Hi! It feels like forever since I last updated. I'm very very very sorry guys! Many things had happened. My netbook I used in writing my stories malfunctioned and can't be open. That's why, I need to rewrite the chapters I wrote from the start. And heck, I can't remember how I put things there! So it took me some time. I don't even know if this new chapter 10 is better than the original chapter 10 I wrote. But the ideas are still there, of course. It also took some time for my parents to buy me a new laptop. Thanks to them! I am able to update now. I also attended summer class! But I enjoyed it.

I hope you enjoy reading this!

Chapter 10

During those 3 months, this is what happened to him,

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Shade's POV

It's been almost two weeks when I got separated with Fine. Is she doing alright? Maybe she's at her home with her sister by now. I quickly smiled at the thought of her gobbling every food at their kingdom.

Seeing my way familiar, I dismiss myself from my thought. I looked around and realized I'm close to our kingdom as the peak of the palace is already visible.

I can't stop feeling nervous every step I take forward. What if they don't want me back? What if coming back is a wrong idea? What if…what if…

Negative thoughts are running inside my head, making me want to turn around and just walk away yet, still walking forward knowing I'll just run away again if I did that.

Sensing something amiss in the town, I quickly walk to see it more clearly. I hide behind every trees as I get nearer.

As I take a look on the place, I felt everything around me froze at that time. I closed my eyes and crouched down as I was shocked by the great change.

The town which is loud and full of cheerful people is now gloomy and full of trashes. People work in rush yet silently and some are walking in quick pace with their head bowed down as if there's something scary will come.

Moments later, I heard horses clomping getting louder which I conclude somebody are heading to town. I glance again the place and saw people are now panicking. Children were even brought inside their houses.

Officials get off from their horses and started to collect money from the people. The one who can't pay were push to the side. I was confuse as there is nothing like this in the term of our monarchy.

Afterward, a carriage arrived at the place. A man that is very familiar to me came out. He was now wearing my father's robe and crown.

"Ro..mano" I muttered under my breath. I clenched my fist as I took a deep breath to calm myself down.

Romano came to the people who can't pay enough money. My eyes widen at what he did to them. The one who can't give him a satisfying reason were push and will receive either a slap or a kick.

I shivered in anger. I really despise that man. How could he do it to the townspeople?

I walk away, wanting not to see more of his cruelty. I'm really so helpless. What should I do to protect the people from the harms of Romano?

Then, an idea rush into my mind. I dashed towards the place where I secretly plant my herbs.

After making through many bushes, I finally found myself in my secret place. I looked around to see nobody.

"I guess no one has discovered this place yet." I said to myself. "Maybe I'll use this as a hideout."

I came up with a plan of helping the people with what I am best at.

I collected every herbs I found and used it to make medicines along with the alternative ingredients. I also gathered fruits from the trees around. I made net baskets with the twigs of a tree and vines of a trailing plant.

After putting everything in the basket, I took a nap and waited for the night to come.

When I woke up, it is already dark. I carried the baskets carefully to the town. I hide again through the trees securing that no one notice me.

I went to every houses and get inside by the window. At first, they were frightened by me. Some even point a knife which is the dangerous thing happen as I sneak in. But when they understand that I'm only trying to help, they'll just say something like, "I thought you are a burglar" and will mutter a thank you.

The second night surprised them as I came back. So I explain to them I might come every night. The next night and so on, they'll leave just leave the window open. Some of them, if I came when they're asleep, left note and a bread, thanking me for the medicine and fruits I always bring to them. Others stay up to wait and chat a bit with me.

I was glad that their cheerful selves are coming back. I continued on doing my plan until the night of the third week. I went every house a bit early and told the people to gather secretly in the barnyard for I'll tell them something important. Puzzled, they just agree to me.

I decided to unveil who I am. I know they deserve to know and I'll accept what the result will be.

Seeing that all came, I step forth. Still, my back is facing them. I remove my mask and band slowly out of my face and hair, and took a deep breath. As I turn around to face them, they gasp as soon as they realized who I am. They look at me as if I'm a ghost. Anxiousness and confusion are written all over their faces. Then, commotion started.

I'm not surprised though. After all, what they know is I committed suicide after killing my own father just like what Romano had told me before I run away.

Once they all calmed down, I explained to them what truly had happened. How Romano and his men killed my father… How he let me go but still has the desire to kill me…

I was ready to face their wrath for leaving them behind… for being a coward prince. Instead, they look at me understandingly saying I did the right thing and what important is I came back for them.

I was relieved. Gladness filled my heart seeing the positive result of my decision and action. Some of them gave me a hug saying, "Welcome back."

Then, a man came to my side. He kneeled down before me and said, "Be our king, prince Shade. Please retrieve the throne from Romano."

The others did the same as the man. They kneeled down and beg me to become their ruler.

I was astonished. I never thought they'll want me to become their leader after what I have done.

Motivated by them, I clenched my fist and said, "Yes. For the sake of our kingdom and its people, I'll be your king. But in order to do so, I will need your help."

Their face lit up and began to cheer. Hope and happiness filled the place.

I won't let this chance to go to waste. So, God help me...

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