《Devil in My Heart》Back to Demetria Kingdom
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The journey took three days and three nights. Finally, Ryana arrived at the kingdom of Demetria. Demetria is a great and bustling kingdom. Many people are doing trading activities. You could say Demetria was the center of commerce. The people seem prosperous. But besides that, the demons are the shadows of their fear.
I also sold the gems that I took enough in my kingdom to be used as money. That's how I've survived all this time. Even so, I kept a simple life and stayed mostly in the forest. But right now, I'm going to find an inn. Incidentally in the city, there is an announcement that there will be a prince's birthday celebration in the palace.
In the palace...
"It's been eight months since Ryana left this palace. I wish she would come to my party. But that's just my dream. Right now, I don't know where she is. Will she come to this castle?"
The day of waiting has arrived.
The palace has been beautifully decorated. The guests who attended made the event even more festive. Musicians and dancers entertained the guests. Everyone was happy, but only Prince Claes looked lethargic.
"What's wrong my son? This is your day." Said the king.
"Father..."
"You still think about that woman?"
"Yes..."
"Try to open your heart to another princess. They're waiting for you."
"Yes, father."
"Happy 26th birthday."
"Thank you, dad."
They hugged each other.
****
Ryana arrived at the palace gate.
"Humph..."
"Hopefully it's not too late. Even though I had already left at dusk, upon arrival here, the sky is already dark," Ryana muttered.
I stepped into the palace gate while holding the harp in my hand, Then I remembered the first time I entered the palace as a prospective soldier with Helcia.
When I entered, the gatekeeper asked, "Please show me your invitation."
Of course, I didn't have an invitation. Then, I looked at the guard and said softly, "I don't have an invitation. I'm a musician." while showing the harp which Grace had given to me.
Because they were mesmerized by my charm, they specialize me to enter.
"Humph... So easy. I thought I would be arrested." I muttered.
I entered the palace and looked for where the prince was. But I didn't find it. Then I socialized with the other musicians and offered myself to perform solo music. When the time came, the curtains were opened, and I sat in the center of the stage. The noise from the party sounded through my ears. . I was still focused on playing the harp. I wish this music could reach him.
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At that time, the prince who was in the outer courtyard with other royal members faintly heard the beautiful and soothing sound of music.
"Sounds of melodious music." Visitor said.
"Yeah, feels like heaven," said another.
He slowly walked forward as if immersed in the melody. At that time, Ryana looked ahead, and their eyes met. Ryana was surprised to see Claes. Claes was stunned when he saw the necklace she was wearing. It was the necklace that belonged to the little girl who had played with him in the past. They reunite together. A surprise mixed with a feeling of emotion enveloped them both. Even though they are silent, their feelings are channeled through the music.
The show is over. The curtain is closed. Claes intended to chase her. However, it was blocked by relatives and friends who wanted to say hello. Claes gently accepted their greetings, even though he was in a hurry. Finally, Claes stepped out of the crowd, but he couldn't find the musician. Then he asked the royal musicians, "Who was the lady who played the harp earlier?"
"Uhm... Sorry, prince. We don't know either. Suddenly, she volunteered to give a show." Said the royal musician.
"I think she's a new member." Said another.
"Okay." Claes was immediately looking elsewhere. He left the celebration.
He walked slowly without success until he arrived at the meadow. He had no interest in going back to the party. In his sluggishness, Claes was again astonished to see the figure of the white robe.
"Hi. Were you the one playing the music earlier?" asked Claes.
"You're finally here, Claes."
"Deg..." Claes recognized this voice.
The lady turned around and approached Claes while giving a blue flower at him, "Happy birthday, Claes. May you be happy." She said with a smile.
One by one surprising thing came on his birthday. He hugged her as he said, "You are the best gift for me, Ryana." He said with teary eyes.
Ryana returned the hug and said, "I'm back."
Then they stared at each other. Ryana took off her veil.
"How did your appearance change like this?" asked Claes in amazement.
"Hehehe... It's a long story."
"Then, I just wanted to make sure, are you the kid that I told you about at that time?"
"Yes, she is me. We ever lived together when we were kids."
"I can't say anything more. I am very happy to meet you. You've come to a long journey," said Claes.
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"Yes. Not only in this life but past lives, we as well as
"Yes, you're right." Because Claes still remembered his past life as a god, so he knew that he had wandered in the realms of existence.
Then Claes asked, "Since when can you play the harp, and your melodies are so beautiful. I thought you were just practicing the sword."
"You find it hard to believe this, Claes."
"Say, I will hear it."
"On my journey, I practice equanimity by focusing and concentrating my mind, so that I can see my past lives."
"Then what did you see?" asked the curious Claes.
"I saw that I was a goddess who was good at playing the harp."
"Oh my... Unbelievable," muttered Claes startled.
When she heard Claes' words, Ryana said, "I told you it was hard to believe. You must think I'm hallucinating, but when I think of you, you look like a god I know in heaven."
"No! As my expected," said Claes in surprise.
Ryana saw his reaction became shocked and stopped continuing her story. Ryana thought that Claes would judge this talk as mere nonsense. So, if it continues, it will be in vain.
Then Claes spoke, "Did you know your name when you lived in the god realm?"
"Eh??" Ryana was confused and muttered to herself, "It seems Claes is interested in my story."
"Humph...
Like a flash of lightning in Claes's mind, he murmured in his heart, "It turns out that she is the goddess I was looking for."
"Remembering my past life makes me more confident and motivated to do good. It taught me that
Claes clasped my palms as he asked to confirm again, "Is it true that you were the goddess Lyra in the past?"
I was surprised to see Claes in tears.
"Y-yes... What's wrong Claes?" I asked surprised.
Then he hugged me tightly and said, "It's been a long time since we've been apart. Finally, we meet again."
"Eh? What happened?" I thought confusedly.
When I think about it again, I am shocked. When Claes let go of his embrace, I said with teary eyes, "Could it be that you are the god Cygnus?"
Claes agreed by nodding his head.
I'm also very happy to hear that and I say, "Unexpectedly, we can meet again in this world. How can it be?"
Claes also tells that he came down to the world to watch over the asuras and protect mankind.
"Perhaps the threads of our relationship are still linked," Claes said.
"Yes." Replied me.
"Do you know? Since in heaven, I love you. Even in this world, before I knew of my past life, I liked your figure who turned out to be the reincarnation of the goddess Lyra," said Claes.
"Deg..." Ryana was startled to hear that.
"Ryana, would you like to continue our love story?" said Claes.
"I'm sorry Claes, I can't," replied Ryana.
"Why?"
"Because I love Aquila."
"Deg..." Claes was shocked.
"When in heaven, I thought he didn't love me, and you came. I tried to open my heart to you. But now, I should be honest with you and myself. I'm sorry, Claes. I have hurt your heart." Ryana felt guilty and regretful.
Claes took a deep breath and said, "Yeah, it's okay. You've already decided, and I can't force you. Maybe this is the meaning of love doesn't have to own. Sometimes we must learn to let go. Even though it's hard at first, I'll get used to it. Because I want you to be happy with your choice." Said Claes who was trying to smile.
Ryana also held his hand, "Thank you, Claes. I hope you will find happiness too."
Claes smiled while hugging Ryana gently. I hugged him back, "I'm sorry, Claes." Ryana muttered inwardly.
The next day, Ryana visited Taddeus and Helcia as well.
"Is it really you?" asked Taddeus. They were both surprised to see the change in Ryana's appearance.
"You're getting prettier," Helcia said as she hugged Ryana.
"Thank you," I spoke.
"I came here to see you. How are you guys?" I asked.
"Well. It's just that we're more worried about your condition." Said Taddeus.
"As you can see, I'm fine," I said with a cheerful smile.
Before leaving, Ryana said goodbye to Claes.
"Why are you in a hurry? Stay here a little longer," said Claes.
"Thanks for welcoming me, Claes. But I have anything to do outside," replied Ryana.
Claes knew what Ryana meant, and he said, "Go. Meet him."
Ryana startled and answered while nodding her head, "Yes."
On the other hand, Dion who knew that the lady was Ryana, then sent a messenger and reported it to Leander. While he sent the soldiers to kill her.
Ryana mounted a horse and waved at Claes, Taddeus, and Helcia. She rode a horse and left the palace.
"Wait for me, Lucien..." Ryana muttered.
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