“So? How was it to pretend you’re the princess?” she asked.

I looked at her. We’re at the terrace. She thought that was just an act earlier? I thought. I felt my chest. This is… so familiar.  I thought. My tears… and my smile… I didn’t fake it earlier. Because that’s what I really felt that moment. I thought. Celestine said I suddenly appeared in front of his car he almost hit me. He said I don’t remember anything when he found me, and so she adopted me as her daughter.

That may be why I cried earlier… I yearned to be hugged by my parents. I sighed. But they’re not my real parents, though. My heart felt like it was squeezed when I thought of that. “It’s convenient.” I answered.

She looked at me.

“Don’t worry. I’ll leave once I found the way on how to go back to my world.” I told her. She didn’t answer. “How about you?” I asked. “What’s your purpose why did you come here?” I asked her.

“I told you earlier.” She said. “I came for the event earlier – “ she answered.

“Don’t lie, please.” I said. “I already told you my reason. You should tell me yours.” I said and looked at her. “Surely, you’re not here to kill the princess if she finally came back, right?” I joked. She didn’t laugh. My eyes went wide. “No way! You’re really an assassin - ?” I exclaimed in shock as I took a step back away from her.

She rolled her eyes. “No.” she said. “I’m really a traveler. I just came here yearly for the event and pray for the princess to come back.” she said and paused. “Though I don’t know why.” she added.

“So, you’re also not from this kingdom.” I said. “Where are you from?” I asked.

“That…I … don’t know, too.” She honestly answered.

“You don’t remember?” I asked.

She shook her head. “I’m raised by my aunt.” she said.

“Oh.” I said.

Silence fell.

“Can I ask?” she spoke. I looked at him. “How could you be so good at deceiving them?” she asked.

“That… pft!” I said, then laughed. “Ahahahahaha… ah.” I stopped when she glared at me. I wiped my tears. “Know what? In my country, there’s this people called ‘actors’.” I said.

“’actors’? what’s that?” she asked.

I smiled. “People who are acting to entertain other people.” I said. “I’m one of them.” I told her.

Her eyes went wide. “No doubt you’re so good when you cried earlier – “ she said.

“Ah…” I said, then scratched my head. I’m not acting, though. I thought, then sighed.

“Your Highness!” I heard Emil called outside.

“Enter!” I said.

“Y – Your Highness!” he said, then looked at Vice before he ignored her. He looked panicked.

“What is it?” I asked.  

“It’s… I think it’s better if you see it.” He answered.

Vice and I looked at each other, then followed Emil outside.

“I’m not here to start a war!” I heard a man said as we approached the hall.

“Then what is it?” I heard my father asked.

“Dad? Mom?” I called. I saw a middle-aged man standing in front of them.

The middle-aged man looked at me. His eyes went wide. “So she’s – “ he said, then looked at my dad. “You know the prophecy.” He said. My father didn’t answer. “So, you have no plans of … are you siding with the evil king?!” he asked in anger.

We all gasped. “I don’t.” my father answered.

“Then why – “ the middle-aged man said.

“I don’t want to lose my daughter again!” my father snapped. The man didn’t answer. My father took a deep breath. “Please, do understand. My daughter was lost for 20 years, and – “

“So is my son!” the man said. “That damn evil king took my son!” he said, then cried. “I beg of you. Please, help me. I don’t care if you take my kingdom. Just… just give me my son back…” he cried.

“This… looked like the typical drama in my world…” I muttered.

“What’s a ‘drama’?” Vice asked.

“Oh, shit! You’re there?!” I asked and turned to her. “Don’t surprise me like that.” I said as I clutched my chest. “Anyways…” I said and looked at the man. I stepped forward.

“Yelena?” my parents called, surprised.

“Sir… may I know your name?” I asked and helped him up.

“You…” he said. He regained his composure. “I’m Yako, the West Kingdom’s king.” He said.

“Eh?” I said, shocked, and immediately released his hand.

However, he grabbed my hands. “Please, I beg you. Please rescue my son.” He said.

“Hey!” my father protested.

“Dear.” My mother said. “I think this decision… we should leave this to Yelena.” She told him.

“What?!” my father said, shocked. “Yelena…” he called and looked at me. “No… don’t – “ he said.

“Please…” the man begged.

Eh?! What is this?! I just wanted to know who he is since he’s making a scene outside here ­– I thought. Sweat fell down my face. “Err…” I said. I looked at Vice. She raised her eyebrows, telling me, “What will you do, trickster?” I frowned, then looked at the man. “Very well.” I said. “I’ll help you.” I told him.

“What… Yelena, no!” my father said.

“Yelena…” my mother called, wiping her tears. “You’ve grown such a kind-hearted woman – “ she said.

“Thank you so much!” the man said and kneeled in front of me.

“Eh - ?! You don’t have to kneel - !” I said and helped him up. “Anyway, may I ask how can I save the prince?” I asked. What the hell… isn’t it the prince that’s supposed to save the princess? How did it reverse?! I secretly complained.

“Your Highness…” the West Kingdom’s king said. “You haven’t heard of the prophecy?” he asked.

“Huh?”

My father sighed. “Since it has come to this, I have no choice. Let’s all go inside.” He said and walked inside.

We all followed him.

----

“The prophecy…” my father said. “It appears only when it sensed the kingdom is in grave danger.” He said.

“Who… makes the prophecy?’ I asked.

“The creator of this kingdom when it was still one: the Great and Wise One, Yulo.” He said.

‘Great and Wise One’? She’s more narcissistic than me. I secretly grinned. Then, suddenly, I remembered something. My eyes widened. “What – “ I said. “You told me it’s a myth - !” I said before I froze. Huh? Why did I say that? I thought.

My father smiled. “So, you still remember.” He said. “Sorry for that.” He smiled apologetically. “Anyways, the first ever prophecy was 20 years ago, days before that incident all happened. She might have foreseen the evil king will come, so she made this prophecy:

Two kingdoms that fell apart, 

Will be united again by two hearts. 

One of whom is pure and kind, 

And one is far but will be the light,

Of those in dark of the evil king, 

Born again to spread despair,

But will die by the hero’s spear, 

Filled with hope and love from his people –  

“’He, the prince, will be the champion.’” I ended. I held my breath as they looked at me. I touched my head. How the heck - ? Why did I say that? I thought, shocked.