Chapter 25

Emily Harper's POV
When lunch time came. I hurried to the bathroom to take a shower and get dressed. I take me good 15 minutes cleaning myself before going out from the shower.
I slip in the clothes Vane told the maid for me to wear. The clothes fits me just fine. He seems to have memorized my size. I fixed my hair next. I put it in a high ponytail since it was already way too long for me to just let it fall.
I came out without any lipstick on the body and face. I made my way to stairs and went to the living room where I saw him reading something. It's a bunch of papers. I cleared my throat to get his attention. He quickly turned to me.
He smiled widely upon seeing me. He gestured to a man who was standing behind me and then ordered him to put the papers in his room. When the man named Simone left, which I heard from him, he approached me.
He examined me from my head to toe so I was a bit naconcious but I didn't show up. I cleared my throat and glared at him. He smiled broadly again then approached me. As in too close.
"Why did you want me to wear this clothes? What are you planning this time?" I raised my brow at him
He smiled mischievously. "You'll see. Anyway, let's eat?"
He interwined our fingers much to my suprised before pulling me out the palace. I couldn't complain because of the panic until he put me in the car. Adding to my already suprised face, he drove.
"Y-You're driving?" I'm confused question
"Yeppp!" He answered with a wide grin in his lips
"But it's too dangerous for us to go outside without any bodyguards. Are you crazy?" I asked bewildered
While I panic. He just laughed at me. He grabbed my hand and interwined our fingers. I instantly felt the electricity building up because of our hands. I should be mad or lashing out at him for taking me outside or for even talking to me but why do I'm acting normal?
I should be mad but why do I everytime I look at his face, I couldn't do it? Like ... I couldn't let that smile went away.
I couldn't hurt him.
I laughed mentally at myself. Look who's talking. I was the one who was hurt. I still don't want him to suffer. I am very fragile. I wanted to slap myself but I restraint myself. I just leaned back in the chair and let him take me where he was going to take me.
•••
I looked up as the car stopped abruptly. I looked out the window to see where we are and frowned.
"Field Sword?" I read the big sign posted
I looked at him. There was a wide grin in his face. I frowned. What is he up now?
"What are we gonna do here?" I asked curiously
He winked at me, "You'll see popcorn,"
I just rolled my eyes at him when he called me in that nickname. It's a good thing he came down to open the door for me otherwise he might have caught the small smile that flashed on my lips.
I hope off the car and he immediately interwined his fingers around mine. I tried to pull his hand away but his grip on me tightened even more.
"Don't," he murmured
He pulled me inside and a field full of cut green grass welcomed us. My lips parted slightly in amazement. It was so beautiful. The grass looks so alive because of greenness plus the beautiful sunlight. What can we do here?
Vane just drifted until we reached a small hut where ten guards were waiting and two uniformed men who I think were taking care of this land.
They bowed their heads when they see us.
"Media?" Vane asked immediately
"We made sure that everything's cleared, your highness." Answer one in a formal voice
Vane nodded before dismissing them. They left immediately until Vane and I were the only ones left. He looked at me and smiled.
"What are we going to do here?" I will ask
I notice that I've been asking questions before but I'm still not getting a sensible answer from him. I'm starting to get annoyed.
"Well. I know that my popcorn isn't just a normal woman. She's a woman who loves swords and battleground fights that's why I brought her here. Where I was trained to fight," Vane
My forehead ceased at him but it immeditely vanished when I realized what is he talking about. The previous two uniformed men came out but they were holding two swords. It was so sharp that even the sun reflects on it.
I suddenly felt excitement. It's been a long time since I used a sword. Suddenly I missed the training even though Dad always scolded me back then. Vane grabbed a sword with golden handle before looking over me.
He smirked. "Will you give me the pleasure to test how strong my Queen is?"
I raised my eyebrow at him before looking over the sword with obsidian handle. I traced my fingers in it before holding it fully in my hand. I looked at him.
"My satisfaction, Prince Terrence."
I stood in my fighting stance and he smirked. I couldn't help but smile. I couldn't believe I'm going to fight swords with him. It's like the past few days. I am very angry with him but look at us now. Fighting with swords in our hands.
But nevertheless, even if he hurt me. I couldn't say that I already forget my love for him. I realized that I'm still in love but I won't tell him that. He need to try hard to win me again.
"I'm not gonna be easy to you lettuce," I murmured
I know that he heard it because he laugh, "And my popcorn was back to calling me lettuce. Is that means we're okay — FUCK!"
He almost fell to his feet when I suddenly stepped forward and attacked. Good thing he recovered quickly and walked away quickly. But that didn't stop me there. I continue running towards him while hitting and he continue blocking. Since he was caught of guard. I managed to hit his knee so he got on his knees.
I smirked, "1 on me little prince," I mocked
His face went up and then the tip of the sword pointed at him was removed. He stood up.
"I just gave you. I'll make sure I'll win this time," he smirk
I snorted at his boastful replied. "Prove it,"
I stood up straight and gesture him to aim. He stood up in his fighting stance and ran towards me. True to his words. He didn't take it easy. Vane was way too fast that I couldn't keep up with him. I just found myself without a sword and he hugged me.
I mentally rolled my eyes. Also method of a to. I gave him a reason to back down. He laughed at me.
"Chill popcorn. Are you hungry?" He asked then
He sit in one of the wooden bench sitting there and tap the sit next to him. I approached him and sat down next to him. He handed me a bottle of water.
"Yeah. You tired me out," I comment gasping for my lost breath
He chuckled. He pulled my hair to hide my face which surprised me. There's something in his fingers that brush in my skin that makes me feel electrified. I swallowed and simply drank water to calm myself.
He was asking me what food I like to eat when someone approached us. We looked at the unexpected guest at the same time. A man riding a horse stopped in front of us. He was quite handsome and decent with his hair combed back and innocent smile.
But I knew better. He was one of those playboy prince.
"What are you doing here?" Vane asked irritably
I looked at him. His face was dark and his eyes were sharp looking at the man who was just smiling. It was as if Vane's eyes were not on him.
"Why? Is it bad to say hello to my brother's boyfriend?"
I stilled in my spot when I heard him say those words. B-boyfriend of her k-brother?
Is he Vivian's brother?
I immediately felt bitterness in my heart. I averted eyes off them and remained silent even though I wanted to shout at Vane out of anger. Why did I forget anyway? His girlfriend was Vivian and it was all over the news. It means everyone knew about them and when everyone found out we were together. My name will surely be ruined.
Vane cursed under his breath. "That's not f-cking true! We don't have a relationship with your brother. Yes, we flirt but we haven't had a serious relationship in a very first place so please leave Venedict before I kick you out here!" Vane's command teeth chattered
But instead of leaving. The man he called Venedict just laughed as if he didn't care. I'm starting to feel annoyed. No doubt. They are brothers. Both flirty and unwilling to listen.
"Hello Miss Beautiful. Can I ask what's your name?" He flashed me his million dollar smile that I want to wipe off
Vane was about to sew him up when I stood up and stuck the tip of my sword in his throat. They both stilled in their spot as they stared wide-eyed at me. My gaze remained cold on him until I lowered my sword.
"Go. Away." I said emphatically
Venedict doesn't need to be told twice. He bid his goodbye and his horse ran away. I snorted. I'm scared.
"You're so cool. I can't believe you're capable of doing that." Vane commented, amused
Instead of answering him. I looked at him and walked away. He called my name but I didn't look back at him.
"Hey! Popcorn! What's wrong—"
I grabbed his collar and glared murderously at him. "Don't you dare call me popcorn. You cheater!" I spat
He looked at me confused, "What did I do !?"
"You're still asking me!" I pushed him. "Why did I even forget. Everyone knew that you're in a relationship with that Vivian whore! And you also know that so why are you doing this to me? Why did you kidnapped knowing you are fucking in a relationship with tha woman! Are you trying to destroy my name and my reputation? Isn't it enough that you broke my heart? Is Vane still missing !? Ha! " I angrily shouted at him
I was unaware of the tears successively falling from my eyes. No matter how hard I try to wipe those stupid tears. They are still coming back. Damn it!
His eyes softened. He tried to hug me but I push him. She sighed.
"I'm sorry Harper. It's so stupid of me to leave you that night but I swear! We aren't in relationship. I already cleared that worldwide. I'm not the one who confirmed that news and I'm not here to destroy you. I'm here to put you back again. I love you. "
My chest tightened even more at the three words he said. It's as if it's hard to believe. He already said that he loved me but he left me.
"Why would I trust you again? Why should I trust you again? You broke me! And if you didn't confirm that. Who?"
He sighed before looking at me intently.
"Vivian confirmed it and Jackson was the one to spread it, Harper. Not me,"
Jackson was the one to spread it?
It was as if I suddenly woke up and stood up straight. So Vane had nothing to do with that news? It wasn't his intention to hurt me.
"B-But you said that you two were in a relationship after that night?" I'm confused question
He sighed like he was done explaining at me, "Yes but not after that night. It was all over that night. I'm just hurt that's why I ignored you but believe me Harper. After that night, we separated and continued being friends. "
"In that case, why don't you even find out the truth? You really left me and convinced yourself that what Jackson said was true!" I'm sick of him
If he really ended everything after that night. Why didn't he look for me? Why didn't he know the truth?
Did he just forget about me? Did he just slept away those days I'm miserable because of his broken promise?
"No. Harper. I didn't. I never left you after that day." He smiled sadly at me before turning away
It was as if something was squeezing my heart when I saw the sadness in his eyes. I felt like he's still hiding something away from me. But what is it? Why doesn't he tell me?
I was just shaken. If that's anything. I'll make sure I know that but for now ...
I'm gonna deal with this Vivian for being such an assuming bitch
•••
I stopped eating when I heard the voice of the woman I hated. Vane wasn't here today in the palace. He told me earlier that he only had something to do with his older brother.
That's okay for me because I'll be able to talk to this woman. I got up from my seat when I heard his footsteps approaching the dining room.
"V— What are you doing here ?!" Her eyes narrowed when she saw me in the kitchen
I didn't answer her instead I look at the servants that was looking at us.
"Leave us first," I ordered
They quickly complied and left the dining room. When they saw that they were gone. I faced Vivian again. She was standing proudly in front of me with her chin up.
"What are you doing here in Vane's palace? After Prince Jackson. V is your target! Didn't the news reach you? We're in a relationshiphi—"
I haven't finished him yet. When I laughed then he raised an eyebrow. I crossed my arms and looked boredly at her.
"You're so assuming Vivian. Confirming your relationship with Vane when he doesn't even want to do nothing with you. I'm wondering. Where can you inherit the thickness of your face to claim my prince? Because the last time I checked. Vane was my boyfriend not yours, "
Her teeth chattered. I know she wants to strangle me but she sticks to her title. She stick being a princess when it doesn't even fit her.
"And the last time I checked too! You're engaged with Jackson! He just disappeared. Cling to Vane!" Asik niya
I chuckled, "Oh? Didn't the you heard the news? Jackson was imprisoned because of forcing me to marry him. Therefore, there's no really engagement Vivian."
I drained every emotion in my face and stare at her while walking in slowly like she was some kind of prey.
"I'm telling you this one last time Vivian. Vane is mine and he will always be. I know that you know it. It's the battle that no matter what you do. You can't win. I know it sucks when the one you love "doesn't feel the same towards you but you have to wake up Vivian. Vane loved me and I loved him. There's nothing you could do about it,"
I know I hurt her with what I said but she has to wake up. Whatever he does. Vane would never love her. She only hurts herself and closes her heart to the one who truly loves her.
Love should be an inspiration for you to make good things. It doesn't supposed to make you a bad person.
"I hate you!"
Tears welled up in her eyes and she ran away. I just sighed. She'll be going to understand it if Vane explains it to her. Vane have to talk to her.
I just sat down and suddenly thought of Lady Son coming in with a small smile on her face.
"I heard all majesty," he said
I bowed. "You eavesdropped Lady Son."
I felt him sit next to me then hold my hand. I looked at him.
"I'm glad your love for Prince Vane hasn't diminished. You did the right thing, ma'am. It hurts for Vivian but that's the truth. You impressed me ma'am. I hope you'll blame her for her mistake but I'm surprised when you say that they belong to him. You are a very good man. " Lady Son
I just smiled. "Not every time we have to shout. We can also speak to prove our point,"
I'm just hoping someday. I accepted the truth. That I still love Vane.
I still do.
I am on the balcony of my room. Reading a book found on the bookshelf here with a knock on the door. Lady Son came in announcing that I have a visitor. I frowned. Who would visit me here? Apart from my family. No one else knows who is in Ihmapuleya.
"Who's that?" I asked curiously
I closed the book I'm reading but make sure I put the book mark inside. It's a good book I'm reading. I stood up and followed her outside.
"Your twin majesty," he replied
My curiousity heightened. What is Caroline doing here? Must be important for her to travel all around here. I immediately saw him sitting on the sofa. She was wearing the traditional black and red medieval dress and a red cape with hood.
"Caroline," I called to her. "What are you doing here?"
He stood up when he saw me. He folded his two hands and smiled kindly at me. She looks okay. I wonder what is her purpose going here.
"I'm glad to see you Harper." He came over and hugged me for a moment. "How's you?"
I smiled wryly, "I'm fine here."
"I'm sorry ... If we didn't tell you about Prince Vane. It's too late for Dad to tell me that he allowed the prince to bring you here. Please. Don't be mad at him." Caroline's eyes were begging
And I can't be tough right now. I can feel the sadness and nervousness he feels now. And another. I already learned my lesson. I must expand my mind. I'm sure Papa had a reason why he gave Vane permission to take me to my own palace. But whatever Vane did to get Dad to agree. It must be really convincing because I know my father. He's just like me. We will not immediately agree to something if there is no certainty of it.
"Don't worry twinnie. I'm not mad. I understand. Papa won't make a decision that will harm me," I reassured him.
He took a deep breath and smiled when he said, "Thank you Harper. I thought you were angry,"
"Nah. I've learned my lesson well. Never judge a person despite bad actions. Because sometimes, who else do we think is bad. They are the ones who are more concerned about us."
"Anyway, is that all you came here for?" I will ask
He bowed slightly and smiled, "ahm .. Actually, I'm here to tell you something ... very important between Vane and you,"
"Vane and me? What is it?" I will ask
What could it be? I'm just hoping that the two of us won't ruin Caroline's news. I felt agitated. I'm starting to trust and forgive Vane. I don't want to ruin that.
"You can use the visitor's area majesty," Lady Son suggested
I nodded and then let him take us there. The prepared food for us first before leaving us two in this massive room. There's a three sofa here, one long and two for single person only, there's also a coffee table made of glassware and two windows on either side. It's a vintage style but still elegant.
"Spill it Caroline," I said without hesitation
She took off her cape before sitting in the sofa. There's a worried look in her face that I don't know why.
"Prince Vane doesn't deserve your hate Harper. He was hurt too so he was able to hurt you that night but believe me Harper. They don't have a relationship with Vivian. He even took it back for you. Because he knew he was wrong," Caroline
"I already knew about that and I already talked to Vivian. I also know that the news that they have a relationship is not true. Vivian and I conspired so it spread quickly. Why telling me this? And how come you knew about this? You don't have any dun? " I was already frustrated with astonishment
"It's because the prince told me everything himself. Did you know how I managed to escape Jackson's men? Huh? Harper?" Caroline
An idea entered my mind but my mind refused to believe that. Gradually I was consumed by nervousness and guilt.
"Just tell me!" I demand frustratedly
She sighed. "He helped me Harper. All those times that I'm missing. I'm just here at his palace. He saved me Harper and he gives you a way to take Jackson down. If I'm still in Jackson's hands until now, I'm sorry to tell you but you wouldn't make it. We wouldn't make it through. He was also the cause of the explosions that took place on Jackson's property. "
With every word he utters. My chest tightened. I feel mixed emotions now and my mind refused to think. It was like, it stopped thinking. I was just stunned by my twin while listening to him.
"But it wasn't just Harper. He also saved Gabriel and brought him to the palace the day he arrived with General Valenio. So I'm here to tell you that Prince Vane doesn't deserve all the hate you're giving to him. Yes, I was wrong. he's Harper but ... "
He stood up and sat down next to me with our hands folded. I tearfully looked into my twin's eyes that I'm sure I also feel the pain that is bothering me now.
"But he got you back. Just like you. He was hurt too. You both hurt Harper and I won't let Jackson and that woman ruin you forever now that they're out of your way." He caressed my face. "Harper ... Forgive him and love him. Be my twin Harper, not the tough, cold-hearted Queen Emily of Serfim. Don't torture and hurt yourself. You have to forgive and understand. Maybe someone will regret it. you're late, "