005

The door opened, the knights lined up on the side, the prince entered and we stood up to pay respect but Venji told me that it's okay for me to remain seated so I did. The sound of the heels of his shoes echoed around my ears. And his very presence brought nostalgia in my chest. He's neat in his blue attire, looking elegant with the royal blue side cape, a sword girded around his loins sums up to his powerful figure, and his charisma is beyond perfection. 

Tall, broad shoulders and chest, smooth face, having the eyes of a fearless prince, sweepingly debonair and handsome; he had surmounted my definition of perfection. A blessing for my eyes when he stood in front of us to return the greeting. And when his glance landed on me, I felt like falling 62 miles deeper for him.

"So it's true." He bows and offers a hand. "It's an honor to meet you, Princess Ashlene." Even his voice can crash the walls of my 'standard.' Of course, I reserved my poise; pinky finger raised when I lent him my hand for a gentleman's kiss, dainty smile, and chin up. 

"It's an honor to meet you again."

He lifts his eyes with surprise on me. 

"Pardon me if I can't stand up."

"No. I don't mind. You may do whatever is convenient for you."

Perfectly kind. All my hardwork was worth it if it meant a mere sight of him. Gosh, I'm so crazy! This could be the hardest moment to maintain my poise! The serious discussion started.

Apparently, Haris and Venji were summoned by Beaumont to hunt a terrorist that has been assaulting their family for 15 years. Although they are not licensed detectives, their eminent skill with magic in a prestigious academia called the attention of the family because their suspicion for the terrorist is that it has the same skill. 

It's a female ring leader. Beaumont had caught the other branch of this terrorist and they were known for invading data privacy, hacking for ransom, and anything related to technologies. One reason Beaumont thought why they were attacked is because of their large connections with advanced technologies. And Stell is one of those. 

Our technologies are more advanced, especially because of Von Luxengarde engineers so extensively that this world's technology doesn't impress me. But nature does. Finally, I have given my statement if I find anything or anyone suspicious. Yet I think I couldn't give them much since my whole life, I thought our world was marked as 'safe.' The more peaceful and content is probably the more dangerous. I also informed the limited rights of women which led to a more rough tracking of that terrorist.

Haris, while jotting down notes, asks me consecutive questions, "Is there a pathway from Stell to Earth and likewise?" 

"Yes. Only authorized tradesmen are allowed to ride the rocket ship."

"When was the last trade?" 

"Year 177 in Stell."

"How old is Stell?"

"185."

Specifically, the sole connection of Stell and Earth is Von Luxengrade and Beaumont. Any trade occurring is made known to us. That's how I could smuggle illegal romance books!

"Are there any pathways?" 

"None."

"How about a spaceship? An astronaut suit to dive here on Earth?" 

"N-None." 

"So there is only one pathway and technically it's available in Von Luxengarde?"

"Yes," I almost groaned at him! 

"Your family?" 

I consumed an ample amount of oxygen as I answered with another "Yes." And smile with all my might. He's slapping a reminder at my face that there is a more practical way to get here than an idiotic jump without a parachute! "However, I may be a part of the family but I am not in control of that rocket ship." 

"That's not relevant." 

Now I couldn't hold the creasing of my forehead. 

"But, may I ask, how did you get here?" the prince asked. And now I am lost for words!

"Her Highness met the astronauts in space and joined their landing," Haris fabricated with a serious face. Well, he should cover up his nonsense. "Because Her Highness couldn't keep up with the purified urine in the spacecraft." 

"How dare—! No. I wanted to visit the Earth. That's why." I'm amazed how this man can crush my poise!

Venji has been sniffing his knuckles to pull back a laugh. Prince Almidoron was still confused when Haris spoke again, "When was the last assault of this female terrorist?" 

"Not long ago," the serious discussion with the prince continued. "But it was only the minions. The assault that came from her was 8 years ago."

Haris exchanges a meaningful glance with Venji. Venji asks several questions too until he concludes, "The assault on your family is the sign of their interest with your possessions or connections and that includes Stell. This world weighs greater interest if technologies are advanced. 8 years ago was the last assault and last trade. Small attacks occurred not long ago. Those serve as signs of an upcoming storm."

"Or probably a diversion," Haris uttered in baritone. "And I'm afraid that the world Beaumont has been protecting has already been infiltrated. By now, she's already a resident."

Chills crawled in Prince Almidoron's face while I swallowed a lump in my throat. Stell is not a safe place after all. The two suggested reopening the pathway to Stell to pursue this terrorist, both the prince and I permitted. Venji requested that I be allowed to stay here overnight. "Also, Her Highness has something important to tell you."

"Privately," I modestly asked. 

Venji bid his farewell, and he had to pull Haris on its sleeve because the man seemed unwilling to leave—occupying himself with the notes. "Leave us for a while, and uhm, Diana kindly prepare a room for Princess Ashlene," the prince told the knights and a maid. 

Now it's just the two of us. I stand up with the help of the cane, he immediately comes closer in an attempt to assist me. As an alternative, I gave him the stress ball I've been holding. I know he wants to ask something but without saying a word he uncovers the ball. 

"Does it seem familiar to you?" I initiated. 

"... It is. How did you get this?" He playfully tosses the ball. 

"You gave it to me when we were young. It was me. The one you saved from abduction." 

He looks at me closely and I keep eye contact to stare at him this close. "That… rings a bell. Right! It was you! The one who cries all night because you love how your tears drop, and then I gave this to comfort you." 

Covering my lips, I chuckled with him. 

"It's been so long. How have you been?" 

How handsome of him to ask. "Nothing much. I'm 24 but still running away from adulthood by reading books."

"We all run away from it at some point in life. What books are you into?" 

My eyes sparkle. "Books written by ST. Holland! His books made me fall in love with Earth."

"Right. He's a genius."

"How about you?"

He taps the tip of his sword handle. "Nothing much too. I've been leading the family's defense force my whole life. Defending my family and country from the remaining terrorists."

"Wow. But isn't the war over?" 

"Humanity has won peace 50 years ago. There are some small groups trying to take that away again, and it's my duty to wipe them away. Is Stell growing peacefully?" 

"Yes. But I am not living an ideal life. I mean, I really wish to live here… and… have my own family."

"You're a woman of simplicity. That reminds me, do your majesties know you're here?"

"No."

"You're still a princess, you must be protected from head-to-toe."

"I came here… to see you." 

His lips parted. "... Me? Do I play a part in this 'something important' you have to talk to?" 

"Yes." I stand confidently as much as I can. "I am proposing marriage to you."

He failed to catch words right away. I felt a huge lump on my throat when he looked down to avoid my gaze. A noise from the door broke the silence, 'twas from the maid who dropped a tray. Immediately, she bows. "F-Forgive me! The room is ready for the p-princess." 

"Please wait outside." He answered the maid before he could answer me. The maid quickly picks the tray and leaves. Prince Almidoron smiles at me again… in sympathy. "I consider it a high honor but… I cannot accept your proposal." He returns the ball. 

I stare at it for a second. At first he gave it to me to comfort me, now he's giving it back like it's my broken heart. My knees might crash down any moment. "Prince Almidoron… We can benefit from this. Both our families are in harmony. And… ever since you gave that to me… I've longed for you to be the person with whom I've chosen to journey through life. I admire you, your highness." I've done my best to keep smiling.

"I only did what I had to do that day. Still, I'm afraid I can't satisfy you as your husband. I cannot share a marital oath with you. I will soon dedicate my life to protecting the people at the frontline. I do not plan to be a candidate for crown prince. I am sorry."

His eyes are deeply apologetic, yet his words seem partially true to hide the biggest truth—just to avoid guilt. And just like that… my escape and deadly jump dissolved to naught. I ate the risks for a losing game. Of course, he can't accept my confession just because I did that for him. I rather not have a gaslighted foundation of marriage. 

So this is how it feels to be dumped. Painful and embarrassing. The future that used to be clear to me turned dark. He's the only one for me, and I was never his option. Yes, he made me fall for him with his heroic act, and that was only his duty, I was nothing special. I smile anyway. "Whatever you wish. Hence, thank you for the patronage—"

It was a wrong move. I bowed down and lost my balance! The cane betrayed me but that resulted in falling in his arms. I hold onto his tough chest and as I lift my eyes on him, the small distance of our faces remind me that the kiss will surely win him. 

"Are you alright? You really should go home. Even your health will be in danger with the sudden change of environment for you," he said.

"..." Something's stopping me. I don't want to deprive him of his desire just like how I don't want to be deprived of mine. If I kiss him, I am no different from the tradition I loathed by enforcing him into something he doesn't want. The sudden blackout didn't help with my second thoughts! "Ah—!"

My body seeked safety in his arms on their own, now we're even closer. Just one lift of my face and I can kiss him! "Crap. What's going on?" he groaned. 

Should I kiss him!? No! But my life is on the line! It won't harm him! The darkness consumed me, my chest feels tight and my shuddering is getting out of control! I lost my slip chance when the knights surrounded to cover us. Not long after that, the lights came back. 'Twas a snap blackout. Prince Almidoron supported me to stand.

"You're not well. You need some rest." His gentle voice calms me, but only breaks my heart more. He then ordered the knights to keep watch, and some to take me to my room. The conversation didn't end well. 

I have completely calmed down in my room while the maid assisted me with all I needed. They left the lamp on according to my request. Earth is too dark. There is night in Stell but it's as dark as twilight on Earth. On the other hand, I've been bouncing on this Queen-size bed but I can't stay in the air. Gravity is boring. 

What should I do now? Maybe my kiss can change Prince Almidoron's mind. I have all night to think about it. One thing's bothering me from brainstorming… My stomach growls. The night is getting deeper and darker, so I sneak into the hallways to the kitchen. They have plenty of reserved food on the huge table. 

I uncovered some containers and here they have peeled off grapes. I gobbled a lot, even 3 pieces of bread, cheese, fresh lettuce, cookies and drinks but my stomach growls again as if I didn't consume any food. The curse has taken effect. No matter how much I eat, hunger is still here. Worse, I'm starting to tremble from starvation. It has been 17 hours since I ate that oyster. I shouldn't be here! The only solution is in the prince's bedroom! 

Brisky steps are approaching, terror consumes my chest! The cane twitches toward floor vases at the corner of this room. I scurried and almost crawled to hide behind it! But wait, I'm a princess, not a thief! I hug the cane when someone slams the door, it's that maid Diana. She's weeping and leans her arms on that table, wiping her tears. Then another person came in to chase her. 

The prince. "Diana… Diana, I promise no wedding will happen between me and Ashlene." His gentle touch on her waist and cheek, affectionate glances and tone of voice speaks louder of how much he cherishes the maid. I feel like shrinking in this corner. 

"But it's your duty. You need successors with a noble consort," Diana cried. They are facing one another very closely now. 

"I will not marry if it isn't you." He is so caring that I can still fall deeper for him, but he won't do the same. Tears flooded when he kissed the maid. Diana cages the prince's neck and he likes it, their kisses turn burning passionately. I slump my back at the wall. What could've I done if I did not discover this? I covered my ears now that they're making noise. 

My growling stomach didn't back down!

"What was that?" Prince Almidoron is coming this way! I trembled even more, looking around for escape when the curtain slapped me! The window! I climbed and escaped through it, ignoring the prince's menacing shout and thankfully he didn't recognize me. I fell on the foliage. Prince Almidoron couldn't unlock the window… yet it was wide open when I came out. 

I managed to escape farther but the cane twitched again toward the opposite direction. The knights are approaching ahead, looking for the 'trespasser.' I follow the cane's instruction and crawl beneath the foliage again, unsure where to go as long as I can escape. The sharp branches wound my face, my thin dress torn, and when I reached the end I rolled on the soft grass of the garden, leaving my hair disheveled. 

It's serene and dark. I can only support myself through my hands, and I watch the tears drop on them. Shedding continuously. I laugh while crying at how convenient it is to cry in this world! I catch and wipe my tears and weep quietly. That is the biggest truth. He's in love with someone else he can't marry. I could've trodden his beloved's heart if I insisted on kissing him. How I wish him to be happy, but I can't be happy myself because she wasn't me.

Diana is so lucky to own the heart of the man that has a huge part in mine. I hug my knees, my chest starts to tighten again and my fingers shudder. With the image of them kissing, the air seems scarce. A hand that karate chopped my head silenced my thoughts.

"Ouch!" 

In front of me is that deceitful man leaning his left cheek on his palm, Haris. "Don't cry," he comforts, with his eyes cheering me up. And for a second, it warmed my heart. "You'll look like an idiot," he added. I hurl the cane at him.

"You're not helping!" I dried my tears and raised my chin, he didn't deserve to see my vulnerable side. 

"My cane helped. Credits to me." He's playfully spinning the cane. "So why didn't you kiss him? All the setup was wasted." 

"The blackout was your trick?" 

"Venji did. I don't come up with childish plans like that. So, why didn't you kiss him?" 

"H-He has someone else in his heart…"

"You can still have him with a kiss. Are you afraid he'll spend the night with his lover?"

"You knew?" 

"I just did." 

"..." I hug my knees again. "Yes, I want to feel loved, to be a victim of romance, but I want to call it my own! Not stolen. I can't… break other's hearts to fix mine. Love is so beautiful. I can't do that—" The longer I stay here, my distress worsens. I sunk my face onto my knees. 

"Hey, what's wrong?" 

"I-I-It's t-to dark here…"

"You're saying?" 

"I'm s-scared of—!" The lanterns' soothing light and are planted randomly around me calmed my demon. They are beautiful. Enchanting. These weren't here a second ago! When I met Haris' gaze, I knew how. This man is magical. 

"Beautiful isn't it? But don't play with magic." His reprimanding voice folded me like a puppy. "This is what I've been trying to tell you, you're not selfish enough to partake of the spell. Now you did not just waste our time, you wasted your life too. You're going to die from starvation from now on." 

I can't look at him, I deserve those words. I couldn't contain my tears again as my stomach growled. 

"But there's one way to break the curse."

My imaginary tail waggles. "Really!? How? Please, help me!"

"I won't do it for free." 

"I can pay you any amount just please unbind this curse!"

"I don't need your money." He squints his eyes on me. "... I want you to be my ears."

"... What?" His primary source of gossip? His eavesdropper? Yes, he figured out the prince's secret affair because of my surveillance but it's not my job! If it means staying alive… and staying on Earth… "We have a deal."

"Are you sure?" 

"Yes! Please. I don't want to die yet. Please."

"You're pretty confident." 

"I trust you!"

He was surprised, then smirked. "I have your permission." It was astounding when he removed his eyeglasses and his dark eyes turned to a mesmerizing purple tone like grapes. He reached for my neck… and landed a kiss on my lips. He pulled me on my waist with his other arm that blocked my escape, but I don't feel like escaping.

His hard peck became gliding, then deeper, then dominant in such a way that his tongue is making its way in. And his soft, ardent lips made me respond until I got lost for more. Even made me "Mmm," not just once, but "Mmm—" 

What am I doing!? I was finally reawakened by my guardian angel to push Haris! But it was worse… as I have the chance to see his face closely and clearly without his eyeglasses on. His unique eyes, that cunning lips, stiff jawline, down to his throat bump that moved up and down boils my face right now. Fume might come out from my pate if he keeps staring at me with insatiable eyes! 

I've been with this annoying 'hotsome' all this time! Recalling Ms. Tony's spell, 'Then he will fall deeply, truly, purely, madly, obsessively in love with you 62 miles deeper from the sea level.' Him!? My eyes were blessed many times by meeting good-looking men but this is the first time my heart might over pump to an explosion due to both attraction and embarrassment. 

He licks his lips and smacks his tongue. "Salty oyster." 

I belched out loud. Both of our eyes widened. Now I finally feel full! But I covered my mouth—another reason that heats my face, and he laughed with great mirth. 

I knew it! My days on Earth will be a beautiful disaster with this man around!