CHAPTER XVI - ❝The Truth❞

                                    

                                          
Elissi paces back and forth, absolutely hating every second that she can't tell Perseus why she's been so distant, avoiding him. She thinks many thoughts, trying to sort them all out, and attempting to figure out if she should or shouldn't tell him the truth, the real truth. Her thoughts are interrupted as someone knocks upon her bedroom door.
                          
"Hey, El." To her surprise, it's Perseus. His face is as pale as a ghost, a worried look spread upon it, he looks as though he'd been betrayed.
                          
"Per-"
                          
"El, I know. I know why you've seemed so far away lately, why you've tried to keep your distance.. from me."
                          
"Y-you do?"
                          
"Yes, I do."
                          
"Look, I can explain.."
                          
"When were you gonna tell me that you were engaged? When you were already married? When it's too late?"
                          
"I'm sorry, Percy. I was already engaged before I'd met you. I was going to give myself away to someone who didn't want me. But that was before I met you. Before you showed me love. Before us."
                          
"Us? There is no us, Elissi Williams. To me, you are but a princess. You are not my lover. And yes, in earnest, all my emotions.. all my emotions feel like explosions when you're around. But you've kept this from me. I trusted you. I love you."
                          
"Perseus, I love you more than anything in this world, in my life, in any universe, in any reality. And I... I am a wreck when I'm without you. I'll cut off the engagement. I'll do anything. Anything to be with you."
                          
"I.. El. I love you, but if it is for the best, you should marry this man you speak of. Who is he, anyway?"
                          
"Do you remember when we were in your hometown and I was being surrounded by the townspeople and reporters?"
                          
"Yes, of course. Why do you ask?"
                          
"Do you remember when one of them asked me about Prince Vincent?"
                          
"You are to marry Prince Vincent? It all seems so clear now. Would it be for the best?"
                          
"No, Prince Vincent.. He's selfish and cruel and he only cares about himself. He wants to marry for the advantage of being able to use me, my people. If I were to marry him, it would cause a great damage to them, to everyone who has ever crossed through."
                          
"Then what is stopping you from cutting those ties?"
                          
"If I end the engagement, I'll be putting my people in danger.. In danger of a war, between our kingdoms."
                          
"Well what if.. What if you told him that you could still keep your collaboration? It doesn't have to be bonded through marriage, does it?"
                          
"Maybe.. But I'd have to talk to his father first. Before consulting him, I have to run it by King Valente."
                          
"Yes, I'll even come with you."
                          
"It would be best if you didn't."
                          
"Alright, would you come to me afterwards? I have a surprise for you."
                          
"Okay, I'm still sorry Percy. I love you."
                          
"I love you more." She walks away, going to a carriage to make her way to Ambrosia to have a proper meeting with their king.
                          
"Excuse me? Coachman?"
                          
"Yes, Your Highness?"
                          
"Take me to Ambrosia, please. Straight to King Valente's residence."
                          
"Right away, ma'am." They begin their trip, arriving at nightfall. Elissi walks up to the front of the residence and is greeted by King Valente as she reaches the top step, leading to the front entrance.
                          
"Elissi, what a pleasure! I've heard that you were coming to town through some of the news reporters and had my staff arrange a sleeping quarter for you and the finest dinner they could render."
                          
"Ah, King Valente! The pleasure is all mine." She curtsies, bowing her head ever so slightly to show her respect.
                          
"Oh, my dear, don't just stand there, come inside, come inside! You must be cold and hungry after that journey, please come in!" She follows him inside and they make their way to the dining hall.
                          
"Well.. H-hi there, Elissi.." A familiar voice echoes in the hallway. She turns around and sees Vincent standing right outside of the door to the dining hall.
                          
"Vincent? I thought you were on a year's journey to conquer new land. A year's journey, right?" She thought that he wouldn't be back for another three months.
                          
"I.. Yeah, it was, but our men fell ill and we had to turn around before they died."
                          
"Ah I see. Are they well, now?"
                          
"As well as they may ever be."
                          
"Send them my regards, will you?"
                          
"I will." He tries to keep his composure, his father watching him, not wanting to be punished for any sort of unlawful behaviour. Right as he is about to turn around and leave, his sister, Valentina, shows up.
                          
"Woah- slow down Vince! What's your rush?"
                          
"Nothing, I was just about to leave. But since you're here... Hey Elissi!  I believe that you've met my sister, Valentina, before?"
                          
"No, I don't believe I have. It's certainly a pleasure to meet you, Valentina."
                          
"Likewise." Valentina replies, with the softest tone of sincerity.
                          
"Good, you've met. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way."
                          
"Please excuse my brother, he's become quite a sour puss since he had to return from his journey, empty handed."
                          
"Oh, there is no need to apologize for him, Valentina. He has his own mindset, his own work."
                          
"Mm, indeed he does.. It seems like you haven't eaten yet. I'll leave you to it." Valentina walks away, going back to her quarter, wishing that her brother doesn't screw up, for the fifth time.