The night was dark and cold in the forest. The moon was hidden behind the clouds, casting shadows over the trees and the flowers. The only light came from the fire that Elley, Teri, and Mizak had made in the clearing where they had decided to rest.
Elley lay on the grass, feeling the soft blades tickle her skin. She opened her eyes as she heard a twig snap near Teri, who was still asleep. She scanned the surroundings, looking for the source of the noise.
Teri stirred and woke up, sensing something approaching him. He remained still, pretending to be asleep.
"It's a person," Selena said from behind a tree. She had been keeping watch while the others rested.
A figure emerged from the bushes, wearing ragged clothes and a dirty cloak. Elley sprang to her feet and kicked him in the chest, knocking him to the ground.
The prince groaned as Elley pinned him down with her foot. He looked up at her with pain .
Mizak woke up due to the commotion and saw the stranger. He gasped as he realized who it was.
"Who are you?" Elley demanded, raising her fist to punch him.
"Wait! Wait! Let me introduce myself. I am the fourth prince of Alririt Kingdom, Prince Ivive."
"If you are the fourth prince of Alririt Kingdom, then I am the king," Elley scoffed and prepared to strike him.
"Your highness?" Mizak asked.
"Oh, your voice is familiar. Mizak! Mizak! It's me," Prince Ivive said.
"Look at him well. Is it him?" Teri asked.
"It's him," Mizak confirmed and Elley reluctantly removed her foot from him.
"How did you get here, your highness?" Mizak asked as he helped Prince Ivive up.
"Thank you," Prince Ivive said as he dusted off his clothes with his hand.
"This man looks like he ate and fought with animals. What kind of prince is this? Prince of the mountain?" Elley asked sarcastically.
Mizak had one last bun in his bag which was meant for Teri and gave it to Prince Ivive. He ate it in one bite like someone who hadn't eaten for days.
"Water," he said and Mizak handed him his gourd.
He drank water from it and gave the gourd back to Mizak as he wiped his mouth with his hand and heaved a sigh. "Finally."
"Now will someone tell me who this man really is?" Elley asked impatiently.
"He is Prince Ivive, the fourth prince of Alririt Kingdom," Mizak explained.
"Your highness, you've met Teri. This is his sister, Elley," Mizak introduced them.
"Dear nobleman, how do you know if this is the real Prince Ivive? Haven't you heard of black magic and shapeshifting?" Teri asked suspiciously.
"I am really Prince Ivive. We've met before in Melvor's residence. You told me you're a single father and had a child to go back to?" Prince Ivive said.
"Child?" Elley asked curiously.
"I was on my horse with my royal guards when I saw Mizak riding towards the capital gate.
I decided to follow him as I was curious where he was going to. He wasn't supposed to leave the capital without his guards. I suspected that he left without his family's notice because of the traveling bag.
I escaped from my guards with my pouch of gold coins. I've always wanted to leave the capital alone, so I took the opportunity. The king cares less about me. He won't even notice I'm missing.
I was following Mizak closely. I was even in the inn when that fierce lady destroyed things in the inn. I watched from upstairs, in front of my room.
Teri, I saw how you fought. And it's a wonder how you can fight while you're blind.
After that, you all left immediately and I had to pack my things to follow you.
It was already too late when I came down. You all were long gone.
I decided to ask people if they saw you all, describing how you all looked.
I don't know how to fight. I have no skill. I got robbed on the way. My horse, my gold pouch and my clothes were taken away.
I saw these clothes on the ground and wore them.
I didn't have a horse so I walked. I began to starve and it felt so horrible. I began to wonder how beggars and very poor commoners could hold on," Prince Ivive explained.
"Nice story but there are flaws in it," Selena said.
"I lie not!" Prince Ivive said.
"What? I almost thought he heard Selina," Teri said.
"Your highness, I do not know how I'll take you back. We are miles away from the capital," Mizak said.
Prince Ivive looked at him. "It's fine. I'll journey with you. When you accomplish what you seek, you shall take me back with you."
"I disagree," Teri said.
"Me too," Elley said.
"I knew you wouldn't like it but he's a prince of Alririt Kingdom. I can't just abandon him," Mizak said.
Elley glared at the prince, who had just barged into their camp uninvited.
"He's a prince, okay, but what does that have to do with us? I don't know how you expect us to react when you said you are the fourth prince of Alririt Kingdom. I totally disagree with him joining us," she said.
"You're from Alririt Kingdom, how can you say those words? As a young lady, you do not speak in that tone.
Didn't your parents teach you the ethics of a lady and respect those older than you?" Prince Ivive said.
The place fell silent. The fire crackled in the night, casting shadows on their faces. The wind rustled the leaves of the trees that surrounded them.
"Do you still have any question to ask?" Prince Ivive asked, breaking the silence.
Teri was annoyed by the sudden presence of Prince Ivive and the words that came out of his mouth. They made him angry and hurt at the same time.
Teri exhaled. "Firstly, we're not from Alririt Kingdom. Secondly, Mizak, please leave with your prince tomorrow morning to the capital. I'm not restraining you."
"How will you manage with the rest of the journey?" Mizak asked, concern in his eyes.
"That's my problem," Teri said.
"Do you want to stand beside the lake? I promise you'll enjoy the view. Selina said it's beautiful," Teri said to Elley, changing the subject.
"Sure," Elley said, and they walked towards the lake.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The moonlight reflected on the water, creating a silver shimmer. The stars twinkled in the sky, like tiny jewels. Elley felt a sense of peace and wonder as she looked at the scenery. She forgot about the prince and his rude remarks for a moment.
Elley, Teri, and Selina stood beside the lake in silence. The water was calm and clear, reflecting the blue sky and the white clouds. The air was fresh and cool, filled with the scent of flowers and grass.
"I'm sorry," Teri said softly.
"Huh, big brother, there's nothing for you to be sorry for. Besides, I don't even remember how mother and father look like. I've only known you and first elder sister, Selina, in our family.
You said we have a second sister, Darlene, but I don't remember how she looks like either. Even though I can't see first elder sister, she's always with us.
You both are my parents. Thank you, big brother Teri and first elder sister, Selina! And also the people and the chief from bandit village, thank you!" she yelled and smiled.
"Elley," Teri said as he was touched by her words.
"Sometimes I can't believe how many years have passed.
I can still remember when I held her in my arms to relieve mother of stress and watched you play around.
You both have really grown," Selina said in tears.
"And about the prince. I don't like him but we need Mizak, so we can't send him away. The prince can join us but he shouldn't expect us to treat him specially," Elley said firmly.
"I agree," Selina said.
"Teri," Mizak called his name from behind and walked towards him.
"I'll leave both of you to talk," Elley said as she walked away.
"Nobleman," Teri said coldly.
Mizak stood beside him. "I can't go back with Prince Ivive to the capital. I made a promise to you. I don't break promises. If Prince Ivive causes trouble, I'll take responsibility."
"Do as you wish," Teri said as he walked away.
Mizak smiled as he followed him behind.