THEIR FIGHT.

(Elf Realm)

Siofra's POV

I yanked my hand away from his. Instantly, the scenery shifted, and we were standing outside the palace. You have got to be kidding me. How am I supposed to put up with all of this?

“Look, I really don't know what our parents are discussing in there, but we can't let this happen,” I told him. Instead of replying, he just turned and walked away.

How can he be so incredibly rude?

“Are you seriously going to ignore me right now? Well, I don't blame you, because you really don't have anything to lose,” I called after him.

I had no idea my words would piss him off that much.

He spun back toward me so forcefully that it caught me completely off guard. I bumped right into his chest, making it look as though I had been desperately chasing after him when he walked away.

“Does this face look like someone who has nothing to lose?” he snarled, his eyes flashing. “Does it look like I am happy about getting married to a princess whose mother groomed her for this her entire life?”

“Excuse me, watch your language! I don't want this to happen either, so don't you dare look down on me like some spoiled princess.”

“But that is exactly what you are,” he snapped, stepping into my personal space. “The only reason I am here is because I don't have a choice. So get that through your thick head.”

He leaned in so close that his breath hot against my face.

“Keep your distance!”

A surge of frustration took over. I shoved his chest with a burst of force that sent him flying backward, landing hard on the other side of the garden.

The stunned expression on his face told me I had caught him completely by surprise. Infuriated, he pushed himself up and marched back toward me. I squared my shoulders, raising my fists and shifting into a comfortable stance, ready for him to strike.

“Are you kidding me? What is wrong with you?” he demanded.

“I should be asking you that! How dare you stand so close to me without my permission?”

“Wow, you are unbelievable. So now I need a permit just to stand near you? Why don't you just write a rulebook and paste it on your forehead? Some princess you are.”

I was absolutely furious. I couldn't believe my mother expected me to marry him. Is this what I am going to have to deal with for the rest of my life? A cold shiver ran down my spine at the mere thought.

“I would rather run away than marry a jerk like you.”

“And I would rather lose my chief title than marry you.”

How could he say such mean things? Before I could snap back, the sound of slow clapping behind us made me startle, instinctively jumping closer to Eldarion’s side.

“Wow, you two are amazing. Our parents want you to get along, but you're out here engaging in a fistfight instead.”

I was shocked to see Eldarion’s sister standing a few paces away, a smirk on her face as she continued to clap.

“Albina, what are you doing out here?” Eldarion demanded.

“Nothing much. I just wanted to see how my brother was holding up with his new bride, but I guess coming out here was a mistake.” The thick tease in her voice was unmistakable.

How are these two siblings both so incredibly rude and annoying? I let out a heavy sigh, watching her stroll toward us.

“I suggest you stay out of my business,” Eldarion growled.

“Oh well, too bad. Our parents are already fixing a wedding date. Now, was it the day of the elf festival, or the day of the wild hunt?”

“What?!” The scream tore from my throat before I could stop it. How could they do this to me?

“Relax, princess. Both events are still a long way off, so you two have plenty of time to enjoy your singlehood,” Albina said, offering a mocking smile.

“Does this look funny to you? My life is basically over because your parents and my mother are setting me up with your brother!”

“You are way too worked up, princess,” Albina countered, rolling her eyes. “If you don't want to get married, then trash the wedding. Standing there flaming with anger isn't going to solve anything.”

As much as I hated to admit it, she was right. I didn't want this marriage, and neither did Eldarion. We just needed to stop it from happening.

“Albina, leave. Now,” Eldarion ordered.

“Calm down, Eldarion. I'm only looking out for you. In fact, I could actually help you out if you want.”

I watched as the two of them glared at each other. They might be siblings, but there was clearly no love lost between them. Watching them look like they wanted to strangle each other made me realize just how wonderful my relationship with my own sister actually was.

“Your sister is right, Eldarion,” I stepped in, trying to bring the focus back. “Neither of us wants this marriage, but our parents aren't listening—especially my mother. We need to find our own way out of this.”

“Fine. But count her out of it,” he said, pointing a stern finger at Albina.

“But I can help!” she insisted. “I can be your eyes and ears around Mom and Dad. You know I'm pretty close to them; I can get any information you need.”

“I know you too well, Albina,” Eldarion said, his face completely blank. “You never help anyone without wanting something in return.”

“Hahaha! How could you say that?” She laughed, entirely unbothered. “Of course I want something in return. You really do know me well.”

I shook my head in pure disbelief. She was somehow even more irritating than her brother.

“Name your price,” I said. I was willing to offer anything just to escape this nightmare.

“Don't worry, princess, only my brother can pay this fee. Eldarion, I want you to set me up on a date with Earendil.”

“Never,” Eldarion shot back instantly. “I am not letting you use me for one of your games.”

I looked between them, confused. “Who is Earendil?”

“Oh, just the man of my dreams,” Albina sighed dramatically. “And my brother refuses to help me get him. But that's fine... though I really don't know how long I can keep my mouth shut about you two trying to jeopardize the wedding.”

“He will do it,” I intervened, glaring at Eldarion. “I assure you, he will set up a date for you and Earendil.”

“Thank you, princess. See you both inside—and try not to kill each other.” With a smug wave, she turned and left.

“Why did you tell her that?” Eldarion snapped at me. “I am not setting her up with anyone!”

“Why are you making this such a big deal? It's just one date!”

“You don't know my sister, but I do. Trust me, she is a handful, and I would rather not get dragged into her chaos.”

“So, you'd rather get married to me then?” I challenged.

I waited for his reply, but the only answer he gave me was a heavy, stubborn silence.

“We need to act fast,” I warned, my voice dripping with venom. “Or you will be taking me back to your village as your bride. And trust me, you do not want me around. I will become your worst nightmare.”

With that final threat, I turned on my heel and walked away, leaving him standing completely alone in the garden.

I desperately needed some space to think. What on earth am I supposed to do? How do I get myself out of this mess?

Moments like this made me wish I could just disappear into thin air and never come back. I kept walking, so lost in my spiraling thoughts that I didn't even realize I had left the palace grounds entirely. My mother is going to freak out if she finds out I abandoned Eldarion, especially when I'm supposed to be glued to his side.

Eventually, I found myself at the peak of a mountain not too far from the palace. This peak had become my sanctuary—the one place I could go to ease my anger and worries.

But today, the view didn't bring me any peace. Today was just the absolute worst. I wish I had been born in another world or maybe just into a normal, non-royal family. Maybe then, life would have been a little more fair.

(Human Realm)

Alda's POV

“Are you sure you want to go home? You can come stay with me until you're ready to face him,” Anna said. It was the second time she had asked since we left the restaurant.

“Don't worry, Anna, I'm fine. I've been running away from him all day; I need to just go home and face it,” I replied. But even as the words left my mouth, I knew I was lying to myself.

Deep down, I desperately wanted to go with her. I was terrified of facing Seth. I was terrified of what I would find out, or what truths I would be forced to discover once I looked him in the eye. But I couldn't bring myself to burden Anna any further.

“You don't look good to me at all, Alda,” Anna insisted, glancing at me with deep concern. “I would much rather you stay with me for the night than go back to that jerk.”

“I know you're worried about me, and I appreciate it. But I have to face him sooner or later. I can't avoid him for the rest of my life.”

“Fine. But at least let me drop you off.”

“Anna, really, don't worry about it. I'll have Albert drive me. Just go home and get some rest; I know today was incredibly hectic for you too.”

“Are you absolutely sure you'll be okay by yourself?”

“I'm fine. Now go on, get going.”

“Call me the exact second anything comes up, okay? Promise me.”

“I promise.”

I walked her to the parking lot and wished her a good night. But the moment her car pulled away, the familiar wave of fear rushed back, tighter this time. I didn't want to go home. I couldn't face him today.

I completely lacked the courage to look at him, and all my instincts were screaming at me to run. Just for tonight, I needed to hide. But where?

I couldn't go to my parents' house, or they would immediately get suspicious. And outside of Anna, I didn't have any close friends I could turn to. Maybe a hotel, I thought. Pulling out my phone, I dialed Albert’s number.

“Hello, ma'am,” his steady voice answered.

“Albert, where are you right now?”

“I'm still at the company, waiting for you.”

“Oh my god, Albert, I am so sorry! I completely lost track of time. I'm actually going to spend the night at Anna’s place, so please, go home and rest for the evening.”

There was a brief pause on the line. “Are you sure? You've been acting off all day, Alda. Is something wrong?”

A lump formed in my throat. I couldn't remember the last time Albert had called me by my actual name. It must have been right after I finished high school, just before I headed off to college. Since I returned and started my own company, he had strictly called me "ma'am," no matter how much I begged him to stop. Hearing him use my name now made me realize just how obvious my distress was. He was either deeply worried, or he suspected that something terrible had happened between Seth and me.

“I'm completely fine, Albert,” I lied, my voice tight. “I just really want a sleepover with Anna. Hey, since tomorrow is the weekend, why don't you take the time to go see your family? I'm sure they miss you terribly.”

“But tomorrow isn't my scheduled day off, ma'am.”

“I know, but you're not just an ordinary employee to us, Albert. You're family. Honestly, I've been meaning to suggest that you retire soon anyway, so you can spend all your time with them. You wouldn't have to worry about finances either; your monthly payments will continue just as they are.”

“I can't do that,” Albert replied softly, his voice thick with emotion. “I promised your father that I would take care of you. I promised him I would make sure you were happy, and besides, I truly love my job. I will only retire when I am certain that you are genuinely happy. But... thank you for giving me the weekend off. I really do appreciate it.”

His devotion brought a sudden rush of tears to my eyes. I quickly wiped them away and cleared my throat, desperately trying to mask the misery bleeding into my voice.

“Of course, Albert. I'll see you Monday morning then. Take the company car with you for the weekend, since I'll be visiting my parents anyway.”

“All right. I will be there to pick you up for work on Monday. Have a good weekend, Alda.”

“Bye, Albert.”

I ended the call, and the silence of the street closed in on me. I felt entirely hollow. I wanted to get completely wasted tonight. I wanted to drown out every single thought that was suffocating me, even if it was only for a few hours. And the quickest way to do that was to drink myself into a stupor.

A bittersweet smile crept onto my lips as I spotted a pub right across the street. Just one or two glasses, I told myself, and then I'll find a place to sleep.

I just needed to numb the stress enough to get through the night. After all, I had to see my parents tomorrow, and I needed to ensure I could put on a convincing smile.