Chapter 21 "Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope."

"You will be transferred to the palace's attic, and that will be your bed and study room. You'll be locked there if you don't have any scheduled duties. You'll be given two meals a day, and have to fulfill your responsibilities as the Prince's wife but are not to be given any cent. The minute the twins are born, you will be discharged from your duties and be returned to your land, together with the money you requested which is 5 million golds." The dwarf declared in a monotonous tone. "Signed by your Majesty Prince Natsume of Hyuuga Realm dated October 13, 2017."

"I'm sorry this contract was forwarded to me this morning and I was asked to let you sign." He added.

"It's okay, Stern. I understand." She grabs the pen and the paper as the butcher cuts in. "Please, you don't have to do this, Mikan."

"I know what I'm doing. I'm sorry." She signed the paper instantly and gave it back to him.

"Now, follow me to your new room."

There was no bed, only a study table and a bathroom. This is bad but she can live with it.

"This will be your room from now on, and as written in the contract, you will be locked here in case you don't have any duties outside. Also, the prince emphasizes that the people shall not hear any of this. You will have to act as our majesty's wife in front of the media and the public. The prince will do the same."

"I understand, sir." She nodded as she responded.

"Your preterm supplements are inside your bedside table, please don't forget to take it every day. Meals are to be given every 10 in the morning and 6 in the evening. You are prohibited to take any food from the future gatherings. The prince does not request your presence by his side so if you are done with your work outside, please proceed here immediately. He wishes not to see your presence."

"Yes, I understand." She answered dejectedly.

"Mikan, please. Tell me what's wrong." The dwarf pleaded. He hates to see her this way.

"Nothing. I'll be okay."

Suddenly, the purple fairy appeared on the attic's door carrying a huge pile of papers and folders. The dwarf bowed.

"Please leave us for a moment, Stern." She said as the dwarf left, closing the door.

She put the papers and folders at her study desk and turned to her.

"I've heard what's happening." She started. Mikan just nodded and looked at her in the eyes. "There's nothing left to say. Whatever you've heard, it is really true."

"You know what? The worst thing about being lied about is knowing you weren't worth the truth." She said. She sat beside her on the bed.

Minutes of silence followed.

"Look, you can fool the Prince but you cannot fool me." The former princess held her hand and looked at her intently.

"Just for what it's worth, for whatever the reason, you just have to trust me."

"I can help you. We can help you. You don't have to do this alone." Imai responded.

"But I do." She stated firmly. "I don't love him anymore. I don't like this place. I'm not meant to be here."

The purple fairy sighed.

"Continue to tell yourself that but I'm not going to believe it."

"You act as if you know me, but you don't. I wanted to be close to you but you're very… stoic. You're just like a stone, cold and hard and never wanting to be cracked open. You aren't and never have been my friend." This is the only time that she has seen her flinched as she said the words. She was hurt.

Please don't believe me. From the very first time I saw you I knew you were going to be my best friend, my only best friend. Please understand. Please. I didn't mean any of this.

Moments passed as the purple fairy said nothing and turned her back on her. "Please sign the papers. I need that tomorrow." Then she left just like that not failing to lock her iron door.

Mikan broke down to the floor. This is breaking her apart.

It's been a month since she was transferred to the attic and never once has she seen the Prince. She goes out to do charity works with the Queen most of the time. They often visit schools, orphanages, towns that experienced natural disasters like flash floods, graduations and many other important duties as royalties. Of course the Queen doesn't know what was really happening between her and Natsume. It is a secret between the Prince, hers, and Stern.

"Heeey Mikan!" The blonde hair called. As usual, he was smiling again like the happy person he is. His aura brings comfort to her. She turned to him and both curtsied.

"Long time no see, your Majesty." Mikan smiled.

"I've missed your presence." She chuckles as she eyed him.

"How is it going?" The man asked as he pointed to her belly. "It's gotten big!"

"Oh yes it is. It's very hard to get up in the morning because it's very heavy. And when I shower, I couldn't see my feet!" She said as both burst out laughing.

"But aren't you getting a little bit thinner?" Ruka asked in wonder. "Your bones are showing…" Of course, who wouldn't get thinner when all you can eat twice in a day is some tasteless porridge.

"Oh don't mind it. I'm fine, I'm very healthy in fact."

"I'll be escorting you today to the festival. Are you ready for your speech?" She is a speaker for today at the town's Winter Festival.

"Oh of course. I've memorized my speech. Let's go, ne?" She said as they both strolled to the awaiting car outside the palace.

They've reached the place and proceeded with the speech. Lots of applause were heard everywhere as the Princess ended her words.

"Should we go skiing?" Ruka asked as he checked his watch.

"Oh, you should. Invite Hotaru and have some fun!" Mikan insisted.

"Come on, Hotaru's busy. Come with me instead." He says taking her hand but she firmly let go of his.

"I'm really heavily pregnant, Ruka. Maybe next time?" She asked, smiling at him. There will be no next time, she knows. These times, these friends, I'm going to remember forever.

Ruka accepted his defeat and just nodded. "Okay, but next time we'll be going to have loads of fun. Especially with the kids!" He said grinning.

She caressed her swollen belly. Yes. My kids. I'm sorry I wouldn't be able to watch you please remember me. I will always love you and I will always be watching you.

"Is there anything wrong, Mikan? Did I say something that offended you?" He asked as Mikan just smiled at him.

"Nothing. Of course they are going to have so much fun and my kids are going to be so lucky to have you as their uncle. Take care of them will you?" She responded.

There was a silence as Ruka's smile broke. He paused and looked at her straight in the eye. "Is there…" But before he could finish, the pink-winged fairy turned her back at him and left after saying, "I'm really tired. I'm just going to go. Enjoy!"

Tears streamed down her face as she was escorted back to the car by the guards.

How much pain will she have to endure in this lifetime? It's like she's just hanging by a thread every day. But she knows she has to hang on as long as she can, as hard as she can.