10 I'm Not Special

I was once again woken up by my maids exactly on the moment when I was about to confess to Yato. His beautiful blue eyes were waiting for my love!

I got up and did the usual routine.

I hate this.

This is only the second day I'm doing this and I want to quit already.

I wore the dress the Prince gave me as well as the perfume. It does look good on me and I like perfume. I can smell a faint fragrant on me whenever the wind grew a bit strong.

As we walk towards the library, I suddenly want to lay down on my bed and sleep until the afternoon.

This scent somehow reminds me of someone close. It makes me feel nostalgic, and it somehow feels sad.

Am I homesick?

What should I do to be sent back home?

Should I scream another man's name now? Will they send me back or cut my tongue?

"Miss?" Regin snapped his fingers in front of me.

I didn't notice that we're already at the library, but the guards are different now. They're not even looking at me, which is of course, perfect, unlike yesterday.

"Are you alright, Miss?" Lili asked.

I smiled at them and entered the library while they all wave goodbye.

I saw the Prince yesterday coming out from one of the aisles here.

I walked around to look for him but instead, I was in awe of this library.

The bookshelves are around 15 feet high and the walls are also shelves. I can't believe I will be able to see something as magical as this.

I looked up and saw an oculus. The sun was shining down straight to the tables in the library, and there I saw the Prince.

The sunlight was perfectly shining on him, like a spotlight.

I giggled and reached for my pocket, but I remembered I don't have my phone with me.

It'll be perfect to take a picture.

I tiptoed towards him. He's sleeping peacefully. Did he sleep late?

I bent my back to peek at his face.

The sunlight's not hot since it's still morning and it's perfect to warm up someone in this cold early morning.

I bent my knees and stared at his face.

I can't believe that this face does exist.

His nose was perfectly delicate and his lips look so soft and pink.

His skin is also flawless. What's his skin routine?! It's so spotless and white.

But still, his hair is the most precious part of him! His fluffy hair always looked to great to pet.

I reached for his hair and the moment my fingertips touched them, I knew that it'll be hard to hold back.

I first patted his head lightly, making sure he won't wake up.

Now that I think of it, it's perfect that he doesn't have a guard around him, or they might point their sword to me as Regin did.

I suddenly wanted to go home and sleep on my bed next to my fluffy stuff toy, Totoro.

I yawned and laid my head on the table, while still staring at the Prince's face.

He looks so tired.

I wonder, does he even rest?

I heard he only has his morning for himself, but now he has to spend it with me, not that it's my fault, but when does he take a rest?

His afternoon's for the other bride candidates, until early in the evening. Then he has to do some work again.

I kind of feel bad for him.

He's still a prince, but he's already working his ass off.

"Isn't he adorable?" A low voice of a man asked.

I turned around and saw an old man wearing extravagant clothing.

His eyes are all black, except for his violet iris.

I was in awe of his eyes. It was so beautiful.

"It's such a shame that he wasn't able to get them, isn't it?" He said with a smile.

I snapped out and raised my brows, "Sorry?"

He chuckled and sat beside me.

It's just then that I saw a crown over his head.

"You're the King?" I asked in surprise.

He shrugged his shoulders and chuckled again.

"You're Miss Amelia, aren't you?" He said and winked at me.

If not for his good looks just like the prince, it would've sent me nightmares even if I am awake now.

"I'm happy to see that you're not having trouble in our world."

I snorted, "What? Didn't you know? I was sent to the Council because they spread gossip-- well, it's true that I sleep talk, but I only called one of my favorite characters in my sleep. I promise you I'm not dating anyone. I'm faithful to the prince."

Wait, what?

Why am I defending myself and even saying that I'm faithful when I didn't even want to be here?

The King nodded his head in understanding.

"I know. I looked into your life as detailed as I can."

"Wait. What? You what?"

I furrowed my brows at the King, "You're the mastermind of my kidnapping?"

The King nodded with a proud smile.

"I can see why you're like this, Amy."

Wow, now he calls me by my nickname!

I stood up and even made the chair turn, yet the Prince isn't awake yet.

The King must've noticed that I was curious about the situation of the Prince and he chuckled.

"He's a heavy sleeper, Amy."

I shoot my eyes at him again, "Can you tell me why you picked me to kidnap? I have nothing. No powers, no weird wings or tails. I'm just a human!"

The King stared at me with a serious expression for a long alarming time, then he burst out laughing.

I wrinkled my forehead at him as I wait for him to stop.

He even choked on his own saliva and coughed real loud, but the Prince isn't awake yet.

"Woah, did your father told you that?" He asked.

I froze.

Why did my father come up in this conversation?

"Oh my... you're such a joker, Amy. And I love your perfume. You smell like her."

He was about to pat my arm but I shove his hand away. I didn't even understand what he said. I don't even care anymore whether I come back alive. No one mentions that less than a dog father of mine. It makes my blood boil by thinking that I even have a father like him.

"Oh... Amy?" I heard the Prince called, then I looked around but the King's nowhere to be found.

I smiled at the Prince and tried to forget about the King. He's obviously hiding from the Prince.

"Good morning," I said and pulled the chair back, "Are you tired? You can just rest here. It's fine."

Yeah, it is fine. Just go to sleep then I can also sleep and go back to my dream with Yato.

The Prince shook his head and stretched out his arms and stood up to do more warm-up.

"I'm terribly sorry, Miss Amelia. I wasn't able to get a good rest last night and I can't help but take a quick nap here while waiting. And that dress is perfect for you. You're lovely."

He said and fixed his suit.

Oh my, even though he just woke up, his hair still looks so pretty!

I smiled at him and I feel a bit flustered by his words. "Thank you," I said and held my dress' skirt.

He smiled at me and reached out for my hand, "Let's have breakfast."

We went to the same spot in the garden and we began eating.

It's colder today than most of the days, and I noticed that the plants and trees are starting to wither. Do they also have winter here?

"The Ice Rain Season's coming in just a few weeks. That's why the first trial will be agriculture. You'll help the farmers gather their crops." The Prince was also staring at the trees in the garden, but the name he called the Winter season caught my attention.

I snorted then cleared my throat, "Ice Rain Season?" I repeated.

The Prince nodded.

"Then, what do you call Summer? Sunshine Season?" I chuckled and wiped my mouth with a napkin.

Breakfast today's really great. I really love meat!

"Yes, you're right." The Prince said in surprise, "How'd you know about that?"

My mouth fell open with his confirmation, "What? Then, do you call Spring Flower Season?"

The Prince chuckled, yes, I know that was silly.

"Not really, we call it Daffodils."

I almost choke on the water I was drinking. "Daffodils?"

"Yes, that's one of the earliest flowers to bloom in Spring, isn't it?"

I raised both of my eyebrows, he knows what Summer and Spring is... Then, why are they calling it---

"Hey! That's not how you call it. You're joking me. You also call it Summer, Spring and whatever!"

I folded my arms and narrowed my eyes at his shocked face.

I almost fell for that trap.

"You believed me, didn't you?" He tried to suppress his laughter while drinking water.

Of course, I'd believe you. I'm not in my world. Everything's different here.

I'm like a kid here. I don't even know what the name of this kingdom is.

Everything looks either blurry or gigantically terrifying to me, to be honest.

I wanted to look at everything like I'm watching a movie or playing a game and pretend as if everything fine and just have fun. But honestly, I'm afraid. I want to go back.

I feel like I'm stuck in the bottomless ocean where there's no light. It's scary.

"Miss Amelia?" The Prince called with a soft voice.

I looked at him and smiled, "I was just processing your joke. I realized I believe too easily." I tried to laugh but it obviously sounds fake.

The Prince frowned and stared at me.

I looked away from him and tried to act as if I'm enjoying the view of the dying plants.

"Do you want to go back?"

Yes.

"I'd let you go home."

Yes, please.

"But you can't go back here again."

Wait, no.

I looked at him. Can't go back here?

Does that mean that I won't be able to hear Granny's yells and see Reign's scary face or the maids' argues?

"I'll arrange your travel if that's what you want."

Wait, I've been here for only a few days! I told myself to have fun and wait for me to be sent home, not go home.

"No..." I whispered.

And there wouldn't be anyone waiting for me anyway.

"I'll stay here."

I can see the Prince's lips forming a smile, he sure would send me home if I wanted to. He must've heard about the 'kidnap' words I said in the council.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure that your stay here will be perfect. You can do whatever you want. Just be sure to bring Regin with you."

He stood up and reached out for my hand. "Let's take a walk in the garden before the flowers all wither away."

I took his hand and a gushing wind came passing by. It sent chills through my spine. I fixed my hair then I turned to the Prince to hold his hand again.

"The perfume suits you," The Prince said.

Wait... is his eyes tearing up?

"Are you---"

"But before we go, please wear my coat."

I was about to ask him if he's fine but there he goes putting his coat on me.

"Aren't you cold?" I asked as I pull the coat over me. I just realized how small I am compared to him. This is just his coat and it's almost like a dress to me!

"No," He shook his head and smiled, "I don't feel cold nor heat."

Wow, that's just like being numb, isn't it? I chuckled and unconciously wrapped my arms around his arm then we started walking.

"It's better if you don't feel pain."

"I don't."

"I wish I have--- what? You don't feel pain too?"

His eyes were focused on the way but I can the uneasiness in his eyes.

"Well... that's cool. And sad at the same time."

He looked at me with wide eyes, "What do you mean? Sad?"

I nodded as I saw some roses, "Yeah. You know, pain teaches people."

"I have my masters and professors."

"Uh... no. Like, life teacher. For example," I stopped walking and made him stop as well, "I hurt you. You feel pain. You're sad, angry or whatever. That will teach you something, either you don't trust people easily anymore or you'll learn to be stronger. It depends. Pain builds character."

The Prince looked like he can't understand what I was saying at first, but then he smiled at me again.

"I know."

"Right?"

"Yes," the Prince chuckled and held my hand. "I was just messing with you," he said. "I know that. I don't feel pain physically, Miss Amelia. But I am a fragile person too."

I was weirded out by his words, and the way he holds my hand was dangerously comforting and warm.

I tried to wiggle out of his grasps but he held my hand tight and even put them in his pocket together with his hand.

I wanted to kick him for being too close, which is unlike him.

But somehow, when I smell the perfume, I feel thirsty for warmth.

Does he feel the same too?

I let him hold my hand in his pocket for a while. It does feel good and comforting. As if nothing will turn bad as long as he holds my hand while we walk together silently.

"Just call me Forest from now on, Miss Amelia." He suddenly said as we take our turn to go back.

"Call me Amy. You don't need to call me miss or whatever." I replied.

I can see the butler and the maid now. I don't want to go back. If we did, he'll let go of my hand and we'll have to act as if we're not close-- but we're not close. He's just holding my hand because it's cold.

And he's certainly doing this to the other bride candidate as well.

With his looks and words, I'm sure he's a flirt.

Come on, Amy. You're nothing special.

As we get near them, I pulled my hand away from him and took a few steps away.

"Is there any problem, Amy?" He asked while he slows down.

I wanted to stop and face him, but that'll be too much already.

I should just go back and daydream about my anime boyfriends. I can't waste my feelings over something that I'll leave someday.

"Nothing, I just want to go back... Prince." I replied and gave the coat to his butler.

Why should I even call him by his name only? That'll only attract attention and sooner or later, I might end up to be the talk of the brides again.

"It was nice to see you again, Prince." I bowed before I entered the mansion.