"Mmm.. aw!" I groaned while pushing myself up.
Did i fall asleep again. I looked around and found myself on the carriage again.
"Heph!" I shouted and the carriage immediately stopped.
As fast as a lightning, Heph came in like 2 seconds, opening the door for me.
"Margaux," he let out a deep breath. "Are you fine? Does anything hurt? We're almost there."
I creased my brows at his reaction. His face is blank yet his voice sounds so worried.
"Woah, woah, hold up. I'm fine thank you. My whole body somehow feels sore but it's not that bad, thankfully. And what do you mean we're almost there?" I answered his questions one by one.
"Oh right, looks like you forgot again. Uhm, I'll explain everything to you later.. for now you need to drink water.. you must be really dehydrated." He sounds frustrated.
"Heph, i didn't forget okay? I'm just wondering where we are, but since you brought up dehydration.. i kinda wanna pee.. care to help me?" I shyly requested.
He chuckled then nodded his head. "Come, there are bushes there." He ordered his men to move the carriage to the side before lending me a hand.
I smiled and accepted it. He guided me down like a true gentleman but strangely i didn't feel anything but a tightening in my chest.
I sighed and and shrugged the thoughts off my head while creeping my way through the leaves. As soon as i found a clear spot i raised my dress up. I did my thing far away from sight.
"A bruise?" My eyebrows furrowed as my eyes travelled down my legs.
I'm covered with bruises and wounds.
I let go of my dress and took off the cover of my arms. It was also full of bruises and wounds.
I started to panick. My heart started to race and my head started to spin.
"D-drac?" I mumbled, holding on to my head. With my remaining strength i moved on the side beside a small tree so i could have something to lean on.
This feels so dumb! I barely feel anything, a small pain appears every now and then but it is tolerable. Nothing is even that painfull all over my body but still it feels like the world is spinning and my body couldn't stand.
I sighed and waited for someone to come, Draco must have heard me. I'm sure if that. Draco..
..is my body bieng protected by magic?
"She's here!" Draco appeared behind the bush and assisted me out of the leaves.
"You have alot of explaining to do.. i barely know anything to what happened." I managed to whisper.
"I'll tell you everything but for now, I'll have to bring you to Heph-"
"No!" I pulled his shirt and looked at him fiercely.
He furrowed his brows. "What do you mean no?" He sounds confused.
"I-i-I'm scared.." i whispered and then stopped walking. I looked at the cleared path from here i could see Heph impatiently waiting for us.
Drac sighed and carried me bridal style. "Are you confused?"
I nodded my head and wrapped my arms around his neck.
"I'm starting to dislike him again. I mean.. i don't know. I'm so confused. Please help me?" I whimpered and burried my face under his neck.
"You need space, to think it through. Your safe Mademoiselle, i ensure you that, i won't let that happen again. I'm sorry."
I cried and closed my eyes tightly.
"Margaux!" Hephaestion met us half way and took me.
I remained silent and unmoving. I didn't spare him a glance and just closed my eyes. He didn't bother to ask questions and just put me back the carriage.
"Hephaestion, i would want to be with my brother if you don't mind." I whispered then looked away.
I heard him sigh. "Sure, Margaux."
He looked at Draco and waved his hands to make him come over. Draco walked with his horse.
"Take your sister with you." He instructed him before leaving to lead the whole bunch of soldiers.
Draco silently carried me up to his horse while i watch Heph's men marching with a straight face. We are blocking the way bht they just moved around us without breaking thier line.
"Margaux move forward. I'll be sitting from behind." Drac tapped my legs. I nodded and did exactly what he said.
"Drac where are we? Where is that secret location Heph is bringing us?" I asked to Draco who is now kicking the horse to catch up in the front.
"Somewhere in Persia maybe specifically in.."
"Wait what!? Persia!?" I gripped on Draco's arms.
Persia.. Alexander the Great had been fighting to take over that place for years.
'..we actually thought you were Roxana, you look exactly like her so Alex instantly married her..'
Omo! Alexander the Great married Princess Roxana of Bactria in the age of 28 and Heph said that they lost in touch with me for 4 years.. does that mean..
"Drac how old is Heph?" I asked, starting to panic.
"In between 31 to 32.. why Mademoiselle?"
So i was right? Shortly after they lost in touch with me they found Roxana- which they say looked exactly like me in which again is four years ago. Hephaestion is in between 31- 32 years old..
"Drac am i flirting with a middle-aged man!?" I shouted diverting attention from everyone including Heph.
I awkwardly chuckled and burried my face on Draco's shoulder and wait for everyone to stop looking.
31 - 32, does that also mean..
"Drac please don't tell me that Hephaestion's death is near." I burried my nails on Draco's arms at that thought.
"Then i won't tell you Mademoiselle." He whispered. My shoulders fell.
"Sad?" Draco cut off the silence.
"Hmm? No.." i mumbled and looked away.
"Why should i? It's his life and i don't like him anymore. As i told you a while ago, I'm starting to dislike him again." I acted grumpily.
He just chuckled at my remark.
"H-hey! Seriously!" I frowned and punched him.
"Geez, i didn't say a thing yet your so defensive." He whimpered.
"B-but! Your chuckle sounds teasing! A double-meaning laugh!" I shouted taking the attention of some of the soldiers.
"Hmm?" He just hummed and kept silent afterwards.
Hmph!
Heph's death is near.. i laughed and looked at Heph.
"Something wrong Mademoiselle?"
"I just realized that I've been flirting with a guy who is almost 14 years older than me." I cussed in the end and laughed again.
"And does that make you sad?" He asked.
I frowned and looked away.
"We'll both talk later, your explaining to me everything. Just catch up with Heph i don't want to fall behind." I commanded.
He smiled and nodded his head. He immediately did as i told him and kept silent the whole ride.
"WE ARE here!" Heph shouted waking my nerves up.
"We'll just move towards the palace. There you could sleep." Heph whispered.
I shrugged and rest my head to Draco's back. I feel exhausted for unknown reasons.
I silently watched Heph walk around and whisper something to one of his generals before he signalled us to follow him.
I fixed my position and slapped my cheeks a couple of times to wake my sleepy ass up.
Me, Draco, Heph and some of his high officials went up towards the village while most of the soldiers headed down the mountain, to the plains and put up thier tents.
After a small walk we arived at the palace. Hephaestion instantly helped me down and walked the opposite direction.
I creased my brows while subconsciously pointing at the entrance of the palace.
"Uh Heph are you okay?" I asked.
He just continued to pull me- not minding the strong grip he's causing.
"Hephaestion your hurting me." I tried to pull my wrist off.
He sighed and stopped. He faced me with a grim face, then looked at me straight in the eye. He let go of my wrist and bend down, holding me in my waist and carried me up effortlessly, hanging min his shoulders.
"Uh okay what's going on?" I still asked. I pouted to his no response and watched his footsteps.
"We're here." Heph slapped my butt sending cold shivers down my spine.
I bit my lip as he dropped me down. He looked at me lovingly as he caresses my cheeks.
"Beautiful," he whispered before kissing me passionately, his hands travelled down from my shoulders towards my hands. He opened my palms and gave me something silky with something that felt like little beads.
I let go from the kiss and looked down at my hands.
"What is this?" I asked raising the thing up.
"It's a mask made of the finest silk across the country, to cover your face. As you can see- i am a dangerous man Margaux, and i don't want anyone or anything to harm you so please, could you start using that from now on? It's for your own good." He explained as he caresses my cheeks.
I looked at the piece of cloth, okay if he says so.. I pressed my lips together and put on the mask.
It wraps around my head like a vail and covers only my eyes and nose. It's easy to see through it and the beads were actually gems dangling around.
"You look beautiful." Heph complemented making me smile.
I can't believe that i really am flirting with a middle aged man.
"Thank you." I heartfully smiled.
His smile widens as he combs my hair with his fingers. His hands travelled up and down then to my chin to hold my head up.
"When we first met i gave you a necklace. Do you still have it?" He asked.
"Yeah, i do. As a matter of fact i always carry it with me, I'm not using it but i always put it in my pocket, see?" I pulled the necklace out of my pocket and let slide down my hands.
He took the necklace and gently put it on me. He took a last look at the medallion on the middle before dropping it behind my dreas.
"Margaux, i want you to pull that thing out whenever you want or need help when I'm not around. People who see that would immediately obey but keep it hidden always after you use it." He warned.
"What? Does this thing have magic?" I joked. His thick brows met.
"Magic? What is that?" He asked curiously.
That took me back. "Oh no it's nothing, really, just nothing. Soo, why would anyone listen to me when they see this?" I asked changing the question.
He seem to less care about that word and answered me immediately. "Because it's mine. It's my crest, with that- people will know who you are to me and do everything you command them. Well ofcourse not everyone since not all is loyal to me but it would still help you." He explained then hugged me.
"You know, you really don't care about boundaries don't you?" I asked popping my head out from his arms.
"Boundaries in which you mean..?"
"Well i mean.." i said pushing him and took 3 steps back.
"Imagine me having a big bubble surrounding me and you are not allowed to walk pass through it." I said as i imitate a large bubble around me.
"What if i pop that bubble would i be able to come near you?" He teased.
Huwaa?? That's a childish reasoning!
"You know what i mean." I stomped.
"Nope. No i don't." He acted innocent.
I pouted and just looked away to enjoy the view.
Heph chuckled in response and hugged me in my waist, burying his face on my neck.
"It's alot better if you view the town from our room. Come now." He intertwined his hands with me and pulled me to elsewhere.
I let him pull me while i amaze myself from the tall pillars of the palace, the colourful walls and the shiny floors. Literally everything is marvelous making me feel so cheap.
"There you are." Drac called catching up on us.
"Your room would be down the hallway. Didn't my soldiers guide you there?" Heph asked.
I smiled and let go of Heph's hands. He protested and reached out for my hand but i just slapped it away.
"They did brother, i was just looking for my sister. I'm still worried about her body, she may feel numb but her body is suffering." He explained.
Heph nodded and pulled me closer. "Go back to your room, I'll take care of your sister. It had been a long ride. You must be very tired."
I awkwardly looked back and fortg to both of the men in front of me.
"How about me? Where's my room?"
Heph frowned at me big time.
"What?" I asked.
He just shrugged and pulled me away from the hallway.
"Ya, here we go again from the pulling stuff, could you atleast be gentle?"
"I don't do gentle, i prefer things rough." He answered.
My cheeks turned tomato instantly, dumb stupid green mind!
I let Hephaestion pull me upstairs. Slowly somehow i could feel him loosen his grip and slow the pace as we continue to pass by. I smirked in response, this guy is really into me.
"AND HERE we are." Heph opened the door slowly, a room twice as big as our whole apartment in the modern world appeared before me though the designs as so traditional.
From the beautiful glass, laces, viels, curtains, bedsheet and lots more, you could say that this could be like those modern luxury hotels but much bigger and more expensive perhaps, old things are always high valued in the modern world.
"So this would be my room?" I excitedly ran around.
"Aren't you listening this is our.. ugh nevermind. Rest for now Margaux you may feel numb at the moment but your body is suffering. I don't know how you could walk without wincing after everything that happened but that is the most reasonable reason i could get. So please take a rest. Take a nap for a while." He pulled me towards the bed and pushed me down to sit on the bed.
He smiled at me then kissed my forehead. I cheeks flared red at his small yet meaningful gestures. I could definitely get used to this.
"Sleep." He said with finality and walked out the door.
After he left the door, i let out a deep breath that i didn't even realise that i was holding.
Fine.. i guess i need it.
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"Draco! Hephaestion!" I called out the boys names as i slowly walk throughout the entire village.
There are only few people and soldiers, roaming around the shady corners of the streets since it's already night time.
"Draco! Hephaestion!" I shouted once again. The people that i passed by a couple times now instantly stops whenever i pass by to see if I've got any process on finding those two men nkt to mention all their wierd faces and stares as i walk by.
"Oh. Uh sorry," i nervously laughed. I slowly walked out the light before running towards a darker corner.
"Where are those two bozos?" I sighed in discomfort while i rubbed my arms for heat.
I still continued to walk through the whole village as i call out for thier names. I'm already causing too much attention but so far, no sign of those two.
The further i go the darker the place becomes.. it's starting to feel lonely and scary at the same time. But i am sure that i would be safe.. since there are alot of soldiers roaming around.
I called thier names one last time before deciding to head back. I winced in pain as i feel my feet starting to ache, I'm not used to walking this long, and I'm really, really thirsty right now.
I looked around the corners hoping to find a store but unfortunately there were none. It's not the civilized world, i almost forgot.
I was using the viel Hephaestion gave me. The one with dangling jewels covering half of my face. From eyes to nose. It is quite unnecessary but he insisted and wouldn't take a no for an answer.
Most of Hephaestions men camped outside the village while some of his soldiers slept on the available houses for better patrol over the whole area. Switching time by time.
At the edge of the village lies tall wide buildings and houses that are made only by the rich people. And one of them is where we stay at.
All of those tourist spots, the ruins in the modern world are created up on the hill- together with temple of thier gods.
Darn it! I've already seached the whole area and had asked some of the on-duty soldiers but they just say that..
'We didn't see the Captain anywhere My Lady, we shall inform him immediately that you were looking for him incase that we come 'cross paths with him, have a goodnight My Lady.'
"Hmp! Draco! Your supposed to be watching me right? Now come and appear right before me!" I yelled.
Instead of a Draco appearing an angry voice shouted to me,
'Hey shut it right there!' The man shouted from a distant.
I let out a deep sigh, "Arghhhh!" I stomped and walked back at mansion- palace or whatever we currently stay in.
While walking up i saw a glance of Hephaestion's army base camp. As usual there are small tents that surrounds a taller tent on the middle.
"Isn't that Hephaestion's tent?" I asked confused. I looked at the tents then at the muddy trail up towards the wide village then back at where i am.
"I can't walk that far, I've been walking for almost 2 hours just to find those two." I whined.
I looked around and saw a soldier holding a horse, attending its needs.
I have a brilliant idea.
"Hey! Soldier! Yeah uh hi.." i called his attention as i walk closer.
The soldier stopped what he is doing and looked straight at me. He looked at my face first then at the necklace that Heph gave me the first time we met. After a few seconds he stood up, giving a little bow.
"What is it My Lady?" He asked politely.
"Could i borrow that horse? I'll return it back as soon as possible, please?" I asked.
He just nodded and took the saddle that is placed on a wooden board and placed it on top of the horse. He fixed the ropes and led it straight to me.
"Uh thanks.. thank you so much." I smiled and tried to climb the tall horse.
"Let me help you with that." The soldier assisted. He kneeled down and held out his palms to give me a boost.
I stepped on it and helped my self up.
"Thanks again." I smiled sweetly at the soldier while i took a firm hold on the rope.
"Uh what's the name of this horse?" I asked for the last time.
"Cornelia, My Lady." He gave a little bow before sitting on a stool back to his original position before i interupted him.
I smiled as i watch him take a brush and clean his armour.
"Okay Cornelia help me okay.. it's a steep road so please go easy on me.." i whispered at the horses ear while i caress her beautiful mane.
"Oh i really hoped that those lessons with Heph payed off.. hi-yah!" I shouted then kicked from behind.
"Oh goodness!" I shouted as i control the horse to move towards the right path.
After some few loopty- loops around the village i finally found the way out into the path down the tents.
"Oh I'm really gonna kill you both for leaving me alone in there." I said in thin air.
"Hep-pep pep!" I shouted and pulled to ropes up to stop Cornelia.
"Where here." I smiled triumphantly and jumped off the horse.
"Looks like my lessons really pulled off!" I grinned happily as i place my forehead on Cornelias'.
"Heph's tent is right over there, sadly i can't take you with me so I'll just tie you here." I talked to the horse as i pull her towards a stick.
I rolled the rope in there and made a firm knot before walking slowly towards the tent.
Surely there was Heph and Draco. They were talking about a serious matter and i can't help bht to eavesdrop.
"Those bastards are bieng kept on the prison cells." I heard Heph speak in a deep hoarse voice.
Who could he be talking about?
I leaned in closer and peeked through the door.
My eyes met Draco's. His eyes are blank but based by his facial expression, he was expecting me.
I smiled nervously and popped out the door but he just widens his eyes talking through them, telling me to hide and listen to thier conversation.
"What are you looking at?" Heph asked at looked at my direction. I hid behind the tent and kept still.
"Nothing dear brother, but I'm quite questioning.. why are you still keeping them? And why haven't you told Margaux what really happed?" Draco spoke again.
This time i tiptoed in and went inside Heph's table.
Draco didn't risk to take a glance at me and remained to talk with Hephaestion with blank eyes.
"Because death is too good for them. No one is allowed to touch and hurt My Queen without paying the consequences." He gritted his teeth and took a deep sigh.
I smiled and bit my lips. Draco looked at me disgusted but immediately looked away.
Heph turned around to take a look but i already hid behind the table.
"Sweet, i bet my sister would fall for you if she ever 'Heard' it." He said. I could literally feel him smirking.
I popped my head out of the table and glared at him.
He hid his laugh and looked at Heph who is lost in his own thoughts.
"Brother?" He called but he remained unmoving.
Draco moved his head sideways and looked at me with a frown on his face.
I patted my shoulders and pointed at Heph.
Draco immediately got the idea and patted Hephaestion's shoulders.
"Hephaestion, brother. Are you okay?" He asked.
Heph looked at him and smiled. "Draco i want your sister unaware to what had happened to her. She'll be extremely terrified and aside from that I'm in full control of the whole situation."
"Hmm, but i still think that she has the right to know." Draco suggests but Heph just shook his head.
"Draco don't. Let this be a secret between us two. Do you understand?" He said.
Draco sighed and nodded. Now I'm really curious what did happen to me? I have some wounds around me but it wasn't that deep. My body when i woke up wasn't that painful but i could feel that I'm drained for unknown reason.
"If you say so brother."
"Thank you. Now i better go back the room. Margaux might have woken up again. Her body is still recovering, thank goodness that those herbs acted up immediately or else she's still be bedridden. She's healthy, alot healthier than I've ever thought. All of her wounds closes up fastly, a fast recovery." He sighed then went towards my direction.
Uh-oh. I closed my eyes firmly and hugged my knees tight.
Cling.
I heard a swift sound of a sword waving in the air. I peeked in for a second and saw Heph fixing his clothes and placing his sword in his belt.
I let out a deep sigh as i go back to my original position while i waited for Hephaestion to leave. After i was sure that he had left i stood up and confronted Draco.
"Uh what happened?" I asked him.
"What do you mean 'what happened?' Mademoiselle?" He acted innocent. I showed him my angry face.
"Oh you know what i mean." I grunted and pulled a chair to sit.
He sighed and nodded. He peaked out the curtain entrance of the tent before closing it then sat down on the ground.
"When i turned my back and went to protect on the door, somehow an enemy had passed quitely and hit you. I was about to use my power to save you but Heph cought up and did all the actions. I couldn't use my powers with other people unless they are hurting my master- that would be you, but i couldn't also perform it with a mortal company." He looked away.
He's guilty. But it's okay, I'm fine now and he must have taken care of me so I'll just let it go.
I pouted as i watch my unmoving waybook bieng lost in his own thoughts.
"Ah so in short you failed?" I teased. Yes i really wasn't angry at all but i have to know his reaction to this.
"Nah nope, i healed you so you had a fast recovery." He said confidently making me frown. "Though i left the marks and bruises, and some little pain. That means you have to act to be in pain from time to time. I forgot to mention that specially that what happened to you is the worst case scenario."
I pouted as another question popped out of my head, "Drac, another question.. Why does Heph act that what those people made is too much?" I asked.
"Well for starters.. in order to take you they have to kindof hit somewhere in between your shoulders and neck. They also gave you a black eye before that and then pulled you uphill unconscious." He explained.
I gaped my mouth wide in shock. "Wait what!? Is that why i have countless of wounds all around my body!?" I travelled my hands all around my body. "Aw! My delicate skin!"
"Psh, don't worry. Aren't you listening? I used my power to help you with your recovery. Plus you've been down for 2 days- almost 3 so Heph's herbs helped well too."
"Oh okay now i get it. Leaving the marks did the job. Now this explains his nervousness and extra gentleness with me."
"Yep. But i promise next time i won't allow the enemies to get close to you ever again. I'm not a machine, I'm also a person but from another universe so I'm sorry for bieng careless. Adding to that we have to lie low in using my powers, you know how most people think today. They would think that it is either the work of thier gods or a demon, so no." He said then went out the tent.
I followed him. "Is that all what happened to me?"
"Nope, they managed to slit your throat. Thankfully it was just a small cut and rolled you down the hill in which Hephaestion catched you. He searched the whole area and have those people who did that to you imprisoned for almost 3 days with only water while we travel here." He whispered as we continue to walk.
"There we'll use that horse. I borrowed it from one of Heph's soldiers." I whispered starting to feel lost.
So that's why he's so angry a moment ago, and doesn't want me to know. I'm gonna be honest, if i feel that pain in me until now i would kill them with my own hands but i have Draco and Heph they saved me so I'm okay with it.
I don't care if I'm acting like a damsel. As long as I'm secure and happy.
Draco and i walked down in silence until we reached the horse.
"Draco, has Heph questioned my fast recovery to you?" I bit my lips as i watch him untie the horse.
"He did. BUT i am kindof the one who placed the idea in his mind that you might be currently numb from all that pain while also i erased the doubts off his chest and every other soldier of his. You'll be safe don't worry. Now hop up, Heph is looking for you remember?" He teasingly smiled, extending his arms.
I rolled my eyes and gritted my teeth before accepting his hands.
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Up Next: CHAPTER 09; Hiding Behind The Tents
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A/Nâ
Adding some spice and details.. fixing grammar too.. thanks for reading and bieng patientð®