Chapter Fourteen

Ron looked offended and sad. After everything he went through. Now, if Zedekiel decides to let this get out, he'd be known as the prince who stole berries in the middle of the night.

"Look future brother in law, let's keep this between us yeah? No one else needs to know. This will be our very own secret. I won't tell anyone about how you nearly killed me either"

Zedekiel scoffed. "I think you've forgotten who's the King here. Who would believe such an accusation? That I, the King of Netheridge, nearly killed a mere prince?"

"A mere prince?" Ron said, offended. "I'm the future of Ashenmore. If I die, be rest assured that my father will crush Netheridge to the ground"

"Believe me, that's the only reason I haven't killed you. I won't endanger the lives of my people"

Ron wanted to slap this King silly. "Why do you hate me? As far as I recall, we've never met until today. I never even knew a place like this existed. What is it that I've done to you? You know what, whatever it is, I'm sorry. I'm really really sorry. Just... let me go"

The hatred in Zedekiel's eyes was too much for him to bear. It hurt to know that the person you love doesn't even like you.

"Sorry?" The King sneered. He thinks an apology can wipe their sins? He thinks an apology was enough for all the blood that was shed? His brother who had been beheaded? His father who was poisoned? No. An apology will never be enough. What he wanted was blood.

But Ron didn't know that. In fact, Ron knew nothing about the true history between the Elves and humans. The truth had been mixed with lies.

"If an apology isn't enough, I'll do anything" Ron said. "As long as it's reasonable and within my power, I'll do it"

Zedekiel stared at him for a while then released him. He was confused. Why was the prince willing to take punishment for something he didn't know about? Just what was wrong with this person?

He was chased and nearly got killed.

All that for some berries? And why wasn't he angry? Instead, he apologized.

"Why steal the berries? You could have asked Ludiciel to get them for you". Zedekiel said, changing the topic.

The previous bad thoughts about Ron didn't vanish. It was just hard to understand such a person. What did Ron want? Having humans in his Kingdom was like having a time bomb. They had to constantly keep up the illusion that they were humans too and it was eating away at their mother tree. It couldn't hold up for long.

"I did" Ron answered, massaging his sore wrists as he stood up. "But he only let me eat one. He's so stingy. I couldn't sleep and I started craving more so I went to get some". He felt so embarrassed. A prince like him, stealing berries and the person who caught him was his love interest.

The King thought Ron was stupid. He didn't trust this Ron but he could see for now that he was harmless. Just like Ludiciel said. Still, he wondered what kind of person Ron was. He nearly killed the guy but look at them talking as if Ron's life wasn't in danger a while ago.

"You like the berries that much?"

Ron nodded, his russet curls bouncing.

"Wait here". Zedekiel went to his table and stuffed some things on a bowl into Ron's pouch then returned and gave it to him. "I like the berries too so I keep some with me. They're fresh. You can have these. Refrain from wandering about at night. It could raise a lot of questions"

The Prince was elated. His joy couldn't be hidden at all. He collected the pouch and immediately stuffed a berry into his mouth, munching happily. The King didn't have to tell him. Even if he was bribed with a million golden berries, he would never wander at night again!

Zedekiel just wanted him to leave already.

At that point, Ron made his decision to make as many good memories as he could with Zedekiel so that if things didn't work out between them, he'd have no regrets.

After thanking him, Ron left the room but it didn't even take him five seconds and he went back. He met a stern faced Zedekiel who sighed and said; "What do you want now?"

Ron scratched the back of his neck and gave him a sheepish smile.

"Future brother in law, I'm lost"

********

Prince Ron was wide awake by the time Princess Rose entered his room. He standing in front of a mirror, buttoning up his white shirt. Rose stood by the door, shocked. It was still early in the morning but, Ron was awake? She blinked then gazed at Ron who was now brushing his tawny curls, smiling at the mirror. She had to rub her eyes again and again.

Ron was awake! That too, before breakfast! Without being forced! Yesterday, he played the role of a brother well. Today, he woke up on his own. What was the world turning to?

"Good morning sister" Ron beamed when he noticed Rose standing there with a shocked expression. "Did you have a good night?" He didn't wait for her to answer. "I had a very wonderful night. I've never slept so well in my entire life. I like this room very much. I also like this castle. Do you know we're going to spend three months here? Isn't that just wonderful? You'll get to know the King while I'll get to eat all the delicious delicacies their cook makes and all the golden berries I want. I bet I'll be fat before we go back to Ashenmore. Father will be so mad. Do you know that-"

"Ron" Rose called, cutting him off. He went silent, wearing a nervous expression. She walked forward and tightly hugged him. "Thank you". She knew why he was rambling like that.

Ron's worries eased. He normally rambles when he's nervous or scared. He was afraid Rose would get mad that he made a deal about her future with the King without consulting her. That was actually why he couldn't sleep last night and went to steal berries.

His neck and wrists still hurt. When he checked, there was a red bruise like a fat ring there and also around his wrists. That's why he raised the collar of his shirt and also made sure the sleeves hid the bruises on his wrists.

"Ludiciel already informed me" Rose told him. "We're going to have breakfast with his family that's why I came to wake you up but I'm glad you're already awake"

The Prince was happy seeing that his sister was okay so he just nodded.

"Also, I've sent a letter to father explaining what happened with the King. I also mentioned how you bravely faced him for me. Father will surely reward you when you return"

Ron tried not to roll his eyes. When who returns? He's not going anywhere. He's gonna compete!