SMITTEN

Aisha rested her chin on her palms as the carriage took her away from Lord Lycano's storehouse.

The last words of Lord Lycano still lingered in her mind. Is she really just getting her hopes up that she would have a nice love story with the King of Gaea?

She already thought about the King just using her for procreation during her first time stepping foot in the Castle.

But her recent conversations with him made her think otherwise. He seemed a nice and sincere person, capable of loving and being loved in return.

She shook her head, since falling in love was the last thing in her mind. She then focused on the bag of rice in her hands.

"I'm sure he would be thrilled to know that there is a solution to his anxiety," Aisha uttered excitedly.

She immediately bolted to the meeting place where she and Rosalia decided to meet..

As she expected, Rosalia was already there and waiting for her.

"Where have you been, my lady? I have been looking all over for you," Rosalia stuttered in a nervous tone.

She already has a bag in her hand, showing that she has bought what she wanted in Market Town.

"I got it!" Aisha said with wide-eyed excitement as she lifted the bag of rice and danced with her feet.

Rosalia's frown turned to a beaming smile as she gazed at the bag. "I thought it didn't exist," she responded with an enthusiastic tone.

"Well, I thought Gaea didn't exist on the planet, either. Come on, let's go back to the Castle. I want to let the King know about this at once," Aisha grabbed Rosalia's hand and darted to an empty carriage.

Rosalia agreed as she ran with her.

The sun was about to set down and some stores were already closing their stalls.

As soon as they were about to reach the carriage, one of the commoners who noticed them pointed his finger at them and made a critical remark.

"That must be the new wife of the King. She has human ears, and she has no tail," she told her female companion.

Aisha was about to wave her hand and say hi to them.

But her feet froze when her companion responded to her friend. "The King must be desperate to bear a child that he has chosen to marry a lowly form. What will happen to Gaea if the future king has human blood? We're doomed."

She cupped her hand to her mouth and whispered. But it was loud enough for Aisha to hear.

Aisha's lips pressed into a white slash. "How dare they call humans lowly form," she put her hands on her hips and muttered in an annoyed tone.

"Just let them be, my lady," Rosalia tried to pacify her irritated nerves. "We have to come back to the King, right? "

Asian nodded her head in agreement. But the two kept on talking negatively about her.

Now, it is not just between them, there were also other Gaeans flocking to them and gossiping about her and the King.

"She's evil. Human blood runs through her veins."

"She must be a witch and seduced the King!"

"Maybe she wants to take over the throne."

Aisha's mouth dropped at their rude statements against her.

"For their information, I didn't want to get married to the King in the first place!" Aisha growled as she put her hands on her waist.

"I must put an end to this," she resolved to herself and stomped her way to the group of people.

"My lady, wait! Please don't risk your wedding for this!" Rosalia tried to stop her, but she remained indignant.

Aisha continued on her way. But as she did so, she heard of stories that made her think about her defiant actions.

"I heard those humans kill our kind for sports. They didn't even leave the newborn ones to live."

"They also kill each other for power. I would not choose to live there, even if they take away everything from me."

Aisha froze on her feet. Her shoulders slouched back. She wanted to deny it. But it is the truth.

A new desire sprang in her heart. She will let them know that not all humans are like that.

She lifted her chin and continued on her way until she reached them. The commoners were shocked that the object of their scorn approached them.

But they all bowed down to her in respect.

"Greetings, my lady," They uttered in unison.

She bowed down to them in a gracious manner and responded according to their culture, surprising Rosalia.

She probably wasn't expecting Aisha to respond to their negative remarks in that way.

"I believe I haven't properly introduced myself. I am Lady Aisha, and I am pleased to meet you," Aisha gave her one of her sweetest smiles. "Forgive me if I have offended you with my old ways. I am not accustomed to Gaea yet. Please enlighten me."

She bowed down to them formally, making their jaws drop open in response.

They have never seen a noble bowed down in a formal way and spoke kindly to them.

One of them spoke up and responded, "You are too kind, my lady. You don't have to apologize to us. By the way, what brings you to Market Town?"

The other bystanders leaned forward as they were also curious why the next wife of the King is in a public place such as Market Town.

Aisha gulped as she thought about what to say.

***************************

We don't need to share the same opinion as others.

But we need to be respectful.