I stood there, frozen in shock. Albel…his arms were wrapped around me in an embrace. My face burned as the blood rose to my face.
"A-Albel…" I choked, feeling speechless and yet at the same time, I liked his closeness. Suddenly, he let go and turned the other direction, quite possibly embarrassed.
"…Albel…" I whispered, still feeling a little dizzy.
"Are you done crying? We should get going." He grunted, attempted to excuse his intimate action. Albel began to walk off, but I was still angry.
"Albel!" I shouted at him, causing him to stop and look at me questionably.
"We…..we're staying here until you've completely healed!" I demanded of him. The young man looked amused and at the same time, annoyed.
"I don't need your pity woman. We're late now that we've taken a detour back." He scoffed. I huffed and placed my hand on my hip.
"Are you done yet? We're staying here until I feel like leaving, and that's final!" I concluded before he had a chance to say anything else.
"You spoiled brat! I bet you just want to stuff yourself like a pig here!" Albel snarled. It looks like I ticked him off, but what he just said set me on fire as well.
"Pig?! How dare you?! You…..you…..TURKEY!" I literally screamed with my fists clenched. We continued to bicker until one of the townsfolk screamed, "SHUT UP!" at us.
Immediately, we made our way down the roof. I felt so stupid arguing with Albel like that! How could I let myself do such an immature thing!? I slapped my forehead in frustration and turned to Albel with angry eyes.
"Look what you've done! Why won't you listen to me?!" I snapped, bringing my voice down to a harsh whisper.
"Look who's talking! Why the hell do you want to stay?!" He snarled.
"I wanted to wait until you were better! That was a deep wound! Be considerate since you scared the hell out of me!" I almost screeched. Surprisingly he didn't reply, but rather turned away from me.
"…Fine…we'll stay here…but only a maximum of 3 days, that's all." He sighed, finally giving in. My heart almost leaped out. He's actually listening!
"…Thank you…Albel." I whispered quietly.
"We should get to bed." He suggested and led the way back to the inn.
The next day I awoke with a smile on my face. Oh, how nice it was to sleep in a bed for once! I confess that part of my reason for staying here was to have a final taste of Aquaria before we left for good. Quickly I got out of bed and dressed in my normal, deep red kimono and headed out. The cool air met my face and gently swept my short hair. I didn't get to appreciate this town since Albel's injuries occupied my mind. With a deep breath, I treaded down the streets of Peterny, constantly trying to hold a smile to my face. I decided to buy a simple trinket from the nearest shop for a souvenir. My smile did not reach the clerk. Instead, she gave me a questioning look, almost saying,
"Why aren't you in Airyglyph, married?" My heart felt crushed when I realized almost everyone around me held that look. Already I was an outcast in my own country. A chill ran down my spine as I felt the glares from my own people. I felt uncomfortable and broken. Why…is this happening? I ran away from the area, to a secluded place. I was about to drop to my knees until a pair of familiar arms wrapped around my waist, preventing me from dropping. I looked up, afraid to see who I would be staring at.
"Lady Nel, are you alright?" Aide asked sympathetically. I gasped and immediately pushed him away, carrying a guarded and furious look.
"What are you doing here Aide?!" I demanded of him.
"Still as feisty as ever aren't you princess?" He laughed and swept his long, black hair back.
"What do you want?" I asked him, attempting to control my emotions. I hated this man so much! I don't completely understand why, but everything about him just ticks me off!
"Do you think I would let my fiancée be married off to the prince of Airyglyph? We were engaged and we will stay engaged." He said angrily. My eyes widened. He still has the intent to marry me?!
"Who do you think you are?! I'm not yours! I never was yours! And you can't defy the law. What's done is done, you can't change it." I snarled at him, amazed at what I said. 'You can't defy the law'….I say that to him, but what about myself? I'm such a hypocrite…
"Oh please…look in my eyes and tell me that you don't want to be delivered from that." He sneered and touched a sensitive spot in my soul. In sheer anger, I lunged at him, with intent to strangle him, to disfigure him, to scar him, anything!
Aide expertly caught my arm. I gasped and tried to wrench my arm away, but he kept a tight grip. How did he do that?! Aide never was a warrior. There was no way he could've stopped my attack!
"Surprised Nel? You see, I've been training, all so I could kill any man that touches you. You are mine alone…" He smiled and pulled me close to his chest before whispering seductively into my ear.
"You are mine alone…Mine to love, mine to touch, and mine to kill…" I was about to scream in horror, but he brought his mouth upon mine, stealing my first kiss. My breath became ragged as he sunk deeper into my mouth, as if trying to consume me. With all my strength, I struggled against him, but to no avail. My eyes watered in fear and hate as I watched him win over me with a lust I could not fight. Somebody…save me!
Slowly, Aide reached into my kimono…
Sorry if it took so long to update! I thank all the reviewers and non-reviewers out there! Of course, I'd like everyone to review. It gives me inspiration to continue! Sorry for the cliffhanger.