I didn't know if I was seeing things or if it was really true. I couldn't come back to ask him myself since it was too awkward for us to see each other again. It was a scar from a fire. I'm certain of it. Years ago, the kingdom of Wierxia had missing posters all over the country. It was an illustration of Brylle and below it was a description of the incident. The percentage of Brylle getting an injury before being taken was high, and so every child his age was ordered to have a medical check-up by doctors approved by the royal family. I know I'm being crazy, I mean- Noah being Brylle this whole time? It messes up my mind. I couldn't even bring myself to imagine it.
"Ruthy? Are you okay?" Keith suddenly asked who was beside me. We were having dinner at the moment, and the grown-ups were having casual talk. I just realized that I had my spoon and fork lifted, but haven't touched the food for a while now.
"Y-yes, I'm fine," I answered then continued eating. I've been clouded by the thought of Noah's scar and how I've only known it just now. Could I just ask Ford? It's the easiest way to ease my worriness and of course, my curiosity, but will he even tell me the truth? Who knows? I might just have to give it a try. Keith kept stealing glances at me through-out dinner, but I managed to exit the Dining Hall without any of their suspicion and headed to the kitchen. Luckily, only a few of the chefs were left during this time and Noah wasn't inside either. I spotted Ford in front of the menu board, writing something on a pad paper he was holding. I quietly approached him, but of course, the chefs looked at me with squinted eyes.
"Hey, Ford? Can I have a word?" I asked as I approached him. He was surprised, and he almost threw the pad paper on his hands. When he faced me, he immediately bowed a full 90 degree. I shook my hands at him.
"Of course, Your Highness. Would you like to head to the Throne Room?" he suggested. Not the Throne Room! My parents are most likely there! I don't want to tell them anything at all. What if I create a commotion? I have to confirm this myself.
"No, no! We can talk here," I said then sat in front of the cupboard near the menu board. It's a good thing we were at a corner where the only thing to see here is the menu board. Ford carefully sat in front of me and clasped his hands together. I don't know if he felt nervous or scared about me initiating a conversation, but he looked like he was about to break a sweat any minute now.
"I wanted to talk about Noah. Can you swear to tell the truth, and only the truth, from now on and onwards?" I started. I know, I'm being dramatic, but this is a royal case. I have to confirm if my theory is true. Ford then started to fidget his fingers but nodded immediately.
"Yes, I swear to my life," he said. I cleared my throat.
"How did your mother meet Noah? You said he was from the United States," I started. If I remember correctly, Noah was adopted by his grandmother, in short, Ford's mother. He didn't exactly tell me how Noah ended up at an orphanage or foster home.
Ford breathed and thought of what to say. "My mother didn't really tell me how. She worked in a different country, but the day she went home, I was completely unaware. A few days later, she brought Noah home, saying he's going to live with us from now on," he said. Hold on a minute- she just went home with Noah? If I'm not mistaken, Brylle was supposedly 8 years old when he was taken. If we put the pieces together, how can an eight-year-old resist an abduction right?
"You mean to say, that your mother brought Noah home all of a sudden without any adoption papers?" I asked for clarification. Ford thought for a moment.
"Now that you mentioned it, no," he answered. I'm thinking that they were not that informed of adoption papers back then. My only thought is how did his mother fly to another country without getting caught? I straightened my poise, getting chills from all the things I'm finding out. My breath was starting to get fast and I was getting impatient.
"Prince Brylle disappeared from the palace 12 years ago, during his 8th birthday. Did Noah arrive at your home when he was around 8 years old?" I nervously asked. I couldn't bear the pressure and tension of our conversation. Even Ford began sweating and fidgeting his fingers intensely.
He gulped and looked at me dead in the eye. "Yes, Your Highness," he answered. I inhaled deeply and fell to the back of the chair. I covered my mouth with my hand and brushed my hair. Am I really discovering the truth of the 19 years tragedy of the royal family of Wilhem? I looked at Ford and he looked like he was waiting for me to speak.
"Prince Brylle disappeared during a fire at the palace. A few hours ago, I accidentally entered Noah's room while he was changing and I...," I stopped talking and gulped. Ford had his hands in a praying position and he was breathing heavily.
"I saw a scar at his back. A scar that looked like it was from a fire incident," I continued. That was the moment tears fell from Ford's eyes. I started to cry as well, and I couldn't stop my tears. I continued breathing deeply, slowly taking in all the things I just found out.
"Do you think...Noah is the missing son of King Ricardo and Queen Josephine?" Ford silently asked, his breathing short because of his sudden tears.
"I think so," I softly answered, not wanting to make this any longer. Suddenly, I heard the kitchen door open and Noah's voice echoed around the kitchen. Ford and I immediately hopped to our feet. I wiped my tears and straightened my gown.
"I'll look into this more," I told him and he nodded. When I walked back to the counter, Noah immediately met my eye. Gosh! I thought I could hide from him, but he was already facing the corner when I got out. He looked at me confused at first.
"Hey, princess. What are you doing here?" he curiously asked. I smiled at him and headed to the door.
"Nothing interesting. Good night, Noah," I told him then immediately headed out. Suddenly, I heard the kitchen doors burst open. I didn't bother looking back, but I halted to a stop. I felt nervous waiting for that person to talk, so I just stood there still. Then, I heard footsteps coming toward me.
"Is there a problem, princess?" Noah asked from behind. I bit my lip and closed my eyes. He just had to push the issue!
"If it was about a while ago, I really didn't mind," he continued. Oh my gosh, I completely forgot that happened. First and foremost, what did he mean by "I really didn't mind"? Don't tell me he was used to that kind of stuff and was so confident of his body?
I turned to him and flashed a smile. "There's no problem at all, Noah. I was just heading to my room and rest," I made an excuse. He looked at me with his brows raised, getting even more confused.
"Are you sure? Are you alright?" he then asked. I was running out of excuses, when suddenly I heard another pair of footsteps behind us. It was rhythmic and light, but there was also a sound of clanging objects. When I turned, it was Saint. His sword was actually hitting his belt from walking. My eyes widened at him. I immediately made a face and tilted my head to Noah. Luckily, Saint understood right away.
"Is there something wrong, Your Highness? Noah?" he asked as he reached the both of us. If Angelo intimidated Noah to the bones, Saint will eat you alive with his coldness and sharpness. Noah cleared his throat and looked at me like he was waiting for me to answer for the both of us.
"I was just heading to my room to rest. Would you please accompany me back, Sir Saint?" I asked and looked at him. Saint took a step forward and stood in front of Noah and I. The thing is, Saint is actually a few inches taller than Noah, so Noah stepped back when Saint stood between us.
"Very well, Your Highness," Saint answered. I started to walk and felt Saint follow behind me.
"Is he still there?" I whispered to him.
"Yes," he answered, without looking back. I guess he could sense that Noah didn't move from his place.
"Did something happen?" he softly asked. I shook my head and continued walking.
"I was just trying to get away from him," I answered. When we reached my room, Saint opened the door for me. I stood still for a few seconds, trying to collect my thoughts. I turned to Saint with an anxious look.
"I think I just solved a crime,"
Why am I avoiding him? I don’t know myself. I just can’t seem to look at him straight in the eye or even just look at him. I know I’m being over-reacting, especially when things aren’t even confirmed yet, but the moment I discovered those events, I just started feeling anxious. What will happen if it’s true? What will King Ricardo and Queen Josephine feel? Oh my god, what will happen to Ford and his mother? Will they be punished? See, this is exactly why I’m feeling nervous. After breakfast, I decided to talk to my mother about my theory. I headed to the Women’s Room where I thought she would be, and yes, she was there. “Hey, Mom? Can I talk to you about something?” I asked, as soon as I spotted her sitting on a chair in front of a desk. She was reading something while wearing reading glasses. The large desk was positioned at the middle of the room and it’s the first thing you spot when you open the door. Behind the desk was a tall round window where you can see the
Althea’sWhy is everyone acting so weird lately? During breakfast, Ruthy had been quiet. She didn’t talk to me about anything at all. Thomas was grumpy and annoying, but it was something different. I would always tease him and joke around, but I couldn’t bring myself to because he looked too serious. The Queen cancelled our activity today, so I had nothing to do this afternoon. I planned to head to my room to read, but when I passed the library, I heard Thomas’ voice down the hallway. I hid behind a vase and listened to his voice.“Would you like to have tea with me later, Ruthy?” I heard his voice say. Oh, so he’s speaking with Ruthy. I couldn’t hear Ruthy’s voice, but Thomas was energetic and excited. Oh boy, am I going to hear a rejection? “That’s great! Let’s meet at the garden in two hours,” Thomas added. Oh! Ruthy accepted? I smirked and strutted
Ruthy’s I do think I’ve been unfair to myself lately. Ever since Mom found out about me and Angelo, all I’ve been thinking is “be true to yourself” and “don’t hide your feelings anymore”, but I feel like I’ve done everything but that. I kept denying things from myself, I kept hiding my true feelings. I don’t know what to feel anymore. Rather, I don’t know what I’m supposed to feel anymore. Last night, I felt so uneasy and empty. I couldn’t fall asleep for almost three hours. At first, I just closed my eyes and emptied my mind, but I failed to put myself to sleep. I ended up opening my window and sitting on the mini sofa staring at the moon. When I woke up, I laid on my bed for 20 minutes before standing up. I just cuddled my pillow and wrapped myself with my comforter. I changed for breakfast and headed out my room. Saint was outside, waiting to accompany me. “Are you feeling alright, Your Highness?” Saint asked as we started walking down the
I held my hands tightly as I stood beside Mom who was holding the letter. My father and King Ricardo finally arrived, and they looked at Mom with curious faces. The Queen doesn’t usually summon us for a meeting, let alone a sudden one. Queen Josephine then arrived with Althea and Thomas who both looked at me with curious faces as well. My expression was nervous than ever, and it still might be obvious that I cried. Keith walked beside me and poked my back. “What’s this about?” he curiously asked. I remained quiet and just smiled at him. Finally, Mom took a few steps forward to get their attention. She took a few deep breaths and tried her best not to make her voice shake from the incoming tears. My Dad noticed this which made him uncomfortable. I could see the uneasiness in his eyes and stance. “My daughter, Ruthy, approached me the other day to ask for my help. I understood right away why she approached me out of all people. It was a matter that involved the family
It was almost time for lunch and we all headed to the Dining Hall with Noah, but he wanted to excuse himself first because he wanted to work in the kitchen. Queen Josephine wanted to eat with Noah, but he refused at first saying that he still worked for us since it was his job. Ford, who I saw a while ago, was no where to be found in the kitchen. I didn’t know if he was angry or sad, but I only had a glimpse of his face and I couldn’t really see his expression. “Noah, you don’t have to work anymore. You’re a prince,” I told him as he continues to arrange the food at the counter. “It still doesn’t fit right with me. I can’t just adjust that quickly,” he said, focusing on the counter. He was still wearing his apron and hat, although King Ricardo already ordered clothes to be brought to his room. His room is actually moved to the second floor beside their room, but he didn’t want to move just yet. I sighed and watched him. “What’s wrong?” I asked. He washed his
I felt my body shake and how my vision suddenly blacked out. I think I almost fell, but I felt Angelo’s hand on my shoulder. I could see that he was serious with what he said, but still, I never imagined in our relationship that those words would come from his mouth. He was the hopeful and most patient in our relationship. He held on to this little fire between us we called ‘love’, and he never questioned my decisions for us. Now, I think he mustered all his strength and time to make this decision, to finally tell me what needed to be done. “Angelo..I-why?” I softly asked. I held his hand on my shoulder and carefully caressed his fingers. I don’t understand him. I don’t understand where this is all coming from. I waited for him and I remained hopeful too. I prayed for him, every day. I prayed that he won’t be taken away from me. I prayed that we would get the future that we wanted. I prayed for my life to start over, with him. “Since then, I was always in love with y
This may be the decision I will regret, but I know to myself that this is what my country deserves. A rightful relationship, a rightful marriage. A true born princess, and a true born prince. I don’t exactly hate Thomas, it’s just that I didn’t really think of him as my partner not until now. He’s smart, brave, and decent, much like a perfect prince, but he has an attitude. An attitude that he doesn’t show to other people except me and Althea. I found him sitting by the bench beside a fountain, so I slowly approached him. Before I went to the garden, I had my maids retouch my face and lessen the puffiness of my eyes. “I heard you’ve been avoiding people,” I softly said as I approached him. He was looking at the sky with his shoulders resting on the bench. He chuckled and sat straight. “Just not my day, I guess,” he replied in a lame and boring tone. He’s obviously hiding something. I sat beside him and crossed my arms. “You can’t hide anything from m
“Ruthy! Get up!” I was woken up by endless shaking that I thought there was an earthquake happening. I opened my eyes and it was Althea. I couldn’t get myself to sleep last night because I was afraid they would already be gone. Good thing Althea’s still here waking me up. “We’re leaving! Bid us goodbye!” I got up and looked at her. They are leaving already. She was already ready and dressed. I grabbed my robe and brushed my hair. “W-what? So soon?” I told her, flustered. What time of day is it even? The sun was shining so brightly, I’m guessing it’s still early in the morning. “It doesn’t matter. Come on now!” she said then pulled me out of my room. I almost forgot to wear my sandals since she was really eager to get me out. I clenched my chest as Althea continued to pull my hand. I didn’t even get to say goodbye to Noah? I know that we should forget our ties now and move on with our lives, but I still can’t bring myself to just let go and for
After 3 months The Royal Wedding I woke up feeling nauseous and light-headed. Last night, I couldn’t bring myself to sleep because of excitement and nervousness. I couldn’t decide if I was feeling cold or warm when I was laying down in bed. Althea, who arrived in our palace yesterday, strictly ordered me to have at least 8 hours of sleep. I ended up having 5 hours of sleep. The men stayed at the other side of the palace, while we will be preparing at the Women’s Room. As soon as I woke up, Althea came knocking down my door. “Princess! Hello? Bride to be! Wake up! It’s way past your breakfast!” she said outside the door. It’s currently 6 in the morning, the wedding will be at 11. I stood and went to the bathroom to wash my face. My maids were already arranging the make up and other accessories at the Women’s Room together with the other maids. The Women’s R
Ruthy’s The past week had been a blast. I’ve never felt so happy in my life. The Wilhems already left last week, but they promised to return in three months for the wedding. Yes, I’m getting married. I know, it may seem fast, but we have a lot to do before even getting married and after. My parents said they were ready to pass the throne and they even became emotional, but they were proud to crown me as Queen of Rinovea. I am getting a little over the future there, but it will come. “Ready when you are, love,” Noah says. We are now heading to the Throne Room to have a discussion with my parents. Noah seems calm and confident, but I know he’s feeling nervous beyond the soul. This is the first time we’ll be having a serious talk in front of the King and Queen with regards our plans for the future. We’ll also talk about what will happen to our family. “I can feel your hands shaking,” I teased him as we walked hand in hand. “No, yo
Noah’s Who would’ve thought that I would fall for the princess? Scratch that. The first question should be, who would’ve thought that I was the missing son of King Ricardo and Queen Josephine? I know it’s hard to take in, but I felt like time was going too fast. I knew that Ruthy was in love with someone else, but it seems like it was something that would fall in ruins and Ruthy knew that. She tried to fight for it, she tried to sacrifice for it, but she couldn’t do it. She was refused. My only intention was to watch, support, and protect her from the sideline, but I was wrong. I didn’t want to remain as a friend, I wanted Ruthy to notice me and accept me. We had a rough start, a troublesome meeting even, but it was pure and joyous. We were happy, not thinking of the trouble it may bring, we were just happy. Every time I look into her eyes, it was always full of hope and beauty, but now, it felt like she was being torn apart. I couldn’t just stand the
“Ruthy! Get up!” I was woken up by endless shaking that I thought there was an earthquake happening. I opened my eyes and it was Althea. I couldn’t get myself to sleep last night because I was afraid they would already be gone. Good thing Althea’s still here waking me up. “We’re leaving! Bid us goodbye!” I got up and looked at her. They are leaving already. She was already ready and dressed. I grabbed my robe and brushed my hair. “W-what? So soon?” I told her, flustered. What time of day is it even? The sun was shining so brightly, I’m guessing it’s still early in the morning. “It doesn’t matter. Come on now!” she said then pulled me out of my room. I almost forgot to wear my sandals since she was really eager to get me out. I clenched my chest as Althea continued to pull my hand. I didn’t even get to say goodbye to Noah? I know that we should forget our ties now and move on with our lives, but I still can’t bring myself to just let go and for
This may be the decision I will regret, but I know to myself that this is what my country deserves. A rightful relationship, a rightful marriage. A true born princess, and a true born prince. I don’t exactly hate Thomas, it’s just that I didn’t really think of him as my partner not until now. He’s smart, brave, and decent, much like a perfect prince, but he has an attitude. An attitude that he doesn’t show to other people except me and Althea. I found him sitting by the bench beside a fountain, so I slowly approached him. Before I went to the garden, I had my maids retouch my face and lessen the puffiness of my eyes. “I heard you’ve been avoiding people,” I softly said as I approached him. He was looking at the sky with his shoulders resting on the bench. He chuckled and sat straight. “Just not my day, I guess,” he replied in a lame and boring tone. He’s obviously hiding something. I sat beside him and crossed my arms. “You can’t hide anything from m
I felt my body shake and how my vision suddenly blacked out. I think I almost fell, but I felt Angelo’s hand on my shoulder. I could see that he was serious with what he said, but still, I never imagined in our relationship that those words would come from his mouth. He was the hopeful and most patient in our relationship. He held on to this little fire between us we called ‘love’, and he never questioned my decisions for us. Now, I think he mustered all his strength and time to make this decision, to finally tell me what needed to be done. “Angelo..I-why?” I softly asked. I held his hand on my shoulder and carefully caressed his fingers. I don’t understand him. I don’t understand where this is all coming from. I waited for him and I remained hopeful too. I prayed for him, every day. I prayed that he won’t be taken away from me. I prayed that we would get the future that we wanted. I prayed for my life to start over, with him. “Since then, I was always in love with y
It was almost time for lunch and we all headed to the Dining Hall with Noah, but he wanted to excuse himself first because he wanted to work in the kitchen. Queen Josephine wanted to eat with Noah, but he refused at first saying that he still worked for us since it was his job. Ford, who I saw a while ago, was no where to be found in the kitchen. I didn’t know if he was angry or sad, but I only had a glimpse of his face and I couldn’t really see his expression. “Noah, you don’t have to work anymore. You’re a prince,” I told him as he continues to arrange the food at the counter. “It still doesn’t fit right with me. I can’t just adjust that quickly,” he said, focusing on the counter. He was still wearing his apron and hat, although King Ricardo already ordered clothes to be brought to his room. His room is actually moved to the second floor beside their room, but he didn’t want to move just yet. I sighed and watched him. “What’s wrong?” I asked. He washed his
I held my hands tightly as I stood beside Mom who was holding the letter. My father and King Ricardo finally arrived, and they looked at Mom with curious faces. The Queen doesn’t usually summon us for a meeting, let alone a sudden one. Queen Josephine then arrived with Althea and Thomas who both looked at me with curious faces as well. My expression was nervous than ever, and it still might be obvious that I cried. Keith walked beside me and poked my back. “What’s this about?” he curiously asked. I remained quiet and just smiled at him. Finally, Mom took a few steps forward to get their attention. She took a few deep breaths and tried her best not to make her voice shake from the incoming tears. My Dad noticed this which made him uncomfortable. I could see the uneasiness in his eyes and stance. “My daughter, Ruthy, approached me the other day to ask for my help. I understood right away why she approached me out of all people. It was a matter that involved the family
Ruthy’s I do think I’ve been unfair to myself lately. Ever since Mom found out about me and Angelo, all I’ve been thinking is “be true to yourself” and “don’t hide your feelings anymore”, but I feel like I’ve done everything but that. I kept denying things from myself, I kept hiding my true feelings. I don’t know what to feel anymore. Rather, I don’t know what I’m supposed to feel anymore. Last night, I felt so uneasy and empty. I couldn’t fall asleep for almost three hours. At first, I just closed my eyes and emptied my mind, but I failed to put myself to sleep. I ended up opening my window and sitting on the mini sofa staring at the moon. When I woke up, I laid on my bed for 20 minutes before standing up. I just cuddled my pillow and wrapped myself with my comforter. I changed for breakfast and headed out my room. Saint was outside, waiting to accompany me. “Are you feeling alright, Your Highness?” Saint asked as we started walking down the