CHAPTER XIX - ❝Journey to Azalea❞

                                    

                                          
Perseus makes his way back to Primrose. He is greeted with many questions and concerns... mainly from Elissi.
                          
"Are you okay? What happened? Where were you? Is something wrong? Perseus, say something!" She exclaims, wanting to know why he just disappeared like Tallulah had said.
                          
"Ha.. I'm fine, El."
                          
"Are you sure?"
                          
"Yeah..." He averts his eyes so that he doesn't have to look her in the eyes. Lying to her was one thing, but when he looks into her eyes, he knows that he won't be able to keep anything from her.
                          
"Percy.. I know you. I know that look. I know that you do that thing with your eyes every time you are lying. What's wrong?" Everyone goes inside, knowing that what comes next will not be pretty.
                          
"I.. Uhm... We need to talk." He brings her to a private area so that he can talk to her, knowing that they are alone. She looks him in the eyes and that's when he breaks and he can't keep the secret any longer.
                          
"I.. I went to the Scott mansion."
                          
"Why? Did Philipp want something?"
                          
"He showed me a contract." He pulls the contract out and shows her. A few minutes go by as she reads the document over and over again, unable to understand.
                          
"Marriage? Perseus.. What does this mean?"
                          
"I have to marry Princess Genevieve otherwise it'll mean war."
                          
"It's just like Vincent... and his..."
                          
"Yes, just like it. But.. Don't worry. I'm going to go to Azalea to talk to her father. I'm going to fix this.. We will be together."
                          
"Then I'm coming with you."
                          
"No, it's too dangerous. You have to stay. They might accuse you if things go wrong."
                          
"Okay, please stay safe. When are you to leave?"
                          
"I promise, I will. I leave first thing in the morning. If they are able, I'm going to ask Ryder to accompany me. He's had ties with the king of Azalea before, maybe he will steer their decision."
                          
"Okay, you should prepare for your journey. It's a three day journey to Azalea. I love you."
                          
"I love you, too." They kiss, not knowing if they will ever see each other again. With the marriage being the only bond that is keeping the war from erupting, there is no telling what will happen. He leaves Elissi standing there, and goes to get Ryder. She goes inside after they leave, a tear falling from her face.
                          
"Oh my... Whatever is wrong, El?" Tallulah tries to comfort her.
                          
"He's left.. To Azalea... I don't know if he'll come back."
                          
"Aw, it's alright, it'll be alright. Come with me." She takes her to her bedroom, looking at everyone with a face that they all know too well. They leave immediately.
                          
-
                          
The Next Morning
                          
Perseus and Ryder are ready to make their way to Azalea. They get into a carriage and tell the coachman to go directly to Princess Genevieve's residence. Once they have left, they discuss their plan to convince the king of Azalea to let the engagement fall through.
                          
"I've known King Dominic practically all my life. If we have any hope of him granting your wish, I'll be the one to sway his decision. He trusts me."
                          
"I think that this may just work. Thank you for coming, my friend."
                          
"Of course, Perce. I got your back." Back at Elissi's manor, Howl arrives with two people.
                          
"Hey, Howl. Who's this you got here?" She gives his friend a kind smile.
                          
"Obviously, you know Emily... But this man here, this is my friend, Maxwell."
                          
"Nice to meet you, Maxwell. Where are you from?"
                          
"Likewise. I'm from Azalea."
                          
"Azalea?!" Meanwhile, Prince Cameron makes an unexpected trip to Ambrosia, surprising King Valente.
                          
"Hello, Your Majesty." He bows.
                          
"Dear lord, is that you Cameron? My.. you've grown so much."
                          
"Indeed, it is I. Is Vincent here, by any chance?"
                          
"Yes, he's in his study. Would you like to come in?"
                          
"It would be a great honor." Valente leads Cameron to the study, where Vincent is writing like his life depends on it.
                          
"Hello, Vincent." Cameron says, in the most devious tone.
                          
"Well, lookie here. Cameron Abrams. Long time no see, old friend." He gets up to greet his friend and they drop their acts and embrace each other in a hug.
                          
"Ah.. It is so good to see you, Vince."
                          
"It is. Now what brings you here, Cam?"
                          
"I've got something to discuss with you." Vincent gestures for him to enter the study.
                          
"Father, leave us, please."
                          
"Of course, son." Valente answers, pretending to walk away. As soon as Vincent closes the door, he leans to the door and listens in on their conversation.
                          
"Now, what is it, Cameron?"
                          
"I heard about your falling out with Miss Williams."
                          
"So has everyone else, it seems." He sighs.
                          
"Well, I've come to make an offer."
                          
"What kind of an offer?"
                          
"I've done some research."
                          
"Research?"
                          
"Yes, on my previous engagement."
                          
"Ah I see. With Tallulah Meyers, is it?"
                          
"Indeed."
                          
"And why should this concern me?"
                          
"Because she has ties to Miss Williams, of course."
                          
"Oh does she now?"
                          
"My intel tells me that they have been bonded since birth.. Practically inseparable."
                          
"What about this do I need to be intrigued upon?"
                          
"If we team up, we can both get revenge on these two... women."
                          
"I see where this is going... I'm all for it. Just keep in touch and we'll get our revenge. They will rue the day."
                          
"Indeed they will, dear friend." Cameron begins to walk towards the door, Valente flees before he gets caught.
                          
"Goodbye Cam." Vincent calls after him.
                          
"Farewell, Vince."