bring back valko!

You stopped immediately. Eyes wide, you looked for the source. No, because that just made you want to bolt off.

You counted to three in your head, hands gripping your skirt. You ran, startling both birds on your shoulder as you started taking off.

“Oof!” Two pairs of arms caught you. You squirmed, stepping on their feet.

“Ow! Ow! Kieran, hold her tighter.”

“Ow! I’m trying, Luke!”

“Your Highness, we’re under King Sylus’ orders to keep you safe!” The masked man on your right, Luke, exclaimed. “You went too deep into the forest.”

“I did?” You stopped moving, finally feeling your feet back on the ground. 

When did the area get so dark?

You flinched at the rustling bushes. You hadn’t realized you were holding on to one of them until a bunny hopped out. Sighing in relief, you finally took a good look at the two wearing all black.

“Yeah, we’re here to guide you back to the palace. It’ll be sundown any sooner.” The masked man on your left, Kieran, spoke. “We mean no harm, Your Highness.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I hit you earlier. Are you both okay?” If Caleb ever knows you hurt his underlings, you’ll be done for—wait, they said King Sylus.

“We’re fine! We’ve been scratched by a bear before.”

“And a tree almost fell on us, but we’re alive.”

You blinked at these two… guards? Crazy masked guards?

Shaking your head, you started walking back with them. “How are you both under King Sylus’ orders? His Majesty is not even here,” you asked.

You could see them staring at each other before they both looked away. Both of your birds had found their refuge in each of their shoulders. 

The more you looked at them, the more you remembered seeing them before Skye sent them back to the kingdom. 

“Well, we’re his attendants! He sent us back here to guard you.” Luke said. “We arrived this morning. We’ve been keeping an eye on you whenever you go out.”

“Inside is off limits?” you asked just in case.

“Of course. His Majesty’s orders.” Kieran hummed, patting the dove in his hands right now. 

You are weirded out, but then again, it makes sense. As a princess—fake princess—you still should have personal guards. Emcee has Caleb, then you have these twins. Which makes you wonder, where was Caleb when Emcee went missing? 

“We didn’t know Mephisto was with you all this time.” Luke grinned, moving his hands up and down with the crow in his hands. Mephisto stayed still, already used to it.

“...Mephisto?” Your crow has a name. All this time, you’ve been calling them Caw and Coo. Mephisto is much cooler. You should think of a name for your dove.

“This is His Majesty’s bird. He personally took care of Mephi since he got injured.” 

Something doesn’t add up—everything doesn’t. Why would the king’s attendants, even a bird, come to a far neighboring palace when the king stayed in his kingdom? Or were you looking into it too much?

And the crow gave you a bracelet. Does that mean he intended to give it to the princess? 

Skye’s face and his expensive laugh came echoing in your mind. You were suspicious now. “I heard the ambassador is his closest aide. Is that true?”

“Yes, he makes the decisions if His Majesty is not around.”

“Cooo?” Even your dove feels disturbance in the force, head tilted.

“Are you under his decisions or His Majesty?” you asked once more. You swore you could feel them grinning underneath their masks.

“His Majesty’s!” In-sync.

You smiled. Great loyal subjects, you want to pull off your wig. You were sure Skye wasn’t who he is now… how will you confront him with this?

The walk back towards the palace was livelier than your one-sided chatter to your birds. You found out they were twins. Their mannerisms mirrored each other. 

You even forgot how you needed to act like a princess around them. It’s been a while since you laughed that much.

Emcee sure will have it nice if she were to marry the king.

“Did you have a pleasant walk, Your Highness?” 

Ah, speak of the man himself.

The twins had watched you crack your back to be straight after the relaxed posture. They went into place as well, guarding behind you, as if everything snapped back into place—despite the man having seen and heard the three of you being loud from afar.

“Yes, it was pleasant.” You smiled, folding your hands on your skirt. “Your attendants are very accommodating.”

“You will be meeting them more often once you are married.” He chuckled, offering an arm to walk inside the palace. “They are His Majesty’s trusted guards.”

“How about yourself, sir Skye? Will I see you more often as well?” you asked, grabbing his arm. It already falls into place with how frequently you’ve done it—you can’t imagine holding another’s arm now.

“We will see, Your Highness.” A vague answer fell out of your ears.

An ache stung in your chest at the thought of not seeing him anymore—ha, you’ve grown attached to the ambassador. 

Would you miss him when your act is done? No one to link your arm with anymore, talk about random things whilst having tea, listening to his unique humming—you’re definitely going to miss him. 

Quickly shaking your head, what were you thinking? Sure, you were jealous of the princess before, for her state of living with no debts at all—but her duty determined the kingdom’s future.

And you were no princess. You won’t see Skye anymore.

You weren’t ready to go back to your demise. Even with the promise Zayne would pay half of your parents’ debt, you were sure the madam would still add the so-called ‘interest’—and you couldn’t possibly leech off him either.

“Your Highness is holding on like you won’t let go.” He mused, feeling the grip of your arm tighter each second. Not something he couldn’t handle, but more of what he can’t read your mind.

You only gave him a crooked smile. Maybe you didn’t want to let him go after all.

You fell for Skye, the fellow ambassador. Worst, if your hunch was right—he’s the neighboring king, who was about to marry another.

⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨ᰔ୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹

“Zayne is missing?”

You couldn’t believe your ears when Caleb entered the princess’s room to inform you. Your knees buckled, falling back on the bed. 

You were alone in this palace now.

“I told him not to go alone and yet…” Caleb sighed, running his hand through his hair. “You—I don’t trust you, but I have no choice. Give me time until I find them both.”

“That’s what Zayne said last time…” you muttered. To buy him time until they found the princess, yet he went missing. “It’s been far too long I’ve been here. They’re bound to find out I’m not the princess.”

You doubt he will save you from prison, but there was no one else you could confide in. His position would be alarmed if anyone knew he sided with the fake princess. He is the captain of the knights. Will you even be unscathed if he’s gone too?

“Just until midnight, I will be back with them.”

You hope he holds to his words.

“And tell me why you’re staring so hard at my head?”

“Oh, no—Nothing! Nothing at all… Say, do you have like a bump on it somewhere?” Curiosity got the better of you when you were reminded of Zayne’s unfortunate tale.

Caleb raised a brow. “We’re in an emergency, and that’s what you’re asking?”

“Right, sorry—” You laughed it off. He looked at you suspiciously but decided to humor you when walking himself out.

“Dunno where you heard that from… but I did slip into a pond and hit the back of my head. The bump is kinda still there.”

Your brain worked its cogs. Zayne was sort of telling the truth… You’re never telling him you assumed he threw a stone at Caleb. Did Zayne wish he did, though? 

You’re going to assume he did as a jealous rival.

Your head was frazzled if you weren’t thinking of the unfortunate tale to humor you. You were clouded with worry for Zayne, Emcee, and even the prickly knight who hates you.

Now, you were preparing for lunch with several important people—the Queen, the neighboring kingdom’s ambassador, and the prime minister. This was your royal duty to cover for the princess.

“Why the frown, Your Highness?” The familiar voice made you stop, seeing that Skye had joined you. Oh, how you wished you could tell him.

“Oh, um—I read a rather sad book, is all…” Well, that ‘book’ was your life. You’re replaying what Caleb had said earlier over and over in your mind—not about his head, of course.

“Whatever I can do to cheer you up, Your Highness?” Skye raised a brow, offering an arm to escort you to the dining hall. It became a habit whenever you walked with him through the gardens, just silently looking at the scenery.

“Maybe humor me with a small promise?” you said without thinking. You’ve grown too comfortable with him in less than a month.

“Gladly if it’s anything within my power.” Skye only chuckled—whatever makes you happy, he’ll do it.

“Since we have become acquainted… close enough to be friends—I hope you think so as well… Promise me you will not turn your back on your friend? Even if something happens that you don’t expect?” 

He wasn’t sure. Were you speaking as the princess or as you? Yet the anxiety swimming within your eyes could only make him smile slightly. He wished he could just take all of your burdens away.

“That is a hefty deal, but of course. We will be working much closer after the wedding. It is unspoken that you have my word and trust—as your future aide.”

He wished he didn’t have to add the last part, but alas, his cover is still going.

The walk to the dining hall ended when the butler opened the doors. 

“Ah, you’re here, darling.” The Queen smiled at your arrival, even more when she saw you hand in hand with Skye.

You don’t see it, but you feel it. The stink eye from the prime minister. Why is he staring so scornfully? 

The lunch was for political talks, mostly between the ambassador and the prime minister, and also with the Queen whenever her opinion was asked for.

“When will the king arrive to meet his bride?” The prime minister asked. The lunch was almost ending, and you were grateful you’d be out of this stuffy atmosphere within minutes.

“I do have something to confess,” Skye spoke from beside you. You looked at him, confused.

“I am no ambassador. I’ve come firsthand to see who my bride is. I apologize for deceiving all of you, but I believe neither of us would be comfortable marrying a stranger.”

If you weren’t in front of other people, your jaw would drop. Oh boy, you were right all along. And this man only sent you a smirk.

Well, at least it’s comforting to know it wasn’t only you who hid your identity, but you can’t have that grand revealing like this. You’ll be in prison instead of praises.

You hadn’t realized Sylus had gone out from his seat, taking your hand. Visibly stiffening, you stared at him as he brought your hand to his lips.

The bracelet slid down slightly. You had worn it for moral support from your crow—ignoring the fact it might be from the princess’s secret admirer. 

“It would be good to reveal this as well.” The prime minister chuckled, standing up. 

Guards were already by your side, but Sylus didn’t let go of your hand. The slight gaze he had made them back up—not without a hand pulling at your hair.

You winced. Your actual hair was being pulled in the process—what hurt more was being revealed of your true identity. You could hear the Queen gasp, but you couldn’t sense what his reaction was. 

“You dare to lay a hand on my bride?” 

Your eyes snapped towards him. Oh, he hadn’t faltered at all. If anything, his grip tightened around your hand.

At his gesture, Luke and Kieran came out, bringing stacks of documents to present to the Queen. Continuing the shock of her own daughter being fake, the truth of the prime minister's doings was revealed. You were more worried for the Queen’s health at this point.

You couldn’t believe your ears—fraud, money embezzlement, even the palace’s treasury. 

All you could feel was the thumb softly kneading your palm.

“Your Majesty, allow me to handle this as an international intervention if you would,” Sylus said, bringing you along as he neared the Queen.

The prime minister scoffed, already cuffed under Sylus’ guards.

“...As the Queen, I allow your intervention to aid in these matters.” The Queen took a deep breath, shaking her head in disappointment towards her most trusted person. 

She had wanted to stand up, to face you. Yet you only let her sit back, not trusting her legs would be strong enough after devastating news.

“And you, dearie.” The Queen reached for your hand. “I am… disappointed to find my daughter is missing this late. More of the fact that I had not recognized the change between you and my own daughter.”

“You look like her so… so much.” The Queen whispered. 

You only gave a wistful, apologetic smile. 

“But thank you—for withholding the duty that a princess should be doing. You must’ve tried so hard to convince His Majesty and retain the relationship between kingdoms.” The Queen had a weary expression, yet you could see she was proud of you—at a stranger who got roped into the royal mess.

“You’ve done great duty for the kingdom.”

“...You should thank your most loyal subject, Zayne. For seeking me out to help, Your Majesty.” You curtsied, a gratitude for her to not put a punishment over your improper behavior—faking as the princess, her own daughter,

The Queen only nodded, patting your hand twice before turning to the king situated behind you.

“Your Majesty. Please, find my daughter.” The Queen addressed Sylus, who still held his ground behind you—ready to defend you if anything went awry.

“That’s already been handled, Your Majesty.”

The crowd of knights came in, Caleb leading in with Emcee running towards the Queen. You saw Zayne following behind them. His eyes found yours, nodding with a small smile to express gratitude.

In the midst of the reunion, Sylus whisked you to the corner.

“...So, you knew everything?” you asked, staring at the hand holding yours. He hadn’t let go yet. You were starting to feel special for once.

“It was not hard to discern noble etiquette naturally and not.” Sylus chuckled. His other hand had tidy your messy hair from the wig pull. “However, not everything. It took time to find the princess’s whereabouts.”

“Hey! I practiced hard for my etiquette…” You pouted, looking at the crowd of reunion. You should find and thank Zayne for his guidance after this. 

You’ll miss breakfast in bed and free desserts. Then again, you were borrowing those chances—the rightful owner came back.

“I guess this is a goodbye, Your Majesty.”

“A goodbye?” Sylus raised a brow.

“You’ll be marrying Her Highness. I’ll be back to my normal life after this.” You smiled. It hurt, trying to let go of what you had been comfortable with for a month—it hurt to let him go.

“And who says that?”

His hand was on your cheek, wiping the tears you hadn’t realized had fallen. You closed your eyes—you shouldn’t be used to his touch. 

“Well… I am in no possible social standing to ever meet you again, Your Majesty. I have debts to pay, a dream to reach. Royalty has never been made for me.” You laughed slightly, reminded of your debts. 

The debt would be paid in half if Zayne did as promised, but you don’t even know how much the debt is with that so-called ‘interest’.

“You’re assuming… I will marry someone who already has her eyes for another?” Sylus raised a brow. The thought had tickled him. That would mean all his Skye disguise was for nought. 

“You are marrying for kingdom union—to help Linkon prosper from its bankruptcy,” you remembered Zayne’s words the first night you were in the palace.

“And as a royal, it doesn’t matter who you marry, as long as you’ve done your duty—doesn’t that apply to you too?” You furrowed your brows. 

It earned a hearty laugh from the king. Your face heated up so much that you looked around to see if anyone had heard. 

“What are you laughing at?!”

“You must have forgotten I am a king, from a wealthy kingdom which is not on the verge of bankruptcy.” He smirked. 

“You’re evil… you’re making my kingdom bankrupt.” You were lowkey offended. This was also your homeland he’s talking about!

But oh, that smirk you’re going to miss. Tears welled up again. You couldn’t help but cry at the thought of not seeing this man again.

“Goodness.” Sylus only chuckled. “I am not sure what you’re crying over now, dove.”

You, I’m crying over you.

“I’m sure the princess had found something interesting the moment she was captured… It’s enough to help the kingdom.” Sylus informed, taking a step closer.

“Now, let me propose a deal to you as your friend.” He muttered. 

Right, he promised to be your friend no matter what. You hum, wiping away your tears. 

“I will sponsor you to several opera performances, here and overseas. You will pay your debt with the money you earn.” Sylus started, taking your hand with the bracelet.

That would be a dream come true. 

“You will be a successful songstress. I believe in you.”

Oh, you forgot about that songstress matter. You furrowed your brows. Wait— 

“You knew all along?”

“I requested Mephisto to send this to the songstress. He’s never wrong.”

“I thought the princess had a secret admirer, sending things through a crow.” You let out a wet laugh. “Why are you so kind to me, Your Majesty? I… I betrayed your trust, I deceived you.”

“We’ve conversed enough to be friends. Isn’t this what friends would do?”

You wouldn’t know. Your only friend was the old lady who would kindly remind you to eat and sleep back in the boutique. Those were the kind things you knew.

“And had you forgotten I was Ambassador Skye to you?” He chuckled, which made you squint. Right, he pretended too.

“We both deceived each other, dove.”

You only chuckled, shaking your head. Letting go of the problem, you weren’t exactly ticked off either to know his true identity—though a little bit of fear was still evident until he saved you from imprisonment.

 “Then, as a friend… can I ask you for another favor?”

“Name your deal.” Sylus smiled.

You requested help for the old lady and run an investigation on the boutique—or rather, gather evidence of overwork and underpaid labor. What you hadn’t realized the reunion crowd soon navigated to where the both of you were.

“That’s already been done, Lady Y/N.”

The familiar voice of your previous tutor approaches. Zayne nodded as Emcee huffed. “Goodness! I don’t understand how you could live through that—that greedy mouse!”

Mmh, she must be referring to the madam.

“The royal knights will oversee the investigation into the boutique. Your debt has been repaid after performing to be the kingdom’s savior.” Caleb read out the declaration conducted by the princess herself. “You have been given a title from Her Majesty, Baroness L/N.”

‘No debts to pay’ lingered in your mind.

“There will be a day for your title bestowment, Y/N.” Emcee grinned. 

“It seems you have more friends than you thought, dove.” Sylus hummed from behind you. He had a hand around your waist, grounding you from the fleeting surprise. 

“That means the money you earn will be yours alone, your very first true paycheck.” The thought made your eyes glimmer. Not being paid for debt, but for yourself.

Emcee cleared her throat, taking both of your and Sylus’ attention.

“And I would like to invite you to my wedding! As promised, please sing at my wedding.”

Your eyes widened, seeing Emcee grab Caleb’s hand. You never knew Caleb could grin that bright. He was like a different man, not that ‘you don’t belong here, pauper bla bla bla’.

You were more worried about your previous tutor. You glanced at Zayne, who had a small smile, happy for his friends, yet the sadness was still in his eyes. Pursing your lips, you decided to get some almond cookies for him.

His eyes met yours, which had softened slightly. 

Thank you. You had read his lips correctly this time.

“So… where will you go after this?” Emcee asked. Her eyes flitted between you and Sylus—eyes fishing for gossip.

Well, Sylus had laid out your plan. You will be singing in the opera, definitely not back to your mundane life. As for next…

“Taking it one at a time.” Sylus hums. “She will be performing in Mo Grand Theater in four months. You will be sent tickets.”

Mo Grand Theater, the theater you’ve been trying to sneak into. Your jaw dropped slightly.

“As for the next step…” 

You glanced at Sylus, who was still not done yet. You were already happy with what he offered. What more could there be—

“A wedding invitation soon, hopefully.”

Huh? 

While Emcee was cheering in delight, you looked at Sylus, sending a ‘that was not in the script’ look. Sylus only shrugged while guiding you out of the palace.

A carriage was ready to bring you to your future.

“Think of it, my dove. I have already thought of you as my bride before—and you still will be. All I need is your decision after your career.” Sylus muttered, easily pulling out a box from his pocket. 

He slid a ring on your middle finger, a simple band with a ruby.

“A proper proposal will be made when you agree. This is simply proof of our partnership, I, as your patron.”

“You will be there, right?” you asked, staring at the ring. 

You already knew your answer to his proposal. You panicked just a day ago, but you were filled with happiness right now. You wouldn’t let the chance slip when he offered to help you reach your dream. 

You had to be selfish for a bit. Your lifelong dream was within grasp.

A kiss on your hand reminded you of your first meeting with him.

“At every step of the way, my dove.”

Epilogue. From the Mo Grand Theater, Linkon Palace of Emcee’s wedding, and Philos Palace—you had shared your voice. Your name was on every paper, not because of your patron—Sylus sponsored you anonymously from the world after you were recognized. You wanted to build your name. You went through the same auditioning and selection process as everyone. You caught the attention of Thomas, who brought you to Rafayel, an arts appreciator and the founder of Mo Grand Theater. Your talent was finally recognized. Your portrait was hung in the halls of Mo Grand Theater, alongside famous songstresses and songsters, within a year. You invited the old lady, Zayne, Emcee, and even Caleb to your first show. Sylus was also there, front row seat. Three bouquets and a flower decorated your room that night. The proposal was quiet. Sylus had asked you once more on one knee, in the field of flowers. You accepted, ready to live with someone who would love you, for you. You hadn’t expected he would spin you around after that with that chuckle of his. It was a happily ever after, from your courage in being a fake-princess— Uh, you were always free to begin again. Maybe next time wouldn’t be so illegal. 

i had so much fun writing this, if you can’t tell hahaha.