Nicole Jane’s POV
“I hope my sister wakes up soon. I miss her already!”
“Stop with the drama. It doesn’t suit you. Besides, you act as if Nicole is so far away. You see her every day here.”
“When will you two ever agree on something? You even argue about simple things.”
My eyes were closed, but my mind was awake. I heard a few more arguments before the surroundings fell silent. Then I heard footsteps and the sound of a chair being pulled.
“I told you to try kissing her. Who knows, she might wake up suddenly.”
“Come on, Kira. Do you have any other suggestions besides that? You’ve been pushing that topic for a while now.”
Once again, the air was filled with whispers and conversation. At first, I couldn’t understand what they were saying. But gradually, it became clear to my hearing. Their voices were all familiar. However, I just couldn’t put a name to them.
I wanted to open my eyes and move. But it felt like there was something heavy inside of me that was stopping me from doing so.
“Let’s just let her rest. After all, that’s what she needs to regain her strength. Just don’t leave her and stay by her side as much as possible.”
“I know, and I don’t have any plans of leaving her, not even for a single second. Because I want to be the first one her eyes see when she wakes up.”
My breathing seemed to pause for a moment upon hearing that voice. Then I suddenly felt a pair of cold hands holding mine. My heart beat faster as if it recognized his presence immediately.
That’s how strong and deep our connection is to each other.
“My princess, please wake up already. I really, really missed you.”
Just like that, I suddenly feel strong, revived, and alive again. The weakness I felt slowly replaced by strength, allowing me to gradually open my eyes.
I blinked a few times before getting used to the light, and just like he had said was going to happen, my eyes searched for the sight of the man I loved.
A tear escaped my eye the moment I saw him sitting beside my bed. His head was bowed down as if lost in thought, while his hands unconsciously played with my fingers.
“K-Kyle,” I weakly called out to him in a low voice. It was barely audible, but I could feel everyone’s attention shift to me.
He looked up, and his eyes widened. Slowly, a smile formed on his lips.
“You’re awake!” He quickly stood up and kissed my forehead.
“Woah! Rei was right. She said that you would wake up today!” Miley clapped her hands excitedly as she approached me.
All our attention then turned to Reiri, waiting for her to explain.
“I had a vision three days ago that you were going to wake up today. I just didn’t bother to tell them because I was afraid it might not really happen,” she said with a smile.
I wanted to speak and ask questions, but my throat felt extremely dry. I had never felt such an intense thirst before.
“Do you want to drink some water first?” Kyle asked as if he reads my mind.
I just nodded at him and he obliged.
After taking a sip, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I faced them once again.
“What do you mean you had a vision?” I asked Reiri, curious about her statement.
“We forgot that you still didn’t know about it. Reiri just discovered her special ability. She can see the future, even events happening in the present,” Vince answered on her behalf.
I smiled and looked at Reiri in amazement.
“Really? That’s cool!” I paused for a moment as I recalled something. “How long was I unconscious?”
“One week,” Kira answered.
“One week—What? Seriously?” My eyes widened in surprise.
Was it true? Did I sleep for a whole week? Was my condition that serious?
“You’re really back. You screamed so loudly,” Kyle patted my head.
I glared at him, and he just chuckled.
“Yeah, that long. Your human body was greatly shocked by the use of your powerful abilities. So, you needed a long rest to regain your strength. You know what? Your special abilities are really awesome!” Hiro punched the air in excitement.
I nodded in agreement. It seemed that my body had indeed weakened when I used my powers.
“Are you feeling better now, Sis? We were so worried about you,” Miley pouted.
“You guys keep me out of this,” Vince interjected with a scowl.
The five royalties gave him a glare in response.
He coughed slightly. “Fine. I was worried too. Happy?” he said sarcastically.
I didn’t know whether to laugh or get annoyed at him. He was always so grumpy.
“Well, I guess we better leave these two lovers alone, so they can have some time together,” Reiri giggled.
They each gave me a hug, excluding Vince, before they all finally left. It was just Kyle and me, staring and smiling at each other.
“You have no idea how much you make me worried,” he said as he tucked some strands of my hair behind my ear. I found that gesture sweet.
“Sorry.” I bit my lower lip.
He pinched my nose. But his face still looked so worried.
I leaned my head on his chest and felt the fast beating of his heart, just like mine.
“Even now, I still can’t believe that we’re alive again.”
He draped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer. I can’t help myself from sniffing him. My prince smelled so good.
“Yeah. By this time, I’ll make sure that we’ll finally have the life that we always wanted. To be married and have kids that we’ll look over, then they will grow up in a peaceful and safe world. Wherein no one will ever judge them.” His words sounded determined and unbreakable.
I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement. It seemed he already had plans for our future. I fell silent for a moment as a sudden thought crossed my mind.
“By the way, where are Mom and Dad?” I looked up at him.
“Oh. They just left a couple of hours ago. They said they had some things to attend to. They stayed here for a week. It’s a shame they didn’t catch you waking up. I’m sure they would be delighted to know.”
I turned towards him and felt a slight sadness. “That’s a pity.”
I also wanted to apologize to them because I know I didn’t behave well during our last meeting.
“I love you, feisty princess.”
I closed my eyes as I felt his gentle kiss on the top of my head.
Kyle is really something else. We were having a serious conversation earlier, and then he suddenly says something like that.
“I love you too, grumpy prince.” I hugged him tightly from his side.
We stayed like that for a moment. No words were spoken anymore. We were just content to be in each other’s arms and in each other’s presence.
I believe that this is just the beginning of the changes and challenges we’re going to face. But with our loved ones and each other by our side, I know we’ll be able to overcome it all.
***
Kyle Ethan’s POV
“You seem to be having fun. You’ve been smiling for quite some time now.”
My smile widened even more because of what Kira said. I can feel his presence from behind.
“Yeah. But I will be happier if we can get rid of Croven’s as soon as we can.” I balled my fist as my jaw clenched.
“Of course. Anyway, can you tell me what’s bothering you now?”
I furrowed my brows when I turned to him and realized he was already beside me. “What do you mean?”
He smirked. “Come on. It’s not like we don’t know each other yet for years. I know that you have been worried about Nicole these past few days. But I can sense that you have something else on your mind apart from her.”
I was taken aback. I didn’t realize he had noticed that.
I looked away and returned my attention to Nicole. She had been chatting and laughing with Miley and Reiri in the garden. I could still hear their loud laughter from here. Since she woke up, and we talked earlier, I haven’t had a chance to be alone with her again.
I don’t know. But since we managed to get her back, I want her to always be by my side and never disappear from my sight. I want everyone to see that she belongs to me alone.
What if I ask her to marry me right now?
I ran my fingers through my hair. “It’s just that before Nicole passed out that time, she muttered his name. I can’t erase in my mind that image of her when her eyes spark when she calls him out.”
“Who? Do we know him?”
I took a deep sigh and nodded. “Dave.”
We both fell silent. It seems like we’re both deeply contemplating it. Until now, I still can’t forget about that matter.
Dave Croven. Of course, I know him. Because he’s the only son of Marcus. But I can’t understand why Nicole called him during those times, and that’s when I realized that he wasn’t present during the fight that happened.
“Did you already ask her about it? Maybe she unconsciously mentioned his name.”
I shook my head. “Not yet.”
“Why?” He looked puzzled.
I returned my gaze to Nicole. “I actually wanted to ask her about it earlier. It’s just that I didn’t want to ruin the moment. Besides, I don’t want her to be distracted by that guy. I don’t want her to have any other thoughts or worries about another man, especially if he’s an enemy.”
I turned to him again as I heard his loud laughter.
“What’s so funny?” I asked, irritated, while he continued laughing and clutching his stomach.
He shook his head. “You’re so possessive, man. Just chill. You know that you’re the only one she loves.” He grinned mischievously at me.
I was about to respond when I caught sight of Hiro approaching Nicole, putting his arm around her. I even heard him say, “Hi beautiful.” Which made her laugh and playfully punch his arm.
My anger flared up upon hearing and seeing that. “That bastard!”
I quickly approached them and immediately pulled Hiro away from Nicole.
“Don’t you dare go near and lay a single finger on her. Understand?” I said calmly but firmly.
He raised both hands, looking surprised by my actions. “Woah. Relax, dude. I’m not doing anything wrong.” He chuckled.
I snapped my fingers, causing the wind to blow him back forcefully. His eyes widened in shock.
“Hey! Alright, I’m sorry!” he said with a grimace while slightly stumbling backward from the force of the wind.
“Stop it, Kyle! What’s your problem?”
I turned to Nicole, who was now giving me a furious look. Meanwhile, Kira stood behind her, giving me a playful look.
Instead of answering, I wrapped my arms around Nicole’s waist and pulled her closer to me.
“K-Kyle,” she stuttered.
Leaning closer, I whispered behind her ear, “You’re mine, Babe. Every inch and part of you. That’s why I won’t let anyone else touch or get close to you.”
I secretly smiled as I noticed her cheeks turning red. She stared at me in a daze.
I really love it every time she’s blushing. Because aside from her being cute on that, it also means that she’s easily got affected by me.
“Wow, you’re really whipped, lover boy,” Hiro teased with a grin.
Ignoring them, I pulled Nicole away from the group.
“Wait, where are we going?” she asked.
I shrugged. “Somewhere far away from here, where I can have you all to myself and no one will disturb us. You slept for a whole week, so I think you owe me that. I’m sure you have enough strength for what we’re about to do.” I smirked and wiggled my eyebrows at her suggestively.
She gasped, and her face turned even redder. I also felt her body tense. “Kyle Ethan Clarkson! You haven’t changed. You are a possessive and naughty jerk!”
“Good luck, Nics! Go make my future nieces and nephews!”
We still heard their laughter and teasing before we completely faded into oblivion. I’ll make sure that the rest of this day will just be for the two of us.