Chapter 22 "Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses."

Chocolate cake

Pepperoni Pizza

Sushi

Ramen

Roasted Chicken

Parfait

Barbecue

Strawberry Cheesecake

"Oh damn, I'm hungry." The Princess exclaimed in exasperation as she swung herself by the tree overlooking the lake.

She's alone. Everyone is busy doing their own stuff.

They were in a provincial palace called "Coconut Palace" owned by her husband for something about a business trip and meeting with the local government unit. She was required to assist him for the purpose of publicity. He wasn't happy with her tagging along. But the view, with all the trees, plants and flowers, along with uncrowded places gives her a refreshing feeling.

But oh, she's really hungry. Carrying twins and eating just porridge wouldn't satisfy her.

She caressed her now grown belly. "Behave and don't ask for extravagant foods. You'll have everything you want when you come out. For now, let us stick to the porridge."

Her stomach growled in protest as it started to ache.

She heard footsteps coming and so she turned to see who it was.

"HOTARU!" She said, delighted to see her for the first time that day. She looks tired. She curtsied once she was on her front.

"What are you doing here?" The purple fairy asked. She's checking on her.

"Just taking a break and enjoying the view. You look worn out. Are you alright?" Mikan asked.

"Yes your majesty. I haven't slept for 2 days since these officials won't stop bothering me." She stood by her side.

"And Ruka?" she asked.

"I haven't seen him either. I guess busy with meeting with the military?" Imai replied.

There was silence for a moment. She wanted to ask about him but remained silent. Imai however instantly reads her.

"The Prince isn't feeling very well. He's in his room having a fever." She declared as Mikan turned with worry.

"I thought you guys don't get sick?" Mikan stood up.

"We do, in extremes of cases. Like in the case of the Prince, overworked and the likes. He's been working like a robot for a whole week."

"Oh… Is he alright?" She asked worriedly.

"If you really want to know, he's in his room. And by the way, Stern asked me to tell you if you could substitute his majesty later for the meeting. He's supposed to meet up with a businessman later to talk about the new government project for the area."

"Of course, I'll cover for him. What time is it?" Mikan asked.

"It's at 7:30 PM." Mikan looked at her watch. It's already 6 pm.

"Alright, got it. I'll go now to my room to change. You should rest now, Hotaru." Imai nodded and curtsied.

She was at the front of his door for a while now. She wanted to check on him but was afraid to do so.

"His majesty is sleeping at the moment, your highness." Stern appeared from her back. "He's working non-stop. And he's not had a proper meal for a while now. He refuses to eat." He said dejectedly. Mikan's worry level went to full.

"Please do check on him. Maybe you can get him to eat?" Stern pleaded.

"I'll try my best. Just please take care of yourself too, Stern. Go get some sleep. Leave this to me for now, okay?" Mikan said as Stern warmly smiles at her.

"Thank you, your highness." The dwarf curtsied and left.

She knocks on his room.

Once.

Twice.

Thrice.

No answer. She slightly opened the door and took a peek.

He's sleeping soundly on his gigantic bed. She walks towards him as she observes her surroundings. Papers were everywhere. Laptop and phone scattered to the floor, uneaten cold food at his bedside table.

She seated herself at his bed beside his sleeping figure. She looks at him, his face burning up, but at the same time flawless and handsome. His sweat drips down from his face. He's sweating like hell.

She touched his sheets.

Was there anyone he brought here? Like the blonde girl he's been kissing? She wondered to herself and the thought hurts her.

It's none of her business. They're divorcing soon. He's gonna remarry again to someone beautiful and much more than her. And it's going to be fine.

It has to be fine.

She then exited his room and proceeded to the grand kitchen.

There were cakes and pastries that made her stomach grumble.

"Your majesty!" The head chef exclaimed, surprised to see her there. He and the kitchen staff curtsied.

"I'm sorry but can I cook?" She asks. The head chef nervously went to her and said in a whisper, "I'm so sorry your highness, but you're not allowed to get food here. There was an order from his majesty-" She cuts him off. "I know, I know. But this is for the Prince. I'll cook for just one serving. Please allow me."

They know that the Prince hasn't eaten their food for a while now. "O-okay." The chef sighed in defeat. He's gonna get fired if the Prince knew or worse, beheaded.

Mikan immediately proceeded to take ingredients from the walk-in refrigerator and pantry. She's making her grandfather's chicken noodle soup that he claims can cure any illness. Her grandfather always cooks for her when she's sick since she was a kid and she always watches him do it.

After a while of some slicing and mixing and sauteing, she was done.

"TADAA!" she exclaimed as the chef and the staff gaped in awe. It was so aromatic and delicious looking and everyone of them wanted to have a taste.

"Thank you for allowing me to cook here. I'll leave now. Goodbye!" Mikan exclaimed happily as she stormed out of the kitchen to go to his room.

"Ne, Natsume." Mikan poked him on the shoulders to wake him. His eyes opened in a second as her fear creeped up. "That's majesty for you, idiot." He said weakly as Mikan does her best to ignore him.

"Your majesty." She corrected me. "Please sit and eat. You must be hungry." Mikan said pleadingly.

He looked at her hand which was holding a tray of delicious soup. She puts it on his bedside table.

"Come on." She seated herself and held his right shoulder to support him. He didn't argue since he was not feeling his usual cold self at the moment. Mikan tried to lift him up but he weighs a ton. She mustered all her energy and lifted him again for the second time which earned her another episode of aching belly. Maybe she's just really hungry.

Once he was seated, Mikan scooped a spoonful and directed it at him.

"I can do it." The Prince said in a cold tone.

"Please let me take care of you. You can get back to your old self once you've regained your strength." Mikan said as she shoves a spoonful of his on his mouth.

He didn't say anything as he finished the soup Mikan was feeding him in a gulp.

"How much gold are you gonna charge me for this?" He said looking at her angrily. Mikan shivered in fear.

"None." She said in a whisper.

"You're so good at pretending. You can consider becoming an actress once this is over." He said but she ignored it.

"Name your price.I can pay you. Hell, I can even buy you, slave." Without thinking, she slapped him hard as tears streamed down her face.

She stood up and walked to his door. "Just… just please take care of yourself." She said as she finally left his room as he was left there shocked.

Mikan proceeded to her room as she cried her heart out until there was a knock.

"Your majesty, it's time to get ready for the meeting." A maid said.

She stood up as she felt a pang of pain on her womb. It's getting worse now.

She opened the door and started to get ready.

"Y-your highness!" Exclaimed a good-looking condottiero, in his early thirties, wearing a tuxedo and looking like a photoshopped angel but Mikan doesn't care.

"Hello, the Prince won't make it so I'll be filling in. Is that alright?" She asks in a friendly tone. She was wearing a tube dress in crimson as her baby bump was very prominent now. Her hair was up and her make up was just natural. She looks very elegant.

"Of course, your majesty!" Exclaimed the guy. "I'm Ryuo Tatsuke, Ryuo for short. I'm the CEO of Tiny houses Inc. It's nice to finally meet you." He took her hand as he kissed it. He smiled at her.

"I'm Mikan. Just call me Sakura, ne? Where are the others?" She said looking around. They were at an exclusive 5 star restaurant.

"I'm afraid it's just us." He proclaimed as his three assistants showed. "Shall we?" Mikan nodded. She was all alone. Her driver just dropped her off and went back to the Palace. He's going to pick her up again at 10:00 pm.

They were seated at the exclusive part of the restaurant overlooking the wonderful view of the province. It's just the two of felt like a date.

The menu cards were handed to them.

"What would you like, your highness?" He said, staring intently at her which made her feel uncomfortable.

"Nothing. Just water." She proclaimed after seeing the menu list which made her stomach grumble but the prices made her close it. She's got no money.

He observed her for a minute or so.

"Don't worry. It's my treat." He said as he smiled at her.

"No thanks. Just let us get straight to business." Mikan said it was really uncomfortable.

He signaled a waiter at their table. "I want everything from the menu for two servings. And I want it fast." He said as Mikan ignored him. She took the folder in front of her and read it.

"This project is for our people who are average earners. The palace would like to build tiny houses that are comfortable, accessible and cost effective." She said, looking at him.

"He sent you here pregnant, alone and hungry, your majesty? I can't believe it." Ryuo stated, smirking. This man is an asshole.

"I'm not hungry and I'm not alone." Her temper rises. "Make your profit at 20 instead of 40% and we'll have a deal." She wants to get over this fast.

Food was starting to arrive at their table as the sight made her stomach grumble.

"Go and get what you want." He said as he observed her.

"I believe I made myself clear. I'm full, Mr. Tatsuke. Thank you for the offer." She said, trying to be polite. There was another pang on her womb as she ignored it again.

"If I were your husband, I would treat you the way you're supposed to be treated, Ms. Sakura." Mikan closed her eyes as another cycle of pain hit her.

She hears footsteps coming.

"That's Mrs. Hyuuga for you bastard." She opens her eyes.

"Natsume?!" She looked at him,still pink from fever but now in good condition unlike hours ago when he seemed so fragile. Along with him were Stern, Ruka and their bodyguards.

"Your majesty!" Exclaimed the businessman in surprise as he felt a sudden gush of fear from the way he stared at him. He stood up and bowed.

He snatched Mikan from her seat and held her arm.

"Looks like you're harassing my princess." He said possessively.

"Should I behead him your majesty?" Ruka asked as he got his sword as the man sweats like hell.

"Just say it and it shall be done, Mikan." Natsume said, not leaving a look on the guy."Stern here made a mistake of sending you to a man like him. Sanctions will be imposed." He said, referring to the poor dwarf who looks in fear at him.

"Please don't. We're just discussing some business here." She doesn't want any blood spilling from here. Ruka kept his sword and proceeded to be at ease as Natsume did.

"What's her proposal?" Asked the Prince to the poor guy as Natsume scanned the folder on the table.

"She-Mrs. Hyuuga, my majesty, would like to lower the percentage of my profit from 40 to 20%, your majesty..." Natsume thought about it for a second.

"Do as she says and we'll have a deal." He said "We'll leave now." He got a handful of cash from his wallet and slammed it on the table."For the bill. " He dragged Mikan with him and was about to walk away when Tatsuke called his attention.

"Your majesty!" He stopped on his track to listen to him. "Please feed her when she's hungry." Mikan shot a dagger and stared at him."And I'm so sorry for what I've done, your majesty."

"Get to your fucking head that she's all mine. The next time this happened, I will fucking bring you down to hell." Natsume stated and walked away as the man bowed to the ground.

"I'll be riding on the other car." Mikan stated as she snatched her arm from him.

"No. You'll be in my car." Natsume stated coldly.

"Just go home. You need rest." Mikan protested. "I'll be fine on my own." She said as she turned and walked away from him.

Cameras were already recording their every move. Fuck media.

He signaled something to Ruka as his best friend rode a car together with the bodyguards and went away.

Natsume snatched her body and carried her to his sports car. He fastened her seatbelt and drove off.

"You're hungry and you won't even tell me." He spoke breaking the deafening silence in the car as he drove fast to an unknown location.

She did not say anything.

After about 15 minutes of driving, they arrived at a fancy restaurant. He opened the passenger door and dragged her inside.

"Good evening your majesty." An old lady bowed together with other staff. There were no other diners. It was reserved for them.

"Your food is served. Please enjoy your meal!" She stated as they led them to their seat. There were many lights and outdoor seating beside a lake. Gushes of winds made her feel refreshed. And him in front of her. There's nothing more she can ask for.

The food's delicious smell entered her senses.

"Eat." He ordered, staring at his beautiful wife.

"Am I allowed?" Mikan asks not being able to hold herself. He pondered at her question. Allowed? Why not?

"I don't have money." She added dejectedly.

"I'm your wallet. I got you." He simply stated.

"What's this for?" She asks again.

"This is my way of saying sorry to you." He answered, looking at her straight in the eye. "I'm sorry, Mikan." Her heart tripled its beat. He's sweet sometimes.

"I'm sorry too." She stated. 'll eat if you eat with me."

He didn't say anything as he grabbed a piece of steak and shoved it in his mouth. Mikan smiled and began digging for food like she was never fed before.

Silence followed as they ate their meals. Natsume was enjoying the view. She's all he needs.

At dessert, a pudding was served in front of her. It made her feel nauseous.

"What's wrong?" he asks

"I just don't like this. I feel like throwing up." She stated as she stared at it. He called the attention of the servers and it was instantly removed from the table.

"What would you like then?" He asks.

"Ummm... I'm really craving for chocolate cake. Do they have it here?" She said.

He took his phone and dialed a number. "The best chocolate cake, now." he said to someone.

"No! It's alright you don't have to." Mikan said.

"Too late." He smirked at her. "Are you done?" He asks as Mikan nods."Let's go home."

He put another handful of cash on the table and dragged her to the car as they silently went back to the Palace.

"Thank you, Natsume. I will remember this." She said smiling at him. "Are you alright now? How are you feeling?" She asks.

Her beside him… of course he's alright. More than alright. Everything he needed was right there.

He didn't get a chance to reply as his phone rang. He put it on a loudspeaker.

"Your majesty, is the Princess with you?" It was Ruka on the phone, he sounded alarmed and out of breath.

"Yes. Why?" Natsume replied in wonder.

"Oh thank God! Your majesty, this is to report the attempt of the life of the Princess. Her car that was supposed to bring her back to the Coconut Palace was ambushed getting at least 30 shots of bullets. The driver was wounded and now in critical condition. It's a very very good thing the Princess was with you. I'm tracking you now and will be sending security shortly. There will be checkpoints to the road you'll be traveling."

He then ended the call without responding. She shouldn't hear any of those.

Fuck.

Mikan gaped in horror at the news. Reo's on the move. She must do something.

He held her stone cold hands as he drove fast through the night.

"I won't let anything happen to you. Over my dead body." He said as he kissed her hand as she felt a gush of safety and security.

Moments later, they safely arrived at the Palace.

"Is the palace secured?" He asked Ruka as he got down from the car. Another guard opened the door for Mikan. Troops of condiotteros were roaming around.

"Of course your majesty. It was inspected earlier. You're safe here." Natsume nodded and turned to go inside.

"Natsume!" Mikan held his hand as he was about to go to Ruka to discuss security.

He turned to her and waited for what she was about to say. "Promise me…" Mikan gulped. "Promise me you won't let anything happen to our children." She said eagerly. "Promise me with your life that you'll save them first before me. Please. I beg of you."

He looks at her and tries to decode what she's saying. It's a word of warning.

She's in trouble.

He didn't say anything as he pulled her to him and kissed her forehead.

"Escort her to her room. Standby guards round the clock." He commanded as he left her with Stern. "I'll see you later."

I must protect you too.

She keeps thinking and thinking about the event earlier.

Reo tried to kill her and the twins.

It must be him right?

He's now on the move and she needs to do something.

What if Natsume didn't force her to eat dinner with him? She'd be dead by now and the twins! For heaven's sakes!

What if it was Natsume he'd ambush? He'd be dead too!

Darn piece of shit.

I won't allow anything to happen to him.

Another episode of pain rocked her womb. It's been irregular but intense pain. She's inside her room, laying at her bed, sweat pouring from her face. She needs to see a doctor.

A soft knock was heard but she ignored it. There were contractions again. She curled to her bed like a ball.

The door connected to the Prince's room opened. Her eyes were closed as she heard footsteps approaching her. She doesn't care if it's Reo now. There's too much pain.

"Mikan?" It was Natsume's. She turned to see him holding a box of cake. The one that she requested earlier, the best chocolate cake.

She weakly smiled at him as she grips her abdomen. He stood there, alarmed.

"What's wrong?!" The cake was thrown to the floor as he held her.

"It's fine. Just contractions… It will go… I just need to rest." She curled into his arms and closed her eyes. He dialed a number from his phone and in an instant, Ruka, Imai and Stern were there.

"You're burning up." He stated as he touched her forehead.

"We need to get her to the hospital…" Hotaru said as she checked her vital signs.

"We need to go back to the main palace now." Ruka stated."The hospital here is 3 hours away and may be unequipped with what she'll be needing."

"Hotaru can go with me. You can continue working, Natsume. It's gonna be fine." Mikan interrupted them.

"Yes, we can do that your majesty.I'll take care of the Princess." Imai said.

After all the ambushing and threatening her? Hell no. He ignored their statement.

"Prepare the helicopter. We will leave in 5 minutes. Cancel all my meetings. I need to be with my wife." The Prince stated.

In five minutes or so, there were 2 helicopters in front of understands that they should ride separate helicopters just in case someone dies, the other will continue to rule.

"I'll be with her." He stated as Ruka tried to stop him.

"Your majesty, you can't.. Please." He blocked his way.

"Ruka, if she's gone, I'd be gone too. So let me do this. She is my life now." The prince whispered sincerely as he looked at him in the eye.

"Your wish is my command, your majesty. I'll secure everything." He curtsied and they went in.

After an hour of traveling in the air, they safely landed at the hospital. They were welcomed by the medical team and MIkan was urgently given medical attention.