Chapter 6

"Zariya?" I was blinded when I felt a tap on my right shoulder. I rubbed it first before waking up to look and find out who was the person who had disturbed my deep sleep.

"K-Kharim Celia? Is it five o'clock?"

I'm yawning strangely because I'm still not losing sleep. I'm not used to waking up this early. It often even takes me to eleven o'clock when there is no school in the modern world. We were able to save on food because I had breakfast and lunch at the same time. But Mama's sermon is what I take every time I wake up.

"Not yet but you need to get up. Today is the day you will report to your Queen Mother," he whispered to me.

No one else can hear so why does he have to whisper? There are only the two of us in the room.

"Princess Amity, you need to come back before the Princes wake up," it added.

She got up and went to the cabinet that was just on the side of her bed. She seemed to be looking for something and in a few minutes she handed me a cloak.

"What is this for?" I asked when I reached for what she gave me.

"Use that without anyone seeing you. Black cloth is important to cover your body because it is still dark outside," she explained.

I hesitate to stand up. How do I report? Where do I report? How can I know the way to my Queen Mother? I can’t ask Kharim Celia because it will surely surprise me that I don’t know where the Kingdom I came from is.

"Go away, Princess Amity. Your Queen Mother is already waiting for you in your Kingdom of Lacandia." Kharim Celia almost drove me out of the room. She stepped forward while I was behind her. She turned the doorknob and didn't come out right away. She peeked first and when she was sure no other soldier was circling at this time, she immediately pulled me out.

"Be careful, Dear Princess. Remember, you must return here to the palace before the King and the five Princes wake up," she reminded again.

Do I still have a curfew? Is it Cinderella vibes?

After I nodded, she immediately closed the door for me. Seriously Kharim Celia! It's harsh!

I turned around first before walking slowly. The whole hallway was so dark, only the small gas stove I was carrying served as my light. I really need to be careful if I want to get back. Many soldiers patrol the palace. Fortunately, there is very little going on here in the staff room.

I was about to get out of the big door when I accidentally bumped into something. He came in suddenly and I was about to leave. I did not immediately feel that he was coming and I did not immediately avoid.

"Aw!" I cried out when I felt the hard object hit my forehead. I got here because of the pain I took.

I immediately covered my mouth. Why did I speak? He might sound like me. I can't get caught!

Out of panic, I let go of the gas stove I was holding. And also because of the dark, I couldn’t balance myself causing me to stumble and push the person I collided with. Instead of feeling cold cement, I felt a hard chest. But his chest was not the only part of his body that touched my skin. My eyes widened when something soft touched my lips. I pulled my face away a few inches and immediately felt what touched my lips, I could feel his eyes and his nose as well as his soft lips.

The strength of my heartbeat when I realized what touched my lips.

Her soft lips…

I kissed him!

"Who are you?" it was a man's handsome voice.

I can't speak because it might make me voice. I immediately looked for the gas lamp and when I saw it was just on his side, I immediately stood up and took it. I'll just be thankful because he doesn't have lamp so he can't see my face and recognize me.

"Wait, who are you?"

I still didn't answer but I walked quickly so he wouldn't catch up. I had to leave immediately so he wouldn’t catch me and recognize me. My mission was just beginning but I was missing out.

I immediately sneaked into the garden. Kharim Celia showed me the secret tunnel that my Mother had made to get in and out every time I would report to her.

Moments later, the tunnel spat me out of the palace. I stood first and faced the large wall. I was already outside the big wall of the palace. No one could try to enter the palace because of the rising wall and so many more soldiers guarding the gate.

But my big problem now is, can't the person I bumped into know me? I would be dead if he happened to meet me.

Eventually I felt like a fool touching my lips with my index finger.

"I kissed him," I said without hesitation.

It was my first kiss. I'm very showy because I had my first kiss here and what's worse, I still don't know who it is.

"What is it, Zariya!" I touched my cheek and patted it. "Don't even think about it. All you have to do is find out where the Kingdom of Lacandia is." It seemed mad that I was talking to myself.

I don’t know how I will get to the Kingdom of Lacandia but I have an acquaintance who can help me. He's the first one I'm going to now.

I started to step towards the tree where I first saw him. Yes, I’m going to be the creature that’s why I’m here today. That strange kind of bird. It is only a few steps away from the palace.

"Where is he now?" I turned the tree while carrying the gas lamp to check the branches to see if he was there.

"Am I what you're looking for?"

I could feel him flying and landing on the ground.

"I would like to know the direction to the Kingdom of Lacandia," I said.

"Looks like you're going to report to your Mother."

I just nodded and waited for him to tell me the way to our Kingdom.

"In the forest is your way. Every time Princess Amity reports to her Queen Mother, there is a big bird waiting in the forest to fetch her. Your Kingdom is on the other mountain so you have to ride the big bird to get to Lacandia. "

I was suddenly nervous. Can I still get there alive? I still have a fear of heights and I still have no choice but to ride the big bird that Tata Lucio says.

"You need to leave, Zariya. Time is running out," he said. Like Kharim Celia, he would almost drive me away as well.

I went to what it says is the forest behind the palace. He was right. A large bird was waiting there.

Is it really a bird or a monster?

I got closer to it and when I got closer, I backed away in fear. A huge winged dinosaur is in front of me now.

"Are you really serious? I'm going to ride this animal?"

He seemed to understand what I said. It shook his head and lowered his neck indicating that I needed to ride.

I fought my fear. I had no choice so I sighed first before riding on its neck.

"Wait," I restrained appropriately as he flew away. "Please, be good to me, huh? Don't drop me and then I hope you slow down the flight," I begged.

Here in this world I will actually experience things I have never wanted to experience in my entire life.

It had already fluttered its wings indicating that it was ready to fly. I held on tightly to the side against it. I felt fear, nervousness and trembling so I chose to just close my eyes while we were in the air. I just prayed fervently.

Our flight also took about 20 minutes, also far away. I could feel his slow descent so I became conscious as well. It was dark all around but there were just enough huge fire pits lined up on the side of a massive wall like in the Kingdom of Norland for me to see the vast space we were laying in. Opposite it is a massive palace made of stone with black paint.

"Welcome back, our Princess Amity." Five women were lined up next to the dinosaur I was riding on. One of them was supporting me. They were dressed like the Norland servants, and they were probably one of the servants in Norland. Kingdom of Lacandia.

"Where is my Queen Mother?" I asked directly.

I acted like a real Princess because they might realize I wasn’t really Princess Amity.

"The Dear Queen is in her room, Princess. She's been waiting for you for a while."

They guided me to walk. Hello, why am I the first to walk? They let me lead the way. I don't know the ins and outs here.

I hesitate to step up, but I have no choice. I just went to the big door and when I entered, I didn't know where to go. There are two stairs, one on the left and one on the right.

Where is the staircase to the Queen's room?

I just felt my instinct, I walked up the left stairs.

"Princess Amity, where are you going?"

I turned to them as I pointed to the second floor on the left staircase. "In my Mother's room."

"But that's not the stairs going to your Mother's room, Princess." She pointed to the other stairs she was referring to.

I just made a facepalm. "Oh, yeah right!" I just acted that I'm unaffected by the mistake I made.

What is it, Zariya? Embarrassing!

I passed them and climbed the stairs. They still follow me. When I got up, the closed room opened up to me. That's probably my Queen Mother's room.

"We're just here, Dear Princess. We'll just wait for you here outside your Mother's room."

I nodded to them then immediately faced the door. I took a deep breath before opening it. I peeked inside and saw the back of a woman sitting on the terrace of her bedroom. I went in completely and closed the door.

"M-Mother," I stuttered calling to her.

She stood up and faced me. He held out his hand as if waiting for me to hug her. I walked over to her and hugged her. I'm not comfortable because I've only just seen her just now but I have to act like I'm her real daughter.

"How are you, my Princess?" she asked after letting go of the hug.

I looked at her whole face for a moment. So white and so beautiful! You would not think that she has a daughter because she still looks young because of her sexy body. Her glowing crown also dominates. I was amazed to see the diamonds there.

"Amity?"

My trance returned. I looked away from him because of the loneliness. 

"I'm okay, Mother."

"What's the news in the palace?" She slowly turned to the table next to where she was sitting and took her tea there to drink.

I feel like I'm a hired investigator and I have to report every move of the people who are being investigated by me.

"I-It's okay. Prince Ravi liked what I cooked. Do you know Mother, Dern, is very playboy! Like his brother Nesh, that always surprises me. Cozen and Arsh, too, we're not that close yet-- "I stopped because of the last word I said.

Its forehead furrowed. What are you saying, Zariya? Why can't I avoid using other English words that they can't understand?

"What are you saying? All I want to know is what's going on in the palace." Annoyance was evident in her voice. "If there are any added soldiers? Have you heard of King Valor's new project? Do they have new weapons? Information that will help our plan."

I winced in embarrassment.

I suddenly remembered Tata Lucio's important instructions. I could not report to my Queen Mother the information that would help in the overthrow of the Kingdom of Norland.

"Nothing yet, Mother."

That's the truth, I don't know about new soldiers or any plans for the Kingdom of Norland improvements. And then if anything, I can't tell her so that she doesn't win the plan to overthrow the Kingdom of Norland. I'm sorry, but I'd rather go back to my world than being honest to my Queen Mother from my past life.

"Are you sure? Or maybe you're not doing your task? Are you busy with other things? Are you still focused?" She raised an eyebrow at me. "Amity, remember, we must carry out our plan to avenge your Father. Do you understand?"

A frightening smile drew on her lips. I felt like ice hardened when she touched my cheek. I could feel her sharp nails. I don't know but I felt afraid of the woman in front of me now.

"If you still don't have the information to gather, make our second plan, to make the five Princes fall in love with you. Use your beauty and give them happiness, they themselves will chase after you."

My eyes rolled. Giving happiness? Huh? How can I do that? I'm not a clown!

"To make it easier..." She stopped and stepped into the cabinet next to the bed. She picked up something wrapped in cloth. "These are the herbs that will be the ingredients in what you will do. You will teach Celia how to mix the medicine that you will give to the Princes. Medicine mixed with magic that will make you fall in love with the five Sons of Valor."

What? A potion?

"Take it." I handed her the ingredients she said would make the potion. "You may leave now because it's almost morning."

She didn't wait for me to speak anymore because she immediately turned her back on me.

She went to the terrace again. I, on the other hand, walked out. I found five waiters waiting for me. They drove me out of the palace. I rode the big winged dinosaur again.

"Be careful, Princess Amity." They all bowed to me.

"It's the same with you. Always be careful." I smiled.

I left them traces of astonishment on their faces. Did I say something wrong? I think, nothing.

Again, I closed my eyes as we were in the air until we landed again in the forest. The surroundings are no longer so dark because the sun is about to appear.

I shook my clothes after I jumped from my ride.

"Thank you so much because I'm still alive." I breathed a sigh of relief. "So, that's it? I need to leave. Thank you so much again, friend!" I tapped his cheek. He seemed to like it because it brought his face closer to my hand, seemingly bossy. I smiled, this animal is kind.

I waited for him to fly first before walking back to the palace. I need to go back before the King before the Princes wake up.

I was just a few steps away when I heard a noise, it was still from the forest. Out of curiosity, I searched for where the noise was coming from.

"Oh, what? How dare you challenge me when in fact, you don't know how to fight back, you loser!"

A man is currently lying on the ground while the other is stepping on the arm of the man who is lying down, causing him to complain of extreme pain.

Because of his hair I recognized it. "Prince C-Cozen!"

I ran to where they were to stop what he was doing. He turned around as soon as I called his name.

"What are you doing here? Don't bother to come near!" he shouted angrily at me.

He is the one I should ask what is he doing? Early in the morning, he was having a fight!

"But--"

What I was about to say was cut short when his eyes widened looking behind me. He immediately ran towards me and I was shocked at what he did. He hugged me and I could clearly see Prince Cozen catching the plywood beaten by a man who should have been for me.

The man hit the Prince three times on the back but he didn't stop, instead he managed to whisper to me. "When I count to three I'll let you go and all you have to do is bow. Do you understand?"

I just nodded in fear.

"One, two, three... bow!"

At the same time as I bowed, Prince Cozen confronted the man who had beaten him with a hard plywood. Prince Cozen immediately grabbed the man's hand and twisted it until it twisted in pain and released the stick he was holding.

"You bastard! Even the innocent woman you are able to hurt!" Prince Cozen's jaw tightened at the man's irritation.

"O-Ouch! T-That's enough. I'm sorry, Prince Cozen."

I feel sorry for the man but he deserves it! If Prince Cozen hadn't caught the blow, I would have been hit. But I wonder why he saved me? I, on the other hand, was the stubborn one who was told not to interfere, I was still interfering.

"What's going on here?" asked the soldiers who arrived.

"These stupid losers, I was caught robbing a fruit store. I followed to get the fruits they stole but they were too stubborn. Now, pick up these two losers and lock them in the cell!" Cozen's strong command of the soldiers.

"Noted, Prince Cozen."

They picked up the two men who are still writhing in pain.

"You alright?" Prince Cozen asked me with the palm of his hand because until now, I was still sitting.

I reached for it and he helped me to stand up. I shook my clothes for a moment and picked up the fallen herb given by my Queen Mother.

I was suddenly nervous when I saw the surroundings bright and I was even more uneasy when I realized that Prince Cozen was in front of me now. That means, the King and even the Princes are awake.

Kharim Celia will kill me, gosh!

I need to get back to the palace. I quickly ran and left Prince Cozen alone. I could no longer thank him because I needed to really leave more. I still have to ask Kharim Celia for help with my excuse in case other Princes ask me where I went.

Because I was known to be a servant of the five Princes, I immediately entered the large gate guarded by soldiers. I ran into the interior of the palace. There's a chance they haven't eaten yet because Prince Cozen is still outside. I just really hope I don't get caught.

"Isn't Prince Cozen here yet?" I heard King Valor's voice as I approached the dining room table.

Dead! They are all in the table and only Prince Cozen is missing.

"Zariya," Prince Ravi called in astonishment when he noticed me. "Where did you go? Why are you alone?"

I could not answer immediately due to excessive shortness of breath. One more thing, I don’t know what I’m going to excuse. The strength of my heartbeat because they were all looking at me seriously, obviously waiting for my answer.

I think I'm at the end of my mission. Looks like I'm going to die today!