Chapter 1: Once Upon A Fantasy

HELLO, my name is Adharia Navier V. Valler, a soon-to-be grade 11 students at the prestigious Academy for the elites of this country called SAGE Academy. I am 17 years old and the heiress of the Vasquez Organization that is being run by my family. Our family legacy is a secret operation under the responsibility of the government and the President to keep the country in order against possible and existing threats. 

As the only heir of the Vasquez org., I've been training my entire life and perfection has been my motto. As a daughter who heeds my family's inheritance, I only strive to bring my family honor and grace. Yes, I'm a bit of a perfectionist but minus the bratty spoiled attitude of a typical rich girl. Gosh, why do rich girls even have to be spoiled and crappy anyway? Who says rich girls are always the villainess of a story? They can be whoever they want to be! And that's why, I'm not as stuck up as you think, I'm pretty fun and chill to be with. 

Anyway, I come from a very loving and talented family and I love them so much! They're the only people I want to stay by my side for as long as time permits it. Also, despite my rich girl background, I'm a fan of romance novels! 

Recently, I've been reading a novel called 'Endless Poison Love' where the heroine is an assassin hired by the 2nd Prince, but the Crown Prince ends up falling in love with her even if she has committed plenty of crimes and faults towards him. But he didn't mind since he loves her. Haist, love truly conquers all! It was the best romance novel I have ever read, but exactly that was the start when everything went completely crazy and I don't even have the brain cells to explain why it happened. All I know is... 

 IT IS TOTALLY OUT OF THIS WORLD CRAZY! 

 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

"GOOD Morning, Miss Adharia. Today's the third last day of summer, isn't it? The sky looks breathtaking today." My maid, Lucy greeted me early in the morning with a warm smile that rivals the sun.

"Good morning too, Lucy. You seem to be in a good mood today." She said.

She then fixed my King-sized bed while I stood to watch the nature show outside my vast window.

 "Ah, you know Miss, I have a date with Gray later this afternoon. Kyah! I'm so excited, he's so sweet," she beamed and giggled. Yeah, thanks for reminding me how single I am. 

"It's alright Miss, you'll find your prince charming soon. Hehe." Is she teasing me? "It seems like you want to lose your job," I glared and frowned at her. If she wants to leave this manor that is being owned by a very wealthy family, then it's her loss. I doubt that she'll find a decent job after that. "Sorry Miss, forget what I said. It was just a slip of a tongue." Nope, I don't believe you Lucy.

"Anyway, has my brother returned yet?" I asked instead and brushed my teeth and sat down in front of my vanity. Ah, my vanity! My precious vanity, I love organizing and fixing my hair up. "I have not heard from the Butler about the Master, Miss. But I'll tell you right away if he arrives." She said and I sighed, gosh, when is he coming back?

"Okay." I replied.

After taking a bath, Lucy helped me with my clothes and hair then I went downstairs to eat at the Dining Hall. It took me three minutes before I arrived, our mansion sure is huge and luxurious. It's tiring.

"Noona! You're here too, I'm happy!" Ah, my little sunshine, Ecklis. He sure does look cute in that lion costume of his. His jet black heir peeping out of the hood, and his tantalizing black eyes smiling at me as well. 

"Good morning, dear. Did you have a good night's sleep?" That beautiful woman sitting next to Ecklis is his mother, Amethyst Adler Valler, the wife of my beloved older brother. She's in her late twenties, exactly 28 of age, and an Author of various mystery thriller books and fantasy-romance novels. She has silky brown locks and a slender body, she has a personality of a princess but a temper of a villainess on the contrary. But still, she's a wonderful woman, a caring mother to her child, and a perfect wife to her husband. 

If only that bastard will arrive sooner or later!

"Yeah, I did Aunt. How about you?" I sat down in front of Ecklis and started eating my meal. It was blueberry pancakes, caramel pudding and tuna sandwiches. "I slept well as well. That reminds me, the school will start in two day times, right? Do you have everything you need?" She asked.

I took a sip of some hot dark chocolate. Ah, heaven. "Yes. Mr. Ambrose and Lucy already helped me prepare, Brother also enrolled me in the Ace Class a week ago. I heard about it from Mr. Ambrose yesterday,” I replied and continued to eat.

"That's good. I'm sure that you'll do exceptionally well again this school year,” she said reassuringly.

Gosh, my Aunt is an angel! "Yes, I'll do my best to exceed your expectations,” of course, I always do my best to live up to the Valler name since our family holds the country's top position when it comes to business, education, talent, and politics. I will not disappoint in any way possible. 

"Dear, as you grow, you become more and more like your brother. That's a good thing, but sometimes, I wish you'd act more your age. You're only 17 after all, still young. It's your golden years!" She advised. 

What? Act my age? How can I possibly do that when the 'Valler' name weighs heavily on my shoulders? 

"Aunt, I know how to balance work and fun. It is only now that I am pushing myself since my coming of age is a few months, I mustn't tarnish the Vasquez-Valler name. But you're right, I have been like a machine these past months, so I'll do my best to have fun when school begins." I explained.

That's right. Usually, I go full turbo when classes start since I study all my lessons ahead of time so that I won't be left behind in class and that I make sure that I'm the top student. But this time, thanks to my extra lessons and studies as the heiress, I didn't study for school. Aunt was right since I did strain my body this summer, I'll just take it one step at a time when school starts. 

"All right, I'll take your word for it. Oh, since these are your last days before summer ends, how about you come with me and attend Sapphire's birthday?" She suggested.

Sapphire's birthday? Oh! Aunt means one of Valler Organization's subordinates, the Vega family where Sapphire Vega is the Mistress. My Aunt is close with her despite their age gap. Besides, they both share the same interest: shopping. And her son is a friend of mine, so we're quite acquainted. 

Yes! Gosh, I've been dying to go out for a while now. Kyah! Aunt, you're the best. Oh, I meant to say was, "I don't have anything planned, so I'll come along as well,” I agreed.

"Ah, always composed I see. Then I'll be going to buy a present for her right now, can you take care of Ecklis while I'm away? He's been asking to spend some time with you, Dear." She asked and I nodded. Ecklis then clapped his hands and cheered.

Aunt then left since I heard the loud grumbling of her car's engine outside. 

"Noona, are you going to play with me?" He beamed.

"Of course I'm going to play with you. We're gonna have so much fun, Ecklis!” I cheered.

"Wow! Noona is the best, no one is better than noona! Whoever wants to be better than noona are all scams.” He said.

Ah, you flatter me too much. But, where the hell did you learn the word 'scams'?! 

"Ah, Ecklis, where did you learn that word? Did you read it somewhere? Or did you hear it from someone?" I asked curiously.

"Yups, I heard Mr. Ambroise say 'The issues of tax evasion is never a reliable scam' or something like that." He replied. Ah, Mr. Ambroise, you've done it. Brother won't tolerate this. I wish you good health.

"Lucy, Wendy, please prepare some treats outside." I instructed.

"Right away, Miss Adharia." They then left for the Kitchen and Ecklis and I headed to the garden outside to play with Achilles, my handsome German Shepherd. 

The sun sure is out shining bright today, a perfect summer day. Gosh, I should have come out sooner and relax. 

That reminds me, I wonder how the Rohas Org. are faring? As I recall from my Brother, they're not as active as they were before. For the last few years, they were in some way involved in tax evasion and drug dealings across the country. If they continue with this, they will become formidable and gain more customers inside and outside the country. 

They may be a limited organization of a few, but they're dangerous. Not to mention the capable hands working inside. I've had my suspicions that they have someone inside the government working for them, well, it's most likely since most politicians are greedy for money and wealth. I hope Brother and those chosen ones finish them off soon or else we wouldn't have any other choice. 

"Achilles! Hi doggie, hi doggie!" Ecklis greeted our animal friend.

The dog barked as it pounced on its young master and licked his face, I then sat down in the grass and laid down. The sweet, sharp smell of fresh green grass gives tingles to my skin and the blazing warmth of the sun warms my face. Ah, this feels so good~

"Heyo! Princess, Ecklis! It's been a while,” a familiar voice spoke. Speak of the devil. What is he doing here?

"Leander Cryx Vernandez. What is it that o' great Leo, that you have went on your way to greet your peasant?" I teased with a playful smirk. 

Leander Cryx Vernandez, the heir of the Vernandez family which is a subordinate of the Valler Organization. The Vernandez family has been with the Valler family for at least three generation and still going. Leander has blonde silky locks that rival the sun, apple green eyes that enchants, luscious lips, and a well-built body. I hate to admit it, but he's deadly attractive. Tsk!

"D*mn you! I'm not a tyrant, d*mnnit!" He yelled.

"Hey you! Don't yell at my noona, you over-grown monkey!" Ecklis yelled at him. Oh my gosh! Pfft.

"W-What?! How dare you call me that baby-faced battle freak!" Cryx shot back. Battle freak?

"At least my interests are okay, unlike you, you perverted stick!" My little cousin retorted.

"What kind of sick game are you playing? You punk kid?! Shut up!” Cryx asked, annoyed.

"No you be quiet and leave my noona alone, you attention seeker!” Ecklis warned.

I have no idea what they are fighting about. "You started this, Navier! What the hell did you teach your cousin?!" He began to spout nonsense again, how normal. 

"What are you doing here, anyway? Can't you see Ecklis and I are happy that we don't get to see your ugly face for a while? Gosh, you're seriously an eyesore,” I sighed. 

Hah! Cryx is those types of guys that give a sh*t when they're being made fun of, it amusing to see his reactions.

"Excuse me, I have authority here! I'm older than you, don't you think you should at least show me some respect?" Respect my butt! We're the same height. Duh, he's so short, that small man. He's got some nerve! 

"Says the guy who's barely 5'6. Even Josh is taller than you, and he's the same age as you,” I shrugged. 

And here comes an outburst in 3.. 2.. 1..

"Height this! Height that! Why do you always keep on teasing me? So what if I'm not as tall as Arden or Ezra or Circe! Argh! You're so annoying, at least call me 'older brother' or something. I'm still older, you know! Argh!" He complained.

He's so worked up for something so trivial, gosh, he hates it when someone teases him with his height. But duh, doesn't that make it more fun? It's the job of those taller humans to annoy smaller humans right? it gives us a sense of pride. Hehe.

"Hm.. What are you even here for?” I finally inquired.

"D*mn. Fine, Aunt Sapphire told me to escort you and Aunt Amethyst to the party,” we're not related by blood, but since the Valler's, Vincent's, Vega's, Von Creed's, and Vasquez have had a history together, we still consider each other as family.

"Ah, sure,” I shrugged.

"D*mnnit! At least act excited, d*mn! You should be thankful that I, Leander Vernandez, the great Leo, have decided to escort you to a party! I'm pretty famous with the ladies, you know? That's why they can't resist my charm,” he bragged. Hmph! Thankful my butt!

"Ah, famous. Uh.. Famous where? I'm pretty sure they're just clinging unto you since you have money, wealth, and power. You know, social climbers, gold diggers, sugar daddy, wenches, you know Cryx. You shouldn't welcome every girl into your arms just like that, gosh you're seriously troublesome,” I told him. 

I mean, it's not like I like him or anything. Eew! Like hell am I gonna like a pervert! I'm just worried that he'll get aids from all those girls he takes to bed and he'll one day lose everything to some wench. So yeah, I'm just being a good friend, duh.

"Ack! To think you've finally fallen for my charisma! I knew you wouldn't be able to resist. Don't worry, Navier, I won't make you jealous any longer. Only thou will ye be in my arms as I wrap our love till' midnight, my lady! I promise to unfathomably be by your side, o fair lady of mi—Urk!!” He recited as if he was Shakespeare. Stupid idiot! I punched the gut out of him. 

Yuck! His cringe words might work on those shallow b*tches, but not for me! Ew.

"Shut up! Disgusting, yuck! Stop that!" Eew, it's like my body is shivering from the cringe. "And before you say anything else, Ecklis, Achilles, let's go and stay away from this old man or we'll get sick," I added and glared at him.

"What? Get sick from what, noona?" Ecklis asked and Achilles barked.

"You see Ecklis, you're too innocent of the world. You're too naive. If you spend your time with bad influences, it will make you bad, right? So we have to stay away as possible?" Hehe, how do you like that, Mr. Anger Issues?

"What the hell are you saying, Navier?!”

"Yes, noona is right. Brother Leander, I am sorry, but please stay away from me,”  he advised. Aww, how cute. We then headed inside and played inside his playroom.

"D*mn you Navier! Argh! You won't get away with this!” He cussed.

Serves you right, you pervert.

——————————

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Sapphire!" My Aunt greeted and embraced Aunt Sapphire tightly.

Today is her 46th birthday. The party is held at a fancy hotel called Evergarden. This hotel is owned by the Vega family, of course, their businesses are hotels and motels. And apparently, Evergarden is the most booming out of all their businesses. This 5-star hotel is most likely where most politicians, ambassadors from different countries, and celebrities stay to relax since it's the best hotel in the country.

Well, the best of the best are under the Valler Org. Figures.

"Oh dear me, to think the Wife of Master Valler and the Heiress personally came to my birthday, I am honored,” she said warmly and I can sense how sincere she is from saying that.

"Of course, Aunt Sapphire. The Valler family will always support the Vega family, you have my word, Aunt. And, happy birthday by the way. This is my present." I handed it to her and she thanked me.

The party was in full swing, everyone was having a good time. Leander and his sister, Lissana were with Arden, Aunt Sapphire's only son. I'm not fond of parties since as the only daughter of House Valler, it is pretty hard socializing with others since, for some reason, they're afraid that they'll make a mistake and make a fool of themselves when my Brother hears about it. My Brother has very high respect for our family, so he usually doesn't tolerate any mistakes. Thus the motto; strive for perfection.

I'm not a stingy person nor am I a spoiled brat, my Brother is pretty strict and he always tells me that if I want something, I have to earn it. That's why everything I own is all fruits of my labor, but Brother and other people are giving me many gifts as well. Ever since our parents died, Brother has been upholding the teaching they taught us and I'm very grateful to him.

Anyway, when is this party going to end? It's almost 11 o'clock now, isn't it? When can I go home? I'm still underage you know! And I want to read my favorite romance-fantasy novel again, 'Endless Poison Love'! Kyah! I've already read it more than a hundred times, but I just can't get enough of it. Ah, the love between an assassin and a Prince, both from different worlds, both having different beliefs, both with opposite personalities, yet their love brought them together. Kyah! I want to read it so badly, huhu.

"Navier, may I have this dance?” Cryx offered his hand gently and smiled.

Say what now?! Dance with the pervert?!

"Leander Cryx Vernandez, you want me to dance with you? Why don't you ask the other girls over there? Just look at them burning me whole already,” I pointed at them. I've been avoiding some of them since I don't want to look like a third party between Cryx and those girls. Gosh, I just hate it when I look like the villainess in a love scenario.

"So what? Just ignore them. Come on, you attended a party then you're not even going to dance? That's what you call a flaw in etiquette. You must at least dance, Navier,” he insisted. What? Does he think we're in the medieval era?"Fine. Just this once, but don't think of anything stupid!” I hissed.

"Yeah, yeah. Sheesh, you're too cautious. Tch!” He clicked his tongue. Well, I'm dealing with a master charmer here, I can't avoid falling for his petty charms.

He then gently took my hand and grabbed me by my waist as he swept me up my feet towards the center of the ballroom. Woah! He's good at dancing, it feels like I'm dancing on a cloud! Is this what the heroine in the novels I've read felt when they danced with the prince?

But this feels more like Cryx is teasing me. His look tells me 'Pfft! Look at you, easily amazed by my dancing skills' or 'That's right, fall for my charm you peasant!' or something like that. He sure is teasing me as payback from earlier!

"School is approaching, right? We're in the same class, aren't you glad?" He asked.

"Why would I be? We've always been classmates ever since grade school. What's so new about that? It's only normal since you're my family's subordinate." I shrugged.

Yeah, the Valler Org. is four generations ever since it was created, just like I said, the families under us go way back. And since the Vasquez and Valler family only has one line to continue the legacy, the other families under us are always around us to protect us and watch us. And Cryx is like my bodyguard, as if I need one. I'm strong, you know. Don't underestimate me, you guys!

"I guess, but I'm still thankful that I get to remain by your side. I'm glad you're my friend, okay? So lighten up a bit,” he comforted. C-Cryx! What the hell was that sweet talk?!

"Ah.. Okay. Thanks.” I averted my gaze.

"Who is she? Why is she dancing with Master Leander?”

"That social climber! How dare she! Who does she think she is?!”

"Idiot, that girl is Adharia Valler. The only daughter of House Valler, she's the Heiress of the Vasquez House and she's a jack of all trades. We shouldn't mess with her.”

"A-Ah.. I didn't know. Eeh!”

"Really? She's so famous, how could you not know? Gosh, her brother is so freakin' handsome, you know? Kyah, they're both the ultimate siblings.”

What are they even whispering about? I can clearly hear you girls. And what's with this 'ultimate sibling' thing? Is that how others see us? Well, I won't deny that my Brother and I do make a great team. Yeah, that's right, so right, yes.

"What are you grinning about so proudly? Don't tell me you did fall for my charms,” he said playfully. That’s all! He's too arrogant, does he believe that I'll fall for him? Eew! Foolish man.

"Wow. Just set aside your arrogance for a while then maybe I might look your way,” I teased. As if. Tsk! "Really? Then I might as well try my very best to have you look my way." He said with a smirk. "Is that a threat?" I asked.

"You bet on it." Well, well, it seems that I'll have to be more cautious than normal. Bring it on, pretty boy.

"Oh! D*mn Leander, look at him dancing with the Heiress!”

"Tch. That freak, he's too arrogant. Who cares if his family is close with them?”

"Isn't he just using his connections? That pervert, I mean.”

"Heck yeah! One day, I'll have Miss Adharia and I'll beat the crap out of that guy.”

Uhm.. Are the guys jealous of Cryx too? Men are all fools.

"Tch. You are beautiful tonight, I suddenly felt the urge to gauge the eyes of every man who saw you tonight,” he uttered, pissed. Wow. What an aggressive comment, as if I belonged to this bastard. "Shut up beansprout. I don't belong to anyone." I snapped and glared at him furiously. I'm not a belonging, okay?!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

FINALLY, I can read my book once again. 'Endless Poison Love', ah, I love it so much! Well, to be honest, I love my collection. I even asked for Brother to build a secret room within my room as a hidden library to keep all my favorite romance novels and mystery-thriller books are. Of course, I also have other books.

For some reason, 'Endless Poison Love' is my favorite romance novel because I can feel the Author's feelings being poured into it. Sure, the plot, characters, scenes, words, and lessons are good, but it's the Author's way of writing that has got me hooked. She's a genius.

The female lead or the heroine's name is Claire and despite her alluringly pure looks, she's an assassin sent by the Empress to annihilate the Crown Prince but he fell in love with her. After a contract they both acknowledged, they began to realize their feelings and spent more time together. The Empress thought this was a good opportunity to completely gather information from Claire and have her son, Prince Caspian become the next Emperor instead of the Crown Prince who's Mother is already dead.

The Empress thought that she was Claire's Master, but she broke free from her dark past and followed the male lead, which is the Crown Prince. But unfortunately, because she became the embodiment of a Noble Lady and a strong warrior as well, Prince Caspian, the second male lead also fell in love with her. He once proposed to her but ended up being rejected. That's when he became the Villain that stands in between the Crown Prince and Lady Claire. But he was defeated in the end and didn't get to live his happy fairytale ending.

To be honest, Prince Caspian is my favorite character. He's got looks and wealth, war and battle hero and he's a freakin' Archmage as well! He also had a dark past which made me pity him and eventually became my favorite. I hoped he'd end up with the heroine, but it didn't work out. Too bad.

If I were given a chance, I'll make sure that he ends up having a happily ever after, instead of a death ending.

But most of all, his looks! Kyah! I don't like blonde-haired guys like the Crown Prince, they're not my type. I prefer Prince Caspian's mysterious yet alluring looks better. His breathtakingly silky dark raven-black like hair that surpasses midnight, his sparkling blue eyes as deep as the blue ocean it simply divine, his devilishly charming smile and freakin' well-built body and abs are one to talk about too. He's simply my type!

I then heard a knock from my door, "Noona? Are you asleep? Can I come inside?" That adorable voice belongs to Ecklis.

"Ecklis, come inside.” I called.

Did he have a nightmare? Why is he still up? "What's the matter, Ecklis?" He cutely climbed up my bed and went inside the covers, "Noona, I had a nightmare again." He frowned and wiped his tears, "Why didn't you go to your Mom's room? Or at least ask for your Nanny or Mr. Ambroise," I said.

"Nanny Wendy is sick so I didn't want to bother her, I also wanted Noona,” he said. C-Cute!

"All right, I understand Ecklis. But you know, Ecklis, big boy don't cry. Your nightmare is not real so don't be scared, you're brave, right?" I comforted him and pinched his cheeks and wiped his tears.

"Really? I'm brave?” He repeated.

"Of course! You're Ecklis Vasquez Valler, nightmares are nothing. A Valler can do anything if we put our mind to it, so trust yourself, okay?" I encouraged him. "Noona is right! Nightmares are just figments of my imagination, conjured up by my brain. So, I shouldn't be scared. Noona is always right, yes,” he said cutely in a matter-of-fact tone and nodded. Ah, I'm not a god for you to say that I'm always right. But, I do feel proud being looked up to, yeah.

"You're very clever, Ecklis. Now, how about a warm cup of milk and chocolate chip cookies before going to bed?" I suggested.

"Yes, please! I love chocolate chippie cookies.” He beamed and bounced on the bed.

I then called for Lucy and asked her for a cup of warm milk and a platter of chocolate chip cookies. She then arrived shortly and Ecklis quickly ate it while watching a show in Disney Junior on the TV bolted on the pillar wall in the reception area of my room.

My room is a modern type long rectangular bedroom, it is fairly large and has a huge balcony and an even greater view of the city. My bed is in the far end of the room with a comfortable white mattress, huge snow-colored pillows, and a gray comforter. A Recliner is placed on the right side of the bed, near another bookshelf. In front of my bed is a beige L-shaped sofa decorated with throw pillows and a few of my favorite plushies, and a glass coffee table and another table on the left side. Near the table on the left is a door leading to my closet and a few hidden cabinets. The TV is bolted to the pillar wall facing the sofa, at the back of the pillar wall is my desk and a bookshelf with educational books, trinkets and some other stuff. And lastly, at the right side is a room for my trophies and achievements.

The lighting of my room is not too bright and not too dim, it's just right. I even added secret rooms and hidden compartments to add a little thrill. And of course, my room is my favorite place in the whole Mansion.

"Ecklis, are you sleepy yet? You keep on rubbing your eyes.” I implored.

"N-Noona? Hm.. I wanna sleep now..." He rubbed his eyes. He’s too pure! 

I then carried him out and brought him to his room, I gently lowered him in the bed and covered him with his comforter and closed the lights, leaving the night light open. "Goodnight, Ecklis.”

I then returned to my room and retired for the night. Ah, sweet dreams self.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

I WAS aroused early in the morning, just in time for sunrise when I felt a firm and steady hand embracing me from my left. I was certain that I slept alone last night, so how come there's an unidentified hand holding me?

Whoever this person was, the embrace made me feel like a woman. It made me feel so secure that I just want to our position just the way as it is. But nope! 

Is this a dream? But it feels so real, so could this be reality then?!

Am I high on drugs right now? Certainly not. For pizza's sake, I hate drugs.Could it be Ecklis? Though, I'm pretty sure I put him down in his bed earlier. Unless he came to me again in the middle of the night. Or it could be my Brother? Nevertheless, my Brother has not been the type to show affection as if it were a habit, so, likely, it isn't him. So who is this?

Wait.. W-Why is it moving now?! Why is he moaning?! And why is his breath so warm in my ears?! W-What the hell!

I nervously opened my eyes and it dawned on me. I was right. The bomb has dropped. It wasn't either of them.

SO WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THIS YUMMY EYE CANDY DOING IN MY ROOM?! AND SLEEPING IN MY BED?! 

I flinched and as fast as lightning, I jumped out of the bed and punched the guy's face, hard.

I don't care how handsome he is or how well-developed and muscular his abs are showing. Gosh, am I even dreaming right now? Did somehow a hallucination pill get into my body? Am I in a VA system?!

Just what is going on here?!