After getting accustomed to the kitchen, Robellia went to have lunch by the pond. It had been her habit. She would sit alone and eat her lunch with the beautiful view. She hadn't told anyone about it. It was her private space. After she was done eating she went by the pond and washed her hands she smiled as she looked at her reflection, "I wonder if you'd recognize me."
She was already 21. She was a beauty and that was known. The servants envied her, others convented her and others just hated her. She didn't even like the attention. She would hear the awful whispers that followed her. She felt lucky for having Genevieve, she always had her back no matter what they said.
She went back to the kitchen and after the long day she decided to pay a visit to Felix before she went to her room. She headed down to the stables alone though Genevieve insisted on coming with her. There she saw him. Felix was an ordinary guy a stables man. He had a good heart. He was kind and was super caring. He had courted her for years and Robellia finally accepted though Felix was doing his best Robellia just couldn't love him the same way and it hurt her to be that cruel.
When Felix saw her he hurriedly cleaned up,"Liya! You should have told me you were coming." He seemed frantic."And do you propose I'd do that?" Robellia smiled. Felix cleared his throat,"Ummm..." Robellia chuckled,"Felix, are you seriously nervous right now? So, you aren't my friend after all." She feigned dissappoint. "That's not it. I..." "Am joking for goodness sake. I just came to check you. See how you were doing and you seem quite alright. Send my regards to your mother and sweet Elena for me." She turned to leave.
"Liya wait!" Robellia turned to him. "Look, am sorry for whatever I did. Can't we just go back to how things were. I think this is more than enough time. Elena misses you." Robellia felt ridden with guilt. She walked towards him and smiled as she took his hand," Felix you didn't do anything wrong infact. You are perfect just as you are. And I love you for being so you." Felix cupped her cheek as he smiled at her,"I love you too, Liya. More than I could ever put in words."
Robellia closed her eyes as she snuggled into his hand. " Am so sorry." A tear slid down her cheek. Felix wiped it away," There is nothing to be sorry about." Robellia opened her eyes and moved back."I can't do this to you. I can't give you false hope. I love you but it's not the type of love you deserve. You deserve better. You deserve more than me." Felix stepped towards her eliminating the distance between them." You are more." Robellia sighed,"It was a mistake trying to explain this to you. Felix." She called him as he looked him dead in the eye," it's over. I can't hurt you anymore. I can't hurt myself anymore. It's done."
Felix held onto her arms," You are hurting me right now, Robellia." Robellia looked down," Am sorry." Felix pleaded," Please! Please! Don't do this to me." " You are hurting my arms Felix." Felix let go of her as he looked away from her grounding his teeth trying not to cry. Robellia held his shoulders as she kissed his cheek." Am sorry " she whispered before stepping back and leaving.
She went straight to Genevieve's room and told her everything as she cried. Genevieve consoled her and reprimanded her at the same time. Robellia decided to sleep in Genevieve's room.
The following day was hectic the king was having a feast with some of the nobles. Working with Genevieve by her side made the day pass by faster than usual. As they were cleaning up the kitchen to retire for the night, Madamé Sino barged into the kitchen full of excitement,"Crowned Prince, comes home. The war is finally over. He won. The king has received a letter saying. He is to return by noon tomorrow. It is short notice as he did don't want some grand celebration but we have to prepare a grand feast to welcome the Crown prince."
As everyone cheered with excitement, Robellia stood there still and lost in thought. Genevieve shook her. " Oh my gosh Liya. Did you hear that? The crown prince is coming." Robellia looked at Genevieve and nodded with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
That night Robellia laid in bed next to her mother as she stared at the ceiling. Thoughts running in her head. Maximus was coming back. He was coming home safe and soundly. Honestly she was glad he was safe she would hear of his news every once in a while as she listened to the maids gossip. But it had been so long 9 years on a battle field were more than enough to change someone. What if he had forgotten about her? What if he no longer cared for her? Her head hurt just thinking of it. She couldn't meet him just yet. She needed time.