Hellbound Heart

This bonus chapter is dedicated to @MonsterUnderTheBed, @VanillaChicolate and @Sacogun! Thank you so much for the supergifts!

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Looking out of the window at the passing scenery as the car brought her towards her destination, Elle watched how fascinating the view of this city was. Quesa, Viscarria's capital was a complex blend of the ancient and modern world. It exhibits wide range of architecture, from ancient to modern. But the way it was incorporated was tastefully done and melded well together.

,m Elle had been aware that Viscarria was a prosperous kingdom but also known as one of the mysterious places on Earth. Now that she was here, she could not shake the feeling that the rumors she had heard all this while were true. This place was indeed very beautiful and yet it was not even numbered among the top hundred most famous cities in the world. That alone was suspicious to her because she could easily consider this city to belong to the top three most beautiful cities in the world.

It also looked really peaceful. It was not too crowded, and the air was just fresh. Back in Dalenn, every time she looked outside the car window, she would always see something that would break her heart. Here, all she could see was a perfect peaceful paradise. There were literally no signs of poverty. At all.

She could not help but wonder what kind of life she would have right now if Dalenn was not a struggling kingdom. If Dalenn was as prosperous and peaceful as this place, would she be here right now? Would her father even need to go to that monster for help?

A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. She reminded herself that she still knew nothing about this country. It might be perfect as she looked on from the outside, but perhaps there were ugly things hidden on the inside? She was aware of many places in the world that were hiding their real situation. Many appeared to be standing strong and prosperous if you were only to skim it on the surface. But the reality is just otherwise. This place must be hiding their flaws and dark secrets too, like every other place in the world.

The car pulled off to the roadside, causing Elle to shift her gaze to the front seat. Ava had just ended a phone call and turned back to look at her.

"Miss, there is a change of plan." Ava said. "His Highness said that you will not go to the Reigns residence today. I will be bringing you to check in to stay in a hotel for today."

Elle did not speak and just stared back at Ava, her face carefully neutral as she processed what her bodyguard just told her. After giving her a single nod of acknowledgement, she eventually looked away again.

"Alright," was all Elle said in a soft voice as she fixed her gaze outside.

The car then made a U-turn and headed to a different direction. Ava kept glancing at Elle through the rearview mirror as though checking to see if her mistress was alright.

"Miss, would you like to go sight-seeing later tonight once you are more rested?" Ava asked politely. But Elle heard the tinge of concern in her voice. She understood why Ava was being cautious and trying to probe if she were angry or upset.

However, Elle still did not trust Ava. Well, she trusted her for her physical safety, of course. But she would not think that Ava would be loyal to her. In Elle's mind, Ava would most probably be reporting her every move to Sebastian, not leaving out even the minutest of details be it the things she does or say, just like all her previous maids and bodyguards. Elle could already imagine that someone might even report to Sebastian that she was sulking if she did not show she was not bothered with this arrangement. And she would never want that. She must never allow that to happen.

Returning her attention to Ava, Elle responded. "I've slept quite long on the plane, so I'm actually quite rested already. Why don't we go sight-seeing now? I'd like to see more of this city." She made sure to keep her tone light and easygoing.

Ava's eyes gleamed. "Of course, miss. I will be your tour guide!"

"But first, I'd like to go freshen up and get changed into some more comfortable clothes."

"Alright, Miss! Leave that to me." Ava looked so fired up and as she quickly informed the driver to drop them at a certain place.

…

Later in the day…

Elle was lying back on top their car, watching the sunset as she allowed her mind to wander. She had spent hours just strolling around along some of the busiest streets of Quesa just dressed in jeans and sneakers, with a wide brimmed straw hat and a pair of sunglasses to shade her head and eyes. Though simple, she still looked stunning and did not stop many pairs of eyes to follow her as they appreciated her slender and shapely figure.

It was unexpectedly an amazing experience. It must be because it had been so long since she had been allowed to wander on any street without her security guards swarming all over her and without all the watchful eyes following her every single move. But what surprised her the most during her unexpected tour was the fact that she had yet to find the flaw she was expecting to see. She had asked Ava to bring to her to outskirts and busy streets. She even went and walked to an underground subway even when Ava was discouraging her to go. But all she saw was flawlessness. Everywhere, the streets and surroundings were incredibly clean and tidy and… she was just speechless.

As she stared at the beautiful sunset, Elle could not help but wonder about how this country's monarch ruled this land to be this enviably peaceful and beautiful. She could not forget the contentment and happiness she had clearly seen in the eyes of the people that she saw walking along the streets. Back in Dalenn, all she could see was the resentment and hatred in the people's eyes whenever they, the royals, pass on the streets.

"This country is just fascinating." Elle commented and Ava smiled proudly as she nodded.

"It is all thanks to our capable rulers. They had ruled the country well and maintained the peace."

"King Rudy is such a great ruler…" Elle smiled, never taking her eyes off the colorful sky. She did not hear a response from Ava, so she stood on top of the car and spread her arms wide. The breeze blew her red hair behind her. And with the sunset, it had turned her hair into a brilliant fiery orange.

Elle felt like her wings were starting to grow behind her again. At long last.