Chapter 3 About the wedding

Chapter 3 "Well, I don't mind the things they ask me to do. Honestly, I'm not even sure why. When my mom told me about the wedding, I didn't feel angry or upset. I don't know why, but I can't bring myself to be mad at you," he confessed.

His words made me feel like the worst princess in the world.

'Ugh, Yriana, you're such a fool!'

"But I understand you. Still, running away from your life in the palace is wrong," he said seriously..

I shrugged. "It's dangerous out here, and many people would want to harm you. You know how people's minds work," he added.

"Yeah, you're right," I admitted, resting my head on his shoulder without thinking. He seemed startled.

"Maybe I just need to accept it, even if it's hard," I whispered, gazing at the sky.

"Don't worry, you won't regret marrying me," he said seriously.

"How can you be so sure?" I asked.

He smiled and draped an arm around my shoulder.

"Like I said, your feelings will change once we're under the same roof. I'll make you feel what a woman like you truly deserves," he said.

Before I realized it, my eyes had closed. He gently stroked my hair.

"I hope so," I murmured.

'Maybe I really can be happy with him.'

"Don't worry, Yriana. I'll take care of you, no matter what. One day, you'll love me too, mi amor," he whispered

Willsen's POV

"Yriana!!" I shouted as we continued searching for her.

"What the heck?! Where is she?!" Yoran yelled in frustration. "Yriana!!!"

I glanced up at the sky-it was already dark. The guards informed us that she had run away from them. They also mentioned she was wearing all black, clothes that were entirely unsuitable for the palace.

Yriana? Where are you?

"This is my fault! I shouldn't have left her alone in her room!" Yoran cried out in regret.

The truth was, we had no idea she was planning to escape her life in the palace. I couldn't think of a reason why she would do such a thing. Only one thought came to my mind.

"It's because of the marriage arranged by Father," I muttered absentmindedly.

Yoran turned to look at me. "That's the only reason I can think of for her leaving," I said seriously. We locked eyes for a moment.

"Let's split up so we can-"

"No need," we froze at the sound of a familiar voice. Turning around, I was stunned to see...

It was Prince Kyzer, carrying Yriana, who was fast asleep!

Yoran even took off his glasses in shock. We approached him quickly.

"I'll explain everything later. For now, she needs to rest," Kyzer said. Yriana was peacefully asleep in his arms as we all started heading back to the palace.

"Are you okay? Isn't she heavy?" I asked, noticing he seemed burdened.

"I'm fine," he replied curtly and continued walking ahead.

Well, at least she's safe with him. I glanced at Yoran, who was glaring at Kyzer.

"Hey, stop worrying. Yriana's fine now. What's bothering you?" I asked Yoran in confusion.

"I don't trust that prince," he said seriously.

"And what can you do about it? Their marriage has been arranged-it's their decision. You have no power to stop it. Besides, I doubt he'd hurt Yriana-"

"What if he's not a good person?"

"If he's bad, then why would he bring Yriana back? Think rationally, Yoran," I said firmly.

"Fine," Yoran sighed heavily. "But if he ever hurts Yriana, I won't hesitate to send him to an early grave," he said, his words making my eyes widen.

Is he joking?

Knowing Yoran, if he says something, he means it. He'll find a way to follow through, even if it's a matter of life and death.

"Are you serious about what you just said?" I asked, startled. "Don't forget he's a prince-"

"Tss. Who cares?"

"But-"

"You know me, Willsen. I can't stand it when the people I love are hurt."

"I understand you-"

"Then that's the end of it," he said as he walked toward the door. I hadn't even realized we'd arrived back.

Stubborn as ever!

His attitude is so frustrating!

"Your Majesty, they've arrived," a voice snapped me back to reality.

"The King is waiting in the hall, Your Highness," one of the attendants said. I headed to the hall, where I saw Prince Kyzer still carrying Yriana. Everyone was already aware of what happened.

"Thank you, son. If not for you, my daughter might have left for good. Take her to her room," Father instructed.

"There's no need. I'll take her myself," Kyzer said. I smiled to myself, relieved that Yoran wasn't around.

"Oh, alright," Father said with a smile.

"I'll come with you," I volunteered, surprising everyone. But Father agreed, so I accompanied Kyzer to Yriana's room, followed by a few attendants.

---

A Few Minutes Later:

"How did you find her?" I asked curiously.

"I didn't look for her. I followed her," Kyzer replied with a smile, glancing at the sleeping Yriana.

Followed her?

"Why were you following her?" I asked, intrigued.

"I don't know why, but I just felt the urge to. Maybe I was worried about her," he admitted.

"Mmm... I see," I nodded. "But I want to clarify something," I said seriously as we neared her room.

"What is it?"

"Do you have feelings for her?" I asked, and he froze.

"Please understand, I'm asking because my sister's emotions are at stake-"

"I like her," he interrupted.

I was stunned by his response. We arrived at her room, and he gently laid her down on the bed.

"Ever since I first saw her, I've admired her. She's different from all the princesses I've met. I won't deny my feelings... because I want to embrace them," he said, gazing at my sister's face.

Yriana's POV I woke up to the light streaming into my room.

This is my room. How did I get here?

I sat up, still disoriented.

"Sweetheart, you're awake!" I didn't notice the door open. It was Mother.

"Mother? How did I get here?" I asked, surprised. She sat beside me on the bed.

"Who brought me here?"

"Calm down, dear."

"Mother, please tell me-"

"It was Prince Kyzer who brought you back to the palace," she said, and I froze.

I remember falling asleep on his shoulder. How embarrassing!

"You're awfully quiet. Are you embarrassed because he carried you all the way to your room?"

"What?!" I exclaimed in shock.

He brought me here himself?

"Go on, take a bath," she said, cutting off my questions. I decided not to push further and prepared myself.

An attendant was brushing my hair when Mother asked, "May I do that instead?"

"Of course, Your Majesty," the attendant said, handing her the brush. Mother gently brushed my hair.

"I can't believe you've grown so much. You used to be just a baby in my arms, and now you're a young lady," she said with a smile. "Promise me you'll never cut your hair, no matter what happens."

"I promise, Mother," I replied.

"Let's go, dear."

As we walked, I asked, "Mother, is it true? Did he really bring me here?"

"Yes. But why did you leave last night? Are you upset with your father?" she asked directly.

"Should I have a reason to be happy?"

"Watch your mouth, Yriana," she scolded. "At least respect your father's decision."

Sigh. I guess I have no choice.

We arrived at the dining hall moments later. Everyone was already there, and I noticed an empty seat beside Kyzer. I let out a small sigh and sat down.

"Let's eat," Mother said.

While they talked, Father suddenly asked, "When's the wedding?"

Startled, I dropped my spoon, drawing everyone's attention.

"Are you alright, dear?" Lady Arry asked.

"I'm fine, Your Grace," I replied formally.

"You're too formal. From now on, call me Mommy," she said with a smile. "And him, Daddy."

"B-but-"

"It's alright with her, Mom, Dad," Kyzer interjected with a grin.

"Good, then," Father said. "The wedding will be next month-two days from now, to give Yriana time to adjust."

You're rushing me already!

"This is for the kingdom and for both of you. Understood?" Father asked, looking at us.

"Yes," we replied in unison.

---

After the meal, I excused myself to go to the garden. While enjoying the breeze, someone joined me-it was Kyzer.

"Are you following me even here?" I asked, annoyed.

"Leave us," he instructed the attendants, who obeyed. "Why? Is it forbidden?"

"Yes, it is!"

"I'll follow you wherever you go," he said confidently.

"What are you, a guardian angel sent from heaven to protect me?"

"I'm no guardian angel, but I can protect you," he said, leaning closer. "Not because it's my mission or someone told me to, but because it's my responsibility... and what my heart wants."

I froze, unable to move.

"What-"

Tsupp!

He kissed me on the cheek!

I couldn't move. It felt like the world had stopped.

Why does it have to be him? Fate, why?!

To be continued...