>> “Is what you said true?” her faint, quivering voice mumbled those words. Her eyes stares directly at me without blinking.

“Eh...?” I utter out of wonder. Now I made a mistake here. Why did I say such ridiculous thing without mean to it at all? What made me say those words?

“You said you’re falling in love with me. Is it true?” her voice reaffirms, indicating I must answer her question right away. Damn it! What should I say?

Should I play it safe and go along with the answer she needs? Or should I tell the truth, that it’s just only on a whim? Can I say it? There’s nothing wrong to tell the truth, right? I mean...

“Hey, please tell me it’s true.” That certain words taunt me. In her eyes show the anticipation for my answer. She seemed eager to know what I said is genuine.

My chest clumps tight. The words stuck in my throat. I can’t speak what I wanted to say. It’s like, there’s something hinders me to tell what I truly feel.

“Yeah, I mean it.” I lied, once more. I told an unforgivable lie to her. I don’t want to hurt her feelings, yet... I covered it up with another lie.

What’s going on with me? Astarte shows a smile on me, causing my face feels hot. She’s prettier in the dazzling sunset; her emerald hue eyes sparkle with that smile.

“I’m happy. I’m really happy you made your feelings clear. I love you, too.”

Like those words are natural to say, Astarte conveyed it out clearly as she cups my face with her hands. “This time, I will prove to you that I am the only one for you.”

Now what? I made a mess that can’t be undone. How should I clear this? How should I fix this? Is there anything to redeem my words?

I can’t rebut anything, but only responds with a nod to her statement.

After that, she kisses me on my cheek and look directly into my eyes. “You don’t know how much happy I am now, Justine.”

This is the first time I blurt out a lie to my feelings. I did say what I never meant. And happens to be the day where the Queen is with me alone.

“Let’s go back. I’m sure Abigor is worried.” Astarte asked as she grabbed my hand and entwines her fingers. Without any care, she drags me back as I quietly followed.

I feel her hand’s warmth, and the tight of her grip shows that she doesn’t want to let me go. She really is indeed in the cloud nine right now, but this guilt inside me keeps accumulating.

I wonder, how long will I stand on this pretense?

* * *

>> “Your Highness...” Abigor goes to us as we come back from the stroll. “I’m back,” Astarte replied as she turns sideways to look at me.

“And... His Highness.” Abigor bows. “We exchanged our feelings, and now are betrothed.” She glances at us, her eyes sneers at me. “It’s true.” I answered.

“Congratulations, Your Highness.” Abigor greeted with smile. “Thank you, Abigor.” Astarte greets with a smile as well. We left the patio together and walks back inside the castle.

Another day has gone. Along the time I’ve been here, lots of things happened. From the time I got summoned to the day I declared to be the next King of this Kingdom.

And then, I meet the Queen, Astarte, and proposed her love for me. She wants me to be the King, and her feelings for me are real. Then, I meet the Countess Lilith and Duke Pithius: both Astarte’s relatives.

Those two are powerful Demons in this realm. I don’t know exactly, but the time I meet them, there’s this feeling of uncertainty accumulates inside me.

I fear them because of their peculiar looks; Demons are entities that is belong to paranormal, after all. Yet, I can’t even manage to run away from them.

An ordinary person should run for his life from the start. Not me. Though my accumulated fear kicks in my instincts to do so, my body can’t do it.

Why? Is it because of the red string of fate? I don’t think so... all I need right now is to find a way back home.

“... Sir Justine?” a muffled voice echoed out. That twitches me and drags me back to the reality. “Huh.” I mumbled. Abigor stands in front of me, her expression is serious.

We’re still at the hallway but Astarte isn’t around. “You’re in deep thought now, Sir Justine. Something’s bothering you?” her eyes didn’t blink while staring at me.

“Huh. I am just recalling everything happened since the time I arrived here.” I answered. Her eyes narrow at me, as the candelabras lit around the walls.

“What’s the matter?” I asked again. “About you engaging to the Queen.” She speaks, her voice become somewhat heavy. “What about it?” I asked again.

“... You didn’t mean what you said to Her Highness, do you?” those words gave me chills. Her purple hue eyes glow, as the flickering light from the candelabras sway her shadowy silhouette.

I feel the immerse demonic thought arising. “You didn’t mean it, yes?”

I am so busted right now. Eerie sensation lurked over me as she moves a step forward. My throat feels dry; my body froze. I don’t know what to say.

“... Answer me, Sir Justine. You didn’t mean it, right?” Abigor continued. Should I tell her the truth now? Should I give the answer she needs right now?

I know this will not stay too long, and eventually, the Queen will find it out. So... I must tell her the truth.

“Yes.”

My lips pursed after giving an answer. “What do you mean ‘yes’?” she asked again. “Yes, I didn’t mean it!” I grunt out. Abigor then sighs exasperatedly as she heard my response.

“Just when I thought my Queen would be able to smile again...” her hands clutched. “I’m thinking of leaving matters to you. The Queen really is fond of you, but you lied to her.”

“I’m sorry.” Those are the words I said. I really do feel bad about lying to the Queen. Telling words that I never meant to, making her believe in falsehood.

“Don’t tell it to me, tell it to her. I want you to apologize to the Queen.” Abigor uttered. “My hitch is right; it’s impossible for you to be in love with the Queen.”

I admit that. I admit it doesn’t make sense for me to fall in love with the Queen instantly. I am for sure, that she’s also just infatuated with me.

“Yet, milady sees you differently. She looks at you in a romantic way. Not that I have an idea about it, but... since the time you came here, milady...”

Abigor trails her words, though I understand the remaining words she wanted to tell me about.

“... So, please... tell her the truth. I don’t want her to believe in a lie. I am grateful and a bit disappointed in you, yet I can’t manipulate your feelings for her.”

Those words made me quiver out, but the guilt accumulating to me slowly vanished. After hearing her sincere feelings, I know I should do the same.

“Yeah, I will. I will tell it to her.” With those reassuring words, I gave a smile to her.