Queen's Archer

Chapter 57

Clementine's

"T-That voice... w-who is that?" I gasped. It was so familiar.

Even just hearing it through the phone, I knew it was hers. No matter how many years have passed, I could never forget her voice... her sweet, captivating voice.

"Yvette," Beau replied with a shaky voice. "Clementine, she's alive. She's here. I-I found her."

And with that, my breath hitched. My legs started to shake as my phone slipped from my hand and fell to the ground. Tears welled up in my eyes.

She's alive.

Oh my God, she's alive!

I knew it.

"Clementine, are you still there?" I quickly picked up my phone again and sat down on the floor.

It was as if all the strength in my body left me, overwhelmed by pure happiness.

"P-Please, don't take your eyes off her." I pleaded. "Beau, I'm coming over right now."

"I won't. I promise," she assured me.

As soon as she said that, I stood up and rushed to grab my bag. I already knew where Beau was, since I was the one who assigned her there. And now, I'm incredibly grateful for that—because she found Gwen there.

I believe this is God's way of bringing Gwen back into our lives. I'm not the most religious person, but God, thank you so damn much. I'm sorry for cursing—I'm just so happy, I can't help it.

"Call Anton and prepare the chopper. We're flying to Samar ASAP," I ordered the staff waiting outside my home office.

As I was heading down the stairs, I saw Saphire holding a glass of milk.

"Tita Een, are you okay? Were you crying?" she quickly approached me with a worried expression.

I smiled gently at her, unable to stop the tears from falling again. These were happy tears—because finally, we found her sister.

"I-I'm more than okay, sweetheart," I replied as I wiped my tears.

She looked at me, confused. "Then why are you crying?"

"I'm just so happy."

She tilted her head to the side and furrowed her brows—something I found undeniably cute. "I'm glad you're happy, Tita Een," she said, flashing a genuine smile.

Ever since Gwen went missing, I seemed to have forgotten how to be truly happy. It felt like she took all my happiness with her. Don't get me wrong—I'm happy when I'm with the twins. They're the reason I've managed to stay strong. I don't want Gwen to worry about them when she comes back.
But even so, I know that happiness isn't truly genuine.

I could tell the twins were slowly losing hope that their sister was still alive. I couldn't blame them—they're still children. It's easy for them to be swayed by rumors and news. Especially Cassia, who still barely talks to anyone since her sister disappeared. We're lucky she still communicates with us at all. She's become more protective—especially of Saphire. Even at such a young age, she asked me to teach her how to protect herself. So I hired someone to train her. I even let her hold a gun—only for protection. And in my defense, she asked for it.

I just hope Gwen won't kill me when she finds out. But I couldn't say no when Cassia begged me that day. I knew it was the only way to ease even a fraction of the pain she was carrying.

"Your Majesty, the chopper is ready." I was snapped out of my thoughts when Anton suddenly spoke from behind me.

I nodded. "Go ahead. I'll follow shortly."

"Yes, Your Majesty," he replied quickly before heading out of the mansion.

"You're going somewhere?"

Sadness and worry were clear in Saphire's voice. She still wasn't used to me going out at night—understandable, considering the trauma she'd experienced from the incident three years ago.

I smiled. "I'll be back tomorrow," I said, not telling her that her sister was alive. I wanted it to be a surprise—for both her and Cassia.

And just like that, the anticipation was killing me.

I can't wait to see them reunited again.

"Promise me you'll take care, Tita Een."

I kissed her forehead before hugging her. "I promise," I said as I pulled away. "For now, I want you to sleep in your twin's room, okay?"

She nodded. "I love you, Tita Een."

"I love you more, sweetheart," I replied, deciding to walk her to Cassia's room.

I gently knocked on the door, and after a few moments, it opened to reveal Cassia, freshly showered and looking at me and Saphire with a confused expression.

"Yes, Tita Een?" she asked.

"Can Saphire sleep with you tonight? I have somewhere important to go," I told her with a soft smile.

"Of course. Come in, Saph," she said, smiling at her sister.

Saphire immediately walked in and kissed her sister on the cheek.
I love how much they love and protect each other.

"Please take care of yourself, Tita Een. I don't want to lose you too," Cassia said, worry evident in her voice.

I kissed her forehead and hugged her. "I will, I promise," I said, pulling away. "Look after your sister and yourself, okay?"

"Yes, boss!" she said cheerfully.

I just smiled and said goodbye to the two of them. I reminded them to lock their room and only open the door when they hear me, Yeen, or either Shantelle or Saryia knocking. It's not that I don't trust my bodyguards or the maids in the house, it's just... what happened before was traumatizing.

As I headed down the stairs, I immediately called Yeen.

"Hello," she greeted right away.

"I'm leaving now. Can you come over and look after the twins?"

"Okay. Where are you going anyway?" she asked. "And why do you sound so happy?" she added.

I smiled, even though she couldn't see it. "It's a surprise for now."

"Fine, fine. I'll just wait for Shantelle to finish her bath and we'll head there together."

"Alright. Bye. I love you."

"Take care, I love you more," she replied. "Don't you dare go on dates! I only want Yve for you!" she added before hanging up.

I shook my head while putting my phone into my bag.
She's so loyal to Gwen—it's not like I plan on letting Gwen go. That's never going to happen.

Me, Yeen, my friends, and Gwen's friends—we all know she's still alive. We can feel it. We never lost hope. That's why, even with our busy schedules, we all searched for Gwen in our own ways.
It just took a while because we didn't want to involve the media or offer a reward for any leads—it could've put her in even more danger.

Especially since there are still people out there who hate me—and might use Gwen to get revenge. I don't want anyone I love to get caught in the crossfire ever again.

And finally... Beau found her.

I can't wait to finally hold her in my arms and tell her what I really feel. I don't want to waste any more time.

I want her to be mine.