Between 2 Hearts – Episode 2

        The next day, Alexander snuck back to the gate, hoping to catch a glimpse of Naomi. But she wasn’t there. He waited for a while, thinking she might show up, but she didn’t. He sighed and returned to the palace.

At noon, he came back to the gate, but she was nowhere to be found again. He felt sad and desperate.

“Maybe she is a ghost,” he concluded, shaking his head and returning to the palace.

Meanwhile, at home, Naomi was sitting in the living room, working on her assignments. Her father, was busy preparing lunch in the kitchen.

“Naomi, aren’t you done with your assignment?” Mr. Daniels asked, peeking into the living room.

“Almost, Father,” She replied, not looking up from her work.

“You’ve been working on that for over an hour now,” He said, chuckling.

“I know, the math is quite difficult,” She said, “I’m just trying to improve.”

“Okay, fine. But be quick and come eat your food.”

“Just one more minute,” She said, and her father rolled his eyes, smiling, and returned to the kitchen.

A few minutes later, Naomi joined her father at the dining table.

   “Hmm, the same smell, lovely,” she said, inhaling the aroma of the food.

 “Just the way you like it.”He smiled.

As they started eating, Mr. Daniels asked, “So, child, do you have friends in school?”

“Not yet,” She replied.

 “Why not? Is no one willing to be friends with you, or are you just being idolized?”

She laughed. “No, my classmates are my friends, we talk to each other, but we’re not close friends.”

 “Why not try to have one close friend?”

 “I will try.”

Mr. Daniels smiled, pleased with her response, and they continued eating together.

_________////________////_______

  The next day, Naomi sat under the shaded flower near the gate, trying to escape the scorching sun while writing in her book.

“Hey,” Alexander called out from the gate, his voice filled with excitement.

She looked up to see Alexander standing at the gate, a wide smile on his face.

“You’re here!” he exclaimed. “Please tell me you’re not a ghost.”

 “A ghost? Why would you think that?” She asked confusedly.

 “Because I’ve been coming here to see if I could find you again, and I didn’t see you around. So, I just thought you might be a ghost.”

 “No, I’m not a ghost.”She laughed.

 “That’s a relief.”

“But why were you coming here to look for me?” She asked curiously.

Alexander’s smile faltered for a moment before he replied, “I just couldn’t get your name the other day, or find out where you’re from.”

“My name is Naomi.”

 “Naomi, that’s a nice name. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Naomi.”

 “Thanks.”She smiled back at him.

“So, tell me, Naomi, why are you here?”

 “Um, that’s because my father works here.”She hesitated for a moment before responding,

 “Really? What’s his post here?”

 “A security guard.”She replied.

“Oh, I see.”

 “What about you? Do your parents work here?”

“My parents are…he opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, a voice interrupted him.

“Alex!” Diva called out from behind.

Alexander turned to see his sister walking towards him, a stern expression on her face. He turned back to Naomi, but she was nowhere to be found. Diva approached him 

 “What are you doing here? Are you aware everyone is looking for you around the palace?”

 “Why is everyone looking for me?”He shrugged, feigning nonchalance.

 “Because you suddenly went missing. Your assigned guards and maids are getting scolded by Mom for not keeping a close watch on you.”

“What?”

  “Exactly! You know what Mom will do next.”

Alexander’s face paled, and he took off in a sprint, Diva following close behind.

They rushed into the living room, where Alexander’s assigned guards and maids were being brutally flogged by another guard. Alexander’s eyes widened in horror.

“Stop!” he yelled, and the guard ceased the flogging.

Alexander turned to face his mother, who was seated comfortably on the couch, a nonchalant expression on her face.

“Mom, what’s going on here?” He demanded.

 “Exactly what you see, son. They’re being punished for not doing their job.”

“Come on, Mom, that was harsh. It’s not their fault. I’m to blame. He pleaded with his mother, “Please let them go.”

 “Why should I?” she asked, 

  “Because I am pleading on their behalf, let them go”.

Queen Lala hesitated for a moment before giving a curt hand gesture, allowing the guards and maids to leave.

The guards and maids quickly scrambled to their feet and rushed out, still wincing in pain.

“Where were you?” She asked.

 “He was seen hanging around the outside gate.”Diva chimed in.

 “Again? Why are you going there, and since when?”

“Nothing, Mom. I just happened to be strolling around.”

 “That zone is for the commoners. You shouldn’t be hanging around there.”Diva said, her voice  disdain.

“What makes you think they’re commoners? They’re humans, just like us.”

 “I know, but we’re royalty, and they’re not. You need to remember your place, Alex.” She smug.

“Diva is right, You must learn to conduct yourself in a manner befitting your royal status.”

Alexander sighed, feeling frustrated and trapped by his royal responsibilities.

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   The next day, during lunch break, the school canteen was buzzing with excitement. Students couldn’t help but steal glances at Alexander and Diva, who sat in their VIP section, surrounded by guards and maids.

Alexander was lost in thought, his food barely touched. Diva, on the other hand, observed him.

“Why did she keep disappearing?” Alexander wondered to himself. “Is she a real ghost? But she said she isn’t.”

He let out a deep sigh, his mind still preoccupied with thoughts of the mysterious girl.

 “Alex, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” Diva asked.

 “Yes.”

 “But you don’t look like it.”

 “I was just wondering why we can’t eat with the other students, like they do with their friends. We all go to school together.”He sighed again, his shoulders sagging.

 “That’s because we’re different from them.”She rolled her eyes.

 “We’re not different, Diva. We’re the same, just with a different royal status.”

 “That’s the difference, Alex. Do you know how many students wish they could be like us right now? You should make the most of the royal status you were born into.”

She shoveled food into her mouth, her eyes never leaving Alexander’s face. Alexander stared at her, then shook his head, a mixture of frustration and disappointment.

~~~~~~

 Later that day, Alex and his sister returned home from school. After freshening up and completing their assignments, they were free to do as they pleased.

Alex snuck out of the palace, making his way to the gate. He arrived and looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Naomi.

As he scanned the area, Mr. Daniels appeared.

 “Your Highness, what are you doing here?” he asked.

 “Um, nothing”. He hesitated, 

  “You can’t be here. What if you’re seen? Please return to the palace.”

Alex hesitated, still looking around. Mr. Daniels’ voice was firm. “Are you searching for something?”

 “Er, no.”He sighed, realizing he had been caught.

He turned around and began to walk away. Mr. Daniels watched him go, a knowing smile spreading across his face. Just then, Naomi appeared beside him.

  “Father, what are you doing?” she asked.

Mr. Daniels turned to her. “Nothing, dear. The crown prince was just here a while ago. I guess he got lost.”

 “The prince? Who is he?” She asked.

 “I suppose you don’t know him. Him and his sister are not allowed to be seen around here. They’re always at the main building. I was surprised to see him hanging around here, like he was searching for something.”

 “But why aren’t they allowed here?”

 “Because they’re royalty, and boundaries are set. Come on, let’s go.”

Naomi nodded, and they walked away together.

   ★To

           Be

             Continue★

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