The Prince of Goara

Chapter Two

As time passes, the coronation day was getting nearer and nearer.

Everyone was so excited while I was getting anxious about what I feel.

" Hey, ready to give praises to your new king? " Noeru mockingly said while we were analyzing and trying to solve big problems that Goara might face. This is the last challenge that we have to pass 'til the new king will be crowned.

" You wish. " I said and focused on solving the problem in front of me.

" We can do that. "

"Nope. "

" What? Why?! "

" You have to find the answer. "

" This is so hard! "

Everyone was blown when Aesoree walked out.

" Princes, I'm glad about the result. All of you passed the last test except for Prince Aesoree. Whoever the new king would be, I wish that he will be the good king our world needs. "

After a long exhausting day, the moon finally rises and the sun bids its goodbye. These past few days, I was having trouble sleeping. It's getting hard to rest. There are many things in my mind that I keep thinking about every single night and it keeps me awake.

Few days passed and everybody was getting busy preparing for the coronation day. I just hope that whoever among us will be crowned is the deserving one. The one who cares about the people, the one that will serve the people fairly and honestly, the one.

" So what're your plans after? " Demitri suddenly asked. We stand in front of the people while the second prince was speaking and all of us here are waiting to know who will be the next king.

" I don't know. If I will be crowned today then this day will be the start of my service for the people, but if---" Demitri halted me.

" You'll surely be crowned later. I have a strong feeling about it. " He smilingly said which gives me confidence. He looks so happy like he already knows the aftermath of all these things.

" You think so? " I nervously asked. I can say that I'm still hoping to be the new king. I can feel the urge to serve the people and to be the leader that they've longed for, I want to be the leader that they deserve. I want to hear no more cries, no more tears, no more hunger, no more pain, and no more fight. They deserve fair justice and equality.

" I think so. " He looked me in the eyes and gave me an encouraging smile. I am so glad that I have a brother like him. Sometimes, we're having small fights but we always support each other. The past few days, I realized that I am so lucky to have a brother. He's a friend, a giver, an ally, a motivator, and a secret keeper. He's someone that I must protect but he's also someone that would defend me no matter what. He's someone that I should take care of, but he's also someone that I can lean on.

" I know you'll make it. Make me proud, son. " My father flashed a reassuring smile and fixed the collar of my suit.

" You'll still be my dear son whatever happens. " My mother said and embraced me.

" It must be you! " A servant cheerfully said. He's been a bit close to me since the day that I started living here. He's a friend actually but a servant must be a servant to a prince so we can't be so close to each other. But still, I'm fond of him. Life status should not matter when it comes to friendship tho'.

There are lots of people that greeted me earlier and showed their support. They told me that they're also hoping that I will be crowned.

I hope so.

People were cheering.

Loud praises.

Applause.

I looked at my father. He seemed to be disappointed. He turned away and walked out.

I looked at my brother who was standing next to me, he smiled weakly at me and gave me the we-have-to-accept-it look.

I turned my gaze at my mother, she's worried.

I looked at those people that cheered me earlier, all I can see is disappointment.

All along, I wasn't enough. I shouldn't have expected too much. I'm the one that knows myself more than anyone so I should've known. I didn't make it. I failed. I messed up. That dream will never come true. I'm not the one.

" The new king of Goara, King Noeru Lewis! "

It echoed in my mind. All I can hear are those words. Their disappointed faces flashed in my mind over and over again. And that moment my father turned away, it's making me anxious.

" Hey, son. It's all right. Just wait until he accepts it. It won't take much time. " Mom said and tried to comfort me with her words.

Still, I don't have the guts to face him yet. I'm his oldest, but I failed him. I disappointed him.

" Will we go back to Honesty? " Demitri asked our mother.

" I haven't talked to your father about that. " Mom replied.

" I'll get going. " I said. My mom kissed my forehead and Demitri tapped my shoulder.

I thought about this overnight. I'm leaving, for good. It's for the best. I decided not to tell anyone about this because I wanna clear my mind and feel better. I've packed my things up at dawn because I was also expecting this and I already planned this.

I'm going South, I surely am a stranger there. I've never been there before and I hope I'm unknown there.

After a week...

I spent 6 days on my way here. I've met different people on my journey and I am enjoying this. I am not running away because I lost, I just want to go to a battle where I will make sure that I will win.

" 7 pieces of bread and 3 bottles of water. " I told the old man selling bread. I was about to get my food after I gave the money but a young boy snatched it and ran away.

I ran after him. And in a few minutes of chasing, I finally stopped him. I looked at the young boy and he was frightened, he was afraid. He also seemed very tired and hungry. I smiled at him and say...

" Are you hungry? " I asked him. He looked at me with a trace of confusion in his eyes. He wondered why I asked him that question and so it brightened up his face.

" Y-yes. "

" So am I. " I snatched back my foods. " BUT since we're both hungry, maybe we can share? "

He immediately shook his head and looked down.

" Feed my sister, instead. " It pierced my heart when he said those words.

After I fed the two kids, I continued walking around looking for a place to stay because it was getting dark. As I was wondering, a man was rushing so he bumped into a woman. She fell on her knees so I helped her.

She then thanked me.

" I've never met you before, " The old woman said.

" Oh, yeah. I'm a newcomer here. " I replied as I gave her things. " May I escort you to your place, 'cause it looks like you have a lot of things to carry " I offered.

"Oh, thank you. "

I helped her carry her things and she said that she just bought her food and her needs.

" Thanks a lot, son. " I was stunned by her calling me ' son ', how I miss my mother." How can I repay you . . . . . ?"

"O-oh, I'm Xavier. " I answered. " You don't have to repay me, ma'am. " I smiled.

" Are you sure? " She asked. " Don't you need anything? "

"No—I mean I was looking for a place to stay—

"Oh, sure. " She immediately said.

" You're much welcome here. "

The Next day . . . . . . . .

I woke up barefaced then I stood up. It was a good place to stay, honestly. Not big but it's comfy here. I know I'll get used to it.

" Oh, Xavier, you're awake. " Ms. Bolivia said when she saw me while she was preparing foods on the table.

" Uh, yeah. I'll leave later after I get ready. "

I answered and I walked back to my room. I'm planning to go to the town and explore to learn their culture here.

After I got ready, I walked outside and saw Ms. Bolivia waiting in the Dining area.

" Ms. Bolivia, I'll go now. I'll be back later at night. " I smiled.

" Wait. You haven't eaten anything yet " She worriedly said.

" No, it's okay. I'm good, thank you, Ma'am. "

" Are you sure? " She asked.

" Yes, Ma'am. " I assured her.

" Okay, then just take this one. I packed it for you. " She said and handed me a packed food. I was moved by that gesture. She was just like my mom.

" Take it, son. " She compelled so I took the food and left.

I went to the place where I left the two kids yesterday to bring them some food again.

When I got there, I didn't see them. Did they go anywhere? I continued walking, hoping that I would see them.

" Stop, please! " I heard loud noises near a crowded place. It sounded like a little kid begging someone to stop. I could not bear to ignore it so I walked towards them. I was shocked when I saw the kid being hit by a man while his little sister is begging the man to stop. I rushed to them and halted the man from hitting the kids. They hid behind my back when they saw me.

" Why are you hurting these two kids?! " I asked angrily.

" WHO ARE YOU?! " He shouted.

" Mister, let's talk this out," I said, trying to calm him. I looked around. Everyone was just watching. I looked back at the man.

" We met again, may I know your names? " The two kids were both looking down. The little boy was hugging his little sister, he never fails to protect her at all times and at all cost. " C'mon, I won't hurt the two of you. Hmm? "

" I'm Crimson " The little boy looked at me with his gray-colored eyes then he turned his eyes on his sister " She's Amber. "

" I'm Xavier, would you mind if I invite you both to my place? " I asked then he looked at me again like he heard an unknown word from me.

" Really? " He asked teary-eyed.

" Is it good? " Crimson and Amber are enjoying the food that Mrs. Bolivia prepared for them. I brought them here 'cause Amber was almost going to faint out of hunger. Their parents died 2 years ago and there's no one to take care of them.

They're lovely kids.

" Mister, your kind gesture will never be forgotten " Crimson replied with thankful eyes. Ms. Bolivia gazed at me and smiled.

We were just chatting about each other all through the day.

Time passed and it's already late at night. I decided to harbor the two kids since they told us that they were abandoned by their relatives ever since their parents died.

" Surely, he'll die in this " Noeru said with an evil smile that betrays all innocence. The palace woman gave my father a red wine.

Few seconds after my father drank the wine, he choked and screamed for help but no one was in the room aside from Noeru and the palace woman.

Tears come running from my eyes as I watch my father die. I wasn't able to move. I wasn't able to do anything. I wasn't able to help him.

Noeru glared at me and later on flashed a cruel smile imprinted on his lips.

I screamed and cursed him but he just howled with horrifying laughter.

I opened my eyes as I was feeling hot and sweat was running down my face. I woke up from a nightmare. It was terrifying. I could not bear to close my eyes cuz I can see Noeru's face flashing in my mind.

I heard a little knock on my door so I stood up and opened it.

" Morning, Mister Xavier. M-mom Bolivia wants you to join us downstairs. " Crimson greeted. He scratches the back of his head.

" How was your sleep, Amber? " I greeted the little girl.

" I slept tight, Mister Xavier. " She answered with a sweet smile planted on lips. I patted her head and sat on the chair. I looked at Mrs. Bolivia and smiled.

" Thank you for letting the kids stay. " I thanked her.

" No problem, son. I'm much more thankful cuz I'm not alone anymore. " Mrs. Bolivia told.

We ate together and then I decided to go out and find a job.

I left the kids at home with Mrs. Bolivia cuz she said she was fine with it. I was walking down the street when a man bumped unto me and we both ended up falling on the ground but he managed to get up quickly and ran as fast as he could, I also stood up.

BOOGSH.

A basin hit my head and I almost fell off my knees. I looked back and saw the old man who threw the basin at me. He came running towards me and asked if I'm alright.

I'm sitting next to the old man who threw the basin at me right now inside his pizzeria. Turns out, it was meant for the guy who bumped unto me a while ago—his grandson. He accidentally burned the pizza he was baking that's why he was running.

The old man was pizzaiolo.

"Where're his parents? " I asked and took a sip on my orange juice. He was silent for a couple of minutes.

" My grandson and I are the only ones together in life. " He answered and continued baking the pizza.

" O-oh, okay. "

" How about you? " He asked without even throwing a glance at me. " Where is your family? "

" They're in the pa—I...I mean, they're in our...house " I stuttered. I almost spilled my secret. He gazed at me. Did he...happen to hear that? I can feel my face sweating. " W-why? "

" What's your name again? " He asked with a fixed look. When he noticed that I was just staring at him he averted his gaze to the pizza he's baking. "It's just that I don't recognize your face. You know, I haven't seen you before. I've lived here for such years and I suppose that I've met everyone who is living here so I know when there are new faces. "

" O-oh, right. I-I'm Xavier. " I answered. I'm wondering if I should say my last name. " Xavier Wyatt "

" Nice name. "

" How about yours, Mister? " I asked in return. He finished the pizza he was baking and served it at our table. He closed his pizzeria a little while ago. He sat in front of me.

" I'm Desmond. Desmond Acker. " He offered his hand. We shook hands. Someone came in and it was his grandson—the one who bumped unto me moments ago. " And that stubborn child...is Greysen. "

He looked at us shyly.

" Who is...that guy? " He mumbled to his grandfather. He received a strike on the nape.

" Do you think I won't hit you now because we have a visitor, huh?! " He continued s******g Greysen and I can't help but chuckle. They're funny. I wonder what kind of grandfather my grandpa was. Maybe he's more serious than my father.

When they heard my chuckles, they stopped and stared at me. I stopped laughing.

" Sorry about that, Xavier. " Desmond apologized. I smiled and said it was fine.

" So, your name is Xavier? " Greysen asked and sat beside me.

" Y-yeah. Nice meeting you, Greysen. " I said. He stared at me and later on burst out of laughter.

" I'm sorry, haha. Our first meeting earlier was a....crap. " And he chuckled.

" It's fine. "

" By the by, what are you doing here? You seemed to be looking for something earlier. " Desmond asked.

" Right, I was looking for a job so I should go now. " I answered.

" Wait. " Desmond halted me. " A job you say? Well, do you accept any job? I need a new staff here in my pizzeria cuz this child is just stubborn. " Referring to Greysen.

" Really? " He nodded. " Sure, Sir. "

" You in? "

I nodded excitedly.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

" Here's my payment for our stay in your house. " I handed the payment to Mrs. Bolivia.

" Are you sure about this? You can pay when you have enough money. " She said.

" Yes, ma'am. I'll be working starting tomorrow and I'll have my money so it's alright. " I answered and smiled. " Anyway, I just want to thank you for taking care of the kids while I'm outside. "

" It's fine, son. I like spending time with kids. " She smiled. I'm about to go upstairs but Mrs. Bolivia halted me.

" Yes...? "

" Won't you eat dinner? " She asked. She's just really like my mother. I smiled and shook my head.

I went up to my room and rested.

A few moments after, I fell into a deep sleep.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

" Best morning, Mr. Xavier! "

The bright face of Amber greeted my eyes. I smiled and looked around. I saw Crimson on the other side holding a piece of paper with drawings. I got up and sat on my bed. I greeted the two kids and caressed their heads.

" Uhm, Mr. Xavier..." Crimson handed over the paper to Amber. " I made this! This is me, my brother, Mom Bolivia, and Mr. Xavier! This is our family! " She shows me her drawing.

I smiled at her.

" Really? This is our family? " I asked her. There was excitement and joy in her eyes right now and with every word she says, you can see the sincerity and innocence in her eyes.

I don't know how those people could be so harsh to these innocent and lovely kids.

" Y-yeah! You are our family now! " She said with glimmering eyes. You wouldn't know what these kids have gone through without looking into their precious eyes.

" If that's the case, then you should call me ' Big Bro '! " I claimed and flashed a blissful smile. She was pretty excited and happy to hear that.

" R-really? " She asked with amazement in her eyes. I gave her a reassuring smile and nodded.

" B-big bro! " She chuckled.

" Xavier, won't you eat your breakfast first before you go? " Mrs. Bolivia asked when I was about to go. I shook my head and was about to go but Crimson halted me.

He handed me a packed food.

" Please take this and don't skip your meal.....Big bro! " He shyly said while looking down. I smiled and rubbed his hair.

" Good day, Sir Desmond! " I greeted. They're already making pizzas.

" Oh, you're finally here, mate! " Greysen greeted and walked with me. " I'll be teaching you. "

" Teach him stubbornness? " Desmond replied while kneading the pizza dough. " Go do your work and shush your mouth. " He added.

Greysen rolled his eyes and smiled at me before going back to his work.

Desmond taught me how to make dough on my first day. It wasn't that easy at first but I managed to handle it afterward.

Hours had passed and it was fun yet exhausting at the same time. We've made lots of pizzas today. The pizzeria finally closed so I went home with a large-sized pizza for the kids and Mrs. Bolivia.

It was tiring because there are lots of orders and it's a bit hot in the pizzeria especially in the kitchen. Many customers asked who I am cuz they haven't seen me before.

Crimson and Amber were so happy when I got home.

A FEW MONTHS AFTER.

" Good day, Adira! " I greeted her and smiled but instead of greeting back, she just rolled her eyes and went straight to the kitchen. Such an ill-tempered brat.

Adira is Greysen's best friend.

" We were nine years old when we first met each other. Since then, we've been best friends, and no one can ever break our friendship. I've known her for so long that even my grandpa knows her and treats her as a granddaughter. We do not know where she came from cuz every time I ask her, she just says that she's from a faraway place but we fully trust her. She's very kind and thoughtful yet a bit daring, stiff and aggressive, but I understand since she's alone in life she needs to be protective of herself. "

That was what Greysen told me last time.

" Tss, want me to take off your eyes? " Adira said arrogantly. Tsk, kind and thoughtful? I don't think so. She's pretty but she's ill-tempered when it comes to me. She raised one eyebrow while scanning my face. I didn't notice that I was staring at her.

I avoided eye contact with her and turned my gaze at the dough I'm kneading.

It was a tough noon. Adira and Grey are so loud and they keep on talking and talking.

We closed the pizzeria for an hour so we could take a break.

Desmond is taking a nap in the serving area while the two are playing there.

I'm in the kitchen and was about to drink water when someone talked.

" Time flies so fast. " It was Adira.

" H-huh? "

" I still can't believe you. " She shrugged with no trace of emotion on her face. " You're more like a girl than me. " She flashed a dominant smile.

I smirked in return and put down the water. She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. Her signature look whenever she's talking to me.

I took a step forward keeping the smirk on my face that makes her confused.

" I... " I started and stepped forward again.

I can feel her nervousness.

" W-what are you d-doing?! " She stuttered.

" am... " I stepped forward and inched our gap.

" a man. " I muttered and placed my left arm beside her head.

" Do you want a proof? " I mumbled on her ear. I inched the gap of our face and my nose is touching hers. I can feel her breath.

" W-what? " She gulped. I looked at her face for a moment and burst out laughing.

Her face was so funny. She was like a daring dragon who turned into barney.

I turned away and drank a cup of water. She was left speechless.

THIRD PERSON'S POV.

A lady was sitting under a maple tree. A man hiding his face walked towards the lady and sat beside her.

" You okay? " The man asked while the lady is still staring at nowhere.

" I don't think I'll ever be okay again. " The lady answered. Tears were forming in her eyes.

The man tapped her back and embraced her.

" Whatever it is, I promise, you'll be okay someday. " The man caressed her and hugged her tight as her tears fell on her cheeks.

They did not talk for a couple of minutes and savored the moment.

The lady stood firm when she realized what they were doing.

" What's the matter, Aila? " The man stood up. He looked around and turned his gaze on her when he sees no one around them aside from his guard who is also his closest friend. The lady named ' Aila ' wiped off her tears and flashed a weak smile.

" You know what it is, Noeru. " She answered while looking down and keeping their distance.

" W-what? I...don't get you, Aila. " He confusedly said.

" We can't do things we used to do before. We can't even be friends anymore. You can't just hug me, sat beside me, and talk to me, Noeru. Y-you're a king now, i-its—"

"It's okay! There's nothing wrong with that, Aila! I'm still the same as before. I'm still the Noeru who used to protect you, who used to stand by your side, who you used to lean on, who is still your best friend. I'm still your friend. I'm just a king now but I'm still who I was before. " He frustratedly babbled. He breathes heavily.

They've been arguing for such months about that same thing every time they see each other.

" You're not just a king, Noeru! You are a king! And who am I? I-I'm just an ordinary person, a low-class person. " She appealed.

" I'm a king, and you are not just an ordinary person! "

" Then what do you call people like me?! " She argued.

" You're not just an ordinary person to me because you are the woman I love! " Noeru grumbled. He gasped when he realized he just confessed to his best friend. He looked at her and she was flabbergasted by the sudden confession.

Noeru didn't plan to confess but he just spilled it out of frustration.

He walked away.

Aila was left dumbfounded. She never expected that her best friend would like her. They always treat each other like siblings and she felt like she has been a good sister to Noeru because she didn't have the chance to be a great sister to her sibling.

" You are the woman I love! " It echoed in her mind. It was repeated again and again until a teardrop has fallen from her eyes.

She cried. She cried 'til the evening until she got tired and fell asleep. She thought about it overnight and all the possibilities.

She has a boyfriend and she never told that to Noeru. She was always waiting for the right time to tell him but there's always a problem going on Noeru so she couldn't tell him cuz she doesn't want to cause him anything in mind anymore.

Now that he confessed his real feelings for her, Aila got scared of telling him that she's in a relationship already because she knows that it will hurt his feelings.

They've been protecting each other since day one. They treat each other as siblings that's why she never thought that Noeru would even like her. She sees him as a brother and she never had feelings for him.

She doesn't want to hurt Noeru by telling him that she's in a relationship already. She has always been his shoulder to cry on and she knows the pain seeing his best friend being hurt. She doesn't want to be the cause of his tears.

Noeru was looking far away thinking and over analyzing what he did.

He doesn't want to tell her yet but he just confessed out of frustration.

Sweat runs down his face even though the cold breeze is touching his skin. He regrets everything. He regrets that he got carried away and didn't even think of it. He regrets because he knows that it's not the right time to confess what he truly feels for his best friend.

At the same time, he's thankful. He's thankful because he finally said what he has been keeping for a long time.

He's thankful but also afraid of what may happen next. He knows that she doesn't feel the same way as he does.

He thought that Aila might avoid him after that. He's afraid of what could be the consequences of it. He's always scared to turn their friendship into a relationship cuz he might lose both. It brought chills to him and started sweating again.

What if Aila will not talk to him again? It caused him pain and his tears started falling. He loves Aila so much to the point that he would do anything for her, even if he needs to kill someone just to protect his best friend.

He tried to calm his self and then wiped off his tears. He went inside and slept.

He was so tired that's why he went to Aila earlier. He was so stressed out and he knows that Aila is his comfort.

But now, he had more problem.

He closed his eyes and thought of the image of her--smiling widely while looking at him.

He is so in love with her.

He whispered before he finally fell asleep.

" I love you "