Chapter 15

Princess Emily Harper •
Princess Harper shoved her hands inside her pocket while looking at the vast sea. Here he is now on a high cliff and from below, he sees the strong waves of the sea hitting the rocks. The sun hasn't shine it's brightness yet because it's only five in the morning. Because of what happened last night, he couldn't sleep because he was so upset that he decided to go here.
This is her secret place where she can clear her mind when it was in riot. Because it is very forested and far from people and also close to the sea, he chose to stay here when he was discouraged or confused. She sneaked out of the palace and she knew everyone would be looking for her by the time they found out she wasn't in the room.
He doesn't do this very often but this is the first time he wants to stay here for a day. He even brought food and clothes because he had no plans to go home to the palace. Call he immatured for doing this but she's hurt. He didn't want to stay in the palace first because maybe when he saw his father he would say something just to pour the weight on his chest.
He leaned against the tree and watched the tree slowly rise. She grab her camera in the bag and take a picture of it. He had already gotten a few shots of her sigh. Her mind drifting back to the palace and her father's word.
She scoffed, "My blood is so hot. We're just the same," she whispered
Totoo naman. He got all its facial features. From hair, eyes, nose and lips. She seems to be the female version of it.
He looked at the bag when he heard the ringing of his cellphone, which was only used once. She took it and answer.
"Hello?" He was bored greeting
(Where are you?)
He frowned and stared at the cellphone screen. It was an unregistered number. How did it get my number?
"Prince Vane? What do you need?" He asked bitterly
She heard him sigh in the other line. He knew that he already knew that he was not in the palace because he would not call.
(It's still early for God's sake Harper! Where are you ?! You're not in your room! I checked it!)
She secretly smiled because there was a hint of concern in her voice. He even went to her room just to check on her condition. Sadly, he was not there and had no plans to return early.
"Somewhere. Just clearing my mind and heart. I'll find the answer first as to why no matter what I do I don't seem to be the perfect child of my father," he answered seriously but the bitterness could be seen there.
(Tell me where are you Harper. I'll help you clear your mind. Just tell me where you are. I won't tell anyone)
She crossed her legs and stare at the rising sun. She didn't answer for a moment because her brain flew. He only returned to court when he heard Vane again on the other line.
"I can't handle myself Vane. I don't need your help," he refused
(I insist Harper! Don't you see how dangerous it is to be alone now! You could be kidnapped)
He laughed at her loud shout as if he was running out of patience. Maybe his handsome face was wrinkled with irritation. She shakes her head before answering.
"Somewhere in the woods near the ocean. You know what I mean," he answered weakly
(I'm coming for you. Stay please)
Her heart skipped a beat in happiness that someone"s coming for her but there"s something deep down that is also sad. Because it seems like he can't do it.
She felt so low and helpless
"I will,"
• Prince Terrence Vane •
Somewhere in the woods near the ocean? Where in the world is that?
He pulled his own hair and then went outside the room he was temporarily occupying. He has no idea where in the world Harper was but he will make a way to just find it. He knew that it was still hurting because of his own father's actions.
He had one person in his mind who definitely knew what place it was referring to. It was her personal servant and bestfriend. He turns into a hallway that will take him to quarters of it when he sees Caroline. He stopped.
"Caroline? What are you doing here?" he wondered
Caroline smiled hopefully and then it came over, "I know where my twin is," she said
"Where ?!" He asked quickly
She took a deep breathe before answering, "Firms Forest. It was near in the ocean and surrounded by so many trees. I knew he was there,"
He frowned then looked at it full of curiosity, "Thanks but, how did you know?"
Caroline smiled but it didn't reach her ear. It was an empty smile. He knew that Caroline was affected too by Harper and Dimitrio's complications.
"I just know. We have this thing ... we couldn't quite explain how and why. We can feel each other's feelings. I feel how hurt she is and there's only one thing I know she's going to. That's the sea. It helps her calm down, "he explained
He nodded here in agreement. Harper also told him when they were in the park. He bid his thank you and farewell to Caroline who just smile at him before heading out. His two bodyguards were even surprised when they saw him show up. He get the car key from them and drove off.
He promised not to tell anyone so he left the bodyguards because it might tell where they were. The ride took one hour which he mentally cursed. He couldn't believe that the girl came here alone. The place is very secluded and there are not many vehicles passing by. It can be detrimental to what it does.
"Damn! You're already giving me a headache Harper!" He parked the car beside the road from the exit
Her feet moved quickly to the place Caroline was talking about. And there, he saw the woman weeping as she was dazed by the sun that had finally risen. He took a silent step towards before kneeling beside. He cupped her face making her look at him. He used his thumbs to remove the tear that had fallen on its cheek.
"It's okay to be weak Harper. It's okay to be hurt. It's okay," he whispered soothingly before placing a soft kiss in her forehead
He hugged the girl tightly and let her cry on his chest. He felt the pain of the forbidden loud sobs it was releasing and it was as if his heart was being torn apart by what he heard.
"I-I'm done," she sobbed. "I'm done being his daughter. I'm so f-cking done!"
He stroked her hair because that was all he could do to lighten her heart while releasing her resentment.
"W-Why did he have to insult me ​​?! Why ?! What's wrong with me?" Crying this question
He hugged her tightly. "You're perfect the way you are Harper. Fearless, feisty and stubborn. Don't let someone get into what you loved, as long as you're not hurting someone,"
He let go of the hug and smiled at her, "You are perfect the way you are Harper. So don't cry. My clothes are full of mucus," he complained.
He took a deep breath as a smile flashed on his lips and then finally laughed. He let her slap his arm playfully before leaning in his shoulder.
"I'm glad having a friend like you Vane,"
With that, his heart turn into pieces.
• Princess Emily Harper •
"Where are you really going !? Damn! My feet hurts!" Vane shouted from behind him
Laughing, he turned to the young man and saw his wrinkled face. After her burst out earlier, she offer him to walk her deep down the mountains. He didn't want to go yet but when he stood up and was ready to leave there, he was also forced to go.
Now, they are close to the destination. She shakes her head before walking in the trail. Earlier it was a complaint of complaint. Kesyo seems muddy or maybe the foot hurts. Who said he should wear a suit and black shoes? His shoes were covered in mud and were a bit slippery before.
Of course, because he wanted to tease it. She just laughed at his state of almost falling which earn murderous glare from him.
"We're here!" He announced enthusiastically
Annoyed, the young man looked up at her. Its former evil face was replaced by admiration. His lips formed 'O' while staring at the clear water.
He smiled at the young man and lowered the bag far from the beach then he approached the water.
"What are you doing?" He heard the young man ask
He turned to her and noticed that she was staring at him. She smile at the prince before looking away.
"Swimming? Wanna join?" He offers here
No one said she removed the clothes she was wearing leaving her in black bikini. She's ready for this so she wore a bathing suit inside. She heard Vane muttered a few curses but choose to ignore him.
She's not used of man seeing her almost naked but with Vane. She felt comfortable. Ewan ba nya. Maybe it's because of his friend? Whatever. I'm just gonna enjoy this.
She savior the moment where the water slowly engulfed her body. When the body is halfway in the water. There he turned to the young man. He noticed that the young man was not leaving the post.
"Don't you want to go down?" He shouted
He saw it shake and then sat on the sand while his eyes were still on him. She watched every movement and she can't help but admired how graceful and manly he was. He averted his eyes and then swam in the sea.
What I am doing? She's off-limit Harper! You don't want to be called a father's kidnapper a second time, do you?
She stand up and run her hands over her hair to sweep off the water. He tried to ignore Vane's stares at him from afar. He was tired of fighting with his burning father about the prince.
When he was fed up, he went up to the water and then approached the bag. She grab it and tell the prince to wait for her. He quickly got dressed and then returned to the young man who had already left.
"Aren't you heading back to palace? I definitely need you there. I can't go with you. You know, I want to stay outside the whole day. To clear my mind," he explained here
She started walking from where they walked earlier. Vane suddenly stopped speaking.
"Then I'm coming with you. I won't leave you alone outside the palace all day," Vane said making her look at him.
"W-why?" She asked almost whispering
Vane smiled before stepping forward to her. She gasped when his hands move to her face and put her hair at the back.
"Because I care for you Harper ... as your friend,"
He was swallowed. It was as if someone had blocked his throat and squeezed his heart because of what he said. Why I am feeling this? It was as if he had just said this to the young man and now he heard it right here. He seems to be hurting.
No. It hurts him to hear that he really only considers her a friend.
He laughed in his mind. You're insane Harper. What right do you have to be hurt even though you also said earlier that you are just different?
He moved away from it slowly and gave it a small smile. The young man did not seem to expect her to leave because he frowned.
"Earlier you complained of complaints going here. How about later?" She managed to laugh even though her heart seemed to be squeezing in pain. "You'd better go home. I can handle myself Vane. I've been doing this for a long time. Before you came,"
He turned around and was about to walk again when it spoke.
"You don't decided for me Harper. I'm coming with you. Wether you like it or not," Vane spoke
She was shocked to feel his hand holding hers. She tried to pull it but Vane's gripped in her only tightens. He just shook his head and went with it. Her heart was beating abnormally inside her chest because of the man's warm hands in her.
This is wrong. I can't be dependent on the warmth he's giving to me.
• Prince Terrence Vane •
He tried his best to act normal even if inside he was broken by her words. Friends? Goddamn it! Why did I even ask her to be my friend? He took a few glances at Harper. She was looking at the road and the window was open causing her long hair to blow. He really adore those thick wavy red hair she haved.
He would never get tired running his fingers through her hair if he had a chance.
"Where are we going?" It asked him
He smiled. He hasn't come home for a few days. After all, he wanted to wander around and not return to the palace first. He took the opportunity to take her to his palace.
"To Ihmapuleya," he casually replied here
He laughed at her reaction. His eyes widened and he was amazed at what he said. So adorable. Damn.
"Y-You're taking me there ?! Are you kidding me ?!" Its eyes narrowed
He laughed even more because of the rapid change in his mood. For a while it was shocking. Now it seems disgusting. Napailing sya. Adorable yet bipolar.
"I'm not kidding popcorn. I'm taking you there,"
Suddenly her cheeks turned red and she looked at him in disbelief. A moment of silenced inveloped us when he suddenly hit him on the arm which surprised him.
"Don't call me popcorn! Disgusting!" Its disgusting protest, "Don't joke around! Are you taking me there ?!"
He give her a mischievous smirk before answering. "Yes. Don't worry. We won't take too long. I'm just going to change and eat something,"
"Are you out of your mind ?! We're just going there so you can get dressed and eat ?!" Its unbelievable cry
He got a facepalm on its cunning. It"s not just stubborn, brave, bipolar and has a dictatorship at times. He also doesn't care what others say especially his father to him. Which he likes the most. He likes her. Positive. That's why he wanted her.
And you don't friend what you wanted to be something else
He's not going to deny it anymore. What's the use? All he doesn't want is to lie to himself. He likes Harper and he wanted her badly. So bad that he wanna marry her instead of Caroline. But he won't tell her that. He has a planned and he'll stick to it.
So he can tame this woman and keep her for himself
• Princess Emily Harper •
She looked out the window and from there. He saw a very beautiful palace that was twice the size of them. She'd never go here and then in the photo she only sees the palace of Ihmapuleya in the books she reads.
She didn't expect it to be this massive. Queen Samara and her bravery suddenly entered his mind. She idolized her but she won't tell Vane about that.
"Is your mother ... inside?" He asked
She tried not to show that she's hoping that the great queen was there. Vane didn't seem to notice that.
"Don't worry. She's not here. She lived in Filifia with our father. Common,"
She watched Vane step outside the car and walk towards her direction. This opened the door for him. She hop off the car and roam her eyes.
She noticed the maid's looks at the two of them and Vane. It's not full of jealousy which she always expects when she's with a prince just like Prince Luca. It was admiration and kindness. She suddenly felt happy.
"Common. I'm stinking because of those stupid muds you put me in!" Vane's complaint
He smiled at her, "I didn't force you to come along with me. It's you," with that he walked inside first.
The young man quickly chased after her and then held her hand which makes her stilled. She looked at the young man who was dragging her. It seems like he can't feel her tension because of his touch. Is it because she's overreacting?
Is she taking everything seriously?
Didn't Vane feel the sparks I felt everytime he touch me?
Am I just a friend for him?
Princess Emily Harper
She roamed her eyes around the beautiful room. It has a white curtains and maroon wallpaper wrapped in the walls. This room is too big compared to him. Her room was just fine. It's just this room was so massive with less furnitures which just the bed, sofa, tv and walk-in closet. Farther away.
He lay down on the bed and looked at the ceiling where he could see the sky gradually darkening. She wonders if her father was worried about her or even feel a slight guilty from what he'd told her. She doesn't know him anyway rather than being a short-tempered around her.
"Princess Harper, your majesty?"
He got up immediately from the bed and looked at the door when he heard someone calling there. She tells someone outside to come in. An elderly woman but beautiful padin entered. She smiles warmly at her which she return.
"I am Lady Son. I am the one appointed by Prince Vane to serve you majesty," he said gently then bowed.
She smiled widely at the lady then stood up to approach it. "Just call me Harper, Lady Son. I don't want to be called a princess,"
He stared at her for a moment then smiled broadly to her surprise. Why is she smiling like that? Its eyes twinkled with joy.
"I remember Queen Samara when she was a girl. I see you are both humble and brave, Harper," he said.
She felt overwhelmed by her words. She's long been idolizing Queen Samara for her fearless fight against the culprits. So when he was young. He dreamed of being like this. And hearing it now makes her heart melt.
"Anyway, follow me your majesty. Your brave prince is waiting for us," she laughed
Harper just laughed at the old man then followed him to the living room where Vane was waiting for him.
She assessed his appearance and she won't going deny that he looks extremely handsome in black jeans and black lose sweater. He was secretly swallowed. He sure can make any woman swoon by just smiling with those clothes on.
"Are you hungry? Food's ready," he announced then he smirked evilly, "Stop checking me out Harper. You can have later,"
She rolled her eyes at his cockiness. This man is really funny. He wondered how many poor women had cried.
She snorted, "I'm not checking you out. I'm smelling you and you know what?" She smiled sweetly at him. "You still stink,"
Her eyes narrowed, a sign that she would not give up on her teasing.
"I know you're lying. You just don't want to admit it. Anyways, let's eat," he held her hand then pulled her down the hallway towards the dining area. "I'm going to starve,"
"You're scolding me! You've held my hand so many times," he joked
He just smiled and then pulled him closer and then put his arm around him. Her cheeks turns crimson red when he whispered in her ears in a very dangerous yet sexy voice.
"Why? Where do you want me to touch you?" He asks seductively
She takes all her strength to push Vane away then it is shot. He winced in pain and then looked at her. He just magnified his face.
"Manyak!"
After that, she run like a kid desperate to have some distance from the man. He might not be able to control himself and he might do something that would surely embarrass him.
She bit her lip when she heard Vane's sexy chuckle behind her. Urgh. It's really dangerous. His body is danger.
"Come here Princess. I won't bite you. Not yet,"
Bastard!
*
Prince Terrence Vane
Urgh! Look at the delectable ass!
He smirked inwardly at Harper's reaction. He purposely did that to see if he's going to affect her and fortunately, yes.
He really wanted to squeeze her reddened cheek earlier but he restrained himself from doing so. The woman's hand was heavy. She was worried that it might slap her. His jaw flew.
Tsk! Tsk! I don't want that happen!
He don't want to lose his jaw upon doing his first plan.
He sit beside but she stand up and take a sit further from him. What the hell?
"You seriously taking it this much?" He laughed and cried. "I'm just kidding popcorn,"
It caught his eye. Her eyes widened as he picked up the fork and threw it at her. It's a good thing he escaped but his handsomeness has decreased.
"Don't freaking call me popcorn!" Its salty
Can't believe I looked at it. He was about to hiss at her action when he noticed her crimson cheeks. She grinned.
"Why popcorn? It suits you. Tough and salty," he leaned on her
His slap on his forehead made him back away. Instead of being annoyed, he just laughed more at it. I didn't know she's an entertainer too.
"Stop that craving! I'm starving!" Its rebuke
He bit his lips to stop himself from bursting in laughter. His face was so red and he didn't seem to know what to do.
"You can eat me you know," he whispered huskily
He laughed all the time when he heard it. He almost laughed because of the way it looked. He ignored her glares at him and continue his laughter. He just stopped talking.
"I'm sorry but I'm pretty sure this food tastes better than you!" It smiled at him then ate
He was left gaping while looking at it in disbelief.
'What the f-ck? Did she just say I taste horrible?