Chapter Eleven

Dinner was finished and Char would be leaving. I could see it in Hattie's eyes. She looked desolate that Char would be going. Unlike before, the last minutes didn't give me joy. Rather, joy. Joy that I would be able to stop deceiving Char. Joy that would free me from this game. I didn't do my plan. I didn't go away during desert. Char…I know…won't go near me again. Despite the joy, I felt pain beyond imagining. My heart ached and my chest itself hurt. I have to let go of Char for the third time. But I told myself, I can take this. You have to do this. For Char and for Kyrria.

We gathered at the hall to say our goodbyes to Char.

"Majesty, we are desolate that you will leave our humble home. We pray you have a safe journey back to the castle." Mum Olga purred.

Hattie did too but at the end of her sentence she said, "Please come back soon!" She begged him to come!

Olive did the ignorant thing she was to do as always. "Goodbye. See you soon…" she said dully.. Hattie looked enraged by her behavior. It was my turn,

"Goodbye Majesty. It has been a pleasure welcoming you to our home. I pray you have a safe trip back home." I said flatly. I thought I had the final act perfect but I was wrong. A small tear escaped from my eye. It didn't carouse down my cheek. It just stayed at my eye. I hope Char didn't see it. I don't know. I looked down when I realized.

I ran to my room when Char left. Then, I gazed a the window, watching the carriage of Char.

"Goodbye…forever." I whispered to the air.

But then, didn't I do this before? Didn't I say goodbye forever to Char as Lela? But he is here. Seeing me again. In my heart, a small part rejoiced. I might see Char again. There are many possibilities. A lot of twists and turns in the future. I believe and I hope we will meet again. And when we meet again, I won't lie. I won't deceive him. I will say what I really feel.

As I was wondering, sudden horror struck me. The carriage was far off but I can see it as a speck. But that wasn't the point. I can see it getting clearer and clearer. It had turned around and was coming back! My mind was racing. Should I hide? Should I meet him? Should I cower around Hattie hoping she'll do something? Should I run?

I scrambled to my carpetbag and started throwing my very few belongings in it. I heaved it to my back and ran to the kitchen.

"Mandy! He is coming back! I have to run!" The urgency of my voice panicked the usual calm Mandy.

"Wait a moment, Lady. I will come with you!" then she went to her quarters.

I jumped up and down to relieve the tension I was feeling. Char! He was coming back! But why? But how? For Hattie? For me? I was nervous. Maybe he left something and he was coming back. Nonsense! He wasn't carrying anything in the first place!

I heard the door creak open and my pulse raced.

"Mandy!" I wailed. "Mandy! Hurry!"

"Prince Charmont! Why are you here?" I heard Hattie say.

"I need to speak to Ella. I have to." He replied.

"Mandy!!!" I shrieked at the top of my voice. It was a wrong move. Again. My voice echoed and traveled to the hall. I heard Char's footsteps.

"I have to speak to her!" He said. Hattie must have been stopping him. Somehow. Please buy me time!

"Lady! I'm here come on!" Mandy went to me.

"Come on! He i—" It was to late. I saw Char now. He stood at the entrance of the kitchen.

I ran but he caught my hand. I pulled and pulled. In utter desperation, I slapped his hand. I suppose d it hurt because he withdrew.

"I'm sorry." I said as I started to run.

"Ella! Don't go!" Char said. An order. My body went rigid.

Two voices sounded as one after that.

"Mandy!" I cried.

"Go Ella!" I was flexible once more Mandy came to my rescue just in time. Right after the order while I said Mandy!. I bolted out the door. I heard Char shouting my name. I heard his footsteps. Mandy went ahead and I followed. I was weakened by my feelings. I was ad to be running away. I was distressed that I have to hit him. I was miserable knowing that my past imaginings were ruined. So much for meeting him again. My dreams were shattered.

I saw his vague figure running after me. But he was just too late. It was dark and it provided an advantage. Seconds after I saw him, he was no more. I was lost amidst the trees. When Mandy and I were a suitable distance from the manor, I burst into tears.

"I lost again Mandy." I sobbed.

Mandy comforted me. "It's alright, love. You did the right thing."

"What will we do Mandy?" I croaked.

"Go somewhere. We will find work as cooks." Mandy said quickly. This has happened before. "Where will we go Lady? It's your decision."

I thought. Then a brilliant idea popped in my head. NO, not a bad idea. Not a good idea. A desperate idea. Just to meet Char.

"Let's go to…Bast." I said to Mandy.





-Okay…to Bast? It just popped in my head while writing!

-Nayie