The Princess'choice II

Across my memories

Conrad

Maya called me further from the prying eyes and when we were out of sight she hugged me strongly.

- It is so nice to see you again young Master! - she said and I felt her tears making my shirt wet. I hugged her as well. She was like a mother to me for two whole lives and I secretly hoped that she would remember me as well.

- I'm glad you are fine Maya! - she released me and wiped her tears off. With a bright, proud smile she checked me out from head to toe.

- I must admit this is far the best version of yourself Young Master! - I chuckled at her raw honesty. She was right, I was in far better shape in this life than in the previous ones and honestly, I had an easier life.

- Thanks Maya! Could you tell me quickly how differently things turned out? - Maya's smile faded. She sat on a huge rock and pat it. I sat next to her and listened.

- She had it hundred times worse young Master.

- How so? - I felt bad for Berke, Elidi... Her previous life must've been really harsh and her death scary and painful. So to live an even worse life than I had previously...

- She is way more powerful than you ever were Conrad. Do you remember when the Queen has been poisoned slowly? - my stomach clenched into a ball. Even if I had a different mother this life, my real mother was her. I nodded and Maya continued.

- On contrary to you, she had the power to heal her. The Queen lived longer and she almost recovered when the Emperor noticed that Elidi's closeness cures the Queen. He tried to lure her away, but she refused to leave her side. In the end, Damien and the Emperor paid for the guards to attack her and get her far away from the Queen.

- How old was she? - I asked and Maya's glance turned really sorrowful.

- Only eight. The attempt failed. She burned them alive when they tried to touch her. That was when the Emperor had the reason to get rid of Elidi, but as long as the Queen was alive he couldn't. So he went to kill the Queen himself. She was there, before she could save the Queen the Emperor beat her to the verge of death. She witnessed as her mother was killed in front of her eyes. Just like Emmett, she tried to bring her back, but luckily she failed. After that they let us stay for a few more years, Elidi was closed in a tower and forcefully used for the protection of the castle. She was twelve when we escaped. Ever since then, they have been trying to hunt her down as if she was a mad dog. With each failed attempt, her power grew.

- How powerful is she now? - I asked and felt sorry for her but also adoration. Maya smiled proudly.

- Only she knows for certain the limits of her power. What I know is that she can heal, change her appearance for long times, create illusions and she plays with fire, literally.

- Emmett was right to listen to Anna and recruit her. - Maya's eyebrows ran to the middle of her forehead.

- Anna? - I blushed. Maya laughed and caressed my head.

- So you met her again. - I nodded and remembered our first time.

***********************

I fall desperately in love with Princess Annalise despite the conditions we met in the first time. I helped Berke get through the portal but she died as soon as we arrived. Annalise was the first to see us arrive. She ran and tried everything she could to save Berke, but it was a lost cause. She looked at me with her clear blue eyes and said.

- I wished you would find her sooner.

- Excuse me? - she smiled bittersweetly.

- The world we know will end today Conrad. I hope we will both remember if there is a way to come back. - she was like an Angel. I stayed in the castle and held her hand while Emmett destroyed our reality. I'll never forget her smile and the way she looked at me before we vanished.

- Come and find me, next time and help me leave all this behind me.

- I'll love.

*****************

- Yes. This time it is a lot different. I had a loving father and mother, unfortunately I lost them due to the war. Emmett took me in. He and Sébastien showed me how to be a reliable man. I wanted to be stronger than before and I had to rely on my knowledge and strength since I had no powers this time. I protected Annalise several times and we are close now. She doesn't remember the first time, but I kept my promise Maya. - Maya smiled and kissed the top of my head.

- Let's hope that they'll find their happiness this time. - that moment Emmett walked out with Elidi in his heels. We walked to our masters and looked at them expectantly. Elidi whistled and everyone gathered in the tiny main square.

- My dears! Let me introduce you to Prince Emmett from the Struabus Empire. He is one of us from today onwards! - we shared a smile with Maya and I felt like my chest will explode with happiness. "This time is really different!"