MADOLIKA (Completed)

IRIS AND HANS

Hans was coming to the palace to see his sister. He had taken after his father and was studying to become a businessman but he took time out of his schedule to come to visit his sister for a while. Hearing Hans was coming, Keia got excited and put on her best clothes.

Hans came earlier than he was reported to arrive. He wanted to surprise his sister. When he arrived, he lost his way since he didn’t bring his accompaniment in order to avoid attention but only brought his strongest guard who he parted ways with, since the palace was known to be very safe. He ended up in a garden and saw someone plucking flowers for a bouquet. He plucked a rose and tapped her on the shoulder from behind. Iris turned around, startled by the man that stood before her. He handed her a rose. “Like this delicate rose, your beauty has enchanted me. Hello” He said but she looked uncomfortable. “What do you want?” She asked, alarmed. “I just wanted to say hi” He said. “Really?” She asked, a smile on her face. “Yes of course” Hans responded, almost laughing, surprised by her sudden change in emotion, realizing he wanted to say hi. He didn’t want to ruin the mood so he decided to not ask her for directions which was his initial intention for approaching her.

“What’re you doing?” He asked. “Gathering flowers” Iris said. “These flowers are so privileged to be your pick. That’s something humans could only wish for” He said and got her blushing. “My, my, no one has praised me this much” Iris said, laughing. “Why? Aren’t you a princess? I mean, you look the part” He said. “I am a princess by name, just not treated as one” She said, fighting the urge to break down. “How about I be your prince charming for a change. I’ll treat you like one whenever I have the chance” Hans said and bowed his head to her. He was about to leave when she stopped him. “Wait, would you like to help me pick out flowers? I’m having trouble choosing. I need another head” She said. “At your service, my princess” He said and walked around with her in the garden to pick the flowers. Was this love at first sight? Maybe not, but they definitely had a deep connection.

After they had gathered their flowers, Hans took out a silver hairpin and put it in her hair. “I always give gifts to people if they make a significant impression on me as the first people I meet in a new environment. This is my first time actually being within the walls of the palace. I hope you accept this token of appreciation” He said. She nodded and he smiled. She looked much more beautiful with the silver hairpin. He left in search of where to go next.

He found his way eventually with the help of a maid and went to see his sister. She ran to hug him. She hadn’t seen him in a few years. “I thought you’d be coming later” She said excitedly. “I missed you so much and couldn’t wait” He said and took a seat. “So, what did you bring me?” She asked him. “It’ll arrive soon” He said to her, getting her more excited as she wondered what kind of presents he was going to bring to her. She thought ‘jewelry? Skin care products?’
After seeing her, Hans went to see his best friend from back in school, Sky. They spoke about their old times since they hadn’t been in touch for a while.

They were two of some of the most popular guys back in school. One being the best with physical skills and the other with mental. They were both geniuses that many envied and they knew it. They were also the most troublesome ones in the name of “having fun”. Their free spirited lifestyle, however, made them the talk of the school so they were always popular for their talent and mischief. “It’s so nice to see you again” Hans said, and hugged Sky. “Where have you been? The palace was driving me crazy here” Sky said to Hans. “Your palace looks beautiful” Hans said and winked at Sky. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Sky asked, suspicious. “I met one of your sisters. She's lovely” He said with a smile. “You definitely didn’t meet Keia then. Do you want to cause trouble for my sisters?” Sky said playfully. “Women get jealous over everything. I can’t help it, I’m too charming” Hans said, running his hand through his hair and they both burst into laughter.

They both went horse riding shortly after. When Keia heard about Hans' arrival, she went to the entrance of the royal stables, with an armor to present to him. When Hans and Sky got back and we're leaving the stables, they held their laughter because they knew the princesses were going to make a fool of themselves out of desperation for his attention but they were still surprised about how quickly it had began. When he got off his horse, she came up to him and greeted him. “Hello, princess…” He said. “I’m Keia” She said and curtseyed. She began bragging about the origin of the armor she had brought him and how valuable it was. Just then, Sky sneaked away from their midst, not wanting to be dragged into whatever girl drama Hans was about to get into. As she was speaking, Hans saw, behind her, Iris, looking through the bushes. She seemed to be desperately searching for something and Hans was distracted.

“Hans?” Keia said. “Oh, yes. Thank you so much for the gift, your highness, however, I’m sorry, I can’t accept this because I don’t think I’ll ever need it as my forte is in business and not warfare” He said, curtseyed and walked past her, without listening further to what she had to say. She turned around and watched him walk away but didn’t notice Iris since her eyes were super fixated on Hans. She had always had a crush on him, and fell in love after he saved her from drowning one day. She vowed to marry him because she believed her first kiss was going to be her prince. Hans suddenly stopped walking and tapped Iris on the shoulder, then slid to the other side. Keia was shocked at the sight.
Iris turned to the side and saw no one there, then she turned sharply to the other side, her hair running into Hans' face. She didn’t like surprises but Hans was a prankster and surprised reactions made him happy, also, he had a cute smile. “Why did you do that?” Iris scolded him even as she laughed. “You seemed serious” He said. “I lost my head dress while trying to help out an entangled bird” She said, pouting. “I’ll help you” He said and they both looked through the bushes. He found the head dress and put it on Iris. “You look stunning” He said. “Keep your tongue to yourself” She said cheekily at his compliments “Can I walk with you?” Hans asked. “But I’m going for an etiquette class with my madam” She said. “Can I still tag along? I want to learn how to sip tea gracefully” He said and she let out a snort, covering her mouth, realizing she could’ve looked ugly laughing so loud.