CHAPTER 4-FOR THE SAKE OF THE WORLD.
I couldn't believe my ears. The man that I had loved for all of those years was saying that I didn't exist, that for him I was dead.
In those moments I really wanted to be dead. I wished that the day before four years I had died too so now I wouldn't be experiencing this incredible pain that I was feeling. But I didn't have any choice I took my sword and raised it in front of his face.
-Ready?-he asked.
Now I really had turned my heart into stone .I promised myself that I wouldn't feel pain anymore. Anyway for him now I was nothing, absolutely nothing.
–Ready,-I answered and with those words he attacked me.
I avoided his first attack easily but he hadn't been kidding when he said that he would take this seriously. His attacks began to be faster and more strategic as it was being hard to avoid the touch of his sword.
–You are good, very good actually. At least you didn't left me for nothing.
–I never wished to leave you but I never had a choice,-she tried to block his action but failed,-I had to follow my father's and my gaffer's orders. My family was unprotected and another man was needed to our family, I had no choice.
–And why did it have to be you? Your family had other daughters too, why did it have to be you,-he looked like he was going mad.
–I was the eldest one. It was my duty.
–It was your choice,-he argued.
–What? -she suddenly stopped.
–You could have chosen to stay with me; I would have done everything for you. We could have gone somewhere together;-This time she was the one who attacked first.
–How dare you say that? How dare you do this to me,-now she was the one shouting.
–The same way you broke my heart and left me, with your desire,-he repeated. In that moment she couldn't stand it anymore.
She jumped from her place and shot him with all of her weight and punched him hard to the face. Oscar got ready to stop them but André didn't let her go of their hiding place. Athenodora sent poor Marcus at the ground. After a short moment she stood up and as he was ready to grab his sword again she raised hers in front of his face and spoke.
–Whatever choice and mistake I did in the past neither of them was my desire,-now tears were flying down her cheeks,-but I never, never stopped loving you. I never wanted to hurt you. I know that now is impossible for me to regain your feelings. Without knowing I hurted you but you cannot know how sorry I am today, you just can't know,-she lowered her sword and her head too.
–Everything I did, I did for the sake of my family.
–No,-he said,-you did it for the sake of the world.
–What?-she finally asked. Marcus stood up and catched the blade with his hand.
–Everything you did,-he screamed crying, and took the sword throwing it away,-you did for the sake of the world. Athenodora raised her head and suddenly a small smile passed on her face.
–Now I understand well,-she said half smiling, half crying,-I've lost you forever. When I returned to France I had a little hope that maybe things could get better by the time. But now I understand well. Marcus that I knew before is lost. I've lost you forever haven't I? Marcus that I knew would never say something like that to me, ever.
-You had lost me long ago Athenodora, very long ago.
–Then there is nothing to talk anymore,-she said and took her sword,-goodbye count Marcus.
After she left ,Marcus fell on his knees crying like a child and saying:
-I am sorry Athenodora, I am sorry. But I just can't forgive you anymore, I just can't,
After saying those words he left the stable too letting Oscar and André with some big question in their head.
–Oscar did you understand what just happened?-Oscar didn't respond. She was thinking other things on the moment.
"How could a person hold such a big pain? Firstly she lost her brother and now her love. What a strong woman."
-Oscar aren't you listening to me?
-André you mustn't say a single word of what you just listened, did you understand me?We did a mistake by coming here, but what's done is done. Now let's go. The count is coming at our home for dinner. We must hurry and get ready.
She entered on the room that the maids told her with the pretext that she had to change on her new uniform. She felt lost or better she felt dead. The only person who gave her the strength to go forward beside problems that she could face had just said that he considered her dead.
Dead when she was still alive, dead when she continued to love him with all of her being. Tears began to flow again and she couldn't stop them this time. The pain was very large, she couldn't handle it anymore. All of those years she had survived with the thought that she may see him again with the thought that they may be same as before, that love could rejoin them but now was nothing left to think.
Her mind was blank, tears had blind her and she couldn't see love anymore she couldn't feel warm anymore she was cold. Only the thought of her lost brother made her to stand up and prepare herself for the dinner at the de' Jarjeyes she was finished she looked herself in a mirror and tears covered her eyes again.
–To the hell with love, to the hell with strength. TO THE HELL OF EVERYTHING.-suddenly somebody knocked at the door.
She brushed away her tears and told him or her to come in. For her surprise there was her dad.
–Father.
–My daughter. You are so beautiful with your new uniform. It foils your strength and your beauty. I am so proud of you.
–Thanks father. I am not going to disappoint you,-"I am doing this only for you father".
–I am sure about that. Now let's go to the carriage. It is waiting for us. We've been envied for dinner at the de' Jarjeyes family. Have you met Commander Oscar?
-Yes father I already have,-I said passing in my mind the image of the beautiful commander on the white horse. "She is lucky" I thought.
When they arrived into our mansion count de' Senna had come too. He met my father and then turned in my direction.
–So here is the young commander. You were much younger last time I saw you Oscar.
–I am honored to meet you count,-I responded politely but I had fixed my attention at the face of the young girl.
She had changed much from the morning. Now in the uniform of the high grade commander she seemed more strong and more beautiful but wasn't that which catched my attention. Was her face that had really changed? If in the morning her face wasn't showing any emotion now her face hadn't any her whole body was emotionless. It was like her being was lifeless.
The dinner passed quickly but she didn't spoke a single word. Only one time that I turned my head into her direction she was seeing out of the window at the night sky. At that moment I thought that I saw a small tear flowing down her eyes but as I blinked my eyes once it was gone.
Athenodora didn't hesitate but begun her new duty immediately after her first day on the worked hard and without word,never worried about what other people say about say that she was an excellent commander was little,she was amazing,no one was able to compare himself with her,no one was able to defeat her.
But despite her excellence,her beauty,her skills,her heart was that day on the Oscar's house where she had let a small tear flow,she never showed any emotion anymore,no weakness,no anger and especially no body ached from the pain of solitude but she was too hurt,too tired to talk with anybody,too proud to show that pain.
This kind of behavior only made other people adore Antoinette asked Louius if she could be her personal guard and the king was more than happy to fulfill her desire so that day Athenodora was called in front of the whole court ti be informed of the new post that would be given to her.
–Athenodora Gabrielle de' Senna!-Athenodora bowed in front of the king not even knowing what was going to only saw Oscar smiling.
To be honest Oscar was secretly happy that Athenodora would be given this new wanted honorable people to stand beside her queen,and the new commander was one of them.
–With the order of the king,you will be given the duty to protect Her Majesty as her personal guard,beside that you will continue the duty as the commander of the Battle I make my self clear?-His Majesy asked.
–Yes your highness,I promiss that I will protect the queen with my life.
–Good,for today you are cleared from all of your other duties.I want you to go and stand beside Her Oscar can you escort her to Her Majesty salon where the young queen is?
-Of course,your highness.-both women left the room.
Oscar showed to Athenodora the way to the salon so they could meet the they were finally in front of the door Athenodora suddenly stopped.
–Is there something wrong?-Oscar asked.
–Oscar how is the queen?I mean is she really as innocent as her face show her?- Oscar surprised firstly but then answered the question.
-Don't worry about that,she is one of the most great persons I've ever me…
-WHHAATT?-Oscar and Athenodora listened madame Noailles' scream and rushed in the room with their swords in hands but when they entered in they found only a terrified madame Noailles and a very happy queen.
–Is there everything alright we heard screams,-Athenodora explained.
–Ah Athenodora you are finally here,- the queen said approaching them.
–Madame is there everything alright?-Oscar said trying to calm madame.
–Oscar, Athenodora please talk to her ,she must have gone Majesty wants to ride a horse.
–What?-Oscar and Athenodora asked in the same time.
–She is just enlarging the situation. I saw this morning some women that were ridding ,it seemed fun so I asked His Majesty if I could learn how to ride too and he agreed. What is the problem here? Am I not allowed to have fun sometime?
–But Your Majesty you could get hurt, and what would France do without you then, -Madame argued.
–It won't be a problem. Oscar and Athenodora will be there to protect me. Won't you?-Antoinette asked turning from two soldiers.
–Of course we will your majesty but…-Oscar tried to be reasonable.
–Won't you Athenodora?-Antoinette asked with a sad face.
–Of course I will, but please think about it a…
-Great,-Antoinette clapped her hands not letting her friends finish their ideas,-then tomorrow in the 8 o'clock in the morning you will teach me how to ride.
–We?-Athenodora asked.
–Yes of course. For now you are free to go home but tomorrow please be here in time. Bye.-she said pushing two commanders out of the room before they could say something else.
Oscar and Athenodora left the room without words but after some moments Athenodora burst into laughing.
–What is so funny?-Oscar asked. This wasn't a situation to laugh.
–Marie Antoinette is such an innocent person. Almost like a child who has just gotten his birthday present,-she explained on their way out,-but tell me Oscar has anybody hurt her before?
-What...what?
-I can see into her eyes Oscar. They are just empty. Although in her first appearance she seems happy, she is not. Tell me Oscar, if there is not a problem for you of course, has anybody hurt Marie Antoinette before?
-Yes,-Oscar decided to say then. Athenodora seemed like a loyal person,-she has once…
-Been in love,-Athenodora continued for her,-yes I have noticed that. She must be alone now. I am really sorry for her; I know that feeling very well.
Oscar didn't spoke.
–Thank you for that day Oscar,-she said shocking Oscar.
-What day,-Oscar asked nor understanding nything.
-If it weren't for you and André I would have injured Marcus that day at the stables. Only the thought that I had to held back myself in front of you made me to stop. I thank you Oscar, if I had injured him I wouldn't be able to forgive myself anymore.
–I swear that I didn't want to listen to what you would say. I was afraid that you two might decide to fight for rvenge .I didn't know about…-there she stopped.
–Its okay I believe you,-now they were on their way to take the horse so they could leave.
–I also want to thank you.-Oscar added.
–For what?-asked Athenodora surprised.
–If it weren't for you I would have died that day at the parade.
–Oh, never mention it. But I think that you would have found a way out from the troubles.-she smiled gently .
They walked in silent beside for some seconds and then Athenodora noticed something.
–Isn't André with you today?
-No, he had to finish some works in the, mansion,-now Athenodora smiled again in a different way.
–I envy you about that ,do you know Oscar?-but before Oscar could ask her why Athenodora heard a worried voice calling her.
–Athenodoraaaa, Athenodora,-both of them turned their heads to see a young lady running on their direction. She had dark black hair but bright blue eyes.
–Elena?What are you doing here,-Athenodora said surprised.
-Athenodora...you …ha…-the girl said trying to catch her breath.
–Hey,hey calm dawn. Oscar this is my sister Elena Corin de'Sena…
-Athenodora you have to hurry home, Chelsea she..she..-the girl burst into tears and Oscar saw Athenodora's face going pale.
–What is it,-Oscar asked. Now the girl turned to both of them.
–Today a man approached the mansion. Chelsea was playing outside when he kidnapped her…
-WHAT?
-Some servants followed him. He is at a small house near Versailles but we have to hurry , as he ran away he shouted that he would kill her. Please Athenodora do something1-the girl said screaming.
–Show me the place. We have to hurry up;-she said climbing on the horse.
–I am coming with you, you will need help.
–Alright Oscar but we have to hurry. Chelsea is only five years old. I can't let something happen to her.
Elena shows the direction to them and they followed it. It was impossible how fast she could ride.
-Lady,-Oscar said to Elena,-go at my home and sends André to help us. If my father is there tell him what happened,okay ?-the girl nodded and left.
Then Oscar followed Athenodora.
–Calm down will save her.
–Oscar Chelsea is my niece; I promised my brother that I would take care of her. If something happen to her...-she said not able to continue her sentence.
-Nothing will happen to her, I promise you. We will save her!
It didn't take long for them to reach the Athenodora got off the horse and approached it. She got ready to enter at the house by force but Oscar stopped her.
-We better try to be reasonable,- she said and went under an open window.
–Monsieur, whoever you are. It will be better for you if you let the child go unharmed. There are commander Oscar Francois de' Jarjeyes and Athenodora Gabrielle de' Senna whom you are talking to, if you don't let the child go it will be the Royal Guard who will take care for you,-Oscar shouted at the open window of the old house. A scary laugh came out from there.
–You can do nothing to me. Call the Royal Guard and the girl will be killed in front of your eyes.
–Be careful with what you say, you could end up dead in only some seconds,-Athenodora took her gun in hand and turned her head to Oscar.
-Oscar please let me go in,- she ordered with a serious look.
Oscar didn't said anything only nodded. Both women broke the door and went in, when suddenly they heard a child scream. After that single scream Athenodora lost her temper and rushed on the second floor.
–Chelsea where are you?
–Athenodora please help me…-the girl cried only once but for Atheodora that was enough.
She noticed where the girl was and entered the room with Oscar following her.
–Chelsea...-Athenodora cried opening the door. In the room they saw a ugly, scary man holding the small child near the window ready to throw her. At that picture both commander stopped.
–Let her go,-Athenodora said.
–You better do like she say or than...-Oscar continued but the man didn't let her finish.
-Than what. What will you do to me if I throw the girl out of the window? Will you kill me?Alright do it. But this will not return this child from death,-he laughed loudly causing Athenodora an unbelievable anger.
–Athenodora he…hel…help,-the small girl managed to say. Her big emerald eyes were so afraid. This view almost tore Oscar's hear apart.
–Please, please,-Ahtenodora tried again hoping that she will distract the mean while talking enough to get near Chelsea,- Let her go. Do everything to me, kill me torture me but only let her go. You can't kill her,-she begged.
–Watch me,-the man said and threw the small girl out.
–NOOOOO, -Athenodora cried.
Oscar didn't think much but threw herself out too and managed to catch herself and the girl in a small board that was out of the place. Inside the house the man ran away and Athenodora didn't bother to follow him. She approached the window to help Oscar and Chelsea to get in.
–Oscar can you catch my hand?-she said lowering her body as much as she could.
–No,I can't catch your hand without dropping Chelsea,- she said.
Now for her was being harder to hold.
–Then hold on,-Athenodora said and got of the window fixing her legs in a hole of the wall and dropping her body down,-give me Chelsea,-she managed to catch the small girl and dropped her inside the house.
After she made sure that the small girl was safe and the man was nowhere to be seen she returned for Oscar.
–Oscar catch my hand.
–I can't.
–Yes you can,-she said lowering her body more.
–You will fall down.-Oscar said.
–No I won't ,now catch my hand,-finally Oscar caught her hand and managed to get inside the house but as Athenodora was climbing one part of the wall fell down and Athenodora's leg got free.
–AAAAHHHH.-she cried while falling from the wall.
–Athenodora,-Oscar screamed as she saw her falling from that distance. She tried to catch her but didn't succeed .
Athenodora lost Oscar's hand and continue falling, losing her hope she closed her eyes waiting for the crush but instead she felt only two strong arms under her back.
PLEASE R&R. Reviews are very appreciated.