Wrapped in my blanket, it was already Monday morning, darn it! Another day of suffering. After learning everything about myself yesterday, Dennis bid farewell, he told me that he needed to attend to something important in Erewhon.

I just got myself ready and headed to school. As usual, I dozed off in class. I noticed that ever since I stayed in Wenchombe and learned about my past, the way teachers treated me wasn't normal anymore and it was weird. Usually, they would wake me up and shout at me, threatening to send me to detention. But now, they almost ignore my presence. Duh! Why should I even be bothered?

I walk through the hallway, noticing the absence of the girl who used to bump into me. I wonder where she is now.

As I stand in front of my locker, organizing my things, it's a bit messy since the last time I managed it, Detdet was still with me. I let out a sigh as memories of her flood back-I miss her.

Someone taps me on the shoulder from behind, and I turn around to see that it's Mrs. Lim.

"Yes, ma'am?" I ask.

"Please, follow me," she says in a polite tone.

This is weird

I followed her after closing my locker and headed to the principal's office. Oh my! Did I do something wrong? The school principal is seated at the desk, and all the teachers are on the lounge couch. I'm sitting on a chair facing the principal's desk, and everyone, the teachers included, is silent. Guilt, embarrassment, and uneasiness are marked on their faces. What is going on? They all seem to be avoiding eye contact.

Principal Marcus is staring at me with a serious expression.

"Miss Elizabeth, Your Highness, we are all here to apologize for the way we treated you," Principal Marcus said apologetically.

I'm still not used to being called "Your Highness."

I quickly looked at all of them and then back at him. How did they find out about me? No wonder none of the teachers have been paying attention to me.

"How did you find out about me?" I asked the principal.

"We received a letter from Erewhon," he said, then handed me the paper on his desk. I read it carefully.

The letter had a stamped crown with a scepter piercing through it at the bottom, and I noticed that it had my name and other information.

"It's been a week since we received this, and we learned about you. We apologize for not telling you immediately; we were also shocked by what we found out. We're so sorry, Your Highness," the Principal explained.

"This is already known to Prince Dennis and Prince Thane, as well as their companions, and we promised that we are not going to tell anyone about this," he said.

Thank goodness! I can't risk being the center of attraction, duh! Especially in this school, where there are a lot of hypocrites.

"It's okay, but you still need to treat me as your student here, the same way as the teachers treated me before," I replied.

"Absolutely not, we don't want to ruin the image of the school. Everyone knows how prestigious this school is, and it will also tarnish the image of the Erewhon Kingdom because this place is under that kingdom. This is the District, Your Highness," explained Principal Marcus.

I just looked down, well, at least only they know. Little by little, my life is changing, and I have no choice. It's my decision anyway; I can't turn back. I looked at him directly in the eyes, causing him to feel discomfort.

"Ok, It's settled then, as long as no other students know about me and it's just you, I think everything is ok," I replied.

"Thank you, Your Highness," said Principal Marcus as he stood up and bowed. The other teachers did the same as I walked out.

Once outside, I leaned against the door and took a deep breath. This is so tiring!

-

I was on the bench again near the soccer field, and it was already 3 in the afternoon. I had my paper and pen in hand, but my gaze was distant, and my mind was wandering. I couldn't write properly. I glanced down as a soccer ball rolled towards me and lightly hit my shoe. I looked up when someone called my name.

"Lizzy!"

I really hate that nickname.

I looked at the person calling, and it was Miles approaching me. He picked up the soccer ball and glanced at me while I stared into the distance.

"Lizzy, why are you staring away like that?" he asked. I looked at him again, but I just ignored him and began organizing my things, preparing to stand up. As I was about to leave, Miles grabbed my arm to stop me.

"Where are you going? Is something wrong?" he asked.

I looked at him, giving him a disdainful look, and I didn't know why I was annoyed without any reason. Maybe I was too stressed. He quickly released my arm.

"Hey, I can be a comforter if you want," he offered, playfully.

"Ok! Stay away from me; that can be a comfort," I replied sarcastically.

"Listen to me, do you know that you look desperate to girls? Their attention is always on you, and you're no different from the male whores I see. Do you still have any dignity left? Wait! There's none, obvious as it is. So stop touching me with your dirty hands!" I told him with irritation in my voice, but I suddenly felt a twinge of guilt for what I said.

He looked down at the ground, and then he returned his gaze to me, seemingly unable to believe that I said that. It was evident on his face that he was offended and hurt.

"I just want to be close to you," he replied, and then he walked away.

He didn't look back at me, and he didn't return to the soccer field and went back to the building. I closed my eyes, realizing the words I said to him. Oh no, what have I done!

--

All my classes were finished, and I returned to Wenchombe Keep. As usual, I was about to receive a lesson in princess etiquette, and this time, Dennis would be the one teaching me. But, I was the only one in the room at the moment, Dennis had not arrived yet, and my thoughts were preoccupied with Miles. How could I apologize to him?

After a while, Dennis finally arrived, carrying an exceptionally thick book. It looked intriguing; I do enjoy reading you know? The projector was turned off, and a whiteboard was in front of me, seemingly not to be used for now. Dennis placed the book on the desk in front of me.

"Go to the first page," he said.

I looked for it and saw a portrait of a palace, exceptionally beautiful, with its name written below (Erewhon), and the calligraphy was exquisite. I think it's handwritten, and it looks really ancient.

"That's the book of Four Kingdoms. The history and the one leading the page is Erewhon, right?" Dennis said.

I looked at him, seemingly interested in the lesson he was about to give. As I said, I love learning about history, but I didn't pay much attention to the details about the kingdoms.

"As you know, there are four kingdoms: Erewhon, Feldenberg, Ranhold, and Gondour, and out of all these kingdoms, Erewhon is the most superior."

He explained as he walked around, writing the names of the four kingdoms on the whiteboard.

"Everything was chaos in the past; all four kingdoms were constantly at war. Every winter, battles would erupt, and they would end in spring, only to repeat again. Our kingdom didn't have a name back then, and the people were referred to as 'Vuilnis' who fought in the past.' Vuilnis comes from an ancient language of the past, which means Garbage."

Dennis explained as I flipped through the pages, seeing pictures of soldiers on the battleground wielding brutal weapons like swords, machetes, etc., and ancient battle equipment such as catapults.

"But the first King of Erewhon, King Eresel I, brought peace to the four kingdoms. He prayed with all his heart to the Goddess of victory, asking to win all the battles against the three other kingdoms. The goddess listened to him, and during the battle, he heard her voice in his head, persuading him to win. Fortunately, he managed to defeat the three kingdoms."

Woah! That's cool!

"Wait, is that a legend?" I asked him.

"Some people believe it's true, and others don't. After King Eresel I defeated the three kingdoms, the Goddess of Victory gave him a gift, and that is the name of our kingdom, Erewhon. 'Ere' comes from the name of the first King, and 'Whon' is the pronunciation King Eresel used for 'won.' Erewhon simply means 'Victorious King.' That's why our kingdom never falls ever again. It also explains why our flag has a crown with a scepter passing through the hole in the crown, positioned vertically. It's a King's or Queen's sign of being superior or the highest rank."

"Wow! I'm speechless," I exclaimed.

"Right? The first ally of our kingdom was the Kingdom of Feldenberg. The first Queen of that kingdom proposed an idea to prevent the chaos from happening again. She divided the land into four regions where the four kingdoms could settle. We are located in the South, Feldenberg in the North, Ranhold in the East, and Gondour in the West. The other three kingdoms agreed to the idea of the Queen of Feldenberg," he explained.

Gosh, I'm mind-blown, completely mind-blown. I admire how well Dennis teaches.

"And also, since our kingdom is superior, the three other kingdoms allowed us to manage the District, which is the center of the four kingdoms, where we are currently located," he added.

"I can't believe the things I'm learning today," I said to Dennis.

He smiled at me and added, "And before, the only kingdom that never called us Vuilnis was Ranhold. They had sympathy, but they also had to fight for themselves. That's why there's a rose with two intertwined swords at the back of their flag. The rose symbolizes love, and the swords signify the readiness to fight. It means they can love you, but they can also fight against you if needed. So, it's somewhat understandable. Miles was one of the ambassadors of Ranhold before he became the Lord of Erewhon. He's a Ranholdian."

Oh, gosh, every time I hear Miles' name, I feel guilty about what I did earlier. I'm so stupid.

"And for Feldenberg, since their kingdom came up with the idea on how to maintain peace, they have a flexible way of thinking. They can be your ally, and they give their full loyalty to our kingdom. That's why there's a white stallion's head on their flag. The white stallion symbolizes pure loyalty. Why is it in a triangle? Because they want to be different. They believe that they are the most intelligent kingdom among the other three," he explained about Feldenberg.

They seem kinda boastful.

"And what about Gondour? What's their story?" I curiously asked.

"Gondour doesn't really have a good background. They were the ones who started the trouble in the past. They were forced to agree to the decision of the other kingdoms, or else their kingdom would fall forever. That's why their flag has a lion and a maroon background. They always want to preserve and tolerate their pride. But that was before; things are different now. I believe that change is possible," he explained with confidence in his voice.

"Do you think change is everything?" I asked him.

"I don't know. It depends on the situation," he replied.

"Keep that book and read everything. I may not be able to teach you everything; I get busy sometimes," Dennis said.

"Sure," I agreed.

After being taught and mind-blown by Dennis, I returned to my room and lay facedown on my bed, contemplating how I would apologize to Miles.

I used not to care before, but I can't risk hurting someone. Why did I say those to him!? I'm so stupid!

I decided to step out of my room and wander around the keep. As usual, all I could see were gardens, sculpted bushes, flowers, fountains, and statues outside. I noticed that Lolo Tony wasn't around. Maybe he's just busy. I reached the entrance door, and there was a pathway in front, just as I described before.

My attention was diverted when a limousine pulled up in front of me, displaying a mini flag with a different design-an image of a lion's head against a maroon background. Gondour? The driver stepped out and opened the back door, allowing a girl to get out. She seemed to be around my age, with fair skin and slightly wavy hair cascading freely. Wow, she's hella pretty, but she's just a bit taller than me.

The girl looked at me, exuding a somewhat haughty vibe.

"I didn't know that maids could wear fancy dresses today?" she said with sarcasm.

I just smirked at her and didn't respond; I wouldn't waste my time on someone as stupid as her. Suddenly, Oliver approached me when he saw me and bowed down. The girl was surprised to see Oliver do that and eventually bowed down as well. I didn't bow down to her in response, why would I? Oliver looked at me and spoke.

"Your Highness, she's Elana Hail Brige, the crown princess of Gondour," Oliver said to me. Elana seemed proud as Oliver introduced her to me.

I just looked at her with boredom. Elana glanced at Oliver with a puzzled expression on her face, before quickly returning her gaze to me.

It slowly dawned on her, she finally realized who I was but I had known all along who she was - she was a princess. It was pretty obvious, considering the limousine with mini flags and her decent appearance. Too obvious.

"Oh, so you're Lizzy, the finally found princess, what a joke," she said with disdain and a mocking giggle.

Did she really think I'd be bothered by her attitude? Actually, I cringed, especially at her tone. I politely smiled at her, approached, and crossed my fingers behind my back. Did she think I'd treat her nicely after calling me a joke? I mean it's true though but it is only me who gets to insult myself like that. Her wish. She called me a joke, and that was an insult. I'd rather accept an insult from myself than other people.

"Elana, right?" I asked her.

"You forgot the Princess," she corrected.

"Oh, sorry, Princess Elana," I said, maintaining eye contact with a hint of mockery.

"Welcome to my Fucking Wenchombe Keep," I greeted her, surprising her a bit when I dropped the F-word.

"Enjoy your stay!" I said while patting her shoulder. I walked away with a triumphant smile, and she seemed thoroughly irritated by my parting words.

Serves her right. That's just the beginning; I'll make her life more interesting. If only she hadn't called me a joke, maybe we could have been friends. But her attitude turned me off completely.

-

"I went up to the 3rd floor of the keep, and I knocked on Miles' room door. I knocked three times before he opened it. When he opened it, his topless body greeted me. Ew, but anyway, he's got a V, not bad.

He quickly closed the door when he saw me seeing him topless. Then he opened it again, now wearing clothes, and he stepped out.

"What?" he asked nonchalantly.

"Look, I'm sorry for what I said earlier. My thoughts were all over the place. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean every word I said." I said to him, wearing my apologetic look."

His forehead wrinkled, and he still looked bored while staring at me.

"Do you think I can forgive you just like that? What you said earlier really offends me. Do you think it can be solved with just a simple sorry like that?" he said to me, his voice expressing clear disappointment.

Okay, now I'm really nervous. He sounds really angry. So, I panicked, and blurted out, "Ok, I get it! What do I need to do for you to forgive me?"

He smiled at my question and looked me up and down as if he pervertedly assessing my body. I felt a bit uncomfortable under his gaze. Suddenly, he pulled me closer to him, surprising me with his actions. He kissed my neck, and I couldn't help but feel disgusted.

"You know what I want," he said to me, with a hint of lust in his eyes.

My vision darkened immediately as I pushed him away and slapped him hard on the left side of his face. He looked at me in surprise, as if suddenly realizing his actions. This jerk! Who does he think he is to disrespect me? I grew up without my mom guiding me, but I know how to stand up for my dignity.

"Who do you think you are to disrespect me!?" I said, feeling a tremor in my voice, and tears welled up in my eyes.

"For a minute! I thought I would be friends with you! I used not to care about anyone! But I cared about the five of you guys! I'm starting to care, to be precise! I'm so disappointed with you, Miles!" I said with anger and unamaged to calm myself down.

I turned away quickly, causing a momentary pause. When I looked back, I saw Thane, Dennis, Roy, Paul, and even Elana with surprise on their faces, as if they didn't expect this turn of events. I immediately ran away and left.

-

I'm here now on the bench where I talked to Lolo Tony, and I'm crying nonstop as my sob intensifies. I just can't fully grasp that someone I thought I could trust would treat me that way; he didn't even respect my apology. He's a big jerk!

I quickly wiped away my tears when someone sat beside me, and I noticed it was Dennis.

"I know Miles is kind of a jerk. I didn't expect him to do that to you," Dennis said.

"He's infuriating. Why do people always treat me like this, as if I'm just a weak and easy girl?" I said, my voice trembling.

"You're not an easy girl; actually, what you did earlier is pretty badass. I mean, most girls can't refuse him, even Elana. But you did, and that's good," he said to me.

I smiled at him, and he managed to lighten my mood.

"Thank you," I said, sniffing a bit. "Is what you're doing now some kind of brotherly comforting thing?" I asked playfully.

"Maybe. I wasn't there during that time to protect you, but you managed to protect yourself. The last thing I can do now is to comfort you," he said, and he smiled too.

I think having a brother wasn't that bad after all. Now I regret being mean to him before.

"Cheer up; you'll get through this. And by the way, Thane gave Miles a nice makeover called a black eye," he said, making me laugh a bit.

I knew Thane would do that, but anyway, what's with him? Why is he like that, picking fights with people, especially with me? Well, I let him be if that makes him happy. But I still don't like Thane doing that.

Dennis tapped my shoulder and excused himself. When Dennis left, I noticed someone standing in front of me-Thane. He had a bruise on his lip and some cuts on his hands, evidence of the beating he received from Miles as well. I was surprised as I looked at him.

"Thane!" I exclaimed in surprise, "You shouldn't have fought him!" I said worriedly as I stood up, concern left in my voice.

"I wasn't there! I wasn't there to protect you! Just like the day you went missing! This is all my fault!" he shouted with anger in his voice, tears falling from his eyes. He dropped to his knees on the pavement, quickly wiping away his tears.

I felt the pain he was going through, and with the emotion in his voice when he said that, It was all pent up all this time and it seemed like he was incapable of letting it out, is this why he's being mean? I squatted in front of him. I gently held his chin and turned his face towards me, quickly retracting my hand afterward.

"Thane, you don't need to protect me. I have survived without you or someone protecting me for 13 years. Do you think I can't handle it now? I'm not a weak and easy girl. Please don't risk yourself for me."

I looked into his eyes and then glanced at the wounds on his hand, gently holding it.

"Please, don't be so reckless too," I said to him as I returned my gaze to him.

He just bowed his head and didn't look at me. I think he disagreed, but I just hugged him, and we stood there embracing each other. I felt that it wasn't just me who needed comfort; he did too. Besides, he smelled nice, and I could feel his body warmth. Our heartbeats were racing, matching each other.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered softly while hugging me. I could feel his tears dripping onto my right shoulder, where he had rested his head.

I let go of the hug and looked into his eyes. We both had hazel brown eyes, but they looked gorgeous on him.

"Listen to me, I didn't lie about the fact that I started to care, and I care for you. Because you're now my friend," I told him.

He looked at me in surprise, and a small smile formed on his face. Yay, the creepy guy is happy.

"Shake hands?" I asked, extending my hand to him.

He shook hands with me and smiled. It was a genuine kind of smile.

"Why are you smiling like that?" I asked him.

"That's the same offer you said to me before," he replied.

Oh yeah, I forgot, I can't remember everything about myself when I was 4 years old. But it's strange that no memories are coming back to me.

"Sorry if I can't remember you. I'll try to recall everything about all of you, I promise," I said to him.

He just nodded and smiled, clearly happy with what he heard. He's cute, wait, what?

-

We both went back inside the Keep with Thane, and I saw Paul on the couch. He quickly approached me and placed his hands on my shoulders. Dennis, on the other hand, sat on the couch with a disapproving look at Paul while he was holding me.

"Paul! What are you doing?" I asked him in surprise.

"Are you okay? Miles is really a jerk!" Paul said.

I removed his hands from my shoulders and smiled at him.

"I'm okay, Paul. Don't worry," I told him.

"I know Miles is my friend, but I don't want to tolerate what he's doing, especially to you. I didn't know that he would go this far," Paul added.

"Thank you for being concerned, Paul, but I can handle myself," I replied.

The girl who was sitting on the couch facing Dennis, Elana, stood up.

She approached me and whispered something in my ear. Paul, Thane, and Dennis looked at us suspiciously.

"You will pay for this," she said, giving me a menacing look.

"Hey! What's going on?" Paul complained to us.

I looked at her and smirked as if Elana could scare me, suck it, bitch.

"Ok, Your Highness," I replied to her, then left and went upstairs, entering my room.

After closing the door, I immediately lay down on my bed. I hate this day, don't I?

I just lost someone who I almost became friends with, and I ended up being friends with the person I disliked. I became close to my twin brother, and Paul also became close to me, choosing to take my side. Even Roy joined in. However, as time goes by, the number of people I hate increases. I manage to resolve issues with people I used to dislike.

Elana Hail Brige, why do you hate me? I will find out why you're like that. Call me nosy or whatever, but it's not right for you to treat me that way.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

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