The Crown's Obsession

Music Recommendation: In the Origin, we breathe (I)- Kisnou

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Mr. Danvers stared at Raphael with a look of disbelief on his face over the words Raphael just spoke. He had never seen this man, who right now stood next to Elizabeth. By looks, the man looked like he came from a wealthy family and was probably close to the King.

"You know what? You don't even look as good as before and it seems like age is quickly catching up with you," commented Mr. Danvers, looking at Beth.

The first time, when he had met Elizabeth Harris on the Eve of Hallow, he had fallen hard for her, and he had decided to make her his wife. She was the perfect woman to be beside him, but never would he have thought that she would show her disinterest the next day through a letter.

Beth felt a little insecure by the words uttered by Mr. Danvers, not to forget, a crowd had started to form around them, to see the drama that was taking place right now.

"Mr. Danvers," spoke Raphael, "I think I already told you there is no need for any more ill words and it in fact it is very assuring that you feel that way for Ms. Elizabeth," saying this, he put his hand around Beth's waist.

Mr. Danvers gritted his teeth. He was trying to save the man, and instead of listening to him, the man was taking Elizabeth's side.

"Looks like you are completely under her spell. Don't fall for a woman like her, I am sure every man in the village can agree with me on how coquettishly she behaves before moving to her next prey. I doubt any dignified person would even want her as his wife, not to forget the attempted treason against the King," stated Mr. Danvers.

Raphael let go of Beth's waist, and he took a step forward. The smile on his lips had fallen, and his gold eyes looked straight into the human's black eyes.

"You know, just because you have a mouth doesn't mean you need to keep speaking. Especially when you don't have anything nice to say," Raphael's words were serious and cold. "Sometimes keeping your mouth shut helps others much better than opening it and speaking hurtful things."

The crowd that had formed around them started to murmur things about Mr. Danvers, Beth and the stranger who had been seen standing next to Beth.

"How pitiful."

"It is true what he said, I heard about the treason from someone. What is she even doing here?"

"Who is that man? I don't think I have ever seen him here."

"You know what they say, girls who are pretty usually like to take advantage of men."

The whispering and murmuring continued around them. Raphael said, "I would like for you to move on from how you feel about the lady. You are a fairly decent man to look at, I am sure there are many willing maidens who are eager to be your wife, Mr. Danvers."

Mr. Danvers huffed at the plight of the man for falling for a woman who wasn't worth it. Turning around, he left the place without sparing another word.

Raphael looked at the people who had gathered and smiled at them, offering them his charming smile, "The same goes to everyone. If you don't have anything nice to say about someone, please keep your words to yourself rather than turning this place hurtful."

Soon the crowd that had gathered started to disperse, and when Raphael turned to look at Beth, who was supposed to be standing next to him, he saw the spot to be empty.

"Hm? Beth?" he called her name, but she had disappeared from there.

Beth had gone back to her parents house, sitting in the backyard and on the steps with her knees pulled close to her chest.

She knew it would be difficult, but she didn't know she would be humiliated in front of Raphael. She was sure that Raphael would look at her differently, one day realizing how dark her heart truly was.

"I thought you would be here. Why did you leave?" questioned Raphael as he came around to stand in front of her. "We weren't finished watching the other things in the market. Come on."

Beth shook her head, "No," she whispered.

"Why not?" asked Raphael before bending down to sit on his heels right in front of Beth. "Are you already tired?" he asked as if nothing had happened a while ago.

"I don't think I can do it," said Beth while staring at the muddy ground. "You already saw what happened back in the market. Everybody hates and despises me."

Raphael stared at Beth for a long minute before he spoke to her, "People have their own perception but that doesn't mean it has to be always true, does it?"

"Does it matter," she whispered again without meeting his gaze.

"You feel hurt because you have acknowledged what you did was wrong, and though you did, it doesn't mean you are the same person, Elizabeth," said Raphael, his words gentle and soothing to her ears. "Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone tries to fix it. If you are going to run away now, people will only believe it to be true. Instead, why don't you try to change people's mind on what they think of you?"

"The damage has already been done. Too much-"

"That doesn't mean you cannot fix it. Everything can be fixed and I am right here with you, which is why you don't have to feel you are doing it alone," Raphael had placed his hands to rest on his lap while he looked at her. "You have come this far, and it would be such a waste for people to not see who you truly are. Don't give up, Beth."

A shuddering breath escaped from Beth's mouth as she tried to calm her nerves that she had felt while being in the market, in the presence of Mr. Danvers and his sharp words.

"Why did you decide to help me, Raphael?" asked Beth, her eyes slowly moving to meet his eyes.

"I guess I knew there was a diamond in the rocky surface," smiled Raphael. "You don't have to worry about anything. There is more than one person who believes in you, so it is worth it. By the way, I have something for you."