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PHYSIENTS WILL ALWAYS OFFERS BEST STORIES AND LIVE STREAMING ALL TIME
His confession
Before night fall the villagers that were disguised as bandits invited as to rest in their village for the night.
"We don't have much your highness but please feel free to eat as much as you want." An elder woman said.
"Thank you very much." I replied. "I am not a picky eater so do not worry. Please join me." I smiled. The food on the table can feed the entire village.
I look at the villagers around me. They are thin and frail looking. Food aha been scarce in this drought and my father hasn't done anything for his people.
"Oh no your highness, we do not dare." The elderly woman said. But then a little girl came near me.
"Can I get a little?" The little girl asked.
"Of course you can, all of these are your food. Please feel to eat with me." I said. And then the little girl smiled widely that melted my heart. She sat down beside me and started to eat.
After a while the other children and villagers started to eat with me as well.
"The gold coins that I gave can feed them for the entire month." Leon whispered from behind me.
"Oh my gosh, you gave me a fright." I said. He just popped up from behind me.
"You still have to practice harder." Leon chuckled. "You didn't feel my presence?"
"It's not that, you just move stealthy that even I can't feel if you are coming." I said.
"Sorry about that. I just got used to moving like this." Leon said a little embarrassed. "Are you done eating?"
"Yes." I nodded.
"Come, walk with me." Leon said looking very serious. I looked at him curiously but followed.
Leon offered me his hand and I took it. He pulled me up gently from my seat.
The night was still young and the stars were shining brightly with a half moon hanging on the night sky. We were walking in the woods and at the edge there was a clearing. We get out of the edge of the woods and saw a small lake. The lake was as clear as a mirror reflecting the night sky.
"Wow, it looks so beautiful." I said.
"I just saw this a while ago. I know you would like it." Leon said.
I looked at Leon who was smiling beside me. His face was looking a little forlorn.
"You didn't bring me here just to let me see this, have you?" I asked. "Do you want to say anything to me?"
Leon gave me a sad smile and my heart clenched with it.
"I want to tell you something important." Leon said. "I think you have also known about this for a while now."
I nodded. "Is it about your shadow guards?" I asked. "Yes, I have felt their presence these past two years. They are now very good in hiding like you." I giggled.
"Then I need them to
practice much harder then." Leon chuckled. Then he looked at me in the eyes. "I am not the man I have once introduced myself. I have not been very honest to you about my true identity."
I looked at him and smiled. "I have a hunch about that for quite sometime now. But the past two years you have accompanied me, you have been good to me and that weighs more than your true identity."
"It is not important who you are. What is important is if your heart is true these past two years." I said. "Tell me, the things you have shown to me, your kindness and care for me, is it all true?" I looked at him, hopeful of what his answer was. Inside my heart I really hoped that what he has shown me until now was true and genuine from his heart.
Leon took my hands and held it close to his heart. This action made me a little embarrassed. I feel a blush creep on my cheeks.
Leon looked into my eyes. His eyes were clear and doesn't contain any form of cloudiness.
"Everything that I have showed you, everything that I have said to you, are sincere and true." Leon said. "From the bottom of my heart, I swear to you, that I will forever cherish you."
My heart was racing inside my chest. This moment feels like a little more intimate than I have imagine. I looked down getting shy of Leon's gaze to me.
I heard him chuckle lightly. His hand cupped my chin and gently lifted it up. His eyes were looking into mine and locked my gaze to him.
"Alicia." Leon said my name sweetly. My heart was thumping rapidly in my chest that I was afraid he can hear it.
"I want to tell you something." Leon said. "What I am about to tell you is true and comes from the bottom of my heart."
I looked at him with the anticipation. I was so close to him that I can feel his heart beat thumping.
'So I am not the only one with my heart thumping fast.' I thought.
"Alicia, these past two years, everything I have shown you is my true heart." Leon said. He cupped my cheek with his hand. "My heart has always been yours, Alicia."
"W-What do you mean?" I asked knowing full well where this discussion is going. But still I want to hear from his lips if what I thought is true.
Leon made a teasing smile. "I think you know what I mean." He caressed my cheek with his thumb gently. "But I will tell it to you nonetheless."
I was drawn into Leon's eyes. His sincerity os reflected in them.
"Alicia, I have fallen in love with you." Leon said. "And I have been falling even more everyday that I spend with you."
Hearing his words gave my heart a gentle squeeze. Feelings are overflowing inside of me. And not long I can feel tears trickle my cheeks.
"Why are you crying?" Leon was smiling.
"I-I never thought that you would feel the same way." I said with gentle sobs.
"Same way?" Leon teased. "Hmm I also know how you feel about me but I would also like to hear it from you. Would you give me the honor to hear it?" He smiled.
"You are teasing me." I was giggling between my sobs.
"I also want to hear it." Leon sounded sincere now. "Won't you let me hear it?"
I looked at his face. His beautiful eyes were twinkling under the night sky.
"I-I love you too." I said shyly.
"Hmm?" Leon teased. "I didn't quite hear that. Can you repeat?" He teased.
"I said I love you too." I said the words a little forcefully this time.
But then I can feel arms embrace me. My whole body was now engulfed in Leon's embrace. He cupped my chin and gently angled it above his, his face inching closely to mine.
My heart was thumping rapidly, faster than before. Then his lips found mine. I can feel his soft wet lips embrace my thin ones. I close my eyes and feel the sensation of this moment.
___________
__________
A bet
We depart from the village the next day. Jack and his group of men escorted us until the end of the forest. Once we were back on the road, all was safe again
"Princess, are you feeling well?" Tricia asked worriedly.
"What do you mean?" I asked Tricia a little confused.
"Well your face is a little red princess." Tricia said. "Maybe you have a slight fever."
"No, I am perfectly fine. Haha." I smiled awkwardly. "It's just a little stuffy in here, that's all."
"Is that so?" Tricia asked. She got a fan from my bag and started to fan me. "Don't worry princess, it's just a few hours away from the capital. You just have to endure for a while."
"O-okay." I said.
'Is it really hot? Or are you just feeling 'hot' because of certain someone outside.' Snow who was curled up on my lap said.
'I won't hear the end of it, will I?' I asked Snow.
'Nnooope... I will surely enjoy teasing you these coming days.' Snow said while yawning.
I sighed internally. Snow is a kind and loyal familiar but she likes to bully me sometimes, especially regarding Leon.
I remember what happened the night before, when Leon and I were at the edge of the small lake. We were both lying down on the grass, looking up at the stars. My head was rested in his arms.
***
"So..." I said. "Does this mean we are officially lovers now?" I asked shyly.
"Of course, what else could we be?" Leon chuckled.
"I-I mean, well... I don't know exactly what will happen next." I said.
"We don't need to do anything." Leon said. "Let's just take our own pace and enjoy the moment."
"Really?" I asked. Of course this is a little different from the romance novels I have read. Novels are fast paced unlike in real life where we can take our time and enjoy each other's company.
"I am just happy to be here with you now." Leon said. "Of course in the future I would marry you and we will have children and a family of our own."
'Children and a family?' I thought of what he said and felt a blush creep on my cheeks. I hear Leon chuckle.
"Are you thinking of 'how' we will make babies? You little pervert." Leon teased.
"I didn't think that." I slap him in his chest.
"Aww, hahaha." Leon was laughing. "I'm joking." He hugged me closer to him.
"Alicia." Leon said after a long pause.
"Hmm?" I asked.
"The day before your sister's birthday ball, I'm afraid I have to leave you for a while." Leon said.
I looked at him curiously.
"But do not worry." Leon said. He adjusted his position so he was facing me. "I will be present in your sister's birthday ball. But I am sure you won't recognize me so easily."
"What do you mean?" I asked him.
Leon was looking at me, his eyes straight to mine.
"Remember I just told you earlier that I am not who you think I really am?" Leon said.
"Yes." I nodded. "And I said that it is really not that important to me who you really are."
"I know. And I love you for that. Thank you for trusting me." Leon smiled sweetly. "But it is also important for you to know my true identity. It will be important for our future together. But for now, there are still some things that prevents me from telling you who I really am."
"But you can tell me in my sister's birthday ball?" I asked curiously.
Leon shook his head. "No, I still can't tell you."
"But.." I was about to ask how will I know.
"Because I am sure you can find me." Leon said with certainty. "I am sure your heart will find its way to me."
I thought for a second before I got what Leon was trying to say.
"Are you saying that you can't tell me your true identity but you are sure that I can find that out myself in the ball?" I asked. Leon nodded in agreement.
"Are you really sure about that? That I can find you in that ball with many people?" I asked.
"Well I trust that you love me that much." Leon had a wolfish grin.
"You're teasing me." I made a sour face at him.
"Hahaha, don't you trust your own capabilities?" Leon asked. I gave him a sour look.
"Okay, let's make a bet." Leon said. "If you are not able to find me, you will serve me for one day. You will be my personal servant."
"And what if I find you?" I asked.
"Then I will take you somewhere very special." Leon said with a smile. "It is somewhere precious to me."
'A precious place to him?' I thought. 'That won't be a bad deal because I also want to know more about him.'
"Hmmm, okay it's a deal then." I said.
"I will be looking forward to it." Leon chuckled.
"I will surely find you." I said with confidence.
Leon looked at me with affectionate eyes. He was so close that I can feel his warm breath on my face. I can't help but feel drawn towards his gaze. I close my eyes and felt his lips press onto mine. We share a sweet kiss under the night sky full of twinkling stars.
***
I felt shy remembering what happened last night. I can't believe that Leon and I have mutual affection towards each other.
'So we are a couple now? A couple.' I tried to gauge the word describing the relationship between Leon and I.
'Well what else can you call it?' Snow interjected my thoughts. 'Unless you want to be called a 'future wife' or something?'
'F-Future wife?' I internally screamed with the thought.
'Sheesh... so this is a girl in love.' Snow said. She stretched her body and stood up.
"The capital's gates are just up ahead." Leon said from the front of the carriage.
I look outside and see the walls of the capital nearing.
"So I am back again." I said to myself.
The first time I came here, I was but a weak lonely child who is craving for love and affection from a family. Now I am not the same weak child anymore. I am surrounded by my loved ones and they are the ones that gives me strength. I won't let them bully me again.
_______
Coming back to the palace
The carriage came into a stop in front of my courtyard and Leon helped me get down.
"Sister!" I hear a young lads voice. Once I turned around I see a young lad that looks quite familiar.
"Richard?" I was not sure at first because the young lad was taller than me by some inches. Richard is only fourteen years old but the young lad running towards me has a body of a young man.
"Sister, I have missed you so much." Richard gave me a bear hug.
"I-I missed you too." I said with a muffled voice. "R-Richard, y-you are crushing me."
"Oh my, I'm so sorry." Richard said.
As I thought, Richard is now a few inches taller than I am. His body is well toned and his voice is starting to become deeper. Grandpa is surely giving him the spartan training.
"Look how big you have grown." I said. "How are you?"
"I'm fine sister." Richard said with a huge smile. "How about you?"
"I am also fine." I replied. "I missed you so much." Richard gave mea huge grin as a response.
I would like to pat him on the head like I always do but looking at him now who is taller than me, it will only look awkward.
"Where is grandpa?" I asked while looking around searching.
"Oh, he's waiting in the throne room." Richard said. "Actually I came here to fetch you. Everyone is waiting for you there."
"Everyone is waiting for me?" I asked rather curious.
"You just came back so you need to greet king father formally." Richard explained. "Mother and my other two elder sisters are also waiting. They said they also missed you. Heh." Richard snorted.
'So they miss me?' I snickered internally. 'Who would have thought that they will miss bullying me?'
"Well then let's go." I said. "I don't want king father to wait long."
"Princess, are you going to be okay?" Tricia asked worriedly. It was a family only gathering in the throne room so Leon and Tricia will stay here on my courtyard.
"Do not worry Tricia." I gave her a reassuring smile. "I can handle them."
"Be careful okay." Leon walked beside me. "Your sisters are snakes just waiting to bite."
"I know, do not worry. I can handle their venomous attacks." I reassured him. "Tricia, please arrange my things inside the manor while I'm gone."
"Yes princess." Tricia nodded.
"Leon." I looked at him. "You can have your free time while I'm there. You can do your personal businesses if you have any."
"It's getting late so I can do my business some other time. I'll be right here waiting for you to return." Leon gave me a bright smile.
"Thanks." I smiled back at him. His smile never fails to let my heart skip a beat.
"Are you ready sister?" Richard asked.
"Come, let us go." I answered.
***
Richard and I are now standing in front of the throne room's door.
"Well, are you ready?" Richard asked.
"Ready as I will ever be." I took a deep breath.
"I'll just warn you." Richard said. "Elizabeth's hatred for you didn't subside these past two years. And her face has evident scars of that day."
"I at least expected that much." I said. I am sure that she harbors deep hatred against me.
The steward opens the doors and announces our arrival.
"Crown prince Richard and third princess Alicia has arrived." The steward announced.
Richard lends me his arm and I took it for support. We walked towards the throne area. On the throne was my king father sitting sophisticatedly with my step mother the queen by his side.
Richard and I stopped a few meters away in front of the throne.
"Greetings king father." Richard slightly bowed down.
"Greetings king father." I gave my curtsy in front of my father. "I, third princess Alicia Von Heist, has returned. Wishing king father a prosperous life and good health."
"Arise." My father ordered.
Richard and I both looked up at him. In a moment I see my father's surprised reaction while looking at me. It has been two years since we last saw each other, I suppose I look more like my mother now. The queen was concealing her anger but I can see her clenching grip in the throne's arm rest. She was looking back and forth from father and then to me. This made me smile internally.
"It has been two years since you have left the palace." Father started. "How have you been?"
'I never imagined that he would be asking me this question?' I thought.
"I am doing fine father." I replied. "The countryside's weather has been good for my health. I am recovering well."
"That is good to hear." Father said. "You know why I have summoned you back?"
"Yes father." I gave a sweet smile.
I look at the side where my two step sisters were sitting. Veronica and Elizabeth were looking at me with daggers. But I maintained my sweet smile.
"It is elder sister Veronica's birthday. And a debutant ball will be held in her honor. Esteemed guests will be arriving from other countries to attend." I said.
"That is correct." Father said. "Some guests are from the royal families of the other two countries. I want them to see that our family is strong and complete. I would also like to take this opportunity to let you and your sister Elizabeth to make amends from the past mistakes. Let's be a happy family and show the other countries that we are strongly bonded."
'Strongly bonded? As if the queen and her daughters will accept me as their family.' I sneered internally.
"I am willing to make amends if Elizabeth is willing as well." I smiled.
"Elizabeth?" Father looked towards her. Elizabeth's sour expression flipped into a smiling face in no time.
"Of course father, I am willing to make amends with my little sister Alicia." Elizabeth said with a fake smile.
"That is good." Father said. "Now let me see the two of you reconcile and hug as sisters."
I saw Elizabeth clench her fists but maintained her fake smile. I was laughing internally.
As I am the younger of us two, I was the one to approach Elizabeth. Now that I am near her, I can clearly see the scars that Snow's nails left behind.
"Let's reconcile sister." I lied between my teeth. I gave her a hug.
"Yes, let's reconcile younger sister." Elizabeth replied.
I knew that my sister was swallowing her pride now just to show face in front of father.
"That is good." I hear father said. I ended the hug and gave Elizabeth a knowing smile. She smiled back but her hatred was evident in her eyes.
"Alicia, you can take the sit next to Richard." Father said.
This was the first time father didn't dismiss me right after I gave my formal greetings. I looked at Richard who was now sitting at the opposite side of my location. He was waving at me and pointing in the sit next to him. I see grandpa sitting at his other side.
I walk towards him remembering to be elegant as sophisticated. I see to it that my step mother and sisters see me with a bearing of a true princess of Alvannia. I know why my stepmother never gave me princess lessons and that is to make her own daughters shine and leave me as a laughing stock for noble guests.
'I will not give you that satisfaction.' I thought.
I take my sit carefully beside Richard. The witches were looking at me with discontent.
"You have grown to be a proper lady." Grandpa complimented me and smiled.
"Thank you grandpa." I smiled.
"Looks like my mother and sisters are not happy with your performance." Richard whispered. I just gave him a knowing smile as a reply.
"This is just the beginning." I said with a smile.
________
Author’s notes
Dear readers, author here 😆.
I would like to inform you that I would have a break writing my novels for a while because of work issues.
In my work, I was selected in a group and we are training for a project in our company. And so I need to do overtimes and also weekends at the office.
The training so far really drains me out and whenever I get home, I don't have the energy or the right mind set to write 😢😢😢.
Do not worry though. I will not drop this novels and I will update it whenever I can. It's just I can't promise for now a frequent update.
So so sorry my dear readers. But remember I love you guys and I will write chapters whenever I can.
Your author,
Les01
___________
A prospect bride
"You have grown to be a proper lady." Grandpa complimented me and smiled.
"Thank you grandpa." I smiled.
"Looks like my mother and sisters are not happy with your performance." Richard whispered. I just gave him a knowing smile as a reply.
"This is just the beginning." I said with a smile.
"I have gathered you all here today because of a matter regarding the crown prince of Grandcrest, prince Regaleon." Father said.
My step sisters all have a confused expression. I am also curious of what father is about to say.
"A letter has come from Grandcrest about a proposal of marriage from the crown prince for one of the princesses of Alvannia." Father continued. "The letter states that he would come here to visit for a week in Veronica's debut ball, so I also invited him to attend."
"King father, did he say who he would take as his bride?" Veronica asked with twinkling eyes.
"It is stated in the letter that all three princesses should be present in his visit. I guess he would be choosing one of you when he is here." Father said.
"Because my sister Veronica is the eldest, I am willing to forfeit the selection father." Elizabeth said with a smile. "I am also sure that mother has arrange my marriage."
"I understand Elizabeth." Father nodded. "Then the selection would be between Veronica and Alicia."
Both my step sisters looked at me with such fierce eyes and I just smiled back at them.
"If looks could kill, I am afraid you have been dead sister." Richard whispered to me.
"I know." I giggled.
"As you know, prince Regaleon is the crown prince of Grandcrest that succeeded the selection process. He is not a simple prince." Father said. "If he chooses one of you then that means you would be selected as one of his many wives. As you know, the royal family of Grandcrest follows concubinage. If you ask me, I wouldn't want to give any of my daughters to be just one of his wives. I will not settle on anything but for mu daughter to be the crown princess and the future queen."
"Do not worry father, I will not disappoint you." Veronica said with a bright smile. I saw father frown.
As I look at it he doesn't want any or his daughters to be affiliated with Grandcrest. Maybe because of their concubinage system. Being a wife of the crown prince can give you high status but it will not give you safety. I heard that the selection process for the heir is rather bloody. And there are chances a normal wife or concubine can die in the fight for the heir.
Looking at Veronica, she is just being amused with the fact that she can marry the crown prince of the biggest and most powerful country in the continent.
'She is jut being naive and selfish.' I thought to myself.
"I am sure that Veronica would be suitable to be the crown prince's wife." I said with a smile. "She is after all the eldest of us three sisters. And as I can see she is very willing to take the part king father."
Father looked at me with fierce eyes. As I have thought, he really doesn't want to give Veronica as the prospect bride to be.
'Would you rather it was me selected then?' I thought.
"Alicia is right father." Veronica said. "I will surely get the crown prince's heart and will give you glory king father. I will fight my way to become the crown princess."
"Veronica is correct king father." I said. "I am just but a daughter of a maid. Prince Regaleon is the crown prince of Grandcrest. It is just fitting that Veronica would be his bride to be." I said respectfully.
Father clenched the arm rest of the throne so hard with anger.
"I am willing to be his bride king father." Veronica said happily.
"Silence!" Father roared and stood up.
All of us inside the hall become silent. Veronica looked puzzled as to why father became angry.
'She is really clueless.' I sneered.
"My husband, please quell your anger." The queen who was beside king father said. Father took a deep breath to calm down.
"The crown prince specifically said he would be the one to choose from the three of you." Father said while trying to calm down. "I will be expecting the three of you to be ready by the start of next week when he arrives."
Father looked at all of us present inside the hall. All of us bowed our heads with his order.
"This meeting is over. You can go back to your courtyards." Father said.
_____
