Tadio and Ivin are seated together on the animal farm, talking and laughing heartily. Tadio turns to Ivin with a warm smile.
"Vin, I really enjoy our time together. There's something I've been meaning to tell you," he says.
Ivin's curiosity is piqued. "I wonder what it is," she replies.
Tadio suggests, "How about we meet up tonight in the garden? I'll tell you then."
"Why at night?" Ivin asks, puzzled.
"You'll understand when you come. I'll be really thrilled if you can make it," Tadio explains.
Ivin stands up, glancing at the sky. "Understood! It's about time I go back to work."
"Awww, so soon?" Tadio says, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
Chuckling, Ivin responds, "I'll see you tonight," and walks away.
Ivin walks towards the castle and heads to Irene's room, where she finds her sister seated on her bed reading a book about socery.
"Guess what, sister?" Ivin says, tapping Irene.
Irene pauses,closes and drops the book then responds, "… You."
Ivin cuts in excitedly, "He wants to see me tonight!"
"Who?" Irene asks.
"Tadio Cliff! Who else?" Ivin replies, still excited.
Irene, now irritated, asks, "And why are you happy that he wants to see you?"
Ivin defends her feelings, "And why wouldn't I be? I think he probably wants to confess his feelings to me. What do you think, sister?"
"Well, he might…" Irene begins.
"What should I wear? How should I style my hair? Oh, I should clean up first, right?" Ivin cuts in again, her excitement mounting.
Irene advises, "I think you should calm down first."
"I'm just too nervous now," Ivin admits anxiously.
Irene tries to manage her expectations. "Whatever he wants to tell you, I'm pretty sure it's nothing special. I mean…"
"So you mean the feeling might not be mutual?" Ivin asks, her excitement dimming.
"Probably," Irene answers.
"But… but… but…" Ivin stammers.
"Come on, Ivin. Don't get your hopes up," Irene warns her.
"But at least I have to know what he has to say. I have to see him today," Ivin insists, sniffing.
Seeing her sister's determination, Irene decides not to argue. "Okay, if you insist."
"So, what should I wear?" Ivin asks again.
Irene looks at her and suggests, "I think you should clean up first before deciding what to wear."
"Oh, so true. I'll be right back," Ivin agrees, leaving the room.
Later that day in the garden, Tadio stands with a bunch of flowers, clearly waiting for Ivin. Irene sees him and walks over.
"Fancy meeting you here at this hour," Irene remarks.
Surprised, Tadio bows and says, "Your Highness."
"Do you seek anyone?" Irene inquires.
"I seek a dear friend, Your highness," Tadio replies.
"Hmm, with a bunch of flowers?" Irene notes.
Tadio bows again, "Oh, forgive me, Your Highness. I am here to meet my heartthrob and confess my feelings to her."
"And what may her name be?" Irene probes.
Feeling uncomfortable, Tadio answers, "Her name is Vin, Your Highness."
"If I am correct, her full name might be Ivin," Irene points out.
"That I have no idea of, Your Highness," Tadio admits.
Irene chuckles, "I'm pretty sure it's Ivin, my baby sister."
"But her personality didn't seem like that of royalty," Tadio says, confused.
"Yep, that's definitely my baby sister, always playing the saint. You have been deceived," Irene reveals.
" pardon my rudeness, Your Highness, but I ought to be on my way," Tadio says, disbelief clear on his face.
"Oh, sure. Move along. I'm sure you are in shocked right now," Irene responds happily.
Tadio bows and walks away. Lost in thought, he passes Ivin without noticing her.
"And why have you decided to walk past me?" Ivin asks, pained.
"Sorry for being so rude, Your Highness," Tadio bows.
Surprised, Ivin asks, "And how did it come to your knowledge that I am of royalty?"
"And you thought I would not come to know? How long were you planning on deceiving me?" Tadio responds.
"Oh, Tadio, I never planned on deceiving you. "It just happened that way,I just went with the flow so we can have a comfortable conversation"Ivin explains.
Tadio claps sarcastically, "Wow. To think I actually fell in love with a deceiver. Your Highness, I would appreciate it if we never cross paths again." He bows and walks away.
"I LOVE YOU, TADIO!!!" Ivin shouts after him.
Tadio stops but says, "Well, it doesn't matter anymore," and walks out of sight.
Ivin breaks down, sobbing almost in a whisper, "I didn't mean to, seriously. I was gonna tell you the truth." She walks back to the castle dejectedly, runs towards Irene, and hugs her while sobbing.
"Oh, baby sister, why the sad face? Did you get dumped?" Irene asks scornfully.
Ivin sobs harder.
"Like seriously, you got dumped? That ungrateful peasant," Irene mocks.
"I don't care, Irene. I just want to sleep. This is too harsh for me," Ivin cries.
"Yes, dear, go to sleep and rest up your little heart," Irene says ironically, putting her to bed. Moments later, Ivin falls asleep.
In the dinner hall, Xavier, Elena, and Irene sits.
With the maids on stand by in case they are needed.
"Honey, where is your sister? Doesn't she know that it's time for dinner?" Elena asks.
"Mother, Ivin is under the weather," Irene replies.
Worried, Elena asks, "Is she okay?"
"Yes, Mother, she is fine. She just needs rest," Irene assures her.
Concerned, Xavier adds, "Are you sure she is fine? Doesn't she need to see the royal physician?"
"Not really, Father. All she needs is rest," Irene repeats.
"Well, that's rare of her to miss dinner. You know she's very fond of food. I think I should see her after dinner," Xavier decides.
"Father, Father, Father, don't worry yourself. Ivin is strong. She will get over it. I believe in her," Irene insists.
Suspicious, Xavier asks, "Or is there something you are not telling us?"
"Of course not, dear. Irene said she only needed rest. I'm sure she will be fine after getting some," Elena intervenes.
"Okay, if you insist, but I will check on her after dinner," Xavier concedes.
Irene and Elena nods and continue eating. After dinner, Xavier goes to check on Ivin. He finds her lying on the bed, making it hard to tell if she is asleep or not.
In a gentle tone, Xavier asks, "My little princess, are you asleep?"
Weakly, Ivin responds, "Father," turning to face him.
"Oh, you poor thing. Are you hungry? Should I ask the maid to make something for you?" Xavier asks, sitting on the bed.
"No, Father, I'm fine. I just need to rest to regain my strength," Ivin assures him.
"Are you sure? Is there anything bothering you that you wish to share with me? I'm all ears, dear," Xavier offers.
"No, Father, I'm fine, really!" Ivin insists.
Giving up, Xavier says, "Alright, dear, rest well. I will take my leave now." He stands to leave but pauses. "Dear, you know where to find me if you ever need me. I love you, my little princess."
"I love you too, Father," Ivin sighs after he leaves and goes back to sleep.
Moments of longing turn into days, weeks, and months, and the awkward relationship between Ivin and Tadio remains. They see each other but exchange only the usual pleasantries between a servant and his master.
One beautiful morning, the birds sing sweetly in the trees. Ivin, having returned to her usual self, walks casually to the animal farm after breakfast.
Smiling, Ivin greets, "Hi, Tadio, How are the horses doing today?"
"Good morning your Highness the horses are perfectly fine, It's obvious you slept well," Tadio replies, bowing.
"I guess I did," Ivin responds awkwardly.
"Alright, Your Highness," Tadio says, turning to leave.
"Emm... Tadio, can I talk to you, please?" Ivin asks.
Pausing, Tadio says, "Your Highness, with due respect, I'm late for my duties."
"Okay... Tadio, I will talk to you later, maybe after you are done," Ivin concedes.
Sighing, Tadio responds, "Your Highness, we can't have a discussion today, but probably tomorrow."
"Okay," Ivin agrees.
"Yes, Your Highness," Tadio says, bowing and leaving.
The next day under the gentle morning sun, Ivin and Tadio met at the animal farm, their usual spot for discussions. Ivin, with a hint of hesitation in her voice, began to explain the deception that had led them there.
"I know it may seem strange," Ivin started, "but I felt I had to deceive you to get you to talk with me."
Tadio furrowed his brow, trying to grasp her words. "Deceive me? Why?"
Ivin sighed, her gaze fixed on the ground. "I thought if I didn't, you wouldn't have been willing to have those conversation we had. I needed you to feel comfortable enough with me."
Tadio remained silent for a moment, the confusion evident in his expression. "I'm not sure I understand," he finally replied softly.
Ivin nodded, her eyes meeting his with a mix of apology and hope. "I know it's a lot to take in. Maybe you need some time to think about it."
With a nod of agreement, Tadio stood up slowly. "Yeah, maybe I do."
They parted ways at that moment, each retreating into their thoughts, unsure of what the future held for their relationship.
PS: I'm really sorry about the typographical errors at the first two chapters I'll try hard so it won't reoccur.
NOTE:The king's name is Xavier not Richard and Ivin's supposed lover is Tadio Cliff not Sam cliff.
PEACE☮️