The most beautiful gift for a couple is a descendant who has been ordained by God, especially the royal family who has been waiting for the arrival of a new family member. They hoped it was a boy who would become king in the future.
Having a son in their descendant is the proudest for a royal family even though not everyone agrees, first Miona's birth as the only child of the Osforia kingdom, and second the birth of 3 princesses from the Erziehen kingdom who until now have not had a son as heir to the throne.
Even so, the kings of the two kingdoms thought it was no problem because children were an incarnation of the mandate given by God to stay, live, and be protected by their royal land.
But what happens if the twins born are a boy and a girl? The occurrence of twin births experienced by the Hungshee royal family is an event that is more than a gift, but a messenger from God, and each twin has a duty so that royal members must fulfill what the twins is needed.
Money? Food? Toy? Self-defense training? All they can get because they only need to ask the king and queen. The elders of the Hungshee land also took part in meeting the needs of the twins. They share knowledge and spirituality with the twins so that they can grow wiser and perfect as a place for people to lean on.
The twins have become the talk of the nobles and blessed their land. Even though there was quite a prominent character difference, it became one of the unique things for the king's self-satisfaction. Hopefully, this doesn't make the twins feel discriminated against or compared to each other. True, he did all that based on the love he shared equally with his two children.
Although the king felt that character could change over time, he would try to maintain the attitude and nature of his two children to become good people like the true leader of the kingdom.
But what will happen if the task they carrying is a differentiator and shaper of their character? Where the prince must be more disciplined and mighty to become the heir to the throne, while the princess is educated to be more elegant and has a gentle nature toward everyone. Although the prince's education system is stricter and heavy, it is different for the princess because she's not required to learn self-defense. In the Hungshee community, women are the incarnation of angels.
Like an eggshell, strong on the outside, but so fragile on the inside. If you want to destroy the essence, why bother from the outside when you can do it from the inside, right? Then the weakest point of humans to be attacked slowly is the heart. Indeed, the heart is a vital point of a human being, but not everyone thinks death must be instantaneous. When the heart attacks, the resulting impact may not only be the death of one person, right?
A gift from God can be disastrous if you can't balance it. The praise they received before turned into insults and ridicule that even they had not even started their duties. The once twins who used to be Hungshee's light for the future slumped by their past.
All tasks that were divided for each twin, now she has to carry them on her shoulders, alone. Empathy with compassion from the community is not encouragement but a demand for the country's future.
*sigh* 'It's been raining since last week.'
"Princess, Lady Kaili has arrived. Is she welcome?"
Immediately she closed her book, then turned to the maid and ordered her to let her teacher come in.
"Haa .. bored," said the princess while sitting at the window while remembering the memories that always revolved in her head.
'I miss you guys.' Her heart said it multiple times like a broken tape, but her pinkish mouth couldn't say it out verbally.
She felt a drop of water dripping on the back of her right hand, followed by a trickle on the back of her left hand that slowly grew faster until it finally fell together.
Slowly the princess looked up as if thinking that the roof was leaking. Naturally, it was just a logical excuse to cover up the truth in the heart.
"I'm sorry for coming late today-" After bowing her body, this grayish-haired middle-aged woman thought she would see the pouting lips or the pouting from the princess. But more than that, he was surprised to see the princess who didn't stop shedding tears even though she had tried to wipe them.
Her surprised look turned soft, feeling of sadness enveloped the maid Hungshee. 'Miss Rilliana'
"Sobs...sobs... I-sobs... I miss them, Kaili" the sobs that his small mouth kept on moving managed to move the woman's heart, making her walk closer to the princess.
"I know you do,"
"sob... sob"
"It's not your fault. It's called destiny" Kaili continued to rub Rilliana's head while saying sentences that could calm the princess's heart and also remembered the incident.
The incident happened on a day when it was raining. As if to remind the land of Hungshee of those memories. The fog enveloped every corner of the city, especially the royal castle as if it wanted to mentally torture the princess and remind her of events that she didn't even know how to do.
Three members of the royal family were dead seven years ago. Only the princess managed to survive the crash of the horse-drawn carriage they were traveling in on their long journey to the northern kingdom for the alliance. Now for the girl, all that was left was their memories shrouded in a mist of sorrow.
The sweet promise he made with his twin brother to see the lanterns fly in the ocean during the firefly festival had to end with no apology but only regret.
'The lantern festival, I will teach you how to make small lanterns at the festival, okay?' his brother's words also replayed like a broken tape with no stop button.
Since the young princess was a child, she only knew knowledge about how to become the king's wife, but now she has to bear the burdens and unresolved problems.
True, she should be able to become queen of her people even though she's too young.
"Miss, I'll get you some water," offered Kaili. She was about to go to the kitchen but stopped when Rilliana grabbed her hand and shook her head.
Looking at the princess's unstable condition, Kaili felt sorry for her. She was too young to lead the kingdom alone. Although there is a royal advisor, this young girl needs guidance from her family to encourage her.
"We will continue the lesson on business economics and marketing strategies that I didn't have time to learn yesterday," said Rilliana, who was busy wiping away the traces of her tears until there were absolutely no traces except for her eyes slightly puffy.
The woman could only nod and pick up the textbook she often brought with her a week ago for the princess's lessons.
"Oh I just remembered, according to the advisor, it's time to start selecting a personal servant before you become a queen," said Kaili while looking for a topic she would teach the future queen Hungshee.
Hearing this, the blonde girl suddenly felt a burden on her shoulders, her head felt a little dizzy, and her mood to study was reduced. "I'm still not ready to be queen, Mrs. Kaili" said the princess in a tone that was not small and not excited.
Although it sounded like a whimper, the middle-aged managed to catch the words the girl was speaking while lower her head. 'It is true. Let alone the attitude and knowledge of the princess are still immature. Also, mental instability is one of the crucial factors for a leader to organize their country.
Rilliana raised her head and looked at Kaili with dim eyes, "Wouldn't it be better if my distant relative or uncle took over the royal throne? They are more experienced than me. On the other hand, too, they have extensive relations with overseas countries over there-"
"Your Majesty, according to the rules made by the king long ago. The chosen leader must come from the king's lineage, and if the king does not have any children at all, then that provision can apply" Kaili then put the book she opened on the princess's table, then raised her glasses slightly, "After all if the king's distant relative can take over the throne, it will not last forever unless it is the king's will" said Kaili.
Slowly she began to read the book her teacher put while listening to Kaili who seemed to have not finished speaking yet. *sigh* 'If my ears get tired of hearing, maybe my ears have been sleeping since I was little when Kaili's lectured.' the girl thought.
"This discussion ends here. Now try to explain what you have read from the book. Of course, if it has anything to do with history, you must also include which past events and what year," explained Kaili.
"Okay"
In the hectic raindrops that began to cover the country, only the sound of the heartbeat of the room clock could be heard, as if he was helping the princess calculate the length of the rain that fell for the second time.
Isolated from the outside world, she prepares herself to become the leader of the Hungshee country. Never leaving the kingdom, never visiting her family's graveyard, and never meeting her best friend, changing the princess's character from cheerful become quieter and more easily offended.
*Dong Ding Dong*
The sound of the clock tower standing firmly in the middle of the city broke the princess's focus while taking notes.
She looked out the window while listening. "Did you hear that, Mrs. Kaili?"
"You mean the voice from tower Zun?"
"Yes," The princess then put her index finger against the window and slowly drew a line to form a constellation, "How about we postpone the martial arts class for another day and change it with preparations to choose my adjutant?"
Kaili raised one of her eyebrows and felt a little surprised as to why the princess suddenly asked this. "Very well, I shall prepare the necessities and materials that you must understand before choosing a butler,"
From the reflection of the misty window, the princess's eyes sparkled as if waiting for something fun. 'Let this sadness dissolve and evaporate along with this rain. I know you don't want me to be like this, do you? Rei?'
❃❃❃❃
"Hoaaam"
"Miss, you should cover your mouth when yawning"
"Hngh... I feel tired when all I do is sit and talk to another princess."
From inside Erziehen's royal window, the princess and her butler walk into the castle's labyrinth garden.
"You know Gavin, what if we sneak out of the kingdom and go to the market? I've never seen the residents of Erziehen and their lives,"
The princess then looked back, "It must be fun compared to the party," she continued.
Gavin could only sigh, reluctant to answer his friend's request.
"Oh come on, a little adventure at the outside castle won't hurt me. After all, I can kick anyone who dares to come closer"
Quick as a flash, she brought her face close to that of her butler. It was as if she wished eyes full of stars shining, hoping that would change Gavin's mind.
Not wanting to lose to her shiny eyes, Gavin immediately closed his eyes, "I will never grant it, no matter how strong your wish is. Because I promise to the king and queen, I will only accompany you to the party, and when it's over, we will return"
Request gently was refused, and without thinking, Miona left her loyal servant with a frown on her face.
"Haahh... Miona, the party is coming to an end. We have to go back- hey, where are you going?" he immediately chased her before she secretly ran towards the gate.
"Forgive our impudence, but Your Majesty, you are not allowed to leave the royal environment," said one of the gatekeepers
"Huh? Why?"
At the same time, two guards blocked Miona, so Gavin managed to catch up and stood close to his best friend.
The two gatekeepers glanced at each other, then one of the guards explained some social conflict raging in the land of Erziehen.
Gavin, who already knew this, smiled a little because his best friend would not be desperate to go out to town.
Or so he thought.
"Okay, thanks for the information. Then I will return to the hall. Good night" then Miona turned around and left.
After greeting, the loyal servant went to chase the princess back. Pray to God that his best friend would forget her runaway plan.
"Princess Miona, where are you going? The party hall is at-"
"Shuuss shuss shus, I want to see this kingdom. I promise not to go out, so accompany me," said the princess, then she left Gavin.
Feeling relieved, he walked into the kingdom, but his nose smelled a familiar fragrance. It didn't take long for a raindrop to fall onto his hair tip.
'It will be raining'
"What are you waiting for, Gavin? Hurry up. We need to get going,"
The princess's call woke him from his daydream.
"I'm sorry, princess." And he went to walk beside Miona. "Looks like it's going to rain soon."
Not answering anything, Miona glanced at Gavin and then looked at the blackish gray clouds.
"I know," said the princess.
Rain always makes her feel mixed. Suddenly she felt pain in her heart, without realizing it she held her chest.
This behavior did not escape the eyes of the young butler who walked behind the princess.
Though he knew what his best friend was thinking, he didn't dare say it. All he could do was stare at Miona sadly and regretfully.
❃❃❃❃
"Eeehh? Why suddenly can't I see Lili and Rei?"
The queen can't answer her daughter's question only hug her tightly and strokes her head.
'Moma?'
"Miona, remember Moma's words. When you become an adult, be a strong and loyal woman to your husband. Whatever the decision, I'm sure there is a good reason behind it," said the queen while rubbing her daughter's cheeks.
"Whomever you are going to marry, Moma hopes you are happy and find a husband who respects you,"
Miona looked confused and could only nod her head. Suddenly she was hugged again by her mother.
"Hungshee royal family, they left and will never come back,"
"Rei and Lili are coming too?" asked Miona innocently.
"No. Only Rei followed the King and Queen of Hungshee." replied the mother.
Breaking free from the hug, Miona tilted her head, "But why did he never come back? Rei promised to play with me next week,"
With a heavy heart, the queen told the truth to her beloved daughter. Even though it's cruel, she should know it earlier.
On that day, the alliance between the Hungshee kingdom and Osforia through the marriage agreement of the two royals failed. There was no resentment but only regret in the heart of the leader of Osforia. Now her best friend is gone.
For her, friends are a close family that is irreplaceable even though he has many friends.
Hearing the calamity that befell her friends, she rushed to write letters about the sad news. Of course, the letter got a reply and became a liaison for them on the funeral day of a member of the Hungshee royal family.
❃❃❃❃
"I'm worried about Rilliana," said the princess. In the blink of an eye, she suddenly remembered the past.
Gavin slowly walked toward his best friend, could only stare sadly and listen to Miona's heart.
"It's been almost a month since she hasn't contacted me. She hasn't replied to the letter I sent yesterday."
*sigh*.
Feeling that now is the right time to talk, Gavin interrupts her, "Miss, wherever you are, I'm sure Queen Rilliana will always remember you. The stronger your relationship, the more bonded you will be".
"You know if what you say is true..."
"Hmm?"
With a sharp look, Miona gazes at the cloudy sky, "It means my instincts are right, that Rei is not dead."
Looking at Miona, who seemed to be holding on to her beliefs, Gavin kept quiet and then looked up at the sky.
"Let's hope good fortune will bless Hungshee's kingdom," Gavin said while drying his hair.
⊱ To be continued ⊰