Two Princesses, One Throne

Chapter 9

“We consider this area as our quarters and lucky you, we have one extra room.” Rosella opened the door and motioned Amara to come in.

“The house on the opposite side is where we dine together so basically that’s like the lounging area. As you noticed, the moment we came here, all you can see are three doors on each side.” Rosella explained as they go inside Amara’s room.

“I like it. Thank you Rosella.”

“Welcome to the family Amara.” Rosella welcomed with a smile.

“I’ll let you get settled in.” Rosella left the room closing the door behind her leaving Amara alone.

Amara walked to the window and saw nothing but branches and leaves. Looking up Amara wondered how farther away they are to the top so she passed through the window and climbed up the tree. It took her fifteen minutes to finally reach the topmost of the tree and she was lost for words when she saw the scene before her.

Standing from one of the tallest trees in the Dark Forest, Amara can see the entire kingdom. The view was almost breathtaking but looking at the castle, she can see darkness surrounding it.

“I promise Papa. I will take back our kingdom.” Amara whispered and right then, blue butterflies came out flying around Amara.

“You know we have a secret pathway if we wish to come here.” Amara gasped, surprised by his presence and she almost lost her balance on the branch that she’s standing on, thankfully Wilson was quick enough to grab her waist.

“Are you alright?” asked Wilson eyes laced with worry.

“You saved me. Thank you.” Amara sighed in relief. She could’ve died the ugliest death if Wilson wasn’t there to help her.

“Come on, step right here.” looking down, Amara saw a long wooden platform where Wilson is standing. Wilson held her hand tight, guiding her to the platform.

“Thank you Wilson.” Amara said. Wilson lets go of her hand and he sat on the edge of the platform. Amara decided to sit on the platform beside Wilson but keeping her distance since they’ve only just met and she doesn’t want him to think that she’s trying to act close.

“What’s with the butterflies?” asked Wilson making Amara look at him.

“Oh uhm---i-it’s a……” Amara doesn’t know whether to tell Wilson the truth that she’s a sorceress because she completely forgot that her powers came out.

“It’s okay. I know you’re the daughter of King Edward and that you are a sorceress.” Amara was taken aback but she figured there’s no point hiding it anymore.

“I’m sorry about how Barbara acted. She’s still angry about how your sister burned the church and killed the priest who raised us, and the fact that you too are a sorceress makes it hard for her to fully accept you but she’ll come around.” Amara didn’t say a word but she can now understand Barbara. The person they consider as their parent was killed and the home they grew up in was burned to the ground. Amara can fully understand how it feels to lose someone and something they hold dear.

Amara and Wilson sat there in a comfortable silence as they gaze upon the setting sun. Wilson looked at Amara as she stared at the sky with a smile on her face; it made Wilson smile as well.

They stayed there for the next five minutes when Amara finally decided to go back.

“I’ll go ahead.” Amara was about to leave when Wilson said, “At the end of the platform there’s a ladder, you can use it.”

“Oh, thank you.” following what Wilson said, Amara got down using the ladder which leads to the rooftop of the dining house. Amara got on to the roof and got confused about how she would go down from there until she saw Damien on the balcony which gave her a crazy idea.

“Damien.” Getting Damien’s attention he turned around and she was surprised to see him with his arms out to catch her.

“Hurry up or I’ll change my mind.” said Damien making Amara smile. Amara jumped off the roof with Damien effortlessly catching her.

“Nice catch Dami.” Amara said with a smile but Damien had a poker-face on.

“Don’t call me that.” Said Damien gently putting her down. Rolling her eyes Amara answered, “Fine, but still a nice catch though.”

“I will always catch you when you fall but try not to fall too hard.” Amara blinked her eyes twice taking a step back and then took a step closer to Damien again placing her palm on Damien’s forehead.

“No fever. Are you really okay, Damien?” asked Amara but instead of answering her, Damien placed his finger on Amara’s forehead slightly pushing her back.

“You’re getting noisy again.” Damien said making Amara pout.

“What are you doing here anyway?” Amara asked.

“Making arrows.” Damien answered turning his back on Amara and resumed his work. Amara followed him and watched as he made his arrows.

“Damien, did you feel the same way about me?” Damien stopped what he’s doing and turned his head to look at Amara.

“When you saw me fighting the castle soldiers and realizing that I was a sorceress, did you hate me, just like Barbara?”

“I never hated you……” Damien answered truthfully and almost too quickly.  

“I’m glad to hear that.” Amara whispered but it was loud and clear for Damien.

“……and I think I never will. You may be her sister but you’re not her.” Amara blinked her eyes again and placed her palm on his forehead.

“Are you sure you’re okay? You’ve been saying nice things lately; too nice that it’s starting to worry me.” sighing Damien ignored Amara and continued making his arrows. Wilson came down from the topmost part of the tree and saw everything. He saw how Amara acted around Damien and how Damien acted around Amara.

Rosella’s right, Damien is different around Amara but Amara is different around Damien as well. Wilson turned his eyes away and went down from the roof. As he reached down, he saw Barbara looking at them with a grim look on her face.

“Barbara? Is dinner ready?” asked Wilson but Barbara didn’t answer him making him frown. Wilson walked closer to Barbara and saw her looking at Damien and Amara.

“Stop that Barbara. You know fully well that Damien was saved by King Edward and he also helped us. Damien was only trying to look out for King Edward’s daughter.” Said Wilson trying to calm Barbara but she’s seeing it differently. She never saw Damien smile or talk much but that woman was able to draw a smile on Damien’s face even if he’s hiding it.

“You’re not seeing what I’m seeing Wilson so shut up.” Barbara stormed off to the kitchen leaving Wilson.

Wilson once again glanced at the two and was surprised to see Damien smile without Amara knowing.

“Damien, can I go hunting with you tomorrow?” Amara asked making Damien look at her. Amara had a hopeful look on her face but then it faded when she saw an evil smirk from Damien.

“Of course princess, let’s see if you can survive the Dark Forest.”