I thought he left to go hunting in the Middle East, in Jagawa.
Why was he back so soon…?
My three brothers Emirates, 24 Thorson, 21 and the youngest of the brothers, Liam, 20.
Landon Emirates' best friend ever since they were younger. He was the only one who was… the only one who sold me any attention. I really wish he didn't at all.
"Rihanna…" Landon said with a commanding tone. "Aren't you happy to see me?"
"Yes, yes, very happy," I forced myself to give a charming smile.
He leaned closer, just enough to make me flinch. My chest tightened. I reminded myself: breathe, stay composed.
"Good," he said, straightening. "Don't do anything… reckless while I'm here."
I forced a nod along with a smile Inside, I was panicking.
My brothers and father continued their conversation, unaware or maybe unwilling to see the tension I was under. That was always how it had been. Landon's presence changed everything, and they never acknowledged it.Emirates joked about setting me up for marriage.
Father spoke, his voice cold and proud. "Landon has always been like another son to this family. You should all aspire to be like him."
To them, he was perfect. To me, he was a monster.
I remember when Emirates first brought him home. I thought he was sweet… oh, how I was so wrong. Just remembering everything he does to me makes my heart race so fast. How is it that I live one tragic life just to come to another? How can I escape him? There's no way out.
I tried telling my father and brothers how he acted when I wasn't being "good." Father accused me of lying. My brothers looked down on me, saying Landon would never do such a thing.
They weren't cruel but when it came to him, they wouldn't believe a word I said.
I saw how Landon died of old age back when we were younger, so I know he's not leaving anytime soon shouldn't interfere but there's also no way for me to get out.
"Breakfast is ready," my maid said.
"Rihanna, the king is throwing a ball. He has invited our family. Unfortunately for us, we will be with the emperor in the Middle East because lovely Landon helped us get connections. So you must go on behalf of our family," Father said without looking up at me.
"Of course, Father."I said without looking up at him, continuing to eat my food.
"We're leaving tomorrow. The ball is the day after tomorrow. Make sure you look nice, you will be the one representing our family. So make sure you're presentable," Liam teased while glancing at me.
"Of course. I wouldn't want to represent our family in any other way."
I wiped my mouth with the tissue and got up. "I'm finished. May I be excused?"
Father nodded.
As I was walking to my room, Landon caught up to me.
"You didn't seem too happy to see me," he said casually, walking beside me.
"I was… surprised," I said, forcing a calm smile. "It's just… sudden."
"Good," he said, leaning close to my ear, whispering. "Make sure nothing foolish happens while I'm here. I don't need complications."
I nodded again, heart racing. The fear was familiar, the same one I had felt when Maria first realized the world could be cruel.
"Come on, Landon," Liam called. "You promised to help me with swordsmanship."
Liam wrapped an arm around him, dragging him away. Landon glanced back at me, his expression blank.
I couldn't stop the tears from flowing.The familiar feeling "ugh annoying"
I waited until the moon rose. I put on a cloak, tied back my hair, and slipped out through the back entrance. Even if my family noticed, they wouldn't care.I ran. I just wanted to cry.
I went to my spot in a field of blooming nemophila flowers. I wasn't watching where I was going. Tears blurred my vision.
Thump
Before I could speak, memories flooded my mind