Chapter 17

Princess Emily Harper
Harper stood up when she saw the beautiful woman together with a man who had gray eyes. He was holding a young man who was seven or eight years old. Her eyes instantly shines.
She really likes kid alot. She doesn"t know why but she really likes holding their tiny fragile hands and hug their little frame. Just like a stuff toy.
"Vane?" The woman approached and looked at him in surprise. "Who are you? Is she your girlfriend?" He asked Vane
She instant shake her head and smiled politely, "Nope. I'm a ...," she trailed off
She suddenly become uneasy. What are they and Vane? She's pretty sure they weren't friends nor her sister's fiancee! He was suddenly confused so he fell silent.
"I'm courting her twinny. She's Princess Emily Harper Lucas from the land of Serfim," Vane said proudly
Ameerah's mouth formed when she looks at her. She smiled at this and was about to speak when the man she thought was her husband entered.
"The land of great warriors. She's Alderie's granddaughter—"
She frowned at what the man said. She wants to hear the whole story of who's this Alderie was but Ameerah widen her eyes at her. The man fell silent. Ameerah turned to him again and smiled.
"Don't mind my husband. Anyway, I'm Ameerah. This bastard's twin and this my husband, Valdus," Ameerah introduced.
She smiled politely at the two. But she didn't fail Valdus's weird look. None of his own was attached to Vane. Ameerah seems to have noticed that because it hurt her husband's gaze.
"I-I'm sorry if I scare you Princess Harper. It's just that ... I knew about you and your kingdom alot," he gave her a small smile
He nodded at it. "It's good to hear that — by the way ... Where kingdom did you come from?" He asked curiously
"Kingdom of Alvanticus," was its serious reply
He just nodded here and didn't speak even though he wanted to ask. Alvanticus? She never heard that kingdom. She thought to herself.
"Hello Princess Harper. You looked beautiful!"
He looked down at the cute child. His big gray eyes were pleading at her. She laughed lightly. She knew what kids want very well so she knelt in front of it and kissed it on the cheek.
"Thank you little Prince," She said warmly
Her cheeks turned red and she hugged her mother who was shaking.
"You seem to have lost your stubbornness with Harper?" Ameerah
"M-Mom! Stop embarassing me in this beautiful maiden!" He whined adorably
She smiling at the little kid when someone put an arm around her waist. She looked at Vane and their gazes locked.
"Sorry there kiddo but these woman over here ... is mine,"
*
"I'm warning you Giovanni! Leave the worms!" Ameerah's stressful cry to the child
He laughed at this and watched the child run towards the garden. She's obviously with Ameerah because Vane was busy discussing something with Valdus about their upcoming projects.
He enjoys being with Ameerah. He was amused as he watched the child who always scolded his mother.
"I'm sorry for my husband's weirdness. It's really like that sometimes," Ameerah said suddenly
He looked at it and smiled, "It's okay. I'm just shocked of what he said because honestly, I don't know who Alderie is and I only have one grandmother to be his granddaughter,"
Ameerah frowned at him then turned her gaze back to her son who was already digging the ground. It was pokerface that made him laugh.
"You can stop kids especially if they really wanted it. Based on my experience," she commented
Ameerah's eyes twinkle and an amaze smile appeared in her lips. "Yeah. It's true. When I was young, Lady Alice couldn't stop me either. I also liked garden that's why this little boy here was so stubborn," Ameerah just shook her head.
"Kids should not be constrainedfrom what they wanted to do and supposed to do. As long as it's not wrong. We should support them. Just like others have said. Once they're kids, they should experience their youth before they dive into real life, "he said as he stared at Prince Giovanni
She felt Ameerah's curious stare at her so she turned to it. "You're caged. Aren't you?" Question it
She nodded, "Nope. It's not that I'm caged and isolated," she sighed. "I'm just tired of pretending as somebody else to impress my father so I decided to do things what I liked. Because whatever I do. He will always hate, neglect and mad at me," he said bitterly.
Extreme silence passed until he heard Ameerah sigh.
"I knew I had no right to say this to you because I have never experienced such a situation but I know. Your father loves you Princess Harper. He just has a hard time expressing it,"
He smiled bitterly. She used to think the same way so she didn't take what her father said too seriously whenever someone didn't like what she was doing but she got tired of believing it.
No father would hurt his daughter if he loves her
"I'm tired Queen Ameerah. I'm tired thinking reasons just to keep myself from being mad at him,"
Ameerah nodded her head in understanding which she mentally thanked. Her father was a very sensitive topic for now because of their fight. Also, this is the reason why he is here in Ihmapuleya so he should just avoid it.
They both turned to look at the door when they heard Vane and Valdus approaching. The two men keep talking about projects which she quite understand but obviously Ameerah was irritated about it.
The young man smiled when he saw her and immediately approached her.
"What's wrong? You look like you're crying again?" This question surprised her
She knew she was close to being emotional again earlier but she didn't expect the young man to notice that. Sensing her shocked, Vane spoke again.
"I can see through you popcorn," he said seriously
'I can see through you'
She blinked several times unable to replied. No one can see the silent tears and sadness her eyes beside Caroline, her twin. 'H-how come he saw it when we just knew each other for weeks?'
She opened her mouth to ask him when Valdus interrupted her. He looked at the couple holding hands.
"My son's grand birthday party will be held this friday. Hope you two come," Valdus give them a small genuine smile
Vane nodded and then approached his nephew who was smiling brightly at him.
"Advance happy birthday little boy," it greeted
Her heart warms in the view. In the number of men she met. Only Vane show a soft side in them. Most of princes she met, all shunned children. It wasn't like, they hate children. It was how they hate being soft. And that includes his father.
"Thank you Uncle Vaneee!" Thanks for it
Valdus and Ameerah bid their farewells to them and went off. She sat down on the sofa. Vane later followed suit.
"You want to come with me on friday?" Vane asked him
She nodded her head before resting her head at the sofa.
"Yeah. I'll come with you,"
Princess Emily Harper
She fixed her gown, straightening the folded part. It was a body hugging green evening gown that Vane himself chose for her.
Well. She likes it. The green matched her red hair that reached up to her waist. It was straight in the back and braided at the top giving her a royal look.
He looked at himself in the mirror and smiled. She's not anxious about the party. He is used to it because there are always such parties in the palace. But it doesn't mean she likes it. She just need too. When she's satisfied looking at herself. He took the purse on the vanity table and left the room.
The maids automatically bow their head the moment they saw her. He continued his walk towards the woman and there, she saw Vane in his full glory. Standing so dashing and smoldering hot in his black tuxedo.
The moment their eyes met. The man stopped in his tracks. He smiled at it then approached.
"You're gorgeous popcorn," it's more like a statement not a compliment
She playfully rolled her eyes at the man then hooked his arm to it.
"You're not bad yourself Mr. Lettuce," he laughed commenting
His face went with what he called lettuce. Well, if he likes calling her popcorn. Then she will call him lettuce.
"Since when do I become lettuce?" He scowled
"And since when I become a popcorn?" He asked in return
He raised an eyebrow at her unable to answer him. She laughed mentally. Her beloved prince seems to have run out of words. Vane guided her towards the car and opened the door for her.
While they were on the trip. She couldn't help but ask. Alvanticus wasn't familiar. In the length of his life. Only now did he find out that there was a kingdom with such a name.
"I don't know. My parents and brother had no clue too. Suddenly that place appeared," Vane replied to him.
He just nodded. She's curious but it's better to shut up. He won't get anything because it looks like Vane doesn't even know how that place came to be. What's important now, was Ameerah and Valdus was happy living together with their cute little prince.
Minutes passed they rich Alvanticus Palace. Only select media were allowed to take photos and interview the rising people invited by Ameerah and Valdus. She suddenly felt nervous.
His family is unlikely to be here, especially his father. Add that she and Vane are together and they can be mistaken for lovers. Knowing medias, they can drive news faster than you expected.
"Are you okay? You look nervous," Vane asked her
He glanced at it and forced a smile. "Is my father invited?" She asked in a low voice
Vane sighed before grabbing her hand. She folded her fingers and smiled softly at him.
"I don't know if Valdus invited them but if yes, don't worry. I'll be your side," Vane reassured
She somehow felt safe and secured by his words. That was enough for him not to be nervous that someone might just pull him to the side and he would preach again why they were together.
"Let's go popcorn. Nothing bad will happen. I promised," Vane promised
She tighten her hold in his hand before giving him a nod. The young man went down first and then went to his place. She took a deep breathe before stepping out of the car. The camera flashes intensified as he took the picture as he came down and Vane folded their hands.
She knew they'll be on the front page of news magazine tomorrow but she don't felt worried at all. Especially when Vane held her hand. She felt secured in his arms and that thought alone warms her heart.
Thankfully, they reached the insides. Vane held her hand even though they're no more media inside and that gathered everyone's attention. But seems like the man don't give a damn. She secretly smiled.
She felt happy that Vane was proud of her even though they didn't exist. That he is not ashamed that he is with her now out of all those beautiful donnas around him that will do anything just to catch his attention.
"Princess Harper!" Ameerah greeted
She was wearing a fitted red evening dress that hug her waistline. It's a good thing to wear here because of its white skin. Harper hugged Ameerah and shake Valdus hands who's trailing behind the lady in dress.
His eyes quickly searched for the child but it was nowhere to be found.
"Where's Prince Giovanni?" He asked
Ameerah got a facepalm and Valdus laughed at Vane. He seemed to know the answer so he was shaken. 'That boy is really reprehensible'
"He's asleep. It's been awhile since then. He's asleep. He sleeps his own party," Ameerah
He just laughed. Vane pulled a sit for her and she thanked him for sitting down. They continue talking until Ameerah bid her goodbye. There are still guests to talk to and the child will also go.
She was sitting peacefully while roaming her eyes around the huge ballroom when her eyes spotted her long time idol. She sucked a breathe.
Queen Samara!
It includes wife King Dwight talking to a young man who looks very much like Vane"s father. 'That must be Vane's older brother'
"I'll introduce you to them. Is it okay?"
She suddenly turned to the man who was smiling at her. She suddenly felt nervous. Introduce? Will they like her? Or not? What if they don't want me just like my father—
"My mother will love you Harper. She loves tough women who stand in their own beliefs and take full responsibilities. She won't judge popcorn," Vane reassured
Vane held her hand before kissing the back of it which warmed her cheek. His lips on her skin send tingles to her stomach.
"Okay," he whispered
She let Vane held her hand as if they're a couple, which is not, yet. As they got closer and closer to her mother's seat, her heartbeat quickened. She's nervous yet happy and excited to see the queen.
"Mom! Dad!" Vane greeted
The lady turned to her son and smiled broadly before pulling him into a hug.
"Son," King Dwight smiled. "Who's this beautiful lady here?"
She bit her lips and clasped her hands together. All his life. No one never make her act this way, like a real princess, only Vane and his family. He seems to be constantly innovating himself.
"She's Emily Harper Lucas, Daughter of King Dimitrio of Serfim palace," Vane introduced her
Harper smiled and offered her hand. She suddenly become conscious of her own. Is he doing it right? Ever since she decided to contradicts her father. She didn't approach people in parties like this and stopped studying etiquettes and whatever they called it.
He suddenly looked at Samara as she laughed at him. She pulled her hands in embarassment. It looks like he did something wrong.
"I like you Princess Harper. I can see now why my son loves you so much," Samara muttered stunning her.
She wanted to question Vane if she said anything about how she felt for her mother or about her life and how they met but when she looked at the Prince. He looks shocked too and flushed.
"Mom ?!"
It ignored him and waved his arm at him which shocked him. Samara winked at her husband and looks like, King Dwight knew what that means because it pulled the child away from there.
Without the two. He just sat there and the woman started asking him questions and telling stories.
"How did you two met? I knew my son. Too delicate so it was hard to find a wife. That's why I'm so happy to see that he finally found the one," Queen Samara stated softly
He smiled and then looked down. How can she explain this without mentioning her father? It looks difficult because from any angle look. If her father hadn't agreed to reconcile Vane with his twin, he wouldn't be here today.
But the problem is, how can she tell her everything? He might think differently when he finds out that his brother really should be his roommate and not him.
Her heart clenched in pain. She felt caged and embarassed.
She was lost in her own thoughts when a warm hand caressed her cold ones. He looked at the woman with a faint smile on his face.
"I'm not going to ask Harper," Queen Samara start, "Whatever ways you too start. I can see that you're a good person and you belong to my son. You deserved each other Harper. Even if you don't say two,"
"I can see the affection between you two. It's the affection me and my beloved husband had before until now,"
Her lips pursed in embarassment. He smiled broadly and was ready to speak to someone ahead of him.
"Queen Samara!"
He was stopped in his tracks when a young woman came and hugged Vane's mother without any hesitation. Her heart suddenly raced in anxiousness.
Who is she?
After hugging Samara. The lady turned around and approached her with a tight fake smile. The lady was beautiful with her brown hair in a royal bun, brown eyes and full pink lips.
"Hello Princess Emily Harper. It's nice seeing you here," she said fakely
Harper restrain herself from punching the woman's face because of her plasticity. She seems to be the only one who notices because Queen Samara's smile is wide here and that of other people.
"I'm Princess Vivian of Penelope. Vane's special friend,"
Princess Harper
I clenched my fist as I slightly glare at her. Anything else smile he would do. I could see how plastic his smile was.
Do I seem to care even though he"s the most special of all Vane"s friends? WALA!
I stood straight and offered her my hand which surprised her a bit. A princess do handshake idiot!
"It's Princess Harper, Princess Vivian," I said proudly
I matches her fake smile. I grew even bigger. Does she think I let her win? If it's just plastic. I can handle him. Thanks and Vane's mother is here or else I'm going to cut her lips off her face!
"Yeah," she murmured
I slightly flinched when I felt an arm around my waist but immediately calm down when I see Vane. This jerk! All of a sudden it just holds! It's a good thing I didn't hit him.
"Vi," Vane gave a her small smile, "You're here,"
Vivian immediately flashed her sweet smile and I almost snapped at Vane. How could he friend that kind of girl ?! She's nothing but plastic!
"Of course! I won't miss your nephew's birthday V!" She exclaimed
I frowned when they called. Vi? Seriously? Do friends have an endearment like that ?!
"V?" I asked absentmindedly
I couldn't control myself anymore. Who wouldn't be angry if this man flirts with you after he has a name like that! And worse, it was a girl!
"It stands for Vi as in Vivian and V also Vane," He answered innocently
I averted my eyes. I felt embarassed. Why didn"t I notice that their names both start with a V?
Hmp. From now on I'm calling him Terrence instead of Vane.
"Right. Anyway, excuse me. I'm just going to Ameerah," I excused myself
I turned around but I was immediately stopped when Vane pulled my arm. I glare at him. What if I'm out of balance ?! Edi, my face sank to the floor ?!
"I'm coming with you—"
"No need," I angrily refused. "Take your time talking with her ..." With that bitch
"I'm not leaving you Harper. I'll go with you,"
I didn't do anything when he folded our hand. I stayed silent while searching for Ameerah but I couldn't find her when Vane pulled me into a room.
"What are we doing here ?!" I was irritated by the question
"Making little me?" He teased
I stared at him. He even had the courage to make fun of me, I'm already disgusted.
"Just kidding popcorn," he hugged me suddenly surprising me. "I'm sorry. It's a very sensitive of me. I just want to see you jealous and that doesn't seem like a good idea. You look like a tigress ready to bit me,"
I punched him in the chest and he fell asleep but he did not remove his hug from me.
"So you planned that ?!" I asked in annoyance
I heard him chuckles before pulling off. He kissed my forehead before answering.
"Nope. I just thought of it when I saw how irritated you are. Anyway, she was just a friend—"
"Yeah. Special friend," I said sarcastically
She was shaken but there was a smile on her face, "Believe. She was just a friend,"
Whatever
"Common. They might even mistake us for a child — ouch,"
I rolled my eyes at him then left the room first but a smile broke across my face later on.
I'm jealous
Really jealous
*
Vane opened the door for me and I immediately get off. I feel very tired, including the pain in my foot due to the height of the heel.
"Common. You look really tired," He said
I glare at him, "Isn't obvious?"
He was scratching his head. I didn't want to get angry or irritated every time I talked to her but I remembered how that Vivian would pay attention to her.
I went inside first but I stopped walking when I saw the woman I had wanted to strangle.
She was sitting there comfortably with a magazine and a wine in her hands.
What is it doing here?
"Vivian?" Vane asked in shock when he saw her. "What are you doing here?"
I looked away and closed my eyes tightly. I really want to strangle this woman. If only he wasn't Vane's friend.
"I'm staying here!" He had lively news
He"s just happy and I"m not! It was as if my ears were ringing. Her? Will staying here? Urgh! If only I had almost kicked him with so much annoyance. What if he stays here for a few days?
"I'm going upstairs," I said blankly
Vane tried to stop me but I snapped his hands away suprising him. I know that's an irrational move but I don't understand myself anymore. I'm mad not only because of that woman's plasticity but because I'm jealous!
Yes! I'm jealous!
And I don't want that woman with him! Vane is mine alone. Just try to really touch even the finger of the man I love, I will really beat him—
Wait ....
Expensive?
Did I say I love him?
"Urgh! What are you doing Harper! You're going insane! Talking to yourself!" I whispered to myself
I slip off from the gown and went to the bathroom with just my undergarments in me. Looks like I need to take a bath to ease my irritation. I lay on the bathtub and close my eyes for a moment. I didn"t notice how many hours I stayed in the bathroom until I got bored and rinsed. I wore a piece of undergarment before wearing my nightie.
When I'm finally done. I went outside but immediately stopped in my tracks when I see Vane. He was in his pajamas and his hair was messy. I was devastated when our eyes met. His eyes looks tired but they were shinning.
"I'm sorry Harper. I didn't know she's staying here. I can tell others—"
I haven't finished him yet, "It's okay. I'm not that bad," because I'm super bad! "Let her stay."
I sat on the bed then was ready to lie down as he gently pulled my arm. I stilled when my eyes met his burning gaze. I could see the desire in them but he's obviously holding back.
"I knew your jealous," he grinned. "Don't worry baby. You're my only popcorn,"
I pinched his side so he was pinched when he sat down. He chuckles before pulling me into a tight hug.
"Please! Let me stay," he pleaded
"No. Used your room—"
"It's over used popcorn. I want you next to me. It's so boring to be alone," he said sullenly.
I bit my lips to stopped the smile that's threatening to appear in my face. How can he be this adorable? Looks like I can"t refuse him now.
"Suit yourself," was my short answer then I was ready to lie down as he pulled me again
"What ?!" I was annoyed by the question. I've been sleepy before
But my spirit seemed to wake up when he kissed me hard on the lips. I was shocked at first but I kissed him back with equal ferocity. When we ran out of breath there he just stopped kissing me.
There's a wide grin on his face as if he won a game. I rolled my eyes and lay on the bed, back to him. I felt him lying next to me and later his body stuck to his back.
He wrapped his arm around my side and buried his face in my nape.
"Vane!" I warned him
He chuckled, "Sorry popcorn,"
I gasped when he squeeze my breast so I slapped his hand hard. He just laughed softly then hugged me tighter.
"Goodnight popcorn,"


To be continued...