Chapter 11

Valdus's POV
Lying was my personality thats it's easy for me to lie to anyone if I wanted too. But looking at Ameerah's face with pained expression, makes me wanna go change who I am. I can't bear to see him sad and hurt especially if he hates me.
It was my plan in the first since the Aldafor didn't say anything regarding her after she gave birth to my son. It was to dump her after. And looking over it makes me look at myself as a beast. She doesn't deserve me. But I want her.
I'll do everything to make it up to her
After fixing my royal suit, I decided to visit her but to my dismay, she's nowhere to find. I walked down the hallway and try to find her but she's not in the mansion.
"Where's my Queen !?" I boomed in the servants
They stopped what they were doing and bowed to me. I frowned.
"Just answer me. Where is she ?!" I hissed
"She's in the garden ... w-with King Ephraim, your royal highness,"
My blood boils instantly upon hearing that name. I made my way to the garden to confront why the hell Ephraim was with her!
Damn! I knew I'm wrong but that make her messed up with another man! She knew very well that I'm goddamn jealous!
Im nearing the garden when I saw her and what's shocked me is her.
Standing with sword aiming at Alderie
Ameerah's POV
I won't give him my trust easily
I'll make sure he doesn't lie to me first. I will forced him to tell me what's the truth. Wether he like it or not. I don't want to be stupid anymore.
I trust Amber to tell me the truth, but she betrayed me. She fooled me. But I don't blame him if he covers up his brother. Who I am? I'm just a piece of key in the locks Aldafor's had given into them to control their greediness.
I was just so hurt because I thought, I thought he was true to the word he left out but he wasn't.
I'm she ever gonna ask for forgiveness, like what Valdus did. I will make sure to test her. I don't want anothe betrayal.
There are many secrets hidden in this whole palace and I will find out all that. I wasn't invading the illusion Valdus put me into. I just want to be safe especially since I know I"m involved in what"s going on here.
I was snap out of my trance when I heard light knocks in my bedroom door. "Come in," I commanded
My mouth parted and my eyes widens in shocked when I saw one of Valdus soldier who I tasked to get my box. He bows his head and kneel in the ground before putting the big heavy box infront of me.
I look at it, delighted, "T-Thank you. F-For bringing it back. I make this matter important to me,"
"You're welcome, your majesty. I'll do everything you wanted me to do your highness even it takes my life. I'm in your side," matikas na sambit
I stared at him for a moment. He's into my side? "What do you mean? In my side?" I asked
He looks at me with a proud and determined look in his face, "I'll be loyal in everything I do when the order comes to you, your highness," he replied
I looked away. Loyal? Should I trust him?
"Then why didn't you tell me I'm the sacrifice?" I whispered that he heard me
"Sacrifice, your highness?" He asked confused
I looked up at him and stood straight in front of him. He took a step back and look down.
"You said you'll be loyal to me and my orders. If so, why aren't you telling the truth about Valdus' curse?" I ask emphatically
"Y-Your highness?" His face was full of astonishment
"You don't know? You don't know Valdus's cursed?" I can't believe my question
"Your majesty, we're all cursed not just King Valdus. Our race took the lead in being greedy for power so we came here. It's not only King Valdus who has the curse but us," he explained.
I fell silent at what he said and slowly. It sinks in my head.
They doesn't know
They know nothing of the curse Valdus got because of his father. They don't know Valdus was infertile!
I turned around then walked over to the bed and sat on the end of it.
"If you're really loyal. Keep every single detail we talked here. Understood?" I have an authoritative command
He stand straight, "Yes, your highness!"
"You can go," I dismissed
He walked outside the room and when he closed the door there I was caught in my senses. Secrets! Too many secrets they're hiding! What else can I find out?
I'm getting sick of these lies and secrets! I'm not used of this. Mom was right. Not everyone around me was true. I needed to know who's stones and who's the diamonds. Because when I go blind.
Everything will backfires at me, good and bad.
"What am I going to do now," I whispered
I wonder what more secrets they're hiding. Why do they have to hide that? Why did Valdus have to hide the curse from his subjects?
I wanted to ask him but I remember. I was angry with him. I sighed before laying in the bed.
"Who's Im fooling here? You knew very much Ameerah that you're not mad at him. You're just hurt and disappointed that he's planning to use you and discard you afterwards," I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "He doesn't have to take it back. I-I just want to know the whole truth," I whispered
Because if I'm being honest? I'm very tired of this drama and being clueless.
I stood up and walked out of the room. I want to go for a walk first to get rid of the worries in my mind.
As I always do. I decided to visit the garden and stay there for a couple of hours. This is the only thing that interests me. For a while, I let my mind go blank and relax.
My eyes closed as I held the lifeless rose. I was caressing it's rough petal slowly.
"Can you breathe? Common, when you're alive. I'll talk to your king who is too secretive, arrogant and flirtatious sometimes," I laughed silently at the thought
I opened my eyes when I felt a soft texture and I was just so shocked to see the rose gradually return to its red color.
"I-It's alive!" I almost whispered
"Ameerah?"
The pleasure I felt stopped when I looked back at Alderie who was staring at me intently. I feel like I have a strange feeling in his presence but I can't comphrehend it.
"What are you doing here?" I frowned at the question
Something flashes in her eyes. Frustration? I shrugged off the thought. I don't care about what she feel. I feel like something bad is going on so I have to be alert.
She frowned at me, "Don't worry Ameerah. I'm not here to cause harm. I'm just here to talk to Valdus. Something important," She said formally
It's my time to frowned at her, "And what important thing you're talking here?"
She stood up straight before answering, "It's none of your problem Ameerah—"
That make me burst in annoyance, "Don't play with Alderie! You know I'm in the problem you're talking about! You even told me that Valdus was using me so what's the difference? Tell me what you're going to talk about because fed- I'm tired of being stupid! " I shouted angrily
Her mouth parted and her eyes were blinky rapidly like she can't believe what she heard from me. What kind of gimmick is this !?
"What are you talking about? I didn't tell you anything about Valdus!" He insisted
"So you're playing innocent now?" I clenched my fist
I'm about to shout at her when she held my arms then I was pulled to a tree where we can't see. I looked at him in surprise.
"Listen to me Ameerah. I didn't tell you anything. It's not me you see,"
I was suddenly taken aback by what he said. Is he joking ?! It's impossible it's not him! It was her! Her face, her—
Then it sinks in. She's not calling me Queen.
"It was Ephraims. He must have had a bad plan. He really won't stop until he can bring Valdus down," She hissed.
It was as if my brain was going to explode from what I was hearing from him. Is he saying the cheat is showing us all this time?
"Don't fool me Alderie! What's stunt are you throwing this time ?!" I'm starting to get angry again when he speaks
"It's the reason why we get separated," he tightened his grip on me. Based on her face. I seem to know what he will say next
"Do you remember the first time we met? I talked to Valdus that day about this. I said the woman who married Ephraim was an impostor. She did that to damage Valdus' reputation and make other rulers of the kingdom lose trust in him because he was dependent. to Valdus when the curse will be broken but he won't believe me, "She sighed. "But when I heard about you ... I didn't interfere anymore. I thought ...,"
"So it's Ephraim? He's doing this to discredit me Valdus because he knows the curse will be broken when I bring the curse—"
I stopped speaking because he said, "No Ameerah. You misunderstood it. Just like Ephraim. He'll do everything possible just to poison your head,"
I suddenly remembered what Valdus had told me. Ephraim was no good.
"Yes. You're baby will break the curse but it was Valdus curse alone Ameerah!" He said so loudly that he stopped me and what he said next almost made me fall to my knees
"Valdus wad infertile and he will produce an heir to whom Aldafor's chosen woman only. But the woman chosen, you, is the one who can free Alvanticus from the curse,"
"You can't conceive the baby if you don't want too Ameerah. Valdus not allowed to force you. So the fake Alderie says that the baby is the way to break the curse on the whole kingdom. Was wrong. It was you ! Ameerah! "
"You will break the curse and Ephraim's after you,"
Ameerah's POV
Everything sinks in like a storm that ruin my whole world. I'm doomed by the fact that I'm the one who needs to get rid of the curse.
"I'm confused of why Valdus wasn't marrying you already. He must have married you for a long time to get rid of the curse but I guess. He cares for you," he averted his eyes.
The sadness in his eyes could not escape me. Maybe she still had a feeling for Valdus but because of Ephraim. She lost her way to Valdus heart.
"He's thinking for you once you become immortal. You're lucky. He loves you," She sighed. "Just an advice Ameerah. Never get fooled by anyone. Trust Valdus because love don't betray,"
I was silent the whole time until I decided to move my feet and went back in the spot I was sitting at. I could even see Amber's worried face that was obviously looking for me. She released a sigh of relief when she saw me.
Everything sinks in to me now. Ephraim was slowly manipulating Alvanticus and in the long run, Valdus would definitely be destroyed. I remember Amber, she said I'll be hurt if I found out the truth that means that what she knew was that Valdus' son would be able to remove the curse which was wrong.
"Oh my go— The rose was alive !! It was alive!" Amber exclaimed
The maids with him grew up as well as the soldier stared. But I'm still shocked to give a damn.
They didn't know
The were clueless just like me
I thought I was just but I was wrong. They were manipulated. I misunderstood Valdus. I thought he would use me to have a child to break the curse of Alvanticus but he didn't. It was his cursed and not his kingdom.
Who would want to have no offspring?
"Y-Your majesty—"
I cut off Amber, "I knew now Amber. I know now how to break it," I whisper
I saw that he was stunned and looked at me in astonishment. He probably didn"t understand what I was saying. I sighed and stood up.
"Where's King Valdus? I need to talk to my King?"
"H-he's inside your majesty," confused but Amber replied as well
I walked back inside the palace when I saw Ephraim approaching. I clenched my fist and acted like I didn't know what he did.
"Ameerah! What are you doing here? I guess. You really loved the garden," he smiled
I almost rolled my eyes. He's really good at pretending like he didn't know anything.
"What are you doing here?" I was irritated by the question
She shook her head, "You're being bratty Queen,"
"I'm just irritated on you. Just go," I said straight
He just shook his head and left as well. I thought my life would be quiet when I saw Alderie.
The fake Alderie
I"m just thankful that they don"t hear what I"m saying like Valdus if it weren"t for what might have happened to me.
"Why are you still here Queen Ameerah ?! Didn't I say enough? She'll just use you!" He even widened his eyes at me
I remained silent and kept staring at him. It was like, all I could hear was what he was saying.
"He was a tota liar—"
She gasped when I pulled the sword in one of my guard's and aimed it at her. I'm getting super mad now. She twist the story that's why I hate Valdus. I won't never forgive her for that.
"Be careful what you say Alderie," I emphasized her name. "I'm still the Queen of Alvanticus and Valdus was my King you were talking here," I said in a threatening voice
"AMEERAH!"
I turned to Valdus with a worried expression. I gave back the sword and took a step forward. He quickly took my hand and presented me to him.
"Ameerah! What are you doing? You shouldn't do that to Alde—"
"Why? Do you love her?" I have a serious question
He was taken aback my question. I'm doing that to distract Alderie. I need to act but I can only do that when I know how he feels about me.
"No Ameerah. I never did," he murmured
"Then what do you feel for me?" I looked at his eyes
He was stunned for a moment then pulled me and kissed my forehead. I let him embrace me like a puppy and wrapped my arms around him.
"I'm sorry for that Alderie but I think you should go," Valdus said seriously
"B-But she aims the sword at me—"
"Stop being plastic! You were throwing nasty words about my King infront of me!" Asik ko
Valdus hugged me tightly from his side. His become sharp that Alderie step back.
"Just leave Alderie before I do something you and you only will regret,"
Alderie moaned and turned away from us. It was only then that I breathed a sigh of relief. I looked at Valdus as he introduced me to him. He was staring at me.
"Ameerah, what's wrong?" He asked seriously
I closed my eyes for a moment then open them again. "I just need something Valdus. I want answers to my questions. You don't have to retaliate. I just want you to be true to me. No secrets. That's what all I want,"
He sighed then nodded slowly.
"What do you want to ask?" He asked
I smiled at him before cupping his face which I knew surprised him. "Do you love me Valdus?" I asked hoping he wouldn't break my heart
His expression soften then he caressed my face. I close my eyes as I feel his palm on my cheek. Then I felt his lips in me. It wasn't deep but it was enough to make my heart go frenzy.
"Will you forgive me?"
I opened my eyes then grabbed her waist.
"I already forgive you Valdus. I just need the answer," I whispered sofly
"Then it's a yes. I love you Ameerah. I love you the moment you become my Queen and I'm sorry for hiding things from you. I just don't want to drove you away from me. But believe me Ameerah, even if you bear my child. I won't leave you. Call me selfish but I don't want to surrender you. Never, "He whispered
A wide grin spread across my face and kissed him. I pulled away and hugged him tightly.
"I love you too Valdus," I whispered. "And I want you to marry me,"
I felt him froze, "W-What? Are you sure? Y-you'll become immortal if you marry me. Are you s-sure ab—"
"I want to marry the man I love. But if you don't want to. Edi don't. Others will sin—"
"The wedding will be held next week. I want it right away,"
I laughed at what he said. Magtatanong pa kasi eh. He let go of my hug and closed my face in his palms.
"Why change of mind? I-I thought you hated me?" He asked
"Hate is a very strong word Valdus. I'm just hurt but I don't hate you. How could you hate someone you dearly love?" I smiled at him. "I love you my King. Please. Don't hide anything to me anymore,"
He held my hand and kissed the back of it, "I won't. I promised you that my wife,"
Ameerah's POV
I held his hand and pulled him inside the palace. I knew he was wondering about my sudden decision so we had to talk everything inside. No one should know that I have an idea of ​​Ephraim's plan.
"What's wrong Ameerah?" Valdus asked confused
I pulled him towards my private room and locked it. I turned to him and approached.
"Did you talk with Alderie earlier?" I will ask
"Yes and then she went with Ephraim. Why? Is there something going on?" His voice was serious
I stare at his eyes, "You have powers yet you don't know that there was two Alderie inside the mansion?" I asked him
He was taken aback by my question. It was as if he couldn"t believe I knew there were two Alderies here.
"How did you know that?" He asked frowning at me
I took a step back and frowned at him, "The True Alderie told me. Wait ... Do you know anything about this? Do you know the truth?" I crossed my arms
He sighed before pulling me towards him. He snaked his arm around my waist and kissed my head.
"Yes I know but I have to act like a freaking dumb. I know Ephraim has a plan and I just wonder why he used Alderie. He knows I don't like her," Valdus said.
I grabbed his arm and looked up at him, "He was using the fake Alderie to separate us two. Why didn't you tell me that I was the one who could invalidate the curse and not my son?"
"My Queen, I thought you know? I thought you were mad at me because I'm just using you so I can have offspring because I can't have children with others. That's what I thought. I'm sorry for keeping that," He looks really apologetic about it
I smiled at him to make him know that I'm already fine with it, "It's okay. I understand. You know that I will always understand you right? I was just angry because I thought you were just using me," my face saddened
He cupped my face and kissed my lips. There seemed to be something there that made me feel sad.
"Even if you bear our child. I won't let you leave, you're my Queen and my soon to be wife. Remember that okay?"
I nodded to her and let her arms hug me. This felt home. His arms around me were so warming.
"Now tell me what's wrong Ameerah?"
This is it. This is the time we need to unleash all the secrets. I took a deep breath then looked at him. I stare at his eyes for a few moments before speaking up.
"Ephraim was planning something against you Valdus. I don't know that but there is only one thing that is important. He will do everything to make you fall," I said slowly.
I watched his expression. He just sighed and it was in the table then I pulled closer to him.
"I knew Ameerah. That's why I want you to stay away from him. He's manipulative son of a bitch. He's still keeping a grudge inside him because of what happened. He blames me and my father for what happened to. Which I'd never want and wish for, "Napabuga sya ng hangin saka yumuko
I held his hand and squeezed it giving him a reassuring smile that everything's going to be fine. We don't know what will happen next but we will make sure that we'll overcome it.
"It was so peaceful back then. I'm a normal prince who enjoyed riding my horse while wondering around Alvanticus. It's green and alive. The sun was shinning beautifully and the water creates a calming sounds which my ... m-my mother loved, "his voice pained. I pulled him and let him rest at my shoulder
He continued, "Father was so greedy of power. I don't know why but he always wanted to be on the top. He wanted to be undefeatable. Because of his longing for power. He encouraged some kingdoms to discover the magic that can give eternal life to a normal person.Y-Your mother's home, Ihmapuleya, known as the most righteous among all kingdoms, was very against it.So they cut off contact with us.The thing my father hoped for happened. He becomes immortal along the other kingdoms. But he's not satisfied. He still wants more. T-that man. He was so greedy of power! He wants extraordinary powers like reading someone's mind, control earthquakes and many more which triggers the Aldafor. The land of witches. They cursed Alvanticus along with the others who's involved. Like an illusion, they erased us from the surface world and buried us in the darkest corner of the world. Everything about us is like an illusion that is unrealistic. They make us like al iving dead. They cursed me to never have a child to any other woman other than races of Filifia. While my father, was sentenced to death. M-My mother, she never become immortal. I-I watched her die! While me! I'm not even growing a gray hair! I'm still who I am the way I was back 10 thousand years ago! T-Then Amber ... She was also cursed. I hate it. I hate seeing my little sister being a servant! She don't belong there. I want to help her but I can't. Because we're freaking stuck with this magic! "
I felt the weight of my chest as I felt my shoulder get wet. I tighten my hold at him. I felt bad of accusing him. He didn't want all this.
I cupped his face making him look at me. I bit my lips to restrain myself from crying when I saw his red puffy eyes.
"I'm going to save you all from this nightmare, look at me Valdus. I love you my King," his eyes soften. "I'll do everything I can to get you out of the curse you didn't want. You're not to blame for what your father did. Trust me,"
He stand up towering me. He looked down then touched me and kissed me on the lips which I accepted wholeheartedly. I love this man and I'll do everything to save him from them mistakes he didn't commit.
"I love you Ameerah. I'm so lucky to have you in my life. Even if I die, my love for you will remain the same,"

To be continued...