Chapter 3: When The Flowers Bloom In Summer

Palace Rooftop Garden

"Didn't I warn you again and again to be a proper lady in front of any man?", Xyra flicked Iris' head. Saphira laughed. "But he's your man and not mine. Why do I have to please him?", Iris stuck her tongue out. "Princess, you should help your sister make a good impression on his husband", they heard a familiar voice. "We're back, Harvey!", Saphira and Iris hung around his arms.

"Harvey, Sis Xyra brought you another book. She's excited to give you the book this morning", Iris blurted out. Saphira elbowed her sister getting the hint that Xyra doesn't want Harvey to know. "We'll be playing on this side", Saphira gave them a little space.

Harvey and Xyra were left alone sitting on the rocks. "Father told me that hyacinth means sincerity", Harvey pointed at the flowers planted at the side. "Come to think of it, Prince Thirion had been sending a lot lately", Xyra noticed. "You're really getting dumber to realize", Harvey chuckled. "Sorry. I haven't studied for quite some time because I need to tour a spoiled prince around", Xyra pouted. "He's such a gentleman. I can't see any reasons for you not to get along together", Harvey leaned forward. Xyra passed a book to the redhead. "Don't forget to visit me", Xyra flushed. "Happy 20th Birthday, Harvey", Xyra smiled.

"The Head Maid told me that you've been skipping breakfast. That's not good for you", Harvey patted the Princess' head. "Harvey, can you at least eat breakfast with me until I go?", Xyra asked. "Then, It'll be harder to see you off if that's the case", Harvey had a painful laugh. They heard someone's footsteps. "Xyra, I was wondering if we could practice for the dance again", Thirion scratched his nape. "You're so hopeless", Xyra pouted then stood up. "See you tomorrow", Xyra waved at Harvey.

Harvey watched the lady walk with another man. It was just like years ago when he taught her to dance properly. She fell on her butt a couple of times. Harvey laughed at the flashbacks. "Then, are you also going to play the violin at her wedding?", Iris asked. Saphira knocked her sister's head. "You're really clueless, aren't you?", Saphira sighed. "I sure will", Harvey answered.

Wedding Day

"Let the peace of two kingdoms be bounded by two hearts", the priest announced. The King cried and used a lot of handkerchiefs. "Your Highness, what's making you cry a lot?", Harvey who was standing behind him asked. "My beloved daughter who is so aloof about weddings is finally getting married. Next will be my Iris and Saphira. And I'll be alone!!!", Victor sniffed. "You're pitiful to look at, Your Highness", the royal guards sighed. "I bet brother will visit you once you're old and grey", Iris chuckled. Victor looked at Iris with puppy eyes. "You promised me right, you won't get married", Victor begged Iris.

Everyone in the Kingdom is rejoicing except for one soul. Saphira followed the guy as he roam around the library. "I knew you'd be sulking like this", Harvey heard a familiar voice. "Princess, why are you here?", Harvey looked down at a cute princess. "Are you sure it will end like this?", Saphira asked. "Hmm? What are you talking about?", Harvey asked. "You like my sister, right?", Saphira said straightforwardly.

After the Ceremony

5th Princess Room

"You're leaving too. That means I don't have someone to annoy", Iris sat on her bed. "Yeah, you can do whatever you want. There'll be no one to scold you every time you're wrong", Xyra sighed. "But that's a bit of sad", Iris bit her lip. "I'm going to change. Can you ask Head Maid to prepare my things?", Xyra asked. "Are you going to let it be like that?", Iris had a serious tone. "Harvey told me that you were beautiful today. Aren't you going to thank him for everything he's done?", Iris asked. "No need", Xyra combed her hair and removed the hairpins. "I heard that he's also fixing your favorite books", Iris left the room and placed a hyacinth on the bed.

Library

Xyra is still in her wedding dress. She ran towards the Library with the Hyacinth bouquet in her hand. She was panting as she held on to the door. She opened it and saw Harvey. Her eyes became teary then ran to hug Harvey. "What's with the Hyacinth", Harvey asked. "I want to tell you that I'm grateful for everything that you've done for me. If only I wasn't a princess, if only...", Xyra gripped his shirt and dropped the flower. "I wouldn't prefer that. In that case, we'd have to repeat another lifetime to meet. Dry your tears princess", Harvey slowly pushed Xyra away. "You will always be the Xyra who's not honest with her feelings", Harvey chuckled.

"But today, I can see your sincerity. Raise your head princess and dream higher", Harvey bowed very low to hide his tears. "I, 5th Princess, Xyra Thalmes, am appointing Harvey Stanley as the official Royal Tutor of the next generation of prince and princess", Xyra stood firm while wiping her tears.

Till we meet again.

"I love you, Princess", Harvey stood straight. "It's getting late", Harvey pushed her out. After a while, sobs can be heard all around the library.

That was the first felt that love can be that painful

-Iris-

7 years after

"I'm home", the eldest Thalmes Prince arrived.

"It's you right? I'm not having an illusion", The King met with him at the entrance. "Reinard, you've grown", Victor patted his shoulder. "Where is Amelia and Xyra?", Reinard asked. "They're already married. That's what you get for not visiting", Victor pouted. Reinard turned into stone. He's already 28 and he's still single. "Am I really that ugly?", he self-pitied. Two outstanding ladies stood behind Victor. "Oh. Right. These are your sisters, Iris and Saphira", Victor introduced.

Saphira hesitated to move closer to him but Iris already hugged him tightly. "Oh, You've got stern muscles. Let's go have a wrestle", Iris dragged him to the training ground. "Nice to meet you but I'm not sure why I am here", Reinard sweatdropped. "I'm getting old and Iris doesn't have a playmate. Harvey, he also left the palace", Victor and Saphira followed them. "Hey, Brother. Don't tell me that you're scared?", Iris challenged. She rushed to wrestle with his brother. Instinctually next King grabbed her arms and then threw her on the ground. "I'm sorry", Reinard apologized and panicked. "That was...", Iris was frozen on the ground. "Amazing!!! Let's do it again", she stood up.

"The princess must have hit her head", Reinard looked at the King. "That's enough Iris. Your brother needs to rest", Victor put his arm around the prince and led him to the King's Room.

King's Room

"Regarding Miss Valentine, I heard some news of her", Reinard opened and Victor spurted the wine he was drinking in his son's face. "My apologies", he passed a towel. "Seems that he became a concubine at Edo. Father, why don't you reconsider having a treaty with them once again?", Reinard convinced. "Your mother was killed in that place because of the failure I overlooked", Victor gritted his teeth.

Chapter end.