Chapter 4 - The Realization

Aletta started up the stairs and heard Undine in the whirlpool. Understanding her need for privacy, she set up the room that she had designated for Undine's use. As she finished, she thought about the boy and his words. This boy barely knew her, yet behaved as she was his. As she heard Undine come out of the water, she wondered how she was going to stop him. She also prayed that Jian didn't reject her, as she knew what would happen if he did. Something she kept from the boy. It wasn't his business, and well, didn't she learn from her own history?

"Aletta, thank you so much for allowing me the use of the pool. It is not as good as the lake, but served the purpose. However, I used up all your salt and..." Undine said, until Aletta held up a hand to stop her from talking further

"It is alright, and I expected it. I don't want to alarm you, but that boy is one of your classmates. I have spoken to him, and instructed him to leave you alone." she started to say until she saw Undine's eyes widen in fear.

"Undine, it will be okay. If you have any more trouble with him, inform me at once." she finished seeing that Undine was calming down but still wide eyed.

"How can I face him? How can I not tremble in fear?" Undine whispered softly

"You are a princess of your people. You will face it with the strength of your people. Now, it is late, so why don't you get ready for bed. In the morning things will be better, I promise." she swore to her as she helped her to bed and tucked her in. Undine fell asleep instantly, and Aletta softly stroked her face as she slept.

"Sleep well my child. And I hope that Jian notices you soon, as I know you die a bit more each day." she whispered as she stroked her head one last time and gently closed the door.

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"Undine!" Jian shouted

"There you are? How did you find out I was at the headmistress's home?" Undine asked later that morning

"Because I asked around when I did not see you at the courtyard" he said, unconsciously stroking her back, in a familiar gesture

"I am glad that took the trouble to look for me Jian" Undine said softly, hoping he would finally confirm his feelings to her

"Hey you are my only friend here! Who else would I be looking for? Everyone else here are beneath me." Jian said firmly, and turned away from her. As he did so, he missed the look of anguish on her face.

Hesitant about asking, but knowing her time was almost done, she decided to press it. "Jian, have you ever thought about a girlfriend?" she asked frightened of his answer

"Where on earth did that come from?" he asked stopping in his tracks and turning towards her

"It was something that was brought to my attention, that well...uh...we should be looking for mates." she said blushing

"Undine, I should have told you, but I can't have girlfriends. I'm betrothed. Once I finish here, my father has forced me to marry a dancer. Thats why I am here. My mother set it all up before she died. If it was just my father, I would have blown it off, but it was my mother. So that is my fate. Now why have you brought this up? Is someone wanting you to be his girlfriend?" he said, but then noticing how pale she suddenly became

"Undine, what is wrong?" he said concerned as she began to tremble all over

"You are promised to another..." she slowly said, not trusting her voice

"Yes I am...why Undine, tell me you didn't fancy yourself in love with me?" he said, and then watched her go even paler. "Undine, are you in love with me? Is that why you came here?" he said again

Undine could barely stand, as her worst fears were coming true. Jian could not possibly accept her, and was rejecting her. All she could do was nod her head, sealing her fate.

"I am sorry Undine, that I can not accept what you give. If I did not have that commitment from my mother, I would blow off the engagement, but I can't." he said, not knowing what his rejection would cost her.

Jian was suddenly afraid, as she was so pale and shaking all over. "Undine are you okay?"

In a firm voice she replied "I will be. Thank you for your honestly and your friendship. It was a pleasure knowing you." she said finally and as stately as she could walked away from him.

Tristan had been watching the entire time, and smiled, as he watched Jian reject her. He then slowly emerged from his hiding place, to claim his prize.