Chapter 4 Breaking Free

It was her memory again, Rossa, taunting me. I tottered backwards while moving away from these two.

I needed fresh air, something to put my mind on. My head throbs as I wave it to regain consciousness.

I desired to know exactly where I was. How to get to Ivan and Sonia hastily. I wanted them dead immediately.

While I struck forward, the maids and servants I encountered gave me a respectful bow.

It was so amusing, as I had never witnessed such respect before. My eyes scrolled around, exploring this place.

The beauty of this place took my mind away from my initial thought.

If I'm not mistaken, I was in the glass castle, situated in the interior of the city.

It was everyone's dream to be here, but not mine, because royalty was never my thing.

I halted at a balcony facing the garden. It was mesmerizing. I was lost in a fantasy.

The cool breeze from the windows blew on my skin and I found myself smiling at nature's beauty.

I have never witnessed such moments of being alone in such a lovely place.

All my life with Ivan, I've always worked to please him and I never loved myself or knew my purpose.

Somehow, I wanted to leave this place, somewhere in the woods, racing through the trees.

Right here it felt like a cage, which was depressing.

I felt so alive, I'd survive and find them. Slowly, I shifted my gaze and found the emperor on the field.

He was a distance away from me.

I couldn't help but stare. When he had tied his long hair behind and let a side smile suspend on his lips, the thought of my first kiss with him flooded my memory.

Holding a bow and arrow to perform some archery games. He was good at shooting, with his butler complimenting him.

I've always loved such games, but unfortunately, I have never experienced them.

I arched my elbow on the rail, but then I flinched when our eyes locked.

I didn't even know he had noticed me. He smirked at me and suddenly began to pace towards where I stood.

It was bizarre that I wasn't moving but gazing at him with a serious gaze. My eyes calculated his worth, his grand walk.

I was above, he was below, and I heard him say:

"Let's go for a ride"

I was speechless at his request, which was a bit polite. It was obvious he read the dreamy expression on my face.

"No!" I snapped and slammed the window in his face.

I heaved a sigh and moved away from the balcony. I must have said that because I wasn't interested in any romantic gestures.

That was what Ivan used in deceiving me and I fell for it. I wouldn't let another happen again.

I shuddered as I almost passed out. He was right in front of me. I guess he was annoyed. I refused his offer.

Was he into Rossa? If it were true, then that would just be perfect because I could use Rossa's body to manipulate him.

"I wasn't asking for your opinion, I'm taking you with me"

His statement made me scoff, as I couldn't believe I'd be in another relationship that would be ruled by a tyrant.

Too sad, I won't let that happen again. I'd fight for myself.

"You've got to respect my opinion, emperor" I petitioned, almost forgetting that he wasn't an ordinary man but a man of high caliber.

He narrowed his eyes at me as though he had discovered something strange about me.

I folded my arms, scrutinizing him. I was yet to know his true nature and if he was confident who I could easily penetrate into.

He was trying to tell me the emperor respects no one's decision, but then he just couldn't put the words right.

To be honest, I wanted to leave this place.

"There is something you've got to learn before tonight" he said, and I flashed my lashes at him.

I just woke up! I felt like screaming that in his face because he was forgetting it. It turns out I was a princess in distress.

What was happening tonight exactly? No one was giving me the right answers either.

"Where are we heading to?" I asked in between my teeth. I wasn't expecting to say that, but from the looks of it, Rossa was attracted to this emperor, but why cheat?

***

This was the worst ever. I hated horses, and we'd be riding on one. Was this the ride?

I groaned, as this wasn't helping. We weren't alone here, some bodyguards were around.

The life of royalty was always like that. No privacy.

I was dressed in breeches, feeling all stretchy. I gazed around the stable and then saw he was fondling the skin of his horse.

I was freaking out at the horse who weighed at me. This emperor was stressing me. I was trying so hard to write down a bucket list of plans, but he just screwed that up with a ride.

I had to be in control of this body or else it might not end well.

Olive drew closer to me, perhaps intending to help me get on, but I claimed I was good at it.

"Hmm" he said, standing at a distance from me. Hastily, I jumped over the horse only to summersault on the ground.

I winced and felt I had broken an ankle while struggling to rise up. He paced closer to me and stretched his hand at me.

However, I refused his offer and stood up myself. I strained my body and winced, faking a smile.

I saw it on his face, it brightened up as though he was holding back his laughter.

"You're quite good at climbing" he mocked, and I gulped hard while leaping towards the horse.

However, he carried me in his arms and sat me properly on his horse.

I was tensed and startled as I felt his presence behind me. He held the rein gently.

He had my heart throbbing so that I couldn't control it. His breath fanned the back of my neck as I exhaled softly.

His touch sent an electrifying spark into me and I suddenly saw him kissing Rossa in the woods.

I inhaled soft