Fate's Mistake

35 - I Love Her

*Joshua's POV*

I watched them ran away with Rei, my beloved.

I gave up on her so she could be happy... but I wish I could have spend my life with her.

"Sire!" I heard Jan running behind me as he yell.

"Yes, Jan?" I said, not paying attention as I thought deeply about things.

"Miss Rei..." he mumbled.

"Call the media, right now. I'm announcing something." I ordered.

"Y-Yes, sir." Jan bowed as he ran back inside.

----

Hours later, we were holding a conference right in front of the palace. A table was set in front of the main entrance of the castle as the three of us, the King, the Queen and I sat.

Each of us had microphones in front of us, reporters had come from all over the world and were asking the same questions.

'Why were pirates in Dres Van?'

The buzzing and noise died down as I stood up and stared at them as I prepared my speech.

"As a busy person preparing to be a ruler of Dres Van, it has come to my attention that pirates EXIST. The reason of my absence these past months is because my fiance was kidnapped by pirates." I started.

A lot of reporters started questioning me but I stood tall as I continued.

"I honestly did not know that they still exist in the 21st century but It's true, I saw them. I have been on a ship, searching for the future princess of Dres Van the whole time I was gone. I came across a lot of them while on sea." I added. I decided to keep quiet about the islands that weren't on map.

"By the time I returned, we have already found her and is with us. Today, we were attacked by the same pirates that took her." I ignored the noise they were making as I continued. "She was given a choice. To stay or leave with them." I paused.

"She chose to leave and become a pirate like them." I stopped.

The people started gasping and murmuring as the reporters asked questions in a disordered manner.

"One at a time." Jan instructed.

Reporters' hands shot up as they eagerly wanted to ask me some questions.

I pointed to one of them and listened to their questions.

"Your Highness, what will happen to your engagement?"

"The wedding is called off." I replied in a serious tone.

I picked another reporter.

"Sire, may I ask the name of the woman who became a pirate?"

"Her name is Rei Amazaki."

I kept on picking reporters as I finish answering.

"From what noble family is Rei Amazaki?"

"She isn't a noble, she is a commoner." I smiled.

"Your Highness, why didn't you stop Lady Rei from leaving?"

I thought for a second, I could have stopped Rei from leaving but I didn't...

"Because.... I love her." I replied with a meaningful smile. "I want her to follow her dreams."

"His Highness and Majesty will stop answering questions now." Jan said.

I went back inside the palace as the buzzing and gossips died down. I sighed, I need some time for myself. I went to the garden of the palace and walked around. I saw a lady gardening and approached her. She looked up at me which made me surprised.

"C-Claire?" I asked.

"Prince Joshua?" she smiled.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I work as a maid and gardener here now." she grinned. "I hope I get use to Dres Van sooner."

"Yeah, that would be wonderful." I smiled. I haven't been talking to her much ever since Rei came on board the ship.

"Is it okay here?" I asked.

"Yes, it's great, Jan has been helping me with a few things." she smiled happily.

I spend the whole afternoon talking to her as she tend to the garden, it's really relaxing.