XIX

Some of them have something to eat, and some of them just chill around and talk with each other inside the great hall. But five of them decided to when out to the garden. The Golden Kingdom's garden looks peaceful at night with some little fairies flying around with their glowing wings. It's colourful. The glowing wings cancelled all the darkness and keep the surrounding felt safe. Safe enough to even sleep in the garden. They sat on the ground, enjoying the breeze of the night. It's cold but reconciles.

"So, how's your life going?", Serenity asked them.

"Harsh. I just can't stop using that word," Claudia replied.

She lay down on the ground with her hands at the back of her head. She doesn't care if she stained the dress. Not her problem after all. She used

to do this before.

"Why?", Azazel asked her.

"My trainer trains me half death every day. I told my mother to ask the trainer to stop at least once in every section but he won't do it!"

"Woah, chill. If you can't handle it, how are you going to build the protection for our kingdoms?" said Maverick.

"Yeah, I know. It's part of my responsibility since my brother didn't want it. So, how's your training, Azazel and Evander?"

"Technically, same as you. No rest at all. But, I'm grateful for it. If not, I might see all of you as prey and not friends," Azazel replied.

Evander just keeps on quiet like how he used to be. Nothing changed. Except, he's paler than before. His eyes also change from black to

permanent red.

"I thought your red eyes are not permanent," said Serenity to Evander.

"What can I do? I can't change it," he replied.

"Maverick, what are you doing now?", Azazel asked his best friend.

"Training to be the swordsman. Since I'm an only child, I need to learn a lot of things. I need to learn to be the warrior and the future king. It's

hard you know," he replied.

"Hey Evander," Claudia called him.

He just looked at Claudia.

"You're also the crown prince, right? And you're also the knight commander. So, I guess both of you are handling the same things. Am I right?", said Claudia.

"Sort of," Evander replied with no interest.

"Ergh, come on Evan! At least smile a bit! You know it's hard for us to meet again!" Claudia back to sit down and cupped Evander's face.

She used her fingers to pull Evander's mouth to make a smile.

"See! It's better if you smile!", she said.

Evander pushes aside Claudia's hands and makes his annoying face.

"Stop playing around," he said.

"Okay fine! You don't seem to enjoy your life. I mean, you never enjoy your life," Claudia mocks him.

Evander didn't care about it. Thinking of the throne that he needs to sit on and the knight that he needs to lead is tiring enough. He's not like

Maverick. Who knows how to be responsible? Evander knows how to be responsible with family, but not the kingdom. He hates it.

"Serenity, mind following me?", asked Maverick.

"Huh? To where?", she asked back.

"Just follow me," he lends his hand to her.

Serenity looks at Claudia. She wasn't sure about it since she knows how Maverick felt towards her. Claudia knows about it already. And Claudia nodded as a sign to follow him. Seeing her nod, Serenity grabs his hand.

"Thanks," said Maverick.

. . . . . ╰──╮╭──╯ . . . . .

Evander POV

Claudia is just an annoying witch! How can she touch my face like that?! She should be grateful that she's Serenity's best friend! If not, I might

rip her face in one tear. Speaking of Serenity, where did Maverick bring her?

"Oi, what are you thinking?", Azazel asked me.

"Nothing. Stay away from me," I replied.

"Wait, why?", he asked.

"I don't mix around with someone weak like you."

"Weak?! What do you mean weak?! I'm stronger than before!", Azazel is unsatisfied with Evander's statement.

"Really? Try me," I said.

"You want to pick a fight right now?!"

"My, my. Don't argue now!", said Claudia.

"This Mr Arrogant is the one how to start it! Mad at him, Claudia!", Azazel confides to Claudia.

"I don't know you gonna be this childish."

"Eh, Evander. Don't pick a fight now," Claudia tries to settle the situation.

"If only Serenity is here, this should be easy," she sighs.

. . . . . ╰──╮╭──╯ . . . . .

Serenity POV

"Where do you want to bring me?", I asked him.

"I use to hang out here sometime," he replied.

A few moments later, we arrived at a different garden. I didn't know the existence of this garden. When I work here, Miss Aliah never asked me

to go here.

"I don't know about this garden. It's beautiful," I said.

"Yes. Mom told me that this is a private area for her to test her fairy powers. Now, it's my private place," he replied.

"Oh, I see. Why did you bring me here?"

"Sit here first," he said at the bench.

"I have something for you."

He then put out something from his pocket. A small golden box. He opened it and a necklace shows itself. It's beautiful and luxurious. Simple but

nice.

"This is for you," he said.

"Thanks a lot. But I can't simply accept it."

"Please, accept it. I choose it for you," he said.

I remember something. I already have my necklace. I mean, even if it's not that luxurious but I like this one better.

"I can't. Sorry. Maybe you should give it to Claudia instead," I said.

"You don't like it?"

"No. I love it. But..."

"But, why?"

I hold on to the blue star pendant. I smile and said,

"Because this one is my favourite. And you know I don't wear any jewellery. One is enough."

I walked away. I don't want to give him any hope. I am afraid if I accept the gift, he'll never move on.

. . . . . ╰──╮╭──╯ . . . . .

Maverick POV

The star pendant, I saw it before. It's from Evander! Evander told me before that he would sell it since it's a rare piece. But he didn't! He gives it

to Serenity! When?

"That idiot! Can he stay away from her!", I punch the wall.

I can't let this continue. I need to be quicker than him!

"If I don't get her, nobody will!"