Night.

“I knew you’d be here.” I said when I saw her sitting on the baluster of my terrace. “The moon is so bright.” I said and looked at the moon in the dark sky. I waited for her to go back my terrace this afternoon, and she did. It’s now midnight.

“I thought you’re asleep.” she said.

I shook my head. “I’m waiting for you.” I said.

“Why?” she asked.

“To apologize.” I said. I gave her the flower the little girl gave me yesterday during the celebration. “I forgot to give this to you that time, during the lighting of the lanterns.” I said. “I also apologize for what happened that day.” I said.

“I understand. I’ve thought all about it this afternoon.” she said. I looked at her. “You just kissed me to make the West King stop from forcing you to marry his son.” she said.

I nodded. “I’m really sorry.” I apologized.

“Don’t be.” she said before she paused. “Can I ask?” she said. I looked at her, urging her to speak. “What happened earlier… is that also normal in your country?” she asked.

“Err… these days… yes.” I answered, remember that homosexuals is widespread.

“Oh. I see.” she said. Silence fell. “Why did you help the West King of saving his son?” she asked. “Surely not because of the prophecy?” she said.

I shook my head.

“Surely not because you’re benevolent?” she asked again.  

I didn’t answer.

“So, you just feel like it?” she asked.

I didn’t answer.

She sighed. “I won’t push you.” she said. Silence. “Say…” she said after a while.

I looked at her.

“What do you call in what you did to me earlier?” she asked.

My face went red. “Ki…”

“’Ki’?”

“Kiss.” I said.

“Kiss…” she muttered as she stared in the space in a daze.

“Say…” I said. “I noticed this earlier…” I took a deep breath. “Why aren’t you facing me?!” I asked as I looked at her beautiful side profile. We’re talking to each other, but his back is facing me.

She didn’t answer.

“Hey!” I called. I sighed when she didn’t budge. “Suit yourself.” I said, then went inside my room. “Good night.” I said and went to the bed and slept.

Silence fell in the surroundings. Only Yelena’s breathing can be heard in the silence. Vice continued to sit on the baluster, unafraid of the deep ravine beneath her feet dangling in the air. After a while, he went down and entered Yelena’s room. Vice walked towards the bedside table and blew out the candle.

“How are you so unguarded.” A male voice spoke in the darkness, followed by hushed footsteps walking to the direction of the terrace. Underneath the moonlight, a figure jumped off the terrace, before it disappeared when it blended together with the darkness.

Morning.

“Are you sure you didn’t see a person on my terrace?” I asked the maidservants who helped me put on the frilly gown that has long been prepared for me as the princess.

“No, Your Highness.” A maidservant respectfully answered as she helped her with her hair. “The door to your terrace is closed when we arrived.” She explained.

I held myself back not to frown. Where did Vice go? Why is she always disappearing? She’s like a ghost! The thought brought a chill down on my spine and I suddenly shivered.

“Your Highness! Do you feel cold?” the maidservants asked in worry. A look of panic appeared in their eyes as they immediately brought out a shawl to cover her exposed fair and smooth shoulders.

I suddenly sneezed. “I’m fine.” I answered as I rubbed my nose. I woke up at five in the morning, when the sun is not yet out. I wake up early because of the nature of my work.

The maidservants smiled as they looked at each other. Their princess doesn’t act like a princess at all, but it looked cute and adorable in their eyes. “Your Highness. Her Majesty the Queen and His Majesty the King is requesting you to join them for breakfast.” A maidservant said and bowed.

“Oh. No need to request this of me. I will join them.” I said and rose from my seat. The maidservants immediately helped me lift the frilly long skirt of my gown that touches the floor to keep it from being dirtied. “Let’s go.” I said.

A maidservant walked to her side and bowed as she wore on her a white glove that reaches on her elbow.

---

“Say, my daughter.” My father said as we ate breakfast. “I know your mother already explained this to me last night, but…” he wiped his mouth. “Is that woman yesterday really your lo – “

I spit the water. “S – sorry.” I said, wiping my mouth. I cleared my throat. “Ehem. She, uh… she’s my friend.” I said.

“’Friend’?” he asked. “Not your lo – “

I choked on my food. “Father.” I said, coughing. “Please drop the joke.” I said. “Mother already told you that I just did it to make the West King stop forcing me to marry his son.” I explained.

He chuckled. “Of course you do.” He said and continued to eat.

“But…” mother said. “This brings back memories… the prince and Yelena – “

“Stop that.” Father said.

“But, Dear – “

My father stood up. “I already told him that day that I won’t let our daughter go to danger. And still he did it when he heard Yelena came back.” He sighed. “I lost my appetite.” He said and walked out.

My mother sighed. “What’s going on?” I asked.

She smiled sadly and put down her fork. “Would you like to have a morning tea?” she asked and stood up.

The maids cleaned the table as we left.

“So… what really happened?” I asked as the maid poured the tea. We’re at the gazebo.

She sipped her tea. “It happened when you were still 5.” She started. “And when the prophecy came.” She put down her tea and took a deep breath. “It was a beautiful day, but ended…” she sighed.

Flashback

Queen’s POV

“Mother, father! They’re here!” Yelena excitedly said as she went out. 

I smiled when they went out of the carriage “Welcome.” I said. 

The prince bowed before us and smiled. “Thank you.” he said and smiled. 

“Vincent!” Yelena yelled happily and smiled widely. 

The prince smiled. “Yelena.” he said. 

We went to lake Coreal. It was the biggest lake and in the middle of both kingdoms. 

The West King, Yako, laughed. “It’s so refreshing to see the kids.” He said. 

My husband chuckled. “I could see them grew up together.” he answered. 

We all smiled. But we stopped when a strong wind blew past us. And we heard a woman’s voice. 

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.

We froze. “What – “ we said, then looked at each other. 

“Hey.” My husband said, looking at Yako so serious. 

Yako shook his head. “This couldn’t be…” he said, then looked at his son. His face was covered in fear. He looked at my husband. “Please – “

My husband stood up. “No.” he said. “I won’t – “

“But my son – “ Yako said. 

“I said no!” my husband snapped and walked to Yelena. 

“Dear…” I said, then looked at Yako. I smiled sadly and bowed. “I’m really sorry – “ I said and followed my husband.