Fatality of Love

Prologue -- 00

--

Obi takes a breath, his heart beating heavily in his chest as he takes a step towards me. He knows that he crossed the line with how he reacted. The words to apologize just wouldn't come out of his mouth. Almost like an instinct, his hand reaches forward, stopping just before his fingers brush my back.

I freeze at the sound of his voice. As much as I want to escape, to run out and never turn back, I stay still.

"I... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have reacted that way. You know it's been hard for me lat-"

"Apologizing so quickly? Right after you were so ready to hit me square in the face?" I cut him off as my eyes widened, a mixture of anger and hurt entangling within my chest. I grab a hold of the doorknob, twisting it as I swing the door open.

"Wait-" Obi flinches as I whip my head around to face him, years of bottling my feelings emerging from the surface.

"I know. More than anyone. I know how much you long for her.. I have to watch you destroy yourself out of loyalty and respect just to stand by her side. I know the feeling quite too well." I scoff, turning my head back around. I hesitate for a moment before passing through the doorway, making my way down the halls of the dimly lit castle.

-

It had been years since I came to the castle in Clarines. I, a runaway from the neighboring kingdom of Tambarun, sought asylum in Clarines along with my mother and sister. After landing a job as a scholar at the castle, I would eventually meet Obi and the others. Slowly, I grew to know each of them as individuals. They were people that I came to love. Yet, some more than others.

It didn't take long for me to develop feelings for Obi. His witty personality grew its place in my heart after long days and nights spent together. His care and attentiveness for his friends was evident to anyone who knew him, which is what landed him in Zen's circle in the first place.

Eventually, I would come to know how different Obi was when it came to Shirayuki.

He'd be more gentle- more cautious- unlike anyone else. Of course, this made sense, as Zen appointed Obi as her guard. Although, anyone could see how his eyes lingered on her while she spoke. Or when she was with Zen, smiling and laughing along at his remarks, his eyes would darken ever so slightly.

As the years have gone past, Zen and Shirayuki's bond grew unbreakable. Just a few months back, their engagement was announced to the kingdom of Clarines. This was a paramount accomplishment and honor for Shirayuki, coming from common and humble origins quite like mine.

Since the announcement of their engagement, Obi has been noticeably different.

Less talkative.

No jokes.

Not even a smirk.

He spent the past few months disappearing constantly. Sometimes, I'd find him slumped against a tree, the potent scent of liquor on his clothes. Every time, I would be there to take him home and clean him up, making sure he was resting properly.

My heart ached for him, but at the same time, I had to place my feelings aside to ensure his wellbeing. I made sure to be by his side when he needed it, but at the expense of myself.

-

Eventually, the wedding date grew closer, and his feelings were steady. As assigned, he would still stick to her side as she roamed the castle, occasionally agreeing to assist with her work as a court herbalist. Slowly, I would see less of them. My work as a scholar kept me in the office late into the night, as my work was crucial to the agriculture sector of the kingdom. Facing potential drought, I was enlisted to come up with a solution. It presented as the perfect distraction from the heart wrenching feelings I was experiencing.