Chapter 22

He grabbed my both hand holding his collar. He looked at me sharply but I did not panic.
This game is over!
I won't let him win or worst marry me. I will make sure I can get Gabriel back and save Caroline along with our parents.
Because I have a plan
"Remember your position Harper. Did your already forget about your parents and siblings? I have their lives in my hand!" He smirked in victory
I stared at him for a moment. I smirked and laughed sarcastically which surprised him.
"I thought your my bestfriend? Looks like you don't really know me Jackson yet. I'm not the type of person who just loses. Bear this in mind you moron! You would never have! NO ONE!" I shouted in his face
"And if you ever failed to search for my sister. I'll kill you," I warned before leaving the balcony
***
"Missing Princess Caroline?" Ava asked incredulously
I nodded, "Yeah. I don't know how. If he broke up or someone helped him get stuck. The important thing is he's safe. I feel that,"
I left the earrings and some other jewelry and threw them on the vanity table. I went to my walk-in closet and looked for something to wear.
"Thank you. And at least you'll remember a little, Your Majesty. Gabriel ... Have you found him yet?" Ava
I roamed my eyes in the different dresses hanging in my closet until my eyes spot the black silk fitted floor-length dress. I smirked.
Perfect
"I have no news yet from General Valenio's search for Gabriel but I know he won't let me down. He'll always find ways to succeed,"
I stripped off my clothes and wore the dress. I stared at myself in the mirror. I didn't know I had this dress. It fitted perfectly in my body like a second skin showing curves. The dress looks mysterious but elegant in me.
"All he have to do is find my little brother and I'll do the rest,"
I put my fiery red hair into a high ponytail then I examined myself in front of the mirror.
"Do you trust me Ava?" I asked surprising her
Our eyes hit the mirror. She nodded slowly as a wide smile appeared in her lips.
"I have confidence in your majesty,"
I smile faintly at her before proceeding to my bed. I sat there then sighed.
"I'm hungry. Tell them to prepare my food," I ordered
She nodded her head before she exit my room. I looked at the balcony opposite the bed. From here, I can see the moon shinning.
I could feel the loneliness stinging in some part of my heart but I chose to ignore it. I'm used to being alone. That only changed when I met Vane. Unfortunately, he left me.
"Such a shame. We could be more than lovers," I murmured
I got up from my seat then walked to the balcony. I hold in the railing as I look into the moon who looks gloomy but revengeful at the same time.
Just like me ...
I could feel myself changing but I'm liking it. This is me right? This is me when I learned. It becomes someone else.
I turned around and closed the door behind me as I strode off the my room. I went straight down but stopped in the middle of the stairs when I saw Jackson's tired look.
An evil smirked appeared in my lips, "Did you find my twin?" I asked walking towards him
He turned to me and was stunned for a moment. His eyes roamed my appearance.
"Eyes up here you bastard. Just in case you still couldn't find my sister. Don't let his good grandfather know that his favorite grandson is missing ..." I took a step forward then looked seriously into his eyes. "Or else you'll die. You know them right? They won't hesitate to start a war against who harm their blood,"
I turned around and walked away as he stretched my arm. He pulled me harshly and I can feel my skin sting but I remained blank.
"Did you have anything to do with Aurora's disappearance ?!" He asked emphatically
I chuckles darkly while shaking my head, "Why would I do that? If I ever wanted to overthrow you. I'm not the twin I'm going to use for that. Let me go!"
I pulled my arm back and stride off there. This is good. When Grandpa finds out Caroline is missing. It will surely disappear. He'll hunt anyone who kidnapped his favorite granddaughter. But someone must inform him about this.
I'll send someone to do it for me but first, I need to secure the throne. Though he was my first ace, I knew how dangerous he could be when it comes to my kingdom.
I don't want to have another problem.
***
"Kupal majesty has left!" Ava informed me
From where I was hiding. I went out and looked outside. He's indeed gone. Good. I can make my plan without him. There was a problem in his place again so he had to leave.
I don't know but everyone seems to agree with me. From Caroline to her problem in her own palace.
I went to the room where my father was even though there were guards there. I already figured out how to solve this without that bastard knowing.
"Princess Harper, you can't follow Prince Jackso's orders–"
I raised my hand to stop him from talking, "Who is the king's son? Is it him or me? Answer me," I asked authoritatively.
They looked at each other. He seemed confused and amazed at what I was up to. They need to know whom they should follow and trust. And that was me, not Jackson. Because I am their princess.
"P-But majesty ..." They trailed off
"I understand your afraid but you need to trust me. I am your Princess and you should trust me because I will not disappoint you. Now forgive me because I need to talk to the king." I strongly command
The two looked at each other but they also left the door. I twist the knob and open the door but before I go inside. I turned to them.
"No one must know I came here and that's an order. Understood ?!" I said seriously
They stood up straight, "Yes, your majesty."
I smirked before going inside. Ava closed the door behind. I looked at my father sitting and dumbfounded. I sighed.
"Daddy," I whispered
He slowly looked up at me. Napamaang sya. Obviously he didn"t expect me here. Even fainting he forced himself to sit up straight.
"What ... are you doing here Harper? Jackson might see you." He cried weakly
I walked closer to him and stopped. "I don't care about him. I'm here to talk about something ... very important,"
"What is it?" He wondered the question
I sat on the end of Dad's bed and looked at him seriously.
"Caroline's missing. When Mom's Dad finds out that ... her favorite grandchild is missing. He'll definitely find Caroline and pay for the one who abducted my twin." I explain
His forehead furrowed, "Where's your twin? And what do you want to happen?"
I straight my back, "I just want to tell you father what I'm planning so you won't hesitate to give me what I need,"
"Spill it,"
"I told General Valenio to find Gabriel immediately and knowing him. I know he will find him. For Caroline, I don't know if he ran away or someone helped him but I'm sure she's fine. Jackson ... He's having a trouble in his own palace. That's my chance to kick him out. "
"How would you eliminate him when he's here and already announced that you two were getting married?"
"I have plans for that but for now, I needed your trust father. I need you to trust me,"
He was silent for a moment while staring at her. "What do you want me to do?"
I took a deep breath then said what I needed. I saw him stop.
"I want you to pass me the throne father. That's all I need,"
"What? You want me to pass the throne you?"
"If you think I will use the power for my own benefit. You're wrong. I want the throne just to protect it from the hands of Mamà's father. We both know how much he wanted to conquer the Serfim land. So there must be of the heir before he knew that the grandchild was missing.Not only that.The marriage may not continue because it is against the law of any ruler to have intercourse with a female ruler unless that woman decides to turn the throne down or pass it. That's why I need it, "I explained seriously
I stood in front of him. My face remained blank and serious at the same time while looking at him. Honestly, I hate the idea of ​​being a Queen but this is the only way to stop Jackson. Dad looked down and sighed.
"You're right. The palace needs a new heir and Gabriel was too young for that. I'm weaked. I couldn't protect the country anymore. If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be in this situation–"
"Pa ... Stop blaming yourself. It's not your fault why everything is like this. You'd trusted Jackson just like me. It wasn't our fault that he chose to betray us. All we need is unity to get out of hand he's on the necks of us all. Especially on me. "
"If that's the case ... I'll pass you the throne. But when are you planning to do that?"
"I'll send someone to tell the media about it and the cancellation of our wedding. That way, everyone will know that I'm next to the throne."
He nodded then leaned on the headboard. A faint smile appeared in his lips.
"Then make it in your own way. I trust you Harper," he said softly
I smiled, "It's not Harper father. It's Emily. It's my new name."
He quickly looked up and stared at me in disbelief.
"I'm going now. I still have a lot to do. I'll send mother here in your room."
I turned around and was about to come out when he spoke again. I freeze in my spot hearing his question.
"What happened to you and Prince Vane?"
I felt my heart ran cold hearing that name. I didn"t notice that my grip on the doorknob was tight.
I gritted my teeth, "We're over."
***
I examined myself in the mirror. Checking to see if I look okay. Today is the day for me to be interviewed. These people will be responsible of spreading the news of passing the throne to me. It occurred to me that there was no need for a big ceremony for that, right now. The important thing is for everyone to know that I am the new leader of Serfim.
"They're downstairs ma'am," Ava announced as I was also arranged
I nodded at him then glanced at myself one last time before I left the room following him. I went straight to the living room where I saw the media interviewing me. It's not like the normal interview. They are not allowed to record anything. Neither video or audio were allowed in my palace. As much as possible I want Serfim to be closed to prevent us from getting foreign attention.
They will only explain a few things to me in the newspaper or magazine they will publish in other countries. That needs to be polished and flawless.
"Good morning your highness." They bowed
I nodded at them before situating myself in the big single sofa. I face them. They have already started asking questions. It"s been short but know every answer I give them. As well as things they shouldn"t do.
"I hate mistakes. When I see a mistake or something you put in what I forbid. I'll sue you all," I said coldly.
They looked at each other and swallowed. They nodded at the same time and then stood up to say goodbye. I gestured one of my soldiers to escort them out. When they disappeared from my sight. I got up and started walking towards Dad"s room but I was stopped by someone shouting at from behind. My face remain blank and cold as I turned around. I saw Jackson's furious face.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING LADY ?! ARE YOU REALLY TRYING ME HARPER !?" he shouted
I just watched him while shouting. When he saw that I had no reaction. He stopped. He looked at me more deeply but I remained standing in my spot looking at him.
"Do you really think you can overpowered me in my own land, Jackson? I am now the new leader of Serfim and there's nothing you can do about. Unfortunately, your wedding was canceled by me." I crossed my arm and smirk
His jaw tightened with anger. He was about to hold my arm when one of my soldiers pointed a gun at him. He stopped.
"Hurt our Queen in our own land and we'll not think twice in killing you here," my soldier threatened.
"You can't hurt any of us now. Can't you see Jackson? You lost," I said sarcastically
He stood up straight and a grin formed on his lips. How badly I wanted to wipe that smirk.
"Did you already forget? I have your brother. I know how much you loved him. Did you really want me to hurt him just to discipline you?"
I clenched my fist. I wanted to punch him in anger but I restrained myself. General Valenio was already on his way to save my brother. I shouldn"t pretend to be afraid of him. My brother shouldn't be my weakness. When he proves that. I'm sure he will use my brother to make me obey.
"Then hurt him. As if I care," I said nonchalant
He crossed his arms and flashed me a wicked grin, "Do you really mean it, wife? So it's okay if I call my men and tell them to cut off his arm?"
Damn it! I will not let him hurt my brother. I need to find a way! I breath hitch when he took off his phone. He knew I was affected by the clenching of my fist.
"I'm giving you one last chance, Harper. Be a good girl and marry me. It's not hard to do that, right?"
Valenio? Where are you?
I sighed and then dropped my arms. I had no choice. I will not put Gabriel in danger. If anyone should suffer here. It's just me. I was about to speak when someone interrupted us.
"Ate ...,"
I was stunned to my feet when I saw Gabriel walking towards me. General Valenio was by his side holding a gun and pointing at Jackson. Even Jackson couldn"t believe it.
"G-Gabriel," I murmured
He smiled broadly then ran closer to me. I knelt down to match him and hugged him tightly. I did not realize that I was shedding tears of joy and relief that she was safe.
"N-No! How did you ..." Jackson
Oh ... I forgot
I wiped the tears from my cheeks then stood up. Now it's time to punish the person who attempted to take the lives of my parents and siblings.
"General Valenio," I called
"Yes, your highness?" He asked promptly
"Jailed him and tell his father what did he do. I have better plans for this bastard,"
Sorry Jackson
But you can't take Emily Harper Lucas ...
Down.

"You have a grand royal wedding to attend, Your Majesty." Ava announced while looking at the paper she was holding
I nodded as I drank the wine and looked outside. It's been a few days since I evicted Jackson from the palace. The animals he made for us are scattered all over the world. Knowing Jackson's father. He didn't want his family to be stained with dirt so he apologized to me.
He even told me that he'll do everything so just I could forgive them. Of course, I grab the opportunity. I told him to lock Jackson up and not let him get close to us so that nothing would happen. He instantly obeyed.
Besides, everyone also knows that I am the new leader of Serfim. That means the wedding is canceled. My family is fine but I still can't find Caroline. I"m starting to worry about him but I just don"t make it obvious. I know he is safe.
"Just call me when I'm ready. I'm just leaving," I ordered
He nodded and left. I finished the wine in the glass then took my coat and glasses. I left the room and made my way out of the palace. Everyone bowed as I made my way out.
I went downstairs and found Papa sitting in the couch with a wine in his hand. He was an idiot and obviously deep in thought. I decided to call him.
"Daddy!" Untag ko
He glanched at me and nodded slowly, "What is it?" He had no living question
"Drinking wine is not good for you. Why are you still drinking?" My sermon
He looked at the glass he was holding and smiled bitterly, "Because what's bad feels good. I couldn't stop myself,"
I was stunned by what he said and stared at my father's face. His eyes held sadness and regrets. I knew that he's blaming himself for what happened but I told him several times about it that it wasn't his fault. It's not his fault if Jackson decided to betray him.
"What's bad is bad. Turn the world upside down, Papa." I seriously promise
He nodded, "Yeah just like how reality slaps. I looked like you yet our behavior smashed. You always know the right and I'm always there to contradicts you. What kind of father I am?"
I bowed. I don't know what to say to him because I knew deep inside. He never become good but even though he always contradicts me. He's still my father. I think he did it just for my good. The only thing he did wrong was that he was the wrong way. But it's okay now. Everyone makes mistakes but only a few understand.
"It's already done. Nothing can be changed from what happened then. The best thing you could do right now was be strong and be my father. Murmuring won't help now." I averted my eyes. "I'll be the first,"
I never heard him speak again until I got out.
I should be happy because Dad has already realized what is wrong with the two of us but why is that?
There is a lack of padin
•••
Ava zipped the back of my dress then stepped back to see how I looked. She was applauded with delight. It used to be when he was like this. I laughed at him but now ... I can't even smile.
I couldn't understand where this heaviness in my chest is coming from. I just stared into my emotionless eyes. I don't think I can go out like this.
"Are you all right, Your Majesty?" Ava asked worriedly
Am I okay? I don't think so. It's awkward to be sad. What's happening with me? I slowly shook then sat on the end of my bed. I can feel her worrying eyes at me.
"Do you want me to just cancel the royal wedding you're going to attend?" He asked
I nodded. "It's still good. I feel bad," I explained
"Do you want something to eat? Or medicine? I'll get them majesty." Ava
"Just bring me a coffee." I have a weak answer
He looked at me confused but also followed. I know he's confused by what I'm doing. Who doesn't feel bad about brewing coffee, right?
I don't know. I just want to drink hot. I feel like that's the only thing that can help me now to get rid of my feelings.
He obeyed his orders. When they disappear. I got up and went to the office here at home where I was doing the papers about Serfim. I'm coming back to build new and efficient transportation here in the country.
"Majesty!"
Ava and I were stopped in our tracks by a call from behind me. The soldier in front of me now bowed and looked at me seriously.
"What's that?" I will ask
"There ... You have a visitor," he replied
I frowned, "Guest? I'm not expecting anyone. Who is it?" I will ask
"Prince Terrence Vane, Your Majesty." He bowed.
My teeth chattered when I heard the name I hated. What right does he have to step on the land of Serfim after his betrayal of me ?!
I close my eyes tightly to calm myself. It"s not right for me to send in my anger.
I turned my back on him.
"Tell him to leave. I don't want to see him," I commanded
"But he's ... he's already inside the palace, Your Majesty."
I stopped and violently looked at him. I glared murderously at him.
"Who told you to let him into my palace !?" I shouted in shock
Even I was shocked but I was very angry and hurt because of what that man did. They didn't know what that bastard did to me!
"P-sorry ma'am. N-we just did n-we did that da–"
"STOPPED! I want you to send him away right now if you don't want to be responsible for me!" Angil ko
I gritted my teeth as I looked at him. I just calmed down when I felt someone hold my arm. I looked at Mom with a soft expression.
"Harper ... It's not their fault, son. They just let Prince Vane in because he's with your twin and he wants to talk to you," Mama
I was stunned by what he said and wondered. "He's with Caroline..but how?" I can't believe my question
"So you should talk to him. I didn't know what happened to both of you but please Harper. Set aside your issue with him. You shouldn't sympathize with the soldier for your anger at him," Mama
I looked away and took a deep breath, "I'm sorry." I'm sorry
The soldier nodded then said goodbye to us. I have prepared myself for our reunion. I'll make sure he doesn't get anything from me.
I won't let him fool me again ... this time
Only the sound of my heels could be heard throughout the hallway until I got down. From where I stand I can see the man who cried in my heart just a few weeks ago. He was with my twin who stood up when I saw him.
"Caroline," I called to her
Vane also looked away when I spoke. They both took a long time to see the necklace around my neck. Caroline recovered first and approached me. She hugged me tightly which I return back.
"Is this true ... y-you .." He looked at the necklace around my neck
I gave her small smile, "I'm the new Queen. Anyway, welcome home, Caroline."
She stared into my eyes and I knew she could read the sadness and anger in my eyes that I harbored. I don't want to burst out in front of that assh-le. I won't never give him the satisfaction to see me hurting because of him. Maybe what happened to Jackson and me will just happen again. He took advantage of my weakness.
"Harper ... Can we talk? Please?"
I clenched my fist and stare at the man behind her emotionlessly. I kept my face up and raised an eyebrow at him.
"No and would never. I want to thank you formally for taking back my twin. You can name whatever you want, and I'll give it to you Prince Terrence Vane," I formally said.
There were sadness in his eyes and he didn't even bother to hide it. I snorted mentally. What did he think? Will he take me to that emotion?
"I just want to talk to you–"
I cut him off, "I'm sorry but I can't give you your request. I had so much work to do. Talking is just a waste of time," I said indifferently.
I looked at Ava who was surprised because I suddenly turned to her. Even Mom was stunned by what I was up to.
"Ava ... Assist Prince Terrence Vane. I'll go now," I ordered
I turned around and started walking away as he spoke again. He called my name deafening me.
Just like how he used to ignore my feelings when he's hurting with his words and cold stares.
To be continued...