Vows and Bullets
Chapter 163 - 3rd week of September (Part 2)

Chapter 163: 3rd week of September (Part 2)

Please DON’T READ this Chapter yet. I will update this 3rd week of September!

Good news! My hands have healed now and I’m catching up on writing my missed Chapters. My apologies for all the delays. I will replace this Chapter with the real one soon, don’t worry, and upload a new one for the next day. I really apologize once again.

In the meantime, please enjoy the continuation of the story below titled "The King’s Beloved". This is the revised version I am planning to submit for paperback publication. Hopefully, I get a chance someday.

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(Part 26 - Continuation...)

"One more thing. Though you may be free to do as you like and go wherever you want in your new palace, please bear in mind that you may never ever enter, nor go anywhere near the Forbidden Chamber. Currently, it is located near your new palace but that doesn’t mean you can go there unless you wish to die a very miserable death. You have been warned. Now let us go. The maids will transport any belongings you wish to carry."

While the maids packed her things—though they weren’t much, Malum arrived. His tall stature made him easy to spot amongst the crowd of curious girls.

"It’s such a shame that you’re leaving so soon, my Odile. And to see you so... white," he said while eyeing her up and down.

Rania bowed her head and replied, "Thank you for your guidance ever since I came here." Turning to the curious onlookers, she said, "Also, thanks to all of you for bearing with me these past few months."

Everyone was shocked by her statement. Though Rania mostly stayed silent from the months they all lived together, they did not expect her to be so well-mannered. She used to be limited to either a gloomy, sad, lifeless, or an irritated expression. Some even thought she was crazy, or a lunatic so they didn’t dare play a prank on her. And the others who tried failed miserably. But at that moment, she was thanking them?

"Hmf!" Selena, who stood just behind Malum, snorted. "How lucky of you, huh? Getting your own palace and all? Ms. National Treasure?" she said in a mocking tone.

"You’re just jealous Selena," said one of the girls. "Rania, I hope we could visit you sometime. You know, to maybe play? Chill at your new place?"

"As if she’d let you ruin her place! Ha-ha-ha!" said the other, laughing.

"I’m not gonna ruin it. I’m just gonna get the things I want from there."

"Oh, stealing are we?" said another.

"You can call it that. She’s pure anyway so she doesn’t have any worldly desires, right? So that’s okay, right? No harm done."

"Silence!" exclaimed the head maid. "Let us through."

Hearing the last bit of their gossiping, Rania and the maids managed to get through the crowd. Onwards, they headed to her new palace. On their way, a group of Magi passed by carrying what seemed to be a corpse covered by a large and thick blanket. The maids were horrified by the sight of it. Some of them were even disgusted.

As they passed, they heard two men whisper.

"Another one, eh? They don’t get tired do they?"

"This one’s a child, probably wandered off without knowing what’s inside."

"We should have left this chamber! Why did they have to carry it with us?"

"Apparently, it’s attached itself to the Grand Palace. No Magi could detach it—even the king himself."

"What? How could that be?"

"They say a Guardian lives inside."

At these words, the other Magi seemed to have felt a sudden chill in his spine. With fading voices, their conversation persisted.

"A Guardian, eh? No wonder... "

After a few more steps, they finally arrived at Meracus—Rania’s new palace. Upon arriving, the maids were surprised by the elegance and luxuriousness of the place. The whole surroundings were shouting white and crystals. They were first welcomed by an enchanting garden filled with flowers and trees of pink, purple, blue, and white shades. At the middle of it stood a large fountain with a crystal clear foundation. It’s waters formed beautiful mermaid-like figures, dancing and spinning around. Flower petals floated from it and at times, it changed its color from pink to blue, then purple, and all the colors of the rainbow. Awed with the beauty of the place, everyone slowed down until the head maid reprimanded them and told them to walk faster. Rania followed behind them until they reached the palace itself.

Seeing it up close, Meracus Palace was mostly white and silver in color, and its floors were made of marble-looking stones. Inside, you could find a few golden linings here and there, and silver embroidery adorned the curtains in the hallway. The living room was comfortable and warm, and the dining area was large enough to cater 20 or more guests. All the furniture was exquisite and the library—very magnificent. The books were neatly arranged and the tables and couches were an art of their own. There were also guest rooms on the second floor designed in a comfortable yet elegant theme.

As for Rania’s bedroom that was located on the far end of the second floor, well, it was a room fit for a princess with a huge and fancy bed, beautiful display cabinets, soft couches, and a walk-in closet filled with dresses, shoes and accessories. There was also a section for study and another for musical instruments. Everything was pure white and gold. It was as if the whole palace was built for her.

On the balcony, you could find tables and cozy chairs set up for tea, perfect for viewing the garden below. And if you extend your vision forward, you’d see the other palaces nearby. Then, a little further away was the palace gate and after it, was a Town Square. Looking at this view, one would feel as if they were transported to another world.

Rania stayed on the balcony while the maids fixed her belongings. She herself was amazed by the beauty of the whole palace. After admiring it for a few minutes, she turned her head eastward and scanned the view from there. Walking towards the end of the balcony and approaching the railings, she was surprised to see the skies extending below the ground!