Chapter 24

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING? HELP ME!" I shouted at the soldiers looking at me
But they weren't doing anything. They just stand there like a freaking statues while their Queen was being dragged by a man. What's happening? Why do they seem to have no intention of interfering ?!
"Vaneeee!" I slapped his back
I gasped as he pinched the cheek of my ass. Early in the morning my cheeks got hot.
"Stay still. When I fall you might bite the ground. My popcorn might hurt," he chuckles.
"And that would be your fault for dragging me out of my castle. You direspecting peasant!" I spat
"Talk like my grandfather," he duh
I stopped slapping him when I saw Ryder lurking outside. I was alive. He'll definitely save me.
"Ryder! Arrest this bastard for dragging me out of my — what are you doing?" I wonder question
He opened the car's door. Vane's car to be exact and that's how nervous I was when he smiled at me.
"I'm sorry Queen Emily. It's per your father's command. Have a safe trip,"
I was completely stunned. I didn't even notice Vane placing me in the backseat. Until we left. There's only one question playing in my mind.
What's happening?
•••
I crossed my arms and averted my gaze on him. Earlier he invited me to get out of the car when we arrived in Ihmapuleya but I remained stubborn. I continued acting like I didn't hear him. He sighed.
"Common, popcorn. I won't do anything that will harm you," he promised
"Just like how you used to promise how that you won't hurt me before," I whispered bitterly
I know he heard that because he was quiet. A defeaning silence inveloped us until Vane breaks it.
"But I do came back for you right?" He asked weakly
I didn't answer. He knew the answer. Yes, he did but somehow it isn't enough. The pain and disappointment I felt when he didn't save right from I needed him, hurts alot. I couldn't forget that night when he stare at with those empty cold gaze and that news that they're finally in relationship. It breaks two times.
I would understand it if he just misunderstood but I hate the fact that he actually get in relationship with that Vivian just because he was hurt. Nothing could justify his lack of trust.
"And I want to make it up to you. I'm going to say sorry for what I did to you even if it takes forever. I just want you back," he said weakly.
Make it up? When can I stand on my own two feet? When is it over?
I don't know what urge me but I burst out. I turned to him harshly. Glaring eyes I looked at him.
"No need, Vane. We're done! And if your kidnapping will be the way for you to prove we're done. Then I'll give it to you. Taste your own medicine!" I shouted at the same time
I ignored his call. I will go straight into the palace. Since I knew where my room here was located. I didn't have to ask any more questions.
All I want now was a bed and pillow to cry on this pain,
Again
•••
I was awakened by sever few knocks in my door. I stirr in myself and forced myself to get up. Who is knocking? Maybe Vane.
I slammed the door and because I thought Vane would open it for me. I frowned as you opened it. But I was surprised to see Lady Son holding a tray full of food.
The lady smiled broadly, "It looks like a bad day, Your Majesty,"
I blink several times before clearing my throat, "I-I thought ... it was Vane. I'm sorry,"
I told him directly so that he would know that their prince was not okay with us. It looks like he just doesn't have it or maybe he already knows. Probably, because we had a fight earlier right in front of the palace.
I stepped backwards giving her way inside my temporary room. She put the tray in the coffee table inside this massive room. There is also a mini living room that contains two sofas and a coffee table in the middle. In front of it is a TV. I think this is what they called entertainment room?
"Thank you," I sparingly smiled at him
Fortunately, he brought food. I'm already hungry. I don't even have to go down to ask for food. I have less chance of seeing that man.
"Your Majesty delivered those dishes, Queen Emily." Lady Son blurted out with a kind smile in her face
I stopped sucking and looked up at him. But he remembered me. Thank goodness he didn't deliver it. I might lose my appetite.
"She cooked all that. It's amazing." She chuckled
I can see the visible happiness and amusement in her eyes. I looked down. Cooked ... is that it? He knew how to cook?
"That young man really inherited from his father. He lost his body but his heart is soft when it comes to the women they love. Of the three, only Prince Vane inherited from his father. Prince Lu, inherited from his brave mother but also kind, "
I kept quit the entire time I was eating. I just listened intently to his stories. I want to ask her why is she telling me these stories about Vane. I know he knows we're not okay. Is she trying to fix us back by telling me stories about Vane?
"I know you are angry with our prince, Your Majesty." Suddenly he said that stopped me
I looked up and our eyes locked. Her once bright eyes turns sad but still, there's a smile in her face. Old age can be seen on her face but the beauty she had when she was a young woman is still obvious.
I didn't speak. I let her continue.
"But I ask you to remember that that young man loves you very much and I'm sure he will do everything ... for the sake of your happiness,"
"Why are you telling me these?" I can"t help but question
He smiled sparingly.
"I just don't want you two to regret it one day, Your Majesty."

• Terrence Vane's POV •
"Looks like you're in big trouble, ma'am?"
I stopped midair when I heard someone behind. None of my own lowered the glass of wine and sighed.
"Lady Son,"
I know it's a shame to be seen by my servants drinking alone in his personal bar room, looking like a messed but I don't care anymore. I promised myself I would get back to Harper but damn. I don't know where to start. And his anger made me even more angry because of my stupidity then.
I didn't know. I swear and I'm blaming myself for being jealous and hurt. I hope I knew first. Damn. I'm so fucked up. I'd swore that I would never hurt her. What happened? I broke it! If Mom would know about this, she'll be disappointed.
Lady Son walked and occupied the si next to me. There's a motherly smile plastered on her face and somehow I wanted to tell her what I'm feeling right now.
"I'm fucked up. I'd fucked up," I murmured
I washed my palms on my face and was violently blown away by the wind. I couldn't forget how her tears glistened while I'm saying the truth, that I did left her where she needed me the most. Yeah, she didn't cried but I know she's dying inside.
I close my eyes tightly when I feel her gentle caress on my back like what Mom used to do before when I felt down.
"Everyone makes mistakes, ma'am. Just like everyone else. You're not perfect and you make mistakes sometimes. But ma'am, if you keep thinking the wrong things. You won't end up thinking you are right. You always go back to the beginning." She took a deep breath before giving me a smile
An empty smile, a sad one. I averted my eyes off her and my mind flew back to Harper. She's so close to me but her heart was so far from me somewhere very far from me.
"Honestly ..." I trailed off but continue anyway. "I want to make it up to her but I don't know how and when to start. I promised to make it up to her but damn. It looks like my promise was going nowhere ... again." He admits
He felt so hopeless right now. He is determined to get back at the woman he loves but how?
How is it that trust is formed and the heart itself is destroyed?
"Why don't you start with music?"
He looked up at the lady with a small smile on his face. Music? It seems like a good idea!
It was as if he was revived by something he could think of to do first to recover but it was like a bubble that his hope disappeared when he remembered something.
"I-I don't know how to ... sing." He cried softly
Lady Son laughed at him once patting his shoulder.
"You have to try hard Prince Terrence,"
•••
Emily Harper
I'd never felt this boring in my entire life. I did nothing but lock myself in my room for the reason that I didn"t want to see Vane. Even though I love to leave and roam. My brain keeps me from saying I might even see him.
It's the beginning of the day we talked in his car. I never faced him again. I don't want to see him, afraid that I might break down again.
I sighed in boredom before closing my eyes. But before I could sleep. A voice woke me up.
"What's that?" I asked myself crookedly
I quickly got up from the bed I was lying on and headed to the veranda where the voice that seemed to be singing came from. As I got closer to it, my heartbeat got faster and faster.
I took a deep breath before looking down and my jaw dropped when I saw what's happening down below. I gasped as I watched Vane sing and hold a guitar.
I don't know what I would feel. I don't know if he will laugh or be thrilled by what he does. He was sure know how to play guitar but his voice .... his voice won't cooperate with him and I could see the struggle in him.
I bit my lip so hard to suppress the laughter that wanted to escape my mouth as I watched him and the soldiers dancing on the side. Looking unsure of what the hell are they doing.
It was so bad of me to laugh at his struggle to sing just to please me but damn I can't help it. I cleared my throat when I couldn't help it anymore. He looked up with the soldiers who were touched by his antics.
"What are you doing?" I pretended to be annoyed by the question to suppress the laughter that wanted to get rid of me
He smiled sheepishly. His cheeks looks flushed while he started laughing akwardly. He was very scratchy on the head as well as the soldiers who were obviously embarrassed by the dancing they did earlier.
"I-I just want t-to sing you. Is it o-okay? I mean my performance?" He asked hopefully
Yeah. It's really entertaining
I wanted to say those words but I was angry with him because he kidnapped me. If kidnapping can really be called that.
"And why did you do that?" I asked raising my brows at him
He smiled like a teenager who's courting the girl he likes.
"Ahmm .. Because I want to make it up to you. Sooo?"
A small smile appeared in my lips before nodding. The smile on his lips widened even more then he jumped.
"Yes! I did it! It's successful!" Masayang cried her out of laughter
I was just shaken and then went into my room but before I could close the door. I heard him shout.
"I LOVE YOU POPCORN !!"

Prince Vane's POV
He sat down on the sofa and looked at his older brother who was also staring at him intently. He was so happy last night that his plan went successful. Lady Son was right. Women likes music. Next time the lady will ask for help.
For now, he has to finish everything that needs to be done in the palace and Ihmapuleya before he can think of another gimmick to make the girl happy. Because like what his mother told him. His people and responsibilities first before everything because he became a prince and he will be king because of the people who trust him. So this should be his priority before everything else.
"What's us today?" He casually asked his older brother
The one and only serious, smart and mighty Dwight Luhence Emmerson III. The current king of Philippi. His Kuya Lu seldom visits him so when he sees it in Ihmapuleya. That only means one thing.
Something's up and it was very important.
Prince Lu's blank blue eyes bored at him. It was serious and intimidating but he was used to it. That's exactly how the brother started to train before becoming the leader of Filifia. It was one of his ace to distract and make those terrorists or corrupt officials scared. His brother was so smart and unpredictable which makes him more dangerous but not in the eyes of his family.
"There was a small island, which was part of Ihmapuleya and Filifia that was bought by a very well-known and influential business man where his family live." It started with a frown on his forehead
He was able to sit up as Prince Lu put the pictures that had been printed. Her lips parted when she saw them. There was a group of both women and men who was training with different guns and swords in the first picture. To those who followed were their leaders and fortresses.
"And there's also a terrorist who's against Salvannia Ministry. They wanted the throne. At first, the King of Salvannia wasn't bothered by it not until they grow in number and they're inside our kingdoms. Nagmamanman."
"How the hell we didn't know about this?" He couldn't believe his question
Prince Lu sighed. Anger is obvious in its eyes.
"They scared the people who unfortunately found their base by accident." Prince Lu
He was silent for a moment to think about the things he should do when he suddenly thought.
"Anyway, before we make a step. What's our other main purpose here aside from it was our kingdom's boundary?" He asked here
Prince Lu doesn't look up to meet his eyes. It remained staring at the pictures already on the coffee table.
"Our actual main purpose here was to save the daughter of Salvannia they'd kidnapped 2 and a half decades ago that had managed to escape them and since it was part and they were in our territory. They wanted us to save her." Prince Lu explained in a very serious tone
His lips felt pity for what he heard. Damn. A princess from Salvannia? He doesn't know about it. This is a mess, indeed. That's why his brother is here. This is definitely a problem as well. Not just obvious.
"What's your plan then?" He asked here
Prince Lu was silent for a moment until he took a deep breath and looked at him intently.
"I'm going to lead the mission."
He was stunned. "What the hell? Nasisiraan kana ba? It's not part of your responsibilities anymore! Just like us you have assassins to do that for you!"
"That will only make it complicated. I'll be better off finding him. Assassins will only play as supports." Prince Lu. "I'm going to find that lost princess."
He just shook his head and did not question his older brother. He knows his older brother damn well and it won"t stop him or anyone.
"Then what do you want to do then?"
"Simple. Just watch over my kingdom while I'm away. So you better get your girl that you lost because of your stupidity before I leave."
He released a harsh breath. And now, he needs to hurry.
"You better make plans for me to woo her idiot."
•••
Queen Emily Harper
I woke up from bed when I heard a faint knock on the door. I didn't bother shouting to come in instead I opened it myself.
I was immediately greeted by an assistant holding a large box. I felt disappointment. I thought it was ... Nevermind.
I stepped backwards giving her space to come in. She bowed her head at me before giving me a small smile.
"Your Majesty sent for you Queen Emily." Sambit nito
My forehead ceased as I examined the big box. What's inside that? Why did he send me a box? Can't he just bring it? Tsk.
"What's inside that?" I will ask
There's still a small smile in her lips. "Dress Queen Emily,"
The nick deepened on my forehead, "Clothes? Why would he buy me clothes? I already have a lot of clothes in the closet?" I wonder question
She looks unsure too, "I-I don't know Queen Emily either. Your Majesty just sent it and told you to wear it later,"
I just nodded and was told to put on the bed. She immediately obeyed and put the box in my bed before bidding her goodbye by a bow. When he left. I immediately went to your bed and checked the box.
Out of curiousity, I opened the box and I frowned when I saw what's inside. It was a black pants, white fitted sleeveless with denim jacket to top it. There are also black cups and shades inside as well as black converse shoes. He is also not fond of black. But the question is.
Why would he want me to wear this clothes? This was civilians clothes. Shall we roam?
"What are you up to again Vane?"