After a few days, I felt cooped up in the king's residence. I had never been a child to sit around longer than a few hours. But now with this injury and people trying to kill me, it has become a little difficult. I can still handle it fine but Mrs. Libitina will be worried and I don't want that. Since I meet her she is nothing but motherly. She even feeds me. I am being soft suddenly.

I don't ever want to get addicted to love.

I sigh annoyed as I explore the residence. It took me very little time to find out there were guards all around the residence and cameras too. I can't get out without being noticed. Besides I found out one more thing, kings are one of the main powerhouses in this country which means if I run away they can find me easily. And oh my out of all the places I have to be here. Like stupid life why do I always attract people I shouldn't relate with? Of course, they are not bad yet but who knows?

While I was busy with my overthinking I bumped into Eli who by the way didn't even move an inch from his place. I glare at him.

"You need to get your body and mind here not in another dimension." He said rolling his eyes.

"I know right but another dimension looks fabulous," I replied with a shrug.

This big mouth of mine will get me killed one day.

Eli just stared at me without moving an inch. So I stared back at him. Come on I had dealt with the fair share of emotionless people.

"Bored?" He asked breaking the silence.

"Yes, of course. Can I go out?" I said a little too enthusiastically.

"Come on then."

Saying so he started walking out with his large strides. I ran up to catch up with him to which he glared so I slowed down. Helping me in the car he drove towards an unknown location.

"I must say Eli being good to me. It's kind of a miracle." I teased him.

"I am taking you out because I don't want you to run away besides Mom wanted me to take you out." He replied with the same cold tone. I just grin.

"So mama's boy."

"And what are you? Daddy's girl."

"Nah, uncle's and aunt girl."

He didn't say anything and focused on driving. I smile and check out my surroundings before I get lost in stupid thoughts. I wonder what aunt and uncle would be doing? Did they get married? And what about my twin brother Ace? I hope he is happy.

After a while, we reached a place and to my surprise, I knew this place well enough since I had been in these places before. An underground fighting club. I smirk.

"So you fight?" I asked Eli.

"No, but my cousin does." He replied.

"So you don't fight. Scared?" I grin at him.

He just casually wraps his arm around my waist molding our bodies together and making me feel weird. He glanced down at me.

"I am king, I don't fight I order soldiers." He replied and pulled me in and I let him lead me in.

This guy...

Is smooth.

This was the first time someone had left me speechless.

Carino. ( cute )

"So you are the type who let his people die," I suggest as we make our way among the crowd.

"Only the king stands tall at the end while other pieces are sacrificed." He replied focusing on the fight. His words made me more interested. I hadn't met someone like him.

"But then what is King without pieces? Nothing. He will die." I banter with him. Eli glanced at me.

"King is a piece too after all. And it isn't the king who wins, it's the master controlling them."

"So what are you? King or mastermind behind it."

"Both."

I smirk. He focus back on the match. After a while, his cousin wins so Eli leaves to check on him telling me to wait. I crossed my arms and stared at the arena. A guy entered in screaming. I just sigh annoyed but soon enough my gaze lands on the tattoo on his back making me stiff. A snake. Within a few months, my hate for this tattoo had grown immensely. I glare at the tattoo.

"This is an open challenge for anyone." announced a guy.

Ignoring noises I focus on the tattoo and my blood boils. This tattoo and people related to it have ruined my whole life. Not only did they torture me but also are the reason I couldn't live in peace. I made my way in as a memory of the guy staring down at me wearing a mask entered my mind.

No Bella calm down. It's not time to lose control.

No matter how much I try to calm down the emotions swirl inside me like a storm. I took a few more steps but a familiar hand grabbed my wrist making me pause. I glance at Eli with god knows what emotions on my face.

"What were you going to do?" He said calmly but I know he is angry.

"That guy I will fight him," I said stubbornly.

"In this condition, no." He ordered me.

Before I can protest he carries me in bridal style out of place. He places me down once we are near his car. I took deep breaths calming myself down. Eli placed his palm on my cheek making me calm instantly. It was like cold water was thrown on me.

"What those people did to you?" Eli demand.

Maybe he saw my messed-up mind. No. I can't be weak.

"Sorry, I just lost my cool," I replied.

"Such a fool."

He pulls me flush against his chest making me look up at him with wide eyes. Though I admit it didn't feel bad.

"You are under king's protection so no one will touch you until you are here." He said sharply.

I nod breathlessly. Even my own family wasn't this overprotective. It felt nice but I couldn't shed bad feelings from my gut. There is something I am missing.

I feel like I am not seeing something. Even though he is nice, there is something inside his eyes telling me to run before I get hurt.

Eli is hiding something. but what?