Chapter 49

“Do not make any decision in haste,”
Heather did not realize when Malka followed her to her temporary residence as she was packing her small luggage. She had lost all of her internal vigour. She had given up and could hear nothing except Contessa Diadem's accusations.
She had no understanding of why Alexander's family had such negative opinions about her. She was a regular girl with extraordinary talent. She has never used it inappropriately. Even though she may not be aware of her origins or background, she cannot bring herself to consider using it to harm others, let alone Alexander and his family.
She cannot be cruel. She is not vicious.
“I have no choice left with me, Malka. It is for the best that I leave.” Heather said.
Malka gave her a disappointed look, “Do you really think the decision you made is for the best? Do not take Aunt Contessa's words to heart. She only fears for her Uncle’s well-being. Once he is healthy, she will realize her mistake.”
“I am sorry, Malka, but I do not think that is true. She fiercely believed what she spoke back there. She would never accept me. Further, she considers me a traitor. She would never change her mind.”
“It was just a misjudgment on her part. Give me a chance.” Malka insisted.
“This still won't change the fact. Whatever you may do, no one can justify the bridge between Alexander and me. We, both as an individual, come from two separate worlds. He belongs to the noble family, is a future king, and is a hero. I am not even aware of my family, let alone my home. Mystes is the only place I have been able to call home since I could remember. I may have tried to accept Warsavor as my new home, but this place will never accept me. Now with this attack, the entire town will hold me responsible for it, and if my name is cleared by God's grace, I still have no reason to stay here.”
“What about Alexander? Is my brother not a good reason for you to stay back?” Malka asked.
“He is a solid reason. I can never deny that. However, his name is written next to Diona Gonzales. Contrary to what you and Juan think, Diona Gonzales did not come in the middle of our relationship; I came between them without intending to. They both are meant to be together. They are of equal rank. Diona Gonzales is well-liked by your family, and better understands them than I do. They would never treat me the same way. Alexander could have the best life he could have, and I could not let our love ruin it. He is meant for something higher, and being with me will only bring him down. I cannot let that happen.” Heather spoke out her thoughts.
“This is unjust to both of you. Heather, re-think about this. Please give it some thought. We all are here with you. Alexander, Juan, and I will clear your name. We all know that you are innocent. You are our sorcerer. The one who heals us cannot never put us in danger.”
"I am so delighted you think so and appreciate the faith you have in me, but I do not have anything left in me to fight," Heather said with a sorrowful grin to her new friend. "Malka, if Alexander and I are destined to be, then our destiny will change, and we will re-convene. But till then, I need to leave.”
"Alexander will be enraged by your departure. He won't stop looking for you until he finds you. Where are you going to go?” Malka enquired with curiosity and worry in her eyes.
Heather's initial plan was to return to Mystes, her previous residence. Yet, after hearing Malka's remarks, she understood that she was unable to enter her former house.
"Alexander will stop hunting for her when he doesn't find me. With the way things are right now, Alexander won't have much time to spare, and Contessa wouldn't let him come seeking for me given his impending wedding to Diona Gonzales." Heather said thoughtfully.
"Where are you headed?" Malka asked again. She wanted to know about Heather’s whereabouts.
"Wherever this path takes me. It's time for me to embark on a solitary journey, and perhaps during this journey, I will learn something about myself and my past."
“Are you sure about this? Give a day or two to think about this.” Malka asked again, wanting to give time to Heather to think about it.
“I am certain. Further, I do not want to stay in prison for a crime I did not commit. This is best for everyone. Send my wishes to Juan and love to Alexander.”
Heather bid her final goodbye to Malka and proceeded with her new journey. She had no carriage with so she was on her feet.
There was a good chance that Contessa Diadem might have instructed the guards to arrest her, but she chose not to fear. She was innocent and worn out from working so hard to win over everyone. To see good in her. As she was walking by with one piece of luggage, she could not help but stop as she saw Mabel standing in front of Hans’ estate.
“I sensed your presence from far away. Heather, do you believe in your decision?”
"You just so happened to know how things turned out." It wasn't really a question, more of a statement.
“It is not hard to know when I feel connected to you, Heather. It's foolish for Diadem's family to blame you for the awful attack after they made the mistake of having made the announcement of Alexander's wedding to Diona. Yet, I think that staying in this place for as long as you are now will be risky.” Mabel stated.
"Therefore, I should leave," Heather stated, acknowledging the underlying meaning of Mabel's comments.
“While I want you to stay for my own selfish reason, I value your safety more than my own personal desire for you to not leave us. If it is meant to be, then Universe will reunite you with Alexander, and you will free us all,” Mabel said with tears in her eyes.
"At the moment, the cosmos does not like me since it chose to trap me. Further, I do not wish for Alexander to find me,”
“Heather, my child. The hand of fate cannot be escaped. You can try your hardest to get away from him, but you can't stop him from looking for you. One can play with fire, but one cannot play with the universe for a long time.”
“Goodbye, Mabel,” Heather hugged her tightly.
“Goodbye, my child." Mabel handed Connaught the reins of her gorgeous horse and added, "Connaught will assist you on your entire voyage.
Heather protested, "I cannot let you give me this beautiful creature," but Mabel merely shook her head.
"This adorable creature is precisely where he belongs—with his owner. He'll stand by your side in every step of the way," Mabel assured.
Cannaught, her new horse, surprised Heather by coming forward to smell his owner. This little gesture made her smile with affection. Even before departing, she made a new friend.
“Thank you,” Heather said.
“Believe in yourself, Heather. Do not question your heart and trust your instincts.” Mabel said her farewells for the time being.
She knew it in her heart that Heather would return to the town and put everything right.