The Hero's Forsaken Princess-Chapter 28: An Ally

"Is this necklace yours?" Gideon asked, lifting the jade necklace in front of Eve. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Eve hastily took the necklace from Gideon’s hand, holding it like a cherished treasure.

"Yes. It’s mine," she responded.

Gideon momentarily furrowed his brow as his gaze lingered meaningfully upon Eve. He had the urge to ask her further but he chose to keep his silence, lost in his own thoughts.

Meanwhile, Eve noticed the sudden change in his demeanor.

"Gideon... Do you know something about this necklace?" Eve asked him with intrigue, hoping he could provide her with some information regarding her family.

’Does he know something about the Goldwyn Royal Family?’

Gideon had been traveling from one kingdom to another. She wondered if he had been to Kingdom Zephyra and had heard the story of the Goldwyn Royal Family.

After a while, Gideon spoke up. "Princess Eve... have you heard of the legend that there are a few chosen people who have the power to tame a mighty dragon?"

Eve glanced at him confusedly before shaking her head. "Taming a dragon? I haven’t heard of it. Why?"

Gideon smiled and pointed his finger at her necklace. "That necklace reminded me of those chosen people."

Eve fell silent, staring down at her necklace.

’Is he referring to the Goldwyn Family as the chosen people?’

Gavin’s chuckle bubbled up, snapping her out of her stupor.

"Silly, Princess. I’m just kidding." Gideon tapped the tip of her nose.

"Don’t tell me you believe that? Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. You have to be more careful. Don’t just believe someone’s words or else, you will easily get deceived. That’s your first lesson today."

Eve blinked several times in puzzlement. "My first lesson?"

Gideon nodded. "Yes. I’m your master now. I agree with teaching you how to fight and protect yourself. I’ve decided not to leave the Kingdom of Averion in the meantime."

Eve’s emerald eyes sparkled in delight upon hearing that. Earlier she thought Gideon would reject her request. But surprisingly, he suddenly changed his mind.

Unable to contain her joy, Eve pounced on him, hugging him. "Thank you, Gideon!"

Gideon stiffened at the feeling of Eve’s softness. He didn’t expect her to hug him tightly as if she were squeezing a pillow. He could even smell her familiar sweet scent.

He had been distancing himself from every woman. Wherever he went, women kept chasing after him. Yet, he had no interest in them, not even when he encountered a few beautiful ones. He was already immune to their charms. He only cared about fighting and embarking on an exciting journey.

That was why he couldn’t understand why he couldn’t ignore this plain-looking princess. Something about her was drawing him in.

When Eve broke the hug, that was the only time Gideon could finally relax.

"Like I said, I’m not doing this for free." He reminded her.

Eve bobbed her head frantically. "I promise. I will repay you... no matter the cost." She reassured him with a determined look in her eyes.

Gideon smirked, satisfied with her response.

"Before anything else, I have to hear your story. I have to understand your situation so that I can help you. Why do you sound so desperate to have an ally? Tell me your secrets. Are you pretending to be mute?"

Gideon looked at her intently. Once again, his gaze fell on the necklace in her hand. He appeared to be more interested in how she had come to possess the jade necklace. How did it become hers?

"I was only ten when I lost my ability to speak. But after that tragic incident in the waterfalls, wherein I lost Annie... I regained my voice back. A few people in the palace knew I was mute. But now, I don’t want them to know that I can finally speak now. Please keep this a secret between us."

"Including your husband?" Gideon asked, cocking his eyebrow.

Eve pouted at the mention of Alaric. "Yes. Including him! I don’t want him to know!"

"In this palace, I have no one to trust. So many eyes are watching me. I can only trust you, Gideon. The royal family doesn’t treat me as one of their own. My title as a princess is in name only. For them, I’m an outsider, treating me like a slave."

Gideon was surprised by her revelation. No wonder, no one from the royal family tried to defend her in the royal courtyard earlier.

He heaved a deep sigh. "Princess, don’t rely on me too much. Who knows I might betray you in the end."

"I owe you my life." Eve blurted out. "Even if you choose to betray me and abandon me in the future, I won’t hold it against you. I should have died already if you hadn’t intervened."

Gideon could only chuckle, scratching his face.

"Haha. Princess, you possess a silver tongue. Your words are beguilingly persuasive. Use that as your weapon."

Eve frowned and pouted her lips. She didn’t know if Gideon was complimenting her or he was being sarcastic.

"Alright, tell me more. Aside from learning self-defense and combat skills, what do you need from me?" Gideon turned serious.

"Within this palace, my actions are severely limited. I can’t move freely. With you around, I can do things without worrying about the people monitoring me. Can you please assist me?" Eve requested him in her pleading tone.

"Whoa, from a mighty hunter, I am now demoted to a princess’ servant, or should I say– a Princess’ lackey?" Gideon couldn’t help himself from making some remarks.

Eve could only chew on her lower lip, feeling embarrassed. "Forgive me. I didn’t mean to disrespect you. Am I asking too much from you?"

"Hey! Hey! I’m just making some jokes. Don’t take it seriously." Gideon laughed.

Eve’s lips curled up into a bright smile. "Alright. Does it mean you are agreeing to help me out if I need something?"

Gideon hesitated for a moment before heaving a sigh of defeat. "Yes. You may mobilize me at any time. I will teach you a secret code for our communication."

Her eyes shone with excitement when she heard that. She was looking forward to collaborating with her savior. She knew he was very dependable.

He had proven his capability when he easily escaped from the highly guarded prison fortress.

"So in your revenge plan, who are you going to deal with first?" He asked her with intrigue. "Is it your husband?" He mumbled excitedly.

Gideon wanted to compete against Alaric.

But unfortunately, Eve shook her head. "Not him. I still need his power and influence before I destroy him."

"First, let me handle this pervert who made a deal with me. Gavin Ravenmoor." A cold glint flashed in her eyes as she mentioned Gavin’s name.

"Oh, you mean the Duke’s son who also helped you in clearing your name?"

Eve nodded in confirmation. "Yes. That man. He only helped me in exchange, he wants me to sleep with him. I have an old score to settle with him. He tried to rape me once."

"What the fuck!" Gideon cursed loudly upon hearing that. "If you want, I can kill him for you!" He added, his eyes seething with rage.