To His Hell and Back-Chapter 191: Running Away-II

Princess Marissa’s voice broke into a choke and Arabella who heard this all felt a sharp prick to her heart as she heard the man’s voice as he tried to speak rationally to Princess Marissa. For some reason... she could understand the man’s emotions, understanding why he had decided to end their relationship after considering his stance.

But Princess Marissa didn’t back down. She held her chin high and shook her head, "I am a princess and you have known this ever since our first meeting. You knew how it would be difficult for us but you stuck by me didn’t you? Then why do you change your mind now? Now... when we have just planned to leave this kingdom for good?"

"Because-" the man squeezed his eyes, opening it again to see Princess Marissa. "I didn’t thought it through at first but now that I have thought it through, I understand that you do not deserve someone like me: broken, poor, and someone without a future that could bring you any happiness. I have heard about your engagement proposal and I understand it now that those men are much more capable than I would ever be."

"No."

Princess Marissa’s voice didn’t waver. Despite it trembling from sadness, it rang out with a strength that startled even Arabella, who now stood hidden just below the two, heart caught in her throat.

"No," the princess repeated, her hands clenched at her sides, the fabric of her gown trembling slightly as her fingers dug into it. "Don’t you dare say that. Don’t you dare act like this is about me deserving more! When have I-... I never asked for riches or titles— I asked for you. I don’t care. I really do not care what kind of future I will have to lead. If I have to sell all my expensive dresses or if I have to live without eating a single proper meal. I... All I need in my life is you, Hans. Only you. I would rather be in despair and misery with you than to stand here alone in this madness."

The man took a shaky breath, torn between guilt and the flickering pain of wanting what he believed he couldn’t have. His voice was quieter this time, almost pleading. "Marissa, please understand me. I’m trying to do the right thing. The right thing for you. For your future!"

"The right thing? For me?" she echoed, her eyes wide. Her red eyes turned redder as she yelled back at him. "You think breaking my heart and abandoning everything we have built is right?" Her voice cracked then, and she took a step toward him. "You say you love me and I believe you do but love isn’t something you give up on just because it’s hard. You might have turned worried after you see my suitors but I don’t care what they could offer me. No matter how much land... how much kingdom... if it isn’t you. Nothing matters to me Hans. Nothing."

Hans looked down, jaw clenched, eyes glistening. "But you’re a princess. You belong to a world I can never be a part of... a princess like you. If I bring you to suffer I would rather die. Our world is just too far apart. One of us would end up in death if we continue this. Especially if the Crown Prince or the King finds out about us."

"You are. You are a part of my world. No, you’re the center of my world Hans." she whispered. "Every time you held my hand. Every time you made me laugh. Every time you promised to fight for me... you were already part of my world. You were the one who put me back to my feet and please... don’t destroy me again." She reached up and cupped his face gently, her thumbs brushing over his cheeks. "Don’t lie to yourself. If you walk away now, it’s not because you’re doing the right thing. It’s because you’re afraid."

Han’s breath hitched. His raw emotions echoed as he held her hands to his cheeks and closed his eyes. "I am afraid. You will regret this."

"Then be afraid," she said. "But don’t you dare walk away and pretend it’s because you’re not enough."

There was a long pause. The two had ended up in embrace as Arabella had listened to everything in a long deafening silence. Still unseen, Arabella felt her heart ache with the raw truth of the moment. It was like watching a dream teeter on the edge of breaking and praying it wouldn’t fall.

Their love was... simply forbidden in this court of blood and both of them wish to be together but it isn’t something as easy as said. They were fighting for their love and to hear Princess Marissa fighting for her love does put admiration to Arabella’s heart. But also... envy.

Envy because she knew she wouldn’t be as brave as the Princess.

Finally, Hans whispered, "What do we do, then?"

Princess Marissa’s answer was immediate. "We leave. Together. Like we planned. And this time, no more looking back."

"What about your brother? The crown prince... he would worry."

"He wouldn’t," she chuckled faintly, "I left the castle when I was still fifteen and he had never once visited me until a few months ago when suddenly he took in Arabella."

"Arabella... you mean the human?"

"Yes," Marissa confirmed and bella’s heart jumped as her name was being talked by the two.

"I couldn’t leave..." Marissa said as she stared at the castle’s floor, "I thought I shouldn’t leave yet and leave him alone like I did when I was fifteen. I knew he was fighting for his life but I couldn’t stand fearing for my life in this castle so I left. I left the castle. I left the blood and the court. But I also left my one and only older brother." The regret spilled from her words which she tried to strengthen with a small chuckle, "Though now I don’t have to worry do I? He has got someone with him. And I’m sure this person will never betray him."