It's very hard to get back into this after a long hiatus, so I'm sorry if the quality of the chapter is not good.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Departure

It had been a week since the disastrous ball. Many people knew that something had occurred between Daria and Jerrold. It was inevitable. Many had seen her run away from the castle, and many had seen him follow later on. Subjects were bound to talk.

Daria hadn't seen Jerrold since the ball. He tried to see her plenty of times at her manor house, but she refused to meet with him. Hence, he was always forced to return home dejected. She spent most of her time looking out the window. Every time Jerrold left the house rejected, she would watch him, his head bowed in an uncharacteristic way. She would always be tempted to open her window and yell out, "I'm here!", but a moment later, she would always find the power to resist that desire. Instead, she would clench her fists and simply stare blankly out the window.

And that was what she was doing now.

"Daria, when will you ever stop?"

Daria turned, face devoid of any emotion. "Stop what?"

"Stop locking yourself up in this room. It's been a week. You should talk to him."

Daria didn't even try to suppress her humourless laugh. "Talk to him? See him? I don't think so, Mother."

Lady Gina sighed. "Will you not even let him explain?"

"No."

"That is selfish of you."

Daria gave her a look. "What is there to explain? He…he…" She let out a frustrated sigh. "He lied to me." She knew that that sounded lame, but she didn't know what else to say.

"Well, we all make mistakes," Lady Gina said understandingly. "Even princes. Just talk to him, Daria. Please."

Daria sighed again. "I'll go out for a ride. If I happen to come across him, then I will take it as a sign for me to listen to him."

Lady Gina smiled bemusedly. "That seems illogical, but fine. Go and take Ashwin."

It seemed as if Fate was in Jerrold's side that day. Daria wasn't even far from the manor when a familiar voice called out her name. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to ignore the fact that her heart had quickened the moment she heard his voice.

No! she thought angrily. I WILL be polite to him. I will act as if I don't care about him or Ennael. He can marry her, for all I care.

She turned and gave the Kyrrian prince a polite smile—the kind of smile that one would give a stranger. "Good morning, your Highness."

Jerrold's face darkened the moment he heard the formality come from her. "Your Highness? Are you acting as if you do not know me now?"

Daria was surprised by his harshness, but did not let her aloof expression slip. "But it's true. I do not know you," she said simply.

He cursed silently. "We were engaged! Do not act as if that never happened!"

Her eyes flashed, and she swallowed the scream that was threatening to emerge. "That was not real." She kept her voice levelled. "You were simply—"

"I was not playing with your feelings," Jerrold cut in, his voiced laced with anger and hurt. "I am not heartless, Daria. Don't you dare think that." Then his voice grew soft. "Please believe me."

Daria studied his face. The dark expression had not left, but there was something else in it as well. It was as if he was pleading, begging her to understand. After a moment of contemplative silence, she sighed and nodded. "I believe you."

Jerrold was definitely not expecting that. He was expecting an angry outburst or a hurtful sigh, but not…not understanding. He looked at her cautiously. "You do?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"But…"

"So now that I told you that I believe you, explain to me why you are engaged to Ennael," Daria cut in with a sharp tone of voice.

Jerrold gave her a look, then began to tell her everything that his parents had told him. When he was done, he studied Daria's face, to see if he could read anything, but found the task futile. It was as if her face was carved out of stone.

"So you've always been engaged with Ennael," Daria concluded silently.

"Yes, b-but—"

"Which means that our engagement wasn't valid," she cut in once more.

He shook his head vigorously. "I'll call it off," he said hopelessly.

She gave him a look. "You said that that can only happen if both you and Ennael agree with it. And I know Ennael. She won't."

"I'll talk to her," Jerrold said. "I'll make her…"

Daria shook her head. "Stop, Jerrold," she whispered. "Make Kyrria happy. Go to Ennael." She gave a curt nod and prepared to ride away. Jerrold, however, seized her reins, preventing her from going anywhere.

"I don't love Ennael," he said quietly, reaching out to touch her cheek. Daria immediately turned away, and even though she wasn't looking at him, she could sense his remorse, as well as resentment. "So now you won't allow affection," he said bitterly.

She glared at him. "How dare you!" she yelled. "You are engaged! And not to me!"

"You're right," he said, bowing his head. "But...but I still don't want to believe it. I can't. I love you. Not Ennael. YOU." He almost sounded desperate.

"You'll learn to love her," Daria countered.

"No," he said firmly. "Never."

Daria looked away, unable to maintain contact with his piercing eyes. He was only making things worse. It hurt her to let him go, but she realized that that would be the best. Ennael was much better compared to her. Ennael was the princess of a powerful kingdom. A princess of beauty, grace, wit, and charm. And her? She was nothing. A mere orphan girl. Kyrria needed Ennael. They needed a queen just like her.

Besides, she argued with herself, it would be best to part with him now, before I find myself too deep in to let go. She pursed her lips. We have to go our separate ways before I grow to love him.

She shook her head at Jerrold. "No, you don't. You don't love me."

He looked at her incredulously. "What are you talking about!" he cried.

Her eyes flashed. She was quickly losing her patience. "Use your common sense, Jerrold!" she yelled at him. "You barely know me, so how you can you love me! You're blinded, Jerrold! You think you love me, but you really don't!"

His grip on her reins tightened. "Do not presume what my feelings are, Daria. Do not act as if you know exactly what I am feeling. Because in actuality, you are clueless."

Daria scowled. "All right. Fine. You love me," she said flatly. "But I don't love you." She shot him a dark look. "And our engagement is over. Do you understand?"

She knew that her words cut through him like a razor-sharp knife. He stared at her, extreme pain and disbelief etched on his face. "Just like this, huh?" he whispered hoarsely. "It will end just like this?"

She looked at him coldly. "Yes." Her voice took in a polite tone. "May your life be filled with happiness, your Majesty."

She pulled the reins from his loosened grip and rode away.

Two days after her encounter with Jerrold, a young man surprised Daria with a visit.

"Christian!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"

He grinned at her. "Am I not allowed to visit a friend?"

She smiled remorsefully. "I'm sorry. It's just that…you're Jerrold's best friend and I thought…well, you know…"

He nodded. "I understand. But just because it didn't work out between you and Jerrold doesn't mean that I can no longer be friends with you. Would you like to go riding with me?"

Daria chuckled. "Of course."

They were out of the manor house in a minute, each on their own horse. Christian led the way, with Daria following him. She had no idea where they were going. It was only after she found herself on a familiar trail when she realized that they were heading for Lake Coriel. A few minutes later, they dismounted and tied their reins onto a branch. Snow crunched softly underneath their boots as they walked toward a boulder.

They sat down in silence.

A moment later, Christian spoke up, his voice rather tense. "Daria," Christian said quietly, "is it really over? Between you and Jerrold?"

She sighed and looked down. "He is engaged with Ennael," she mumbled. "And the engagement cannot be broken. Of course it is over."

"But if it can be broken, would you—"

"Christian," Daria cut in venomously, "why are you bringing this up? Can't we just put this all behind?"

He stared at her, then nodded. "I just wanted to make sure," he said softly. He jumped off the rock and stood before her. Daria looked at him strangely, but said nothing. "I wanted to know if I have a chance."

She stared at him, trying to comprehend what he just said. "A chance? What chance? With what?"

His gaze softened. "You know what I mean," he said quietly.

She froze. All she could do was gape at first, stare dazedly at his hopeful face. However, when it finally registered to her exactly what he meant, she snapped out of her stupor, and she began to study his face carefully, to see if he was mocking her.

She saw no traces of ridicule. All she detected was frightening solemnity.

Christian was being serious.

"What?" she whispered. She shook her head. "N-no…no, you told me—you specifically told me that all you want is to be friends," she said accusingly, her voice rising.

Christian's grey eyes blazed. "I was lying," he replied darkly. "It's what spies are good at. The only reason I didn't tell you this was because of Jerrold. And now that he's with Ennael…"

"You're making your move," Daria said bluntly. She scowled. "It's as if it's a game for you two. To see who can win."

Christian shot her an incredulous look. "You can't possibly think that. We're not playing a game, Daria," he said irritably. "Jerrold and I are not controlling what is going on."

Daria shook her head and jumped off the rock. She began to walk to Ashwin, but Christian stopped her.

"Say something," he demanded gently.

"What is there to say?" she replied with a quiet voice. "I'm sorry, but the answer is no. I don't want to get involved in anything like this."

"You won't even give me a chance?"

She shook her head. "No. I'm sorry. But I do want us to stay friends, Christian." She looked up hopefully at his face. "All right?"

"Friends? Sure," he said, laughing bitterly. "Fine." He turned away from her. "I have to go."

As she watched Christian ride away, Daria knew that they would not stay friends. Polite acquaintances, maybe. But not friends.

She rode away, knowing that a chapter of her life had just been closed.

It had been a month since her meetings with Jerrold and Christian. She had not met up with any of them ever since. She saw Gavin a few times, but it was only during times when she was with Eleanor. Daria strongly suspected that he was interested in her friend. However, she chose to stay away from the matter. Love and romance were stupid. It was the last thing she wanted.

Talks about her and Jerrold had died down now. Nowadays, it was all about the upcoming marriage between Ennael and the Prince, which was happening in spring. Ennael was still in Frell, spending quality time with her future husband. Daria didn't care. At least she pretended not to.

"You're doing that face again."

Daria looked up and smiled at Clarisse. Clarisse saw that the smile had an evident hint of sadness in it, but chose to ignore it.

"I was not," said the raven-haired girl.

Clarisse laughed as she hung up a bed sheet. "Yes, you were. Your nose was all scrunched up, and there was a line between your eyebrows."

Daria sighed. "I was just thinking about…" She shook her head. "I don't even know why." She rubbed her forehead tiredly and sighed again. "It's been a month, for crying out loud!"

"Forgetting is never easy."

"Daria!"

"Your mother calls."

Daria nodded and went inside. Lady Gina was there, a tiny smile on her face. Daria knew that the woman was up to something. Whether it was good or bad, she didn't know.

"I have a proposal," Lady Gina announced.

Daria's curiosity was piqued. "I'm listening."

"Well, your father and I were wondering if you'd like to visit Antares."

She stared at her. "Antares? Antares the kingdom?"

"Yes. It's a beautiful country. And, it's just south of Kyrria, a five day's ride. Your father and I think that a change would do you good. Frell has become so tiring, don't you think? We know a family there who will gladly take you in for a while. You can stay there for a month. If you want to stay longer, fine. And if you want to leave sooner, that's fine as well."

Daria smiled amusedly. "Trying to get rid of me, are you?"

Lady Gina chuckled. "Oh, yes. How did you ever find out our master plan?"

"Well, a visit there does sound nice. And it won't be as cold. When do I leave?"

"In two days. You will really love it there, Daria. It's the home of the unicorns. They're so lovable…if you mean them no harm, of course."

After discussing other things with her mother, such as what to pack, who she was staying with, etc., Daria returned outside to Clarisse.

"So what did your mother want?" Clarisse asked casually.

Daria beamed. "I'm leaving," she announced. "Time away from this place will do me a lot of good. I will be staying in Antares for a while." When she looked at Clarisse, she was shocked to see that the woman was openly staring at her, her face pallid. "Clarisse?" she said worriedly. "Are you all right? What's wrong?"

Clarisse jumped, as if she had been brought out of a deep trance. "Um…y-yes. Fine." She turned away quickly and hung up a chemise.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Daria. So…so when are you leaving for Antares?" she asked, her voice strained.

"In two days. I can't wait. I've heard that it's a beautiful country."

Clarisse nodded. "I suppose. I've never been there."

"Why don't you come with me then?"

Clarisse shook her head. "No. I can't leave Fauna or Phil."

Daria nodded. "I understand. Maybe someday all four of us can go there. Perhaps during the summer."

There was a long silence. Daria looked at the elderly woman, noting her distracted manner.

Then Clarisse nodded, her thin lips pursed tightly together. "Perhaps," she whispered.

Two days later, Daria found herself in a carriage, on her way to the kingdom of Antares. Terell was there to accompany her on her journey; he was a manservant and most trusted friend of the Embletons.

Five days they rode in the snow, stopping at inns for the night. In the evening of the fifth day, Daria awoke when she felt the carriage jerk to a stop. She looked out the window and saw that they had stopped in front of a large, impressive manor house. The carriage door opened, and she was aided by a footman.

She was helping with the luggage when a voice called out to her, saying, "You must be Daria!"

Daria turned and saw a middle-aged woman, wearing a very extravagant dress and bright smile. She seemed like the type of woman who was an extreme socialite, knowing everyone's affairs, but very kind all the same.

Daria smiled and nodded. "Good evening, Lady Aelis."

"You must be exhausted from the journey. Come, follow me. I will show you to your room."

Daria's jaw dropped when she saw her room. It was larger and fancier than her room in Frell. She felt so miniscule compared to the vastness of the bedroom. It was a waste of space, really. She was not going to be able to occupy the whole place. She only had two trunks with her. The wardrobe, carved with intricate designs, looked like it could fill hundreds of dresses.

Then she looked past the wardrobe. "I have a balcony!" she said in disbelief.

Lady Aelis smiled. "Of course, dear. I hope you will be comfortable here."

"I will be more than comfortable, thank you," Daria replied.

"Well, I'll let you settle in. Good night."

It was already time to go to bed, so Daria changed into her nightgown after unpacking. She had a very restful sleep; the bed felt heavenly. The entire manor house was unbelievable. Lady Aelis and her husband must be very important members of society.

The next morning, she found Lady Aelis in the dining room.

"My husband is out of town at the moment. I'm sorry, but he won't be here for another week," Lady Aelis announced.

Daria nodded. "I understand," she said, taking a seat.

"Did you have good rest?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Good, because the daughter of Lady Erin and Lord Hamil is being presented to society tonight. Did you bring a gown fit for a ball?"

"Just one."

"Just one? My dear, that won't do. Certainly more than one ball will be held during your stay here, and you can't possibly wear the same outfit. However, do not worry. We will have a gown made for you."

"But—"

"I know what you are going to say. It is no trouble at all, Daria. I insist."

Daria knew that she would not be able to argue with Lady Aelis. Her mind was decided, and she was the type who wanted things her way. Extremely few people would dare insist on doing things differently.

At approximately 6:30 in the evening, Daria found herself in a carriage, heading for the ball. Her gown was the same one she wore in her own debutante ball: the off-shoulder crimson dress with white roses and a white petticoat. She was more than a little nervous. In fact, she was terrified. She was not a charming socialite. Half the time, during occasions like these, she would find herself either tongue tied or running out of things to say. She was a better listener than talker.

Finally, they were there. A footman opened the carriage door and held her hand as she stepped out. She could already hear the lively music from outside.

"Are you ready, Daria?"

She nodded. "Um…yes…"

They went in. The ball was not as fancy and beautiful as Jerrold's ball; therefore, she didn't need to tell her name to a crier and have him announce it for everyone to hear. She just went in and followed Lady Aelis, who introduced her to elderly or middle-aged people. She settled with smiling politely and answering whatever questions they had.

Finally, she was introduced to someone her age. "Daria, this is Lady Ophelia and Lord Randal, and their son, Henry."

Daria curtsied, while he bowed. "I have not seen you here before, Lady Daria," Henry said politely.

"No, I am only here for a visit," Daria replied. "I come from Kyrria."

"Frell, to be exact," Lady Aelis said.

"Ah," Henry said, nodding politely. He was so…proper. So formal. "And may I have the honour?" he said, indicating towards the dance floor, where couples were dancing a spirited gavotte.

Daria curtsied. "You may." Inside, she was groaning.

Well, at least this doesn't require any talking, she thought as Henry led her to the floor. Which do I prefer? The torture of trying to think of things to say or the torture of painful feet?

Neither. They're both…torturous.

After the gavotte, another gentleman asked for a dance. Then another. Each one said the same thing: They had not seen her before. And each answer was the same: I am from Kyrria. I am here for a visit.

Blah, blah, blah. She almost wished for a deep, meaningful conversation.

And she got it. The fifth gentleman, in his late teens and handsome in a rugged way, began to talk about the situation in Antares. It was a slow sarabande, perfect for a conversation.

"This entire pretence is ridiculous," he said gravely, as they moved their way through the dance floor.

"Pretence? What do you mean?"

He smiled grimly. "I forget that you are not from around here. But I suppose you do know that Antares has no monarchy?"

Daria nodded. "I do know that the royal line ended after the death of the king seven years ago."

He nodded. "Yes. After that, twelve councillors took over the kingdom. They managed its affairs. It was going well at first, but after the death of the king's most trusted councillor just a year ago, everything began to fall apart. They began to fight over who would take his place. The one who would lead. Now, we are on the verge of a civil war, but everyone is pretending that all is fine and dandy."

"Was the councillor's death sudden?"

"Yes. How did you know?"

"Because if it hadn't been sudden, if he knew that he was going to die, he would have appointed someone to take his place. Then this whole confusion would not have happened."

He laughed bitterly. "Confusion? No. It's more than that. It's hunger. Everyone knows that Lord Maurier deserves the position, but the others are unwilling to give it to him. They want the position for themselves. They're hungry for power. Because of that, Antares is falling apart. Everywhere you go you smell the stench of impending treason."

"And what of the people? Why do they pretend that a war is not coming?"

He shrugged. "Who knows? Perhaps because they're too afraid to admit it. There are others who are already fleeing from this place, but those who are in denial go about their lives as if this kingdom isn't in the brink of war."

"I wonder why my mother sent me here if it's dangerous to be here."

"Your mother most likely does not know," he replied. "We are an extremely exclusive bunch, and we are very proud, my lady. We dare not reveal our troubles to other kingdoms. And I suspect Lady Aelis is in denial, which is why she let you come here."

The music ended. Daria curtsied, and he bowed. Then he took her hand and planted a kiss on her knuckles. His eyes bore into her when he looked up.

"You are in danger, my lady," he whispered. "It can happen anytime now. I suggest you leave before it's too late."

Her throat felt parched. "I…I…" She didn't know what to say. "Um…thank you?" She wondered why she was saying thank you. Perhaps it was because he was kind enough to warn her of imminent danger?

He nodded. "Goodbye."

Then he was gone. Daria walked off the dance floor and headed for the balcony where it was nice and quiet. It was cold, yes, but she wanted the silence.

How is it possible? she wondered. How is it possible for this kingdom to hide their troubles from the other kingdoms? How are they able to keep it to themselves? Surely others know? Something as big as this cannot be hidden…right?

She shook her head. She was not getting any answers. Antares was on the verge of a war, yet the other kingdoms had no idea. Her entire body turned numb all of a sudden.

I am in danger. The statement struck Daria right there and then. I AM IN DANGER! Her blood turned cold. Should I leave immediately! How! What am I going to say to Lady Aelis? Will she force me to stay? Will I be able to knock some sense into her?

Wait.

Wait…

WAIT.

What if he was lying? What if this whole thing is just in his mind? Why should I trust what HE said? I don't even know him! I had ONE dance with him! He could be a madman, for all I know!

She was becoming very confused. And she started to panic, which was not good. The silence is doing things to my mind…I should go back…

She turned and headed back to the ballroom.

"I had a few gentlemen enquire after you, Daria," Lady Aelis said when we were in the carriage, heading back to the manor house. "They wanted to know if you had a beau, and I said no." A pause. "Well do you?"

Daria shook her head. "Um…no…but I am not interested, Lady Aelis."

She seemed very surprised by this. "Why not? You are in the marrying age and you have a well-respected family. Not to mention you have a pretty face."

"Erm…" Daria shrugged. "I'm just not ready. And marriage is not in my mind right now."

"If you say so, dear. But remember: time is running out. If it's love you're waiting for, then you need to wake up. Noble girls do not marry for love."

Daria remained silent. She need not tell Lady Aelis that marriage had been in her mind once, but hopes of having a husband to love (yes, love!) and having children to care for and also love were crushed the moment the announcement was made about Jerrold's betrothal. Now marriage was the last thing on her mind. All because of the prince of Kyrria, future king…

But Lady Aelis need not know about that. That mysterious gentleman was right about one thing: Antares was an extremely private kingdom. No one outside knew of its affairs, while no one inside knew of the affairs of the other kingdoms.

"Lady Aelis, may I ask a question?" Daria said, breaking the silence.

"Of course, my dear."

"Is…is Antares in a…um…difficult situation?"

She frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean…is there a war coming?"

"Daria! Where ever did you get such a ridiculous idea? Of course not. Antares is as safe as Kyrria. Who told you that?"

"This gentleman I met in the ball…a Lord Vaughn."

Lady Aelis stiffened. "Do not mind that foolish boy. He is paranoid. Do you understand, Daria?"

She nodded slowly. "Yes, but I—"

The carriage lurched to a stop. Lady Aelis emitted a cry of surprise, and after recovering from the sudden movement, she frowned and rapped on the carriage wall. "John!" she cried out. "What are you doing?"

There was no answer.

"John! Why did we stop? Did a wheel break? Are we stuck? Answer me!" When she was answered with silence, she cursed under her breath and opened the carriage door. "John!" she called out. "Jo—" There was a sudden movement, and a split second later, Lady Aelis fell to the ground. Before Daria could open her mouth to scream, she felt something pierce her neck. It was a small prick, but it clouded her senses and created a dizzying effect. She lost all control of her body and felt herself start to collapse…

She did not feel any pain when her head smashed into the velvet seat. Her vision darkened as she began to succumb to a deep, lifeless sleep…