Market Place
Royal guards are surrounding the crew. "Be careful, Saphira", Victor assisted the 8-year-old 7th princess. "Sister is going to get a pendant today?", Saphira's eyes widened. "What color will you choose?", Saphira had excitement in her eyes.
"Is that the book that sister Xyra gave?", Iris noticed. "Yes. Here we are!!!", Saphira jumped. Xyra came running towards them. "Sorry, I was late", Xyra apologized. Iris saw leaves sticking out of her hair. Did sneak out to the forest again?
"Then, hurry up and pick your gem", Xyra crossed her arms irritatingly. "It's hard to choose. I like all of them", Iris whined. Xyra remembered also picking up the pendant with Amelia. She smiled. "Are you having a good time?", Victor asked. Xyra stepped in and scanned for the pendant. She tossed a green one to Iris. "That'll suit you", Xyra commented. "Then, I'll get this one", Iris smiled. "Are you sure? I was just kidding", Xyra took back her words. "Whatever sister says, I believe in", Iris gave coins to the owner. "It's been a tradition to buy pendants during your 12th birthday. So hurry up and grow", Victor carried Saphira and started to walk away. "Iris", Xyra called out.
"Hey, remember all the things I've taught you. Your manners, conduct, and belief system", Xyra opened while still standing in front of the stall. "There's still someone I need to teach you", Xyra squatted to match Iris' height. "Shall we do it in my room?", Iris suggested. "Here is fine", Xyra said irritatingly. "Someday when you're to choose over things. Promise me that you won't be like these pendants...that you won't be chained. Amelia and I taught you everything you need to know for you to make the right decision in your life. Take others in your consideration but... as your sister... I want to tell you something else", Xyra wore the pendant around Iris' neck. "I want you to use your freedom to choose over things you would like to do and the things you would like to love. I hope you also teach Saphira the same", Xyra gave a weak smile.
Xyra is different this time. Iris felt a pang in her chest. Just like Amelia, the kind of atmosphere is the same. It's a calm before the storm. Victor who was listening became more curious and ordered his royal guard to follow her secretly.
Balcony
5th Princess Room
"I see. So you get to choose your kingdom. You did a wise choice", Harvey gave a painful laugh while holding a blue rose. "So this is where we say our farewell", Xyra held unto his shoulder. "I don't want to...leave", Xyra gripped his shoulder still holding the tears off. "I'm glad you grew up to be a considerate woman. My father didn't waste his time teaching you, Princess", Harvey gently removed her hand. "That's why I'll also choose that path. I'll be a royal tutor so that I can teach your children in the future", Harvey chuckled. "Harvey... your eyes are...", Xyra wiped tears from his eyes. "It's the wind...maybe?", Harvey turn around and looked at the moon.
"Harvey, sorry to ask you this late. I just didn't want to offend you. Why do wear an eyepatch?", Xyra asked. "I've got an ugly scar", Harvey informed. "Your Father said we used to play with the wild cats. I've fainted due to fatigue and you protected me. Is that..because", Xyra held the eyepatch. Harvey made a distance. "It's not your fault", Harvey chuckled.
"I'll never forget your kindness, Princess", Harvey crushed the rose and let the petals be blown away by the wind. "Shall we elope?", Xyra offered. "There you go again with your crazy ideas. When our children grow up and they can freely roam around without the fear of getting executed due to boundary rules, that's the greatest happiness I'll be having", Harvey faced her but this time, with a genuine smile. "Then, I'll be expecting you to teach them soon. My children", Xyra gave a bow.
An hour after...
The King barged into Xyra's room and she is nowhere to be found. He ordered all the soldiers to find her. Victor saw Saphira carrying snacks toward Iris' room. The spy told him everything about the young love Harvey and Xyra developed with each other.
He followed Saphira and peeked inside Iris' room. She saw Xyra fixing Iris' hair and embroidering a handkerchief. "Why are you doing this? It's a bit weird already", Iris pouted. Xyra stretched her cheeks. "Don't get the wrong idea, brat. I don't want you to be telling Amelia that I've been a bad sister", Xyra boasted. "You are", Iris seconded. Xyra pinched her nose violently. "You're extra strong today. Did something happen?", Iris pouted and stuffed cookies in her mouth.
The Next Morning...
Hyacinth flowers are sent to Xyra's room. "What a bad taste of flower", Xyra threw it but the maids caught it. She opened her window and then saw Harvey tending the rose. He's gotten work there since his father was a tutor. "Such a dreamy man", one of the maids commented. Xyra glared at her. "Sorry, we'll be leaving in a while", another maid apologized and fixed the bed. "You'd be meeting with the prince after a while, I've brought you your dress", the head maid, Elaide informed. "By the way, Iris had been teaching Princess Saphira how to hold a bow and arrow. I've been scolding her for some time",Eliade sighed. "You were once like her. For who knows what reason, I'm glad you matured so fast", Eliade said while preparing the dress.
"Did I really mature?", Xyra is still watching the blonde. "The Prince is waiting at the pond", Eliade felt pity for Xyra since she knew how much she spend with the tutor's son.
Palace's Pond
"Then, why are you also here?", Xyra raised her brow looking at Saphira and Iris playing with the prince. His eyes are so tame that the kids were able to feel safe around him.
"My apologies for playing with the princess without no permission", Thirion scratched his nape. Xyra gave a polite smile then they proceeded to walk next to each other. "You look lovely Princess", Thirion complimented. "That's so nice for you to say, Prince Thirion", Xyra saw Harvey carrying books. "Good morning, Princess and...", Harvey looked at the Prince. "He is prince Thirion", Xyra informed. Harvey felt a pang on his chest and then looked at Xyra who averted her stares.
Month Later
The prince had been toured around the kingdom together with the princesses. "Woah! Father's kingdom is so vast", Iris was amazed. "King", Xyra glared at her. "Oh right", Iris realized. Thirion laughed at how Xyra would be so strict on Iris. "Give her a break, she's just a kid", Thirion gave Iris and Saphira candies. "Who knows? she might be the next queen. Saphira is already trained well so I can breathe easily", Xyra opened. "Oh, you're using your normal tone. You've also used it with the Royal Tutor's son, Harvey, right?", Iris joined the conversation. Xyra stepped on her feet. "Harvey?", Thirion asked. "He's the royal tutor's son. We basically grew up with him. Xyra grew fond of him so they do a lot of things together", Iris smiled. "Don't make it sound misleading. He's a friend. I get to learn many things about world history with Harvey", Xyra defended. "I never found it misleading, though", Thirion patted Iris' head. Xyra flushed in embarrassment.
Chapter end