“And why do you want to know, girl?” As he pinned me to the wall, I felt my heart racing in my chest. The mere sight of him had been enough to make me weak in the knees, but now, with his strong arms holding me captive, I was powerless.
His golden eyes were piercing into mine, and I could feel myself getting lost in them. I stammered, trying to speak, but all I could manage was a meek reply.
"It's just that... I noticed the way the Empress looked at you. It seemed like she knew you. But then, the Protector had a much different opinion of your identity."
He let out a small chuckle, and a few droplets of water from his wet hair landed on my face. "That is true. Quite observant, my dear."
I felt my cheeks flush as he called me "my dear." It was a term of endearment I had never heard from someone like him before, and it sent shivers down my spine.
"But neither Aini nor Baohu seemed very happy to see you," I continued, my voice barely above a whisper.
He turned around and held his hand to his face, lost in thought. "I was different back then. More...troubled, let's call it. Unfocused without a purpose. But this, whatever it is I'm doing for Rike, is just something that came along my way."
He sat down on his bed and gestured for me to sit beside him. I obeyed, feeling like I was under his spell.
He sat down on his bed and gestured me to sit beside him. It felt like an order.
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He looked at me intensely, his eyes searching mine. "Now...what was your name again?"
"H-Haipa," I replied, feeling my heart race at his attention.
"Haipa," he exclaimed, as if trying the sound of my name on his lips. "That's a beautiful name."
I felt a flutter in my chest at his compliment. He always seemed so confident and charming. The fact that he was paying so much attention to me was making my head spin.
“Can I ask you something, Haipa?”
I leaned in closer, eager to hear what he had to say.
"What is the House of Ghosts?"
My heart sank at his question. It was nothing like the romantic confession I had imagined. But still, I couldn't help but be captivated by his every word.
"It's an old place, to the east. In Alaran, there's a ritual that the new leader of the country has to visit it within a year of their reign," I replied.
"And if they don't?" he asked, his eyes fixed on mine.
"Misfortune will strike the current ruler until... until they die," I said, feeling a shiver run down my spine.
He fell into deep thought, and I couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind.
“What do they do there? And why am I to accompany the Empress? Rike must have some sort of plan,” he said, more to himself than to me.
“W-We don’t actually know what happens,” I said, curious at his reaction, but he was still in thought, “none have ever released any information on what goes on inside the House of Ghosts. And even with Crown Rike’s friendly words and offer of aid, I am not sure that Aini will take you with her. Only one person can go with the ruler and I believe that she has already chosen Baohu, the Protector.”
As I watched him, the door suddenly burst open, and in walked Aini and Baohu.
"Asher, if that's really who you are," Aini said, "Tomorrow, you're to accompany me."
I felt a pang of jealousy as she addressed him so familiarly. But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity I had to spend time with him. As I left the room with the others, I couldn't help but hope that this was the start of something special between us.