Chapter 46

It took me three more days before I figured out what to do. I locked myself inside the bedroom, refusing to let anyone in, including Talia. The servants would deliver my food at designated times of the day to prevent me from starving. The windows were shut, the curtains closed. The room was dim as I sat in the corner, contemplating on things.

Since Talia was doing a couple of tasks herself, things that needed attention, she left me to my thoughts. I should have helped her. Be with her in every process. But I couldn't. Both of us understood that letting me concentrate was for the bigger picture. It was not only for us. This was the future of our home country we were waging on.

My adoptive parents also kept out of my way. Though I haven't seen them since I woke up from my comatose, they held their tongues and gave me respect. By now, there was no shred of doubt that they knew who I really was, the heir to a fallen kingdom. Yet for all the secrets that they learned, not once did my overdramatic mother and genius of a father marched inside my room to demand for answers. They loved me that much.

I emerged from the room after three days. My sleep deprived eyes blinked against the morning sun. Talia was in the hallway, leaning against the wall. She looked beautiful in a purple dress. Her face brightened when our gaze made contact. "I had a feeling I'd see you today."

"Have you waited long?" I offered my arm. She took it with a smile.

"Yeah, but not so much." I frowned. She glanced sideways at me as we walked along the corridor. "Van told me that you were talking to gorgeous ladies a few days ago. Should I kill you for not being faithful to your princess or Van for allowing you to go on your merry way?"

I hid my smile. "Neither. I was always faithful to you Talia. Besides, Vanessa would probably find humor in being killed by you. She always does." We stopped in the middle of the hallway. "How are the things that you have been doing in my absence?"

"It's fine." A thoughtful look crossed her face. "But I missed you. It's been a while." Her arms circled around my neck.

"Mmmm. . . Lavender," I whispered as I touched our foreheads. "I've missed you too. Your scent." I took a deep breath. "Your skin." I stroked her cheek. "And that mouth." I licked my lips. "I'm dying to taste it again."

"Finger licking good!" Van made slurping noises. Talia and I broke apart. We turned to Van as one, amused. We were so used to her by now. There was no need to be irritated. "Oh please don't stop on my accord your highness. It's just getting to the good part."

Brooke pinched Vanessa's ears. "What did I tell you?" my best friend warned.

"Ow! Ow! Ow! You're hurting me," Van complained. Strangely, she was smiling. "Do it some more. Stomp on my heart Brookey. Show me who is boss."

Brooke dropped her hand, shaking her head. "You're hopeless. I can't believe I fell for that." Her features softened as she gazed at me. "I'm happy to see you Cybele. It's been days." Brooke turned to Talia, as if asking for her permission. When the princess nodded, my best friend closed the remaining distance between us and hugged me. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Probably go back to your un-cool self." I smiled over her shoulder. "I heard that you've been-"

"Stabbed in the back your highness," Van interrupted. "Get it? No?"

"I'm okay now," Brooke murmured, ignoring Van.

"Good. So you and Van huh?" I felt her nod. "How in the bloody hell did that happen? Did she joke her way into your heart?"

Brooke stepped back. "Something like that."

"Well in any case, I'm glad that you found someone." I glanced at our small circle. "Any more news that I need to know? I've been stuck in that God-awful room for some time." I moved my head side to side, feeling the knots loosen.

"I almost forgot to tell you," Talia said from my left. "Your parents wanted me to inform you that the family gathering that we've been planning in your absence will push through once you get out of the bedroom. What time will we be doing it? I suggest as soon as possible. And they really want to see you too."

"Of course they do." I rolled my eyes. "Especially mum. Did she say anything in particular?"

Talia's eyes gleamed. "That depends on what you need to know. We did talk about many things. You should have come out of there sooner. You gave us lots of time to gossip about you."

Van snickered. "I heard that her majesty Cybele likes girls. Oooooh how lesbian." I arched an eyebrow at her. "Kidding, I haven't met your parents before. I wasn't sure if they'd like me. I'm not joking about the gay thing though."

"There's nothing to be worried about Van. Mum and dad will like you no matter what." I glanced at my watch. "Let's do the gathering at dinnertime. Is there enough time to make the preparations?"

Talia nodded. "Yes. We're only waiting for you to come out."

I stroked her cheek. "I did that a long time ago princess." My brows furrowed. "I wonder what my mom's reaction would be."

Van tapped my shoulder. "What are you guys talking about? Are we discussing Cybele's coming out of the closet, or coming out of her bedroom today?" She pointed to my bedroom door. "I'm so confused."

Brooke placed her arms over Van's shoulder. She steered the blonde to the opposite direction. "There, there Van. It's okay to be confused. This is all a dream." They walked away from us.

Talia turned to me. "Are those two going to be okay?"

"We'll be here to guide them to the right path." I met her gray eyes. "By the way, are you ready for tonight?"

"I was born ready for this Cybele."

After eating breakfast, the four of us set out to do our tasks. While Talia and Van teamed up for tonight's event, Brooke and I took a different course of action. I told her what to do to set my plan in motion. Those three days locked inside my room weren't for nothing. I came out with a clearer vision, my mind buzzing with ideas. Would it help against Esmeralda? Probably.

Brooke placed the phone down. Her gaze went to the wall clock on the study where we were situated. "Aren't you supposed to get ready by now? Talia and your parents will be waiting." She gave me a meaningful look. "Your mom really likes her."

"As she should." I pushed myself from the chair. My body was still aching. "Talia is a perfect girl." I moved for the door, ready to go out. Brooke spoke when my hand was on the knob.

"Some part of me will always love you." There was clarity in her voice. "But Van is. . . She's my everything now."

"I know. And I'm happy that you ended up with her. She's exactly what you need, just as Talia is what I need." I opened the door. "I'll meet you in an hour."

The venue was beside the river. My parents, with the help of Talia's suggestion turned the place into something magical. The trees in the surrounding area glowed with lanterns. It was beautiful against the dark sky, appearing like stars that we could reach. The river was filled with floating candles. It casted a reflection that made everything look enchanting. My favorite part about it was the small stone bridge. Talia and I stood there earlier as I formally introduced her to my parents.

Laughter came from different tables. My mum went a little overboard, inviting almost everyone I knew. Some of my classmates from college were seated on the table to our right. They were discussing about the economy and business. Models whom Brooke and I became friends with after we graduated were talking about beauty tips and the latest "in" thing. My parent's colleagues were also there somewhere, probably solving equations or pondering over the latest discovered artifacts. In my own table sat Talia, Brooke, Van, my aunt, and my parents.

Mum placed a hand on top of mine. "You are my source of happiness Iris."

"I think you got it wrong mum. It's the other way around. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you and daddy."

Her eyes took a dreamy look. "I can still remember when we found you in the orphanage. You were so different from the other kids. I didn't want to leave without you." She smiled. "Your father had a tough time convincing me to come back another day."

"What's so different about me?"

She thought hard before answering. "You had that royal air in you. Even when you were a child, you were poised and beautiful like a doll." Mum glanced tenderly at me. "Now look how much you've grown up. You're still that doll I saw in that orphanage, but stronger and more capable of protecting yourself." She squeezed my hand. "You don't need us anymore."

I squeezed back, watching as my mother dabbed a handkerchief on her eyes. She was always melodramatic like this. But I loved that about her. "Cheer up mum. This is supposed to be a party." She sniffed, nodding. "And I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the whole princess deal. I was scared that you wouldn't adopt me if you found out."

"Of course we would." She lowered the handkerchief. "If we found out sooner, your father and I would have done everything to help with your goals. Even if we are philanthropists by nature, our Cybele would always come first."

"That's what I was afraid of." I lowered my voice. "Getting you involved in all of this would be a mistake. You don't know what we're up against mum. I'm sure that my aunt and Chandra, even Talia has informed you about Esmeralda. She's a conniving witch. She will kill, manipulate, and torture her enemies." I glanced briefly to Brooke. She was swapping stories with Van and the Princess. "Are you aware that Esmeralda had Brooke's parents kidnapped? They were millionaires too, yet they didn't stand a chance. I didn't want that to happen with you and daddy."

"We're more capable than you think," she scoffed, a steely determination in her tone. "Parents would do anything to protect their child. And that's what you are to us. Our baby." She started bawling again.

"Oh come here you." I squeezed my mother to me. "Such a crybaby."

Talia, who was sitting on my right side, glanced at us in concern. "Is everything okay?" She addressed my mother. "Can I get you anything?"

Mum sniffed. "Yes. Give me lots of grandchildren." She wiped her eyes. "I want twelve of them running in my mansion. Bonnie, Lucas, Samantha, Peter, Ingrid. I haven't thought of the others name yet."

Talia looked slightly terrified. "Sure. . . But I doubt the adoption center will allow us to adopt so many."

Mum shook her head. "Who says anything about adopting? There are modern ways now to make you pregnant dear." Mum tapped my father's shoulder. "Aren't you working on that sweetie?"

"Can you repeat that again?" asked my father. He pointed to my aunt. "Cybele's aunt is telling me about their country. I didn't catch what you said."

"I was telling Talia that you are working on a project to help couples like them conceive a child."

My father's features changed quickly from confusion to excitement. "Oh yes." He shifted in his seat. "Our latest project involves the embryonic development. My colleagues and I are funding this personally. Once we're through, millions would benefit from it."

"I understand," Talia said. "But twelve children? Wow. . ."

"Guess you better start now huh princess?" Van piped in. Her conversation with the others stopped. They were all looking at us. Van smirked at Talia. "I'll be cheering for all the twelve. It's going to be a long ride."

Mum chuckled. "I like the humor of this one." She turned to me. "How did you meet her? Tell me all the details. I'm interested to know." Van's mouth opened in horror. It was my turn to scare her for teasing Talia.

"Van was originally a member of a gang, mother."

"Blimey. Did I hear that right? A gang?"

"Yes. The girl group she belonged to was called The Gang." I smirked, enjoying Van sweat on her side of the table. "It's a dance troupe."

My mother relaxed. "Oh. . . Then what happened?"

"She kidnapped Talia," I continued.

"Say that again?" mum said.

"She recruited Talia," I clarified. "But I had to step in because Talia doesn't like to dance. She only wants to dance with me. Isn't that right princess?" Talia nodded, giving me a small smile. "So then, I convinced Van to join me in my adventures because she had a good sense of humor."

Van used the napkin to wipe her forehead. "Damn right I do. My sense of humor is on point. Please adopt me." Mom laughed. She really found Van funny for some reason.

"Anyway mum." I stood up, putting the napkin on the table. "I have to cut this conversation short." My eyes went to Talia. "Can we talk?"

"Sure."

I lead the princess to the bridge. On the way there, most of the guests stopped us, interested to talk. I haven't made contact with them for years, and they were thrilled to see Talia by my side. They couldn't believe I had someone to love. I was always so standoffish. If it weren't for Brooke urging me to make friends in college, I wouldn't have made any.

"You did a great job with the venue," I said to the princess. We were in the middle of the bridge, staring at the water. "It's magical. Like a fairytale brought to life."

"Nothing is more beautiful than you." She stepped closer, bringing her hand to my cheek. "I can't believe we're together like this." My eyes closed. I savored her soft touch. "I love you," she whispered. "You're mine."

"And I to you," I whispered back, opening my eyes. She was ethereal, dressed in green, her hair pulled into a braid. "You look like a fairy tonight." I touched the floral headband perched on her hair. "You even have this. How cute."

She chuckled. "You have one too."

"Brooke was adamant that I wear it." Soft music began to play. It was coming from the white tent a few meters from us, housing the sound system. I offered a hand. "Care to dance?"

We swayed to the music. "Tell me about the story of the sun and moon again," she said as she placed her head on the crook of my neck. "The one you used to tell me when we were children."

"Long ago," I began. "When the world was new. There was the sun, all beautiful, shining down to the earth. It gave illumination so the people could see, the plants could grow, and there was warmth. But mighty as it was, the sun was lonely, for it had nothing but itself in the sky. Each night, it would disappear, followed by the appearance of the stars." I took a deep breath. Talia smelled divine.

"Please continue," she murmured. We were wrapped in an embrace, still swaying to the beat. It felt like there were only the two of us in the world.

"As for the moon, radiant as it was, emptiness ruled its life. For its glow was not appreciated by many, seeing that everyone was asleep. One time, as the sun was making its way into the horizon, it caught a glimpse of the moon. In that single brief moment, their eyes locked, seeing each other's beauty. Immediately, the sun fell in love. Since then, it longed to touch the moon."

Talia spoke. "Tell me about my favorite part."

"I was just getting to that." I smiled. "The moon, noticing the sun's desperation each time they caught glimpses of each other would whisper. "Go. Let me breathe. Our fates are decided. You give an illumination in the day. My glow is casted at night. We can never be. Do not ever abandon your light for the sake of my darkness."

Talia leaned back, looking to my eyes. "That's not my favorite part."

I gave her a quizzical look. "That's how the story ends."

She shook her head. "It doesn't." I arched an eyebrow. "When we were kids, you used to tell me that I was the sun and you were the moon. Look at us now. The sun and moon finally collided."

"Indeed."

Talia and I were interrupted by noises in the distance. As we turned to look, the guests were having a commotion. My eyes roamed the area. Police were suddenly everywhere. They were searching for someone, and I knew exactly who it was.

"This is an outrage!" mum exclaimed. "You have no right to be here! Who gave you permission?"

The police officer nearest to her tipped his hat. "I'm sorry ma'am. We were only instructed by our superior. They said the order came from the Queen herself."

Brooke and Van were seized by the police. I couldn't stand around while my friends were being harassed in my own party. Before I could make my way to them, someone stopped me by grabbing my arm. I yanked my arm, turning to see who was bold enough to touch me.

"Hello there Iris," Ronaldo said, reverting to my fake name. He was surrounded by police and four of his best man. "It was a matter of time before we figured out where you were. Our queen Esmeralda had a good talk with the rulers of this country. They allowed us to retrieve you." He handcuffed my hand, to my dismay. "You are arrested for kidnapping the princess of my country." He glanced at Talia. "I'm sorry for ruining someone's birthday party. I really am."

She stood to her full height, looking every bit like a princess. "You're not interrupting a birthday celebration. You're crashing on my wedding reception. I demand you to release my wife now."