Chapter Eight

Your POV

I stared at the teenager as he slowly open his eyes.

"Good morning (Y/N)..." He let out a yawn before getting up. He went to the other side of the bed where I'm laying on, he started pulling me a bit rough. "Get up! We've got some work to do!"

"What is it?" I ask sleepily.

"Breakfast, I'm hungry!"

I got/shot up from bed and rushed to the kitchen. Mom and Dad would be so mad if I hadn't prepare the most important meal of the day.

----------

He was preparing the other ingredients while I'm flipping pancakes when Ruby kicked the door open and both me and Juliane flinched but he shrieked loudly.

"(Y/N), explain this!" She exclaimed as she showed me a picture of me and Prince Ivan...kissing?!?!

The background looks literally familiar...that's where Prince Ivan closed his right eye because of something shiny!

"W-What are you talking about? We didn't kiss!"

"Really~?" She smirked.

"Y-Yeah! W-we didn't k-kiss!" I stuttered and I can feel the smoke coming out from my face because of embarrassment.

Wait, why am I blushing when he didn't actually kissed me that day.

"It looks like that he's the one kissing you and you're doing it in public place. So, how was the kiss like?"

"I already told you we didn't kiss nor doing the French kiss!" It took a second before I realized what on earth I just said. I flushed furiously.

"Hm~ Then why are you so red when you said you didn't kiss him? By the face you're making, it seems that you are lying."

I was about to protest when a knife is pointed at Ruby's neck.

"Who are you and why are you arguing with (Y/N)? Are you with the Chief Assassin who sent me to this beautiful village?"

"S-Say w-what?" She asked while shivering in fear.

It was Juliane who's wearing an oversized dress shirt and a pair of short shorts with an apron above. I see what he's trying to cook.

Pancakes with butter on top and two pieces of bacon as side dish.

"Calm down. That's my friend, Ruby." I patted him on the head and he actually calmed down.

"Oh." He tilted his head. "Can you join us for breakfast? I made it for the seven of us." He pulled out a medium-sized gong from out of nowhere and rang it using a ladle. Loudly. "Breakfast time, WAKE UP!"

Soon, the rest of my family went downstairs, alarmed.

"What the hell was that?!" I heard Dad exclaim from upstairs while the others went down as they're rubbing their eyes and yawned. I noticed Mom was energetic so I decided to ask.

"What happened to you mom? Why are you so energetic today?"

"I saw you sleeping with a boy."

I blighted slightly because of the fact that I slept with a boy but it doesn't mean that we did that disgusting thing.

"You mean my childish bodyguard, mom?"

"Breakfast is ready!"

When mom saw his face, she immediately pinched his cheeks and stretched it and he squirmed to get away with her inhumanly strong stretch.

Unfortunately, he pried my mom's arms off of him and then Judo-throwed her on the floor.

----------

All of us finished eating our breakfast thanks to my bodyguard/cook/cuddler.

It was kind of relieving that my father hired a bodyguard to protect me from thieves, whatsoever. Luckily, I found out the my bodyguard was a bit childish and a lot caring. It's unexpected.

"What a mess...." He says with a groan and I noticed that the kitchen sink wasn't clean. Yup, it's my fault.

"I'll go wash the dishes. Probably my fault." - Me

"No, no, no, it's okay. I almost got used to this crap." - Juliane

"I'll help too." - Ruby

"If you insist ladies." - Juliane

We arranged the dishes first before we cleaned it with antibacterial dishwashing soap or something. The whole kitchen was full of floating bubbles like I was taking a bath on my bathtub.

The rest of my family members were at the living room watching Legend Of The Blue Sea while the three of us were washing dishes. Infinite dishes. I hate my life.

*Knock Knock*

"I'll go get the door." He took his rubber gloves off and wiped his hands on his apron and went to the front door. I wonder who that was on the other side.

I heard the door open and I heard him talking to someone with an Italian accent.

"(Y/N) bella! Look at this-a picture! Is this-a true?" He asks as he ran towards me then stopped. "That you and Ivan kissed?" And he showed to me his smartphone. I heard my parents gasp loudly.

What the—?!

I flushed furiously.

It was on ALL social media websites and there were hundreds and thousands of likes and hearts.

"Wait, you and Prince Ivan KISSED?! How is that possible? He didn't even kissed a girl before, not even once!" - Juliane

Then it clicked me.

Ruby is the culprit.

I glared at the blonde-haired and red-eyed girl and she started to flood sweat.

"Why you—!"

I piked up a chair and chased her around the table clockwise while she's begging me not to kill her because of what will happen when I go BERSERK. I placed the chair back down and continued to glare at her.

"Why did you post it?"

"T-There are some u-unexplainable circumstances g-going around here so I decided to post it. I-I thought you would be happy."

"I would be happy if you didn't post it." I shut my mouth instantly because of what I just said lately. This is embarrassing.

"So, you like to be kissed by Prince Ivan, huh? I see."

I heard my family squealing and whistling.

"Seriously? You too?! How long have you known this? Ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!" I took off my rubber gloves and stomped out of the house, leaving them speechless because of my attitude.

Juliane's POV

Wow, that was furious. I've never seen a girl so angry because of a misunderstood picture which is absolutely not true and it was this brat's fault.

In a blink of her eye, I pointed a knife at her neck and when she the knife, she raised both her hands and arms, shaking in fear. "Delete the photo or I'll delete you. Your choice."

"H-How can I d-delete the p-photo i-if my l-laptop is in my h-house?"

I glared darkly at her.

"J-Juliane, p-please don't d-do that. It's too scary!" I heard Prince Feliciano beg.

I'm going to teach this 'Ruby' a lesson.

Your POV

I am at my favourite stress reliever / favourite place which is the small near the lake and the hill was now covered with Tulips, Dandelions, and my most favourite; Lavenders.

I sat on the grassy but smooth ground and listened to the wind which caressing my cheeks and nose while my (H/L) hair was going with the flow of the wind.

Why would Ruby do such an embarrassing and suspicious thing?

"Ma Cherie, is that you?" I heard a Frenchman ask but I ignored it temporarily. "It is you, Ma Cherie!" I heard him approach and he was towering over mine. I got dazzled by his blond hair flowing with the wind and his amethyst eyes made me melt.

"Prince Francis?!" I sat up.

"I already told you call me "Francis" and you, my lady,are so beautiful when you're cheeks are red~" He chuckles.

I cupped my cheeks, they really are hot!

"N-No, it's just makeup, Francis." I lied a bit. Before I went to the picnic with them yesterday, I put a bit of 'blush on' and a little powder on my face.

"I mean, your red cheeks suits you. It's cute." He winked, making my cheeks even redder as expected.

"Y-Your cheesy compliments won't effect on me easily." I smirked.

"Really?~" he kneeled as he starts to crawl while smirking as I backed away from him. Eyes widen.

"W-What are you doing?"

"Compliments won't effect on you, right? So I'll do something a bit deeper than that." He half-closed his eyes, his usual smirk turned into a perverted one.

My eyes keeps getting wider and wider (if possible) by the minute his face was inches from mine. He stopped and pulled away with a laugh left on his face.

"Sorry, I'm just teasing you. But seriously, what were you doing out here? Do you have any conflicts with your family?"

"..."

"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it, it must be very personal." I sat in a comfortable position and so does he.

His aura was warm and comforting and I suddenly leaned onto his shoulder without permission. It's really comfortable.

I felt him flinch slightly but leaned his head onto mine and turned into a cuddling session.

----------

I explained what happened and what REALLY happened yesterday morning and his reaction was a bit hilarious.

"So, your friend thought you and Ivan kissed? Let me get this straight, he closed his right eye because of something shiny, right? And he leaned towards you and tucked your hair before that? Wow, she's really something."

Every time I'm with a prince and they laugh, it makes my heart flutter even when our hands touched. But the feeling with Francis is intimidating, even his antics.

"I would like to give you a gift of appreciation, my lady." He pulled out something from he chest part of his coat. "Close your eyes..." He placed it on my hair and touched it using my fingers.

"A Red Rose?" I felt my cheeks heat up again as he leaned in to kiss my forehead. I know he's a flirt but I don't think he did this just to flirt with me.

I look above the blue and clear sky. It was sunny but cold and the temperature was just right, not too warm and not too cold. Just right.

"Thank you..." I saw him blushing and looked away.

"For what?"

"...for attending a special event just for you and only you."

I paused before speaking up.

"I...I don't know what to say. Your welcome, your Highness."

I smiled sweetly at him, causing the French prince to blush off guard.

"There you are, Francis-kun!" Yelled a familiar Japanese prince who is running towards us with his pet Pomeranian running behind him.

"Oh! Kiku, what brings you here?"

"I was looking for you." He picked up his pet and wrapped it around his arms gently. "The palace wants you inside and I want have some with (Y/N) since I finished my chores. If you don't mind."

"I thought you finished your "royal duties"." I giggled, making him blush in embarrassment. He stood up and then ran off to the castle.

I look back at him who is smiling slightly at me. Well that was unexpected.

"Good morning, Miss (Y/N)-chan. Nice weather, isn't it?" He asks calmly as he began to climb up the hill.

"The weather sure is nice, your Highness."

"Would you mind if you can call me "Kiku" from now on?" He asks as he sat down on the ground.

"Do you think if someone heard me calling you "Kiku", will they be offended?" I asked politely.

"No. Unless it's them'."

Summer break is almost over so I need to find a school that fits my hobby and talent. But where?

"Your Highness. Summer break is almost over, is there a school I can enroll?"

"I almost forgot about that. Yes, there is a school about two miles away and the only vehicle to ride to that school is a carriage; instead of horses, they will be replaced by a pair of pegasus who can fly up in the air."

"You've got to be kidding me."

"Don't worry, call this number if you change your mind and I'll tell the King and Queen about your enrollment."

I felt myself confident. I placed my hands on his and bowed to him while kneeling. I heard him gasp slightly.

"Thank you for your help and...I appreciate your concern but I can't accept it." I shook my head slightly.

"Just ask your parents about this and if they agreed, call me right away. Or perhaps we can talk through our phones." He smiled.

"With pleasure, your Highness." I stood up. "Gotta go, I have more chores to do."

----------

I went inside to see my friend tied up on a chair. Ropes on her wrists, feet, and torso. There was a cloth in her mouth to prevent her from speaking or screaming so loud. On the corner of the room I saw Feliciano crouching. Paranoid.

"Now, explain why did you took a picture of them kissing as if you used your imagination on every person." I saw my bodyguard holding a frying pan while tapping it on his hand. He took out the cloth and let her speak.

"No. I won't tell you anything!"

He went outside to get something and went back inside with Ruby's sentimental pictures as if it was some cute but annoying things she has.

"You won't tell anything, huh?" He took a piece of her 'sentimental' picture and placed the cloth back in her mouth before tearing it into pieces. She muffled screams.

'I-Is this a real bodyguard looks like? Or is it just my imagination?'

He took out the cloth and let her speak, again.

"Now, tell me everything or I'll shred your 'cute' pictures into pieces."

This time he took out a picture of Ruby and her crush as children, preparing to tear it.

"NO, NOT THAT! ANYTHING BUT THAT! JUST DON'T TEAR IT, PLEASE!"

"Then answer my question; Why did you took a picture of them "kissing"?" He glared at her threateningly.

"O-Okay, I'll explain." I was still standing in front of them, they think I'm invisible.

Ruby's POV

I was hiding inside a bush from (Y/N), as usual, still holding my phone. She must be exhausted.

Five minutes later...

I was still hiding. I decided to find (Y/N). I began to search her familiar places she has been to, but no sign of her. I was about to search at the market when I heard (Y/N) talking with someone with a Russian accent and peeked who (Y/N) was talking to.

Then a 'scene' came up. Prince Ivan was kissing (Y/N).

"Oh God, Lordy No!" I tapped the camera icon and took about a few pictures and ran away from a 'romantic' scene, giggling.

End Of POV

"So that's why his right eye closed because of the flash of your camera and you thought they kissed. You're a genius." Juliane muttered and Ruby looked at him, realizing that the sink full of dirty dishes was now shiny as diamond. I was shocked too.

"But I didn't know that he wasn't kissing her!"

"It's because of your camera angle, genius." I frowned, arms on my chest. That's the exact moment when Juliane and Ruby finally noticed me as if I wasn't there and they thought I just came back home.

Feliciano looked over his shoulder and pounced me into a hug and he was crying, literally.

"(Y/N)! It was-a horrible! Your bodyguard-a taught her a 'lesson' and-a then-a tied her up in a chair because she didn't-a want to answer his-a question about the picture you saw!" He clung onto my dress and snuggled into my stomach.

"Lesson? What lesson?"

"That lesson." He pointed Ruby's extremely messy and extremely tangled blonde hair. How come I didn't notice that in the first place?!

I heard running footsteps coming from outside so I looked where the footsteps came from...

What the—

Why are they running towards my house?!

Once they stopped right in front of me, they began to ask me some questions which is obviously nonsense.

----------

Third person POV

----------

"Ruby did WHAT?!" Alfred and the rest exclaimed at Ivan.

"Me and (Y/N) didn't actually kissed. And it was her friend's fault for doing such a ruckus." He frowned and shrugged at the same time. "And Feliciano went to her house to give her the news and after that, he called me and said he got paranoid."

"How?" - Arthur

"Her bodyguard tortured Ruby and tied her up on a chair and he saw it right in front of his eyes." He giggled.

"She must be in trouble because the photo had spread all over the village and also the whole country." - Francis

"I have a plan. Francis, Alfred, Arthur and Yao, come with me. We've got a villager to protect against these what you called "paparazzis"." - Ludwig

They all nodded and went to the stable and rode their horses as they rushed to (Y/N)'s house.

----------

(Y/N) was at the front door porch, surrounded by tons of reporters and paparazzis when Juliane exclaimed.

"SHUT UP THIS INSTANT!!!" He hid her behind his back and got his umbrella sword. "You're bunch of jealous and obsessive people who wanted to ask nonsense statements as if you want Prince Ivan to touch your pathetic skin tones and tans."

He made the exact face of Ivan when glaring.

His sadistic smile made him look scarier than before. The people around them noticed this and then ran away, screaming for their lives. (Y/N) stood there, shocked because she never saw someone younger than her could be so angry.

"Serves you right!" Then he carefully placed it on his sheath where the umbrella can fit inside.

"(Y/N)!" She heard someone calling her name and looked where it came from. Seeing these certain princes made her heart pounding heavily.

"Your Highnesses?!"

Their horses stopped in front of her and they climbed down one by one. Before she could speak, she was hugged by Prince Alfred. (Y/N) stood there, frozen.

"I'm so worried about you." He pulled away and gripped your shoulders, "Are you alright? Are you hurt?" He asks as he inspects her, head to toe.

She noticed that the four behind them seemed annoyed so she pushed Alfred away slightly.

"I'm fine. Not hurt. Not a single bruise or cuts." (Y/N) assured them and they sighed in relief.

"But seriously, why are they surrounding you?" - Arthur

"There are minor complications but it's stable now." - (Y/N)

"And what would be the minor 'complications'?" - Francis

She fiddled her fingers and she showed them the photo on Ruby's blog.

They all gasped.

"W-What the heck is this-aru?! A-Am I seeing this right-aru?" - Yao (flustered)

"H-How is it possible?" - Ludwig

"It's the camera angle. Ruby thought me and Ivan kissed because his right eye closed because of the camera flash." - (Y/N)

"I'm glad you're okay." Arthur flashed her his heartwarming smile which made her cheeks heat up. His eyes are so intimidating.

"Enough with the flirting! Let's get inside and see what happened to her friend, Ruby." - Francis (annoyed)

(Y/N) gestured her hand, letting them in her house. And when they reached the kitchen area, they instantly covered their mouths to see Juliane torturing her hair, hands and feet with feathers. Ruby was laughing like a crazy idiot while the cloth's in her mouth, tears falling from her eyes.

"How cruel of him-aru, making your friend suffer-aru. Tsk, tsk, tsk." - Yao (folding arms)

"Well, that's him." - (Y/N) (shrugging)

"Hello, (Y/N)'s family!" - Arthur (waving his hand at them)

Her family was watching the 'terrifying' scene in the first place. So they just watched there frozen.

"I guess they're dumbfounded when they saw us." Francis laughed and when Juliane finished "torturing" Ruby, he glanced at (Y/N) and the others.

"Oh, hello your Highnesses. I just finished "torturing" her." He looked back at her, passed out because of forceful laughter. "Next up, water the plants at the garden!" He went to the back door and closed the door behind his as we went inside.

When Francis noticed the rose on her head, he immediately became polite. Mysterious.

"Bonjour, Ma Cherie. I just finished my chores and maybe we could hang out some time? Perhaps?" He smiled, making her heart and stomach flutter.

"Why, thank you." She tucked her hair in a coy-ish way.

"The reason why we came here in a rush it's because of the viral photo your friend posted yesterday. She didn't tell you about that, did she?" Ludwig stared at her (E/C) eyes while asking.

"N-No...she didn't."

"We knew that the photo was mistakenly angled." He says, "and there are two witnesses who saw it; Kiku and Feliciano, right my fellow Italian prince?" He looked at him, still shaking slightly from fear, but he nodded anyways.

"Y-Yes, I was-a there. Believe it or not."

"Let's go shopping." She exclaimed kindly.

"(Y/N)'s right, maybe we should have some time at the mall, besides we need some school supplies after summer break." - Alfred

"I better call them." Francis picked up his phone from his pocket and dialed Ivan's phone since they were friends.

"Hey Ivan, get out of there, we go shopping."

[Da. Be right there.] Ivan said from the other line before hanging up.

"They're on their way." - Francis

"Good, but first...can you please give us a drink? If you don't mind." - Arthur

"With pleasure." (Y/N) bowed and went to the refrigerator and pulled out a pitcher of (F/D) and some glasses to pour onto it. After filling up the glasses, she gave it to them.

When they finished drinking a glass of her drink, their reactions were;

"It taste good." - Arthur

"Delicious." - Alfred

"Refreshing." - Francis

"Yummy!" - Yao

"Freshly made? So tasty!" - Ludwig (blushing)

"Thank you your Highnesses." She bowed again as respect and refilled their glasses. Alfred secretly glanced at her smiling face while refilling and when she caught him staring, he immediately look away. She tilted her head in confusion.

'I wonder what's wrong with him?'

Not a minute later, they heard them calling by somewhat familiar Japanese accent. They snapped out of their thoughts and placed their glasses into the kitchen sink and ran outside to see Prince Kiku and Prince Ivan on their horses.

"You called us?"

"We're going shopping."

Your POV

-------------------------

We're currently passing at the market and I feel embarrassed because of what will happen if the other villagers saw me.

I hate my life.

Since I don't have a horse, I have no choice but to ride on Ludwig's since his horse is big. In the middle of the ride, I felt his warm peppermint breath on my neck, sending shivers to my spine and my face flushed at the same time. I look around me ad noticed the other Highnesses were staring at me with concern and noticed that the people around me still staring, shocked.

"Hey, is that (Y/N)?"

"Why is she with the princes? She is only a villager!"

"I heard one of the princes kissed her, ah! I'm so jealous~!"

I blushed at that. I looked down to avoid eye contact on the other villagers especially with the princes.