𝐌𝐑. 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍 ; 𝐯. 𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐈𝐗

CHAPTER SIX: THORNE ROSE

Tiny flecks of dust seemed to dance in the sunshine that peeked through the branches and leaves as the dappled sun beamed fiercely on the woods.

Fresh berries and herbs filled [Name]'s basket that he's carrying as he and Lilia traveled through the forest, finding mushrooms next, their footsteps crunching the dead leaves, filling both of their ears with a crunch sound.

"Lilia-san."

Lilia hummed, taking a glance at the young man next him in the corner of his eye. "What is it?" He inquired, pausing as he noticed [Name] crouching down and picking up a wild mushroom.

"I've been meaning to ask you this, and I'm really curious," [Name] began, and Lilia encouraged him to continue. "To whose kingdom do you belong?" He inquired, his eyes wide with wonder as he stared at at the magician, who deadpanned, unable to comprehend what he had just heard.

Lilia looked at the two animals on the ground chewing berries from the basket, then at him, nodding metaphorically as if they understood what Lilia was thinking.

'How could you not know—never mind.'

For the first time, someone didn't know who he truly was or whose kingdom he belonged to. He realized [Name] is unaware of it, and he could only surmise that the human has been living in the wilderness for quite long time.

"I come from the Kingdom of Moors, ruled by Mistress Maleficent herself and I'm her right hand."

He said proudly, smirking triumphantly when he observed [Nam]'s awed yet curious expression. The magic-less human can be cute anytime especially when they're curious. 'Weird...' Lilia reflected, his heart beating quicker than usual.

"It must be nice living there."

Lilia could sense the young man's melancholy waning as he stood up, a little smile painted on his face that Lilia could tell was forced. Unknowingly, a pained reaction made it's way to Lilia's face. If anyone would see the sorcerer have that they would be baffled.

After all, Lilia Vanrouge was known as a cold-blooded, heartless sorcerer.

"Do you know...the rumor about the 'Thorne Rose'?"

[Name] asked, seeing Lilia's red eyes widen after he said it. The rumor about him really spread all over the place, huh?

"Prince [Name] of Thorns..."

Lilia muttered openly. In front of him stood the rumored prince who aided him when he was hurt and was close to death and the one who forced him to stay in the forest's small cottage.

A prince who was exiled from his own Kingdom because he didn't have any magic lies on him by his own parents.

His and Maleficent's enemies.

It's really ridiculous to say.

"I'm not a prince anymore, Lilia-san."

[Name] laughed bitterly, waving his hands in a manner. Would Lilia be ashamed and left him because he's useless like the others say?

"Your highnesses just took a pity on you and made you stay here in the kingdom because your young and frail. Stick that to your skull, Prince [Name]."

"That's ridiculous. Just because you're different from them, you were thrown away? Those bastards."

Without a control on his body, Lilia's arms wrapped over the young man's neck, bringing [Name] down to his height and hugging him, and he felt those lanky yet strong arms slipping on his waist.

THUMP

Lilia had no idea why, but a weird sensation arose in his cold heart. He'd never felt anything like this before. Never before in his life had he been so filled with rage and hatred towards greedy humans. [Name] was not like the others. A rare beauty on his eyes.

As the grasp on his waist tightened, he heard [Name] whispered his name on his shoulder. "Don't be upset." In an attempt to console [Name], he mumbled, "You're special, unlike them." He wasn't used to comforting others, but he could try for [Name].

They both let go of the hug, [Name] grinned at Lilia, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Thank you, Lilia-san..." he sobbed, his hands wiping the tears from his eyes. The gentle expression on Lilia's face made [Name]'s heart flutter as he felt his forehead being flicked by him.

"You crybaby...I saw some roses on the bush over there, they're pretty," Lilia grinned, cocking his head over the wild rose bush not far away as [Name] perked up and headed over there right away.

Lilia smiled, when he saw the human laughing gleefully while picking roses. He stiffened, however, when he heard a familiar voice.

"Well, well, well...I see why you're still not back in the castle, Lilia."