Chapter 4: The Silent Forest

She was standing there, in the usual place. Flowers were everywhere, blossoming brightly, filling the air with tiny petals and sweet aroma. Surrounding by white and yellow chrysanthemums, she looked just like one of them.

She was dancing alone, in the middle of the flower field. Her long, white dress with shades of gold seemed like melting in pure air; her delicate ribbons were flying in winds; flowers petals were whirling around her with every step. Her figure was fragile and small, yet so enchanting that captured his eyes and drew him close. Oddly enough, his eyes seemed to be blurred whenever he tried to see her face, like it was covered by a mist.

She was humming a sweet melody. Although he could never make out what she was singing, her soothing, gentle voice always brought him peace and warm. He wanted to stay like this forever, watching her.

However, just like every time before, her voice slowly lowered and her feature slowly faded into thin air. And like always, he tried to reach to her with all his might. Just a few more step, and he never succeeded.

"Wait!" He woke up with a startle; his cry tore up the silent night. His forehead was dipping with sweat as he took a moment to calm his mind.

He had that dream again. The same dream as his first one when he was just 10 years old. In 8 years since then, nearly every day he had dream about the same scene, the same person. He always felt special toward the mysterious girl; he felt that she was the one for him in his destiny. However, he never knew who she was.

This time, there was something different in his dream. Ferio felt like that he would meet her very soon.

"At this part, you have to twirl and fall back slightly in the companion's arm. Yes, like that. Don't tiptoe all the time or those high heels will really break." Taking the male place, Umi's hand held Fuu's tightly as the other one wrapped around the brown-haired princess's waist and leaded her every elegance step. Both were sweating from nearly two hours of practice and Fuu was slowly, but clearly getting better. After all she was still a noble birth with natural grace, Umi concluded, and the only thing that lacked in Fuu was some activities which couldn't be found in her huge books.

That was such a beautiful morning, made Fuu smiled with slight guilt. Since the day they've met Umi and Hikaru came to practice with her every morning. Hikaru was always eager to help her and Umi, although had seemed reluctant at the beginning, also became very serious in teaching the brown-haired princess. Right now when Fuu was dancing with Umi, the red-haired princess was sitting nearby and watching them intently. It turned out that Hikaru was also quite skilled in dancing so the two princesses were taking turns to teach Fuu. If Umi's dancing style was slow yet captivating, graceful and changeful like water; then Hikaru was a little fire pixie that created passionate and exciting air with every quick move. Both were by far the greatest dancers Fuu had ever known.

"My, my, what are our pretty ladies doing here?" A masculine voice came out of no where and startled the girls. They all turned toward its direction and spotted the second prince of Cefiro, looking the least elegant as a noble could be. Instead of the radiant white suit he has worn in the welcome party, Ferio picked a simple yellow tunic with inner black shirt and green trousers. With his disheveled but unmistaken green hair, he looked just like a normal boy, not the heir of Cefiro's throne. Umi had to blink several times before fully recognizing the prince, while Fuu blushed immediately at the sight of him and Hikaru, well, just looking surprised.

"Training for the upcoming contest, I guess?" Figured that no one would answer his question, Ferio grinned friendly and walking toward the princesses. Umi and Fuu released each other a bit when the prince approach them and Umi stepped back as Ferio held out a hand to Fuu. Ferio cast a glance at her and then turned back to the confused brown-haired princess. "May I?" he asked.

"Uh-Uhm… Yes." Fuu placed her right hand in Ferio's left one hesitantly. She left out a soft gasp as he pulled their body closer and began to waltz. This time Fuu didn't fall or step on her companion's feet, she managed to follow Ferio's lead while being just a little slower.

"You're quite alright," Ferio stopped the dance and, if it was possible, Fuu's cheeks reddened. "I assume all of this is given to your credit?"

"That's nothing prince, me and princess Hikaru here just help her a bit," Umi smiled sheepishly, the prince has indeed make a good impression in her. Although he seemed a bit sloppy for her taste but Umi felt more comfortable with this side of him. The innocent Hikaru might also think that, for she suddenly voiced out. "It's because Fuu has good determination and she is a fast learner too."

"You're already being friends with each other?" the green-haired boy raised his eyebrows, "That's strange. From what I see all other princesses are treating each other like enemies."

"Nothing strange at all, prince. Umi is a good princess; Fuu is a good princess, so it's fantastic to be friends with them." Hikaru's naïve protest made Umi burst into laughing and Fuu just smiled shyly at her.

"That's good. I'm sure your efforts will be paid off well," Ferio chucked then turned to Fuu and told her gently, "Since that night I intended to pay you a visit, but since there were so much to prepare for the contest, I wasn't able to. Forgive me."

"No, no your highness, it's me who should have to thank you," Fuu stammered. It seemed like she could never be near this prince without blushing. "The doctor you sent to me was very skilled and my feet were getting so much better. They're barely hurt now."

"I'm glad, but you mustn't train so hard until your feet are fully recovered. It seems like you all are pretty tired, why don't go rest a bit?" He turned to the other princesses but his eyes were once again resting on Umi. "I know a very beautiful place in the Silent forest, what would you say about lunch?"

Fuu looked at the prince, an uncomfortable feeling spread in her heart. She didn't want to admit but it was kind of disappointing. It was clear that the green-haired prince was somehow interested in her friend. If it wasn't, then why would him glance at her so occasionally like that? The thought of that fact clouded her head and frightened her more by coming up with the realization that she involuntarily wanted the prince's attention all by herself. This was simply not like her.

"Sorry, but I still have some practices to do," Fuu refused politely, "I don't have much time left."

"That's right prince, it was nice of you for dropping by but we have to continue…" Umi agreed but was cut off by Fuu, "No Umi, you have practiced with me since morning. Now please rest a bit, princess Hikaru can teach me in your place."

"But there's no way I can go while you two practicing here…"

"We'll be fine Umi, it's my turn anyway. And you can enjoy lunch with the prince," Hikaru chimed in happily.

Umi sighed and turned to Ferio. "Is that alright with you? I mean, there will be only me and you and we barely know each other…"

"No problem. It is my pleasure to accompany a beautiful lady like you." He ginned.

"So princess Umi, what do you think about this place?" Ferio asked proudly, satisfied at the princess's astonishment. One hand of Umi was clapped over her mouth as her eyes widened slightly. Surely Ellie the maid had told her about the Silent forest but it was mainly about its horrible monsters and absolute dangers, and never was Umi aware of the beautiful view in front of her. Fresh air, shady trees, grassy ground filled with tiny white daisies that created the sweetest fragrance ever; and even a little but pretty nonetheless waterfall. Monsters were nowhere to be seen, but only birds and other adorable creatures of the green forest. It was hard to believe this heavenly natural scene was the same fearful area that everyone talked about.

"It's so beautiful! This is absolutely the loveliest view I've ever seen." Umi commented whole-heartily.

"I'm glad you like it," the prince chuckled. He put the basket that contained their lunch on the ground and soon made himself comfortable beside it. After a moment of hesitation, Umi sat next to him and returned his smile. Even the princess of Chizeta who always preferred fancy life couldn't resist against natural beauties.

"I guess you were expecting something like, desert hills and ogres that jumped out of nowhere and attack you?" Ferio said casually while handing Umi a Cefirian pastry.

"Oh," she blinked and looked slightly embarrassed.

"I wouldn't be surprised if you do," he chuckled, "Actually there are monsters in this forest, but having a prince by your side you don't have to afraid. I'll protect you."

"Then I shall thank you first, prince." Umi laughed even though the princess doubted that she would need help.

"Just Ferio is fine," the prince grinned.

"And I Umi," the blue-haired replied with equal friendliness.

They began the lunch in comfortable air and after tried a bit of the pastry Ferio handed her, Umi decided that magic actually wasn't the only one that Cefiro was best at.

"Hey Umi, what do you think of this marriage?" Ferio suddenly asked.

"Mmm… It's fine?" Umi answered half-heartedly as she was too busy in attacking another cake, "What's wrong? You don't like it?"

"Where could you find a man being happy with his live decided by another?" the prince said honestly, "Geez, I wonder how my sister came up with that stupid idea. And you princesses too, why did you agree to this?"

"It was because of… some complicated reasons," Umi replied hesitantly, she didn't like revealing her private life. However, she couldn't help but feel sympathy for the prince for their situations were very alike. "Pri… er… Ferio, sometimes you must accept your fate and get the best of it. Like, since you have to marry and there're many princess for you to choose, why don't you pick the most suitable one? I too will work hard to achieve my goal, which is marrying the most wonderful man in this world," she said.

"Hmn… you sound right… I never thought of that…" Ferio said thoughtfully.

"Of course."

"Then speaking of your most wonderful man in the world, is there any chance that it would be me?" Ferio joked.

"We'll see about that," The blue-haired princess smirked. Just a lunch and the prince already made her feel like a long time friend, Umi now had no more doubt in his friendly attitude.

"Okay," Ferio laughed, "Do you want an apple?"

"Thank you, it would be nice." With that Ferio began to search in the basket he had brought along earlier. Much to his disappointment, there was no sight of any fruit.

"Oh, I must have forgotten it while sneaking in the palace's kitchen," he tapped his forehead sheepishly. "I guess I'll just go get another one for you."

"Don't trouble yourself, I don't really need it any…" Umi started but was cut off by the prince.

"It's fine, don't you remember that we are in a forest? I know a place nearby that have many fruit. Just wait a bit here." Before Umi could reach he already stood up and leaved.

Being left alone was an idea that Umi didn't like. Although the beautiful scene of the forest did soothe her a bit, its eerie silence made her uncomfortable the same time. Glancing around, somehow Umi had a feeling that she was being watched. After a few moments, she reluctantly rose on her feet and followed the way Ferio had taken early, in hope to find the prince.

Suddenly Umi froze as a dark, large shadow towering over her.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Ferio's head jerked up at the frightened sound. Throwing always all the red apples in his lap, he hurriedly jumped from the tree and ran back to their rest place. "I shouldn't have left a vulnerable princess alone in the first place," he thought worriedly.

When Ferio finally reached his destination, he spotted two figures: one was Umi, and the other was a monster which looked like a giant version of a frog but was added brown fur and two long horns in the head. His sole big eye was fixing on the princess, low growls was escaping from his throat as his sharp claws was reaching out, ready to grasp Umi. However despite all his worries, Ferio stood still and watched in amazement as the princess dodged all the attacks skillfully. Her lithe body moved quickly between the monster's large but clumsy arms, her hands grabbed a twig in finding a chance to strike back. It didn't take the prince long to notice her target was the monster's only eye. Ferio could tell that Umi didn't need his help: her face showed no track of panic or fear and if his eyes served him right, she was even smirking faintly.

Just when the prince could relax, his eyes suddenly caught the sigh of a little golden bell at the monster's neck. Normal people would find the sign of an ugly creature wearing a piece of jewelry ridiculous, but Ferio was no strange to it. Without a second thought, he jumped between Umi and the monster and blocked both side's attack.

"Hey, I'm gonna finish this one!" Umi protested with a hint of annoyance.

The prince didn't reply her; instead he took a deep breath and shouted loudly, "ASSSSSCOTTTTT! SHOW UP RIGHT NOW OR ELSE I'LL SLIDE YOUR MONSTROUS FRIEND IN TWO!" His voice echoed through the forest as Umi looked at him confusedly.

Just who was he calling?

The monster growled angrily, this time at both of them. He began to approach them again. Umi was ready to attack, but Ferio just pushed her behind and keep backing, his hand put loosely at his sword. "ASCOT! THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE, DO YOU HEAR ME? I'M GONNA KILL IT!"

"Just do it, Ferio! What are you waiting for?" Umi said impatiently, "Or let me…"

"No, no you can't. The last time I did that he had cried like a river and refused to come home for three months straight," Ferio whispered.

'Who?', Umi thought.

"ASCOT!" he shouted again.

"Yeah, yeah, I heard you already! Just don't hurt him brother," Umi turned back and saw a man rushing toward them. He walked past both of them and approached the still growling monster. Surprisingly it calmed down almost immediately at the sign of the new man and even bended down to rubbed the head at his hand.

"There, there, good boy. Just how many more I'll have to warn you to not come here again? It's dangerous, you know," The man said with an unbelievably gentle, loving voice: as if he was talking with a little puppy not a monstrous creature.

"Hey hey, do you mistake something? It was us who were in danger here," Ferio called irritatingly. Although knowing his little brother since birth, Ferio could never get used of his abnormal hobby.

"I'm sorry brother, I just think these days you would be busy and wouldn't come here for a while, so I let them roaming around freely…" He looked up and froze on his track, his eyes fixed on Umi.

"Looks like you've noticed, huh? Today I even brought a princess here. What would you do if one of your monsters hurt this fragil…" Ferio coughed, suddenly remembered the fighting scene earlier, "… noble lady?"

Umi giggled and the other man blushed. "I'm so sorry…" he muttered.

"It's alright. I'm not hurt at all, mister…er…" Umi smiled.

"His name is Ascot; He's my little brother and also the youngest prince of Cefiro," Ferio introduced, knowing that time would be wasted if they waited for his shy brother to introduce himself, "And Ascot, this is princess Umi Ryuuzaki of Chizeta Clan."

"Nice to meet you," Umi greeted cheerfully. She mentally agreed with Ellie: this Ascot was quite cute with his blushing face. The prince got the same emerald eyes as Fuu, but his brown hair was slightly deeper than her. Even though Ascot was taller than Ferio, it was the gentle and innocent look in his face that kept him from being mistaken for the older.

"Um… to tell the truth… I do remember you," he said shyly, "At the ball…"

Umi's face fell dramatically. The prince actually remembered her from the first time they've met, while she had no idea who he was. "Oh, that was so embarrassing," she smiled sheepishly and changed the topic, "So I guess there's your… pet?" she pointed at the monster now sitting obediently behind Ascot.

"Yes," Ascot replied uncomfortably. He had heard many harsh comments about his friends before and now the prince also expected Umi to say the same. "You must thing it's strange, right?"

"Of course," Ferio chimed in, "Who would want a pet that keeps roaming around and attacking people?"

"It's not like that!" Ascot protested, "Despite her appearance, Pharia is gentle and shy, there's no way she would hurt human for no reason."

"Erm… maybe it was my fault, too," Umi said, "Ph… your pet has appeared so suddenly and she kept approaching me so I became panic and threw a stone at her. And then she became angry."

"No it's me who should apology princess, if you get hurt I wouldn't know what to do," Ascot turned at her and said sincerely. Unknown to him at that moment both Ferio and Umi were thinking the same thing: If the blue-haired princess got a sword instead of that twig earlier, Ascot's beloved monster would be dead long ago.

"Forget it prince, it's not like anybody got hurt," Umi held back a snort and said, "Anyway interacting with the nature is a good thing… Are all the monsters in this forest yours friends?"

"No, it's not like that. Some are my friends and the others are creatures of the darkness," Ascot said.

"Creatures of the darkness?"

"Actually, those monsters are the same kind with the ones in the North. Once they were everywhere in Cefiro," Ferio explained, "However, after taking the throne my sister had used the legendary power Escudo to seal them forever. Most of monsters have disappeared, while a group of its leader which was stronger had managed to escape to the North and hide there. Since then in Cefiro there's no trace of monster, except for where we're standing now. The Forest of Silence is a sacred land in ancient history, where every magic will became useless no matter how strong they are. Even Escudo couldn't seal the monsters that lived in here."

"What a mysterious place," Umi shivered.

"That's why I never know how he can live with his friends here," Ferio agreed while glaring at Ascot. "It's creepy."

"You don't know brother, they're really gentle and harmless," Ascot protested and blushed lightly, "Pharia loves beautiful things, that was why she approached the princess."

"Yeah, whatever," Ferio then turned to Umi, "Let's come back to the palace Umi, I think we've had enough for today."

"What about prince Ascot?" Umi glanced quickly at the brown-haired prince, "Aren't you going to come with us?"

"No, I'll come back later," Ascot shook his head.

"See? I've told you: Ignore that weirdo," Ferio mumbled as he went to get their horse. Climbing up and wrapping her arms around him, Umi turned back and waved at the young man, "See you later, prince Ascot! I'll visit again!"

"And I'll be waiting," Ascot smiled while thinking silently.

Back to the palace.

"Thank you Ferio, it was a nice lunch today," Umi smiled when they entered the grand hall.

"It's nothing. I enjoyed it too," Ferio grinned, "If you want we could hang out sometimes."

"Really? Then next time we'll definitely have to bring Hikaru and Fuu along. I want to show them that beautiful place," Umi exclaimed happily. She didn't notice the prince's face fell slightly; it was his secret place and he only planned to spend time alone with her.

"So, you're going to see them now?" he said uncomfortably.

"No, I feel a little tired," Umi shook her head, "I guess I'll go read something. Would you mind to tell me where I could find a book? Or could you lend me one?"

"Well, since I don't read much… I guess you can find them at the palace's library."

"Is that allowed?" The princess's eyes shined with hope. It might be hard to believe but she really liked to read histories and novels: it was an enjoyable way to pass the time.

"Of course. Who would deny a princess's request?" Ferio grinned, "Take that path and you'll go straight to the library. It is rather large so you don't have to worry for getting lost."

"Thank you so much" Umi squeezed his hands happily. "See you at the dinner!"

'She's so cute,' Ferio sighed contently as he watched Umi's blue hair swinging elegantly in the wind as she walked away. But somehow, he had an odd feeling that he had forgotten something.

Clef walked in the corridor while sighing tiredly; he just came back after a meeting of the royal council, which he was the leader. The Master Mage didn't expect there would be that much job for them in preparing the upcoming contest. Guessed tonight he would have to work again.

Finally reaching his favorite place, Clef raised an eyebrow at the slightly opened door. Who would come to the palace's library at this time? None of the princes was interested in reading so most of the time only Clef used that room. The other one was King Zagato, but Clef just met him at the meeting and the King was going to see his wife. Lately he had become very anxious at the queen's well-being; they have decided to keep the fact that Emeraude was pregnant in secret for awhile.

So, Clef couldn't come out with any idea of the intruder.

Carefully, he opened the door and slipped in, the staff in his hand ready to strike any enemy. The room was in its usual silence, except an unfamiliar voice that was reading a poem. Clef was quite surprised as he realized that poem happened to be one of his favorites. Moreover, it was written in an ancient language that he believe was unknown to most people nowadays. The voice was soft, clear like crystal and somehow turned the reading to a gentle melody; it effectively soothed his headache and brought a strangely comfortable sensation that made Clef almost wanted to stand here and continue to listen.

However, a part of him that always preferred solitude refused to accept another presence in his private place.

Shaking off the beautiful affection, Clef silently followed the sound to the end of the room and caught a glimpse of another human being. Well, in his usual office, behind his usual desk, on his usual chair instead of the short mage himself was a blue-haired girl.

Clef recognized her as the princess that had embarrassed and challenged him at some night ago. However, no one would believe if he said that feisty, arrogant lady and the maiden currently sitting in front of him was the same person. Oblivious of the mage's presence, Umi continued to read the large book in her lap as her head tilted slightly, resting on her left arm; her cerulean hair fell gently on her shoulder and passed to the back of the chair; her face was forming a concentrate look that, if the one who was watching wasn't Clef himself, he would find it quite adorable.

Shaking his head to get rid of that thought, Clef cleared his throat. The blue-haired princess was startled, her head jerked up from the book as she stared at him in shock. Clef could see a quick frown before she put a fake smile on her face, "Hello, Master Mage. It's so nice to see you here."

"What are you doing here?" His eyes narrowed.

"Can't you tell? Of course I'm reading! This is the library!" Umi replied innocently but Clef didn't let that fool him.

"This is the library that you are not allowed to go in," Clef said.

"Oh, don't worry about that Clef," Umi continued with her sugar voice, but at the same time she was fighting the inner urge to punch that arrogant face. But not this time. "Ferio said that I could come here anytime I want."

"Ferio?" Clef raised an eyebrow, "You sure are getting fast."

"I want to make sure that I'll win our bet," she said coolly.

"We'll see about that, but now leave. I need to work," he demanded. Seeing this princess would only give more headaches aside from the tiredness after a long day work (and Clef absolutely would never admit that he had found her poem reading enjoyable).

"Go ahead. I'll just sit somewhere else," Umi eagerly stood up. No matter how tempting it was, she didn't want to create more trouble with this master mage. The princess had vowed to control her emotions as long as possible.

"When I say leave, I mean -outside the door-." He said coldly.

"But I read and you work, isn't it fine as long as we won't disturb each other?" Umi tried to reason with him.

"No."

"Why?"

"I'm not used to have people around when I work," Clef walked toward the chair and sit down, made Umi step aside with a bewildered look. "Since the princes never show their cares, the queen has given me the right to manage this library. Every single book here was precious and antique; and I see no reason for you to be interested in them. Letting you read them would only be a waste."

For a moment, Umi just stood still and stared incredulously at Clef. She seriously wondered how a man this unreasonable could become the Master Mage of Cefiro. Well, maybe his magical skill was as incredible as his arrogance.

"Fine, I'll leave," Umi took a deep breath to calm herself, "But remember, it is not because I'm afraid of you, but because I cannot be in the same room with a stingy bastard! Do you think that you're the only one who can read in this world? I'm telling you, I'm not a fucking dizt who only know how to shake her ass around and flirt with any man she meets!" she hissed.

"Oh really? That shows in your every word, princess," Clef replied mockingly.

Umi's face was burning with rising anger. Just what wrong with this man? He was the first human ever who didn't flinch at her rage and always found something to retort. And she was trying to be friendly here! Umi knew that if she didn't leave right now, she would inevitably cause another heated argument. Without a word, she threw the book on his table and stormed out of the room, slamming the door loudly in her way.

Clef sighed and began his work.

Please review, you will make a person happy by doing that XD