Her feet barely touched the ground as she ran almost like she was flying. The crowd of people who kept rushing past her seemed invisible; all her attention was towards the gates of the palace.
"Father ...wait " She had spotted him being dragged away by the two Knights.
She kept calling until she was out of the crowd then stopped when she saw him.
Dressed in dark garnets like the first time she saw him but this time with a fading of purple towards the edges.
His hair was up in a ponytail, and his golden eyes, filled with anger, sat up on his white horse.
"It's him....it's him", she muttered, walking towards the knights.
Recognising her, they parted, giving her way to walk up to him.
"Anabel ", he gasped, getting off his horse.
"Your majesty ...it's you. "Tears had formed in her eyes, and finally seeing him caused her body to give out before she could reach him.
Reaching out he grabbed her hand before she collapsed and pulled her in his arms.
Her body was cold and trembling, her hair dishevelled, and her face pale and thin.
Had she lost weight in those few days ...she was already weak, her nails, feet and hands all filled with dirt. Even her beautiful face had bruises what had happened to her?
He gritted his teeth, his eyes glaring at the father, who seemed to be in awe by the scene of his daughter knowing the Emperor.
"Your majesty ...why are you here ?" she cried.
He pulled away gazing at her pale face, "I came to see you " he had a worried look on his face.
She smiled, "Am sorry I couldn't welcome you ".
"What happened? You look so ..." he stopped, clenching his teeth.
Anabel realising what he meant tried to pull away, "My apologies Your Majesty...am in no condition to be touching you right now "
But he pulled her even closer, "I don't care about that, so let me hold you "
She nodded, hugging him back.
"Your majesty...I apologise. I didn't know you meant my other daughter," she heard he father speak out.
She turned looking back at him, no crown on his head, clothes torn and bloody with missing shoes. He didn't look like the man who always yelled and proudly hit her.
"Are you still pretending to be a fool even after all this...how could you forget your eldest daughter ?" his cold angry voice cut deep into her father's arrogant body.
"It's alright, majesty; I was never considered a princess after my mother died. So he was right to ignore me " she said to Sebastian.
The Emperor stood up, helping Anabel up, too; his hand didn't leave her waist.
"Are you here father ?" Sebastian asked the king.
"Yes, Your Majesty ".
"Then that makes her a princess "
"Her father nodded.
"Then you deserve to die for lying to me " Sebastian pulled out his sword.
"Please your majesty ...forgive us. Spare him " Anabel watched her stepmother and sister jump in
Tears and anger in their eyes, seeing her stand beside the Emperor like it was nothing.
"Why should I spare the man and his family, who hid away my bride and tried to cheat me with a woman who isn't even worth being her sibling ". His eyes glanced down at them.
Tricia bit down her lip as her mother gulped in shame.
"You all committed treason and should be put to death " he let out.
"Your majesty " Anabel called to him.
He looked back at her, his gaze softening when he saw her get down on her knees, bowing to him.
"What are you doing ?" he rushed to her side picking her up.
"Please spare their lives ...I know what they did was wrong, but they are still the only family I have ", she pleaded.
"But ...".
"Please..."
He sighed giving in.
Anabel felt his arms embrace her and then pick her up.
"You're lighter now ", he calmly said, but the cold look in his eyes was enough to tell her how angry he was.
Too tired and relieved to say anything, Anabel leaned in on his shoulder, taking in his scent.
Roses ....she smiled closing her eyes.
He was here holding her. There was nothing to be afraid of anymore she could rest now.
"You failed your duties as a father and king I would have killed you on the spot, but then I would hurt her if I do " he glanced back at the now sleeping woman in his arms.
"Please forgive us, your majesty ", they pleaded.
"I don't think I can, but for her sake, I will leave you alive. And in future, don't even try to appear in front of her again," he said, holding Anabel tighter, "cause from today, I will be her only family ".
....
When she finally opened her eyes again, Anabel was still in his arms. They were moved, sitting in his chariot.
"You awake ?" She looked to see him staring back at her.
He bent closer, his forehead gently touching hers.
She breathed closing her eyes as she felt his warmth through it.
"I let them live " he murmured.
"Mmm, thank you for your kindness, your majesty "Her hand slid to his neck, deepening their touch
He sighed.
The chariot stopped moving, "Your majesty, we have arrived ", she heard them announce.
"Arrived !..where ?" She sat up.
"Your new home," he said setting out.
"My new home ", She took his offered hand, getting out; Anabel gasped, realising where they were.
"The Imperial palace" he let out.
"Huh?!".