DARK OBSESSION

Author's Pov

Augustine barged into his daughter's room and flunked the blanket off her body;

"Get up, I need a few drops of blood from your body"

Celine's eyes flung open in fear

"Father, you...you tried it yesterday" She tried to protest but he dragged her to his room not listening to any of it.

Getting into the room, he placed her beside a huge box where the soul of her mother was. Her father had trapped her soul into the box and even though it was obvious the soul didn't want to be there, he didn't care, all he wanted was his wife.

The box shook vigorously as Celine got close, tears streamed down her face as she watched her Father worshipped the devil's idol in his room and said things inaudibly and then, he turned to her with a really sharp knife ready to slit her lap when a deep voice filled the room

"There's no point in doing all this"

Augustine quickly bowed as he realised who it was.

Celine was puzzled, 'who was it?' then, her eyes met the idol her father worshipped earlier and noticed it was talking. In fear, she passed out hearing these last words;

"......in Kingdom Orandote"

***

Celine wondered why her father moved to Orandote but was too scared to ask. It wasn't as if she would miss any of her friends as she didn't have any. They lived in a deserted part of the countryside, a place which was forbidden by the King to step into. It was believed to be filled with unknown evil spirits. She was homeschooled all her life even before her mother died. Orandote was quiet and the people seemed nice to her, even her father. After arranging her room, she sat on her bed and stared around until she heard a knock on the door and her father gently asking her to get the door.

Celine sighed, not understanding the new behaviour of her father. She opened the door and her eyes met with a tall pretty girl with blue eyes and the most beautiful smile she had ever seen holding a chocolate cake.

"Hey, I'm your neighbor. It's nice to finally meet you" the pretty girl said beaming with smiles.

"Hi, it's nice to meet you too" Celine replied, faking a smile.

She was unsure of what her dad would do if he found her talking to the girl for too long.

"I'm Cleopatra by the way and I baked this cake for you as a welcome to the countryside gift and also want to invite you the birthday of the King's son"

Celine's smile dropped

"I'm sorry, I'm not interested...you see...my dad and...."

Her dad interrupts

"No, it's fine dear...just go and don't keep our neighbor standing outside...come on in" he said and continued "and I bought dresses your mother used to wear"

Celine looked extremely uncomfortable

What game was her dad playing? She thought.

She collected the cake..

"O...okay F...Fat...Father" she replied, somewhat scared.

She got to her room and changed into the dress her dad placed on her bed.

"It's as if he's gotten everything planned out" She muttered to herself as she packed her hair into a messy bun.

Celine walked out of the room and Cleopatra gasped.

"Wow, that is the most beautiful dress I've ever seen"

Celine blushed as it's been years someone complimented her

"Alright, you guys have fun, bye"

Cleopatra and Celine walked out of the house.

Celine's heart was pounding as she felt she's in trouble with her dad.

"Your dad is a really nice person" Cleopatra said, smiling.

Celine faked a smile as she was extremely worried.

"You can call me Cleo by the way and I forgot to ask, what's your name?"

"I'm Celine"

"Awww, you look pretty in that dress"

"Thank you" Celine simply said.

"You're not too much of a talker huh?" Cleo asked Celine who didn't reply.

The rest of the walk was quiet.

***

The palace was beautifully decorated as the King's first son was celebrating his birthday. Cleo tried to grab Celine's hand but she flinched.

"Common, I'm not going to hurt you... why are you so stiff?" Cleo asked getting pissed off.

"I'm...I'm...sorry .." Celine apologized.

"What's wrong with you? I tried warming up to you but it's not working. Don't you like me? You shouldn't allow your personal problems define who you are and if there really is any problem, you should try to share them with me" Cleo asked with concern.

Celine shook her head, she wouldn't understand.

Cleo sighed.

"Lemme introduce you to my other friends" She said and led Celine into the huge palace.

***

Augustine changed into an all black robe and placed two red coloured rings by the two sides of door. He walked to the box where his wife's soul was kept, muttered some words and opened it. The soul flew out agitated and tried to rush out of the room but a huge force stopped it and it went crashing down, the force was obviously planted by Augustine with the two red rings.

"There's no escape in the house, Martha"

Augustine's voice filled the room and he threw two weird looking ropes at her and she was suddenly tied to the chair behind her. She struggled but couldn't get out, she gazed at him as tears ran down her face.

Augustine only grunted and turned to the devil's idol and chanted for two minutes.

"Oh master, show me the vessel, who's the vessel that can be used to revive my wife"

A dark figure appeared and said;

"Your daughter's fate is tied with the vessel. Are you sure you need my help reviving your wife back?"

"Yes, yes...I'd do anything to get her back. I miss her alot"

" Try to find out who the vessel is and get back to me and listen, a strange spirit would hover around your daughter and disrupt your work. Try to get rid of it" The dark figure said.

" I will" Augustine replied

" Not allowing your daughter to make friends isn't the option. You wouldn't get to know the vessel that way" The dark figure said.

" How would I know if I've found the vessel?"Augustine asked.

" Initiate plan B" The dark figure said.

Augustine gasped.

" What if she turns evil?"

" I've been protecting you from evil spirits ever since the day you started worshipping me, why would I initiate plan B if she would later turn into an evil spirit? Do you doubt my powers?"

" I'm sorry Master" Augustine said and bowed.

" Much better" The dark figure said and turned to Martha, smirked and disappeared.

***

Celine felt left out as Cleo introduced her to her friends. She tried to figure out why her Dad left where they lived. However, she was relieved to leave the place.

"Whatever it is, it's definitely terrible" She muttered to herself.

"Did you say something?" Cleo asked Celine.

"No" Celine replied.

"Here's Mark and Rosanne. They're actually twins, Mark and Rosanne, this is Celine" Cleo introduced.

"Nice to meet you beautiful" Mark smiled and extended his hand for a handshake.

Celine sighed and accepted it and looked at him. She observed him and noticed how cute he is. Brown eyes, brown hair, his nose looked perfect . He's probably the cutest guy in the kingdom. Celine thought.

"Same here" Celine replied with a small smile.

"You should let go of her hand now Mark" Rosanne teased and greeted Celine.

"Uhm, excuse me... Gotta use the bathroom" Celine excused herself and left.

She actually lied, she was tired of being around people as she wasn't used to it and wanted some peace and quiet.

Celine slipped out of the palace and sat near the garden, breathing a sigh of relief. Suddenly, she heard a soft voice of someone singing and coincidentally, the person was singing the lullaby her mom used to sing for her in her childhood. With delight, she joined and soon got lost in the song. She sang everything and opened her eyes after singing and her eyes met the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen. It looked so beautiful in the moonlight. However, it was dark and couldn't recognise the person.

She gasped in shock.

"You sounded terrible" The guy said and started laughing.

Celine got up in embarrassment and tried to leave.

"Hey" he said and grabbed her hand but she jerked back.

"Ion know you, don't touch me" She almost yelled, ran off in fright and bumped into someone. Not again... She thought and ran off without apologizing, her bracelet falling in the process.

The person she bumped in, gazed at her running figure and picked up her bracelet.

" You can't run from me" The person said.

***

"There's only one school in the kingdom and you'd have to attend the school" Celine's father told his daughter the following morning while she was preparing breakfast.

Celine kept quiet and wondered how going to an actual school would feel like and why her Dad wants her to go to school when she has been homeschooled all her life.

"Celine, I know I've done a lot of terrible things to you, cruel things in fact but please I've really changed. I know if I were to start apologizing till I die, it wouldn't make up for all I've done to you. I'm sorry, I was stupid. Thinking I could bring back your mom with black magic. Forgive me please. I've finally let go of your mom and I hope she rests in peace and forgives me for all my wrong doings. I actually moved here to forget about your mom. All her memories are still fresh in our old house. Forgive me"

Augustine said feigning remorse. Celine looked at her dad, not entirely buying his words.

" I'll... I'll....try" she muttered in confusion.

" What's Dad up to?" She thought.

***

Celine held her breath as she stepped her foot into the school. Everyone was staring at her and she wondered why. Is something wrong with my outfit?... She thought and checked her outfit. She was on a simple gown that her mom owned when she was alive.

"I think they're all staring at you cos you're really pretty" Celine heard a familiar voice behind her. She turned and her eyes met Cleopatra's eyes.

Cleo smiled and grabbed her hand.

"You ran off yesterday" Cleo paused.

"What's your class?"

Celine told her.

"Whoa, we're in the same class. I thought you're way younger. How old are you? "

" Sixteen " Celine told her

" I'm also sixteen. I guess you look younger than your age then. Let's go, we're late for class" Cleo said, smiled and dragged her to her class.

***

"We have a new student. Introduce yourself to the class" The math teacher said to Celine.

She seemed nice and Celine felt at ease although she was kind of shy...

"I'm.." the door opened and a guy entered.

He was extremely cute with his blue eyes and nice long hair which was roughly packed, his beautiful small black earring and extremely pink lips and he is obviously popular because all the girls kept 'oooh...ing and ah.. ing" He let out the cutest smile ever and threw a kiss at the girls. Even the teacher was smiling. The guy turned to go to his seat. His eyes met Celine's and he winked. Celine almost blushed, she couldn't believe a guy that cute would wink at her. His eyes seemed familiar though. Where have I seen those eyes? She thought

"Okaaay...?" The teacher brought Celine out of her fantasy.

"Sorry, I'm Celine Hunt and I hope we all get along well" Celine managed to say.

"Of course you will. Now, there's an empty seat right in front of Jeremy, sit there" The teacher replied smiling and pointed to the empty seat.

Celine turned to the direction of the empty seat and noticed the 'jeremy guy' is the extremely cute guy that entered moments ago. The guy brought out a novel and started reading it, he didn't seem interested in the class.

Celine sat down

"Now as we were saying..." The math teacher continued

***

Celine sat amongst Cleopatra, Rosanne and Mark in the cafeteria She realised they are really nice people after they helped her in class to settle down and explain difficult things to her.

"Check out this novel." Rosanne said and gave the novel Celine.

"Entangled with a beast" Celine muttered as she touched the novel. "It looks interesting" She said as she flipped the pages.

"It is a hundred percent amazing girl" Mark chirped in.

"You read it?" Cleo asked, surprised.

"Yeah, I know I don't like novels but this one hits way differently" He replied and winked.

"Gotta use the bathroom please " Celine said as she tried to excuse herself.

" Are you sneaking away again? " Cleo teased. Celine only smiled and went to the bathroom.

As soon as she left, a hush fell over the cafeteria as they realized who entered the cafeteria.

Whispers filled the cafeteria

"Why's he here!?"

"I'm sure it's the first time he ever stepped his foot into this place"

"Omg... He's so cute"

"Here come grumpy prince charming"

"Gosh, is he human? He's becoming cuter every single day. He's gotta be a Greek god"

Celine walked out of the bathroom, her eyes fixed on the novel. The first chapter was so catchy that she didn't realise she had left the bathroom, she was still enjoying it when she collided into someone.

"Holy" Celine muttered to herself as she felt her body falling to the ground but a strong hand caught her.

She opened her eyes and gasped as they stared at each other. Why am I seeing cute guys? Did we come to heaven instead of the country side...

"Why did I even catch you?"She heard his deep voice and he let go of her and she fell on her butt.

'What in the holy world was that?'She thought and noticed her bracelet in his hands.

His grey eye color, his wavy hair and perfect jawline. Even though he wasn't smiling. He was smoking hot. Who's more handsome though? Jeremy or this guy? She thought again.

"Here we go again" He said harshly, his gaze piercing into hers.

"I'm sorry" Celine apologized and pointed to her bracelet.

"Uhm, it's mine... I didn't notice it was gone. Can I have it back?"

"Oh, so it's yours. It seems you're so perfect at bumping into people " He said harshly.

"Excuse me?" Celine looked at him in confusion

"You bumped into me yesterday and ran off" He said and raised his eyebrows, his expression softened.

"When..." Suddenly, Celine remembered she had bumped into someone the previous day and left without apologizing.

" Oh, it was you? I'm sorry. Can I have it back now?"Celine apologized.

"You freaking think just saying sorry would make up for it?" He almost yelled, his expression hardened again.

"Are... you hurt anywhere? Did I injure you in anyway?" Celine asked feeling concerned.

" Oh, you think I'm so weak that your gentle collision would hurt me?"

What the heck is wrong with this guy? Celine thought, puzzled.

" You clearly came here to get me to apologize and I did. Can I please get my bracelet back then.

" Excuse me? Do you even know who you're talking to?"

Celine almost rolled her eyes.

"You should let go already. Everyone makes mistakes. If you want to sell it cos you need money tell me instead of being a jerk about the collision" Celine said, and covered her mouth immediately. It slipped out.

Everyone gasped

He turned to her stunned

"What did you just say?" He asked

"His royal highness, pardon her... I'm sure she didn't know who you are" Celine heard a voice behind her.

Her eyes widened in shock.

" His royal highness??? "

Augustine carried the box that contains his wife's soul and kept it on the table. His desperate eyes stared at her weak soul.

"It's time for your meal sweetheart"

Martha's raised her head and looked at him in fear.

"Don't worry, I won't use our daughter this time around even though I hate her. I hate her so much... She caused your death. If she wasn't disobedient, you'd be here with me today but don't worry I'd bring you back to life and kill her, then together we'll make another baby. "

Augustine smiled devilishly and made his way to the front door. He opened the door and spots a young woman carrying fruits in a basket.

" Excuse me" Augustine called out to her feigning a sad and frustrated face and she walked to him.

'Perfect, she's pretty' Augustine thought to himself.

" My daughter hasn't gotten over her mother's death and I've been begging her to come out for breakfast but she just locked herself in. Can you please help me?"

"Oh sure" The lady smiled, dropped her basket of fruits and entered.

Augustine led her into his 'dark' room.

"Where's..." Augustine hit her head before she could finish her sentence and she fell unconscious.

Augustine laughed evilly and dragged her body towards the box where he kept Martha's soul.

***

"His Royal Highness?" Celine gasped.

Joel looked at her in fury.

"First, you collided with me and now, you insult me?!"

"I'm really sorry. I didn't know"

"THAT'S NO EXCUSE, YOUNG LADY"

He yelled and she flinched.

"Calm down Joel, you know she's new here" The same voice that spoke about him being the 'Royal Highness' said.

Celine turned to see the speaker and noticed it was the same guy from her class, Jeremy.

"Do not meddle into this Jeremy" Joel snarled at him and turned to Celine.

"There is a punishment for those who insult the Royal Family and I will get back to you" He concluded and left.

"Don't worry too much about what he said, pretty eyes"

Celine looked at him in confusion.

'I should be calling him that. I wonder what's special about my eyes' She thought.

Celine nodded slowly and muttered 'thank you' .

She slowly walked back to her seat and sighed heavily.

"There should be a school for Royals. I know the king wants his heir to be familiar with his future subjects but really, staying in the same school with us is just absurd." Cleopatra said and squeezed Celine's hand.

"I wonder what punishment awaits me" Celine said

"Don't worry too much about it. He'd probably make you work in the palace" Rosanne said

"WHAT?!" Celine exclaimed.

"Don't worry, it ain't that hard. My father works in the palace and he told me those punished that way are lucky cos they'd get to see how beautiful the palace is." Rosanne said and continued " He's very grumpy, has a bad temper and Father said he's also very picky."

"Oh" Celine breathed a sigh of relief.

" He might forget but she won't " Mark said and raised his brows.

"Ohhh,... That's true" Rosanne and Cleo said simultaneously.

"Who? " Celine asked confused.

"It's his fiancee, Princess Sapphire from Kingdom Slyph." Cleo replied and whispered " No one knows though, Father told me so please do not tell anyone"

"I guess I'm in big trouble" Celine muttered.

"Celine, I didn't know you could talk that way. I thought you're a very quiet and reserved girl. " Mark said, grinning.

Celine smiled.

"It depends on the situation"

"Jeremy tried to be the knight in shining armor" Mark said, rolling his eyes.

"Come on, who doesn't like Jeremy? He's an absolute sweetheart" Rosanne said, giggling. Obviously enjoying messing with her brother.

"You do not like him? " Celine asked.

" Oh, Mark used to be the centre of attraction until Jeremy arrived" Cleopatra said, grinning from ear to ear .

" He isn't from here? " Celine asked in surprise.

"Oh, Jeremy the mysterious handsome stranger"

" Stranger?" Celine asked, puzzled.

" He's a sweetheart, yes but he has no friends and no one except me knows who and where he is from"

"Really? Why did he talk to the Prince so casually then?" Celine asked, still puzzled.

" Ohh, let me tell you since we're friends now and keep it a secret though" Rosanne said, beckoning Celine to come closer and then tried to whisper.

"Jeremy is..."

Jeremy cuts in suddenly.

"Way to go ladies, it seems you're gossiping about me"

Rosanne face turned red.

" Ab... About you?... Of course not"

Jeremy sat down beside Cleopatra, facing Celine directly.

" And you are a thief" He said, raising his eyebrows.

" Thief?" Mark asked in surprise.

" I know so many people like and adore me but I made it clear no one should ever touch my things. I know you're new here but your friends should have told you" He said, calmly.

" Excuse me? " Celine managed to say, not recovering from the initial shock.

Jeremy sighed and brushed his fingers on his hair. He looked at her dead in the eyes.

"My novel, pretty eyes-"

"Oh, that" Rosanne cuts in

" It's for my sister " Mark continued, staring daggers at Jeremy.

" Oh, really?" Jeremy grinned uncomfortably and stared at the eight pairs of eyes gazing at him.

He got up and left

"How rude" Celine muttered.

" I would have punched his running mouth. He didn't even see the need to apologize to-"

Bell rings, signalling the end of the break.

The four of them got up and left.

A pair of eyes followed Celine as she chatted with her friends.

"I can sense a bad aura from her" the person muttered.

***

"Your highness, the carriage is ready" A young girl said, bowing as the Princess walked out.

"Where's Dad?" She asked as she was halfway towards her Dad's chamber.

"He's right beside your carriage."

The Princess turned to the girl and slapped her.

"You could see I was heading to his chamber and you didn't say nothing"

"I'm ... I'm sorry"

The Princess hissed and turned towards the entrance. She sighted her Dad as she got to the entrance.

"Dad!!" She beamed as she hugged him.

"My lovely Sapphire. Are you sure about this?"

"Yes Dad, I want us to be close before the Royal wedding so it won't be awkward" She replied.

"Okay then" The King sighed and smiled at her." My regards to Prince Joel and his father"

"Alright Dad, I'll visit on the next full moon" She said, pecked him and entered the carriage.

"Bye Angel" The king said and blew kisses to her.

"Guards, follow her carriage till she arrives at Orandote."

"Yes, My King" They replied and followed her.

***

Augustine placed the unconscious lady on a chair and placed the box he placed Martha's spirit in her front. He placed four rings around them and opened the box slowly.

He held his breath and muttered some incantations, his eyes turned red and he sliced a part of his hand and the drops of blood fell on Martha and the unconscious lady.

Martha stood up immediately and entered into the unconscious lady and almost immediately, the lady opened her eyes.

"My love" Augustine said and rushed to Martha, showering her with kisses.

Martha groaned

"Augustine, stop! Please let me go" she said.

"Why should I? We cannot be separate, I'm your husband and I love you."

"You...you are after something else, there's an hidden agenda behind everything"

Augustine grinned, as if confirming her words.

***

Zeus, the seer entered the main palace and bowed to the king.

"You requested to see me" King Jarius said, after acknowledging his greeting.

" I'm afraid there is bad news, my King" Zeus said, after a pause.

" What is wrong? " The king said, agitated.

" Master Z is back" Zeus said and stared at the shocked King.

" He...he.... Is back? After many centuries? Why is he here? Is he back to unleash Zendeya's chronicles of powers? "

" That, my King, I'm afraid I don't know but after my divine consultation, I saw a child. It's probably the child spoken in the prophesy centuries ago"

" A child of prophesy? What does the prophesy say? "

" Even I don't know my King"

"Zendeya has been missing for many centuries now and it's only through her can we open the chronicles of powers "

" My King, we have to tread carefully because I sense great danger over the throne" Zeus said.

" How are we going to find this child you speak of? "

" We would know when the time comes my King" Zeus said and disappeared.

***

" Do you want to tag along? " Rosanne asked Celine.

" Where are you guys going? " Celine asked, curious.

" Well, we kind of found out our ancestors had powers but they lost it because the leader, Zendeya went missing and so... " Celine cut in.

"Huh... No... I'll pass"

"I know it's absurd and unbelievable but it really happened" Mark said, trying to back his sister up.

"I never said it didn't happen, I have a lot of chores to do at home" Celine muttered.

"It's fine, it's her choice guys. See you later Celine" Cleo said and dragged Mark and Rosanne out of the classroom.

Celine sighed.

She knew powers existed as she had seen her Father use them but going to find out more about those powers is quite terrifying.

She turned and started walking opposite the direction of the way to her home.

"Pretty eyes" Celine heard a familiar voice behind her and she turned.

She sighed and ignored him.

Jeremy ran to catch up with her.

"Hey" He said and grabbed her hand.

"I've been calling you, you should have waited for me".

" Let me go" Celine yelled and pushed Jeremy hard.

Celine started breathing heavily and closed her eyes. Her heart started palpitating.

She opened her eyes and saw her Father coming closer to her.

"No, no Father, don't touch me.... Pleaseeee...." Celine yelled and started running opposite the direction of where she and Jeremy stood.

Jeremy stood, confused.

"There's definitely something wrong, I only tried to move closer to her" He thought as he watched her run.

" Hey, you're going in the wrong direction" He yelled as he ran after her.

A pair of eyes followed her as she ran up the mountain

Celine turned back and saw her Father running after her but it wasn't her Father, it was Jeremy but she's in a state of shock. She froze as tears ran down her face and she fell unconscious. Her body rolled down into the forest as she was on a high place.

"Pretty eyes" Jeremy yelled as he watched her body roll down.

He panicked and ran after her.

***

"Did you find out about the child I told you about?"

"Yes Zedecus... I followed her and now is the right time to strike"

" Are you sure she's the one? " Zedecus asked.

" Yes, she is "

" I will use her to get what I want from him"Zedecus said and laughed evily.

" Let's head to where she is then" He said and rose up.

***

Jeremy called out to Celine as he searched desperately into the forest.

It was nearing evening and he still haven't found her.

He sighed.

" I can't leave her here, can I? It's so strange, where could she have gone? Or did a wild animal, perharps carry her off" Jeremy thought and brushed his hands over his hair in frustration.

Suddenly, his eyes caught a piece of her cloth stuck on a small plant of thorns.

He ran there and picked it up then he saw her, groaning in pain.

He sighed in relief and tried to move closer to her.

A wave of wind hit him and he flew in the opposite direction.

Zedecus and his assistant, Zenta moved close to Celine.

He stretched his hand to her and used his powers to lift her from the ground and strangled her neck.

Celine moved her hands and held her neck but she felt nothing. She felt weaker and weaker and as she was about to lose consciousness, she felt something relieve her of the strangulation and carried her in it's arms and she lost consciousness.

Zedecus looked shocked as he stared at the figure that saved Celine.

"How dare you" The figure yelled.

Zedecus cackled.

"You shouldn't have done this" Zenta said and moved closer to the 'figure'

The figure grinned and with a snap of its finger, Zenta flew and hit her back on a tree.

Zedecus turned to the 'figure' in fury.

"You will regret this... I will... -"

The 'figure' responded by using its powers to lift Zedecus up and strange him.

"I DARE YOU TO TOUCH HER NEXT TIME AND YOU WILL BE SIX FEET DOWN THE GROUND. SHE IS MINE!!" The figure said and shoved Zedecus towards the tree closest to him and pinned him down.

The 'figure' moved closer to Zedecus and pierced his fingers into his face, giving him many dark burning spots.

"She is mine"

The figure said and disappeared.

"Your betrothed is on her way" Queen Autumn announced to her son, Joel immediately he arrived from school.

Joel sighed.

"So?" He asked, raising his brows.

"Get ready to welcome her" She said, trying to hide her excitement.

Joel looked at the older woman standing in his front. Her wrinkles were becoming more obvious but her eyes still shone like stars. It still had the sparks it had since she became the Queen.

"Mother, I do not think I am interested in this marriage" Joel said, sighing.

"I understand how you feel son. You think all this is happening too soon but it's not" Queen Autumn said, patting his back.

" But Mother-"

" Just get ready soon" She said with a tone of finality and left.

Joel sighed and sat on his bed.

He really wasn't ready for the marriage. He'd prefer to choose his bride himself.

He closed his eyes and lied down on his bed and felt his fingers hold something in his pocket and he slowly removed his hands from his pocket.

He opened his eyes and his eyes fell on the bracelet of the new girl.

He chuckled as he recalled what she said.

"You should let go already. Everyone make mistakes, if you want to sell it cos you need money tell me instead of being a jerk about the collision"

No one has ever spoken to him in such a rude way.

He smiled and suddenly felt the urge to see her again.

Then he realized he was smiling.

"Why am I smiling? I guess it's because I'm so stressed out" He thought.

Celine's face flashed in his mind and he sat up.

" She is cute" He said thoughtfully.

" I should return her bracelet to her" He said and rose up.

" Are you sure it isn't because you want to see her? " He heard his mind whisper to him

" Of course not, I want to return the bracelet" He said

" You can easily send someone" His mind told him.

" Hey, just keep quiet. Let me be" he argued.

" Marcus" he called his personal guard .

" Prepare my horse, we're leaving the palace."

Marcus bowed and left his chambers.

***

Celine opened her eyes and found herself in the room.

She felt something was not right but couldn't place her finger on anything.

She felt as if she wasn't here earlier but she couldn't recall anything .

She felt dizzy and she closed her eyes.

"I bid Cleopatra, Rosanne and Mark goodbye and left the school and then I met Jeremy and then...."

She tried to recall but all it did was cause headache. Then, she heard hoofs of a horse stopping next to her window. Curious, she lifted up her head and saw the Prince and his guards behind him on foot. Then she noticed him coming down from his horse.

"What was he doing here?" She thought in anxiety.

Then, she heard her Father come out and talk to them.

"Is your Daughter home?" Celine heard Prince say.

"No, Your Highness" Augustine said and bowed.

"Okay" The Prince replied and turned to his horse.

Celine heaved a sigh of relief and stretched, unknowingly knocking off the jar of water beside her bed.

Joel heard the sound and sharply turned to Augustine.

"You're trying to keep her away from me, right? "He asked sternly and turned to the guards.

" Search for the girl"

The guards entered the house.

Augustine swallowed the huge lump in his throat.

" What if they go into the secret room? No... No... Is this how my plan would fail? Why does this Devil always get into trouble? She'd ruin my plan" He thought as he closed his eyes in anticipation for the worst that'd happen until...

"We found the girl, Your Highness " A guard said, literally dragging Celine out.

Joel turned to her.

"After insulting me, you dare hide from me?"

"And you" He turned to Augustine "You tried to hide her from me right? Now, I'll take her away from you"

"She's going to serve as a maid in the palace as from today" He said and got on the horse.

" But my Prince, I didn't know she-"Augustine tried to protest.

Deep down, he was relieved because Celine leaving would make his job at home easier and who knows? She might even get close to the vessel.

" QUIET! " He yelled, startling Augustine" She's serving me in the palace and that's final" He added and climbed his horse.

"My... My Prin-" Celine tried to say but she staggered.

" What is wrong with her? " Joel asked unconsciously and quickly looked away when he realized what he said.

" I.... I... " Celine fell unconscious and the guards tried frantically to wake her up.

Joel rushed down.

"Get water" He almost yelled.

He sprinkled the water on her face and she coughed.

"I don't think she's feeling well" Marcus said to Joel.

'what if she's putting up an act?' Joel thought and stared intensely at Celine who was feeling much better.

"I don't care, she's coming with us nevertheless" Joel said and got on his horse.

He looked at Augustine and could have sworn he saw a little smile on his face.

He shrugged.

The guards helped Celine up and she managed to walk behind Joel's horse.

***

Augustine closed the door in relief, entered his 'dark room' and almost immediately, felt his 'Master's presence'.

"I see you have sent Celine to the palace" He said to Augustine.

"Yes, Master"

" Yesterday, she was attacked by Zedecus"

Augustine looked up in absolute shock.

" Attacked? "

" That's right but something saved her before I could" The Master said.

Augustine gasped.

" Could that be? "

" Yes, the spirit hovering around her came way too early and thanks to Zedecus. I'll look into it and destroy it. That'll make our work much easier"

Augustine bowed in happiness

" Yes Master"

"We might be moving towards our goal so prepare the rest of the sacrifice. Orandote is going to feel my presence... Hahahahaha" The Master cackled.

Augustine nodded, happy his plans are going through.

***

Joel got to the palace a bit too late because he arrived at the same time as his betrothed.

The Queen was angry.

"I told you to get ready. Didn't I?" She fumed.

Princess Sapphire got down from her carriage and started moving towards Joel, ignoring all the guards and maids that stood to welcome her.

Joel got down from his horse and dismissed his guards.

"Mother, I-" Joel tried to say but was cut off by Celine.

"Wh.. wh.. ah... Where should I go to?" She managed to say.

Joel turned to her and noticed she was really feeling unwell.

'I guess she wasn't put on an act' He thought.

Celine started feeling unconscious but Joel caught her just in time.

Her temperature was increasing by the minute.

Joel lifted her up.

"Mother, I'll be right back" He said and started walking towards the Royal Physician Chambers.

"Joel!" Sapphire yelled but he paid no attention to her.

"Princess Sapphire, welcome" Queen Autumn said beaming with smiles, trying to handle the situation.

"Why is Joel carrying that girl in his arms, Mother?" She asked, obviously angry.

"Leave that, Joel pays too much attention to his people. He'd be back soon. Anyway, let's go and meet the king" Queen Autumn said and led Sapphire into the Palace.

***

"Is she going to be fine?" Joel asked the Royal Physician, Philip.

"Yes, Your Highness. She's in a state of shock. It seems her mind can't seem to comprehend something that happened to her" He said, bowing.

'Poor girl, she probably can't accept the fact that she'd be serving in the palace for a month' He reasoned.

Joel looked at her one more time and left his chambers.

***

Joel went to the King's chambers and met the Queen and Sapphire there.

Sapphire's eyes shone when she saw him. She blushed.

"Joel, where were you? Your betrothed has been waiting anxiously for you" The King said.

Joel sighed and looked at Sapphire.

"Welcome" He said and turned to the King.

"Can I go now, Your Majesty?"

"Don't you want to spend time with her? Saying welcome isn't enough " The king almost yelled.

" Father, a bride has to spend more time with her in-laws to bond well with then" He said calmly.

The King and Queen smiled.

" She has to spend more time with you, my son. See how beautiful she is" The Queen said.

Joel rolled his eyes.

" I'm tired Mother, I had a long day at school today. " He said and bowed " I'll take your leave"

Joel left the King's Chambers.

Sapphire rolled her eyes.

'As if I wish to spend time with these old hags' she thought

"Mother, I want to rest for a few days before joining school here. I want to get familiar with everyone before joining school"

The Queen nodded in satisfaction and turned to the king.

I told you, she's special. She's perfect for our Joel"

"Indeed" The King replied, nodding.

***

Celine opened her eyes later in the evening and it met the staring eyes of Jeremy.

In shock, she wanted to scream but Jeremy covered her mouth with his hands.

"Shhhh!Calm down" He said calmly and removed his hands on her mouth.

"Where am I and how did you manage to find me?"

"Leave that, are you okay?" Jeremy asked, raising his brows.

"I'm- wait, Jeremy do you remember what happened after I met you yesterday?"

"That's the same thing I came to ask you"

"Well, I don't. Do you?"

"I-" Both of them heard footsteps and Jeremy stood up.

"I... I.. need to go" He said and left the chambers through another door.

The door opens and a maid enters.

"Hi, I'm Ayn, a maid of the Prince. I was asked to check up on you and take you to the maid chambers"

"Maid? Prince..?" Celine asked, confused and suddenly remembered she's a maid in the palace now.

"Oh.. okay. I'm fine now"

"Good, come with me" Ayn said and led Celine out of the chambers.

***

The following morning, Celine prepared to go to school. She noticed there was no other maid in her chambers and reasoned they had all left for school. She opened the door and started walking around till she neared the Palace gates.

"Halt" a palace guard said.

"I'm... I'm going to school"

"I'm sorry, no palace maids are allowed to attend school"

Celine looked shocked

"But... But"

"No buts, off to the palace" He said and almost immediately bowed.

Celine looked confused and turned to see the Prince on a horse. A guard was standing next to him.

She also bowed.

"Let her be, she's going to be here for a month. She's allowed to go to school" He said and turned to Celine.

"Things won't happen your way here and since you're my maid, walk behind me because we're going to school together."

Celine bowed and followed him outside of the Palace gates.

***

Sapphire stared at the Prince and Celine and felt uncomfortable.

"I'm going to the school, tell the Queen on my behalf" She said to the maid standing behind her.

"Yes, Your Highness" The maid replied.

"Get the horse" Sapphire said.

"Yes, Your Highness"

Sapphire followed Joel and Celine.

***

Someone tapped Celine and she turned to see Jeremy.

Joel stopped and turned.

"What are you doing here?" Joel asked as he stared daggers at Jeremy.

"Calm down Joel" Jeremy said, rolling his eyes. "I have things to discuss with Pretty eyes"

"Pretty eyes? Who's-" Joel said and immediately turned to Celine.

Jeremy held her hand and tried to pull her.

"Come with me" Jeremy said.

"She is my maid and she has to get my permission first"

"She isn't your property" Jeremy said, smirking.

"Well, in the real sense of it. She is." Joel said, raising his eyebrows.

"When did you start caring about your maids? You're someone who doesn't care even if any of them dies"

"Before you start questioning me, take a look at yourself. You bastard!" Joel said through gritted teeth.

Jeremy stared at him.

"Watch your tongue!"

"What would you do? You hold no power" Joel said and smirked.

"I-" Jeremy started but stopped short when he noticed Celine wasn't with them.

He looked around and saw her at the front of the school.

" How dare she do that! " Joel fumed.

" What will you do? Kill her? You've taken a special liking to her since yesterday so you can't do that"

Joel scoffed.

" A special liking to her? Are you stooping me to your level? A whole me to her? You know I've got Sapphire, my betrothed. Why would I go way below my standard then? "

Jeremy laughed.

" Prove it to me. Prove that you do not like her"

Joel eyed him.

" I'll do just that" He smirked and left Jeremy there.

***

Sapphire looked like she wanted to burst as she watched Joel and Jeremy argue on the girl.

She fumed but changed her expression immediately she noticed Joel saw her.

She moved closer to him.

"I came to your chambers last night but you didn't allow me to come in" She said.

Joel looked at her and hit his horse, telling it to move forward.

Sapphire followed and tried talking to him but he ignored her.

Soon, they arrived at the front of the school.

"I came to escort you, I'm going back" She said, gazing at him.

"Suit yourself" He replied and got down from his horse.

He beckoned on his guard and they entered the school together.

"Something is definitely going on with that girl and I swear, I'll kill her." She muttered to herself through gritted teeth.