Chapter 14

-Prince Terrence Vane-
He moaned as he looked at the girl's receding bulk. Fiancé? He's starting to f-cking hate the word now. It was just a simple word but the effect on him was magnified.
And who's that asshole ?!
He seemed to want to strangle the man out of anger. He can't seems to accept the fact that Harper had a fiancè! F-ck it! She tugged at her own hair and leaned against the railing. What's happening to me? Really? Are you f-cking insane Vane? It's just a word!
"Damn it! It was just a freaking word but it's getting into my nerves!" He hissed
"Prince Vane? Are you okay?"
He looked behind him when he heard someone speak. He saw Caroline there looking at him in surprise. He take a deep breathe before releasing all his frustration by exhaling the air.
"What is it?" He asked here
He cursed himself mentally because of his tone. He was obviously irritated and he didn't want the woman in front of him to think that this was the reason. Caroline looks kind and he doesn't want to hurt her feelings.
He cleared his throat, "I'm sorry. I'm just kind of ... irritated. With something," he explained
Caroline seems to buy it when she smiles brightly, "I understand. Anyway, you want a tea or coffee? What do you want to do? I can take you around the whole palace," she offered.
He nodded his head slowly. It seems like a good idea to go around first to get rid of her feelings. It isn't healthy.
"Yeah. That's a good idea," he agreed
Caroline just smiled at him and they started walking to tour the whole palace. Caroline keeps talking the whole time but his mind was somewhere. It's flying back to Harper and what she just said to him earlier.
Is she with him? She moaned at the thought. He knew, he don't have any rights at the princess but he can't help but get angry upon learning that Harper's already engaged to some other man. And to think that together the two was enough to warm his head.
"Are you okay Prince Vane? You look distressed? Did something happen in Ihmapuleya?" Caroline asked in a soft voice
He shook quickly and stared into her eyes without moving away from Harper's eyes. The only difference between the two is the slightly greenness of Harper's eyes which he finds super attractive.
"Vane?" Caroline whispered waking him up
"I'm sorry but can I ask you something?" Courage he asked. "Please. Don't get me wrong in this one,"
Caroline nodded hesitantly at him then smiled, "Go on Prince. What is it?" Question it
He took a deep breath then looked at it seriously, "Is Harper already engaged to someone?" He tried to act nochalant but it came out sounding like he's a possessive boyfriend
Damn it! What I am doing? He was about to take his words back when Caroline chuckled making him frown. Did she lose her mind?
"Nope. She's positively single. That's how she always makes excuses to men who want to woo her," she smiled broadly. "Do you have a thing for my twin?"
"Of course, no! I'm just asking," he defended immediately
Caroline just rolled her eyeballs at him, obviously not believing him but it wasn't his problem anymore. He was just asking. That's right. He's just asking.
"Whatever Vane. Just an advice. My twin was a very fearless and stubborn woman. And slightly man-hater,"
-Princess Emily Harper-
He entered the room with a wide smile. Every time he remembered the dumb face of the young man because of what he said. He seemed to want to laugh with joy. She didn't know. He was very happy when he saw that his face looked like it was losing weight.
She slipped off from her floor length dress without waiting for Ava and then wore a floral blouse and black shorts that she paired with pale pink knee boots. She's planning of wandering off outside the palace. He had guards with him so he knew his father would not be angry with him and would allow him.
But even the father did not agree. He will come out.
She grab her purse before opening the door revealing Ava. It had a facepalm and he was very scratchy on the head.
"I forgot to tell you. Anyway, I'm not sneaking out. I have guards with me," he explained
Even if it's his bestfriend. He doesn't want to disobey his father or maybe he's lying. As it says, Ava is the one to blame when something bad happens to her.
She sighed, "I can't be with you. I still have a lot to take care of," she said sadly.
She smiled widely at her, "It's okay. I'll just buy you food outside," she said trying to lighten Ava's mood.
Ava smiled broadly and then hugged him. She rolled her eyes. As long as there is a greeting, it's fun right away. He let go of her hug and said goodbye. She went straight downstairs and head out. He was close to the door when someone called him.
"Harper!"
He turned quickly and their eyes met the young man's. She raised her brow at him. He waited for it to get close to him before he asked.
"Why?" He asked a rude question
He put his hands on his pocket before looking over at her, "Where are you going?" Question it
His forehead furrowed. Based on its speech. It was like a strict father asking him questions. It even defeated the burning father.
"And why should I tell you?" He could answer the question
She didn't expect him to smirk and held her arm, pulling her closer. Because of the force of its pull on him, he sank into its chest.
"You. Lied. To. Me. Harper," He said in a very low but sexy voice.
He was swallowed by saliva and simply pulled his arm but his grip was like a steel. He couldn't get the arm out of it.
"W-What ?! Let me go!" He gave a firm command but it didn't seem to care
"No. Tell me where are you going and don't you dare lie to me Harper or else ...," he trailed off
She met his eyes, "Or else what? Will you report me to Papa? As if that will scare me," she said sarcastically.
He smirked at her making her hair up, "No Harper. If you lie, I'm going to lock you up in my room so don't test me because I'm man with one word," he threatened
He swallowed and pushed the man with all his might. She successfully take her arm off from him. He stared at it.
"What do you care? Why don't you go with Caroline now after all, she's the one you sent here!" She hissed
Gradually, her day was ruined because of this man. That's true, what does it want? Why does it subjugate and disturb him? Her eyes narrowed as Vane laughed teasingly.
"Oh? Is my Princess jealous,"
Her cheek grew hot because of what it called her. He seemed to have run out of things to say so he just turned around to hide his red face and also because of embarrassment.
"Wait for me jelly Harper," she shouted teasingly
He stared at it and continued walking until he got into the car. True to his words, it looked like it was going to come because it sat next to him in the car.
"Can you just leave me for a moment? Why are you bothering me ?!" He disgusted the question here
Vane looked at her and it wasn't playfully stare but a serious one.
"I can't just let go Harper. It's hard,"
Princess Emily Harper-
He pretended not to hear what it said and remained staring out the window. He didn't want to talk about it at first because of the state of his heart now. He might say something that would embarrass himself as well. Even though he loves to ask what it means.
Minutes passed and they finally arrived at her favorite park where kids were playing around and had no problem worrying. He is always here especially when someone is bothering him because apart from the many trees here and the fresh air. The sea was just infront, colliding in the wall making an awesome sounds that calm her down.
The guards scattered around to stop people from pouncing at them. She stopped to feel Vane's warm palm holding her hand. His heartbeat got even stronger and it didn't stop because of what he said earlier. He secretly glanced at it as they walked.
"There's so many paparatzzi in here. How could you even enjoy staying?" Its like a disgusting question
There he woke up and passed his hand holding it then moved away a little. She mentally scolded herself from being dumb. They may even be mistaken for lovers and it will come to the father. She embraced herself and sat quitely at the bench facing the blue sea. It was already afternoon so the sky was golden and the sun was about to set.
She felt Vane sit beside her but she didn't say a word. She enjoy listening to the water since it was the only thing that can clear her mind.
"You're so stubborn, you know that? How could you even go there without telling us? You could be damned," Vane said suddenly.
Her eyes snap open before glaring at the man. "For your freaking information. They know I'm leaving and otherwise. You don't care about that," she snapped
Vane just raised his brow at him making her piss again but she controlled herself. He avoided looking at it, "I care because I'm concerned, Harper. You know maybe anytime you can be shot from a distance and when that happens. Your family will be the first to worry. Now tell me, why not Why shouldn't they invade you? " This question is serious
He was silenced by those at the word it released. They were enveloped in extreme silence and only the sea made noise around. She was so lost in her own thoughts like, why? Why is it interfering when it has just arrived today and the twins should be with it?
"I'm asking you again. So can we be friends? Since you don't have a real fiancè to ask permission," He said, emphasizing the word fiancè
He just sighed and then leaned back in his seat. "I don't have annoying jerk friends like you," he said without hesitation
Instead of being annoyed by his slight insult, he just laughed. Vane spread his other arm and rested it behind her as he looked at it. He tried to remove it but he could not because its arm was heavy.
"Ahh ... You won't delete?" She asked seductively while plastering a mischievous smile
Vane just smiled as if he was still being challenged. Knowing her, she won't lose to this mokong. Vane flinched and his eyes widens as he touches her thigh. He caressed it sensually making him tensed. It looks at him but there's something deep in those eyes.
Desire
"Why Vane? Something's wrong?" She said with a very seductive voice
Vane closes his eyes as his hand slowly rises. But when she's about to reach his now hardening member. He removed his hand then stood up and without saying a word he left it.
"You little seductress! You're going to pay for this!" He heard her shout which made him laugh
Serves you right Vane
• Prince Terrence Vane •
"Such a tease," she whispered and shook
He stood up and followed the girl. While heading in its direction. He couldn't help but shake again. This woman is really weird. He'd never see a woman act like that. All had a poised. Like its twin. He admired how strong-willed and fearless she was. He can clearly see that she's not any princess, she's a warrior. He then remembered his mother and sister. Warriors.
He stopped walking when he saw Harper playing with the two children. He smiled at the view and leaned in the tree near him then quietly watched it help the two small children plant.
A strong warrior with a kind heart. She's indeed different from the rest.
"Thank you Princess Harper !! See you tomorrow!" The boy said happily and waved at the girl
His heart warms when Harper smiled at the two kids and leaned down to give them a kiss in their foreheads.
"Promised boys. We'll plant more trees. But for now, you need to go home, okay? It's going to be night," Harper ordered the two children.
They nodded and then put them away and put them in the bag they were carrying. They waved their hands in them before running to go in their homes.
"You liked kids?" He asked here
She gave him a small smile before walking. He followed it and walked with it.
"I loved kids. They were so adorable and stress free from this world. They should not be deprived of love and attention. They should be treated right. Understand them ...," she trailed off
He just stared at her serious face which was a bit grim. He can't help but to noticed how beautiful she is. The sunset's light was hitting her face giving her a very beautiful look. Her red hair is pony-tailed.
He smiled at her saddened face. He couldn't even explain it but he knew he was saddened by how his own father treated him. Who would be sad anyway? He's pretty sure it feels like it's always just wrong in Dimitrio's eyes.
"He's your father. I'm pretty sure he has a reason," he said while watching his face
He suddenly looked at her and smiled slightly, "I know that's why it's annoying sometimes. I'm still trying to understand. I just want one thing, and that was him to understand me,"
For the first time, he saw sadness in her eyes. It really hurts because of the father and he wants to ease it.
"I want to understand me I'm not like Caroline or she knows the perfect Aurora better. I want her to accept that I'm not like she wants me to be. I'm Harper, not his dreamed daughter, Emily," her voice breaks
His heart clenched when he saw how hurt she was so he didn't think twice and pulled her then hugged her. He expected her to push him away but she didn't.
"He's maybe like that but I know, he loves you Harper. He won't do that if he didn't care for you. He's a father and he definitely has a reason why," he said.
She let go of the hug and smiled kindly at him. He saw tears in her cheeks and before he knew it. He's wiping those away with both his thumb.
"We need to go home. It's already night, Harper. Common, don't cry. Your cold is dripping. Ew," he teased her with a sharp voice.
He looked at her but later laughed as well. 'It's good to hear her laugh, it feels like my favorite song' He dried his cheek then slapped her arm.
"Such a gay," She rolled her eyes
They started walking towards the car. She shouldered it and surprisingly, she didn"t budge it. Making him smile widely like an idiot.
"I'm your very handsome gay then," he rode here
Harper smile genuinely making his heart go crazy.
Princess Emily Harper •
She rolled her eyes playfully at Vane for acting like a gentleman by opening her door. Because of what happened earlier. She seemed to be comfortable in the prince's presence, unlike when she first saw it. She like how he listened to her earlier and console her.
"Oh please, Vane. You can fool by just opening the door. We both know you're not a gentleman, you're a pervert," he said laughing.
Vane just laughed at him and followed him into the modern palace. The youngest maids wave at her while the older ones just nod. He's close because the helpers are a bit young here like Ava.
"If I'm a pervert then you are a seductress. Did you think I forgot what you did before ?! You almost touch me there!" He exclaimed
He just laughed at it but didn't look back. Who would have thought that it has this side? He acts like a freaking girl who almost touches the chest!
She was smiling widely but that smile fell off the moment they reached the massive sala. He was frustrated to see his father obviously angry again. What else can I do here?
"Dimitrio," Vane greeted formally
Suddenly, the naughty and clumsy man he had met earlier disappeared when he saw his father. It was as if he didn't care suddenly around while he was annoyed again and was preparing his ear.
"Prince Vane? It's a surprise to see you two," said the father who was looking at him seriously. "In my office room, now, Harper,"
He sighed and then followed his father. She looked at Caroline who was worriedly looking at her. He just gave him a small smile and then finally followed his father. When he arrived at his office, he sat comfortably on the sofa. She was trying to ignore her father's deadly glare.
"I did tell you that Prince Vane was here for Aurora right? ... I see the news—"
He moaned and laughed, "You're accusing me now? I know you're mad at me, but my father. As far as I know, I didn't do anything wrong to make me look like my kidnapper. We're friends and that's all. "Is it over, Pa? If so, I'm leaving," he muttered
He didn't wait for her to speak and stood up and then walked to the door. He was about to come out to be stopped because of what he said.
"Stay away from him Harper. He's only for Aurora not you,"
The tears she was holding back fell because of the words it left out. It was now clear. My own father was embarass of me. It was clear as daylight. She laughed humorlessly.
"Thanks Pa," he stared at it as tears fell in his eyes. "Thanks for insulting me. You only make me more courageous,"
• Prince Terrence Vane •
"What's wrong?" He asked in astonishment
Caroline looked just as anxious as she watched the road where Harper had gone while her mother sighed again.
"Those two will fight again. It's no wonder they're fathers. They're both stubborn," said Amelia, the mother.
He laughed softly, "I agree,"
The two of them even talked to Amelia. She didn't seem to be able to talk properly to Caroline who was restless in the chair. She keeps looking at the hallway where Harper went.
"Aurora? Daughter? Why?" Amelia asked looking obvious
Caroline clasped her hand nervously, "The talk. It think it went bad,"
He was about to ask her what does she mean by hearing footsteps. He looked up and saw Harper's teary face. He moaned and clenched his fist. The hell did he do? Amelia stands up and approaches Harper but stops.
"Harper—"
"I. Want. To. Be. Alone!" Its cry was full of anger
Caroline burst into tears as she stared at Harper's distant back. He rubbed his chest and sat down on the sofa.
"She's hurt, Ma. Really hurt. I can feel it,"
Amelia looked at him sadly. He knew she saw the rage in his eyes as it receded.
"Prince Vane—"
"Excuse me,"
Princess Emily Harper •
He was very close to the railing of the balcony and there poured all his resentment. It was as if something squeezed his heart and hit his chest because he couldn't breathe. She was always like this. At the time she still wanted to prove herself to her father but she get tired from it.
I"m tired of being her perfect child
She was tired of its repeated shouting and humiliation at her. He was tired of the insults and comparing it to him. She was long tired back 7 years ago. So he stops. She stopped hurting herself for being someone else just to impressed her father. She is so happy.
That is why he is no longer hurt by its shouts and anger at him every time he disobeys. She stop caring and choose to be happy instead of not hurting other people. He thought that his father would never hurt him again. But she was wrong.
Because here she is, crying again. Because for the first time. It made her look like she was not a worthy child and a shameful princess. I don't understand!
"B-Why am I always alone ?!" She asked herself sobbing
Is there something wrong with him and he is always noticed even though he used to do everything he wanted? Is that how he hates his father and even Vane doesn't want to marry him and wants his twin? Is he so useless and worthless in its sight.
"It's okay, Princess. You'll just cry over it and later it'll be gone," Ava reassured him.
She let Ava hug her while crying out loud. His head rested on its neck as it caressed his back.
"I-I'm done Ava. I'm done being his daughter anymore,"
• Prince Terrence Vane •
Vane didn't bother knocking and barged in inside Dimitrio's office. The king looked at him but immediately averted his gaze. The man's was spacing out.
"What did you tell her?" He asked emphatically
He didn't care if he said he was interfering in the fight with his father and Harper. When it comes to Harper. He will intervene especially if he sees it crying! Harper was a very strong woman and to see it cry. It means that the todo hurt the feelings of the woman he wanted.
Yes! He likes her so much! And nothing can hurt here!
Dimitrio sighed before sitting in his chair then folded his hands while looking at him seriously.
"I want you to stay away from my daughter, Vane. I can only offer Aurora but not Harper," he said directly.
He clenched his fist and moaned in anger. Nothing can take me away from Harper! Even you as her fathe who never treat her right.
"If that's the case, I'm refused to marry Aurora Caroline instead," He shoved his hands on his pocket and smirk at the old man. "My mother and grandfather taught me to value things. I don't get something I didn't really need but not with a woman, Dimitrio,"
His face was even more serious, "You don't understand me Va—"
"I'm not interested and not willing to understand you Dimitrio. You won't decide which woman I want," He smirked, "You can't stop me from liking Harper,"
Dimitrio looked down which is very odd. Shouldn't he be mad at me for being stubborn? It seems that his expectations here are wrong.
"Harper ... She's my replica Prince Vane. She's fearless ... strong-willed and she doesn't listen to what other's say just like how she didn't follow my orders," It sighed, "She do whatever she thinks was right and nothing can stop her, "
Vane stared at Harper's father who seemed to be deep in thought. He seems to know where this conversation is going.
"You can have her ... if you can stay with her because believe me Vane. The time will come when she will disobey you and you will feel how I feel now,"
I know it Dimitrio before you even thought about it.
To be continued...