Chapter 20

"I don't like him," Vane said flatly
He still couldn't paint his face when we got to his room. I can't blame him. He doesn"t seem to ride Jackson"s habit.
"Don't mind him. He's just like that. He acts so much like a brother,"
He sniffed and then lay down on the bed. He is facing me.
"Brother? He's more like a jealous boyfriend. That coward even beat me! And the way he tells you those words? I want to strangle him to death!" Thrilling he says
I sighed before grabbing his hand. "He's not like that. He's probably thinking a lot,"
"And now you're defending him?" He pouted. "Who's the boyfriend? Am I?"
I laughed a little at his sniffle. I can't help but kissed his lips. He would have chased after a kiss but I walked away.
"You're my boyfriend and he's my friend. You two were both important to me but I love more Vane," I said sincerely
The smile widened then got up from the bed. I smiled as he hugged me and pressed his face to my neck.
"You're making me blush, popcorn!" A whine like a kid
I laughed out loud when I saw his neck was red up to his cheeks as well as his nose. I kissed his forehead which makes him even more redder.
"Stop !!" A whine
"Okay! Okay! Let's go down. Aren't you hungry, ma'am?" My tender question
"And now you're turning me on ?! Where's the justice ?!"
I pinched his side so he backed away. I widened her eyes. He just laugh at me.
"Let's eat before I eat you!" I said
He blushed again and I laughed out loud, "POPCORN! I'M GETTING HARDER"
***
If Vane had been crazy before. Now he overcame the dead with the extreme darkness of his face.
The surroundings were very quiet and only the cutlery could be heard. I'm just thankful that Queen Samara is home. The plates were almost shattered when they both gripped the spoon and fork.
Even Vivian frowned at the two of them. Somehow they could hardly take their eyes off each other.
"Vane! Jackson! Stop it! Are you going to break that plate?" I hate disobedience
"It's fine even if I broke all my plates here. It's mine. But you? You'll pay when you break that!" Vane smirked
Jackson raised his brow, "Of course. I'll buy you another plate truck."
"No need. I don't want to wash my plates with plates from you. No class,"
Jackson's eyes narrowed and he was about to kick Vane when I looked at him.
"I can't believe he's your boyfriend. Such a child. I wonder if you know how to f-ck,"
My eyes widened at what Jackson said. I would have disobeyed him if Vane had preceded me.
He laughed mockingly, "I'm a virgin but I know how to do it. You? You still need to use women as your toys to learn. That's not how my mother raised me,"
"Y-You're a virgin?" Jackson asked incredulously
Even I felt sorry for the lip. I was taken aback by the knowledge that he had no experience. But nevertheless, I'm amazed. His mother was very kind to him. Knows how to be respectful and does not use women to take advantage just to release body heat.
I'm lucky indeed.
"How come ..." Jackso trailed off
Vane smiled proudly, "I'm unexperienced but I promised I can do best in bed,"
I felt him holding my hand that was under the table. He interwined our fingers and squeeze my palm. I smiled.
If it's another woman, it can turn off like that but I, I just loved her even more.
***
"I'm selfish," Vane said suddenly
The bag I was carrying when I came here was ready. I turned to him.
"Huh?"
"Because I want you to stay here." She closes her eyes. "I can't believe I'll let you leave me with that bastard."
I was shaken. "Don't be silly, Vane. I'm going home for the kingdom. Not for Jackson. You're being dramatic majesty,"
He frowned at me, "Damn. I'll follow you there when I'm done with what I'm doing here. That's a promise,"
I smile, "I'm looking forward, your majesty."
I got up and closed the bag in the back. Vane sighed again before standing. He took my hand and we left the room together.
I'll surely miss everything here even if I only stayed for a short time. Especially Vane. He can't be with me because he also has his own country to govern. I don't want him to forget his duty because of me.
Vane's face went blank as we approached Jackson's car that was waiting outside.
"I'll miss you popcorn," he whispered while hugging me
I hugged him tightly back and squeezed his chest. It's too hard for me to do this. For I will leave my life here in Ihmapuleya.
"We'll see again, your highness," I whispered
He pulled away and kissed me lips one more time before I got inside the car. I looked sadly at him.
We'll see again my prince, we'll see again.
Prince Terrence Vane
Damn it! Why do I feel like this was a bad decision ?!
I want to stop him from leaving but who am I to do that? Yes. I'm her boyfriend but damn, people who need help are more important than me. I understand her in that part.
I'm not sure what he can help with there but I believe he can fix everything. Yeah. I believed in my popcorn. She's strong.
I looked at a man named Jackson. His gaze was sharp on me but I was just blank.
Actually, I don't feel threatened. His face was just flushed. One more thing, the way he ordered my girlfriend. I still won. I don't like that.
Friends don't do that.
He doesn't even looked like a good friend. He looked like a lizard.
"I don't like your gut," he said seriously
I smirked and shove my hands inside pocket not cutting my stare at him. "The feeling is mutual. No worries,"
"I don't care if she's your girlfriend. Stay out of the way. Stay away from her. She doesn't deserve it for you. You're just going to hurt yourself in the end,"
I cocked my head in the side and laughed humorlessly, "As far as I know. You're just a friend of hers. You're the one to stay away." I looked at him blankly
"Because no way I'll let her slip away. Even if it costs my life. She's mine and mine alone. I'll fight for her not just because I love her. Because she loves me,"
I turned my back on him and began to enter inside the palace. I gritted my teeth in annoyance.
That's what you'll stamp on your elbow g-go because when you take away the woman I love,
I will overthrow you.
"Can you please tell me what's really happening?" I asked Jackson
It sits front to side looking seriously at the front. It has been almost an hour since I left the palace. I miss Vane right away but I need to focus myself on the problem Serfim is facing.
"You'll know later—"
"Don't mess up with me by that line Jackson. You know me. When I'm visited I'll bang your head in the mirror," I said in disgust.
He sighed, "As much as I want to tell you what's happening. I can't. Your father should tell you."
I looked out the window. I'm pissed off. My question is so simple why can't he answer?
"Is it so bad that you don't want to tell me? Or did you have something to do with it so you don't want to because you're guilty?" I have a serious question
Silence enveloped the inside of the car for a few minutes. It just confirmed that something's happening and the reason maybe either of those two reasons. It can also be nothing and it can be the same.
If either of the two. I know it"s complicated. And I was ready.
I looked at m my phone when it vibrates. I checked it and my heart jumped in joy when I saw Vane's name.
I'm missing you :(
Vane
I smiled sadly and typed a reply to him.
We'll see again your majesty. You promise right? I love you.
I gripped my cellphone tightly and looked out the window. This is only temporary. I will also return to you, my prince.
I will be back.
***
I slowly got out of Jackson's car. A deafening silence immediately greeted me. It's something eerie.
I suddenly felt nervous. There seems to be something going on that I don"t want.
"Where's my twin?" I asked Jackson
I want to ask him why everyone's silent but kept my mouth shut.
"Inside her room. While your father was inside their room taken care by your mother." He replied
We entered the palace where I grew up together. I immediately noticed that I had almost no maid to see. Where is Ava?
"Everyone's been restless these past few days so I told them to rest. It's better to rest that too. We have a long trip," he said seriously.
Something was off! My brain screamed at me but I can't figure it out. Or maybe I"m just thinking too much?
We stopped across from my room. He looked at me but I think he was all around.
"Is my father asleep? I want to talk to him," I asked
"He is Harper," He said without cutting his gaze at me
I just nodded to him then entered the room. I took off the thick clothes that gave me heat earlier outside and then sat on the bed.
Something's weird and I need to find out what it was.
***
I wrapped the clothes around my body and then went out of the bathroom to put on my clothes when I was startled by what I saw.
"What are you doing here in my room !?" I screamed in agony
I want to slap him hard in the face as he passes his gaze all over me. How dare he enter my room without my permission.
"You'll get used to it," he said carelessly then stood up. "Get dressed. Your father is calling you inside,"
I almost threw the vase on my side at him in great annoyance. Not because he's my friend, he's allowed to just barged inside my room!
It's like I want to strangle Jackson. I knew him and I accept it but he's getting into my nerves.
I looked up at the door with a knock. Slowly you opened and a head peeked out.
"Ava!" I call authoritative
He immediately went inside and closed the door. I frowned sharply as if he was tense.
"What's happening in you?" I asked
She fidgeted her fingers before walking slowly. I frowned.
"Ava!" I call his name a little too loud
"Harper ... Looks like something bad is going to happen."
"What do you mean !? What's going on?" I'm confused question
All I know is, based on what Caroline said, there are massacres going on and the citizens are worried. But in what he's doing now, it's like I don't know anything else.
"I don't know Harper either. I just woke up one day that someone else was in charge of Serfi–"
I even wanted to ask him a question when suddenly there was a loud knock on the door. Ava immediately hid in the back.
"I said get dressed, Harper!" Jackson's voice outside
"H-there he is!" Ava whispered scared
I frowned and think deeply of why the hell Ava was scared of Jack. She was sure get intimidated by him but not this scared ...
Incapable...
"I'm going to dress Jackson. Step pestering me you jerk!" I shout
When I could no longer hear from outside. I quickly put on the dress while Ava combed my hair even though her hands were shaking.
When he finished what he was doing. I took his hand and looked him in the eye.
"If anything happens. I'll make it a way. Don't be afraid," I assured
He nodded and then smiled sparingly. I turn around and walk out of my room, finding Jack outside.
I don't have to do anything wrong because there really is. I just don"t know what Jack has to do with this. He's acting like a freaking boyfriend.
I didn't bother greeting him and continue walking towards my father's room. I was still fascinated by his audacity.
The men guarding my father bows upon seeing me. I just nodded to them then went inside.
It almost broke my heart to see my father lying on his bed and pale. At her side was my mother crying.
"Dad!" My voice cracked
It slowly opened its eyes. It's like it's unbelievable that he sees me now in front of him. That panic gradually disappeared and was replaced by anger.
"Harper," My mother murmured
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE !? DIDN'T I TELL YOU NOT TO COME BACK HERE! YOUR HEAD IS REALLY STUBBORN—"
"Dimitrio!" Mom cried out
I recoiled when I saw that Dad was holding on to the part where his heart was.
B-why? Did I think ... Did I think he was sending me home? H-I don't understand.
Tears were threatening to spill out but I hold my ground. During these times, I should not show any weakness.
"Why ... Why are you so stubborn? I'm just protecting you..son ... Harper," he said with difficulty
"Dad I don't ... I don't understand!" I whispered
"Don't blame her Dimitrio. I brought her here so she can know the truth," Jackson interjected
Anger returned to Dad's eyes when he saw Jackson. Though weak he was able to sting it.
"You beast! I should've known! I should've not trusted you!" Dad
"Too late. Now spill it before I get irritated–"
I cut him off and block his view on my father. My eyes glazed over as I stared at him.
"What are you doing Jackson? Tell me!" I ask emphatically
Jackson stare down at me for a moment before a creepy smile appeared on his lips.
"You're going to be mine, Harper. After a very very long wait,"
"DON'T F-CK WITH ME YOU BASTARD. TELL ME THE TRUTH!" I shouted
"You want the truth? Well. The truth was your engaged with me, Harper. You're engaged with me!"
Upon hearing that, I almost fall where I stand.

• Princess Emily Harper •
"N-no! I won't marry you! I won't let you!" I shout
"Yes you wil– Fck!" He shouted sharply
I just kicked him in the knee. He almost got on his knees because of the force of my kick. Plus I'm in heels.
"You don't tell me what to do Jackson. You're my friend. You know how angry I am," I said in a very low yet dangerous voice.
"I knew you very well, Harper and I know this day will come. I have no choice,"
Although it was difficult to stand, he forced himself. He called someone from outside and a few more seconds. The door opened and Caroline and our brother Gabriel were lit.
I was shocked when he took something from his back and pointed it at Gabriel's head.
"N-no! Gabriel!" Caroline cried while crying
"My child!" Mom screamed
Tears welled up in my eyes when I saw Gabriel just smiling as if to say that everything would be okay.
"I want your answer Harper. If you say yes, I'll let them go but if you choose the other way around. He'll die,"
Gabriel ...
H-you beast Jackson!
You're an animal!
• Prince Terrence Vane •
What's happening there, popcorn?
I tap the sent button and place my phone in my table. It's been a week since I last saw her and 2 days since she last texted me.
I have a feeling something isn"t going well but I"m trying to ignore it. I trusted Harper. I know she'll tell me something went wrong.
I hope one day. He will make me feel and explain.
I looked up and looked at Simon holding an invitation.
"What's that?" I asked
He laid it in front of me which I immediately read. My hands sweat and my mind seem to stop working when I read what's printed on it.
Princess Emily Harper Lucas & Prince Jackson Tommaso Grand Royal Engagement Party
"This .. This can't be true,"
***
• Princess Emily Harper •
I felt so helpless. Low.
I wanted to do something to escape this nightmare but that means risking my familys' life.
The outsiders were unaware of what was happening inside the palace because the king's mouth remained shut. No one has asked yet because the massacres have stopped.
That Jackson did it.
He betrayed me. He made me believe we were friends. He considers me a brother but he just finds out our weakness.
For me to be with him with our kingdom and wealth.
Ansama nya. I regret the day I met, trusted and considered him a brother!
"If I am only selfish," I murmured
For now, Vane is my only hope. I know he'll help me. I already thought of a plan to stab Jackson. The only problem was who can help me to do it. Almost every soldier is afraid of him.
Who wouldn't? He'd just shut the King of Serfim itself.
I knew Vane would come later. So I should see him and talk to what Jackson doesn"t know. I can do it alone. I just need time and chance.
I looked up as Ava entered. She turned to me and laid a gown on my bed.
"That coward is making you wear it," he said frowning
Everyone is mad at Jackson. I know they are only forced to follow that man because he is in charge. Gabriel was too young to be king, Dad was sick while we girls were holding him by the neck.
Especially me.
I can only keep important people away from me. I'll make sure to rip his head off! I can't help but be angry with him and what he did.
Ava prepared my bath and I went to bath myself afterwards. I just finished quickly then put on the gown Jackson had chosen. I want to throw it away or slap it in his face but I need to control myself.
I sighed as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Later. Later.
I trust Vane. I trust my love.
He'll save me
***
I was restless as I looked around. Gradually people were coming but as I expected, still nothing.
He can't not come. He's my only hope. I don't know anymore how to escape this bastard if he didn't come.
I closed my eyes and prayed for a moment that he would feel something was wrong.
"Prince Vane isn't around yet," Ava whispered to me in a low voice
I opened my eyes. I clenched my fist to fight the growing anxiety in me. I don't want to lose hope.
"Your Majesty! Your hypocritical prince is coming!" Ava whispered
My mood immediately went down when I saw him. The aura on his face was bad. It looks like something went wrong with his wishes.
Ava sighed as I violently pulled Jackson's arm. I gritted my teeth and restrain myself from punching him.
If only he hadn't held Dad. I will break his face even if many people can see.
"Don't do anything stupid if you don't want to hurt your brother and parents," he threatened
I just smirked, irritating him. He would still speak when he saw someone behind me. He stood up straight. I frowned.
Because of curiousity, I looked at what he was looking at. There I saw the man I'm hoping to come walk towards as. But something surprised me and at the same time hurt me.
Vane in his black tuxedo with Vivian in his arms. I stiffened in my stance and seemed foolish just staring at them.
W-what's the meaning o-of this? Why are they together ?!
It was as if my heart was torn and torn to pieces when he looked at me without emotion.
"Congratulations Princess Harper and Prince Jackson," he said in a formal voice that turns my heart into pieces
The only person I hope will save me ...
Was looking at me as if we're strangers.
To be continued...