Family Love

Being a family means you're a part of something wonderful, it means you'll love and be loved for the rest of your life -🍃✨

"Brother!" I exclaimed happily, almost in tears again but the look on his face got me stepping back a foot. He eyebrows furrowed at the sight of his best friend kneeling behind me. He must be thinking, I've bullied him again.

"IRIS. What did you do this time?!" His voice boomed with fury and echoed throughout the castle, that got my head kept down. He must be in a bad mood, and I've just made it 10x worser. Now my entire family was gathered behind him, observing the situation.

I was on the verge of tears, after 25 years I've finally got to see them again, and I already made a bad impression. Abruptly, Adam stood up and came to my side, face looking as if he was ready to defend me.

"Prince please calm down, Princess Iris didn't not do anything wrong, in fact she just gr-greeted me as S-sir. Therefore I had to kneel." He explained proudly and a little embarrassed as the rest of my family looked back at me in surprise.

My watery eyes from the ground lifted up to met my mother's, and once more my heart fluttered with joy, as I ran pass my brothers, who both looked at me weirdly, and I embraced her.

Everyone stared at me as if I was now a stranger to them...the old me was never a hugger, especially in tears and when there's no reason for wanting something.

"What's wrong sweetie did you have a nightmare? How's your fever?" She rambled and I continued to hold her till my heart content.

"I miss you so much." I whispered repeatedly, scared that I'm only hallucinating. Beads of happy tears dropped from my eyes like waterfall, and it can't seem to stop.

After minutes pass, of me sobbing away my sorrow and doubts. Everyone watched me like a hawk, not wanting to believe their eyes and ears.

I kept apologising, as that was the only thing my

mouth could muster at the moment. My father soon came to console me with such a worried expression, sandwiching me between him and my mother.

On the other hand, my brothers didn't join in, as if waiting for a drama to unfold and entertain them, like many other times before. I can't really blame my own siblings for hating and not trusting me, after all I've done, I'm grateful they're still willing to call me their 'sister'.

Moments after the big scene I caused, we're sitting awkward and dead quiet at the dining table, eating breakfast. I was sitting in between, Zion, my a-year younger brother and my eldest brother, Alexander. My eyes were still bloodshot red and cheeks stained of tear marks, as I lazily ate my pancake.

"So..your birthday and coming of age ceremony is coming up right sweetie? In a week?" Dad spoke up, easing the uncomfortable silence.

"Yeah." I answered, more like a whisper, while nodding. Usually I'd be excited to be in the center of attention, but now, I find it rather..nerve wrecking.

"What's with you? I thought you've been waiting for that day, for your whole life." Xander; Alexander, asked with sarcasm that he tried to make it unnoticeable.

"Um..maybe I don't want it anymore. Can't it just be the 5 of us celebrating?" I squeaked and they look at me in utter shock, even the maid's gasping can be heard.

In this period of time, the princess's coming of age ceremony is a...very big big thing. It's celebrated on the day she turns 16. The celebration shows that, she's ready for marriage and to be treated as an adult. From what I experienced in the modern century, 16 year olds, should absolute not be force into arrange marriages for the benefits of her family.

"Dear! Why would you want to do that, never have I heard a princess wanting to celebrate her big day with only her family. Even worse, not wanting it!" Mom exclaimed, flustered at my unexpected suggestion and I shrugged in response. If only they knew.

"Mom, I just think it isn't a big deal anymore, I rather spend my time in the library rather than meeting people who only know how to talk politics." I grunted, already imagining the conversation as Xander roll his eyes not believing and my dad listened attentively.

"Edward, talk some sense into our daughter." Mom complained to Dad and he let out a hearty laugh that got everyone looking at each other confused.

"Sweetie, what did the fever do to you? It as if changed you into a whole new person with a sunny aura." Dad read out his thoughts and everybody else hummed in agreement.

"Uhh, a maturity growth overnight?"

And the family table unexpectedly burst into fits of laughter, never have I seen them laugh at my jokes. Maybe because it's usually about insulting people whom I find annoying.

My small smiled brightened at their laughing faces, even Zion and Xander had a small tug on their lips. My heart rate increased from joy spreading throughout my chest, creating ticklish tingles down my spine and to the tip of my toes. It was an incredible feeling.

"Since when did you became so..funny?" Dad asked, raising suspicion and I tilt my head thinking of a quick answer.

"Maybe its something new that comes out naturally, without me knowing it?" I said, but more of a question than a response.

And thats how breakfast went on, with just small friendly talks and chuckles every now and then. It was one of the happiest moments I've had, and wouldn't want to exchange it for anything in the world.

After the delightful meal, everyone went their separate ways, buzzing around with work as usual.

As for I, strolling in the garden was my morning routine, it brings me back to my childhood days, where I was still innocent and wasn't overpowered by jealousy.

I breathe in the air of nature, its greenery scent filled my lungs and calmed me instantly like magic. I then found my favourite tree, looking healthy and as the same as it was before.

It is a cherry blossom tree, I used to love watching its pink petals swayed with elegance as it drops, and scattered all around me.

I grinned at the peaceful memory as I sat down underneath its shade, feeling the cool breeze against my skin like tiny feathers. Closing my eyes, I leaned my head back against its trunk, enjoying the sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling...

"U-um, Princess Iris I've brought you d-dessert." A maid appeared, snapping me out of my daydream. Wondering what she was here for as I barely heard what she said, I eyed at the basket she was carrying..filled with my favourite snacks and flowers; lavender and daisies.

"Thank you." I say with pure appreciation, she took the time to remember what I like to eat and even decorated it with my favourite flowers. I was grateful, it may be their jobs but I truly appreciate their efforts.

"Y-your welcome." She smiled down at me as she sprawled a large clothe on the grass and place down the basket. She seemed a bit confused and in a daze at my sudden kindness. I was never kind nor does the 'magic' words of please and thank you, fit into my vocabulary.

Once she was done, she backed away and bowed with grace like a proper princess. Something that I was also jealous of, out of many others, but never took the time to bother to perfect it. Its always had to be 'jealousy' I put blame on.

I sighed and took out a strawberry tart, wasting no time to have its savoury crust melting on my tongue. I bite down and moaned at the sweet taste in satisfactory, I definitely need to give compliment to the patisserie. When I was in the modern time, I rarely got to eat this type of mouth-watering desserts as they cost me more than my one-hour pay, now, I shall treasure this and eat it every week.

My mouth continued to munch down non-stop as I read a book of poetry that I've brought with me, when a sudden growl of an angry animal, disturbed the serene atmosphere. My head twist to the source, and the scowling seems to be coming from the area of rose bushes.

I got up from my comfortable position and walk towards the sound due to curiosity.

'Curiosity kills the cat.." my subconscious warned me but I ignored it.

Walking further into rosy meadow, my eyes immediately widened and gasped at the sight.

A wolf was snarling in a intimidating manner, baring its razor sharp teeth, while having a glare down with no other than; Prince Draco Knight.