Chapter 203 When the Wind Tastes like Freedom (Bonus)
(Aeris POV)
Two days had gone by quickly. I stood in my room checking the basic necessities in my bag. I didn't carry too much knowing it could slow me down.
I took a lot of jewellery and gold knowing it can be accepted in every corner of the world. I avoided the Fae money as it could easily reveal my identity.
I looked outside the window, and the sun was already rising. The birds flew freely in the sky, 'freedom.' This was what I had wanted in my life.
I'll be leaving tonight, and I'll be taking White with me. Although I don't know where he is being kept. I sighed.
A sudden knock came from the door, and my soul left me for a second. I rushed back to quickly hide the bag under my bed.
"Come In." I sat on my bed, pretending to be sleeping.
Soon, the door creaked open, and many servants entered my room carrying a wedding dress, shoes, a crown, jewellery, and boxes.
I stared blankly at them as they placed them down. Green walked towards me. "Princess, are you feeling unwell?" She asked with concern.
"I'm well." I sat upright, resting my back on the headboard of my bed. "Do you know where my mother is?" I asked, looking behind the servants.
"Um. No, but I think she will visit you soon, after all you are getting married tomorrow." She chuckled. "Congratulations Princess, I heard your groom is a very handsome young Fae. And he comes from a prestigious family." She giggled, daydreaming.
"I also heard he will be here at noon. And there is more good news, your curfew has been lifted. The King said you should go for a walk in the garden to stretch your legs. Oh, he also asked me to give you this pendant. He said you must wear it now and must never take it off." She rumbled on.
I stared at the royal blue box in her hand. She opened it revealing a royal blue crystal stone pendant. It was carved in an intricate flat diagonal shape. It was beautiful.
"Why is he giving me this? And why must I never take it off?" I gave her a puzzled look.
She looked at me, puzzled and speechless at the same time. "I… I think it must be a gift from him. And as to why he said you must not take it off, I don't know. I'm just a servant, Princess, I dare not question him."
I stared at the pendant again, I had an uneasy feeling about it. I looked at the black bracelet on my right hand. It had felt right to wear, but when I turned to collect the pendant, the unease grew stronger.
"Let me help you wear it, Princess." Green dropped the box on my bed, she left my hand hanging midair.
She lifted the pendant from the box, wearing a bright smile. "Princess, turn around."
Sighing in defeat, I lazily turned my back on her. The moment the crystal touched my skin, I felt cold radiate throughout my body. "It's so cold." I groaned, and my body shook.
"Princess, Princess. Are you alright?" Green cried out.
I snuggled inside the warmth of my blanket. My teeth gritted from the shaking of my body.
"Let me warm you up." She channeled her magic to me, warmth across my body. I stopped shaking, and my chest heaved up and down.
I opened my eyes as my body stabilized. 'What just happened?' I wondered, my finger brushed over its cold surface.
"Help me up." I weakly said.
Green helped me to my feet. "What is this pendant?" My feet wobbled slightly.
"I don't know Princess, but the look of it." She leaned in closer. "I think it is the infamous pendant of the royal family."
My brows furrowed. "Infamous pendant?" I muttered under my breath. Why haven't I heard about it before?
"Yes, I heard it pass from a…"
Before she could finish her words, another servant interjected. "We are done with placing the things for the wedding."
Green took a few steps away from me. "Princess, we will be on our way now." She said before heading out of the room.
I sat on my bed, wondering what she wanted to say. Sighing, I turned to the door, my mother… she did not come to see me.
It had been days since I last saw her. And now that I am about to leave, she didn't even come. My lips stretched into a sad smile.
I guess our relationship wasn't as great as I had thought. I wanted to see her one last time before leaving. It was great, this way I won't feel too bad for leaving.
'I need to look for White.' With that thought, I wore my white cloak, making my way out of the room.
I inhaled deeply, spreading my hands wide. The breeze ruffled my hair and caressed my cheeks. The taste of freedom was intoxicating… after being locked in a room.
Some servants walked past me carrying fresh flowers. I shook my head. 'If only they knew it was just a waste of energy.'
I walked around the garden. A smile crept on my lips, remembering how I met Rhydian here. It was a nice encounter.
I bent down, my hands on my knees. I took a big sniff of the rose flowers. I tilted my head to the sky, closing my eyes, letting the scent calm my nerves.
'This is the smell of freedom. Even the roses smell like a rare delicacy now… really? Delicacy of all words?'
"Enjoying the weather, I see." A familiar voice rang from behind me.
I spun around too quickly, losing my balance. A cry tore from my throat as I felt the ground getting closer. Before I could hit the ground, a hand held me by my waist.
When I opened my eyes, a pair of blue eyes met mine. "Rhydian."