547 Fool* (1/2)

She cleared her throat, regaining her composure.

”You think I like him?” she asked him instead of answering, slightly raising a brow.

Zeres sighed and leaned against the tree. ”I won't blame you if you like him. After all, Kiel is a charming man despite the fact that he's a devil.” He shrugged but then, he sighed again. ”But… As your ancestor, I'm just worried about you.”

Alicia faced him, both her brows now lifted at him, her chin was up as well.

”Err…” Zeres scratched his neck with his forefinger as his eyes wandered. ”I just think you're too good for him,” he explained. Alicia remained silent, slightly tilting her head, without taking her eyes off her. ”And he's really too cold, Alicia. It's like it's impossible for him to fall for anyone…” he trailed off, and he looked like he regretted what he just said.

He straightened and walked towards her as he spoke. ”I'm sorry I shouldn't be saying that.” He halted before her and bent over, concern painting his angel face. ”Please know that all I want is for you to be happy because you deserve it.” He smiled as he landed his hand on her head. ”I wish you will fall for a man whose heart sees no one but you.”

As those words left Zeres' lips, emotions suddenly flooded his eyes, and he quickly bent, leaning his forehead on Alicia's shoulder blade. Perhaps to hide his emotions from her.

Alicia stood still, and then slowly, she lifted her hand and patted his back.

But too soon, Zeres pulled away. ”Don't get the wrong idea, queen.” He said, suddenly. ”I mean, Abigail will always be my first love, but…” he paused and let out a sigh. ”I am happy for her now. Long ago, I already accepted that I am not the man for her. It's always been Alexander… he's the one who deserved Abigail… they both deserve each other. Back then and now. And I'm genuinely happy for them.”

”O-okay.” Alicia could only nod at him. She observed him closely and it seemed the man was telling the truth. She could see his sincerity as he stated his acceptance and happiness for Abi and Alexander. And it made Alicia smile. She was glad this man had already moved on.

A quiet sigh escaped her lips and she walked behind him. She understood what Zeres was talking about. She already knew since the first time she met Ezekiel. Ezekiel was an enigma. He was a man who didn't seem to need anyone. He always had that dark, ominous shell around him. He never let his guard down. And Zeres was right. Ezekiel doesn't seem to welcome anyone who reaches out for him.

Even when Ezekiel was flashing those smirks and sometimes laughed like he was amused, Alicia could still see nothing in his eyes. They held no warmth but cold, calculating calm as if something was missing inside him – a heart.

She always wondered why. What made Ezekiel like this? Did something happen to him in the past? Alicia just couldn't believe that Ezekiel was initially like the way he was now. No one could be born like that.

As the Reign Castle appeared before their eyes, Alicia and Zeres halted.

”Don't worry about me, Zeres.” She said without looking at him. Her eyes fixated on the great castle.

Zeres head snapped towards her. ”You mean you're not going to chase after Ezekiel?” he exclaimed, causing Alicia to cough.

She sighed and faced the man. ”Chase?” she echoed, and then a small smile curved on her lips. ”Why should I? I'm a queen Zeres.” The air around her suddenly changed. Regalness and serenity and power oozed around her. ”Queens don't chase after men, Zeres.” She ended with a smile and walked away.