6. THE APPLE OF HIS EYES

Princess Sofia decided to go to the castle garden for a stroll and to pick berries for her little bunny, Cooper. Sofia's first bunny, Clover was dead many years ago. Cooper being Clover's grandkid, has quite similar qualities to his granddad, from the face, voice to characters except that Clover was gray while Cooper is pale brown with longer ears, rounder and fluffier than his granddad. Sofia loves a lot to cuddle Cooper in her arms as he is so soft and warm like a fluffy pillow.

Sofia went to the kitchen to get a small basket, drink and some cookies for her afternoon out in the garden.

"Having a picnic, Princess?" Asked Violet, the Kitchen In-Charged.

"Not really, I just want to spend some time with Cooper while waiting for James taking his rest. It's a beautiful day, after all." Said Princess Sofia glancing out of the kitchen's window, took a glimpse of the weather outside.

Earlier that afternoon, Sofia was excitedly looking for her brother soon after coming back from college, but James was nowhere to be found. She trotted along the hallway towards James's suite hoping to meet her brother after all they haven't seen each other for years.

He must be in his room, she thought. Once in front of the room, she touched the doorknob to open the door, but suddenly felt a little hesitant.

"Is he inside?" She asked the guard who was guarding James suite.

"Yes, Princess. He is resting after the long trip." Replied the guard, looking at her without expression.

"Oh, okay." She turned on her heels, felt a bit disappointed, but she knew that James most probably was tired because of the journey. She decided just to go to her room to change her cloth and then there she was walking towards the garden with her cute little bunny, Cooper, in her arm while holding a basket in another arm.

She leisurely sat on a blanket at her favorite spot in the garden after filled her small basket with ripe berries for Cooper. The air was fresh in the garden with a gentle breeze brushed softly against her face. The sun peeked from behind of the partly cloudy skies just provided the perfect amount of sunlight while leaves danced in unison on the branches and rustled with the wind in harmony. Butterflies flapping their wings flying around the garden competing for the best nectar on the radiant flowers nearby. She smiled, listening to a distant melodious birdsong sung in bright and cheerful voices. Blooming colorful flowers swaying in the spring wind spreading their heavenly aroma throughout the garden as if a soft invitation for her to breathe, to take in the peace and positive aura all around her. For a few moments, she lost in her admiration thought of the stunning views of the garden as though it is renewed and reborn in her every visit.

While Sofia was looking around the garden, drank in its deep serene, Cooper was looking up at her in impatient excitement, begging for her attention. She smiled down at him.

"What show do you want to put up for me, Cooper?" She asked her rabbit.

"Oh Sof, I learned a new dance today while you were at college." Replied Cooper.

"Really? Where did you learn it? From those next door friends again?"

"Err... yeah. They were some creative fellows, and we really had fun teaching each other of new dancing moves and some jumping skills." Told Cooper earnestly.

"Good to hear that. Mind to show me your new skills?"

"Only if you give me some of those berries in your basket." Cooper gestured towards the said basket with his upper leg, then turned to look at Sofia with his big brown eyes, hoping for her approval.

Sofia smiled broadly.

"Okay, no problem."

"I want five berries for every show. No! Ten berries..." He demanded.

She chuckled at her rabbit.

"As you wish, Cooper. Now, I can't wait for the show." Said Sofia.

"Tadaaa..." Cooper bowed before her mimicking the action an entertainer normally does during their show opening.

"Okay, may I present to you, Bunnydance inspired by Oliver Heldens." He announced proudly.

With that, he started to skip his legs back and forth in certain rhythmic tempo with upper legs held up close to his chest. He shook his bottom, swaying it from side to side in such a cute move. Then, he held his upper legs up to his chest again and shook his head to and fro in a funny face. He looked silly, but cute at the same time.

Sofia couldn't help but laugh harder at her little bunny.

"Oh, Cooper. You are so adorable!" She squealed.

"You like it?"

"I love it!" Said Sofia in amusement.

"Oh, here your reward." Sofia threw a berry into the air to be caught by Cooper.

"We'll see if you can catch these berries." She threw a berry in a different direction and started to play 'Catch and Fetch' with her bunny. Cooper caught the berries and put them into his mouth. Sofia giggled when he made a funny jump or displayed a cute expression when he failed to catch the berry.

Sofia was completely unaware at that moment, a certain big and tall prince was watching her in amazement.

There she is, James watched her in the distance.

He was leaning against a big tree in the garden with arms crossed, watching intently as Sofia playing with her pet.

She's still the same sweet girl who loves talking to animals like they could understand her and treat them like they were friends, James thought. It amused him to see her having fun with her pet. Seeing she laughed happily like that while playing with her animal, James couldn't help but felt like he wanted to laugh too.

He walked closer to get a better look at her. The closer he got to her, the faster his heart beat. He wanted to call her, but his voice couldn't come out. He suddenly became speechless, and he just stood there dumbfounded watching at her. He was astonished by her beauty.

She's even more beautiful now, James thought as he marveled at her, tried to drink in every detail of her. Getting a good look now, he was almost stunned to see how much she has changed over these years. He noticed how her long auburn hair looks even more rich, lush and soft as it waved behind her at the touch of winds. Her flawless, porcelain-like skin looks radiant under the kiss of sunlight, and he just loves her fair skin with natural slight pinkish complexion. Her eyes appear even bluer and they shine so bright like the evening stars that he was sure they would make his heart skips a beat the moment their eyes met. He caught his eyes looking over at her tiny waist and her developed chest and he just couldn't help it. Her perfect body is a dream to any men, and her full lips look so soft and tasteful. He was entranced by her. He knew it.

But she is your sister for crying out loud! James cursed himself and felt like wanted to slap his face at his thought about Sofia.

She is not my blood sister! Another part of him argued.

We have different parents and not related by blood. Of course, we can marry each other. He argued again.

Marry? James was incredibly surprised at this new thought. Why am I thinking of this? I... Have I gone crazy? He was questioning himself.

Ah, maybe I am too tired and that my brain lacked oxygen. It's just not functioning well. He was too preoccupied with his thinking, unaware his feet were walking on their own and now he was standing right before her.

"James?" He heard she gasped. Her eyes went wide and she was thrilled at the sight of him.

"Hello, Sof." He said, smiling warmly at her.

The girl in front of him didn't wait long before dashed into his opened arms and hugged him tightly. James encircled his arm around the girl he loved dearly, lifted her up and spun her around unknowingly.

James noticed how her hands were lingering on his shoulders. He shivered at her touch. They were staring at each other delightedly. Those beautiful eyes of hers. Oh, stars! At this moment, James's knew his heart had truly skipped a beat. Their bodies were so close that James could feel her warm on him. James could sense every fiber in his body is now frozen. He felt her hands were encircling his neck as they were standing and she was smiling up sweetly at him. He was certain, this moment, his soul has left his body and jumped up to the sky above in utter joy.

Before James could say anything, it was Sofia who said first.

"James, I miss you very much!" Sofia told him. To James, it sounded like a little confession, even though it was maybe just a statement.

"You don't know how I miss you so much more," James told her, sincerely.

Sofia looked at James. For the first time, she noticed how James had grown so much since she last saw him. He has turned into a big and tall young man with broad shoulders and lean body. His face was strong and chiseled, and she couldn't take her eyes off of a very attractive feature in front of her. She cast her eyes on his eyebrows, then his nose and his lips... They looked the same, but more manly.

He's very handsome and so muscular now, Sofia thought bashfully.

Sofia saw his dirty blonde hair was cut short but was stylishly combed. His dark green eyes, she remembered those innocent smiling eyes of him, the ones she has been missing over these years. The ones that were always readable and revealed his every thought on its surface. They made Sofia knew everything in his mind just by a glance. It is still the same smiling eyes, but different at the same time. That eye looks loving and kind as ever, not to say it looks wiser. But there is something else in them that's unusual. It's like she has to break a thin layer of mask on it, to dive deeper to its bottom just to get into his thought, to find what's on his mind. And there she was, staring at James'eyes searching for something she doesn't know.

"Sofia?" She heard James called her.

She felt very embarrassed when she found she was still holding onto James and gazing deeply into his eyes. Noticing the situation was very awkward, she pulled away to hide her flushed face. From the corner of her eyes, she could see James's puzzled face as if he was processing what was just happening. It just made her face turn even redder.

"I... I would like you to meet my new bunny." She felt her voice sounded unsteady.

"This is Cooper. Isn't he cute?" She showed her bunny off to James while cradling him in her arms.

James just watched her as she brought Cooper close to her face and brushing her cheek and chin onto Cooper's head lovingly.

You're waayyy cuter Sof, he thought.

"Hello, Cooper. What a gorgeous and talented bunny you are." Said James, stroking on Cooper's back.

And damn lucky too... He thought. I would be very happy to trade places with you, Cooper, to be able to get cuddled by Sofia, to be embraced in her arms and to snuggle close to her body like you did... He grunted silently.

"What was it?" Sofia asked him.

"What, what?" James asked her back, astonished.

"I heard you were saying something." Said Sofia, frowning.

"No, I didn't."

"Yes, you did."

"Nope!"

"Yes!"

Sofia pinched James' cheek. He pulled her nose in return. Then they were laughing and soon began to exchange stories and enjoying each other's company in the stunning view of the royal garden until they lost track of time.

XXXXX

James woke up that morning feeling fresh and happy since he wasn't bound by the strict military training and rules anymore. When he got himself ready to have breakfast with his family in the dining hall, he found his new personal royal steward had been waiting for him in front of his room. He bowed as soon as he saw James.

"Err... Good morning, Your Highness. My name is Bernard. I was assigned to you by His Majesty, to take care of your daily schedule and to remind of any important meetings and appointments." He introduced himself fast and tried to keep up with James who walked straight along the hallway still adjusting his suit and bow tie, barely looking at him.

Mr. Bernard opened his notebook and started to read out his every appointment and schedule for that day.

"9.00 am - Appointment with Sir Bartleby, The Head of Defense Ministry. 12.00 pm - Weekly meeting with the Castle Guards. 3.00 pm - Appointment with the Earl of Westernland to discuss-"

"Whoaa... I'm afraid that I'm unable to make it, as I have a very-very important appointment, today, Mr. Bernard." Snapped James in a serious tone.

"Yess? What is it?"

"A date." Replied James innocently. He left the perplexed Royal Steward after gave him a cheeky smile and a wink.

"But, Your Highness-" The Royal Steward could only watch as James walked away while scratching his not-itchy head, at the same time thinking what should he report to the king.

At breakfast, James looked over at Sofia, thinking about a proper way to ask for a date from her indirectly or at least, more subtlety. He had been thinking that since last night and had even been practicing on how to start the conversation. Sure he had been going out with Sofia many times before, but he doesn't understand why this time the situation seems rather complicated. To be honest, this is kind of the first time he wants to request a date from a girl. Of course, he had ever dated with girls before, but all of them were initiated by the other party like that of his graduation ball when he dated Princess Clio to be his dancing partner. It was Amber, whom 'kind-heartedly' did the matchmaking since both of them apparently had not committed with any partner. He had also dated with Princess Maya once at some exclusive Royal Club when Zandar tricked them and purposely left the two alone after giving some lame excuse.

"Seemed like you are in deep thought, aren't you? What is bothering you?" Asked King Rolland, wondering at his son.

"Err, No. I'm... I'm thinking about my plan today." Replied James sheepishly, thinking he almost got caught for gazing at Sofia.

"I am sure you have met Mr. Bernard. Didn't he give you any advice on your schedule?" Asked his father.

"He did."

"Good."

The King and Queen then left the dining hall early for their scheduled appointments, but Amber seemed a bit in a hurry and quickly finished her food to get ready for her appointment.

"I have a meeting with Duke Albert of Freezenberg to discuss on the fair trade policy. Sorry, got to go now, see you guys later." Said Amber, abruptly got up and left the dining hall to the two of her siblings. They watched her leave.

James turned his head to look over at Sofia, thinking how he should spill his words to the beautiful girl in front of him.

"So, what's yyyo...your ppplan today, Sof?" James suddenly stammered. He felt all the confidence and bravery in him left away that moment.

Shit! He cursed himself, tried to hide the restless look on his face.

Sofia raised an eyebrow at James's weird acting but she didn't say anything. Maybe he got up on the wrong side of the bed, today, She thought.

"Oh, I have a date," Sofia replied James flatly.

"Hh..Have what?"

"A date, with Desmond." Said Sofia emotionlessly.

James felt his heart sink and blood drain out of him the moment he heard Desmond's name was uttered from her mouth. He gawked at his sister in disbelief.

"Seriously? Since When? How? Why didn't you-" He found it very difficult to speak up as his words were all stumbled until he heard Sofia chuckling hard like she was teasing him.

"No no no... It wasn't a real date. We actually have some college assignment together. We are partners in a Science Project. He'll be coming over here for our discussion." Sofia explained.

James couldn't help but felt very much relieved at Sofia's explanation. But he didn't like it at all when Sofia used that word, a 'date'.

Of all Princes, why she needs to be partnered with that idiot? Does he always come over here, to see her? James wondered. That fool doesn't deserve a date with her! I need to find out what is it between the two and put a stop to whatever relationship they have, He decided.

"This is our last project together, before he goes to the military training, next week. I'm going to miss him. He's a wonderful friend, indeed." She added.

James couldn't stand listening to Sofia praising another man in front of him. James didn't like it when there was another man that being missed by her. He didn't like it one bit.

Prince Desmond arrived shortly at Enchancia's castle, bringing with him some books and notes for his discussion with Sofia. He gave Sofia a charming smile as she greeted him at the castle's entrance. James was standing behind her, body straightened up, arms crossed and watching at their guest with an eagle eye. Though a little surprise of James presence, Desmond looked at him happily and held out his hand up for a high-five with the prince.

A smattering of fear washed over James after seeing the once geeky looking guy has now become a debonair and sophisticated young man. Not wearing his princely attire for such a casual encounter, Prince Desmond chose to wear a classic blue windowpane suit with three button front closure, narrow notch lapel and four button cuffs with the button left open. He coupled the suit with navy trousers and white pointed collar shirt. The jacket was slightly below his waist with extra slim fit cutting to match his tall and slender figure. It simply looks elegant on him and accentuated the air of confidence in him. Suddenly James felt insecure.

After exchanging of high fives and shaking hands with each other, James followed the two towards the Royal Library. Walking behind not far from them, he saw Desmond was talking to Sofia. He perked up his ears to catch up on their uncleared conversation.

"So, I see your personal bodyguard is back from his training?" Desmond said in a small voice to her, almost unheard. "Apparently, he is ready to do his job, again." He added.

"What job?" He heard Sofia asked.

"To give trouble to any guy who tries an inch closer to you," Desmond said under his breath, followed by a giggle from Sofia.

James rolled his eyes at Desmond though he couldn't see him at the back.

This jerk, wait until I show you what 'trouble' really means, James thought angrily.

James noticed the two walked straight towards a table at one corner of the library that seems to have been their usual spot all this while. Then, he saw Sofia was looking at him with a questioning look on her face.

"I thought you were having an appointment with Sir Bartleby?" She asked.

"Oh yes, it was... err.. postponed. So, I decide just to have a reading in the library to pass the time." James replied, trying to sound steady and casual. Sofia seemed satisfied with his answer. He heaved a sigh. He grabbed a book and sat at a table not far from the two, pretending to read it attentively. From afar, he saw the two were having an intense discussion on their project.

So, the two most brilliant students are paired together on an assignment. Did they choose their partner or it has been selected for them? James wondered, still not quite satisfied with them for being a partner.

He glanced over at the duo again. He saw Sofia was pointing at something in her notes while Desmond was stealing a gaze from her. He gazed down at her tenderly with his shining eyes, watching her explaining something about their project. James knew that look in his eyes.

He has feelings for her! James screamed to himself. He could somehow recognize the love and care in those eyes which were directed towards Sofia. He felt there was a growing anger in the pit of his stomach when he saw how close Desmond was leaning into her. It's like the tips of their nose could be touching the moment Sofia lifts her face to looking up at Desmond. James felt he could burst and explode anytime now, the longer he looked on at the two. The next thing he knew, he banged his fist on the table producing a sudden hard, loud noise that echoed throughout the quiet library. Two pairs of eyes were now gaping up at him in shock and curiosity.

James too was shocked at what he did. It was unintentional, and he just couldn't understand it. It's like his hand moved on its own and took control of his mind. He gave a goofy grin and looked ashamed, trying to say something to cover the awkward situation.

"I... I am sorry for the unnecessary disturbance. I just... got frustrated with this novel. How come the author made the brave hero die at the end of the story? It... It just didn't make sense." He told them, though it didn't sound convincing at all.

Sofia and Desmond gawked at the book in James's hand and took note that it was an animal encyclopedia, not a novel. They stared back at him with a questioning look, as if telling him they wouldn't buy his lie. James held his breath. He took a quick glance at the book and later noticed too that it wasn't a novel like he claimed.

Drat! His face turned bright red in embarrassment.

At that very moment, the library door burst opened, and King Rolland strode in, looking squarely at the three young royals. Prince Desmond immediately rose to his feet and bowed in respect to the king. The king just nodded and smiled at the young prince.

Then, he turned his head to James and his facial expression changed in a second. He was looking at James with stern and icy eyes. "James, follow me!" Ordered the king in a serious tone.

James glanced over at Sofia and Desmond. He saw their curious eyes were looking at him and the king. He followed his father anxiously, without saying a word.

Now, I am the one who's in real trouble, James muttered to himself.


AN : TQVM that you have read this far. This chapter supposed to end after James and Sofia met each other in the garden, but later I decided to add Desmond in, to make the chapter a bit longer. I just didn't expect it to be this long.

NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW : What kind of trouble was James getting into? Please find out in the next chapter, entitled 'A Beautiful Princess for James'.

REVIEW : Thanks a lot for your review and opinion. How do you find this chapter? Was it too long? Or, was it okay for your reading? I just don't want anyone to fall asleep in the middle of the story. Lol...
How was the story, so far? Do you like it?