Chapter 206 Farewell (Bonus)
"Oh, I forgot to ask, when is he going to be visible again?"
"Use the necklace I gave to you." He looked at me like he had more to say. "Be safe. And congratulations on your marriage."
"Thank you."
I stood in my spot watching as his frame disappeared from my line of sight. I walked back to my room, it was weird walking with an invisible wolf. I would have thought he was gone, if not for the feeling of his fur brushing my leg.
When I got to my room, I took a warm bath. I knew if I left, it would be difficult to get a proper bath. I don't know if it was true, but it was written in the books.
After showering I walked to the balcony. I know butterflies are everywhere, but I have grown used to them.
As soon as my leg touched the floor of the balcony, numerous butterflies swarmed around me like a tornado. I chuckled, it was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen.
White, the butterfly, flew away from the rest of the butterflies. "Forgive me, Princess, I could not hide it from them that you'll be leaving soon."
"It's okay, I was going to them myself." I smiled bitterly at White. "I'm gonna miss you all." My lips quivered.
"We are going to miss you!" The butterflies cried out in unison.
Hearing their cry, I broke out in tears.
The butterflies stopped flying around me, and they hugged me. I was covered with butterflies from my hair to my toes, they left just my face. More tears poured down my cheeks because of their gesture.
"Don't cry." A red butterfly whispered in my ears. "We'll be with you, wherever you go."
I nodded. "Thank you."
"I think we have one more visitor."
Hearing White words, I lifted my head only to find Golden flying towards me. Golden flapped its wings slowly in front of me.
"Princess, I came to say goodbye."
"Haven't you gone to look for your home? How come you are here?" I stretched out my hand for it to settle on.
"There is no point for me to find it, as I'll die before getting there. I decided that it'll be best to live a little longer and die here… even if it means I'll never go back home."
I sniffled, wiping away my tears. "I've decided to visit the world, If you wish to come along… I can take you home."
"Really? You'll take me home?"
I nodded. Golden flew up into the sky, flying around happily. "I'm going home! I'm going home!"
The butterflies on my body joined Golden in celebration. I watched how their colours brighten the sky like colourful petals carried by the winds.
White the butterfly sat on my shoulder. "You did the right thing. I'm so proud of you." She hugged my cheek.
"It was the right thing to do. I don't want another creature without a home if I can help. I'm leaving now but one day I hope I can find my way back home. And if I get lost, I hope someone will show me the path home." I closed my eyes, enjoying the hug.
Golden came back. "Princess, thank you for being willing to bring me home."
"Don't thank me for that, it's what anyone in my shoes would do." I smiled.
The sun was already setting. My eyes stared at the horizon painted with a reddish-orange hue. It was so beautiful, and the birds were already flying back to their nest.
'It is time.'
"My friends, this is where we say our goodbyes." My voice cracked, even when I tried to sound strong.
"Farewell princess." They said in unison.
I turned to White the butterfly. "Thank you for your guidance." A tear rolled down my cheeks.
"It was my pleasure. Go now… go embrace your real self." White muttered the last part under its breath.
I took a final glance at them, and I smiled even when I felt my heart being pricked by thousands of needles. Saying goodbye hurts.
I turned around and walked inside my room. I strolled around my room with Golden on my shoulder, engraving every inch of it into my memory.
"White, are you here?" My voice was hoarse.
I felt something brush me. I sighed, knowing he was really with me. I turned to the door, I wished my mother would knock on the door. I wished she would talk to me. I wished I could see her face one last time. I wished she would hug me and tell me she was proud of my decision.
But no matter how long I waited she never came.
I forced a smile on my face. Then I wore a black cloak with a hood. I carried my bag. "Come White."
I tied my bedsheets together forming a long rope. Then, I tied one end to the leg of my bed and I threw the other one out of the balcony.
I climbed down the wall. I looked up at my room, and I felt a dull ache in my chest. I shoved the feeling down.
I hurried into the bush, using it as a cover. 'The northern wall. Damon said he would be waiting for me… I hope he is.'
"Where are we going, Princess?"
"To the northern wall."
After walking for a couple of minutes, we finally reached the northern wall. And just below the wall is a hole. A smile formed on my lips… 'Luck is on my side.'
"White, you go first."
I heard his grunt, which meant he disagreed.
"There is no arguing about it. Go now!" I yelled lowly.
He grunted again, but he obeyed this time. The grass in his path bent under his weight.
I followed and began to crawl through the hole, then the loud ringing of the bell echoed through the castle. My blood ran cold. 'They knew I was missing.'
I crawled desperately out of the hole, getting to the other side, and I searched frantically for Damon.