The Enchantress

75.

Princess Mina.

Sana and I was by the garden. She was helping me plant a new kind of flower. A royal guard came to us, bowed and then announced.

"Your Highness, The Princes of the Kingdom of Twice has arrived."

Sana and I was shocked.

"Did you just said the Princes of the Kingdom of Twice is here?"

"Yes, your highness."

"In the castle?"

"Yes, your highness."

Sana looked at me and then ran towards the castle. My instinct was run as well.

Is he really here? The royal guard said The Princes...  I hope it's him... No, how will I act around him. It'll be awkward for sure. But I don't care for I wanna see him.

Sana reached the main door and the royal guards hurriedly opened it. As the door opens, the light from outside shone brightly as if blinding me. Then I saw him, standing beside the carriage as handsome as ever. I slowed down as I grew nearer.

I unknowingly smiled for he is here. He came. Is he no longer mad at me? I hope not. Sana's words came back to me; "...go get your man!"

I told Sana how I feel. Telling her made me realize the reason why I feel that way towards Chae. Should I confess? That's not very lady like...

I reached the castle doors and stopped by the entrance. I was catching my breath when he saw me.

He walked towards me and bowed.

"Your highness."

I responded by a curtsy.

"Mina."

"Chae... Chaeyoung." Really!? Why should I stutter now!

He then smiled. Oh heavens... I melted seeing his dimpled smile.

"It's been a while."

"It is."

Sana then ushered them in. She led us with Tzuyu by her side while I stayed back now unsure how to act towards him. Better stay quiet than stutter again.

I felt like face palming myself as Sana teased Chae for being a7 hero. Yet he remained humble.

We then saw Papa hurriedly walking towards us making me and Sana run to his side. What surprised us is the Princes doing the same thing.

We went to the receiving room and chatted. Papa asked them why they visited and we're all surprised by Chae's response.

"Tzuyu was eager to go for Princess Sana's birthday."

He earned an elbow from Tzuyu making me and Sana giggle. Papa was confused since he wasn't aware of Sana and Tzuyu's blossoming relationship. They had been writing letters for a while now. What happened next had us shocked.

Tzuyu stood then kneeled in front of Papa asking for his permission to court Sana. Me and Sana gasped. It was so bold of him to do that. I bet Sana's squealing inside now.

"Your blood line are really brave. This is not the first time someone asked me for permission." Papa said surprising me and Sana, but not Tzuyu nor Chae.

Wait... Does that means... I looked at Chae who was now red and was looking at his hands.

"Like what I've mentioned to Prince Chaeyoung, I don't force my daughters into a relationship It'll be their decision." Papa said confirming my suspicion.

Oh good heavens... I tuned out of the conversation with my thoughts invading my mind. Did he asked Papa's permission before? When? My heart beats fast and my tummy's fluttering again. This is not the first time he's making his feelings for me known. But knowing that he asked Papa for permission to court me before was so touching.

I escaped out of my thoughts when I noticed Tzuyu standing up thanking Papa. So Papa did gave his permission. Sana was all smiles now.

"Well, isn't it your turn now?" I was shocked as Papa asked Chae.

I looked at Chae curious about how he'll respond. It took a few seconds before he spoke again.

"Uhm, I apologize your highness. I'm here to support my brother and also attend Princess Sana's birthday."

I felt my heart plummeted. Papa looked confused, looking at me and Chae. He sort of looking disappointed. Hopefully I don't look the same.

Papa let them rest while I went back to my room. I must've hurt him so bad. He wasn't angry for he already talked to me, but wasn't pursuing me anymore.

What am I saying? I was the one who told him to stop. I sunk into my chair more disappointed at myself now. I shouldn't have done that. But I also did that for him for he risked his life many times for me.

But now... I know what I want... I don't want him to stop...

I heard a knock on my door. I stood and opened it. I was shocked seeing Chae by the door. I noticed he took off his coat.

"Apologies your highness, for interrupting your rest."

"No... It's okay. How may I be of help?"

"May I come in for a second?"

I wonder why he wanted to talk. I stepped aside and gestured for him to come in.

He went in and I close my door. He stopped waiting for me. I led him to my receiving area and gestured for him to sit. The gentleman that he is, he let me sit first but he remained standing. He looked at me and then began pacing. Clearly something's bothering him.

"Chae, Are you okay?" Oh shoot. I wasn't able to control myself calling him on his nickname.

He stopped pacing and smiled at me.

"I'm glad hearing you still using my nickname. I'd prefer that... Only if it's from you of course."

I felt like my face is turning red. To hide it, I stood and said; "Would you like some tea or any cold to drink? I'll ask for some." I said about to hold the rope for the servant's bell.

He went to me and hold my hand, stopping me from ringing the bell. I gasped on his touch as shocks started to spread all over my body from where she touched me.

I looked at him, meeting his stare.

"I came to apologize on how I acted the last time we were together. I was hurt and don't know how to handle it." He looked at my hand whom he hold properly this time making me face him.

"And that what I said to the King earlier wasn't really my answer... What I'm saying is... I want to let you know that I will not back down. That I'll still pursue you no matter how many times you turn me down. I love you Mina and I won't stop loving you." He smiled and kisses my hand. "I'll go now and let you rest." He bowed and left the room.

Oh good heavens! The hairs on my skin stood at it's end, my tummy felt like it plummeted but in a good way and my heart was pounding wildly.

My disappointment vanished and was now feeling joy as he said he will not stop pursuing me like how I wanted. I wasn't able to say something for I was so shocked from his touch at first and then on what he said. Later on I smiled, now I'm excited on how the days would turn out to be.