Author's Pov
The morning sun bathed the garden in soft gold, casting a peaceful glow that barely reflected the underlying chaos of the house's recent drama.
Yoko stepped outside, stretching lazily. Her eyes casually scanned the lawn until they landed on a very specific figure—Faye. The so-called Prince, now crouched in the dirt like an overzealous farmer, sleeves rolled up and hands absolutely caked in mud, was humming while tending to a bed of stubborn little herbs. The sight made Yoko freeze for a second. A smudge of dirt streaked across Faye's jaw, her hair slightly tousled, her entire posture a strange contradiction of masculine charm and childlike goofiness.
Yoko bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from smiling too obviously.
A few meters away, Orm held the garden hose, casually watering a row of roses like it was the most sacred job on Earth. But then—like fate had a wicked sense of timing—she turned slightly and accidentally sprayed Faye's leg.
"AHHH!" Faye shrieked, shooting up like a cat startled by a cucumber. The pitch was far too high for the royal image she was supposed to maintain.
Yoko burst out laughing, unable to stop the gleeful snort that left her. But that momentary amusement backfired when Orm, caught in the laughter herself, twisted the pipe and full-on splashed Faye across the chest with another burst.
That did it.
Faye squinted like a warrior betrayed by her comrade, then slowly—very slowly—stood up, water dripping from her shirt, eyes gleaming with unholy intent.
"You've declared war," she said in a tone far too dramatic for someone covered in basil.
"No, no, I—I was just trying to water the—AAAAH!"
Faye lunged forward like a wild child let loose in a summer camp. Mud and water flew as they chased each other like unhinged teenagers. Faye grabbed a fistful of wet earth and gleefully smeared it across Orm's cheeks.
"THIS IS A CRIME!" Orm cried dramatically. "I HAVE A SKINCARE ROUTINE, YOU MENACE!"
"Call it royal exfoliation!" Faye howled with laughter, grabbing the hose mid-sprint and turning it on full blast.
Orm squealed, attempting to dodge, but Faye caught her by the waist and pulled her back with a triumphant roar. She was wheezing from laughter, absolutely soaked, mud in her hair, and zero dignity left.
"GRANDMOTHER!" Orm shrieked, sounding like a damsel in a Disney movie. "I'M BEING ATTACKED BY A DERANGED PLANT MONSTER!"
Faye was too far gone in laughter to care.
And then it happened.
Faye, still holding onto Orm, turned her head—and locked eyes with Yoko.
Everything stilled.
The hose water still poured. Mud still dripped from Faye's arms. But now, all that existed was that locked gaze.
Yoko's amusement faltered, replaced by something warmer. Or colder. Hotter? Her stomach twisted in confusion. Jealousy?
Faye's smile faltered just slightly, a softness flickering in her eyes.
And at that exact moment, Orm bit Faye's shoulder.
"OW—WHAT THE HELL?!" Faye yelped, jumping and releasing Orm, who triumphantly escaped like a battle-worn squirrel.
Yoko blinked, her spell broken. But her lips twitched at the sight of a dripping, betrayed Faye with a bite mark on her shoulder.
YOU ARE READING
Worst Nightmare
Mystery / Thriller#Fayeyoko... "The hardest battles we fight are often with those we love the most, for in the heart's deepest connections lie both our greatest strength and our deepest wounds." #G!P...
