw a shadow approach me. The figure was huge and I guessed it was guard sent by Eric to find me.

"Just go away," I ordered.

However, the figure remained, giving me a funny response. Whoever it was sure sounded like a wounded cat. I turned back and instantly jumped backward coming face to face with the chimera. It took a step backward too. Surprisingly, I was sure it didn't want to hurt me. I remembered it's last attack and how it let me live. I was probably crazy with too many drinks but I took a twig and inscribed the words, Valentine, to the earth. It looked down and drew a heart on the inscription. It looked at me and got back to inscribing. I watched it write my name and add another heart to my name.

"Good lord, You are Valentine. Aren't you?"

"Of course she is." A familiar voice informed.

Startled, I turned to face the speaker but the moment I did so, something painful surged through my whole system and my whole world went blank.

Chapter end