Light from the Shadow

Chapter 21

Rishi had left a note that he would be away for a few days, leaving Ayna and the rest in Kuan's care.

"The two of them are suspicious" Maria said as she folded the note she received from the librarian. "The other day I saw them talking outside the library. They looked so close."

"Even the princess consort fell for Mr. Rishi's charm, I guess." Aria added.

Maria rested her head on her hands, sighing. The number of her rivals increased again.

***

"You are going back soon?" Kuan asked after their dinner. He and Ayna were strolling around the castle ground.

Ayna nodded. "We are still waiting for Rishi. After he is done with whatever this business he has, we will leave soon."

Kuan took her hands. "Ayna... I know we've just known each other... but I'm serious about you. Not because of your title but as who you are as a person." He locked his eyes on hers. "Will you consider..."

"Your Highness!" A guard suddenly appeared and seemed to be looking for Kuan.

Kuan sighed. What is this bad timing? "I am here. What is it?"

"His Majesty has summoned you to his office." The guard replied.

"Tell him I'll be there in a while. I have a guest here." Kuan dismissed him.

"But..."

Ayna pulled her hands away. "Go. You don't want to make your father wait."

Kuan knitted his brows. "Fine... please at least let me escort you back to your room."

She shook her head. "I want to be here a little longer. The night wind feels nice. I'll see you tomorrow, Kuan."

Kuan nodded. He apologized to her and reluctantly left with the guard.

Ayna watched him disappeared from her view. She thought about Kuan's confession. She was actually relieved when the guard interrupted them. Or else, the atmosphere between them would turn awkward. She was aware of Kuan's feeling for her and actually thought he would make a fine husband but, somewhere in her heart, she knew this was not something she wanted. Rishi's face came into her mind. She stared into the clear night sky for a while and then closed her eyes. Do I really like him... or do I just feel safe and comfortable around him because he is the only person who knows about my secrets?

Ayna shivered. The wind had turned chilly. Time to get back, she thought. As she began walking towards her room, she heard a sound behind her, rustling leaves? She turned and saw nothing. She resumed walking again and another sound was heard again. Now it sounded like footsteps. Was there someone following her behind? She suddenly remembered the men in black they met in the mountain. Her heart raced. Impossible. They were dead, Ayna. And it was not like some random bandits like them could enter the castle without anyone knowing. She tried to calm her mind. She paused and she heard it again. No, someone was definitely behind her.

"Show yourself!" She cried. But no one replied. Ayna was frightened. She quickened her steps, almost running. "Help! Somebody!"

Faster! She told herself, but her legs were still hurting from that night. It was strange. The place was too quiet. There were no patrolling guards in sight. She tripped over a rock and fell down to the grass. A shadow appeared, approaching her. Ayna's heart almost stopped. She recognized the man. It was the man who pointed his sickle at her before! Didn't he die? Rishi had told her that the leader fell down from the cliff that day.

"We meet again, Princess." The man said.

"Why... why are you here?" Her voice trembled. "Guards! Somebody!" she slid backwards, moving away from the man. "Rishi!!"