<< Chapter 3: Lockhart?? >>

Addea looked at the shelves for a long time. She did not know what kind of book was she searching for. It was just that she felt like her heart told her to go to the library. So, she decided to browse for the book by wandering around. 
When she was browsing through a shelve which was situated at the south-end of the library, her eyes caught sight of a gold-covered book. The title of the book is ' The Land Beyond the Sun '. The title of the book sent something flickering in her heart. Before she knew it, she already stretched out her hand to get the book.

It was a very, very old book. Slowly, she opened the cover of the book. As she did so, a very familiar sentence appeared. ' The Land Beyond the Sun: The Land of Mirage '. DUP! DUP! DUP! Her heart started to beat faster. The Land of Mirage... Mirage . . . ' I've heard this name before but.. When? Where? ' She asked herself. Of course no one was there to answer her. She continued reading.

" The Land of Mirage also known as the Mirage Kingdom. It was said ruled by a young princess and the kingdom is always peaceful. The princess uses her power to protect her kingdom from the outsiders. She was said had a great power that could destroy the Milky Way. No one ever dared to cross her principals for they knew whoever does it will be doomed. The Mirage Kingdom has it's own guardian. They are The Guardian of Fire, Water, Wind, Wood, Earth, Love, Ice, Thunder, Light and Darkness. They are called The Soul Knights of Mirage Kingdom and ten elemental crystals represent their power. " She paused for a while. Her face went pale for no reason. 

' I have no privacy here. Maybe I should borrow this book and read it at home, ' she thought. She closed the book and turned around. After finishing her business and stepped out of the library, she ran down the stairs to go to where Mr. Andrew was waiting. As she was running, suddenly, she slipped and lost her balance. ' Oh, no! I'm falling! ' 

" Look out!! " A guy shouted. The guy grabbed her to prevent her from falling down the stairs but it was too late. At last, they both lost balance and she tumbled down with the guy. 

" Ouch! It hurts! " Addea grumbled as she rubbed the bump that was developing on her head. 

" Are you okay? Did you get hurt? " The guy asked. " Naa, just a little bump on my head and hey, thanks for... trying to save... me, " she started to stammer as she lifted her head to see the guy. The guy who tried to save her had cool, leaves coloured eyes and shiny blonde hair. He was so perfect that she was stunned in amazement upon seeing his face.

" What? " He asked, looking at himself. Addea quickly shook her head. " N-- Nothing! Nothing! Thank you again for trying to help me. I'm sorry if you got hurt because of me, " she laughed nervously and scratched her head sheepishly. The guy smiled and answered, " Don't mention it. I was just trying. Anyway, let me do this first. " " What? " He took his hanky out and took her hand. " See, your hand's hurt, " he said and slowly, he bandaged her wound with his sea-green hanky. She can't avoid blushing when he did it. 

After a few minutes of silence.. " There, finished. " He said as he let go of her hand. 

" Oh, thank you Mister...." 

" Claude. Claude Lockhart, just call me Claude, " he cut her words. She returned the smile and stood up. The guy named Claude stood up also. 

" Well, I gotta go now. Thanks again and bye! " She began to run towards her driver. 

" Wait, Miss... " With this, she halted and looked back. 

" Addea. Terra Addea Heartily. " 

" Oh, be careful next time, Miss Addea, " he smiled and waved her goodbye. After weaving goodbye also, Addea ran towards Mr. Andrew, who was currently waiting for her at the car.

He watched until she was out of his sight. After a while, he sighed deeply and murmured silently. " I'm glad to know that you're here and safe... " Then, he smiled to himself and began making his path to the other way.

* * * * * * * * * *

" Welcome back, Princess. " Addea stepped in as one of the servants opened the door. " Oh, thanks. Where're mom and dad? " She asked. " They will not be coming back until next week, Princess, " the servant answered. Addea was pure shocked after she heard that news. 

" What? Why?? " 

" They must attend a secret meeting in Geneva, Princess. " 

" Oh, I see... " 

" Princess, your dinner is ready! " Mr. Andrew called. 

Addea simply shook her head. " Sorry, I'm still full. I don't wanna eat anything tonight." " But Princess... " " I said I don't want to! " She started to loose patience on them. She ran as fast as she could to her room, slammed the door shut before her and locked it.

" Great. Alone at school, alone at home, alone everywhere. Just great! I HATE THIS WORLD! WHY CAN'T I BE NORMAL LIKE THE OTHER GIRLS?!!! " She shouted as she banged her fists on her table. They were clenching and trembling with anger and frustration. After relaxing herself, she opened the old book she borrowed and started reading again.

" The most powerful guardian is said to be a young guy with sea-green eyes and blonde hair. He possesses two elements at the same time, thunder and fire. This guy is supposed to be the princess' lover. His name was somewhat sounds like Heath Lockhart. " Addea stopped. 

' Heath Lockhart? He had the same last name with the guy I just met. Coincidence? ' She thought. As she looked at her bandaged hand, she smiled. ' Speaking of Lockhart, I wonder if I might be able to see him again.'

She wanted to read on but her eyes forced her to sleep. ' Umm... I'll continue reading tomorrow since it's holiday.' She yawned and fell asleep after some time.

--- To be continued ---
Next Chapter 4>> The Sorrow