The Runaway Princess [ENGLISH]

♚ Chapter 29 ♚

Chapter 29 - Corvus

I open my eyes and darkness is the first thing I see.

Where am I?

Just a few moments ago, I remembered entering a cave with Axel.

Right! Speaking of Axel...where is he?

'He is a liar.' My subconcious says. Her words keep on repeating inside my head like a mantra.

'No.' I mentally defend.

'Then, where is he?' My mind countered.

My thoughts went blank. I can't think of a comeback for that. I don't even know where I am in the first place.

I sigh.

I feel like a crazy person arguing against myself.

I roam my eyes around the area. Aside from darkness and little light coming from above, I see nothing. I can also hear faint sounds of water droplets from time to time. If I'm not mistaken, I think I'm still inside the cave.

Gathering all my strenght, I try to get up, but wince when I felt a sharp pain in the corner of my head.

'Ow.' I groan holding it with my left hand. It feels like I bang my head onto something before I lose my consciousness.

Trying to ease the pain, I lean my back on what I assume a rock wall and close my eyes.

'Breath in, breath out.' I chant internally. I try to keep my breath as steady as possible.

'You can only rely to yourself,' I remembered her telling me that. Her words pierced like a knife.

'Maybe she's right...' I thought, but deep inside I wish she's wrong.

I hug my legs then rest my forehead on my knees.

I don't want to be alone.

Suddenly, feeling of uneasiness filled my system.

Why do I get the feeling that I am being watched?

I immediately raise my head and open my eyes to scan the area, but the dim lighting of this place didn't help me at all. All I can see is darkness.

I felt somebody's presence on my side startling me in the process. I try to scream, but the intruder is quicker. He quickly put his hand on my lips and stops me from producing an ear pinching sound.

"Shut it, woman. It's me," He said in a whisper.

Relief wash all over me when I heard that very familiar voice. Thank heaven's he's here!

Wait. Why do you feel relieved? He's a liar! My subconscious screams.

Ignoring what my mind is screaming, I pushed that thought at the back of my mind.

"A-Axel?" I croak, trying to make sure that he's real. I reach up and my cold fingertips met his warm skin. I caress his face like a blind person would do.

He's really here! He didn't leave me behind.

I unconciously wrap my arms around him in pure glee and relief. I feel him tensed on my touch. When I realized my mistake, I immediately retract myself away from him.

Awkward.

"I-i'm sorry," I apologized. I didn't know what possessed me, but I felt the urge to hug him.

So embarrassing!

And what's more humiliating is that, he didn't even bother returning the favor.

'Why would he even hug you back?'

I shake my head. My ideas are getting out of hand. Yeah, why would he do that? Knowing him, being touchy is the last thing he'll ever do. He's the type of person who doesn't appreciate affection nor even show his own emotion to someone or maybe he didn't think I am that worthy of his affection.

Disappointment grip my heart like a chain so I try to discard all that thoughts elsewhere and focus to the present dilemma we're in.

"Where are we?" I asked.

"Still inside the cave. We're trap inside the dungeon after they took us out with somnium lilies."

My forehead creased. "Took us out? Are we in trouble?"

"Very much likely...Yes we are,"

"Why? And what are Somnium lilies?" I asked in wonder. As far as I remember, I didn't see any flowers when I entered this cave.

"Experimented flowers that can cause illussions to those unfortunate people who smells its scent."

"What? But what do they want from us?" I asked, but I got a feeling that it has something to do with the crows they're talking about earlier.

Axel remained silent. When he does that, it just means that he doesn't want to answer my question.

I was brought back to reality when I heard a loud clang of metal followed by a creaking sound. It made us both stand up from where we are sitting.

"What do we have here," Someone suddenly said. My whole body went rigid when I heard that voice. Just hearing it alone send shivers down to my spine.

I look up and saw a 3 silhouettes standing in front of us. When my eyes finally adjusted to my surroundings, my eyes focused on the man in the middle. Even with the dim lighting of this place, I can very much tell that he's who I think he is.

It can't be. Why is he here?

"That's not the reaction I'm expecting from you, little sis," he said. "I'm truly hurt," He supplied while making a hurtful facial expression.

"W-why are you here?" I asked nervously. If I didn't know him, I'll very much believe every word he is saying, but I know better. For years of living with him inside the palace, I know how sly and cunning he can be.

Instead of answering my question he said,"Be a good little sister and give your big brother a hug." He extend his arms like he's ready to hug me.

I froze. I don't know if it's a good idea to approach and be comfortable around him. As far as I know, he's far from being a good older brother. He's ruthless.

I suddenly felt shivers run down through my spine when I remembered the time from years ago when I still have a pet husky. He killed the poor dog mercilessly right in front of me. Any normal 12 year old wouldn't do that.

I was interrupted from my train of sentiments when I felt Axel move from my side and pull me behind him. It looks like he's shielding me from my brother. Suddenly, I felt his warm hand hold mine and intertwine our fingers. Saying that I am surprised is an understatement. For a moment, I almost forgot that we're in big trouble.

"Oh, it's you again," I heard my brother said in a bored tone. His statement made my forehead crease.

They know each other? How?

"At first, I didn't believe them but seeing you getting all cozy with my supposedly missing little sister surprise- ah no..." he paused. "Shocked me, I supposed," he stated with hint of amusement.

"I too was in shock," I heard Axel suddenly said. His voice is lace with sarcasm. "Seeing you, the long lost prince, inside this cave is truly surprising. Don't you agree with me Prince Leinard? Or should I say, Corvus of the Crows."

End of Chapter 29

Unedited Chapter
Sorry for the late update. I've been busy with loads of work these past few weeks and will continue for the next two months, but don't worry. I'll still update from time to time. Thank you for reading!
Enjoy!

Next Update: Chapter 30 - Truth