A/N ~

Chewy: "Hello everyone! So some of you maybe confused but I'm going briefly explain it to you guys. In these kind of chapters, you guys get to explore the past lives of the characters in the stories. They're going to be a bit longer than the usual chapters but these chapters are specially made to see the characters' past and how it has affected with their present self. Okay, without further ado, let get on with it!"

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<Many many years ago...>

Harmony's POV

I was just a teenager. A young princess surrounded by royal obligations and rules to follow. Although I don't often voice it out, I hated everything. I was always struggling with my given workload that I rarely had any free time to myself.

I knew from the start that I wasn't my parents' favourite child due to the fact that I wasn't their rightful heir. It was either Hak or Hawk who's going to take the throne. Although I was the only daughter in the family, I was considered as the leftover and everything I did were to please my parents' likings. However, that all changed, when you stepped into my life...

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<One afternoon...>

Maid: "Good Afternoon, your highness."

A maid approached me one afternoon as I was walking down the hallway back to my office. She bowed respectfully and said.

Maid: "The King request for your presence in his personal study immediately."

Harmony: "The King? You mean...right now?"

I hesitantly replied.

Maid: "Yes, and it's a urgent matter."

Harmony: "*Sighs* Alright..."

<In the King's study...>

The kind maid escorted me to my father's study. She bowed once more before closing the door as I entered the room.

Harmony: "Father..."

My busy father looked up from his desk and gave out a suspicious looking smile.

King: "Harmony! I see you're right on time."

He said in an elated tone. I furrowed my eyebrows upon his statement.

Why is he acting so strange?

King: "I have something to discuss with you this fine afternoon."

Harmony: "Okay...but what's so important that you had me come all this way to your-"

Queen: "Watch your tone, my dear."

Just then, a beautiful looking lady *cough cough* my mother walked into the room with a tray in her hands. She placed the tray down onto my father's desk gracefully.

Queen: "Here's your tea."

King: "Thank you, my Queen."

My father brought the teacup to his lips and sipped on the freshly brewed tea. I stared at him impatiently as he took his time.

He put the teacup back down on his desk and look straight up at me.

King: "I apologise for calling you in so suddenly, but this is something I have to discuss with you personally with your mother."

All of a sudden, my father gestured to me to the mountain of envelopes neatly arranged on the table. I stared at the envelopes with confusion.

King: "Your mother and I have decided that it's time that we find you a perfect suitor. I have receive letters from many neighbouring kingdoms, requesting for marriage interviews with you."

My enlarged pupils stared back at my father. I was appalled by my parents' decision and my breathing suddenly became unstable.

There were so many envelopes on the table!!
How many kingdoms were there?!!

Harmony: "Mother! Father! You can't do this! I'm not ready to get marry yet!!"

Queen: "Young lady, how many times do I have to remind you to watch your mouth! Since your brothers are the ones who're going to watch over the kingdom, we feel it's best for you eventually get married off and settle for your own future."

Harmony: "My future? I don't even know any of these princes! Who knows what kind of intentions they have in their minds!!"

Till this day, I kind of regretted saying that, but I was only defending my rights of marriage.

My father stood up and slammed his hands on the table. Frightened, I shivered as I could see his rage pulsing through his veins.

King: "That's enough, Harmony!! You're attending these marriage interviews whether you like it or not! This matter is certainly not your choice!!"

I couldn't even believe what I just heard. My father said it as if I was just a leftover ready to be given away to some snobbish prince.

I knew he was this strict, but I didn't expected him to get so angry with me.

I clenched my fists, knowing that anything I said at this point will be....useless.

Harmony: "I-I will take my leave..."

I forced those words out of my mouth and turned my back at my parents. I angrily stormed out of the study.

The moment I exited the room, I accidentally bumped into someone.

Hawk: "Woah...! Harmony?"

I glanced at my brother as he caught me into his arms. I quickly pushed him away and ran away in lightning speed.

I could hear him calling out to me but I ignored him on purpose.

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<In Harmony's bedroom...>

With great force, I open the door and slammed it shut. My back slide down the door in defeat. Tears started to well up in my eyes and before I knew it, I was crying.

All my life, I felt so hopeless and everything around me was being controlled. I never have a say in anything at all.

There were rumours going around about how 'the Clarines twins' (Hawk and I) were the apples of our parents' eyes. But in reality, Hawk was always their favourite because of his intelligence and talent...unlike me...

Just then, someone gently knocked on the door behind me.

Hawk: "Harmony? Are you alright?"

I recognised my twin brother's voice from across the door. I wiped away my tears and replied.

Harmony: "I'm fine. You don't have to worry. Please leave."

I thought my words were convincing enough to make him leave. However, my brother knew me too well.

Hawk: "Don't lie to me, Harmony. You suddenly stormed out of our father's study in such a state, how can I not be worried? Please...open the door."

I looked back and contemplated. I got up from the ground and slowly opened the door.

My brother stood there with an anxious look on his face. He took a step into the room and closed the door.

Harmony: "Hawk...I-I..."

Unexpectedly, my brother threw his arms around me and gently pushed my head against his strong chest.

Hawk: "Were you crying? Your eyes are all red. Tell me, what's going on?"

His questions were only making me more and more emotional. The next thing I knew, tears began rolling down my cheeks again. My hand grabbed onto his tailored shirt.

He stroked my hair gently and tried to calm me down.

Hawk: "There, there. It's okay, I'm here..."

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After crying for what seem like an eternity, Hawk sat me down on my bed.

He gazed at me with those familiar turquoise eyes and asked.

Hawk: "What happened?"

I told him everything. About our parents trying to set me up on marriage interviews and to get me to find a potential suitor.

Hawk's expression turned from being worried to annoyed. I could feel his anger towards our parents.

Hawk: "I will talk to them about it. They can't just do this to you!"

Hawk stood up and was about to go when I desperately held onto his hand to stop him.

Harmony: "No! Please don't do this...father had already made his decision and I can't go against it..."

My brother looked at me with concern. He sat back down beside me.

Hawk: "Why are you doing this to yourself, Harmony? Is this what you want?"

I looked back at him.

Harmony: "What...I want...?"

Hawk: "Yes. Your face says it all, sis. You're miserable, aren't you? I can tell by your looks that you don't like being part of this royal life..."

I snapped back.

Harmony: "It's not like that, Hawk! I love my family and of course you. But...*sighs*...you're right. I know it's every girl's dream to be a princess and I should be grateful for that. But, it's hard that they just don't see the dark side of it...it's pressuring, you know...?"

My words caused Hawk to let out a loud sigh. He continued to hold onto my hand and not let go of it.

Hawk: "Harmony, not everyone wish to be born into the person they're right now. However, it's possible for anyone to make a difference in their life. Find your true self. I'm positive there will be one day you will realised who you are truly meant to be...the real you..."

Harmony: "The real me...?"

Back then, I didn't quite understand what my brother meant by saying that. But, I didn't doubt his words at all and thought about over and over again.

Hawk was the only person in my family to truly comprehend my feelings. He was not only my older twin, but also my best friend...

He then playfully pinched my cheek.

Hawk: "Please don't be sad anymore, sis. You look better when you're making that happy face of yours."

Not being able to hold back, I smiled at his comment.

Hawk: "There's the smile that I miss."

Harmony: "What would I do without you, brother?"

Hawk: "You will always have me by your side."

At times, I admit I do get jealous of my brother's accomplishments but, I can never imagine a life without him in it. He was everything to me.

I rested my head on his shoulder and cuddled up with him.

Harmony: "I love you, Hawk."

Hawk: "I love you too, sis."

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<The next morning...>

It was the following morning and I was dressed for the new day. I felt a lot better thanks to Hawk comforting me last night.

However, that didn't change the fact that I still have to attend those stupid marriage interviews. To make matter worse, I was informed the other day than I will begin my first interview in two days times.

Harmony: "Great. Just when I thought life could have gone any better..."

I said in an sarcastic tone.

I was just walking down the same route to my study when I came across the Royal Herbalist section of the castle.

My eyes lit up at the sight of the garden full of medical plants and herbs under the strong rays of the sun. It was considered a routine for me to pass by this same exact section but I have never explore the area by myself before.

Harmony: "Well...I do have some time to spare...my parents won't kill me if I just explore for a while or two."

Agreeing with my own words, I rushed into the garden with excitement and curiosity.

Harmony: "Wow! They all look so interesting!!"

I exclaimed. During my free times, I would spent my time reading books about nature. In fact, I had read a few books about medical herbs and plants. It surprises me how some plants can contain so much medical values and help the sick in need!

As I stroll down the pebble path, one of my heels got caught in a small gap and almost fell.

Harmony: "Woah!"

Thankfully, I got a hold of myself just in time.

Harmony: "Phew...that was a close call!"

I took off my heels and held them in my hands just in case I tripped again. Walking barefooted may not be the best option, but I prefer it over wearing a pair of uncomfortable heels.

As I continued down the path, I turned to my side and my eyes were enchanted by the array of roses. There were so many of them that it was uncountable.

The field was split into two. On the left were the red roses while on the right, were the white roses.

Harmony: "They're so beautiful!"

To get a better look at the roses, I got onto my knees and placed my pair of heels right beside me.

Harmony: "I may have received roses as banquets but none of them can compared to these!"

I was so distracted by the roses' beauty that I completely shut myself out of my surroundings.

A man was exiting the Herbalist's room when he spotted a lady's presence in the garden.

???: "That lady is definitely not a Herbalist, judging by her attire...who is she?"

Not knowing that I was caught, I carried on admiring the flowers.

Suddenly, I heard a deep voice coming from behind.

???: "Excuse me? Miss?"

Shocked, I turned around to face him but as I was doing so, my finger got pricked on a rose thorn.

Harmony: "Ouch!"

I stared in horror as blood started to flow out.

???: "Are you alright? Here, let me help you!"

Without hesitation, the man got on one knee and gently held my injured finger. He pulled out a cloth from his pocket and wiped off most of the blood. He then carefully wrapped a small bandage around my finger.

???: "There, good as new."

I brought my bandaged finger up close to my eyes and shyly replied.

Harmony: "T-Thank you, mister...sorry, I must be off now..."

???: "Wait!"

As I got up to my feet, the man stood up as well and grabbed onto my wrist.

Taken aback by his action, I looked up and peered into his eyes. The moment our eyes met, I felt the world around me stopped moving in an instant. His rare purple eyes...similar to an amethyst...froze me in place.

???: "Princess...Harmony?"

His words caught me off guard.

Harmony: "What?"

Realising that I was royalty, the man immediately let go of my wrist.

???: "I'm so sorry, your highness! Please forgive me for my rude behaviour!"

The man unexpectedly bowed and awaited for my command.

Harmony: "Oh! No, don't apologise! You helped me bandaged my finger! I'm grateful for that."

The man was surprised by my kind responses and I could tell that he was lost for words.

???: "N-No worries, your highness! I'm used to treating patients' wounds, b-but I haven't treated anyone from the royal family and I never thought you will be this beautiful in person..."

The mysterious man scratched the back of his head in embarrassment and I noticed his cheeks starting to redden.

Harmony: "Beautiful...?"

Although I tried to keep my usual poker face,  I can't deny that I was blushing as well. Not because of his comment, it was because of how daring he was.

Harmony: "*Blush* H-How do I know if you're only flattering me because I'm the princess?" You're still a complete stranger to me, you know?"

???: "N-No! I didn't mean to sound like that! Honest!"

The man held his hand in defence but he sighed, knowing he had overstepped his boundaries. Thus, he introduced himself.

Alex: "My name is Alexander but I like to go by Alex. I'm one of the official court Herbalists working here at the castle."

A court herbalist? I eyed Alex from head to toe, he was indeed wearing the official Herbalist white coat.

He does look quite smart in it too...

Harmony: "It's nice to meet you, Alex."

I said with content. At that moment, Alex glanced back at the roses I was looking at earlier and said.

Alex: "Did you know the oldest rose lived up to a thousand years?"

Harmony: "Pardon?"

Alex: "That is even older than the kingdom itself! Imagine how roses must have look like in the era when the great King Harry was ruling Clarines. The art of herbalism must have grown  tremendously from there on!"

Alex looked back at me, expecting an answer. But, instead, I stood there and stared back at him in utter silence.

Alex: "Oh, I'm sorry! I probably said too much just now..."

Out of the blue, I started having the giggles. I didn't know why I was laughing but it was something about him made me feel all weird inside.

Harmony: "Why do you keep apologising to me? It's not like I'm going to punish you."

Honestly speaking, I understood everything Alex said just now. I may have read about it somewhere in my books.

Alex: "*Laughs* I guess that's how I am. Like I mentioned before, it's my first time speaking to someone from the royal family."

As he said that, I wondered to myself if that's how the castle staffs thought of me. A royal with an authority to reprimand anyone who approaches me? I'm still a human too...

Harmony: "Even if I'm royalty, I still wish be treated normally like a human being. I would appreciate it if you ignore the formalities for once."

I knew I was harsh with my words but I just had to let it out of my chest. I didn't like the fact that others saw me for my title and not for who I'm as a person.

After listening to my complaints, Alex watched me with concern.

Alex: "Is something bothering you, your highness? I'm asking this as you seem to carry this wanly expression, which tells me that you're troubled. I'm speaking from my own personal standpoint."

He noticed? I thought to myself. Was it written all over my face? Alex has proven to be a nice and gentle person so I guess can trust him with my problems.

Harmony: "*Sighs* Well, I have a marriage interview to attend in two days and I being forced to pick one 'eligible' prince to be my husband."

Alex: "What? That's awful! I can't believe you're being forced to marry someone you don't even know!"

Alex exclaimed.

Harmony: "I know. But the truth is...I want to marry someone out of love and who I can truly open up to. I figured my happiness is still being questioned by fate itself."

Alex remained by my side but didn't say a word. I turned to him and it's obvious that he didn't know what to say to me. However, I didn't blame him for doing so.

Harmony: "I can tell you love your job as a Herbalist, by how you spoke highly of your knowledge about these roses right here."

My attention were back at the roses again.

Harmony: "Poetically, a rose may look beautiful on the outside, but what lies below are the thorns piercing out all throughout the stem of its body."

He followed my gaze and looked back at the roses too.

Alex: "I feel that the rose still looks beautiful with its thorns."

I raised an eyebrow.

Harmony: "What do you mean?"

Alex: "Not everyone is flawless, each one of us has its own flaw. Just like how the rose has its thorns, but, that's what makes a person unique right? I believe flaws are the key to unlock a person's true beauty."

I was shocked by this fellow herbalist's answer. It took me a while to process where he was coming from.

How could someone express his own feelings in such a charming way?

Harmony: "Alex..."

I said in a soft tone as I slowly got up to my feet.

Harmony: "Could you teach me the ways of a herbalist?"

Alex: "T-Teach you? I can't do such a thing! What if the King and Queen finds out about it?? I will be dead meat!"

Harmony: "It's a choice I'm making on my own and I don't need their permissions. I have already learn the basics of medical herbs in books and I want to further my studies by being your student."

I wanted this opportunity and I couldn't let it slip off my grasp. It was a change I was willing to take and start a new path in life.

Alex was frantic about this but he eventually calmed down. With much thought, he agree with my proposal.

Alex: "Alright. I will take you under my wing, your highness."

At that moment, Alex unexpectedly plucked a red and a white rose. He got up and offered me both of the roses as a gift.

Alex: "Here, these are for you. Take it as a welcome gesture from me....as your tutor. Oh, and be careful of the thorns!"

Undeniably, his kind gesture touched my heart.

Harmony: "Please..."

I tightened my grip on the roses.

Harmony: "Call me Harmony..."

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As time flew by quicker than a storm, Alex taught everything he knew about being a court herbalist. For the first time in forever, I felt happy with what I'm doing. It was then I realised my true happiness of being a herbalist myself. I got out of my comfort zone and stood up for what I believe was right.

There were many humps and bumps along the way but I managed to fight through them. My feelings for Alex only grew and grew each passing day. However, the day I was finally rewarded a spot as a Herbalist, you had to leave on your trip and promised to return as soon as possible.

It was also the moment when I saw your emotional side and the moment you confessed your love...

Alex: "I love you, Harmony. Promise me you will continue to work hard during my absence and grow as a Herbalist...."

...and gave me my first ever kiss...

Harmony: "I love you too, Alexander..."

As you faded into the distance, I never thought it was probably the last time I saw your face. I waited and waited for years but you still haven't returned.

However, you did promise me, and I will continue to hold onto that promise for as long as it takes to have you in my arms again...

Always...

To be continued...

Hey guys, it's Chewy. Before I end this special chapter, I hope you all had a happy and jolly holiday! (And yes, I know I am very late!!) Also, I hope you guys enjoyed tuning into Harmony's past and I will see you in the next chapter! Love ya ❤️❤️❤️