22 What Are You Thinking?

We returned back to Aiven's house right after Prince Forest left.

I wanted to go with him, but if I leave just like that, it'll be inconsiderate of me. I told the kids that I'll spend the day with them before I leave, and another day with them wouldn't hurt.

With the Unzter family, I found what it's like to have people around you make your day worth it. They showed me what a family is. They taught me what it's like to feel that I'm not lonely.

It was only a few days, but for me, it feels like a lifetime.

We had dinner and the kids stayed with me, playing and talking until late in the evening.

Aiven was against the idea of letting the kids stay up late, but he later joined us because he might've felt jealous that we were having a good time without him.

We're all sitting on my bed, but earlier we were sitting on the chair, the kids only begged us to let them sit and lay down on my bed in case they fell asleep.

"Aiven is reallllllllly mean!" Cassidy told me as she pouts, "He took my Lily Doll because I was picking the roses in the garden."

Aiven shrugged at me, he knows that he's the right one in this situation.

She's been telling us stories about her doll, who she calls Lily the whole time. It was her first gift from Aiven, but now her brother has it as a punishment.

"Well, it's wrong to pick flowers," I took her and let her sit on my lap, "Just let it bloom."

Even if this isn't my real room, having everyone here makes my heart feel full and warm.

I was always alone in my house before. There was no one except me in that place. I can't even call it home.

"Well, why don't you tell us something that happened during your childhood, Amy?"

Aiven asked as he combs Janette's hair while she sits on his lap as well, "I'm sure there's something embarrassing that you did."

"Yes! Tell us!" Nevic cheered with a smile, but he later yawned and laid on my bed.

They were all looking like they're waiting for my story. I can't say that I haven't done any embarrassing things, but I just can't remember any specific story.

I was careful back then, I made sure that I won't do anything wrong to have everyone's attention.

"I don't think this is something, but it happened," I started with a timid smile, "I really liked one of my classmate before when I was ten years old. He was a funny guy---"

I was cut off when Aiven snickered, "Oh, so you like funny guys, huh?" He smiled and teased.

I just rolled my eyes at him and threw him a pillow, "Shut up, I'm talking."

I hate it when he's strict and serious, but I also hate it when he's being like this. I don't feel comfortable when someone teases me, but it's not bad.

I'm sure I'm going to miss this bipolar village captain.

"So..." I continued, "I gave him a love letter, but when I was about to give it to him, he made a joke about me. I can't remember what it was, but everyone laughed. I wasn't able to hand him the letter and I ran away."

"You really love running away, don't you, Amy?" Aiven once again interrupted with that annoying look on his face, but when I saw a pillow landing on his face, I can't help but laugh.

"Bulleyes!" Nevic shouted with a wide triumphant smile.

"It's a bullseye, you disrespectful child !" Aiven said under his breath as he holds the pillow, ready to throw it to Nevic.

I can't believe I'm seeing another part of what having a family is.

I wonder what might have happened to me if I was born in Aiven's family and he became my big brother.

Will he comb my hair just like he's doing to Janette, or will he throw a pillow to my face just like what he's doing to Nevic?

"Did you cry?" Cassidy asks with a frown while looking up to my face.

Aww, she looks so cute, but why are her ears so down? Does she feel bad for me?

"No, I didn't. I ran away because I didn't know why they were laughing. I didn't catch the joke because I was so nervous about giving him the letter. I didn't know what to do or say that's why I ran away."

Nevic and Aiven stopped throwing each other pillows, and they turned to me.

"Well, he's lucky that he got away from your confession. It'll be hard to have a lady who loves running away," Aiven remarked as he picks up the pillow on the floor.

I was about to throw him the pillow Nevic's handing me, but he continued speaking, "But, it's his loss. He wasn't able to meet an outstanding person like you—"

He said with a smile, but again he smirked, "—someone who's having an existential crisis and can't decide on what she wants."

Sometimes, I really can't comprehend what Aiven's true character is.

Is he a strict person or an annoying brother?

I want to strangle him right this moment! My hands are itching to wrap his neck and squeeze the life out of him.

After a few more storytellings about my childhood, the kids are all beginning to doze off.

Aiven called for their butlers to take them to their room and send them to sleep. They wanted to sleep beside me, but Aiven knew none of us will have a good rest, especially that all of them are dreaming about kicking some bad guys.

One of us will wake up with a bruise on our face or body tomorrow if they all sleep together with me.

"Good night, Amy," Aiven whispered as he closes the door.

As the door closes, I tear up.

I feel happy and sad at the same time.

I never had anyone wish me a good night like this.

The maids, Granny, and Regin say those words to me, but after bonding with Aiven and the kids, it feels different to hear 'good night'.

I can't remember my mother or father doing that, but maybe this is what feels like to be a child and having someone send you to bed, knowing that they won't leave you.

"Aiven," I called before the door locks.

He opened the door and peeked, "Yes?"

"Can I call you my brother?"

Good thing the light's out, or else he might see my embarrassed face.

Before I leave, I just wanted to know whether I am welcome to this family, or should I stop feeling like I'm one of them.

But his smile and nod made my worries go away. Finally, I have people I can call family.

"Why not?" He opened the door slightly then he leaned on the doorframe, "You're always welcome here. Don't be afraid, you can always run to us."

The light coming from outside the hallway made my eyes grew tired and heavy before I can even say my gratitude to Aiven, I already fell asleep.

This morning feels just like the mornings I have in the mansion.

I don't want to wake up! It's not because I still have dreams about my anime boys, which I just noticed that I didn't have for the past days, but because I know when I open my eyes and goes out of this room, I'll have to prepare for my leave.

"Amy!" I heard Ordelline called outside, followed by her siblings' voices, "WAKE UP!" they all yelled in unison.

But instead of groaning, it sent energy through my body.

I stood up and opened the door, and the moment I saw them, they all jumped towards me with a smile.

"Good morning!" They greeted me while pulling me down.

I bent my knee and each of them gave me a peck on my cheeks.

"You're now released!" Nevic exclaimed with a proud smile.

I frowned my brows with what he said, thank goodness Justif suddenly appeared.

"They're removing their claiming scent, Miss, and good morning," he explained then bowed.

After that, the maids helped me prepare my luggage.

It's really weird that I came here with nothing, but I'm leaving as if I lived here for the past years because of how much I am taking.

We all had breakfast together and not long after, the castle's carriage arrived with Prince Forest.

I was talking to Justif when I heard his voice from the entrance, it sent chills and made my heart go crazy.

I just remembered what I said yesterday. Ahh! I messed up my hair from the embarrassment.

Justif was watching me with worry, but I don't care! I pulled my hair while I walk back and forth in the dining hall.

I can't believe I confessed yesterday. I told him what I feel! Why? Why did that happen?

How can I face him now? I'm shameful!

"Amy?"

No, I can't face him.

I'll pretend I'm sick, so they'll let me stay. Maybe after a week, he'll forget about it.

"Amy, are you alright?"

Or I can just tell him that I was just joking? Will he believe me?

"Amelia Snow, the Prince is talking to you!" Aiven's loud voice echoed around the hall. "He's been calling you twice now, why are you messing your hair? You already look rubbish, but you're making it worse."

I turned around with my eyes narrowed. I glared at Aiven, why does he have to be so savage when he talks to me?

"She's not rubbish, Aiven."

My eyes turned to the one who talked, and by the grace of apples, it's the Prince.

"She's beautiful," he added with the same warm smile.

Automatically, my lips smiled, and everything froze.

Why does he have to always look so breath-taking?

"Hey," Aiven snapped his fingers in front of me, "Your hair's a mess, aren't you embarrassed that you're facing the Prince looking like that?"

My smile vanished when this brother of mine spoke once again, "Your face's a mess, aren't you embarrassed you look like that?" I spouted with my brow raised.

Of course, Aiven's face is not a mess. He's beautiful, but I just had to say something.

He snorted, but he didn't say anything else. I'm sure he knows that I just want to annoy him.

"Well, are you ready to come home?" Prince Forest asked with a smile.

I blushed when I remembered that he said those words to me yesterday with his arms open wide.

I was about to walk towards him, but the kids suddenly rushed and hugged me.

"You're going to visit us, right?" Ordelline asked while her tails wagged.

I nodded, "Of course, I will."

I patted each of their heads, but Aiven cleared his throat, and like a robot, the kids bowed before the Prince, "Your highness," they greeted.

"You don't have to do that," Prince Forest giggled, "Your brother's not even respecting me."

I looked at Aiven and he looks annoyed but he's just stopping himself from beating the Prince.

They really are best friends.

But, I wonder, why do I feel like there's a wall between them?

They're looked like they're teasing each other, but aside from their positions, there's something else that's stopping them.

"Well then, can I have her back now?" Prince Forest asked the kids.

For a while, none of the children spoke, but Nevic nodded, then his sisters followed and nodded.

I smiled, I know they don't want me to go, I also want to stay with them. But this is not the reason I was taken to this world, and I already have a goal in mind.

"Amy, let's go."

I felt Prince Forest's hands wrapped around mine, then he looked at me just like a kid who received his price.

His eyes were full of happiness... maybe it's 'cause his life is back to normal now that his brides are all complete. And his smile was full of contentment... maybe because he's done looking for me.

Ugh, I want to assume that he's happy that he found me; that his worries are all gone because I'm in his arms again; that his heart's at rest because I'm with him again, but I can't risk my heart in this baseless thoughts.

For now, I'll do what I can to make my heart brave to accept my emotions for the Prince. And once I'm confident that I have a chance with him, I'll do everything to win.

I waved my hands and bid goodbye to everyone.

"Thank you!" I shouted outside the window as the carriage moves.

I saw the kids starting to cry, while Aiven just gives me a smile that cheers me up, and tells me that everything will be alright.

"Amy, are you ready for tomorrow's first trial?"

Prince Forest asked.

I turned to him and I felt my cheeks burning.

His hair still looks so fluffy! I miss patting him.

"I don't know. I have basic knowledge about planting, but that's the only thing I know about agriculture."

I nibble with my skirt as I try to calm myself down.

Hoo! Why do I feel flustered? He's only talking to me. There's nothing to be nervous about.

"That's alright, all you have to do was plant and help our kingdom's farmers harvest their crops."

I nodded, what do I have to reply?

Come on, Amy. Talk.

"Do you feel uneasy? Is this the first time you've ridden a carriage?"

I shook my head.

No. I don't feel uneasy about riding a carriage. I'm nervous because of you.

Can't you see that it's you? Don't tell me you don't know I'm uncomfortable because I confessed?

Are you dense?

Well, that's better than receiving a silent treatment from the person I confessed to. At least he's making an effort to not make the situation awkward.

Are you just being nice and pretends as if I didn't tell you my feeling?

What are you thinking?

Shouldn't you give a reply to the person who confessed to you?

Ah! This travel will belong. I hope the carriage will go faster.