The World Above

Chapter 16 : Engaged ?

Felix's POV

Flema dropped me off at home using her teleportation skills, a perk from her spirit animal. Just as I was about to enter, she called out, "Felix, wait!" I turned around. "Angelica has decided to increase your training hours. You'll train for two hours in the afternoon, right after Haven’s school ends, and two more hours from midnight till 2 AM."

A stone dropped in my stomach. Seollal was around the corner, one of the busiest holidays, and I’d be focusing on my imperial skills instead of my company. "Is that really necessary?" I asked. Flema nodded. "As you were informed, your Coronation is in two months. We need to train you in politics, economics, stealth, war, and everything else by then."

"Why can’t they postpone it?" I pleaded. "The Coronation is timed with the start of spring when most animals come out of hibernation for Bonding," she explained.

"So the Bonding and our Coronation will be on the same day?" This just kept getting better. "Yes, your bond with your soul spirit will define your rule. The more powerful the animal, the stronger and more peaceful your reign."

"Talk about pressure," I mumbled. Flema chuckled, "You’re worried about Bonding and the Coronation. Lenna’s more worried about the event after."

Confused, I asked, "What event?"

"You know, the engagement? Along with the Coronation, Angelica will announce you two as crown prince and princess." Flema suddenly looked distracted. "Oh dear, an emergency. I must go."

"She’s... WHAT?!?" I shouted, but Flema had already disappeared. Why do these gods and goddesses always leave before explaining everything? With no choice, I went inside and turned in for the day.

Haven's POV

"Before you go, I wanted to inform you that we’ll be increasing your training hours. From 3 to 5 PM and from midnight till 2 AM," Hercule said, helping me down from the kitsune and onto my window railing.

I wasn’t surprised. After hearing about our Coronation being in two months, I expected this. "Thanks for dropping me off! See you tomorrow." He smiled, "Sleep well, princess!" Then he was gone. I set my alarm and collapsed onto the bed. There was so much to process.

Bleep! Bleep! The alarm woke me. I got up, brushed my teeth, tied my hair into a ponytail, and put on my uniform. Downstairs, my siblings were having breakfast.

"Chun Ja, you're awake! Come have some porridge," Mother said, pushing a bowl in front of me. I sat at the table. "Eonnie! Can you take me shopping today?" Mira asked, munching on waffles. I shook my head, my mouth full of porridge.

"Why?" Mira pouted. "I really want to get some good clothes for Seollal. Don’t you?"

"Nope, I already have my outfit. Ask Matt to take you," I replied.

"Ask me what?" Matt appeared in the doorway.

"Can you take me to the mall? Haven’s too busy," Mira glared at me.

"I already have plans," I ignored her.

"And what might they be?" Dad asked, sitting down.

"Umm... I joined an after-school club. I’ll be back two hours after school ends." Mom grumbled, "It’s like you have no joy in staying at home."

"I should get going. See you later!" I called out goodbye and rushed out the door.

"Whoa!" Brandon stopped me from falling as we collided on the porch. "Where are you rushing off to?"

"To college, where else?" I steadied myself.

"Wait, why are you guys here?" I eyed my friends suspiciously.

"We wanted to know who picked you up from college yesterday in the Bugatti," Nora slid her arm into mine.

"Wait, he’s not your boyfriend, is he?" Alex narrowed his eyes. Mike, drinking water, spat it out.

"Eww, MIKE!" screeched Arielle and Ayesha.

"No way! You can’t be dating, you’re only 18!" Mike shook me by the shoulders.

"Wow! Talk about being possessive," Alex said.

"Mike, stop that! You’re acting like a protective brother," Nora said. I glared at Mike. He smiled sheepishly. I was about to answer Alex when Ayesha gasped, "The guy who dropped you off and kissed your hand, is he the one with the Bugatti?"

"Good thinking, Ayesha. Well, answer us!" Arielle demanded. I sighed, "No, they’re not the same person. Let’s just go. It’s too complicated to explain."

"Hey! You can’t just leave like that! Stop, Haven!" My friends called after me, but I put on my headphones and turned up the music, ignoring them. I hoped their curiosity would end by the day’s close, but Felix had to add fuel to the fire.

Felix's POV

At almost three in the afternoon, I was finishing some files when I received a call from an unknown number.

"Hello? Who is this?" I answered.

"Oh Felix, how nice of you to pick up after just two rings. It’s Lenna."

"Lenna, what can I do for you?"

"I’m running late for our lesson. Do you mind picking up Haven from college?"

"Sure, I’ll bring her to my house in half an hour."

"Thank you, darling. See you soon! Bye!" She hung up.

The thought of picking up Haven made me smile. I composed myself, grabbed my coat, and chose my Porsche. Without explaining to Lixin, I rushed to the elevator.

Students rushed out of the main doors as school ended. Many stopped to take pictures with my car. Wearing a black mask and cap, I hoped to remain unnoticed. Haven, of all people, didn’t know who I truly was.

I heard her laugh before I saw her. Her gentle, infectious giggle made her wavy blue hair bounce. I needed to get these thoughts out of my head. I waved when she caught my eye.

Haven's POV

Laughing at Alex’s joke, I spotted Felix. And he had brought a Porsche. "Guys, I need to go!" I said, rushing towards him.

"What are you doing here?!" I hissed at him. He looked surprised, making me regret my tone.

"Lenna was running late. She asked me to pick you up. Shall we go?"

"Yes, yes!" I shoved him into the car and got in. "Do you have an extra mask?" I asked. "Dashboard," he replied. I put on the black mask and told him to drive.

We reached his house quickly. I spent the ride explaining my reaction. Lenna was waiting for us. "Good, you’re here. Let’s start." She clapped, and an attendant appeared with a dress. "This is for you, Haven. Put it on."

I glanced at Felix. "Where do I...?"

"Down the corridor, last room on the left."

The dress fit perfectly. It was black, off-shoulder, and knee-length. I walked to the lounge. Felix looked up, clearly breathless. "You look breathtaking," he whispered as I stood next to him.

"Alright. Today we’ll practice basic ballroom dancing. You two will be partners. Let’s start," Lenna said. Music started playing, and Felix held out his hand. I had never danced in heels, much less with a boy I’d just met. Nonetheless, I took his hand, and we danced stiffly.

After a few minutes, Lenna stopped the music. "No, no, you two are too stiff. Cozy up. You’re engaged, remember?"

"What did you just say?" I turned to her.

"To get comfortable with each other?"

"No, about the engagement part." My voice broke.

"Oh, didn’t Angelica tell you? You two are engaged!"