To Bewitch a Devil

Axel asked, going to her bed, he sat down at the edge of it.

“This is his chambers, goodness! And I’m just but a maid, I can’t bring you in, I’ll be in trouble.” Neera replied.

“Hmm, this is the first time I’ve heard of a maid living in a king’s chambers and not only that but a well-furnished room like this one.”

Axel spoke, looking around the room. There was a hint of jealousy in his eyes but he did well to conceal it.

“I’m here for a reason. Trust me, it is not what you’re thinking.”

“What do you think that I am thinking?”

At his question, Neera groaned. “Jeez! Did you come to argue? I already have so much on my mind, I don’t want to argue with you!”

She shouted, pinching the bridge of her nose. If he knew how much trouble she was in, he won’t be making such silly arguments with her.

.....

Axel became quiet at her words and then he sighed; “I was worried about you, after what happened with Princess Kitana. I feared you wouldn’t come out of here after what happened, so I had to find a way to come to you. How are you?”

Axel asked as he looked at her tenderly. Neera glanced at him and she sighed, “I am fine.”

Axel was silent for a few seconds and then he stood up and walked to where she was standing; “I was not in the Castle when it happened, that’s why I couldn’t save you. I only heard of what happened when I returned.” He spoke, tilting her head up with his fingers so she could look at him;

Neera blinked and smiled thinly; “It is fine. I did not think too much of it.” She did not even have the time to idle away thinking about him when nightmares riddled her sleep.

“Kitana hated Lilah for seducing Zavian, who she thought liked her first, so I think she had taken it out on you. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she doesn’t touch the hair on your head again.”

Neera smiled; “Thank you, but you have to leave now, Zavian had been gone for a while, I don’t want him to see you here.”

Axel sighed when he heard her words; “I put all this effort to see you, the least you could do is pretend to be excited to see me.”

Neera looked at him and her eyelids fluttered; well, she was happy to see someone who didn’t hate her or needed her to resurrect a dead wife, but he was actually the least of her worries at the moment.

“Your highness, ” she called;

“Axel;” Axel corrected her and Neera breathed;

“Axel, I’m happy you came to see me, truly. I just don’t want to get you into trouble with the king, if he finds you here, he would really be mad.”

Axel smiled and patted her hair; Okay, I understand. I’ll leave now, but after I get a hug from you.” He said as he opened his arms, a smile on his lips.

Neera looked at him and she smiled. He and Pen were the only people who she was with and did not feel troubled, or a need to be on her toes.

They were her peace in these times of turmoils. Looking at him, she smiled and hugged him. Axel’s arms went around her waist and pulled her closer to him.

He breathed in her scent as he shut his eyes; there was a moment of silence before he spoke;

“I want you to know that you can trust me. If there is anything troubling you, you can tell me, okay?” He said to her and Neera bit her lip.

Should she tell him what was happening to her?

He had lived for centuries so he might have a clue about it. Should she tell him?

“I can always take you with me, and I’ll protect you. I just need you to say the words. I can find out if I want to, but I don’t want to force you, just come to me when you feel safe, okay?”

Neera shut her eyes as she breathed in. If she was really evil like they said, would he still protect her? If she was something evil, would he side with her, against his kind?

Neera thinned her lips as she let go of him and nodded;

“Thank you, I truly appreciate it.” She said, holding back all the emotions from her face. Axel sighed and pushed some strands of hair behind her ears;

“You know where to find me, I’ll be waiting.” He said before turning to the door and walking out.

Neera held her breath until he walked out before she breathed out, her chest rising and falling.

Tears gathered in her eyes as she walked to the bed and sat down.

What did she do to deserve all of this! She was crying so loud and yet no one could hear her. She wished she would just die and leave this miserable earth!

...

Lyra walked out of her chambers in a fine evening dress, Pen and Sarah walking behind her;

“The second test is tomorrow, and it’s a painting test, I can’t even paint to save my life, what do I do?!”

Lyra groaned, holding the sides of her dress as they walked to the gardens. The Princesses were gathered and some maids were seated and cutting fruits on plates for them.

“I’m sure you would do well, your highness, do not trouble yourself.”

Sarah spoke and Lyra grumbled; “I can’t trust your words, you all just say things that I want to hear.”

Sarah and Pen looked at themselves and held in their chuckle, they didn’t realize that she knew they said only things that she liked. How would they tell her the truth when she would punish them when they said it?

They had almost reached where the other Princesses were seated when they saw a servant boy with a box walking toward them.

Lyra’s eyes widened in excitement when she recognized the box as she called immediately;

“Oh, is that for me?” She said and the boy stopped. He was the same boy from that night, and he nodded, giving her the box.

“It is a gift from the commander.” He said as he handed it to her.

Lyra laughed aloud, intentionally drawing the attention of the other Princesses. “Oh, tell the Commander I received it. This is so sweet of him.”