21 I will win

If I knew I'll end up in this situation, I wouldn't have agreed to go out with the kids. I would've stayed in the mansion, reading the book Aiven gave me about this world.

After I blurted out my useless reason, Prince Forest just stood in the same spot he was in.

I smirked, I knew it, he's angry, more or less, disgusted as well.

I sat on the ground and hugged my knees, then I buried my face in it.

I heard his footsteps leaving the shack, and as he goes out, I can feel my heart shattering to pieces.

What kind of fool am I? I already knew I'm nothing, where did I get that courage to tell him my feelings? Of course, he'll be sickened.

Ugh, I hate my life.

I am beginning to feel numb and broken at the same time. These emotions are overwhelming, I can't even breathe properly.

How can a Prince like him like me?

How can a beautiful being notice me, a speck of dust amongst the glitters?

How can he possibly look my way?

I'm not beautiful like the others, I am not special, I'm far from someone who fits a prince.

I clenched my clothing as my legs started getting wet from my tears.

I can't take this anymore.

I feel like my chest's about to burst. It feels so empty and cold at the same time. My hands are shaking and my head feels so painful.

Gosh, I'm so stupid.

Why did I tell him that? Why?

I tried to suppress my sobs, but I know it will only grow stronger as I try to hide it, so I wailed like a kid.

He might be away by now, he left me.

But I heard footsteps coming in the shack, but I didn't raise my head.

I don't care anymore about who's that. Ah, I don't even care what happens after.

I might just end up either dead or a beggar in this world.

I can't ask for Aiven's help anymore, I already caused him a lot of trouble.

"Amy."

Everything stopped when I heard his voice call my name.

He's still here? Why?

"What are you doing?" He asked with a warm cheerful voice. "Come home," he added.

Ah, so he's going to send me home, huh? At least I'll get to go back to my wrecked life in my world.

I wiped my eyes with my skirt before raising my head, but my tears made my sight blurry.

"Amy, welcome home," I heard him say as I try to clear my vision, and the moment I raised my head to look at him, I was left speechless.

He said those words with his arms open wide while waiting for me to run towards him.

That means... he's welcoming me home... and he's my home.

I tried not to smile, but when I saw his face full of happiness, I stood up immediately and run towards him.

"I missed you," I whispered as I embrace him.

I don't even know what's happening.

He just left earlier without a word, but now, he's embracing me tightly. I closed my eyes to completely feel his warmth.

I can feel his hands combing my hair on my back softly while his chin rests on my head.

I fit perfectly in between his arms, I can feel and hear his racing heartbeat.

If this isn't what home feels like, then I don't even know what to call this.

"I was so worried, Amy, I could die looking for you," he whispered calmly.

I want to feel guilty, but for now, can I just stay like this in his arms, comfortable, safe, and happy?

This is the first time I felt different positive emotions at once. I can't even contain it in.

I rubbed my face on his chest, like a puppy enjoying its place. After all that happened, I didn't know this is the only thing that will make everything right.

"Hey, aren't you enjoying the Prince too much?"

I opened my eyes, and I saw Aiven standing beside us, staring at me like I'm some sort of dirt standing in front of him.

"I told you to stay with everyone, why did you run away?" He asked with his brows way up high and eyes opened widely from the annoyance he's feeling.

But before I can answer, I noticed I was still hugging Prince Forest in front of Aiven like a kid clinging to its favorite toy.

I pushed myself away from him then cleared my throat while looking away from them.

I feel my cheeks burning while my heart still keeps on drumming loudly in my chest.

"I was surprised when I saw Prince Forest, and my instinct told me to run," I muttered as I brush my skirt to remove the dirt from sitting on the ground.

"Have you explained why you run away from the castle? I'm telling you, if I am to be put in a tight situation because I helped you, you won't be able to see my siblings anymore."

I threw Aiven a glare, "What? That's rude! I promised that I'll visit them. And I already told Prince Forest the reason why I did that."

"And what was the reason?" Aiven asked with a smirk on his face.

I knew it! He's only going to tease me!

I wrinkled my brows at him and narrowed my eyes with a pout. Why does he have to do that in front of the Prince?

Remembering my sudden confession is quite cringy to think about.

I glanced at Prince Forest to look at his reaction, but he's glaring at Aiven angrily while Aiven stares at me with a teasing smile.

"Well, you don't have to know the reason, but don't worry. I'm sure you'll not get in trouble." I spouted, seeing Prince Forest looking like that is uncomfortable.

Is he perhaps angry at Aiven for helping me?

"Then, let me clear my name, Your Highness," Aiven said and bowed in front of Prince Forest, "I saw her in the street and my brother claimed her - and don't worry, I'll make sure the claiming scent will be removed - I did tell her to go back to the mansion but she begged me to let her stay. It is my great mistake to forget to report to you about her stay at my house."

I furrowed my brows at Aiven's words, I'm sure he didn't forget to report, he didn't have the intention to report because I told him not to.

Prince Forest just stared down at Aiven, then he took my hand tightly and pulled me outside.

Aiven stayed bowing until we got out, and before I step outside he looked at me then he smiled, like a supportive brother.

"Where's the carriage?" Prince Forest immediately asked the guards.

"It's here, Your Highness," one guard replied while he looks at a carriage appearing on the other side of the road.

Aiven went out of the shack, then I saw the kids and the others standing not far from us.

Cassidy and Nevic were about to run towards me, but Justif and a butler stopped them.

"AMY!" The kids all screamed together while they were being held, "COME HERE!"

I chuckled, why does it sound like they're ordering me?

"Do you want to say your farewell to them before returning?"

I turned my head and stared at Prince Forest, return? Does this mean I'll go back to the mansion now?

I looked at my hands being held by him, does this mean I can't get to eat the last dinner with Aiven and the kids?

I was expecting to spend this whole day with the people I considered as family. It was my plan before returning.

"Do you want to stay with them?" Prince Forest's soft voice returned with his kind glance.

Is it selfish and inconsiderate if I ask to spend dinner with them?

"Amy, it's fine if you want to. I won't stop you. Just tell me honestly what you want, please."

I frowned while looking at him. Why does he have to be so kind that it hurts?

"Amy!" Yelled Nevic, the kid who first claimed me.

I looked at everyone's expression, and they all look like they're waiting for me, even Aiven.

"I..." I whispered while looking at the Unzter family, then I looked at Prince Forest's face, "I'll stay with them."

I already decided that this morning. It'll make me feel bad if my plan didn't go well.

Stumbling upon the Prince was unexpected, but that doesn't mean everything has to change.

"Is that so..." Prince Forest's voice became faint and... cold. "Then, I'll have to arrange a meeting for you and the King to talk about the elimination of your bride candidacy, and making you a permanent resident of this village." He said with a dark expression while letting go of my hand.

I felt as if the whole world stopped moving. The only thing I can see is Prince Forest's empty expression. All I can hear are his words that tell me that I'll be away from him. And the only thing I can feel was the emptiness of my hand as he let go of me.

"NO!" I yelled as a response as I grab his hand in between mine, then I looked deeply into his eyes.

I never felt so scared in my life.

I thought the whole world was going to stop when he looked like he's ready to give me away.

"No, that's not what I meant when I said that I'll stay with them. I wanted to spend the rest of the day with them, that's all," I took a deep breath from speaking too fast, "I'm going home... to you."

I felt as if my head's about to explode after saying such embarrassing words.

Even the guards cleared their throat from hearing me.

I looked down on the ground while biting my lips. Why am I acting this way?

"That's great to hear, Amy." Prince Forest patted my head while tightening his hold on my hand, "I was afraid that you're choosing that crybaby over me."

"Crybaby?" I whispered as I look up to Prince Forest, who's glaring at Aiven.

"That village captain is a crybaby, Amy. I'm surprised he didn't cry while you're staying with him."

"He didn't... but he looked sad while talking about Miss Katrina."

Prince Forest's wide eyes landed on mine, looking like he just saw a ghost. Then, the panic was painted all over his face.

"What did he say about Katrina?" He asked, "How much did he say?"

His grip on my hand tightens every second, I'm sure he's afraid that I already know about his powers which he obviously was hiding.

"Nothing much, he just said that she already died. I forgot to ask why, do you know the reason? Aiven looked uncomfortable while talking before." I tried to act as if I knew nothing.

I caressed his hand to make him feel relaxed. If Prince Forest's still not ready to tell me about his powers, I'll pretend that I don't know if it will make him feel better.

"I see," Prince Forest sighed, "Then, shall I see you tomorrow?"

He looked at me with the same cheerful smile, with his warm voice.

I nodded, then I watched him leave in his carriage.

I run back to the kids, and they all jumped on me.

Cassidy was tearing up when I looked at her, "We thought you're already leaving! You said you'll spend the whole day with us." She said as she sniffs.

"Of course, I will. I already told you."

I hugged the kids then I looked at Aiven with a smile.

Tomorrow, my real adventure will start. And I already decided, I'll win this bride candidate game! I won't let everything go to waste.