The King's Beloved

After conquering the Fourth Gate, the team went back to Anguis, the Forbidden Chamber. When they returned, it was night time, so they all decided to get some rest first, and continue on the next day. 

Everyone was exhausted. The Land of Terra was one heck of a trial both for the body, the mind, and the heart. They all took their time in the bath to cure their fatigue. Good thing Anguis had a really nice hot spring aside from the usual spacious bathroom they used. It wasn't there before, but Elliot created one, a day after Rania started practicing magic. He saw her feeling exhausted so he used the extra space near the bathroom, cleared it out, and created a natural hot spring. The sprites decorated it with plants all around to make the place more relaxing. And for the final touch, Elliot casted a charm that cures fatigue in its waters. 

Rania and Luna took a dip in the hot spring together and it was amazing. They felt all their exhaustion washed away. 

"He-he-he-heeee …," Luna felt her body melting as she enjoyed the relaxing aroma in the air and the healing effects of the water. "This is really amazing". Her face spelled bliss all over. 

"Ahh...," Rania exhaled, closing her eyes. "You're right. I feel so relieved now".

"We're lucky Elliot created this for you".

"Huh? No, not just for me. It's for everyone".

"Nah," Luna brushed it off. "He always shows favoritism towards you. He can scold me and Ducis but not you. And he always gives you the best pieces of the chicken when we eat! I've always liked the leg part but he always puts it on your plate before I even get one!" Luna pouted as she remembered the moments they ate together. 

Rania chuckled. "Ha-ha-ha! Why didn't you tell me, I could have given it to you".

Luna squinted her eyes. "No, I can't. Or else, I'll be toast! That smooth talking baby king is still a brat inside sometimes. He's the same with Ducis, always teasing me. Sometimes I wonder if they're treating me like a pet?!"

"No you're not. Elliot said it himself. We're his friends".

"Hmmm …," Luna thought for a moment. "Well, there's that. Okay, I'll forgive that part. But still! All those unfair treatments! Hmf! I bet he's secretly in love with you or something".

Rania jolted. "W-what? No," she shook her head, "that's impossible. He's just really kind. And maybe the favoritism part was because I'm the one who took off his mask. It meant a lot to him, I think. So it's like … hmmm ... ," she pondered for a moment. "Ah! That's right! Like a special friend! That, or he still feels thankful even now".

Luna squinted her eyes again. She obviously didn't buy it. 

"Ooookay, if you say so," Luna shrugged, saying it in a doubtful tone. Then, a sudden thought crossed her mind. "But Rania, tell me," she smiled mischievously, like a gossip monger. "What if he does fall in love with you? Let's say not now, but what if in the future, he does? Fu-fu-fu-fu. Does he have any chance with you?"

Rania's eyes widened and her cheeks flushed red. 

"W-what are you saying Luna? T-that's impossible! We're friends!" Rania shook her head vehemently. 

Luna pouted. "Are you still not over your late fiancé? I remember you telling us a bit about him before, when we were introducing ourselves to Ducis and Elliot".

Rania's smile was replaced with a deep sigh. 

"To be honest, there are times that I still remember him and it still hurts," Rania lowered her eyes and clenched her chest. "I still wish that he didn't have to die. But … I can't get stuck in the past, can I? Besides … right now, I'm not thinking about romance anymore. There is something I must do - a duty I need to fulfill. And that's all I'm thinking about. That's all that matters right now".

Luna's mischievous smile faded as well. Deep inside her mischievousness, she just wanted Rania to be happy. And she thought maybe, new love will do the trick. But then again, they have an important situation at hand.

"Rania … that day, at the library, when we came back to you, your eyes were red. Can you tell me now what happened? Did you talk to the Supreme? Did He showed you something that made you cry? If yes, then … what is it?"

"I … I would love to tell you, Luna, but," Rania replied, frowning as she bit her lips. "I'm sorry. I'm afraid I can't tell you yet. And I think, I can never tell. But you'll know when it happens. And if it does, I want you to promise me something".

"No! I don't want to commit to something I don't even know if it's good for you!" Luna fumed and stepped back.

Rania showed a painful expression - a bitter smile.

"Luna, please," Rania begged her. 

"I'm not saying yes but, what is it?"

"Tell him I ...," Rania hesitated. She shook her head again. "No, I'll tell you when it's time instead".

"Arggh, you're sounding like Ducis now! All this, 'it is not time yet' and 'when the time is right'. Hmf! I'm your friend, too! Don't you trust me?"

Rania chuckled. "I do. And that's why, I'm keeping it to myself for now".

"Hmf! Fine!" Luna pouted again and crossed her arms.

Noticing her bad mood, Rania decided to shift the conversation.

"So … you've been grilling me all this time. How about you? What did you do with Ducis when you disappeared before? 'Couple's secret'? What happened?"

Luna's eyes widened and sweat began to form on her forehead. 

"Aha-ha-h-ha," Luna laughed awkwardly. "Would you look at the time! We stayed here for too long. I'm getting dizzy". Then, she stood up, covered herself in a towel, and ran away to the dressing room.

Rania laughed at her. When she got out of sight, she leaned her back on the corner of the spring, and looked at the night sky. She took a deep breath and sighed after. 

"Love, huh?" Rania thought to herself. "I stopped thinking about it for almost a year now. It would be nice to fall in love again but … I'll just end up hurting someone in the end. That's right. It's better for me not to fall in love instead. I'll just … focus on what I need to do".

================

Hi Beloved Readers!

I'll be releasing 2 chapters today as part of the 5 chaps I owe you all! I might do it in increment, I'm so sorry for that. Please wait for the next one in the next hour!

Enjoy! XD