YUWARAJA
Close Hugs

Two, three, five, up to ten people managed to catch up with Adelia and her Servant who was still running nonstop. One, two, three hours had passed since they tried to escape the siege of the traitors. Their stamina was drained as fast as lightning like a laundry that was squeezed with all its might. The longer and deeper they get lost into the forest Halimun Bangar.

"Daughter, are you okay?" The servant asked after seeing that her daughter's face had now turned pale. Either because he was exhausted or shocked due to the betrayal of his Master earlier or it could be because of these two things.

"I'm fine, keep running they're getting closer." It was obvious that she had lost a lot of stamina, to the point that she would be able to faint at any time, but Adelia still forced herself because she knew that until she was caught by them, then it was over.

"understand!" Short reply.

Seeing her daughter like this made her feel like she was failing in her duties, she felt worthy of punishment right now, but the Servant immediately shook her head, most importantly they must now be able to escape from the pursuit of these traitors first.

The two of them continued to run regardless of the people who were getting closer. Adelia continues to drive the spirit and energy that almost reached its limit, the grains of cold sweat continue to pour from all over the body plus the legs are now getting weaker.

"Daughter!" The waiter yelled, he panicked and worried when he saw Adelia fall because her legs were unable to support her own weight.

Adelia was the best fire witch of her generation, no one doubted that, but when it came to stamina, she was far from a warrior let alone a warrior.

"Help me, we can't get caught."

"Hold on in a minute, Princess!"

Adelia smiled at him, they were clearly in the middle of the forest far from the residential area, but she was very grateful that at least there were still people who were loyal to the Kingdom.

Adelia managed to stand up with the help of her Servant, even though they were walking slowly like snails, it was still better than not moving at all. Now he has begun to resign, just wait for time until they are caught.

"You'd better escape quickly and just leave me here, after you get to the Kingdom quickly tell Dad about Master's betrayal." This was the most realistic plan Adelia could think of given her current circumstances.

"What did you say? I'll never let the Princess get caught by those traitors."

"Just calm down, they won't dare to kill me at least for the near future." Adelia believes the traitors need her to urge the King, and they will also be harmed if Askara and Gandana's relationship is broken due to her death.

"Stay, I'll never leave. If caught even once, I'd rather die protecting the Princess." The maid for the first time disobeyed Adelia's orders. His confidence and spirit were pure with no hidden intentions.

"Thank You!" Adelia is both grateful and happy to know that there are still people who dare to risk their lives for their lives.

The longer the forest gets darker. The sounds of strange birds that Adelia had never heard before now filled the entire forest. Many fireflies fly with various colors ranging from red, yellow, green and other bright colors. They are as big as a fist with a small head and a distended stomach similar to pufferfish.

Adelia is fascinated by the beauty of this creature, like finding an aurora on her own head. This firefly is said to be a species that has been genetically altered by the Empire of the past.

When the time is more appropriate, he wants to sleep on his back while witnessing this scene all night, but it is unfortunate that he is not allowed to be able to do such a luxurious thing.

"Hey, are you the ones that these people are after?" A heavy and hoarse voice sounded from behind.

Adelia and her Servant turn around, preparing to face the enemy. They were shocked, since when was that man there? Although the two of them were too busy admiring these fireflies, it was impossible for him to detect the approaching human presence. Moreover, the magicians were sensitive to the presence of living things, so it was impossible for Adelia to be this mediocre.

Maybe this guy can hide his existence. What kind of person is he?

"Who are you?" shouted the servant who had now put his face on.

"Hey, hey, just relax. I'm not your enemy" said the man, laughing as he scratched the back of his head.

"Look, I even helped catch them." The man threw the two unconscious men, their eyes bleeding and their teeth almost all out. They were the soldiers who were chasing Adelia.

"Will I repeat again, who are you?" This time it was Adelia's turn to ask. He felt that this man was very strong and it was impossible that they could defeat him with the current condition.

"Calm down Princess, I'm a good man." His beard was partly white, his burly body high illustrating clearly that he was an experienced warrior.

"Daughter, this might be a trap. Looks like he was paid by the traitors too."

Adelia was now confused, no one knew what would happen if they believed the words of this man in front of her.

"Mazur!" One name came out of the man's mouth that made Adelia come back in shock.

"What do you mean?" Adelia now displayed an angry expression. His servant was surprised, he only found out that his daughter could make such an expression, her expression looked even sadder than angry.

"Believe me, Candra Nataprawira. I know him well. Aren't you guys being chased by someone? Come on, follow me!" The man walked in the opposite direction where Adelia ran to this point.

"Daughter how, can we trust him?" ask the waiter who is very worried about the safety of his daughter.

"We follow him, quick!" reply Adelia without hesitation.

"You sure?" The waiter was a little surprised, from when was his daughter so easily deceived like this?

Adelia nodded towards her Servant. The two of them followed the man immediately. Whether this is a trap or not, Adelia will still go. He could not ignore it after hearing the name again.

***

"So it's like that. I didn't expect someone known as the Great Master to be the leader of the traitors." Candra hesitates a little when she hears Adelia's explanation, if only someone else had said it she would never have believed it.

"So, I was very surprised to see Master who had been looking after me now turned against me." Adelia looked down clearly that she was feeling sad.

Gradually vitality returned to his body, his face was now looking fresher. They were now just the two of them inside that shabby room. The waiter had gone to buy some food that had been blocked by his meeting with Candra.

For a while they just kept quiet without a word coming out. The awkward atmosphere is not usually avoided anymore, however they have almost a month not met and with various things that happened after their separation, of course it would be a little strange if it could be immediately familiar like at the bottom of the ravine.

"Let me help!" Seeing Adelia trying to get up from her bed, Candra immediately took the initiative to help her. His body moved before he could think.

"Thank you!" Adelia smiled and accepted Candra's hand.

The delicate skin that Candra had longed for was finally able to touch again. Adelia blushed in embarrassment when she saw Candra this close. The emotions that they have been suppressing make these two people forget the status they have.

A few seconds had passed, but they were still staring at each other's faces. Candra strengthened the grip of her hand, the warmth she was looking for had returned. Candra approached until their noses almost touched, a fresh and fragrant breath tickling her nose.

Candra raised her other hand, stroking Adelia's hair until it stopped on her red cheeks. Unconsciously Candra got closer, trying to touch her slightly pale pink lips. Adelia recovered her consciousness.

He stopped Candra right before their lips touched, "Don't we can't be like we used to. Now you have a fiancee and so do I."

Adelia stepped back, she avoided direct eye contact with Candra. He almost lost control. So was Candra who could not control herself from now on.

"You know I just like you," Candra came back and held Adelia's hands tightly together.

"We're enemies, don't forget that fatka." Adelia looked up at Candra. Her eyes are now red, tears can come out at any time.

"I don't care."

"Receive reality, we'll only meet on the battlefield."

"I don't care." Without Adelia's consent, Candra had already hugged her so tightly. As if to say never try to get away from him.

"Let go!" Adelia is now unable to suppress her own feelings. His face displayed the expression of a fragile girl.

"No!"

Unconsciously the two of them had hugged for another minute. The emotional turmoil that had been held back finally collapsed. Now there are only men and women who love each other, not enemies, nor Prince Nataprawira or Princess Askara.