Chapter Fifteen: "No More Running Away"

Bloom's eyelids slowly opened. She instantly squinted due to the brightness that spilled into the room. The girl let out a heavy groan, as she tried to sit up straight. Her visions had cleared up to see that she back in her bedroom on Domino.

Serenity had lingered all around her. It was too peaceful around here. The girl had spotted the maids in the far end of the room. Apparently they were speaking to someone in mere whispers.

The last thing she'd remember was passing out in Obsidian due to the toxic and negative energy that had drained her from her magic. Plus the torment she'd endured by the Ancestral Witches. Chills had ran down her back. She could feel goosebumps forming on her arms.

Bloom heard the sounds of heels clicking on the marbled floor. The princess had turned her attention to the source. It was her paternal grandmother—the queen. She swallowed hardly.

Nervousness had washed over the young fairy.

Queen Leilani's features were soft, but she was fully worried over her dear granddaughter. Her rosy lips curled into a warm smile. "It's good to see you awake, Bloom. You really had us sick with worry."

Guilt had punched Bloom in the stomach.

She hadn't meant to cause anyone to fret over her in such unimaginable worries. She gazed at her grandmother. Leilani's warm brown eyes were filled with undeniable fear and love.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare anyone. It's just—"

"I know Bloom. You have good intentions to save people. But endangering your life so recklessly. . ." Leilani briefly closed her eyes. The woman just didn't want to think of what could've happened. "Taking on Mandragora like that is very foolish as your grandfather had warned you about. You could've been killed by her."

"But if I hadn't intervene, Mandragora would've kidnapped Dad instead." Bloom pointed out. It wasn't her intention to be awfully rude with her remark, but the queen had to know that she had done it for a greater cause—to ensure her father's safety from that wretched witch.

If Leilani was surprised by this sudden revelation, she hid it very well. There was a slight hint of discomfort in her eyes. It'd seemed to Bloom that the queen was unaware of that fact. It was most likely Oritel hadn't told his mother the precise details of the battle. He didn't want his mother to become alarmed.

"Besides that Bloom, how are you feeling?"

She glanced at her thighs to see the scar slowly fading away.

The pain had no longer pulsed in her thighs. She was okay despite the fact that she could hardly remember much of anything in Obsidian except for being tortured. Bloom didn't want to cause any more distress to the queen.

"I'm feeling a lot better." Bloom offered a small smile. "And my memories have returned."

"That's reassuring to hear." The smile stretched across the older woman's face.

Bloom had averted the queen's gaze. "Since my memories have retuned, I must go back to my original time."

She glanced at her own hands that were in her lap. Bloom didn't want to experience another tragic heartbreak. It was already hard enough spending time and getting so attached to her family she'd never met. It was hurting her more than anything in the entire universe.

"Your grandfather and father have arranged other plans you."

Bloom stared at her grandmother, baffled. Other plans? What did that imply? Had it meant that they weren't going to send her back just yet. Or were they waiting for something to happen in particular. "Do you know what the plans are?"

"They will speak to you when the time is right," Leilani smiled tightly.

Bloom gave a courteous of a nod.

She knew from the queen's expression that she wasn't going to reveal any further details about the subject.

Perhaps she could get a little more insight from Oritel. She could even tell him all about her future life. Bloom had wondered how Oritel would take it? The girl could vividly imagine the bewilderment, anger, sadness, and fear cross his face all at once he learns of the truth.

"I'm so delighted that you're awake. A celebration will be held tonight in honour of your parents' engagement. With everything going on, we need a little spark of happiness."

Bloom couldn't agree more. It seemed to her, that the queen had been looking forward to the social event. They all needed to take their minds off the looming war that was hanging over everyone's head. And what better way to do this was to throw a huge celebration.

Bloom was whisked off by the maids.

Bloom was given a specific pale blue sleeved-gown under the queen's suggestion that hugged her figured. The skirt had swished about her sides. The fabric was considered one of the softest materials that Bloom ever worn. Her red-hair was let down in loose curls. Her bangs had framed her face, giving her a striking look.

Jewelries had adorned her neck, ears, and hands—gleaming. Her make up was painted lightly. For the first time, Bloom had slipped a small smile on her lips. A swell of happiness had grown within her chest. She was learning to just get along with this whole ordeal despite feeling out of place at times.

Shortly, Bloom was walking down the spiraling stair case of the halls.

She could easily feel the shift in the atmosphere. The halls were completely decorated in beautiful ornaments that left her to be in such an awe. Whispers were spreading amongst the maids and servants of the palace. Everyone had seemed be in such a lively mood.

The princess was well aware of where her father would be.

He would be in his private office, which was located in the West Wing.

She had to speak with him urgently, no matter what. It was something she'd been looking forward too ever since Obsidian. Her heels clicked against the marbled floors.

Bloom stood in front of the door of Oritel's private office. She took a deep breath and let it out. The princess could hear faint voices coming from within the room. She knocked softly on the door. Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest. She bit her lips in nervousness.

Maybe this was the wrong time?

Bloom's eyes had fallen on the knob that moved as the door cracked opened revealing to be her father.

Oritel was quite shocked to see his daughter wide awake. His brown eyes traveled from head to toe—inspecting her—she appeared to be fine otherwise he'd force her to be resting from her injuries. But he was utterly grateful that wasn't the case.

"You have no idea how delighted I am to see you awake, sweetheart! Come on in. There's someone that I want you to meet. He's been curious about you. He's your grandfather's loyal scribe and a great friend of ours." Oritel smiled, gently leading his daughter into the office.

Bloom was in awe over how stunning the room was from the magnificent décor that had symbols of the Great Dragon to the smallest objects and artifacts. It was a wide and spacious room and well organized.

Apparently it'd seemed to her that her father had been extremely busy in his work as the Crown Prince. There were several layouts all over his desk—most likely projects to set up within the kingdom that would benefit the realm and it's people.

It was only an older man who had dark hair that was slowly turning grey at the sides that Bloom wasn't familiar with. And Lewis, her father's squire. In a way, he was sorta reminding her of Brandon with his charms and kindness he'd displayed.

"Lord Bartelby, may I introduce you to my daughter, Bloom." Oritel stated proudly.

Lord Bartelby, a man in his late-forties, had took a deep bow towards the young redhead girl. He'd grabbed her hand and given her kiss as respectable gentleman. "It's a pleasure to meet you Princess Bloom."

Bloom felt her cheeks heat up. "The pleasure is all mine."

"The princess indeed takes after her mother, lady Marion." Bartelby remarked on the girl's appearance.

Bloom blushed, and gave a soft giggle. "Why thank you."

Bloom turned her attention back onto Oritel. Her blue eyes shinned with utmost concern. She had to tell him the truth. She couldn't avoid it as much as wanted to. It was eating at her very soul. "There's something I need to talk to you about Dad."

Oritel raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Bloom's words. "About what?"

"My memories. . . I remember everything." Bloom finally admitted to her father in a soft tone.

The redhead princess noted that he was studying her every movement, but apparently he didn't seemed to be fazed with her words at all, which had stuck her as being odd.

Oritel let out a heavy sigh.

Marion had told him all about Bloom's memories. Valtor had shown her everything about their daughter's future life. It had shattered Oritel to pieces. It'd infuriated him on levels that he couldn't believe that he had.

Oritel had rarely shown such a scary side of him and the only time he'd ever behave aggressively is when his loved ones are in grave danger. To realize that he and Marion were robbed of the chance of being Bloom's parents had stir an emotion that he'd never felt from before. In a way, it had caused him such an unimaginable wound in his heart.

Marion had wept in his arms when they had visited Bloom when she'd been unconscious—slowly recovering from the poison that had been in her system (even though most of it was pushed out from the fairy dust Teredor had used. They had thanked him deeply for saving their daughter's life). Oritel was beyond hurt as he held his daughter's hand in his own for comfort.

The past couple of weeks had been utterly difficult upon everyone.

Confusion crossed Bloom's face. Why wasn't her father saying anything? Why was he so silent? Fear had swelled within her chest. She didn't like it when he grows silent like that. It made her feel nervous and a little irritated.

He gazed down at Bloom. "Your mother, she told me."

"What? But how—I hadn't even—"

Oritel had cut his daughter off. "Valtor did."

Bloom had tensed up. The nerve of that twisted wizard. He was a complete prick.

Valtor? How dare he? Bloom had cursed in her head. If she ever saw him again, she would incinerate him to ashes. He had fully manipulated her in her most vulnerable state. It made her stomach twist and turn at the thought of it.

Hadn't he had enough of inflicting pain over her loved ones? Apparently not. Oritel had approached his daughter, full concern shinning in his brown eyes. He pulled her into his protective arms—giving her a tight hug.

"I will not allow Valtor to hurt you ever again." Oritel's face had darkened while smoothing down her red hair.

All what Bloom had wanted was to be in the comfort of father's warm embrace. Never wanting to let go of him. The more she attached herself to Oritel and Marion, the harder it was to pull away from them. She wanted to know every single detail about them.

But in all sense of reality, she would never experience the privilege life that she'd been born into like Daphne. To grow up with them and her older sister. To follow her older sister Daphne all around and buzz her with endless questions as a young child. Her heart ached far too much.

Abruptly, Bloom pulled away from Oritel. Her gaze had shifted elsewhere. She couldn't look him in the face. Disappointment had filled her face. Her usual expressive blue eyes were shinning with heavy sorrow.

Oritel's smile had faded away and was replaced into a deepened frown. He could easily tell that there was something up with Bloom. She wanted to say something to him, but hesitated. In fact, she wanted to leave. But why?

"Is that all you wish to tell me Bloom?" Oritel asked cautiously.

He was carefully observing her every moment.

Her subtle gestures were all strained. Bloom wasn't feeling—no, she hadn't expressed being calm or relaxed but on the edge of anxiousness and if he daresay a little withdrawn. Almost as if she were afraid of disappointing him or Marion.

Bloom had given her father a polite nod. "That's all."

Oritel hadn't believed her words at all.

Bloom couldn't fool him. Oritel knew (most likely a parental instinct that told him) that she was hiding something from him and he was determined to figure out the roots of his daughter's problems.

He wanted to know what was causing Bloom to be in such low spirits? He couldn't endure seeing her unhappy. Had Obsidian really affected her that much? Had Valtor threatened her with his words, again?

He wanted to know more precise details over happened to her in Obsidian.

He wasn't going to let her leave without having a direct answer from her. Or what was she truly feeling. Oritel couldn't allow her to bottle it all up inside her. It wasn't a good thing. It would only hurt her and drift her away from the people she loved dearly. Sometimes Oritel had found himself not being able to understand women. It had happened more often than he liked.

Oritel was beyond frustrated.

What had disturbed Oritel the most was the prophecy in which he and his father, Hyperion had discovered revolving around Bloom. He had to shelter her from the truth, no matter the cost.

The prince casted a glance back at Lord Bartelby and his squire Lewis. He let out a sigh in frustration. "Bloom must not know anything regarding the prophecy. I need to follow her."

With that being said, Oritel had trailed after his daughter.

He eventually caught up with Bloom.

"Bloom, is everything alright? You don't seem like yourself. Please speak to me sweetheart, I need to understand what's going on with you." Oritel gently pushed her hair to the side of her face.

Bloom's eyes were filled with heavy sadness. She broke down—sobbing—as she crashed into his strong arms. Bloom didn't know what to do. Oritel just wrapped his arms around her. He had his fingers running through her hair. He watched as Bloom slowly composed, her cries becoming soft sniffles. Dragons. She was so mopey. How could anyone tolerate her?

Oritel had wiped the tears off of her face.

He didn't like seeing her shattered.

"I'm sorry Dad. I don't know what's wrong with me," Bloom whispered. Although she knew exactly what was wrong with her. It was the guilt that she was trying so hard to deny. It was slowly consuming her.

Oritel placed his hands on her shoulders, gazing into her ocean blue eyes. "Tears don't suite you, honey. How about this, Bloom, we can spend sometime in the city and you can shop around for a dress of your own style. What do you think?"

The idea sounded nice.

Certainly, it would take her mind off things. She needed a breath of fresh air.

Bloom gave a slow nod, but nearly frowned. "But aren't you busy?"

Oritel chuckled. "Don't worry I'm not busy. If anything, I don't have a busy schedule. I'm sure you're most aware of tonight's event, right?"

Bloom's blue eyes instantly lit up. "Of course I do! I didn't mean to mope on your and Mum's day! Congratulations on your engagement! So how did you propose to Mum? It must've been very romantic."

Oritel could see the intense blush run across his daughter's cheeks. "If you must know darling, I proposed to your mother under the gazebo in the royal gardens a few nights ago. It was a beautiful and starry night."

The girl gazed through the large tinted window—overlooking the royal gardens. It was a beautiful area. To her it was extremely romantic. "It must've been really lovely. I can only imagine how surprised and happy she was. There's a few places that you could be out all alone and no one else would see. It's such a beautiful garden path. . ."

Oritel allowed the words to sink into his mind. His brown eyes widened. Horrified. Chills had ran down the back of his spine, remembering Valtor's words. No. He flinched so hard.

Bloom gazed at her father, puzzled by his reaction. "Dad? Is everything alright?"

"That reminds me that I need to have those shrubs and bushes trimmed down." Oritel stated bluntly.

"But why? It makes the area looks magnificent I don't see why—I—Dad, wait, are you actually being dead serious?" Bloom glared, her arms crossed over her chest.

"What?" Oritel threw his arms up in the air, as if displaying his innocence.

Bloom wasn't stupid enough to fall for his antics. She facepalmed—feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. "Dad you can't possibly be thinking that, right?"

Oritel had given her a sheepish smile.

Bloom was mortified. "No. No. And defiantly No."

"But we need to talk about that aspect."

Oh, Dragons no! This was downright embarrassing for her! Oritel shouldn't be the one to talk to her about sex. No. This was wrong on so many levels. She groaned on the inside.

"That doesn't mean you can have the sex chat with me! Mum had already discussed it with me beforehand. You could be relieved of that!" Bloom exasperated.

Oritel was red-beat in the face.

He wasn't aware of that fact. Marion hadn't mentioned it to him. He could easily see the frustration and embarrassment written all over his daughter's face. He just wanted to protect her from men's selfish games.

"I just want to protect you." Oritel spoke, breaking the awkward silence between them.

"I know and I can see that. But I can take care of myself."

Oritel posed an eyebrow at Bloom's remark. She had said that very line multipliable of times to him, but she kept failing into danger. He wanted to say otherwise, but upon seeing her shift in discomfort, he had decided to change the subject.

"Now let's see if your mother wants to join us."


Ever since Aria had received the royal invitation no more than a week ago. The celebration revolved around the Crown Prince's official engagement to Lady Marion Lovell. Fury had burned in her honey-colored eyes.

She felt insulted.

The brown-haired girl couldn't believe it. All of her attempts had failed. She couldn't even persuade the prince to give her another chance. But no. Oritel had his heart set out on Marion.

It wasn't fair!

She was the far better candidate compared to the girl that Oritel was deeply in love with. Ever since she'd been a little girl, she had been trained to become a Princess one day—from her delicate manners to understanding how royal society functioned. How to be an elite member of society. She could easily slip into the role of being queen. She understood the huge responsibilities of what it took to be a queen.

She had despised Marion in all aspects.

The girl wasn't worthy of Oritel.

Aria was seething in rage. She crushed the invitation with her hands.

It was clear that to her that wasn't Oritel who had sent it out to her.

Apparently the only reason she was invited was due to her family's important shares and properties (lands) they had owned and well the treaties they had made. Her father was an acquaintance of the king. So naturally, their family was expected to show up on this grand occasion, but she and her brother Issac were warned to be on good behavior.

"Look Aria, Oritel isn't worth fighting for. He expressed it crystal clear that he loves Marion. Why chase after a man who doesn't love you even if he's a Crowned Prince? What's the point? Don't you want someone to give you all the affection and attention you deserve." Cherrie, her very best-friend spoke, while taking a sip from her tea glancing at Aria.

Aria scowled. "That won't matter to me as long as Oritel is mine."

Cherrie raised a sliver eyebrow. "Aria, I know you better than anyone. As your best-friend, you wouldn't be satisfied with that. You'd always want more. Oritel will never see you like the way he sees Marion."

"Is this your way of telling me to give up?" Aria glowered.

She couldn't even believe that her best-friend Cherrie was giving her such a suggestion.

"Now I can understand why all your relationships ended so tragically." Aria's lips had twisted into mockery smile.

Cherrie had nearly dropped her tea-cup and spluttered. "Wh-what? Is that how you perceived it as?"

"Of course! Why do you think every guy dumped you? You weren't being what I call a devoted girlfriend. Always settled for whoever came passing by," Aria's voice had sounded so soft, but yet utterly so cruel.

Cherrie at this point appeared scarlet in the face—humiliated.

At times, Aria could be so cruel and heartless to the point of publicly embarrassing someone or digging some powerful information one someone to blackmail. Cherrie had admitted to herself, that Aria wasn't someone to be crossed—which had made Aria so terrifying.

She felt her body tremble from the inside.

Cherrie gazed at her best-friend. "So. . . I'm guessing you have a plan, right?"

Aira's lips curled into a deadly smile.

"Of course. It was mine and Issac's plan. Unfortunately as it happens to be, my brother is still hopelessly in love with Marion. He wants her as well. You're going to help us achieve our plans. Issac gets Marion and I get Oritel. We both win."

Cherrie had a bad feeling that was itching at the back of her mind that told her it wasn't a good idea.

"So what's the plan?" Cherrie asked nervously.

"I'm glad you asked," Aria's eyes glittered.


It turned out that Marion was unable to join them. Oritel had understood that Marion's mother Lassandra had wanted to spend sometime with helping her daughter prepare for the significant event. So it'd left Bloom and Oritel spending the day out in the capital city.

Bloom couldn't help, but admire the beautiful blue gown. It had butterflies embedded into the skirt that was made out of the finest silk material. It was so soft. Pearls and splatter of gold had made the gown to pop out against Bloom's complexion. The gown hugged the upper portion of her body. The sleeves were translucent with golden lace. There was a matching butterfly-shaped mask with swirls of gold that was just perfect with the gown.

She looked like a regal princess!

Oritel had mentioned to Bloom that this engagement's theme party was a masquerade ball, which had meant that everyone was going to be wearing masks. Oritel had suggested such an idea as to keep Bloom's true identity a secret from the entire kingdom for the time being.

The only ones who knows about his daughter's existence were the high rank officials of Domino, the court members, and those who are close friends with the royal family. Oritel had wanted to keep his daughter away from men who find her interesting.

Bloom had found it to be quite an interesting experience to go shopping alongside with her father, Oritel. Granted this was the younger version of her father. But still it was amazing!

They were walking down the pavements in the shopping center. Although, Bloom could feel the stares coming in hers and Oritel's direction. She tried the best of her ability to ignore it all.

You know what's really awkward? Going shopping with a father. I mean, I remember it up to Daddy to decide to what I ought to wear to the ball and it simply horrific! Stella's bubbly voice had entered her mind.

Bloom couldn't help but giggle at thought of it.

Oritel gazed at her. It warmed his heart to see her laughing again.

"I'm glad to see you giggling, Bloom."

Bloom blushed. "I was just remembering what Stella said. She told me that it's awkward going shopping with a father because they lack a sense of style. From what I can guess, Radius must've given her an awful advice. . ."

Oritel was amused. "Stella's Radius' daughter?"

"Yup."

"I know exactly how she felt. You almost tried the same with that horrid pink dress a few weeks back," Bloom shot right back at her father with a smirk on her face.

Oritel scratched the back of his head, letting out a nervous chuckle.

"I know you were doing that on purpose. It's sorta cute, but not really. But I can see your improvements, hence the gown you picked for me. It's really lovely." Bloom admitted.

"I'd do anything to make my little girl happy."

Bloom hugged her father. She had tears streaming down her face. It wasn't out of sadness, but pure happiness. She whispered in which only Oritel could hear. "I love you, Daddy."

Oritel's brown eyes had widened. He was so touched by his daughter's words. He pressed his lips against her forehead and muttered more to himself. "Oh Bloom, you'll always be my baby girl no matter what."

The father-daughter duo pulled away from each and continued to walk down the pavement. Although Bloom could see the discomfort flash in her father's eyes as if he were withholding something from her.

"Is something wrong, Dad?" Bloom asked.

Oritel let out a heavy sigh. Yes. Something had been bothering him. He wanted to talk to Bloom about it. "I know that Erendor can be a huge prick at times, a little more, uh-hotheaded and stubborn, but I wasn't expecting him or Samara to be cold to you."

"Granted, it was also my fault for that," Bloom shuddered over the ridiculous battle between herself and Diaspro. It was utterly humiliating. Bloom wished that it'd never happened. Shame crossed her face. Not mention she had sorta ruined Samara and Erendor's plans for their son Sky.

Oritel stiffened. He knew what Bloom was referring to. The incident that happened at Red-Fountain with that girl, or rather Sky's ex-fiancé.

"If it hadn't been for Sky leading you on as being Brandon, the whole situation would've never occurred in such a way. What makes it worse was that he hadn't been honest for the most part and could've kept deceiving you if you and the rest of your friends had found out about it."

He wasn't too thrilled over the idea that Sky's was Bloom's boyfriend, despite being the son of his best-friend Erendor. It was that Sky had cheated on his ex-fiancé with Bloom—thus hurting them both in unexpected ways.

It didn't sit well with Oritel at all.

Bloom deserved someone so much better than Sky.

"I know. Mum has it all put together compared to me. It's either I suck or I just have bad taste in men," Bloom spoke quietly, though her tone was filled with sadness.

"Oh come on don't say that Bloom. Your worth so much more than that with or without a man by your side. You should never degrade yourself because of couple of bad flukes. Granted, they don't deserve you. You're too good for them, sweetheart." Oritel lifted his daughter's chin upwards to greet her stunning blue eyes. "And besides, no man can ever love you as much as your Daddy can."

Bloom found herself laughing. In a way it was sorta of true.

"You know something Dad, Mum really lucky to have you. And I'll try to be more opened and honest with you and Mum." Bloom promised her father, who seemed to be staring at her in shock.

Oritel's brown eyes had soften. A wide smile stretched across his face.

"I think I'm the lucky one. I'll have a beautiful wife and two amazing daughters."

Bloom, for the first time in her life, she hadn't wanted to run away from her dilemma. No. She had to face them head and perhaps a little advice from her family would be worth it in the long run.


Author's Note

Hello everyone! You weren't expecting me so soon were you? Anyways my inspiration has struck me like lightening! Hopefully it stays for a little longer this time!

My original plan for this chapter was suppose to be the engagement party but decided to push it for next chapter! Anyways, this chapter focused on the aftermath of what happened to Bloom in Obsidian since her emotions had spiraled out of control. This chapter was more of a father-daughter bonding moment! Next chapter, the drama officially begins!

BellChocolate: Ohhh I do wonder how Erendor and Samara's initial reaction to Bloom dating their son Sky! Although, it might be a little awkward for them! I do feel like at this point Bloom does deserve so much better than either Sky or Valtor! But I'm sorta working out on the whole redemption thing for Valtor! Bloom isn't forgive him not so easily! Oritel's so caring towards Bloom! :D

1Shadow-kun: Thank you! I was working on it so hard and I wasn't sure if it felt too rushed or too dragged out! Valtor might appear soon though either in Ch. 16 or 17 as I'm working on plot points! :D

I hope you had enjoyed this chapter!

Like always please leave your reviews and comments down below! I really do appreciate it and love to hear your thoughts about it!

Until Next Time!