Chapter 40I am very tired. I'm always running. Death has come after me several times, but he has not succeeded. Did he pick me up? I'm suffering, I'm aching, and I'm tired. My body spontaneously fell to the ground due to weakness and fatigue. I'm always running away—why am I the enemy's target when I'm just jumping around?I'm slowly realizing my purpose. I can't just join the quest without a plan. Is it to reveal the danger in the Euphrates? Is my purpose only to help the poor? I was even more confused because I knew the dangers that would occur on the Euphrates. Just like stealing the throne, I need to warn Zavan about this thing.About Maximus. I'm too far away. I don't know where I am, I don't know where Marcus is, and even more so, I don't know where Zavan and the echelons are. because I don't even know where I am. I am very tired. My body begs to rest, but my mind refuses. I try to get up and continue walking away again, but I can't. I blacked out.I freaked out and blacked out
Chapter 41I was found, but someone lost her power. What I need most now is not available. Nathalia is still healing to finally get her power back; she used it too much on the echelons and herself. There was nothing left for me, or at least for Marcus. I felt weak again. I covered my mouth and backed away. What would happen to my Marcus? I have to go back to Marcus and bring him to the palace; maybe the echelons will help me, right?"Can you explain what you're saying? I'm confused. Why do you have to revive your friend? Is she dead or what? Is she here And why is she here?" Corinthians asked, confused.I'm a total mess. Can I say that I am a thief, and the friend I am talking about is a fellow thief? And he is a he, not a she."I have to go back to him," I said, and I started walking back to where Marcus was, even though I wasn't sure where that was."Precious, wait," said Zavan, stopping me, but I persisted. I thought that Nathalia could help me; now that I know that she can't, I wi
Chapter 42The search isn't just a simple search; it was a challenge that has so many lessons in it. And I have learned many things. I became braver; I lost friends; but I made new friends. I will face another new challenges in life, and hopefully this time I won't lose anyone or anything. Because I can no longer bear the hardship, pain, and suffering."Precious!" I was even called by an unexpected person. He even taught me how beautiful my name is and that I should be proud of it."Beryl..." That voice. I will never get tired of hearing that voice run through my head over and over again."Baby, I'm going to kiss you if you don't really wake up."My brow furrowed; I thought my brain was just whispering all that. But why does it seem like someone is really calling me?"Beryl, you're not really going to wake up? I'm ready to kiss you anyway."I suddenly opened my eyes and got up in shock because Zavan's face was exposed in front of me. It made me look down on him as he stared at me; he
Chapter 43The prince was called throughout the day to meet with the echelons. I was just left in Manang Omeng's room, and I wondered if what I was doing was still right. Just like at the beginning of the game I knew I was going to lose, I can't win against the law. The status is too strong. And a pauper can't live with a prince. Zavan and I are making a big mistake; besides, the prince doesn't know where I come from. What should I do?"Tea for your deep thoughts." I was shocked to turn to Manang Omeng; I was really floating. "What are your thoughts that seem so deep?" she asked.I sighed. Should I tell Manang Omeng about me?"It seems that the Prince has fallen in love with you; Zavan doesn't just let go. I hope you are ready for what you have entered," she said.That's it Manang, and I'm not ready. I gambled on a game I knew I'd lose."Manang, I have something to say." I said in a low voice."If you have something to say, say it right away because you're too suspenseful and I feel l
Chapter 44My hands were shaking as I touched the green-blue cloth that Manang Omeng would sew for me at the upcoming Ibb Shindig. I'm really thankful I have Manang Omeng, because without her I don't know what I would do here in the palace. She knew about my secret; I don't know why she still helps me. She's even sewing my evening gown. Because I don't have anything to buy to wear, unlike the upper classes who have personal sewers."Manang...""Hmmm?" she said while biting a needle."I want to go back to the first district; I'm just going to visit grandma."She looked at me, and I got nervous. I knew she was against my idea, even though I wasn't sure. "You can't leave the palace," she said.I sighed. "I missed them.""You said you were going to ask the first district to be saved, didn't you?" she asked, and I nodded. "Then you wait for the requests to be fulfilled. And then you still have a chance of getting out of here if you also ask to them to let you go properly," she added.I rem
Chapter 45"What's going on here?""Good morning, Prince Zavan."My previous fear was replaced by hope. I quickly ran to Zavan. I turned to Maximus, who looked at me darkly, as if indicating that we were not done yet. Wait, why am I the target again?"Why are you holding her?" Zavan asked Maximus with tight jaws. My nervousness rose because it was not easy to stop Zavan."I'm sorry for what I did." Maximus answered with his head down. They were quiet in the presence of the prince. It's a good thing that Zavan came because otherwise—I don't know what I'm going to do—I'm sure it's going to be a disaster."Zavan," I stopped and grabbed his arm as he stiffly stepped closer to Maximus."No one touches my girl, do you understand?""Yes, prince," they answered, including Maximus. I looked at Maximus; his look gave me a headache. It seemed to give me even more hope of using me against Zavan."Especially you," said Zavan, and he pointed to Maximus. He was ashamed to kneel down and apologize ag
Chapter 46I could hear our fast and labored breathing. What the prince said only made me more difficult. He doesn't want to see someone holding me. What does he mean? I guess it's very irrational; I don't know how to avoid other people. I don't let others hold me; Maximus suddenly got me.Speaking of Maximus."Zavan..." I forced myself back to my senses and backed away. I took his hand inside my dress and tried to face him. I felt his irritation because of what I did, but it seems that he is still enjoying it. Crazy."What are you doing, baby?" he asked, irritated yet smirking widely and tried to grab my waist as I came closer to him, but I stopped him."I need to tell you something about Maximus.""ZAVAN!"We both turned around outside the door. It was Chrysler's voice: "ZAVAN?" I breathed a sigh of relief when Chrysler's voice came through our door.Zavan looked at me sadly and snorted, "Later, baby, I just have to do something."But he needed to know, "Wait...""ZAVAN!" Chrysler
Chapter 47The wind blew outside my window. I literally burst into tears when Manang came to me while holding the gown I was going to wear. Never in my life did I think I would wear something as beautiful as this. I had enough to wear before, but now I can wear a gown for the very first time. At the shindig, the most important event in the entire Euphrates took place."Finished." Manang smiled and lifted my gown.I suddenly hugged her out of joy, and I'm sure my grandmother will be happy too when she sees me wearing it. "Thank you very much." I cried."What are you doing?" she asked, facing me. "Get dressed; the shindig can't wait... especially the prince." she said and winked.I laughed and wiped my tears and said, "Manang." I mumbled, "Thank you.""You're welcome," she replied, smiling at me. "Remember, this night is for you. Savor the beauty of the night, and you will shine," she reminded him before completely leaving.I was stunned to see what I would wear to bed. I took it, trem