"I am sorry, Imperial Brother! I just got excited about your return so I got careless. You won't take it against me, right?" Prince Anders' face looks apologetic but Prince Andrew knew better so he remained unaffected and emotionless like his bleeding shoulder means nothing.

"Did you share your happy and unforgettable experience in your vacation to Beatrix? I am sure she will be thrilled to hear it!" Prince Anders gently asked like it was a happy and exciting vacation.

"Why don't I tell her that you are the one who rat on me that is why I was sent there?" Prince Andrew coldly warned his two-faced, white lotus Imperial Brother.

"Good idea, Imperial Brother!" Prince Anders excitedly replied and gave his brother his gentle and sweet smile that could fool everyone in the world except his twin brother. "But if I am tense, I might be able to say something more... My Good Imperial Brother, you will not blame me, right?" And his gentle smile grew wider as his brother remained calm and undisturbed.

Silence reigned between them... One is smiling gently while the other one remained indifferent... Beatrix arrived at that time, she panicked when she saw his bleeding shoulder so she immediately summoned a physician!

The physician will have to check the little prince's bare body so Beatrix was not allowed to stay inside and see it done. She stood outside with Prince Anders. Her tears are falling on their own!

"Beatrix, do not cry. Imperial Brother is so tough! He will make it!" He smoothly told her with a face that looks so sad but her tears continued flowing like a river so he hugged her to comfort her, slowly rubbing her back while savoring the fragrance of her hair.

"I am here, Beatrix. Just pour your hearts out..." He whispered in her ear and then said. "I am sad too." He burrowed his face on her shoulder to inhale the sweet fragrance of her skin. "My Imperial Brother is suffering and I cannot do anything. I am useless!" He sobbed on her shoulder then rubbed his nose and lips to her neck and shoulder while crying.

Beatrix did not notice the ambiguity of his actions as her mind and heart are full of worry and fear! In other people's perspectives, Prince Anders looks to be crying miserably and seems to be trying to hide it from others by burrowing his face in Beatrix's shoulder, however, only him knows the truth when his nose and lips are surveying the softness of her neck and shoulder and his hands are smoothly caressing her back...

When the Emperor and Empress arrived and saw little Prince Anders is hugging little Beatrix in a very ambiguous way! They wanted to react but chose to remain silent when they noticed tears from both their eyes.

It seems that this situation is so sad and hard for both of them. It makes them forget about the distance they should keep!

The Emperor thought secretly. He already severely punished one son so he decided not to punish the other one but he gave a warning glare to Prince Anders to keep a proper distance! The latter immediately followed and let go of Beatrix.

The physician finally came out and told them that it is not so serious. The little prince just needs to eat healthy food and drink water, rest properly, and drink his medicine regularly.

Prince Anders reminded Beatrix that it is already time for their daily lesson so she sadly followed Prince Anders as the Emperor nodded his head to them, indicating that they should attend their class now!

Every early morning, lunchtime, and late afternoon, little Beatrix visits little Prince Andrew to encourage him or more likely to force him to eat his food, drink water and his bitter medicine, and rest but he always refuses to obey the last one!

He asked many things about her instead. She happily answered his queries and she also asked him so many things! He did not like talking a lot but when she is near, she could make him talk more, elaborate more, explain more, and even cite some examples!

Beatrix admired Prince Andrew's deep knowledge about the lessons so she knew that he will be alright once he goes back to attending lessons! She realized that talking to Prince Anders is so enjoyable because of his sense of humor. Time flies so fast because he is so fun to be with but talking to Prince Andrew has some undeniable charm to her. It makes her forget about time! Her world stopped and he is the only one inside it!

After a month, Prince Andrew finally recovered and joined the lesson. Prince Anders and Beatrix welcomed him. He gave a warm and sincere smile to Beatrix but he gave a meaningful look towards Prince Anders. He easily caught up with the lessons that he missed and even surpassed both Prince Anders and Beatrix who regularly attended it!

Why does life seem unfair? It is not that Anders and I are dumb. It is just Andrew is so mature, so intelligent, and so talented! He is way ahead of us!

Little Beatrix thought when the teachers shower little Prince Andrew with praises and admiration!

© 2021 Jezel Mandin Sapata-Gentiles. All Rights Reserved.