Chapter 6: Secrets
Van had intended to apologise to the princess, but the matter was soon
forgotten as he laid his eyes on Hitomi. No, not that he didn't realise
Ardine's presence; it was just that Hitomi's appearance distracted his
mind and made him forget his entire reason of running after Ardine for a
while. Seeing Hitomi was a pleasant surprise for him, for he had been
going through a lot since the first time he opened his eyes that
morning.
Locking his gaze with Hitomi, he promenaded forward, winding up the
distance between them, then cradled her hands in his before placing a
light kiss on each hand. He simply smiled affectionately as Hitomi
laughed in delight, before greeting her warmly, "Good Day, Hitomi."
"Hello, Van." Hitomi returned the greetings cheerfully, removing her
attention completely from the young princess. "Finish your meeting
already? May be both of us could a quiet supper after this." She
inquired, a glint of hope seen in her eyes. They hadn't spent much time
together since the fateful day of Van's marriage proposal. Van had
practically ordered her to see to that preparation of their wedding day,
opposing her request to attend his meetings although she insisted that
it was necessary to educate her about Fanelia's state. He claimed that
it was only easy court matters. At least that was what it seemed to be
from the outside. Her feelings told her that something implausible
happened without her knowing.
"Oh, about the meeting," Van scratched his head, almost looking restless
upon hearing the subject all of sudden. "Actually..." he threw his gaze at
the surprisingly quiet princess from the corners of his eyes. Had she
known that Hitomi was the chosen candidate for the King's Queen yet? He
had not yet notified Hitomi about the reason behind the Ispanian
Princess arrival, for he was afraid that Hitomi would be enraged. He was
still searching for a way to tell her the whole commotion without
hurting her feelings, but it proved to be more than a difficult task.
Facing a living dragon was now less fearful than having to hurt Hitomi
once again. He didn't want Hitomi to feel that he used her. Never. No
matter what, the princess was standing face to face with her right now,
so the least he could do was introducing both women to each other and
explaining other things later. Just pray that she wouldn't mention
anything she had heard in the council room.
He was just about to introduce Ardine's name when the girl suddenly
asked him bluntly, "Your Majesty, if it is not too forward, would you
mind telling me your relationship between you and this lady here,
please?" Then, as if she was afraid that the king would take her
question as an insult, she added, "I presumed that Lady Hitomi is your
younger sister." The girl was back to her former unconfident stance,
playing with the end of her braid nervously, her eyes glancing anywhere
but Van and Hitomi.
Van could say nothing for a few moments. On the one hand, he was amused
by the change of Ardine's attitude toward him. She was so different from
the precocious and arrogant princess that had just slapped him across
his face. She looked troubled and uncomfortable, and perhaps a little
bit afraid. He couldn't help but felt pity as he gave her a measured
look. On the other hand, telling Ardine his relationship with Hitomi
meant he would be compelled to reveal everything else to Hitomi.
Ardine's expected reaction would certainly bring some question into
Hitomi's mind. His future queen was a keen person and he understood the
fact more than anyone else did. He had to find a way so that his
explanation wouldn't have a crushing impact to the princess. He pitied
her for having to be trapped in the political situation between two
countries.
Van's eyes widened in alarm as he heard Hitomi's soft laughter and
response, "No, I am not Van's sister. And you are Princess Ardine from
Ispano, I presume?"
Ardine almost gasped in shock. Her assumption so far had been proven
right. Attempting to hide her trembling hands behind the fold of her
skirt, she nodded at Hitomi's question, then asked her another question.
She squared her shoulders proudly, although it was more of an act to
hoist her bravery.
"Are you King Van's future queen, if I may know?" The usual Ardine
wouldn't hesitate over something, but even she could hear uncertainty in
her voice as she tossed the question to Hitomi.
She could see Van whipping his head to Hitomi and the alarmed expression
he wore. She clamped her jaws tightly as she tried to suppress the urge
to cry out her anguish. A single bead of tears had threatened to roll
down her cheek, but her pride forbid her to weep before these people.
Van's gestures alone had confirmed her suspicion. However, she needed to
hear the truth from Hitomi's own mouth. She was a brave young woman, so
she would endure the pain, regardless how it could ruin her very person.
Hitomi had sensed the chaotic feelings in the princess' mind, but
honesty had forbidden her to lie. She could never lie again after what
had happened to her and Van several years ago. Lies almost ruined her
chance to live happily, together with Van. So, in spite of everything,
she nodded firmly and whispered regretfully, "Yes, I'm going to be his
wife."
The statement was more than enough to cause the princess to bolt out of
that place, fleeing to the sanctuary of her own suite where people would
not be able to see her angry or crying. It was not fair at all. Why
should she face that fact when she thought that she had found someone
whom she would like as a friend?
Her steps were halted as she felt someone's hand on hers. She turned
around and saw Hitomi; her eyes glazed with regret. The older woman was
quick to act, unlike her expectation. However, she didn't have the time
to ponder about that fact at the moment. Out of emotion, she slashed her
other hand through the air and slapped Hitomi's across her face. The
sound of the impact was echoing throughout the garden and brought
everyone present there into a freeze. Van hurried to Hitomi's side and
wrapped his arm protectively around her shoulders as she let out a tiny
moan, covering the red imprint on her cheek with her palm.
"S-sorry..." Ardine's hands flew to her mouth as she felt guilty starting
to gnaw her heart. She knew that Hitomi deserved the slap for
alternating her chance to lead an honourable life as a queen in both
Ispano and Fanelia, but she couldn't help worrying about the impact of
the slap. Not knowing what to do, she chose to leave the place as soon
as humanly possible, and leave all her troubles behind. She shoved
Hitomi aside, causing the older woman to lose her balance and stumbled
to the ground.
Sitting on the hard ground, Hitomi clung to Van's arms as she reached
out her other hand to Ardine; her expression was sad and tortured.
"Wait..." she said, her voice was barely a whisper, "I don't mean to hurt
anybody..."
-----
Hitomi quickly pulled herself together and shook her head to clear her
mind of her recent problem. She got up to her feet, dusting her clothes
and inspected for any damage, then looked up at Van only to find him
staring back at her in puzzlement, and smiled to herself in spite of her
sorrow. These clothes, these designer trousers and jumper, were the last
reminding of her home planet, The Earth. Of course she had every
intention in the world to keep it in perfect condition as she grew old
together with Van, in Planet Gaea.
"What are you looking at?" she chided him softly, although she also gave
him somewhat an amused smile. Taken aback, Van shook his head rapidly,
resulting in Hitomi's light-hearted laughter. For her, the Van she had
just witnessed was like Van several years ago - the very young man whom
usually either misunderstood her means or even didn't try to understand
her.
On the other hand, Van smiled at the change of Hitomi's attitude despite
his bafflement. He was glad that Hitomi was able to recover from the
recent incident quickly. Deep within him self, he always knew that
Hitomi was a strong woman, befitting to be his wife and his queen. He
knew that Hitomi would solve her problems thoroughly and he knew that
she was not one to whine in spite of the problems that kept bothering
her mind of late. His smile faded at the thought of Hitomi suffering
inwardly; he reached out for her hands and squeezed it gently before he
brought it to his lips, turned it upwards and kissed the palm tenderly.
Softly he inquired with concerns, "Did it hurt?"
"What? No, no, not at all!" Hitomi replied him almost brightly, her
cheerful voice a mask to her deepest agitation as she pretended not to
understand the direction of Van's question. Brushing her shoulder-length
hair aside with her other hand, she even added, "The fall didn't hurt at
all." Hoping that Van wouldn't pursue the matter any further, she made
an attempt to draw back her hand, but Van had secured it tightly within
his grip, refusing to let her go, yet.
She squinted her eyes in annoyance as she heard him chuckle earnestly in
amusement, then retorted back almost vehemently; her greenish eyes
blazed in mild anger, "What's so amusing about that?" She couldn't help
but being angered sometimes when people laughed at her without
perceptible reasons.
"It's not like what you think," Van ceased his chuckles, explaining as
he combed his long fringe sideways, only to have it fallen back to its
former place. Then he adjourned softly; his reddish eyes never left
Hitomi's greenish ones, "It's just...I understand somehow that you've been
hurt inside. I sensed it, and I could feel it within myself. I couldn't
do anything to amend your heartache, but..." he inhaled deeply, taking
Hitomi's other hand, "I'm always ready to listen to your problems." He
finished his sentence resolutely; his face grew more serious as the
seconds passed.
He waited for Hitomi's reaction to his statement, but Hitomi had
remained silent all the time. Her face, usually alive with emotions,
didn't exhibit any hint of anger or sadness, or even frustration. Even
her eyes had remained expressionless, unreadable.
"I also want to...apologise," the young king continued slowly, the guilty
expression telling everyone his sincerity, "For keeping the matter to
myself all along."
Again, no reaction.
Her silence depressed Van even more. He even started to think that she
was so furious that she refused to response. Sighing his weariness away,
he let go both of Hitomi's hands and cupped her face, cradling it, then
pressed his forehead on Hitomi's, begging, his voice was rough with
emotion, "Hitomi, please talk to me...I don't know what you feel if you
don't want to talk to me." He let go of her face and looked at her with
a silent plea in his eyes, "Please."
Several minutes passed before Hitomi actually responded to his plea and
struck him in awe. Instead of a chide, Hitomi closed her eyes and
clutched the front part of Van's white silk shirt, then raised on her
toes and planted a light kiss on his warm, brownish lips, smiling as she
noticed puzzlement clearly written in his eyes.
"I love you," she declared softly, caressing his face tentatively with
the tips of her fingers. Then she removed her hand and placed it gently
on his shoulder; her expression changed into one with a deep crease
between her forehead, "...with honesty." She finished the line curtly,
then was quiet for a few seconds, giving Van some time to ponder her
words.
Van chuckled wryly, shifted his gaze in nervous, avoiding Hitomi's eyes.
Her words rang true in his ears and put him into a deeper level of shame
and guilt. He should never attempt to conceal such an important issue
from Hitomi in the first place. He was not honest, in this case, and it
may as well endanger their blossoming relationship. It was fortunate
that Hitomi kept levelheaded and forgave his wrong attitude readily. The
old Hitomi, well, she might as well slapping him as saying that she
hated him. And it would hurt his feelings and his pride to the point
that he was not able to apologise for his mistake.
He heard Hitomi clearing her throat and focused his attention back to
her. With commanding eyes, she insisted that he had to inform her
everything that happened around them, "I have to know, Van, every little
thing. This is far too important issue to dismiss."
Van scratched his head and sighed in resignation. He looked as if he was
in distress, but there was also relief clearly shown in his stance.
Hitomi took this as a good sign. It meant Van would finally tell her
what she needed to know.
Sliding her hand into Van's and entwined their fingers together, she
prompted softly, "Trust me,"
To be trusted, that was what she needed at the moment.
-----
The part was unusually clad in silence. People would usually avoid being
in that place, although a lot didn't know exactly the reason why the
place was banned. It used to be a part of the Royal Garden, stacked with
marble statues that were covered with cold, thick moss, and wild plants
were everywhere as far as one was able to see. Somehow, that was the
beauty of it, for wild and colourful flowers had covered its soil along
the year, regardless the season. Their aroma filled the air and
freshened anybody's soul, cleansing their mind from impure thoughts.
Still, it was untouchable.
It was a strict rule from the deceased king of two generations ago that
forbid everyone to visit that part of the garden. This rule, somehow,
had managed to evolve into a habit that was followed by all residents of
Fanelia Castle without questions, including the current king him self.
The Elders, who happened to understand the reason behind such
prohibition, had enclosed their mouths for decades, and no one was
willing enough to discuss the matter to anyone. They even didn't discuss
the matter with their young king.
However, it was not the case with Gaudi.
He purposely broke the rule and visited the secret garden every now and
then to pray before two white marble graves. His face was solemn and
sad; he laid a bouquet of wild flowers on the grassy pile and started
the ritual of paying his respect to the deceased ones by kneeling on the
ground and murmured, "May the peace be with your souls and may joy sing
lullaby in your ethereal sleep."
Father...Mother...
His king grandfather had prohibited anyone to touch the part of the
garden because of two mounds were laid out there, and he was more than
aware of the reasons why his grandfather had issued such a prohibition.
He even heard some rumours that his grandfather would throw a tantrum
whenever he heard someone mentioning the name of the owner of the grave,
whom had been buried since long. Even until his death, he refused to
build a grave for each his son and his son's wife.
Eventually, the next reigned king, Van's father, was the one who ordered
to built the two tombstones. He granted a castle to his brother's baby
boy and ordered one of the most loyal royal counsellors to care for the
baby. He even bestowed a title to the little one. Gaudi was an owner of
a Dukedom, even if it wasn't the strongest in the country.
Still, scandal had frozen the family tie and created a wall between him
and his uncle. It was not until he met his younger cousin, Van, that he
found warmth and friendship.
Van.
Gaudi smiled despite the bitterness that chilled his heart. It was Van
that made him turn back from ignorance to the after-war problems in
Fanelia just a few years ago. Gaudi had vowed to himself that he would
defend his cousin's position as a king of Fanelia since the fateful day
when he heard his cousin had emerged victorious against Zaibach Army.
And now, with all his might, he helped Van to achieve his dreams: to see
Fanelia reached its former glory. However, there was a sickening feeling
in the bottom pit of his stomach that screamed to him that a threat had
loomed over Fanelia and come to screw Van's position as a king. He had
always trusted his instincts, and he didn't like it.
A rustling sound had caused him to cease his pondering and snapped his
head up with a readiness of a warrior. Hands flying to the hilt of his
sword, he scanned his surrounding with alertness of a leopard and barked
to the air, "Who's there?! Come out to the light if you dare!"
A dainty foot came out to the clearings, almost covered by the hem of a
silk gown. Sighing in relief, he was loosening his grip on the sword and
raised his one good eye to identify the face of the feet's owner. He had
expected one of the court ladies, but he didn't anticipate Ardine's
intrusion. He was more than ready to scold anyone who disturbed his
sanctuary when his gaze settled upon Ardine's red, puffy eyes.
Instead, he managed a soft, "Your Highness,"
Basking in the sunlight, Ardine was standing regally in front of the man
she identified as Van's cousin, although she was well aware of her
current appearance. She was certainly not well presented since the make-
ups she wore must have been ruined as the tears faded it and made it
smear her face. Her once neatly braided hair must have been dishevelled,
especially when it stuck to some tree branches while she was running
from Van and Hitomi.
Both of them stared at each other for the longest of time before the
princess announced stiffly, "I've been...lost, somehow."
There was some more awkward silence before Gaudi decided to approach the
princess. He walked in long strides, his hands buried in the pockets of
his jacket, searching for something. When he came into a halt before the
princess, he produced a white handkerchief from within his jacket and
started wiping it on Ardine's smeared face.
The princess brushed his hand aside in irritation and demanded
defiantly, "Just what are you trying to do?"
"Cleaning your face," Gaudi retorted back dryly. Then, as if he realised
his impulsive manner, he stepped a back and bowed his upper body in
apology, remarking, "My apology, Princess. I didn't mean such disrespect
to you. It's just that..." He wanted to continue and told her that she
resembled a lost little girl in the wood, but he refrained. It wouldn't
be wise for the frail state of Fanelia-Ispano relationship. Instead, he
inserted, "Going inside the palace with your current appearance will
raise some questions, Your Highness."
She considered his words for awhile before she actually nodded and
pulled Gaudi's hand, urging his to continue his task. Smirking ever so
slightly, Gaudi began to clean every trace of make-ups on her face. He
had hated this spoiled young woman, but sympathy had clearly changed his
attitude, at least for the time being. At least he would play this role
until he was sure that the stormy future that clouded Fanelia had
passed. Well, to be completely honest, girls and sympathy were his
biggest weakness. Unless he could control the weakness, the enemy would
surely send someone to destroy him mentally some day.
However, his last thought was gone as he wiped away the last trace of
the princess' make-ups. Among the wild flowers and natural surrounding,
he saw anger, grief and confusion mixed into one, reflected on the
beautiful face before him. Not that he stopped hating her for what she
had done to Van and Fanelia by coming to the country. He still loathed
her very essence.
A realisation hit him perfectly. This girl was just a girl, in spite of
her education and glory as a princess. She knew nothing at all and was
trapped within a situation that she didn't comprehend. She could even be
bait, a trap that was set by Ispano itself to conquer Fanelia.
She was not as beautiful as people claimed her to be without make-ups,
for her eyes were a little bit smaller and slanted, but he found her
more refreshing that way. Unconsciously, he murmured, almost to him
self, "Your mask has revealed a precious treasure to me. You're very
pretty, princess."
He was rewarded by Ardine's outrageous glare, but the glare was soon
dissolved as a small, quivering smile played on her tiny lips as she
murmured back, "Thank You."
Email me?
Van had intended to apologise to the princess, but the matter was soon
forgotten as he laid his eyes on Hitomi. No, not that he didn't realise
Ardine's presence; it was just that Hitomi's appearance distracted his
mind and made him forget his entire reason of running after Ardine for a
while. Seeing Hitomi was a pleasant surprise for him, for he had been
going through a lot since the first time he opened his eyes that
morning.
Locking his gaze with Hitomi, he promenaded forward, winding up the
distance between them, then cradled her hands in his before placing a
light kiss on each hand. He simply smiled affectionately as Hitomi
laughed in delight, before greeting her warmly, "Good Day, Hitomi."
"Hello, Van." Hitomi returned the greetings cheerfully, removing her
attention completely from the young princess. "Finish your meeting
already? May be both of us could a quiet supper after this." She
inquired, a glint of hope seen in her eyes. They hadn't spent much time
together since the fateful day of Van's marriage proposal. Van had
practically ordered her to see to that preparation of their wedding day,
opposing her request to attend his meetings although she insisted that
it was necessary to educate her about Fanelia's state. He claimed that
it was only easy court matters. At least that was what it seemed to be
from the outside. Her feelings told her that something implausible
happened without her knowing.
"Oh, about the meeting," Van scratched his head, almost looking restless
upon hearing the subject all of sudden. "Actually..." he threw his gaze at
the surprisingly quiet princess from the corners of his eyes. Had she
known that Hitomi was the chosen candidate for the King's Queen yet? He
had not yet notified Hitomi about the reason behind the Ispanian
Princess arrival, for he was afraid that Hitomi would be enraged. He was
still searching for a way to tell her the whole commotion without
hurting her feelings, but it proved to be more than a difficult task.
Facing a living dragon was now less fearful than having to hurt Hitomi
once again. He didn't want Hitomi to feel that he used her. Never. No
matter what, the princess was standing face to face with her right now,
so the least he could do was introducing both women to each other and
explaining other things later. Just pray that she wouldn't mention
anything she had heard in the council room.
He was just about to introduce Ardine's name when the girl suddenly
asked him bluntly, "Your Majesty, if it is not too forward, would you
mind telling me your relationship between you and this lady here,
please?" Then, as if she was afraid that the king would take her
question as an insult, she added, "I presumed that Lady Hitomi is your
younger sister." The girl was back to her former unconfident stance,
playing with the end of her braid nervously, her eyes glancing anywhere
but Van and Hitomi.
Van could say nothing for a few moments. On the one hand, he was amused
by the change of Ardine's attitude toward him. She was so different from
the precocious and arrogant princess that had just slapped him across
his face. She looked troubled and uncomfortable, and perhaps a little
bit afraid. He couldn't help but felt pity as he gave her a measured
look. On the other hand, telling Ardine his relationship with Hitomi
meant he would be compelled to reveal everything else to Hitomi.
Ardine's expected reaction would certainly bring some question into
Hitomi's mind. His future queen was a keen person and he understood the
fact more than anyone else did. He had to find a way so that his
explanation wouldn't have a crushing impact to the princess. He pitied
her for having to be trapped in the political situation between two
countries.
Van's eyes widened in alarm as he heard Hitomi's soft laughter and
response, "No, I am not Van's sister. And you are Princess Ardine from
Ispano, I presume?"
Ardine almost gasped in shock. Her assumption so far had been proven
right. Attempting to hide her trembling hands behind the fold of her
skirt, she nodded at Hitomi's question, then asked her another question.
She squared her shoulders proudly, although it was more of an act to
hoist her bravery.
"Are you King Van's future queen, if I may know?" The usual Ardine
wouldn't hesitate over something, but even she could hear uncertainty in
her voice as she tossed the question to Hitomi.
She could see Van whipping his head to Hitomi and the alarmed expression
he wore. She clamped her jaws tightly as she tried to suppress the urge
to cry out her anguish. A single bead of tears had threatened to roll
down her cheek, but her pride forbid her to weep before these people.
Van's gestures alone had confirmed her suspicion. However, she needed to
hear the truth from Hitomi's own mouth. She was a brave young woman, so
she would endure the pain, regardless how it could ruin her very person.
Hitomi had sensed the chaotic feelings in the princess' mind, but
honesty had forbidden her to lie. She could never lie again after what
had happened to her and Van several years ago. Lies almost ruined her
chance to live happily, together with Van. So, in spite of everything,
she nodded firmly and whispered regretfully, "Yes, I'm going to be his
wife."
The statement was more than enough to cause the princess to bolt out of
that place, fleeing to the sanctuary of her own suite where people would
not be able to see her angry or crying. It was not fair at all. Why
should she face that fact when she thought that she had found someone
whom she would like as a friend?
Her steps were halted as she felt someone's hand on hers. She turned
around and saw Hitomi; her eyes glazed with regret. The older woman was
quick to act, unlike her expectation. However, she didn't have the time
to ponder about that fact at the moment. Out of emotion, she slashed her
other hand through the air and slapped Hitomi's across her face. The
sound of the impact was echoing throughout the garden and brought
everyone present there into a freeze. Van hurried to Hitomi's side and
wrapped his arm protectively around her shoulders as she let out a tiny
moan, covering the red imprint on her cheek with her palm.
"S-sorry..." Ardine's hands flew to her mouth as she felt guilty starting
to gnaw her heart. She knew that Hitomi deserved the slap for
alternating her chance to lead an honourable life as a queen in both
Ispano and Fanelia, but she couldn't help worrying about the impact of
the slap. Not knowing what to do, she chose to leave the place as soon
as humanly possible, and leave all her troubles behind. She shoved
Hitomi aside, causing the older woman to lose her balance and stumbled
to the ground.
Sitting on the hard ground, Hitomi clung to Van's arms as she reached
out her other hand to Ardine; her expression was sad and tortured.
"Wait..." she said, her voice was barely a whisper, "I don't mean to hurt
anybody..."
-----
Hitomi quickly pulled herself together and shook her head to clear her
mind of her recent problem. She got up to her feet, dusting her clothes
and inspected for any damage, then looked up at Van only to find him
staring back at her in puzzlement, and smiled to herself in spite of her
sorrow. These clothes, these designer trousers and jumper, were the last
reminding of her home planet, The Earth. Of course she had every
intention in the world to keep it in perfect condition as she grew old
together with Van, in Planet Gaea.
"What are you looking at?" she chided him softly, although she also gave
him somewhat an amused smile. Taken aback, Van shook his head rapidly,
resulting in Hitomi's light-hearted laughter. For her, the Van she had
just witnessed was like Van several years ago - the very young man whom
usually either misunderstood her means or even didn't try to understand
her.
On the other hand, Van smiled at the change of Hitomi's attitude despite
his bafflement. He was glad that Hitomi was able to recover from the
recent incident quickly. Deep within him self, he always knew that
Hitomi was a strong woman, befitting to be his wife and his queen. He
knew that Hitomi would solve her problems thoroughly and he knew that
she was not one to whine in spite of the problems that kept bothering
her mind of late. His smile faded at the thought of Hitomi suffering
inwardly; he reached out for her hands and squeezed it gently before he
brought it to his lips, turned it upwards and kissed the palm tenderly.
Softly he inquired with concerns, "Did it hurt?"
"What? No, no, not at all!" Hitomi replied him almost brightly, her
cheerful voice a mask to her deepest agitation as she pretended not to
understand the direction of Van's question. Brushing her shoulder-length
hair aside with her other hand, she even added, "The fall didn't hurt at
all." Hoping that Van wouldn't pursue the matter any further, she made
an attempt to draw back her hand, but Van had secured it tightly within
his grip, refusing to let her go, yet.
She squinted her eyes in annoyance as she heard him chuckle earnestly in
amusement, then retorted back almost vehemently; her greenish eyes
blazed in mild anger, "What's so amusing about that?" She couldn't help
but being angered sometimes when people laughed at her without
perceptible reasons.
"It's not like what you think," Van ceased his chuckles, explaining as
he combed his long fringe sideways, only to have it fallen back to its
former place. Then he adjourned softly; his reddish eyes never left
Hitomi's greenish ones, "It's just...I understand somehow that you've been
hurt inside. I sensed it, and I could feel it within myself. I couldn't
do anything to amend your heartache, but..." he inhaled deeply, taking
Hitomi's other hand, "I'm always ready to listen to your problems." He
finished his sentence resolutely; his face grew more serious as the
seconds passed.
He waited for Hitomi's reaction to his statement, but Hitomi had
remained silent all the time. Her face, usually alive with emotions,
didn't exhibit any hint of anger or sadness, or even frustration. Even
her eyes had remained expressionless, unreadable.
"I also want to...apologise," the young king continued slowly, the guilty
expression telling everyone his sincerity, "For keeping the matter to
myself all along."
Again, no reaction.
Her silence depressed Van even more. He even started to think that she
was so furious that she refused to response. Sighing his weariness away,
he let go both of Hitomi's hands and cupped her face, cradling it, then
pressed his forehead on Hitomi's, begging, his voice was rough with
emotion, "Hitomi, please talk to me...I don't know what you feel if you
don't want to talk to me." He let go of her face and looked at her with
a silent plea in his eyes, "Please."
Several minutes passed before Hitomi actually responded to his plea and
struck him in awe. Instead of a chide, Hitomi closed her eyes and
clutched the front part of Van's white silk shirt, then raised on her
toes and planted a light kiss on his warm, brownish lips, smiling as she
noticed puzzlement clearly written in his eyes.
"I love you," she declared softly, caressing his face tentatively with
the tips of her fingers. Then she removed her hand and placed it gently
on his shoulder; her expression changed into one with a deep crease
between her forehead, "...with honesty." She finished the line curtly,
then was quiet for a few seconds, giving Van some time to ponder her
words.
Van chuckled wryly, shifted his gaze in nervous, avoiding Hitomi's eyes.
Her words rang true in his ears and put him into a deeper level of shame
and guilt. He should never attempt to conceal such an important issue
from Hitomi in the first place. He was not honest, in this case, and it
may as well endanger their blossoming relationship. It was fortunate
that Hitomi kept levelheaded and forgave his wrong attitude readily. The
old Hitomi, well, she might as well slapping him as saying that she
hated him. And it would hurt his feelings and his pride to the point
that he was not able to apologise for his mistake.
He heard Hitomi clearing her throat and focused his attention back to
her. With commanding eyes, she insisted that he had to inform her
everything that happened around them, "I have to know, Van, every little
thing. This is far too important issue to dismiss."
Van scratched his head and sighed in resignation. He looked as if he was
in distress, but there was also relief clearly shown in his stance.
Hitomi took this as a good sign. It meant Van would finally tell her
what she needed to know.
Sliding her hand into Van's and entwined their fingers together, she
prompted softly, "Trust me,"
To be trusted, that was what she needed at the moment.
-----
The part was unusually clad in silence. People would usually avoid being
in that place, although a lot didn't know exactly the reason why the
place was banned. It used to be a part of the Royal Garden, stacked with
marble statues that were covered with cold, thick moss, and wild plants
were everywhere as far as one was able to see. Somehow, that was the
beauty of it, for wild and colourful flowers had covered its soil along
the year, regardless the season. Their aroma filled the air and
freshened anybody's soul, cleansing their mind from impure thoughts.
Still, it was untouchable.
It was a strict rule from the deceased king of two generations ago that
forbid everyone to visit that part of the garden. This rule, somehow,
had managed to evolve into a habit that was followed by all residents of
Fanelia Castle without questions, including the current king him self.
The Elders, who happened to understand the reason behind such
prohibition, had enclosed their mouths for decades, and no one was
willing enough to discuss the matter to anyone. They even didn't discuss
the matter with their young king.
However, it was not the case with Gaudi.
He purposely broke the rule and visited the secret garden every now and
then to pray before two white marble graves. His face was solemn and
sad; he laid a bouquet of wild flowers on the grassy pile and started
the ritual of paying his respect to the deceased ones by kneeling on the
ground and murmured, "May the peace be with your souls and may joy sing
lullaby in your ethereal sleep."
Father...Mother...
His king grandfather had prohibited anyone to touch the part of the
garden because of two mounds were laid out there, and he was more than
aware of the reasons why his grandfather had issued such a prohibition.
He even heard some rumours that his grandfather would throw a tantrum
whenever he heard someone mentioning the name of the owner of the grave,
whom had been buried since long. Even until his death, he refused to
build a grave for each his son and his son's wife.
Eventually, the next reigned king, Van's father, was the one who ordered
to built the two tombstones. He granted a castle to his brother's baby
boy and ordered one of the most loyal royal counsellors to care for the
baby. He even bestowed a title to the little one. Gaudi was an owner of
a Dukedom, even if it wasn't the strongest in the country.
Still, scandal had frozen the family tie and created a wall between him
and his uncle. It was not until he met his younger cousin, Van, that he
found warmth and friendship.
Van.
Gaudi smiled despite the bitterness that chilled his heart. It was Van
that made him turn back from ignorance to the after-war problems in
Fanelia just a few years ago. Gaudi had vowed to himself that he would
defend his cousin's position as a king of Fanelia since the fateful day
when he heard his cousin had emerged victorious against Zaibach Army.
And now, with all his might, he helped Van to achieve his dreams: to see
Fanelia reached its former glory. However, there was a sickening feeling
in the bottom pit of his stomach that screamed to him that a threat had
loomed over Fanelia and come to screw Van's position as a king. He had
always trusted his instincts, and he didn't like it.
A rustling sound had caused him to cease his pondering and snapped his
head up with a readiness of a warrior. Hands flying to the hilt of his
sword, he scanned his surrounding with alertness of a leopard and barked
to the air, "Who's there?! Come out to the light if you dare!"
A dainty foot came out to the clearings, almost covered by the hem of a
silk gown. Sighing in relief, he was loosening his grip on the sword and
raised his one good eye to identify the face of the feet's owner. He had
expected one of the court ladies, but he didn't anticipate Ardine's
intrusion. He was more than ready to scold anyone who disturbed his
sanctuary when his gaze settled upon Ardine's red, puffy eyes.
Instead, he managed a soft, "Your Highness,"
Basking in the sunlight, Ardine was standing regally in front of the man
she identified as Van's cousin, although she was well aware of her
current appearance. She was certainly not well presented since the make-
ups she wore must have been ruined as the tears faded it and made it
smear her face. Her once neatly braided hair must have been dishevelled,
especially when it stuck to some tree branches while she was running
from Van and Hitomi.
Both of them stared at each other for the longest of time before the
princess announced stiffly, "I've been...lost, somehow."
There was some more awkward silence before Gaudi decided to approach the
princess. He walked in long strides, his hands buried in the pockets of
his jacket, searching for something. When he came into a halt before the
princess, he produced a white handkerchief from within his jacket and
started wiping it on Ardine's smeared face.
The princess brushed his hand aside in irritation and demanded
defiantly, "Just what are you trying to do?"
"Cleaning your face," Gaudi retorted back dryly. Then, as if he realised
his impulsive manner, he stepped a back and bowed his upper body in
apology, remarking, "My apology, Princess. I didn't mean such disrespect
to you. It's just that..." He wanted to continue and told her that she
resembled a lost little girl in the wood, but he refrained. It wouldn't
be wise for the frail state of Fanelia-Ispano relationship. Instead, he
inserted, "Going inside the palace with your current appearance will
raise some questions, Your Highness."
She considered his words for awhile before she actually nodded and
pulled Gaudi's hand, urging his to continue his task. Smirking ever so
slightly, Gaudi began to clean every trace of make-ups on her face. He
had hated this spoiled young woman, but sympathy had clearly changed his
attitude, at least for the time being. At least he would play this role
until he was sure that the stormy future that clouded Fanelia had
passed. Well, to be completely honest, girls and sympathy were his
biggest weakness. Unless he could control the weakness, the enemy would
surely send someone to destroy him mentally some day.
However, his last thought was gone as he wiped away the last trace of
the princess' make-ups. Among the wild flowers and natural surrounding,
he saw anger, grief and confusion mixed into one, reflected on the
beautiful face before him. Not that he stopped hating her for what she
had done to Van and Fanelia by coming to the country. He still loathed
her very essence.
A realisation hit him perfectly. This girl was just a girl, in spite of
her education and glory as a princess. She knew nothing at all and was
trapped within a situation that she didn't comprehend. She could even be
bait, a trap that was set by Ispano itself to conquer Fanelia.
She was not as beautiful as people claimed her to be without make-ups,
for her eyes were a little bit smaller and slanted, but he found her
more refreshing that way. Unconsciously, he murmured, almost to him
self, "Your mask has revealed a precious treasure to me. You're very
pretty, princess."
He was rewarded by Ardine's outrageous glare, but the glare was soon
dissolved as a small, quivering smile played on her tiny lips as she
murmured back, "Thank You."
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