The Apple Of Distraction

Episode 6: Her Unknown Fate

The young man bowed again and left, shutting the door after him.

“Who’s the girl they're talking about?” Ella asked Ahmose in a whisper.

“It’s the girl who alerted us of the raid. I’m afraid that half of your fate now lies in her hands,” Ahmose also replied in a low-pitched voice.

Ella gnawed her lower lip at how her fate could possibly lie at the mercy of some girl. Wait a minute. Ahmose had just said the girl was the very one who alerted them of the raid, what if this same girl was Chione?

When the door moved again and footsteps followed closely, Ella braced herself. In a slow motion, she began to tilt her head towards the direction of the footsteps until her gaze was settled on a familiar face, Chione Dakarai? Thank goodness, the girl was Chione Dakarai!

Ella sighed off relief as she watched Chione proceed forward until she was standing next to her, then she curtsied.

“Do you by any means know the lady standing next to you?” Prince Aches demanded.

“Yes, my lord. She also was abducted by the raiders,” Chione replied.

“How sure are you about that?” Betresh interrupted, rising from her seat. She began to descend the steps until she was standing directly opposite Chione.

Chione moved her gaze to Betresh. “She’s the same person who helped me to escape.”

Betresh slapped the girl. “Are you insane?” she shrieked, “-how dare you defend a total stranger?”

Despite the painful harassment, Chione continued with her tears-filled eyes again fixed on Prince Aches. “Believe me my lord, she's a medical doctor abducted by the gang so that she would treat their boss. And I'm defending her not just because she helped me to escape, but because she saved me from being r***d and probably, killed.”

Again, Betresh raised a hand to strike the girl but Aches raised a scepter signaling her to stop. Though stopping and retiring to her chair, she gave Chione and Ella a long antagonistic look.

Everywhere was quiet again before Prince Aches spoke, and this time, he spoke with a strong air of authority. “Are you sure of what you said, my dear?” he asked Chione, gesturing a hand at Ella.

“Yes, my lord,” Chione replied.

“Okay then!” he sighed and continued, “I must thank you for everything you have done so far. I’m obliged.”

Chione curtsied with a broad smile, “You’re welcome, my lord.”

“You can go,” Prince Aches dismissed.

Again Chione curtsied, smiled at Ella and began to exit the throne room.

Ella’s face beamed with joy, someone has just vouched for her. Home at last! But her joy is short-lived at the Prince’s next speech.

“I sincerely wish I could let you go Miss Ray,” he started, and her cheeks flamed terribly. “-As a matter of fact for rescuing you, you must show some appreciation by serving the land for three weeks. Only then will you be granted your freedom.”

“T-this appreciation you speak of, can’t it be sorted out f-financially?” Ella asked, afraid the reply will come in negation.

And then, he confirmed her nightmare. “I’m sorry, Miss Ray, it can’t be sorted out financially.”

Ella’s feet suddenly went numb. She was about crashing on the floor when someone caught her by the midriff and pulled her up, thrust on a masculine body. Her hairband came loose causing her hair to flap and cover her face. A hand other than hers gently brushed the hair from her face, revealing her knight in shining armor– Ahmose.

He leaned forward and whispered in her ear, “Don’t you ever pull such a stunt on me again.”

For a moment, it seemed as if the two had forgotten they were in the midst of people, not until Prince Aches coughed slightly.

“What a show?” Betresh sneered, “-how romantic!” she added.

The two retained back their positions with Ahmose apologizing for what he called a distraction. Though Ella didn't seem to get it why she should apologize, yet she joined him.

“I’m sorry,” she muttered.

Aches shrugged and settled his gaze on Ahmose. “Show Miss Ray to a guest room, will you?”

Ahmose bowed slightly.

When Prince Aches moved his gaze to meet with Ella’s, it lingered and for that nonstop minute, she felt raw heat generate in her groin. She blinked, and managed to hold his burning gaze that sent her body shamelessly scorching with sudden wanton desires.

“It’s nice meeting you, Miss Isabella Ray. I hope you enjoy your stay,” he said, and for the first time since he entered the hall, he smiled.

As instructed by Prince Aches, Ahmose led her out of the throne room, past several doors and few passages. He unlocked the fourth door on a new passage and ushered her into a well furnished room which had a bathroom, a closet and then a balcony from where one could look out to the vast palatial gardens.

“Wow, it’s beautiful!” she said after scanning the neat, well furnished room.

Ahmose smiled. “I understand the maids will soon arrive at your service,” he informed and headed for the door.

“Thank you, for everything.”

He stopped, angled his head at her and smiled again. “You’re welcome.”

“I hope to see you around some other time?” she chipped in.

“I hope so,” he replied, bade her goodnight and shut the door after him.

Absentminded, Ella strode over to the balcony; the fresh scented air depicted an ornamental garden was close. For a moment, she closed her eyes and inhaled as much air as she could into her lungs...then she exhaled and gazed into the skies, still not sure of her fate.