Kingdom: Another World

Chapter 41: Beginning

“Huh?” Emil looked at me.

I smiled. “I was planning to give it to you when I saw that.” I explained.

Emil’s tears fell. “Your Highness - !” he said and hugged me.

“Huh?!” I said. “Hey! You’re being clingy.” I told him.

“Ah, sorry…” Emil said and let go of me. I laughed. “Thank you so much, Your Highness.” He said.

“Just call me ‘Yelena’ if it’s just us seven, okay?” I said. He nodded, very happy.

“It’s really Vincent…” Chris said as he stared at the boy in the painting.

We turned. We saw him looking at Vincent.

“Oh.” I said.

Chris looked at me. “Who painted this?” she asked.

“It’s the princess – mmph!” I covered Emil’s mouth, but too late. They all heard him.

“You?!” they all said, shocked.

I frowned. “Hey. Why do I feel like I’m being looked down upon – “ I said.

They laughed.

“No. Seriously – “ Phillix said. “Yelena… I’ve seen you draw back then in our country, but… this one is a masterpiece.” He said and looked at the painting, awed.

I grimaced, feeling embarrassed.

“I wonder if you could also paint using mud – “ Vice said, laughing, when she remembered the first time they met.

“Hey! That’s below the belt!” I said. “Enough with that mud joke!” I told her, and also remembered our first meeting.

“’the mud princess’.” Vice said and laughed.

I frowned. “Do you still have feelings for him, Chris?” I asked as I turned to Chris. I remembered the first time we met when I told him she was a stalker.

Chris shook her head. “I just realized…. I just needed a friend of my age, that time… that’s why I was so hung up on him – “ he said, smiling sadly.

“Huh? But you’re still a stalker – “ I said.

“Why, you - !” Chris said and tried to hit me. However, there was a smile on her lips. She’s just joking.  

We laughed.

“But …” Phillix said. “He’s really handsome –! “ he said.

I nodded. “Yeah. That’s why I fell in love with him when I was a kid.” I said. They all looked at me. “He’s my first love, and my crush.” I smiled.  

“And… now?” Chris asked.

I shook my head. “Nothing. Just pure admiration.” I answered her.

“But – “ Oril said. We all looked at him. “Doesn’t she resemble somebody somehow?” he asked, his brows knit as he pondered who it was.

“Huh?” I said, then looked at Vincent. “Silver hair… silver eyes…” I muttered.

“Oh, yeah…” Chris said. “Where have I seen it before?” she asked.

“Hmm… I’m really sure I’ve seen them somewhere – “ Rio muttered as she stared at Vincent’s juvenile face in the painting.

“Yes, yes. Even I, too – “ Phillix nodded.

“Uhm… everyone?” Emil called. We turned to him. “Do you mean her?” he said and pointed at Vice.

“Ah.” We muttered, then stared at her.

“Huh? Wait, wait – “ Vice said. “What’s with those stares?” she asked.

“Hmmm…” I muttered as I stared at Vice. “She couldn’t be.” I said and crossed my arms. “Vincent’s a boy, Vice’s a girl. Vincent’s a beauty, while Vice’s… ah!” I gasped when she grabbed my collar. “Ah, yes. Yes. Vice is beautiful, too. Right, guys?” I asked. “Guys?” I called. “Hey - !” I called them when I saw them left one by one. “HEY - !” I cried, but they didn’t look back and just left like that. “Uhm… Vice?” I called when we’re left alone. “Sorry – “ I said and suddenly stopped.

Our faces have been so close since she pulled me. Yes. So close… and so are our lips. I thought and glanced at Vice’s lips. Then, I looked at her eyes. She looked back at me.

“Vice…” I called.

“Yelena…” she muttered.

We closed our eyes and we kissed. Ah… so sweet… I thought. “Vice…” I called. We’re both panting after our kiss. “You… could you be my lover?” I asked.

Her eyes went wide as her tears fell. She smiled. “Yes!” she answered.

I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to me and kissed her. I smiled in between our kisses. Our first kiss as lovers. I happily thought.

…

“Yelena…” Phillix called as his carriage went beside my horse. I saw him frowning. “Why are you so good at everything?” he asked, staring enviously at me riding elegantly on my horse.

I chuckled as I waved at my people standing and cheering on both sides of the road. They’re bidding as good luck as we’re going to the lake after a week of preparation. “It’s just practice – “ I answered him.

Phillix frowned. “I even haven’t seen you ride a horse before – “ he said.

I chuckled and scratched my head.

He sighed. “Anyways…. I’m happy for the two of you.” He said and smiled. Then, he glanced at Vice.

I smiled back. “Thanks.” I answered and looked at Vice riding a horse behind us. “She’s really precious to me.” I said.

…

“Woah!” Vice exclaimed as I helped him get down the horse when we finally reached the giant lake that looked like a mirror after travelling for another week.

Time is tight, so no one complained even if they were tired and uncomfortable throughout the journey. Fortunately, I am used to hard tasks as an actress, so I can endure the tiring journey. Because of it, everyone saw me in a new light. That I’m not delicate, like my face.

“So pretty…” Vice said, watching the pink petals of the surrounding trees fall on the surface of the lake, creating ripples.

I chuckled. “I thought you’re a traveler. Haven’t you been here before from one of your travels?” I asked.

She shook her head, still looking at the giant cherry blossom tree that seemed to never wither. “I just passed by here from afar.” She answered. “It’s so pretty up close.” She said as she looked at the cherry blossom trees in admiration.

I smiled. “Your Highness!” I heard Michele called.

I turned, then glanced at Emil when I saw him looking our way.

“Yes?” I answered.

Michele bowed, then stood upright. He took a deep breath before he spoke. “I’m … why did Your Highness just take only seven people with you to go for a quest?” he asked, trying his best not to look pissed.

“Hmm?” I muttered, then looked at the others. Vice, Phillix, Chris, Rio, Oril, Emil and him. “Why? What’s wrong?” I asked.

Michele finally can’t hold back his bellyful of anger. “Everything’s wrong!” he yelled.