Two Princesses, One Throne

Chapter 19

After leaving Green Village, Amara’s group traveled for another three hours until they decided to take quick stop to eat their meal. As Rosella and Barbara prepare their meal, Amara distanced herself from the group to shoot arrows to kill time.

As she aimed at the tree in front of her, she imagined Arianna standing there, fueling her anger. Amara shot dozens of arrows in a row without stopping even when her fingers are starting to bleed. Amara screamed in frustration as both her knees fell on the ground. A tear dropped from Amara’s eyes freezing the ground as it landed on it. Everything around her started to froze as she remembered all the things she witnessed and heard in Green Village.

“I’m so useless.” Amara whispered to herself.

Rosella noticed Amara’s absence so she asked, “Where’s Amara?”

“I’ll look for her.” Wilson offered but right then Damien appeared.

“She’s fine. Just leave her alone for now.” Damien simply said and he sat by the tree with his back resting on it.

“Damien, she might do something reckless.” Wilson argued which was seconded by Barbara. “He’s right Damien. After everything Amara’s seen and after hearing the situation from Koro, there’s no way she’s not affected.”

“Amara needs us right now Damien.” Rosella added and that was when Amara came back.

“Amara.” Rosella called.

“Is lunch ready?” Amara asked with a bright smile; a smile too bright that they can no longer see if it’s genuine.

“Amara are you okay?” Rosella asked almost hesitantly.

“I’m good. I’m good now.” Amara walked over to the fire and took a bowl of pork stew. Everyone followed after Amara and they all ate in silence.

Amara knows that they are worried about her and she doesn’t want to cause trouble to anyone especially to the people she now considers as her family.

“I’m sorry.” They all, except Damien, turned their heads to Amara when she broke the silence.

“I’m sorry if I’m causing you trouble by acting so strange. I know it worries you that I might do something I’ll regret and believe me I almost did but I’ll try my best to keep calm.” Amara added bowing her head in the process showing her sincerity.

“We understand where you’re coming from Amara and we all feel the same way but we want you to know that you’re not fighting alone.” Barbara replied causing Amara to look at her.

“Thank you Barbara.” Amara answered back.

The quiet atmosphere a while ago was replaced by stories and laughter as the group ate. Right after having their meal, they started traveling again. As they traveled, Damien can see Amara staring at nothing, and in deep thought every once in a while. Even if she said those things, she’s still thinking about it – well, she never really stopped thinking about it; about her father’s beloved kingdom.

~~~~~

The sun has set when they reached the Dark Forest but it makes no difference since the Dark Forest is always dark. Each of them had different ways in climbing up the giant tree but ever since Amara came, they now use her magic to create a ladder up to their house.

Entering her room Amara tossed her bag to the side and slammed her body to the bed. She closed her eyes trying to rest and sleep but when she closed her eyes all she sees is the Green Village and those five people chained in front of the gates. A single tear once again dropped from her eyes as she blamed herself for such weakness.

Amara fluttered her eyes open when she heard a sound from her table. Standing up from her bed, and turning around she saw Damien placing a glass of water on the table.

“You’ve been crying quite a lot today princess.” Damien said and he sat on a chair beside the table. Amara sighed and sat on the edge of her bed.

“I thought after becoming stronger, I could then take back the kingdom from Arianna but being in the Green Village showed me that it wouldn’t be as easy as that.” Amara said letting out a long sigh.

“Of course it’s not gonna be that easy. Arianna wasn’t alone when she attacked the castle.” Damien replied leaning his back on the chair.

There was a moment of silence when Damien finally asked the most dreaded question that Amara don’t want to hear.

“So we’re soulmates huh?” Amara’s eyes grew wide and Damien had a smug look on his face as he look at Amara.

“W-W-What a-are you--- No we’re not.” Amara answered stuttering which caused Damien to smile.

“That night, you knew I was your soulmate that’s why you ran off.” Damien concluded which Amara can’t find any response to.

“I-I told you we’re not soulmates.” Amara insisted which caused Damien’s smile to fade and replaced with a cold and serious look.

“Is that so? Then I guess it won’t matter if I tell them about what happened that night.” Hearing this from Damien caused Amara to stand from her bed with her eyes wide.

“NO!!! I mean, they don’t need to know that. Besides I know you wouldn’t do it.” Amara remarked face held with too much confidence.

“Try me princess.” Damien stood from his chair and turned around which made Amara panic.

“Damien.” Amara called grabbing Damien’s arm stopping him from going out of the room.

“Fine, I admit. You are my soulmate but we can’t be together.” A frown appeared on Damien’s forehead as he turned his body to face Amara.

“I know you feel responsible for me because my father saved you from that burning village and brought you to the church where you found your new family. But I can’t force you to be my soulmate even if it’s the Moon Goddess’ will.”

“I don’t want you to do things against your will and I don’t want to ruin your relationship with the woman you love.” hearing the last part made Damien’s frown deepen.

“The woman I love?” Damien asked as if not believing what he just heard.

“I know you have someone special in your life Damien and I don’t want to get in the way with that. I will be forever grateful for the things that you did for me and I will never forget you.” Damien sighed closing his eyes and shook his head to hide the smile.

“So you’re just gonna give up on me?” Damien asked looking intently into Amara’s eyes.

“Yes I will, if it means making you happy.” Amara answered trying so hard not to sound sad but her face says what she truly feels and Damien can see it.

“What if I tell you that I’d be happier with you?” Amara blinked her eyes to Damien’s question. She opened her mouth to say something but she was lost for words. She doesn’t know exactly what to say.

“Damien, I told you I don’t want to force you to do something against your will. I don’t want you to be with me because you feel responsible for me. Are you listening to me?” Damien sighed in frustration his face almost annoyed.

“Are you done princess?” Damien asked which made Amara frown not clearly understanding what he meant but she answered anyway, “I think so?”

“Alright then, my turn.” Damien walked closer to Amara cupping her face and gave her a long passionate kiss.

Amara’s eyes grew wide in surprise not expecting Damien to kiss her. Her lips stayed still until Damien started to move his lips which almost caused Amara to panic for she doesn’t know what to do. Closing her eyes she tried copying Damien’s movement until their lips are perfectly in sync with each other.

Damien broke the kiss resting his forehead to hers, both catching their breaths.

“Princess.” Damien slightly pulled away and stared into Amara eyes and said, “I am not forced to do anything and you know that no one can force me to do something against my will.”

“B-but according to Richmond, you already have someone you love, for ten years now---“ Amara was cut off by a quick kiss making her scowl. “Listen to me princess and listen well………”

“It has always been, and will always be you, Amara.”