Chapter 32 - Facade

"Home sweet home," I murmured under my breath. "At least for now."

Van trudged behind, almost colliding on a sofa to the right. She moved away just in time to avoid it. "Wow your majesty, I didn't think you'd have this kind of property. It's all. . . Old?" she trailed. "It doesn't seem like your usual style."

"Says a person who took me to a shabby house," Talia snickered. Van raised her eyebrows in question. "When you kidnapped me remember? That house you took me to was awful."

"Hey don't bring up the past princess." Van rolled her eyes. "I'm a changed girl. For Brookey baby." She wriggled her eyebrows.

"Yeah right." Talia looked at the ceiling, then back to me. "But what is this place Cybele? I have to agree with Van on this one. The house really looks like it's going to fall apart."

"The fortress where I first took you was my original plan. The backup was the farm. This," I said as I gestured around the area. "Was the backup to my backup. I didn't think I'd ever need it so I just let it sit around after buying the place. But don't worry guys, we're totally safe here. As you might have noticed, we're thirty minutes away from the town. It's also up the hill so we'd see any intruders. For now we'll rest here."

Vanessa scratched her neck. "Until when your highness?"

"Until we know that it's safe to travel back to England. Also, there's Brooke to consider." Van's eyes alighted with excitement. "We need to contact her, meet up, and plan carefully," I continued. "Until that time, we shouldn't let our guards down. The palace guard dogs are out there as we speak. They won't stop at anything to get the princess, and this time they'll show no mercy."

Van smacked her fist against her palm. "Let's see them try."

"Well there are hundreds of them and only one of you," Talia said, worry in her eyes. "It's best if we stay low key."

"Correct." I nodded in agreement. "For now, Vanessa can choose which bedroom to sleep in. This house has 4 bedrooms- one here and another 3 upstairs. There are restrooms for each room. Then there's the kitchen and this living room. We'll sleep in shifts okay?"

"Fine with me majesty." Van shrugged, walking lazily to the nearest sofa which was still covered with white blanket. She pulled the cloth unceremoniously, then settled on the couch with both feet up. "I know you have some catching up to do with the princess so I'll take the first shift. How I wish Brooke and I really was a couple and she's here right now," she sighed. "I'd do classified things to her."

Talia laughed but I just shook my head. "Hey can you please not tell that to my face? Brooke is like a sister and I don't want to imagine things like that."

The princess pulled me to her, smiling slightly. "Don't worry," she whispered. "I won't give you time to think."

It was Van's turn to laugh at my beet red face. "Haha Vanessa," I grumbled, taking hold of Talia's right hand. "We'll sleep now so take care with your watch. Good night."

With her hand in mine, Talia and I went up the stairs and to the farthest room. As soon as the door was closed, the princess removed her top, placing it on a chair in the corner. Just because something happened already didn't mean that her toned and sexy body didn't come as a surprise. It still gave me Goosebumps. And so was the naughty look she was giving at the moment.

"Wanna?" she smirked, biting her lips provocatively.

My eyes scanned her body, the stirring of lust starting like wildfire. But instead of burning me, it proved to be the opposite, for how could fire create an ocean between someone's legs? Well that would have to remain a mystery, I thought as I shook my head. "No?" she asked, taking a step closer.

I inhaled deeply. "No. We need to rest."

"You promised," she accused, giving me a look that even the most hardened person on earth couldn't resist. Talia moved nearer while I took a step back, my legs hitting the edge of the bed. The princess used this for her leverage. With one push I was already in the mattress and she on top of me. "I'll make you," she warned.

"Not today," I said curtly, wondering how I could still endure her alluring lavender scent, the pleading look she was giving me, and the tempting body she was offering. Add the ocean she created and I was one big drowning blubber.

Talia nipped my earlobe. The steady rhythm of my heart turned berserk. "If not now then never," she whispered seductively.

"Princess," I said with a scolding tone, though I was anything but mad. "Sleep now. Before you know it, Van's shift would have ended. I'll cuddle you instead. Or we can go spooning, forking, knifing, whatever you want to call it."

My attempt to make her laugh worked. The princess chuckled, then leaned forward. "Or scissoring," she whispered before rolling to my left side, placing her leg over mine. "But I'm warning you Cybele. Next time, you're going to have a hard time making me say yes. I need to see some effort or I'll start thinking that I love you more than you love me."

"You know that's not true," I murmured, allowing her to embrace me with her warmth.

Talia yawned, then settled her head against my neck. "Good night Princess Charming," she said sleepily.

It only took a couple of minutes before she fell asleep, as I knew she would. So many things happened since we were captured by the palace guards. Delete that. So many things happened since we were children. The least I could do was to let her rest, even for short periods like this. But from now on, I promise to protect her. She was mine, and I'd do everything for her. Taking care not to disturb the princess, I got out of bed, carefully opening the door.

"Can't sleep?" Van asked as I stepped into the living room.

"No. I'm worried about Brooke. Now that we're out of the palace, I can't help but think about her." Vanessa moved to a sitting position, allowing me to sink beside her on the sofa. "We need a laptop or a mobile phone so we can contact Brooke."

"I'll get one as soon as the shops in town open," Van said. "It's best if I go there instead of you. I'll be really careful don't worry."

I smirked at blondie. "Who said I was worried about you? You're like a cat Van. You can easily outrun anyone or even hide if need be."

"Or scratch them," she supplied, a huge grin beginning to spread on her face. "But on a serious note, why are we even going to England?"

"It's where my adoptive parents live. When the queen had my royal parents killed, I was adopted by two billionaires and raised in that country. We'll be safe there and far enough from the wicked witch to live happily ever after."

Van's eyes widened. "Billionaires? I like the sound of that!" She rubbed her hands together excitedly, then looked at me. "Want to adopt me when you and the princess get married? I'll be a good daughter to you. I swear on Brooke's ooh lala body."

I got to hand it to her, Van could always make me laugh. Despite everything that transpired before, she really was a good person. "You know Vanessa," I said, still smiling. "We're almost the same age but somehow I feel like you're my little sister."

The girl surprised me by placing her head on my lap without permission. "Remember that when I'm courting Brooke," she said, yawning. "Now pat my head sissy."

"No way!" I tried pushing her off my lap, but she just curled like a cat and wouldn't budge. "Get off. Now."

Van closed her eyes. "Nope. Let me just rest for a while your highness." On a lower tone she said, "It has been a long time since I felt completely safe like this. When my mother died, all I wanted was revenge. But now that you're here, somehow I can take my mind off that."

My hand dropped to my side. Poor Van. She was so lost just like me. No wonder her head was messed up when we met her. Wanting to do her wish, I patted her head until she fell asleep, her soft snores filling the void in the house.

When morning came, Talia woke me with a kiss on the forehead. "Hey," I murmured, as her beautiful smiling face greeted me.

"Had a good night's sleep Cybele?"

"Uh huh." I shook my head to get rid of the grogginess. "Where's Vanessa?"

"She left early this morning. She didn't want to wake you so she went on her way." Talia tapped her foot on the floor, glancing around the place. "So is there food here? I'm hungry."

"I think I can whip up porridge for you," I said smirking, knowing how much she hated it.

The princess gave me a piercing stare. "I swear if you mention that again I'll. . . I'll. . ." She was completely lost for words.

"You'll what?"

Talia crossed her arms, a triumphant smile spreading on her face. "I'll refuse to make love to you in such a long time that you'll be a virgin again."

I rolled my eyes at her. "As if that would happen. You were the one begging me last night remember?"

"Someone's cocky."

"Well stop challenging me." Pulling her arm before she could escape, Talia fell to my lap. "Come here you," I said as I began to tickle her on the side.

"NOoooo!" she giggled. "How dare you!" Laughter burst from her lips. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry with her. The sound was too magical for me to take. Like something popped and glitters scattered everywhere. "Stop! Stop!" she panted.

"Never." Instead of listening to her pleas, I tickled her some more until tears were coming from her eyes.

"Cybele," she laughed, her whole body shaking. I wasn't about to cease the attack, but her growling stomaching sounded out of the blue, making both of us pause. "See?" Talia said, catching her breath. "I told you I'm hungry."

"Okay, okay. Let's scavenge the kitchen."

After composing herself, Talia and I went on our way. Meticulously checking the pantry and cabinetry, we discovered that it contained nothing but air. Of all the luck in the world, I thought with disappointment. The princess puffed out her cheeks in annoyance. She looked like a hamster that has eaten one too many pellets. How cute.

"What are you smiling for Cybele?" Talia raised an eyebrow, seemingly more annoyed at my reaction.

"You look cute," I chuckled.

"You wouldn't think that once I'm twitching on the floor because of hunger."

My smile vanished. "How long is it since you've eaten princess?"

Her forehead wrinkled. "Let's see. The last thing I can remember eating is you." Talia winked mischievously at me. "Besides that, I think I haven't eaten the whole day yesterday. What?" she asked, staring at me. "I was worried about you so I didn't have an appetite."

I glared at her. "Do you know what it feels like to get spanked Talia?" She shook her head no. "Because I want to do that right now," I huffed. "Next time you should eat first. Worry about me later."

Talia bowed her head, looking guilty. "But you know. . ." I could see the corners of her mouth curling. "Getting spanked sounds hot." The princess met my eyes. "You're always reading Cybele but somehow you come off as kinky. Who knew right?"

My face warmed. "I don't know what you're talking about."

She giggled. "Oh you know. Last night you wanted to use a blindfold and now you want to spank me. So what else do you have in mind?"

I was about to answer when the sound of my tummy interrupted us. "Well it looks like you're not the only one hungry," I grumbled, my cheeks surely reddening. "What should we do Talia? Maybe I should go after Van and buy food."

"And leave me here? No way." She bit her lip, thinking. "But then again. We don't know what time Van will arrive." Her eyes brightened. "Hey! Maybe you and I can-"

"No," I said before she could finish. "I know what you're thinking princess. You want us to go to the town right?" She nodded eagerly. "Well the answer is no can do. It's too dangerous. We're not leaving. No discussions."

Turning my back to her, I began to make my way back to the almost bare living room. Talia followed close behind. "Cybele, I want to go with you."

"Nope." I sat down on the sofa comfortably. As I did, my empty stomach growled loudly in protest. The last meal I ate was the one Van gave me, and I didn't even consume it properly. Now my stomach is beginning to hurt, as if my intestine wanted to eat itself.

"We're going to be really careful," she started again. I gave her a pointed look. One that said the argument is done before it even started and there was no way I'd agree. "Well why don't we bet on it," Talia said, sitting directly in front of me on the floor.

I cocked my head to the side. "What kind of bet?"

The princess looked way too eager. Placing both hands on my knees, she said, "Let's do a how well do you know me game. If I win, you'll have to go to the town with me for a date." She stopped me before I could object. "Yes I know it's dangerous, but a bet is a bet. Besides, you know you're going to win anyway, so what's the harm?"

I frowned at her. "Last time you tricked me with the poker."

"All the more reason you should try to win this time," she smirked, squeezing my knees. "Or is the great Cybele afraid to lose again."

"You know how to push my buttons princess."

"Trust me. I know your body more than that," she laughed. "So are you game?"

Considering my options, I thought that it wouldn't hurt to play it. After all, I knew every single thing about Talia. Not only have I observed her for a long time with the cameras in the palace, I was also her first friend. And now we're lovers. There's nothing she could hide from me. Shrugging, I gave her a yes.

The princess smiled, as if she already won the bet. "Okay. I'll only ask one question about me. If you lose, you know what will happen right?" I nodded. "Here goes. . . What is the name of my real father?"

I blinked a couple of times, wondering if I heard her right. "Pardon?"

"You heard it Cybele," she said. "Who is my birth father?"

Bloody hell. Come to think of it, nobody knew the answer to that question. When Talia was first presented to me, there was only Esmeralda on her side. Well sometimes I would see a man and assume it was Talia's father, but it could be anyone. A guard. A friend. Santa Clause for all I cared. It was a trick question. She knew I didn't know.

Talia smiled with a hint of sadness. "My mother loved to keep secrets from everyone. She thought I wouldn't find out who my real father was, but she was wrong. There was this journal where she kept note of almost everything. When I was a child, I stole the journal when mother was at a party. It told me who my real father was."

"And?" I asked curiously, totally forgetting the game.

"And it said that my mother was basically obsessed with a businessman who visited this country for work years ago. The guy didn't want to humor mother so she did a couple of bad things. I don't really know what since it wasn't indicated, but the gist of the story is she got pregnant with me."

"What was his name?"

"Richard Gavin. . ."

Both of us stared silently at each other. After a while, Talia dusted herself off and stood up. "Where are you going princess?"

She winked at me. "I believe you owe me a date in the town."