~✧~✧~✧~✧~✧~✧~
~In a random alley~
"Pretty lady! Stop right there!" The first man shouted while running, followed by the second man. "We won't hurt you! We just want some fun~"
*What do they think of me, a three year old?! Tsk! I'm exhausted! Damn, why did I wear heels?! Ugh!*
I ran with all my might as two strange men just chased after me out of nowhere! I take a turn and they immediately follow, I run fast and they immediately catch up!
*Oh come on! I thought I already made peace with bad luck! Just what is this?!*
I panted heavily while still running like crazy. I turn left as the two persistently chased me, I turn right, then left again then right again, and boom!
*Dead-end! Literally dead-end! Geez!*
I kick the brick wall in annoyance. Then, with a calm expression, I turn back to the two grinning men, showing-off their decaying teeth.
*Disgusting people...*
The surrounding was covered in a dumpster like stench, the space narrow due to it being an alley. And behind me is a brick wall, leaving me with no escape.
*Well, I've got to admit, this is 50% my fault... Heck, I won't take all the blame, the other 50% blame is directed to that lovely but stupid bookstore.*
"Waiting for someone to save you, lady? Haha! There's no way but to just give in to us, we'll take good care of you." The first man said, practically drooling as he looks up and down my body.
The second man licks his lips and rubs his hands together as if preparing for a meal, "You look like a noble, I hear they're high quality from top to bottom. I'm already hard. Hahaha!"
I glare now, trembling with anger rather than fear.
*Well, if you're curious on how I ended up in this situation? The answer is simple as a dribble. Haha. Damn...*
~✧~✧~✧~✧~✧~✧~
~At the "𝔸𝕝𝕜𝕚𝕪𝕖𝕟" festival~
After arriving at the capital street market of Night Empire, Caleb and I proceeded with our so-called "date".
So far... It's been alright, Caleb was sweet and a complete gentleman, buying me food and stuffs. And he's holding my hand while walking, though it's against my will. He says it's for "protection" in case I get lost.
*Tch, get lost my ass. I'm a full grown woman, I don't just get lost... I hope.*
But even so that he was being a gentleman... He walks like he's running, so fast! After a long, fast and constant walk around the place, I finally can't take it anymore and asked Caleb if we could rest for a while.
Caleb almost seemed like he was genuinely worried before smiling softly and sitting down on a bench, pulling me down gently to sit with him "Here, rest."
The whole street market started to light up as the sun began to set, one by one, the stalls glowed beautifully with unique handcrafted lanterns of various kinds... Outshining the moon itself.
People moving around happily with bright, sweet smiles. The loud but pleasant noises in the background... They were all breathtakingly perfect.
*I believe the word is... Freeing.*
And among all these beautiful scenery that I'm gazing upon?..
*I'm sitting on a bench with aching feet! Geez! For the 20th time! Just why on earth did I wear heels?! Tsk!*
Caleb chuckles softly as he sees me take off my heels with an annoyed expression in my face. "Tired?" He asks with those damn innocent eyes.
*Tired? Well obviously! Why do you think I asked for a break- Too bad, I can't say that in reality.*
"A bit. Thank you for asking, your highness." I smile politely and I massage my feet roughly, my jaw ticking with restraint to kick him for dragging me everywhere without pause.
He smiles back, a genuinely fake one. "No problem, I did promise your family that I would take care of you. And I'm man of my words."
"Yes, I didn't worry for a second, your highness." I smile again then continue to roughly massage my feet. And to my surprise...
Caleb kneeled down in front of me and took one of my foot onto his hand and gently massaged it himself, his hands kneading expertly on the muscles of my feet. "You should be gentle... Being rough never helps."
He kept his eyes on my foot, as if he really cares about it being hurt. Serious but not sharp, and those eyes were rare.
*Even you can make that expression huh...*
I kept on looking at his face, my expression was painted with focus and slight awe. My eyes slightly wide as they locked on his face and my lips parted slightly as if speechless.
"Miss Alexandria?" Caleb calls for the third time and I blink my eyes multiple times, not noticing the first and second time that he called me. He's still holding both my feet.
"Oh, I apologize..." I immediately retract my feet and wore my heels again, the pain is still there but it's more bearable now.
*Gosh. I can't believe I looked at him for that long. Whew...*
"There is no need for an apology, my lady." Caleb starts to stand up, dusting off his pants and hands. "But I did notice your intense stare directed at my face, were you devouring me in your daydream?" He playfully asks.
*Shameless!*
I smile polite as always, though an obvious vein was about to pop in my forehead. "Please refrain from speaking like that, your highness. We're in public."
"So it's okay if we're in private, Miss Alexandria?" He teases.
*What the- What is wrong with him?.. He's... Flirting... Okay, okay, act cool, steel nerves mode, ON.*
I barely held back on rolling my eyes at his question. My expression was still polite but my tone was definitely sharper than should be. "Your highness..." I warn.
Caleb laughs loudly, then wipes his tears of laughter before smiling gently, almost apologetic. "I apologize... I just can't help but tease when I'm with... Interesting individuals."
*And yes, my third male lead is a typical crazy crown prince.*
As I ignored his comment, Caleb's smile deepened, "If you've had enough rest, shall we continue our walk?" He asks softly while offering his hand.
I nod with a polite smile. "That would be great, your highness." I take his hand in mine.
And so, Caleb and I continued to walk on the path of the huge street market. Then... My stomach grumbled. LOUDLY.
After my stomach's embarrassing sound, Caleb's genuinely amused laugh ringed through the streets. Drawing in the attention of the vendors and the people who were passing by. And I couldn't help but glare at him now, my cheeks red.
"Your highness... Stop." I warn with a stern tone which made him laugh amusedly again.
*Tsk! My stomach, you are a traitor, I thought we were friends.*
"My apologies... Haha! You're quite adorable despite what other's say, Miss Alexandria..." Caleb held back another wave of laughter as my glare deepened.
He smiles softly now, showing that he is genuinely amused and not making fun of me.
"I'll get you something to eat, absolutely don't move from there, not even a step." He states with a smile before walking towards a food stall that sells skewers.
The street market were filled with people and all stools had a lot of costumer, that's why Caleb asked me for stay here.
*Stay where we are... Stay in the main road...*
I recite over and over again until... I saw a sign.
~The sign~
[50 meters ahead. LEA'S BOOKSTORE. FOR KIDS AND ADULT BOOKS.]
I know that bookstore... It's a bookstore I specifically added in the novel, with steamy books for adults, it was the only bookstore that had permit for selling rated 18+ books...
I whimpered internally as my internal conflict: "self VS self" started...
I stared at the sign... I could feel the pull, my heart beating fast as I held back on going to that direction, I recited in my head again...
*Stay where we are... Stay in the main road... Not move... Stay here... Stay... Ugh. Damn it all. I'm gonna go get books, hehe. "LEA'S BOOKSTORE, here I come!*
I smiled happily and ran to the direction of the sign like a child going after a butterfly.
~✧~✧~✧~✧~✧~✧~
~Back at the dark, random alley~
And so, end of flashback and back at the current situation...
*Haha. Heck... I'm doomed.*