The Prince's Lover

Pines 36

Author's note: I decided to write this chapter sooner because if I put it off until next week I will lose the emotion. So, I wrote it immediately after finishing chapter 35. To be honest, I didn't cry when I wrote the previous two chapters but I did it in this chapter, I can feel Tine's pain. it's too painful to bear.

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Before breaking up.

Tine couldn't sleep since last night. His eyes were swollen from crying. Today he was going to end up everything with the Prince. It was the best way so he could save all, the Prince, the royals, his family, and maybe him too. He can do it, he can get through it, it's only a matter of time, He can deal with his own heart, don't think too much TIne. Tine thought.

Tine got up from the bed and then went to the bathroom, it was already eight on a Sunday morning, he had an appointment with the prince at 10 a.m. it has been two weeks since the incident at the palace. Tine promised to see The Prince after his wound healed. What he was going to talk about later, he had thought it over carefully. Whatever happened, he was ready, he had to stay strong, it was for the sake of all. He needs to sacrifice.

Usually, he would pick bright clothes because the colour would always put him in a good mood, but not today. Instead of a bright tone he chose a dark tone, his feelings were too grey and bright colours couldn't fix it. He chose a navy polo shirt and black pants, a black watch, and a pair of black boot. He sat in front of his mirror and put some concealer to cover his eye bags to make them less puffy. He finished with his makeup, he grabbed his car key on the table then came out of his room.

His brother was watering the plants when Tine passed him. Before he could enter the car his brother called him. "Tine" called Tharn, Tine turned his head, then Tharn put down the hose and walked towards his brother. "Promise me, you will call me soon if anything happens". Tine nodded and smiled. "Just go, and finished what you need to get done and move on, we waiting for you here," said Tharn while ruffling his brother's hair.

Tharn opened the car door for Tine, make sure Tine wears his seatbelt, gave Tine courage and then closed the door. Tine started the engine and lower the windshield "Bye Phi" said Tine the drove the car.

"I wish you could through it Tine... why fate was so cruel to meet him with that damn prince...my poor brother".

Tine drove his car at normal speed, turned the music on to calm him. He tried to enjoy this trip, he passed the buildings, the local market, going up to the hill, passed the trees that lined the road, after that the familiar street was seen by him, he turned left and lower the windshield then slowed down his speed. It had been a long time since he visited this place, still green as it is, still calming as it used to be. He stopped his car, parked the car on the side road then got out of the car, he walked not afar from his car and took pictures of the scenery, he walked again, his eyes caught something, he crouched down and took the leaf of the fallen pine on the ground, inhaled its fragrance and observed it for a moment from his leaf form, its colour, its fragrance everything. Then suddenly he whispered to himself while looking at the leaf of the fallen pine in his hand.

"Ho Chi Minh once said, 'Remember, the storm is a good opportunity for the pine and the cypress to show their strength and their stability."

*Note: Ho Chi Minh is the former president of Vietnam (1945-1969)

"And Norman Douglas also said, the pine stays green in winter... wisdom in hardship"

"And like the pine, I will be," said Tine firmly, his determination was made up, he put the leaf of the fallen pine inside his transparent phone case, made the pines as the background, quite aesthetic. He back to his car and continued on his way.