I Refuse to be a Named Character

Part 8

"Why?" At the forlorn call behind me, I turned around, not wanting to present my undefended back.

Graham stood there, his eyes wide and slightly unfocused, his whole body seeming to shake with rage and grief.

"Why won't you love me?"

"Your Highness..."

"You told Fetter your name? You wouldn't tell me no matter how many times I asked." He must have been hiding in the crowd, and overheard my conversation with Fetter. Graham stepped closer, and I stepped away, glancing over to where Luke had been standing. To my dismay a crowd had gathered between us, separating him from my sight.

"Where are you looking? Why aren't you looking at me?"

I clutched my knife harder, ready to pull it out at a moment's notice. "Fetter learned an old name of mine from Chloe. It's not my name anymore."

"He knows more about you than me, even though you're mine." Graham shook his head back and forth.

I sighed, running my left hand through my hair, my right still holding onto my hidden knife. The movement caught Graham's eyes though, and his gaze focused on my wrist.

"Lucien's token? You're wearing it again?"

"Yes." It wasn't like I can lie at this point.

"But you were going to marry me!"

"I never said I would marry you. In fact, I've only stated the opposite." I backed away again. "Come on, Graham. You have a whole group of women who are dying to marry you. Just pick one of them. You don't need me!"

"I don't need you?" His smile was off, his voice coming out low like a growl as he stepped closer. "I've told you about how I've struggled. How everyone tries to use me. Only you were different... you were special... but WHY WON'T YOU LOOK AT ME?!!!"

He moved forward again, and this time I pulled out my knife, holding it defensively in front of me. Graham paused, staring at the weapon with confusion.

"Do you think I'm going to hurt you?"

"It doesn't really seem like you have good intentions right now."

He was shaking now, tears forming in his eyes. "Why would I hurt you? We're getting married. We love each other. I'll be king, and you'll be Queen at my side. " He reached out a hand. "Come with me. We'll be together... from now on."

"If you step closer, I will kill you." I spoke slowly and calmly, meaning every word. I wouldn't hesitate. The possession in his eyes was too terrifying to not take seriously.

But before Graham could respond, I felt a pain in my back and chest, and the bloody tip of a short sword emerged from the front of my dress.

"Wha...?" I turned around, seeing Chloe's triumphant smile.

"Go back home, sister! You never belonged here! I'm the heroine, not you!"

Is this it?

My vision was blurring, my legs growing weaker underneath me. I saw Fetter standing in the crowd, a gleeful expression on his face.

After all that I tried to avoid the plot of this world.

Graham was on his knees, screaming.

For years, I refused to have a name.

I crumpled to the floor, lying on my side. I couldn't breathe, it hurt too much. I could feel my heart pounding in my ears.

I didn't follow Luke back then, even though I've always loved him.