Alarice lived a peaceful life. The last three years was like a healing phase for her. Mael is the only person who was connected with her through the years.
There were times that Mael looks like he wanted to say something but chose not to. He was a very sensitive person. He knows that she doesn't want to hear any news about the palace.
It's the only way to keep her peace.
That day, She and the children were all in the market buying something. There was not much people in the streets as it is in the afternoon.
Alarice personally managed their home. She was the one who cleans, cook and do laundry. Like a regular housewife. Something that she didn't expect to do in this life of hers. Nonetheless, she's contented.
She made her silver hair color turn to brown so not to stand out. Even the eye color and hair color of her children were altered. This way, no one will suspect the origin of the children.
"Mom! Can we play with them?" Ember asked enthusiastically as she was pointing to the group of children who were playing.
Alarice looked at the children and nod. "Sure, but don't go too far okay? And don't use your power just to bully other kids, Ember." She warned her daughter
Ember was always naughty. She was a free spirited child. Compared to the serious and reserved Emery, she needed extra attention as there are times that she got in to trouble with other kids and hurt herself in the process.
She was also someone who loves sword and fighting. Honestly, Ember's whole self is just a carbon copy of his father. Her appearance and her hobbies and even her talents. All came from his father.
"Don't worry mother,I'll look after her." Emery said
Looking at Emery, he also got so much from his father. The only thing that Emery got from her is her silver hair. Emery resembles the serious personality of his father. The arrogance and confidence that a ruler posses.
There were times that she felt sorry for her children. Both of them stand a chance on becoming a ruler of a glorious empire, but her cowardice prevented them from having that life. Instead, here they are, living a humble life near the boarder hiding their identity.
Both of them are deprived of education befitting of a royalty. Even though she tried her best teaching them she knows her knowledge is not enough. Especially, Ember. She wanted to learn swordfighting. Mael was the one who taught Ember every now and then but their time was limited.
That's why she has to went home to their country as soon as possible. So that the two children will much safer and can learn anything they want.
She pat Emery's head.
"Thank you, sweetheart. I'll just buy some meat for our dinner then we'll go home, okay?" She said
She then went to the butcher to buy some meat.
"Look who's here! Alyana! How are you?" The butcher greeted her
Alyana. That's the name she's been using ever since she moved in here.
"I'm doing good, Carl. Gimme the usual. " She said
"Sure thing!" He said
She developed a good relationship with people in this town. In the past years, they helped her, a single parent, in her every day life. They taught her the things she need to learn as a commoner.
She was just so lucky to be in a friendly town like this. When she went out of the shop she saw her children talking to a man covered in robes. He's suspicious.
She walk fast towards them and when the man saw her he fled. That's when she ran towards the twins.
"Who's that? Are you okay? Are you hurt?" She said whilst inspecting the body of the two for any injuries
"No. mom. He just asked us some questions." Emery said
"Yeah, he's kinda weird. He keeps on saying our eyes are pretty even though we change its color." Ember said
"Are you sure you're not hurt?" She asked
"Nope. Besides I'll punch him if he tried something dangerous." Ember said in her childish tone
Alarice just nod.
"Let's get out of here before other weird guys approached us." She said and held the children's hands to go home.
Their house was inside a forest. It was an ideal place for her as it is hidden from a lot of people. She bought the whole forest so they were the only one there. And Mael made sure that there were no dangerous animals lurking in there.
The moment she went home she was struck with horror when she saw the inside of their house in a mess. Someone raided their house.
Who? Who was it?
She checked their belongings if they were robbed but all their valuable items are still intact. It's like someone is just scaring them.
She held the hands of the children tightly. They need to leave here.
Someone knows them. She didn't know who, but someone definitely knows them and is giving them threats.
Mael won't come until the next month. She needs to protect the children alone.
She got their emergency luggage. She then call for her messenger pigeon and attach a message to send to her parents.
Mom, Dad, come fetch us in this town , immediately. We can no longer wait. Someone was threatening us.
"Mom we're scared. What's happening?" Asked Ember
Alarice went down on her knees to keep an eye level on the children.
"Kids listen. For now we're going to uncle Ivan's house. Our house is a mess and we cannot sleep here. Tomorrow, your grandparents will fetch us and we're going home."she said trying to smile
"We're finally going to see grandma and grandpa?" Ember asked excitedly
"Yes, you will." she said
Emery tugged the hem of her dress.
"Mom. Someone's watching us." He said. Fear laid in his voice.
Alarice got frightened. She get a bucket of water. She then soaked her hand in there and chant a spell.
Fog started to form.
"Let's go fast." She said as she dragged the children outside the forest.
They almost run amidst the thick fog.
"Mom... My friends told me that they are following us." Emery said
His eyes are gleaming.
"Friends?" Alarice asked
"Yeah. They said they were this forest's spirit. Let's go left, mom. They said they'll try to trick those people." Emery said
For a moment, Alarice got more scared. Ember was showing signs of talents in swordsmanship and now looks like the spirits favors Emery.
That must be the reason why her connection with the spirits weakened the moment the twins were born.
Nevertheless, Alarice trusted him and oblige.
The turned left.
"Mom, the cave was quite cozy." Ember suddenly said
"What?"
"It's quite large. Despite the small opening, we can hide there for now. " She said
She tried to look at the place she's looking but she can't see due to the thick fog. She trusted her daughter and after a while of running there was indeed a cave with a bit small opening.
"Is this safe?" She murmured to herself
"It's safe Mom. No one's in there." Ember said
Alarice just looked at the twins and nodded. She then let them in the cave.
"We'll stay here for the night and rest. Tomorrow we're going to meet your grandparents." She said.
When they went inside the cave, it was indeed cozy and a bit large. She got some blankets that's in their luggage and tuck the twins in bed.
"Will we be okay Mommy?" Asked the groggy Ember
"We'll be fine sweety. Now rest." She said
She then whispered to the spirits.
"Our connection was now weaker but would you mind looking after us just for the night?" She asked in thin air
She felt a warm breeze touched her skin. It seems like they agreed.
That night Alarice went to sleep peacefully without knowing that the next day, their life will turned upside down.
A ray of light made her open her eyes.
"Did you sleep well?" Asked a very familiar yet unfamiliar voice
"Yes." she absent-mindedly answered as she rub her eyes.
"Your hair looks funny mom." Ember said
She looked at where the voice are.
She saw three people looking at her. Her two children and the man she wanted to meet the least.
The man was holding a daughter version of him. Just like his daughter, his golden blonde hair looks shining under the morning light. His ocean blue eyes was still as beautiful as ever. Even the dark circles cannot hide it's luster.
"It's been a while, Alarice." He said
Well, sh*t.
--
Qashanna, was trembling with nervousness. She failed. She f*cking failed.
"CALL FATHER! NOW!" she shouted almost hysterically
"Why don't you die?! I've sent so many assassins the moment I knew of those children's existence! But they just won't die!" She shouted as she keeps on throwing things in the ground
"Mom. A-are y-you mad again?" A small voice said stuttering
She calms down the moment she saw the face of his son. She smiles warmly and carry him.
"No. Honey. Those things just fell on their own." She said in her sweet tone.
She then looked at her maids
"Clean them now! What if my son got wounded with those shard!" She shouted at them
The maids flinched and trembles but still oblige.
Qashanna hugged her child.
I'll make sure to remove any obstacles on you way my child. This time, I'm willing to dirty my own hands.
--
Hi! Author here!!
Here's a long update hihi!! Thank you so much for waiting~~
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I LOVE YA'LL!
I hope you continue supporting me till the end of Alarice and Nicholas' story.
And hope you enjoyed this chapter.
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author â£ï¸