3 A Long Trip

The next day...

(At the village of Koral)

Sunshine in her eyes, Olivia woke up. She then told the princess to get ready.

The princess responded, "Okay! I'll be preparing now."

"I'll wait for you downstairs. I'll get the horses ready," Olivia said.

After preparing, Eleanor immediately went down and rode her horse.

Olivia asked, "Are you ready princess?"

The princes replied, "Call me Eleanor. You're now my friend."

"Okay then, Eleanor."

After a few hours of traveling, they arrived at the first stop over which is the Kani forest. Olivia then told Eleanor to help set up the tent.

After preparing and settling down, they decided to eat. While they were eating, Eleanor asked Olivia how she got the scar on her arm.

Olivia then explained that her stepmother was the one who did it. A few months before her real mother passed away, she found out that her father was having an affair with another woman which later on became her stepmother. She had a son named Allan who was a few years younger than Olivia, but her father and stepmother treated her like a slave. She didn't even seem to be part of the family. They scolded her, they hit her, and laugh at how retarded her mother was for believing that her father actually loved her. Until one day, she killed Allan. He was the worst of all. He would slap and kick her and she never fought back because it would make things worse, but he said something that made her angry. When her stepmother knew, her stepmother tried to kill her, but Olivia fought back. So her arm was the only one that got hurt, and that's where she decided to work at the Water kingdom. She was confused when the king and queen treated her like family, but she realized that they're different. She felt loved. Their love was truly priceless.

"I didn't expect that your childhood was that bad. Everyone should be treated fairly. Whether part of royalty or not, everyone in the kingdom is considered part of the family, so you're always welcome to share your troubles and worries with us."

"Thank you. We better sleep now. It's getting late. Goodnight Eleanor."

Meanwhile...

(At the Water kingdom)

A maid informed Mia and Sebastian that a Jade bracelet has been found at Yali cave. As soon as the princess heard that, she rejoiced.

"That's great! Isn't that the one Eleanor often wears?" the prince asked.

"Yes, your highness." the maid bowed.

The next day, Mia and Sebastian went to Yali cave to investigate more about what happened.

"Mia, hold on to me. It's not safe here," Sebastian said.

"No need! I'm not scared!" the princess lied.

"Just hold me. I know you're afraid of the dark. I'll ask some of the soldiers to guard us so that you'll be at ease."

"Fine, Just don't let me go."

When they got to the deeper part of the cave, they saw the Jade bracelet and ashes scattered on the floor.

Tears started falling from Mia's eyes. She asked, "Is that them...? Are they gone...?"

Sebastian hugged her. "Mia, don't cry. We don't even know if they are really dead. Their bodies haven't been found yet."

"Then what if they were incinerated? No one can assure that!"

"It's okay. I'm here for you. We'll investigate more about this next time, but for now, let's head back to the kingdom."

The next day...

(At Kani forest)

"Olivia! Wake up! The food's gone!" the princess shouted.

"What happened? I'm pretty sure this forest wouldn't have any thieves," Olivia responded.

"Look! The woman got it! Help me catch her!"

When Eleanor and Olivia caught the woman, they tied her up.

The woman then bowed and told them to spare her. She didn't mean to get their food and that she has a family to provide for.

"Then why did you get our food when you know it's wrong?" Olivia asked.

"My family hasn't eaten for five days and if this continues, people in the village will develop a ravenous appetite causing us to starve. The head of our village won't give us food because we don't have money to pay," the woman explained.

Eleanor asked, "What is your name? Bring us to your village. I'll talk to the head of your village. If you help us, we won't kill you,"

"My name is Licia. Thank you so much for your hospitality. I'll lead you to my village," the woman responded.

(At the village of Pali)

When they arrived, Licia pointed to a house and told them that the head of the Pali village lives there. Then Olivia and Eleanor went to his house, Olivia asked, "Is someone home?"

A voice replied, "Yes. Come in."

"Are you the head of this village? If you are, could I ask why you are so selfish in terms of giving food?" Olivia asked.

"I am the head of this village and you have no right to question me. Now it's my turn. Who are you and how did you get to Pali village?" the man said.

Eleanor explained, "My name is Eleanor and this is Olivia. We came to this village because we wanted to ask why you didn't have sympathy for Licia's family."

"Why don't we give you 250 pieces of gold? Then in exchange, you have to give us a place to stay and give Licia's family food," Olivia suggested.

"Wow. Such gold is indeed valuable to me, so I'll accept your deal. You'll be staying over there." the man pointed to the house nearby.