+25 BONUS
Chapter 29
Chapter 29
Elena’s POV
I couldn’t deny how my heart stuttered at his words of praise, but what really froze me and took my breath away was his hands lingering longer than necessary on my cheek
It started as a pinch, but it feels more like a caress right now.
“I’m looking forward to you and Bryson’s chemistry in battleship. I’m sure you guys would fight side–by–side so well as husband and wife,” he suddenly uttered, making all the butterflies in my stomach die down and my frozen body rushedly thawed.
What’s he doing to me? It’s like he’s bringing me on a rollercoaster ride with his words and unpredictable actions.
His hands finally fell on his side while he waited for my reply, but I could only look away. Suddenly, my lap became very interesting as thousands of thoughts ran through my head.
I knew he was clueless about my relationship status just as much as every warrior in here. But when I heard them congratulating me and Bryson’s name left Prince’s Deacon’s lips, I couldn’t help but debate with myself.
Should I tell him that I’m already divorced and have it done with before Bryson arrives? But how?
Doubts and fear gnawed at me, leaving me utterly undecided as turmoil filled my mind, making me indecisive about what to do.
Fidgeting with my fingers, I brushed it off with a nonsense remark, but when I looked up to speak, I found the space beside me empty.
Where did he go?
We were still talking. Why did he suddenly leave? I shook my head. He’s really unpredictable.
I swivel my eyes around to look for him, but he was nowhere to be seen. Not even his shadow was within my eyesight.
Uncle Harold and the other warriors kept talking livelier and having their drinks, but I lost all interest. After a few drinks with them, I finally decided to stand up and dejectedly returned to my tent.
As the night became more profound, so did my restless thoughts. I lay awake on my bed with Maise and Saige resting on my side.
But as every second passed, I felt like my head would explode from all the worries that were rushing into me. Frustrated, I sighed deeply and abruptly sat up, nodding to Maise and Saige.
“Elena?
What’s wrong?” Saige sat up while rubbing her eyes, still looking half asleep with her half–open eyes and messy hair. “I’ve half–awake felt you being restless all night.”
“Yeah, is everything alright?” Maisy also sat up and worriedly looked at me.
Suddenly, I felt a surge of guilt for waking them after they had their share of long nights. Not to mention that they were probably still feeling a bit tipsy.
Sighing, I shook my head and let out a bitter smile. “It’s nothing… It’s just… I feel like everytg is out of track!”
I ran my hand through my hair, trying to relieve the clenching pain burdening within me.
My hands turned into a fist, and I heard my own voice tremble. I momentarily became on the edge of breaking down, and a delta tear ran down my cheeks.
1/2
Chapter 29
+25 BONUS
“Silly, you don’t have to shoulder everything you know? We are here for you.” I felt Saige’s arms circled around my waist from the back as she leaned her head on my shoulder.
Maisy then shifted from her seat and went in front of me as she tapped my knees before gesturing to herself.” Come on, let’s hear it and share your burden.”
Damn! I’m so lucky to have them as friends.
After some contemplation, I sighed and replied, “I’m just worried… If they learn that Bryson and I are already divorced, they might think that I’m competing with… with her…”
Maige raised her brows. “And what’s wrong with that? You are obviously way better than her in every aspect!”
“See!” I pointed out. “Even you guys think I’m competing with her.”
“Well… aren’t you?” Saige asked, letting go of me and shifting in front of me as well. Both of them looked at me with focus.
I aggressively shook my head. “No! I’m here to honor my father and brothers and continue their legacy!”
Sadness and worry filled me even more. The second I freed Bryson, I no longer cared about their affairs, I won’t let them decide my future actions.
I was here for a dignified reason, and I didn’t want it to be misinterpreted as an act of jealousy or an insult to my family.
Maise and Saige glanced at each other before they nodded in understanding.
“I did remember you saying before that you want to be a general warrior like your father,” Saige affirmed, which eased my clenched heart a bit.
Maise tapped my shoulder. “Don’t worry. As long as we know the truth, and so did the Prince and the King, none of the other’s thoughts matters. After all, they’re the ones who will decide who stays on the battlefield and who gets promotion or not.”
“Exactly!” Saige added. “Besides, I think Prince Deacon values your talent so much. I’m sure he wouldn’t think like that.”
Still feeling dejected, I sighed and stood up. “I don’t know. I’ll go and have some fresh air first.”
“Elena…” they tried to call me, but I had already stepped out, feeling the overwhelming turmoil in my head.
However, just as I was about to turn and wander around, I was stopped by the voice I had been looking for earlier and had been missing–the one that had triggered my worries.
“Elena… I thought you might be awake. Come outside with me. I-” Prince Deacon’s words halted as I raised my head, and he saw through my reddened eyes.
