Prologue
The Sisters
10 Years Ago
Thunder and lightning echoed around them. Skies so heavy and dark, taunting and mocking. They were nervously aware it will rain cats and dogs tonight. A tropical typhoon had just hit the country.
A year had passed since they fled their hometown province. Bringing the three of them to her dead mother’s friend’s door. Still poor as a church mouse but one thing had changed -they were safe.
From sexual assaults-yes. However, from financial problems -no. Not yet. Still, a long way to go.
Which brought Rie and Anna to their recent concern.
Anna Michelle.
Her small and frail body was huddled under a huge bulk of worn and tattered blankets. Pained, wheezing breaths were coming out from her congested lungs and she was shivering from a high fever, making them worry it was another bout of pneumonia.
Rie’s worried eyes found Anna’s. Both blink back tears and stiffened their frail shoulders.
Seconds later, having come up with a plan, their eldest sister was frantically dressing in warmer clothes, eyes determined, face pinched, mumbling to herself.
“This is the last spoon, Anna,” Rie whispered.
Anna nodded and slipped her feet into her worn rubber shoes. “I have to go out. I’ll go to Mrs. Flick and borrow some money -then head out to the nearest pharmacy. Make sure to keep Mish’s fever down.” Round-eyed, Rie bobbed her head at Anna’s instructions. She took a deep breath. “Aunt Dahlia will be back soon with hot food. Locked the doors behind me and don’t let anyone else in.”
Her younger sister scurried after her and she heard the bolts click. Good.
It was her turn to shiver from the cold wind. Damn! She should be considering a third job soon. Maybe a servant or a waitress.
Taking a deep breath once more, swallowing her tears and her pride along with them. Chin firmed and shoulders straightened, she braved the stormy weather and blowing winds.
She had to be strong for her sisters.
She was all they had.
"Hello.”
“Hi.”
He looked so big and scary yet she doesn’t fear him. In her eyes, he looked more like a big cherub with his curly light yellow hair.
Grinning, she squealed and twirled around the room. Happy and carefree.
Mish was back. To her dream world.
“I haven’t dreamed of you in a while.” Joyfully scanning the museum-like room -all in black and silver marble-with her light brown and green hazel eyes, her cupid bow-like lips curve in a contented smile. Just like before, a table was set in a corner laden with all types of food.
Mish returned her attention to the magnificent man sitting on the black velvet couch. His gaze was sharp. His jaw clenched.
“You are sick again, my beloved.” Though his voice was dark and strict, she could feel his sadness and worry. For her.
“It’s nothing. I like being sick. It makes me dream of you.” She answered innocently. Before she could blink, she found her small body cradled in his big arms. She giggled. He was fast.
His answer to her enthusiasm was a pained grimace when his cold skin came in contact with hers. She knew she must be burning up with a high fever. And she realized she could barely breathe.
Out of nowhere, a wet cloth appeared in his hand. He bathed her forehead and brows gently while he chanted in a foreign tongue.
Lights of different colors rained upon them. Her feverish eyes widened in reverence. White, red, and facets of blue, mimic the jewels in the evening sky.
Blinking, her hazel eyes connected to his crystal-like sky-blue eyes. Mish watched him closely. Observing.
They’re glowing. She grinned once more, showing her crooked white teeth.
His lips quirked a bit and his sharp canines appeared. She was not afraid, knowing he will never hurt her. He had taken care of her whenever she got sick these past few months.
“I’d rather you are okay, my beloved.” He muttered. “It would hurt me not to see you but...it pains me, even more, to see you thus.”
“What is your name? You still haven’t told me.” She snuggled in his warm embrace. Odd for her to feel this despite his cold skin. He sighed and hugged her tenderly. Like she was made of the finest porcelain.
“You may call me your beloved. When the time is right, I will come and find you.” Mish hummed. Shaking her head yes. At eight years old, she had no idea what he meant by his words. Maybe he wanted to be her prince?
“You mean like Prince Charming in Cinderella?” She loved watching Disney cartoons. With utmost trust in her hazel eyes, she waited for his answer.
He drew her back in his arms and pressed his lips to her temple to check her temperature. Satisfied. He chanted once more and her eyes felt droopy. Her fever was gone and she could breathe easier. Then she felt his whisper. “More like a king, my beloved. And you...you will be my queen. Someday soon, we will be together. And we will know the meaning of forever.”
She smiled, feeling much better, and burrowed deeper in his arms, falling asleep with him guarding her.
Beloved.
He was her beloved.
What does it mean?
