Hi everyone! How're you?
Thanks to Seafoam Green under Twilight, Scarlet Witch of Terra, Emerald Vivienne Ramira, Cutetyhil, Stark02, Jyotsna, LadyPeach7, Sohana Sarkar, Misaki, ILoveMyIndia, Guest, Sakura and Justafan for reviewing :D
Jyotsna: Yes, it was nothing but a dream of Tala. You guessed the song right :P Actually, Alendra's love is really very blind (No, not that much, she still tries to advise Boris not to walk along the path of evilness). Thanks a lot for reviewing on "I'll be waiting for you" too. You were the one who guessed the song used there correctly. Thank you so much for reviewing :D
Misaki: Yeah, this bonding is one of my favorites. What to do now, poor Alendra *Sighs*. Anyways, read this chapter. Thanks a lot for reviewing :D
ILoveMyIndia: Hi, I'm fine. What about you? Hehehe...everyone got confused reading the precap. Reading this chapter, all confusions will be clarified. Actually, "Crops" was a birthday fic of one of my dearest friends. Pardon me, I cannot update it until he reviews.
I felt so sorry by hearing the condition of COVID-19 in India. In Bangladesh too, it's rapidly increasing. I cannot go out of my house properly *Sniffs*. Hehehe...India banned tiktok too, right? That was a wise decision (Because you know what? I hate tiktok!) No problem dear, I have never seen any patriotic person like you before on this site. So, you deserve admiration from me. Thank you so much for reviewing :D
Guest: More KaiHil? Weren't all the scenes enough? *Smirks* No problem with that, now, this story is going to take a turn to their marriage. There will be the best moments and your wishes will be fulfilled. Thanks a lot for reviewing ^_^
Sakura: Hi, nice to meet you! Thank you so much for reviewing. Please keep clinging to this story :D
Justafan: Yeah, Boris has got a beard not reaching his chins, only by his cheeks. What would your reaction be if you had his nightmare?
Hm, I know that I didn't put any hot spring scene for the Russians but c'mon. For Bengalis and Indians, adding extra chili in the fuchka/panipuri is not a big deal but have you ever thought it in case of a foreigner? He'll simply die having a single bite of the panipuri where no extra chili is added. Kai and Tala are already from cold areas. In Japan, they had to struggle a lot to cope with the environment (Though I doubt that they'll admit it or not). Cannot you remember the scene of Zina and Kai where Kai was sleeping without any shirt? Why? Simply because of "Garmi" (While reading that chapter, my cousin was literally singing "Garmi" XD). But no worries, this wish of yours will be fulfilled because from the next day in Japan, the wedding preparations will take place with different rituals filled with beauty and fun. I'll add a hot spring scene for the bridegrooms there!
The poem made my day yaar! I wish it could be easier for Kai to defeat Boris *Sighs*
Hehehe...I know, I just kidded. But I'll surely put Khalibali through his lips (At first, I thought to put it from Kane's voice but then I stepped back because I thought Boris would be perfect for it). Say what? Boris is not creative? Man, though he's evil into ten to the power infinity, he's very knowledgeable, educated and creative. He's an engineer, a doctor, an evil tantrik, a skilled politician, a craftmaker, a musician (Ever heard about dark music) and what not?
Thank God that you've understood what I am planning *Sighs*. I'll write that female Kai but not so soon :P
Oh, about the Bengali version of "Kingdom"? Well, go to the site "Pratilipi" and search there "রাজ্য ও রাজত্ব"। You'll get to see there one published on 2nd July. Click on that and enjoy reading!
And finally...will you just stop feeling sorry for a while? It really embarrasses me a lot. And why not to thank you? Taking your precious time, you're reading my story. It's really a great pleasure for me, dear :'D
Okay...enough with my blabbering. Enjoy! :D
So...what would happen to princess Hilary? This chapter has an answer, so do hurry!
To the eastern wall of the room which was made of gypsum, a huge round mirror rimmed with silver was attached. On its crystal-clear surface, the images of four young ladies in their late teenage became portrayed. Crimson net curtains were drawn-off between every two cobblestone pillars, surrounding the hexagonal room. Diamond-shaped murals painted on the barriers were surprisingly looking at them. Lanterns were blazing on the granite rostrums. The girls were laughing with one another. No, not all of them. The dual-haired Spaniard was idly leaning against the headboard of her velvet couch. Keeping her face on her right palm, she was thinking about a particular redhead.
Before a few moments, the brunette had come to her. Sitting by her, she'd talked to her regarding her marriage. At first, the Spanish princess had tried to hide the actual facts but nothing had remained hidden from the future crown-princess of Russia. After struggling and debating a lot, the Japanese princess had been successful to make her cousin spit out her true feelings about the wolf-prince. Well, hadn't it been enough that the chocolate-haired girl had had to beat drums all over the castle and inform their friends? Couldn't she have kept it as a secret? Only for her excessive excitement, the rest of the three ladies were teasing him by throwing petals to her playfully. But the clinking laughter of them wasn't seeming annoying to the ears of the Latina. She was blushingly enjoying it.
"Julie," The royal blue-haired girl added much honey to her tone, "Do you want to meet prince Valkov now?"
Though the Spanish princess heart was yearning to have his sight once again, she totally ignored it. Smearing red on her cheeks, she turned her face away.
"Think about once, Julie ni-chan," Dew softly tweaked the chin of the dual-haired, "This golden chance will not come again in your life."
"Will you all shut up for a while?" Julia's eyebrows knitted as she had to tell an absolute lie to pacify her friends, "It's not like that I'm madly in love with prince Valkov. I only agreed to marry him because of Hilary. She wanted to take me along with her to Russia because she thought that she would feel very lonely there without me. Then, why should I meet him? Besides, once I'll get married to him, I'll have to meet him despite not wanting. Why to waste energy now, girls?"
"The meetings before marriage and after marriage," Mariam snickered, grabbing the wrist of the Spaniard, "They are way different from each other, buddy. Now let's go!"
Almost dragging the Latina, the Japanese took her out of the chamber. Though the Spanish princess had the strength of freeing herself from the clutch of her friend, she didn't do it. In one way or another, she permitted the blunette to take her out. Silently, the dual-haired girl thanked her for being a medium. She wouldn't agree on it but she started loving to enjoy the company of the wolf-prince. After all, within a few moments, he'd conquered the kingdom of her heart. Why to be shy before him anymore?
Their feet stopped before the compartment of the princes. As they heard the brothers talking to each other, they exchanged stares. Putting a finger on her lips, the Spanish princess quietly ordered her friend not to utter any single world. Pointing it in the direction of the exit, she told her to go. Mischievously smirking and nodding once, the blunette left the place. Alone, the Spaniard kept standing behind a pillar. Though it was a bad manner, she decided to overhear the conversation between the Russians. It seemed quite fiery and heated from the place.
"What the hell have you done, Kai?" The redhead screamed almost at the top of his lungs, deafening the people who were listening to him, "Didn't you feel the necessity of asking me once before sending the proposal?"
"No, I didn't." A short reply came from the phoenix-prince whose voice was very calm. Closing his eyes, he was leaning against his chairs, keeping his folded arms on his chest in his usual posture.
"But why?" Tala grabbed his head, "Have I ever put a ladder in the ripe paddies of your field?"
"No, you haven't."
"Stop being curvy, Kai!" The wolf-prince grabbed his shoulders, "It's about my life and I deserve an answer from you at least!"
"I didn't send the proposal directly," The phoenix-prince shrugged, "I just offered aunt Natalia to think about princess Fernandez once."
"And...the reason?"
"Because I feel your necessity, Tala," The crown-prince of Russia sighed, "Not that of questioning you."
"Oh really?" The scarlet-haired prince cocked an eyebrow, "I mean...since when have you become interested in being a matchmaker?"
"Ever since you became interested in princess Fernandez."
Hiding behind the large door, when the Spanish girl heard the sentence of the cousin of his crush, automatically, her heartbeats rose up. Breaths became denser as she felt her cheeks heated.
"Duh!" So did the cheeks of the wolf-prince become like his hair, "Who told you that?"
"Your expressions." His lips curved playfully into a smile.
"What?"
"Once, you yourself told me that we are like open books to each other." Kai grimaced.
'Uh oh...' Tala slapped on his forehead, 'It's surely happening for taunting Kai back at that time when he was madly in love with sister-in-law but wasn't able to express it. Why did I tease him then? Nah, karma is certainly a bitchy bitch. This time, she has appeared before me in the forms of my arrogant cousin and...nah, I cannot badmouth her. What a honeyed problem this is, Valkov!'
"And you memorized me?" Not letting his thoughts come out, Tala questioned.
"Nope, just assimilated you." The slate-haired guy retorted silently, not even opening his eyes.
"Fuck!" The redhead became unable to control his tongue which made the amethyst eyes of his cousin wide-open.
"If you uttered the same word before anyone," He seethed, "Swearing by Dranzer, I would surely behead you, Tala."
"Then...what are you waiting for?" The red-haired guy stood up straightly, "Kill me! At least it'll be better than getting married."
It sent a jolt to the heart of the Pegasus-princess. She gasped, grappling the curtains hanging by the door tightly. Waiting for knowing more, she didn't leave the place.
"Why don't you want to get married, Tala?" Kai narrowed his eyes, "You hate princess Fernandez? Well, go to her and tell her that. Will you be able? Do you have the courage?"
"I didn't say that..." The redhead lowered his head, flushing in different shades of blood, "It's impossible to hide anything from you, Kai."
"Then?"
"Well..." Gradually, he raised his head, "Kai, you know far well about the status of my motherland in my life. I have already offered my entire life to Russia and her services. Ever since aunt Apraxia had reared me like his own son, ever since she had spotted no difference between you and me, I also surrendered myself to the caretaking of the throne. How'll I get married to someone by depriving her of her rights? Sorry Kai, I won't be able to do it ever. Forever, I'll remain as a celibate. Just being your shadow, I'll stay with you forever. Please, allow me to do it."
Now, the jolted heart of the Spanish princess crimped miserably. Automatically, her head hung down at her toes. Never in her life had anyone rejected her in this way. How? After all, everyone in the palace always remained scared of her spunk and wrath. She was Julia Fernandez, the offspring of a matador clan. Well, she had loved no one so deeply before it. It was her first love. She had been having so many flamboyant dreams about her lurid future. They had to be shattered in this way in the end? Did her first love have to remain incomplete? Why?
"Tala," His cousin placed a hand on his shoulder, "It's the decision of your own life. Don't mix your professional life with it. Think, meditate and then answer."
"But..."
"Hn," The phoenix-prince nodded, "I won't say much since it is your life but I, of course, will say that all the decisions of life shouldn't be taken from the brain. Sometimes, we have to listen to our heartbeats too. Sometimes, it claims more rights on us than our brain. Tala, if you don't want to marry because of me or the throne of Russia, it will make us criminal to aunt Natalia. I want to see all my family members to be happy. Don't you believe me?"
"What the hell are you saying, Kai?" Tala chuckled, "Is it even possible to disbelieve you?"
"Then, stop worrying," Kai smirked, "Sir Dickenson is waiting to meet you."
"Sure." The redhead got down from his bed. He was able to walk properly though his feet wobbled a bit from lying down for a long time. His cousin extended a hand to him but the wolf-prince gently rejected it, showing him that he was fine. Smiling, the phoenix-prince rested back to his chair, lifting a maroon-covered book from the nearby table and opening to read it.
Whereas, coming out, the redhead's eyes landed on the Spaniard who was still standing there. Droplets of tears again filled her eyes. Biting her lips quite hard, she sobbed, turning away her face from him. Seeing her, the ocean-blue orbs of the wolf-prince widened as his lips slightly parted. He realized that what she had understood by waiting there in front of their room. He mentally cursed himself for hurting her so cruelly by his selfish decisions. For comforting her, he was about to say something but not giving him a chance for that, the dual-haired princess ran away, not bothering to face him. Her soft feet smacked the marble floor of the palace, his stares fell on them. Flabbergasted, he didn't remove his eyes from her.
It's forbidden to fall in love,
With or without any reason,
Despite keeping fingers on fingers,
It's prohibited to hold hands.
All the stories that were supposed to be told,
To you, became petals,
Beside the trees, they fell on the earth.
You couldn't find any reason to
Collect and give them to me...
Like other nights, the full moon rose in the sky of Japan in that evening too. The dark blue canvas of eternity was captured by the rectangular window of the fort. Through it, milky moonbeams seeped in the chamber of the Spanish princess. Standing at the balcony, she was staring at the queen of the nightfall. Behind her, on the three-legged round table, countless clay lamps were igniting, illuminating her room. In front of her, there was the globular asteroid of the earth, drenching her nose, cheeks and eyes with her placid and surreal glow. Yet, she was feeling lost in darkness. No source of light could lighten her heart at that time. Liquid pearls flowed across her jawbones. For the first time in her life, she felt herself stranded. If the matter had been about any other thing, she would have fought bravely against it. But no, it was about nothing but love. It was about two hearts. Against it, wars couldn't be waged. Otherwise, it would be called torture or obsession. Yes, she was infatuated with the red-haired prince but she respected his choices too. However, what about her preferences?
"Julia?!"
Having called by her cousin, she stealthily wiped her tears off. Turning to her, she somehow gave a satisfying smile. Nonetheless, it couldn't please the dumbfounded brunette who had already guessed her grief because of the mild convulsion of her shoulders.
"You're here...alone?" The brunette seemed concerned, "What happened?"
Not answering to the question of the Japanese princess, the Latina curved down and slowly shook her head. Obviously, she didn't want to expose her tears before anyone, not even before her cousin to whom she was always the closest.
"Cannot a sister know the reason of the dejection of her sister?" The chocolate-haired girl squeezed her shoulders.
Sniffing once, the Spaniard mildly fell in the embrace of the brunette, not able to brace herself anymore. The Japanese princess felt baffled a bit but didn't hesitate to hold her back in her arms. Her shoulders sensed the drenching beads of the tears of her cousin. Her hands realized the shaking of her body and ears twitched at her muffled sobs.
"Julie, is everything okay?" Hilary patted her head, "Tell me, dear. I'm ready to listen to you."
Loosening the embrace slightly, the Spaniard told her cousin everything in detail. Hearing the Latina, the coco-haired girl felt shocked a bit. Then, she remembered that her fiancé had told her that it could be tougher to convince her brother-in-law. Smiling, she held the hands of her cousin.
"Have patience, Julie," Hilary kept a hand on her right cheek, "If Tala is meant for you, if he's on the earth for you, none or nothing can stop you from belonging to him. Have faith on lord Okuninushi. He fulfills the desires of all the true lovers throughout the world. Okay?"
"Hm." Somehow nodding, she again embraced her sister. Locking her in her arms for the second time, the brunette patted her head affectionately. This time, smiles were blooming from the lips of the girls. But, the Spaniard wasn't being able to comfort herself. Her heart was still filled with loads of uncertainties. What would happen to her? Would her love ever blossom?
"Buhahahaha!"
Out of nowhere, a red-haired demon burst out laughing. In the half-darkness of the tent, his rabbit-like molars and premolars flashed. His pinnacle nose made his smirk more fearsome under it. Some monsters were encircling him in the pavilion. Copper firepots on metal stands breathed blazes, helplessly trying to wash the darkness from the shelter. Behind them, javelins were diagonally propping against the fabric, creating cross-linkages with one another and keeping round shields amidst them.
"I was exactly thinking it, people," He announced, "Considering my message to be true, the emperor of Japan has sent his brother Taro out of the capital. Tyson, Max, Raul-all the young warriors and most of the talented soldiers of Japan are with him now. Now, I'll go to the palace and abduct princess Hilary. Hahahahaha!"
The sound of his mirth echoed across the discreet camp area, spreading from corners to corners.
On her round bed, the princess of Japan was cozily lying on her arms. Golden and maroon velvet bolsters were guarding her from both sides. Glimmering tussocks of threads from the fuchsia bedsheet were touching the marble ground. From the high ceiling, pink georgette curtains were falling on her cot, surrounding half of it. Standing beside the bedstead, two maids were fanning the brunette with peacock-feather fans. Thousands of hurricane lamps illumined the chamber, sitting in the piles of marigold petals. So was the heart of the smitten princess of Nippon; enlightened with the beams of love. It was night but she couldn't sleep. She felt as if someone had snatched all her slumber from her eyelids. Now, they couldn't be joined.
She recalled all the events that were involving him; her Hiwatarian. His smiles, his blinks, his words were peeping from her mind at her again and again. She couldn't forget their first meeting. That sacred event had taken place in the blissful yard of a consecrated place; the central temple of Japan. That day, he hadn't touched her but she'd been feeling stroked by his temperate amethyst pupils. Those had left their signs on her soul. They couldn't be wiped away. She didn't want to erase them. They were her jewels, her precious gems. Imagining about them, she would be restless. They were working as caffeine for her, making her suffer from insomnia.
Quickly, she got up from her bed. Frowning, one of the servants asked her, "What happened, princess?"
"Nothing," She shook her head, "Actually, I am not feeling sleepy here. That's why, I have decided to walk in an open yard for a while."
"At this period?"
"Don't worry about me," Hilary assuringly smiled, "I'm just going to the garden."
"May I accompany you, princess?" Another requested.
"No no, you don't have to," The princess forbade, "Soldiers are guarding surrounding the palace. I'll be safe."
Smoothly nodding once, the young noblewoman lightly plodded towards the doorway. Little did she know that there was someone in the palace. At that time, he was also silently walking across the blowing fabric hangings of the lobbies. His eyes were alertly watching the environment around him. Suddenly...
"Hey!" A soldier blurted, "Who're you?"
The intruder turned back, his fangs twinkled in the moonlight entering the passage through the loopholes of the wall. Seeing a bunch of samurais who were wearing black-gray cloths and holding naked katana swords, he grinned.
"I'm Billy, a mighty demon," The stalker proudly retorted, keeping his hands on his waist, "I'm the messenger of Boris Balkov, the soon-to-be king of your lovely Japan. Show me where the room of princess Hilary is!"
The humiliation of their emperor and the princess was intolerable to the faithful guards. They couldn't bear it. Clasping their unleashed rapiers, without wasting any moment, they rushed towards the thug. But the demon didn't take much time to slaughter them bare-handedly, thanks to his changeable length and sharpness of his nails. They worked far better than the katanas. After the combination of a few muffling screams, everything went soundless like it had been once. Only, some lifeless bodies of the talented samurais of Nippon kept fallen on the floor.
The sound of the last screeches of the soldiers reached the ears of one of the Russian princes too. Almost jumping out of his bed, the redhead gasped. After the ghoulish nightmare on that day, he couldn't properly sleep even. His heart was very frightened then. Moreover, the sudden cries startled him more. He rotated his head right. On another bed, his dual-haired cousin was peacefully sleeping. His chest was fluctuating gently. No snoring from his nostrils could be heard but his slumber was indeed very deep. Tala couldn't find out why Kai didn't wake up along with him. Maybe while looking after him the whole day, the phoenix-prince had got very exhausted. That's why, his sleep didn't break.
However, the wolf-prince decided not to wake him up. Reaching another table and slowly taking his bow and quiver, he quietly left the room.
Walking for a few steps, his eyes reached the sight of the dead Japanese soldiers falling on one another on the ground. Their naked katana swords were scattering around their corpses. The grip of the wolf-prince on his bow went tighter after having it seen. He revolved his icy-blue orbs left and right for examining the atmosphere. Guessing something, he took a left turn that led him to the garden.
Bit by bit, the Spanish princess entered the chamber of her cousin. Dropping the peacock-feather fans on the floor, the maids were sleeping peacefully resting their heads against the feet of the bed. Still, lamps were burning there. Their oil didn't finish so soon. The fuchsia bed-cover was also in the same state. The edges of the silk hangings were touching the bed as well. But what shocked the Latina most at that time was the absence of her cousin in her room. Again, the sight of the sleeping servants annoyed her a bit. Hurrying towards them, she tapped the cheek of one of them. Rubbing her eyes, the maid saw the dual-haired girl. Quickly, she stood up and bowed, so did the other.
"Sorry, princess..." The second girl gulped, "Actually, we were feeling very sleepy. Please, pardon us."
"Where's Hilary?" Julia asked, "Have you seen her?"
"Princess Hilary went to the garden before a while." A servant replied.
"To the garden?" Julia frowned, "At this hour of night? Why did you let her go alone?"
"Princess Hilary herself wanted to spend some time alone there," Another answered, "That's why, we didn't intervene."
"Oh no!" The Spaniard bit her tongue, "Now I have to go to find her! Hilary?! Hilary!"
Calling out the name of her cousin loudly, the dual-haired princess swiftly exited the compartment. She was also pulling her feet towards the garden. All of a sudden, she got to face the wolf-prince. Glancing all over him, she became confused. Why was he carrying his weapons with him at that time? Was he always like that?
Seeing the redhead, the Spaniard sighed in relief. Vermillion streaked her face, so did it redden the cheeks of the Russian. For a few moments, they couldn't talk to each other. The prince forgot for which motive he was going to the garden, the princess too. They locked each other with their eyes on the empty passage of the castle.
"Listen..." Julia murmured but her crush stopped her right then, suddenly remembering his goal.
"Not at this time, princess," He kept a finger on her lips which made her both shush and blush, "Later."
Leaving the flustered Spanish behind, the Russian dashed towards the entrance of the garden. Despite wanting, the Latina couldn't talk to him. For the second time on that day, her heart ached. Then again, she decided to follow him.
Soon, the sleep of the Hiwatarian broke too. Rubbing his eyes and yawning a bit, he got up on his bed. In order to check his cousin, he looked at the right side. But no, his cot was empty. The redhead wasn't present in the room. Naturally, the phoenix-prince frowned. Where had he gone without informing him? At the same time, he rebuked himself for oversleeping. Ominous thoughts and tensions stung his brain.
Then, his eyes fell on the table where their weapons were nicely arranged. But there was the absence of a certain pair of bow and quiver. The Russian didn't take much time to understand that the matter was pretty serious. Grabbing his own arms, he also departed for searching his brother.
Little by little, he reached the garden. Claiming the whole sky, the moon goddess rose there. Her rays showered on the dwellers of the earth. Night-queens bloomed in the bushes like stars in the evening blue, their seraphic fragrance calmed down the unsteady heartbeats of the Russian who was worrying for his cousin. Roses, white marigolds, camellias peered at him too. Jasmines from the branches of tress sprinkled on him. Blossomed lotuses floated in the transparent oval ponds. Though birds were completely asleep, butterflies and bees were hovering around the florets for sweet honey. Somewhere, crickets were humming without taking any break. Golden flames of the metal torches attached to the trees shivered in the nightly breeze. Under the full moon, the garden was looking like a piece of heaven. The environment was so auspicious that the Russian had to give up the ill-omened thoughts.
The fingers of the Russian travelled through a shrubbery of gardenias. The fragrance was unusual. He felt that it was coming from the body of a human being. It didn't belong to the nature fully. Within no moment, he recognized the owner of the divine smell. That made him totally forget about his cousin.
"Hilary?!" He uttered, "Where're you?"
Only as the reply to his question to himself, the brunette appeared from another dense bush as the clouds moved away, leaving some space for her as well as the moon. Kai looked above once, then at her. In her cherry-pink kimono, she was looking deific. The phoenix-prince could not find any difference between her and the queen of that night. The soothing breeze was playing with her wavy auburn tresses. Fair cheeks borrowed the tints of glowing sun of the dawn. Motionlessly standing there, the Russian saw sunrise on the moon's face. That night, she was looking unusually dazzling. What was lying in her?
With embarrassment-ridden footsteps, she stood before him. The slate-haired young man's eyes were fixed on hers. They couldn't be removed anywhere. Smiling, she bowed like a humble vine.
"At this hour of night..." Kai asked, "What are you doing here?"
"I wasn't feeling to sleep," Hilary replied, blushing, "That's why, I decided to walk here for a while."
Both were about to reach each other slowly. Smiles filled their lips, springing from their immense admiration. The brunette was obviously shy. Love splashed from the lotus orbs of the prince. There were only those two. Only two.
"Halt, Kai!"
Wrinkling his brows, the phoenix-prince turned back. Feeling confused, the chocolate-haired girl also cocked an eyebrow. There, her scarlet-haired brother-in-law was standing with his bow. Against its cord, an arrow was attached...pointed at her. Seeing its tip, the ruby orbs of the princess went amplified. But the wolf-prince wasn't looking puzzled a bit. He had a determined look all over his face.
"Go away from here, Kai!" He sternly spoke, confusing the phoenix-prince more. The ocean-blue orbs were stagnantly placed on the appearance of the Japanese princess. Discovering herself at the arrow-point of her brother-in-law, she shivered.
"What the hell are you doing, Tala?" The dual-haired Russian blurted, "She's your sister-in-law. Have you lost your mind?"
"Please tell him something, Hiwatarian!" Hilary cried, "Why does he want to kill me?"
"Don't try to move a bit from your place!" The redhead stoically warned, "Otherwise, the results won't be good!"
The dual-haired Russian looked at his cousin once. The signs of falseness weren't visible on his face. He wasn't looking dumbfounded or perplexed a bit. He was quite sure of his job. Even his hands weren't shaking while holding the bow. On that day, he'd requested the brunette to call him only by his name, not by any rank or surname. Was it natural for him?
Then, the phoenix-prince shifted his stares to his fiancée. She was violently shuddering in fear. A single word couldn't escape from her voice. Her breaths were unstable. Eyes were wide-open in shock. Maybe, she couldn't believe them. She couldn't digest the fact that the guy who'd addressed her as his sister was about to murder her. Reading all their expressions carefully and attentively, the slate-haired guy smirked. Nodding silently at his cousin, he stepped back. That scared the princess more. Getting the approval, the wolf-prince launched the arrow which ended up gouging the soft chest of his sister-in-law. Poor girl didn't get the time of fleeing once from the place. She winced in pain as tears spattered her face. Pressing the wound, she tiredly collapsed on the ground before the emotionless face of her fiancé.
"Aaah!"
"Hilary!"
Out of the blue, a dual-haired girl rushed to the spot. Seeing everything, her eyebrows almost crossed her forehead. Her emerald eyes were extended. Kneeling down beside her sister, she placed her head on her lap. The chocolate-haired girl was groaning in sheer pain. Her breaths were quite heavy. In numbness, her eyelids shut tight.
"Hil!" The Spaniard tapped her face, "Open your eyes, Hil!"
No response came from her. She had already lost the power of speaking. All that she could then was only to juddering like a slaughtered beast.
"How could you do it, prince Valkov?" Tears splashed from the jade pupils of the Latina as she turned to him, "You said that she's like your sister. How could you do it to your own sister-in-law?"
The redhead didn't utter anything, just hung his head low. Julia continued, "Brother-in-law, you were here, weren't you? How could you let your brother commit such a heinous crime then? Why didn't you stop him?"
"Princess Fernandez," The dual-haired Russian kept his arms crossed on his chest, "It is not your cousin."
"Kai's speaking the truth, princess Fernandez," Tala furiously nodded, "Neither she's your cousin, nor is she my sister-in-law. She only deserves to die!"
Stretching out another arrow, he fixed it against the string and aimed again at the lying princess. Before he could shoot it, the Spanish girl expanded her right palm in front of the arrow-blade defiantly.
"Stop it, prince Valkov!" She hissed, "I won't let you take the life of my cousin! Have a clutch on the rein of your anger."
"Tala, I think you should stop wasting your weapons," Kai snorted, "It's enough."
"No way, Kai!" The redhead rumbled, "If this witch..."
"Prince Valkov!" Julia roared, showering emerald flames from her eyes, "Hold your tongue! I don't want to hear a single offensive word against my sister!"
"Julia! Brace yourself!"
Confusedly knitting her eyebrows, the Spaniard looked back. The Xerox copy of the fallen princess was standing there, stretching a palm in order to stop her. Her garnet pools were dilated in tremor. Mouth was dropped in awe. She was wearing the same cloths. Her hair was tied in the similar style. Her ornaments were akin to those of the groaning girl. How could she be differentiated?
Running fast, the Spanish princess hugged her cousin. Utilizing the chance, the phoenix-prince shot another arrow at the forehead of the lying girl. This time, the figure of the girl transformed into a brawny physique of a demon. His chili-red bangs were clinging to his sweaty temple, upper premolar and molar were penetrating his thick black lips. Soon, his tongue came out of his mouth. Within a few moments, his body stopped quivering. It went still and silent.
Looking at the motionless corpse, Tala started, "He was a demon who disguised as sister-in-law."
"Oh my goodness!" Julia gasped, "Why did he come here?"
"Because he wanted to abduct Hilary." Someone voiced from behind. Disconcerted, all the young people in the garden looked in that direction. There was standing the navy-haired chief-commander of Japan, holding a blood-smeared sword in his right hand. His face was wet because of the sweat which was attracting his cloths to the skin of his torso too. The speed of his panting was telling everyone that he had worked hard.
"Tyson?" The brunette titled her brows, "Where were you? And why're you panting? Is everything okay?"
"Pardon me, Hil..." He gasped for air, "But his Majesty forbade us to inform you about anything of this incident. Actually, he received a letter written by this demon named Billy. There, he threatened him to kidnap you. For protecting you, he sent his Majesty of Taro Tate to battle against his troops. Max, Raul and I also accompanied him when we saw him going there. At first, he didn't want to open his mouth but he had to when Max wasn't ready to leave him without any explanation. However, we were waiting in the battleground for a long time but the demon soldiers didn't come out. That's why, I thought that something was fishy. Keeping king Taro Tate, Max and Raul there, I came here. Now I have understood that my suspicion wasn't baseless at all."
"But why haven't you told us anything about it, Tyson?" The wolf-prince questioned, "Did you do the right thing by hiding this grave matter from us?"
"Pardon me, Tala..." Tyson dimly smiled, "But...we didn't want you both to know about it. You're from the groom party. If something humiliating..."
"Tyson," The phoenix-prince approached him, "If this was the case, you should have told me at first."
"But..."
"Because from now onwards, it's my responsibility to protect my bride and her family members," Stern his tone was, so was his facial mien, "Tyson, I, Kai Hiwatari, am taking a vow that your best friend will always be safe," He narrowed his eyes at the wolf-prince, "And her cousin too."
Everyone in the garden beamed brighter than the moon. In overflowing emotions, tears reached the auburn pools of the dragoon-wielder. Sniffing, he spoke, "Kai, I was so protective of Hilary since our childhood. I always used to think to threaten her would-be husband by ordering him to look after her properly. But...I don't think I have to do it now. Hil is really very lucky because she's going to get married to you, Kai."
Again blushing, the brunette stooped her gazes. Standing beside her, the emerald-eyed poked at her arm, "There's nothing bad to express your satisfaction, Hil."
"Really?" Hilary glowered, "Then why aren't you expressing your own?"
"Hil!" Julia pouted, "It's my right to tease you, okay?"
"Hilary, Julia..." Tyson yawned, "It's been so late. I think you both should go to sleep now. Tomorrow, a lot of guests will come. And guess what?"
"What?" Everyone except the phoenix-prince questioned in unison.
"I have received another letter from his Majesty in this afternoon," Tyson chuckled, showing his thumb to the Russians, "The other princes from Russia have already started for Japan with their family members. They will reach by tomorrow here. Sorry, I wanted to surprise you but guess...I was not able to hide this news anymore from you."
A decent and soundless smile rose in the lips of the dual-haired Russian when his cousin literally fisted in the air.
"Woah!" He exclaimed, "Natasha, Spencer, Bryan and Ian are coming to Japan. With them, we'll be so strong that even hundreds of demons like this Billy will have to bow down before us!"
"Oh, another thing, buddy," Tyson slapped on Tala's shoulder, "Her highness of Natalia Valkov has agreed to your wedding with Julia."
"What?" Tala's eyes almost fell from his sockets. His cousin smirked. The dual-haired girl blushed, looking down. Smilingly, Hilary patted her back.
"Yes," Tyson giggled, "So, have a beautiful sleep, wolf-boy. Anyways, I'm going for dance practice. Besides, I have to prepare for welcoming the Russian guests too. Oh my...so many tasks! See you tomorrow!"
Almost in the pace of a galloping horse, the dragoon-wielder ran across the garden. Seeing him disappearing and heaving a sigh of relief, the phoenix-prince turned to his fiancée, "Princess, you need to sleep too. Let me leave you to your room."
"Sure." Gently approving his request, the brunette walked along the dual-haired prince. His cousin was about to follow them but before it, someone clasped his wrist from behind. As he looked back, quickly, the twin-haired princess left his hand.
"Prince Valkov..." She whispered, "I needed to talk to you."
"Sure, princess Fernandez." He didn't mind.
"At first, I'm extremely sorry for using such harsh words against you," Julia sheepishly pronounced, "Pardon me, I didn't know..."
"It's okay," Tala smiled a bit, "To err is human. Don't worry about it."
"Prince, if you don't mind..." Julia proceeded, "May I ask you a question?"
"Hm."
"Why are you not happy with this marriage?" Her eyes seemed pleading.
"I was expecting the same question from you, princess Fernandez," Tala sighed, not being confused or startled, "Look, I'm an obedient warrior of Russia. To serve her and her people is my sacred responsibility. I've devoted to it. In Russia, a chief-commander is considered to be the reflection of the emperor. If Kai ascends the throne of our kingdom, it means my duties will increase more. Then, I will never be able to give the happiness to my wife that she deserves. Princess Fernandez, I have no right to destroy the beautiful life of a young woman, do I?"
"I can understand, prince Valkov," Julia made a stern look, going back to her usual self, "That's why, I'm making a promise to you today."
"A promise?" Tala cocked an eyebrow.
"Yes, a promise, prince Valkov!" Fire rose in jade pupils of the Spaniard as she turned her stiff face away from him, "I, Julia Fernandez, the princess of Spain, swearing by my self-respect, am taking a vow that I'll never want my due rights from you. I'll never have any complain or dissatisfaction in my married life. I'll always keep supporting you and encouraging you to perform your duties. I'll be your driving force, not an obstacle on your way. No matter whether I have to be deprived of all the pleasures or not, I'll be always right by your side."
"Think about it once again, princess Fernandez," Tala tried to convince her, "Saying it is way easier than performing it."
"I know, prince Valkov," Rheum of pain stung her eyes but she forced it back, "But I can do it. Have faith on my abilities, I'll be successful in fulfilling my promise word by word."
A piece of smile got formed by the lips of the wolf-prince. Nodding in approval, he spoke, "Then I have no problem with this marriage, princess Fernandez."
Tears of absolute happiness seeped on the rosy cheeks of the Spaniard. Though she had to buy it trading with her rights, she had no grudge. She was pleased with the wolf-prince; she was contented with her future life.
After all, she bought love. What could be more precious than it in the world?
Oh...a huge sacrifice of Julia! Let me tell you, most of the female characters of this epic (Seriously? Wtf?!) will sacrifice so much that the female readers will start feeling proud to become women. By the way, will Kai be able to keep his promise till the end?
So, I need an opinion from you. From the next day in Japan, wedding preparations and pre-wedding festivals will start taking place. Do you want the incidents in China or the weddings? Choices are yours! ;D
Do read and review. Pardon the grammatical mistakes and the spelling errors. Take care and stay safe :D
-Misty ^_^ ^_^