Anciently Forbidden

Chapter 19: Is this love?

Driven by that crazy tiny voice in his head, Vince unknowingly took four steps! It was only when he was a step closer to the prince's back that his rationality came back. He immediately stepped back upon realizing his improper action, but this evil thought kept tempting him, telling him that his intention was pure and real. All he wanted was to hug the prince. It wasn't a dishonorable act at all. Upon thinking this, that force in his body seemed to be alive again and strongly urged him to move two steps forward. Looking at the prince's back this close, Vince's desire intensified. He took another step forward, and after a long mental struggle, he slowly lifted his right foot, ready to take the final step, with all determination. Suddenly, Red jumped down from Gorgeous' back and rushed towards the prince. Prince Aiji bent down, picking up the little monkey.

"It's getting dark, Dari, let's go now."

The soft voice entered Vince's ears. Prince Aiji picked up Red and patted the little primate. Then he walked forward without looking back.

"What! Ah... Okay! Let's go now..."

Vince, who was putting all his strength and determination to carry out his unfit but not dishonorable act, was suddenly interrupted. He was disappointed but was also relieved knowing that he didn't do anything malicious.

"You're too lame!" 

That tiny voice in his thought scolded him, but Vince just shook this thought off. The prince was picking up his weapons, so he followed.

It was already nightbreak when they walked towards the hill. It didn't take them too long to reach the place. In the dusk, Vince saw the cheerful princess. Prince Lontoc was also in his best mood greeting them.

"It's good that you came! Come, follow us to our camp." 

Prince Lontoc was glad and led them uphill.

"Brave warrior, come follow me I will lead you the way!" The bratty princess stood opposite Vince, with her mischievous smile.

"Please don't bother little princess, I have my friend and little animals here, we will just follow behind." 

Vince stepped back and caressed Gorgeously.

"Who is the little princess here! I'm old enough to marry!" Princess Lyka protested while pouting her lips.

Vince was speechless, not knowing how to handle little brats, so he chose to remain silent.

"Lyka! Come over here, don't bother our guests." Prince Lontoc called.

The bratty princess moved to his brother's side. 

The group began trekking the bushy hill. Prince Lontoc led the way, holding a torch that was made from dried palm leaves that were bound together. He was followed by the princess and five warriors. Vince and Prince Aiji, with the little animals, followed behind. Three warriors were left to guard the tribe entrance.

Upon reaching the top, Vince saw a flickering flame in the distance.

"That's our camp below. We will go down and we'll be able to reach the camp." Prince Lontoc said.

Vince nodded in response and they started going down. Half an hour later, they reached the camp.

In the bushy valley, Vince saw a well-built hut, illuminated by the flickering flame he saw earlier. The wall was built with evenly cut woods while the roof was made of neatly piled palm leaves. An old man, in his mid-fifties, was squatting near the campfire. He was also dressed in a red coat and pants, but without golden accessories in his body. He looked simple but with a strong and imposing personality. The old man and the surrounding warriors welcomed them.