18. Blessed by the presence of highest Royals.
"And there's my little Moon-pie. Only the Goddess knows how much I missed you. And your mom, but I did more!" Eros spoke in excitement, running up to Ally and pulling her into a bear hug.
As usual, he took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of his firstborn pup. "How have you been here? Is everyone friendly towards my little girl? Has anyone tried to harm you? Just tell me, I'll make sure they vanish without a trace." The King grinned, eyeing his daughter.
The man had an incredible amount of pride in his eyes. He couldn't believe that Ally had grown into such a beautiful young woman. Not that she was attractive before, but now the Princess seemed more mature.
"I missed you too, dad. And mom, of course. How's my little sister? Is she healthy? And don't worry, everything has been great- I made a couple of friends, and the school is fantastic." Ally smiled, answering with some questions of her own. Truthfully, the Princess wanted to go home to spend the summer with her family, but she wouldn't. Ally had enough common sense to understand that she wouldn't want to come back again. Despite the friendly people and the beautiful place- home is home.
The King took Ally by her hand and led her outside the house. She raised an eyebrow, wondering what her father was up to this time. They approached his car, and Eros opened the passenger door for her.
"Are we going somewhere, or is this another weird way of you finding a place for a private conversation?" She laughed, sitting down in the car.
Her father didn't give her any answers until he sat in the driver's seat and started the car. "I'm not looking for a private place to talk. I'm taking my daughter out for dinner. A little birdy told me that she's having some difficulties with boys." The words Ally dreaded the most left her father's lips with ease. She was terrified of him finding out- the King wanted to see her getting married to the son of his friend.
"Wait, dad, are you taking me out to avoid the possibility of beating me up? Are you trying to retain yourself by making sure you're in the eye of a public?" The Princess questioned him, biting onto her lower lip. Eros wasn't the abusive type of man, husband or father. He was a rather caring and gentle type whenever it came to his family, despite knowing that Ally still couldn't get rid of the feeling that there was something wrong with his behaviour.
"It's not that; I would rather kill myself than ever raise a hand on you. I couldn't forgive myself if something like that happened. We have to talk about your engagement and a couple more things. I just thought that you might be hungry." His eyes were dead set on the road ahead. Eros shrugged his shoulders as he left the driveway.
"I'm not hungry. And honestly, dad, this might be a small town, but you're the King. Everyone around here knows you; they won't let us speak because they'll want to have a word with you. And not only that- I can't talk about private matters in public, people will start rumouring." Ally looked outside the car window, thinking of possible outcomes to their conversation.
She wouldn't talk in a restaurant or cafe. Everyone knew who her dad is, but how could they not? Meeting the King outside the castle territory was nearly impossible. Having him this close would only lead to crowds gathering around him. She was sure that none of them needed it, especially now. Even though she wanted to keep her private life as private as it can be- that wasn't the thing Ally was most concerned about. It was her baby sister- all those people would want to see their Princess, ask stupid questions and try to sneak a glance at any photos Eros might want to show her.
"If you're not hungry, we can drive around this place. You can show me where your school is, and where you and your new friends hang out. Oh, before I forget- I haven't heard anything about Holly lately. How is she doing?" Eros smiled at Ally and stooped the car aside from the main road. He hadn't seen his daughter in months; the King would do anything she wants to.
"I don't mind sitting here. If you're about to speak about that marriage thing- one of us might freak out. It won't end well while driving, we're not the only ones in the road, dad. But please start with that, my mind is racing like crazy. It's just that I don't understand what more is there to talk about. You announced it; I didn't want to get married, but I agreed for the sake of the Kingdom. Is there something new, a catch maybe?" Ally's voice grew frantic; the young women didn't have any idea what was she supposed to think anymore.
The last few months have been confusing enough, and now her father just drops something suspicious on top of her head while avoiding the topic. The Princess would never think of meeting someone special, feeling the connection and losing the person soon after their first kiss. Then meeting this person again to find out that he doesn't know her anymore- acting as if nothing was happening between them. Deimos went his way, following his dreams or whatever was on his mind, while Ally cried herself to sleep and longed for his presence.
"Your mother is trying to accept things as they are, but it's pretty difficult. And it might be the same for me, not going to lie. Back then, when we made the deal- it seemed like the best idea ever. Two great friends are getting together, watching their first-born getting married and uniting their Kingdoms. But not having you around each day made me realise how much more I'll lose, no matter the importance of the positive aspects of that damn marriage. I want my daughter back; I want to see that stunning smile on her lips whenever she enters the kitchen in early mornings. I want to watch how you kick asses of my top warriors with ease. I missed those days when you made me feel proud each day just by one glance. You're my greatest success in life, and so will be your sister as she grows older. But that's only part of the issue. I tried my best to stay away from here; I was ready to travel here and kidnap you after the first week. Your mother isn't coping well with the situation, but aside from us, even my friend's partner doesn't support this idea. Fenrir let me know that his long lost mate returned back home, she isn't taking the news any good. He tried to explain how beneficial the union would be for both sides, but that stubborn woman won't listen. She announced that if the marriage is to happen- her son will have a mistress. A woman he truly falls in love with and shares life together while you're there for the official part. Long story short- I called it off. My daughter will not live a man who shares his bed and love with another. I will never allow such shame and disgrace wash over my precious baby." Eros didn't face Ally even once as he spoke. The male kept staring in the distance, lost deep in thoughts.
"But? I bet there's more to the story than you're letting me know now. I'm not a child anymore, dad, you don't need to protect me from everything. I'm pretty good at taking care of myself." The Princess sighed, looking to the opposite side than her father. Being pretty much independent is one thing, but talking back at her father was completely different. For as long as their eyes didn't meet, she wouldn't crack up.
"There is something more; you're right. The engagement and marriage had been called off officially. Our staff is dealing with the press and media issues to come up with an understandable excuse. As the Royal family, we have to set an example for everyone else, calling off the wedding wouldn't be one of those. Anyway, since officially it's off- you're free to return home, we would be pleased to see you around the house again. Aside from that, you'll have a chance to meet my friend's son on your eighteenth birthday, if you'll wish to get to know him. We decided that it's better to see if you two hit it off, as you- youngsters say. Who knows, maybe you two will develop some sort of liking for each other. You have a little over a year until the final decision must be made. So far, so good, that's about it. Now, how about if we talk about that mystery boy the little birdie was talking so much about?" Eros wiggled his eyebrows, making Ally burst out in laugher. The Princess held on her belly, barely holding in tears. When she finally calmed down, Ally took a deep breath and shook her head in disappointment.
"There's nothing to talk about anymore. I thought that I was getting married, so I kind of felt like shit for all this time. My ex-boyfriend found me and begged for the second chance, but I didn't agree. Despite being promised to a stranger, I still tried to stay loyal to my future husband. I wanted to make you proud. But I met this other guy; he's older and actually working at the school. Don't worry; he isn't like thirty years old or something. I felt this weird connection with him. It felt like I had to stay next to him, but at the same time, the voice inside my head screamed to run. I might have caught feelings because fatter he kissed me- disappeared. For a very long time, if I may add. So, fast forward nine months, and out of nowhere, he's back here, standing outside the store Mary took me to. I couldn't resist myself, so I approached him to ask where he had been for all this time. And guess what? He has no idea who I am, asides from my title. He acted as if he was a servant and I was some sort of a God he was worshipping. Don't start assuming some stupid scenarios yet, because the best part is yet to come. I couldn't feel the connection as I did before. It was him and wasn't him at the same time. I mean the looks, eyes, voice, and everything was the same, but something was missing. Something very important. I'm way too confused to understand what's happening. And why isn't happening. Dad, it's uncomfortable to talk to you about those things, especially after finding out everything about the marriage. I am such a disappointment." As the last words left Ally's lips, they were just a mere whisper. The young woman tried her best to be strong instead of breaking down in tears. She would rather die than let her father see her at her lowest.
They sat in the car in silence. For a while, Eros closed his eyes and gripped the steering wheel. Ally feared the worst- she let her father know something so private, and now he was angry at her. The King must be angry for the decisions she made and careless behaviour around strangers.
"Dad, are you angry at me?" She finally asked, eyeing him cautiously.
"No, I'm not, baby. I couldn't be for such small things. If I am, then only at the guy who made you feel something to crush it all later on. I'm angry about his disappearance and sudden change. You don't deserve to be lead on, especially by someone who would have to be grown enough to understand how fragile young women can be. Your psychical abilities are amazing; you're a great warrior and even more excellent fighter. What I'm talking about is your inner world and health. When one's soul would get attached to someone so fast, there must be something more to that than just silly, childish games. What's his name? He deserves a ducking besting the same as the damn pricks cousin. I knew that this trip would be amazing, simply because I'd get to see my baby girl. But kicking someone's ass because they damn sure deserve it makes the whole thing even better. Don't worry baby; I got you." The King smiled at his daughter warmly; he always had the most loving eyes Ally had ever seen. After having this conversation, the young woman felt much better- she would have never thought that her father wouldn't freak out after hearing all that information. Okay, maybe his face was getting a little red, and perhaps his hands gripped the steering wheel like he was trying to choke it. But it didn't matter. Not anymore.
After a while, both of them found themselves lost in the comfortable silence, watching the calm nature around them. The evening was nearing; the sun nearly lost from their view.
Eros cleared his throat to gain Allys attention and chuckled.
"How about we pay that asshole a little visit? Let's call it- getting blessed by the presence of highest Royals. What do you think, huh?"