BETWEEN 2 HEARTS
Between 2 Hearts - Episode 4
Tag: Royalty and Love.
Warning: Stay clear from this book
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In school, each class was receiving a lecture. Then, the bell rang, signaling the start of lunch break. The students began to pack up their books and bags, as their teacher had instructed before leaving the classroom.
Naomi was arranging her books in her bag when a group of students from Class C walked in, with Diva, the princess, behind them. The entire class gasped in amusement, and Diva cold gaze at them made them rushed out of the classroom, The Class A students didn't seem to mind, lingering by the window and door.
Naomi, oblivious to the commotion, stood up to leave. However, she was met with furious gazes from Diva and two other students. Naomi quickly recognized them and wondered what they wanted.
"Um, is there a problem?" Naomi asked, trying to sound polite.
Diva scoffed, "Do you think we have a problem with a lowlife like you? Now, tell me, what's your deal with my brother? Where in heaven's name did you come from? How did he know you well enough to offer you a seat with us at our first meeting?"
"What are you talking about?" she asked, her voice firm but polite.
"Don't make me ask you again, who are you and what is your deal with my brother?"
She stood her ground, her eyes locked on Diva's. "Nothing."
"Then let today be the first and last time I see your face around him. You are not one of us, you are nothing but a low-life commoner."
With a nod, Diva's companions sprang into action, grabbing Naomi's bag and dumping its contents onto the floor. Naomi struggled to regain control of her bag, but she was overpowered.
Diva turned to leave, her parting words hanging in the air. "This is your first warning."
Naomi sighed wearily, bending down to gather her scattered belongings. Her classmates rushed to her aid, helping her collect her things.
*Canteen*
The canteen was its usual rowdy self, with students laughing and chatting over their meals. Alexander scanned the room, his eyes searching for a glimpse of Naomi's familiar face. But she was nowhere to be found.
He wondered why she hadn't shown up, a pang of disappointment settling in his chest. With a sigh, he stood up to leave.
"Where are you going?" Diva asked.
"To the restroom."He forced a casual smile.
He nodded to his trusted guard, who fell into step beside him as they left the canteen. The room fell silent, all eyes following the prince's departure.
Once they were out of the canteen, Alexander made his way to Naomi's building, his guard trailing behind him. He searched each classroom, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.
The guard cleared his throat, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It seems you lied about using the restroom, Your Highness."
"I wonder why Naomi didn't come to the canteen."
"You mean the girl from the security post?"
"Yes, can you believe she goes to school here?"He nodded , a smile spreading across his face.
"But don't you think this will land you in trouble if you're seen with her?"
Alexander stopped in his tracks, turning to face his guard. "Trouble? How?"
The guard hesitated before speaking. "She's not like you, Your Highness. Her father is not wealthy like yours. She's the daughter of one of your father's staff members in the palace."
"What's wrong with that? She's human, and I feel like myself when I'm talking to her."
The guard sighed, a look of understanding on his face. "We have to get back to the canteen, Your Highness. Your sister might be worried."
"Can I at least look for her first?" he asked, his voice tinged with hope.
"No, Your Highness."The guard shook his head firmly.
Alexander sighed sadly, and together they turned to head back to the canteen.
Meanwhile, Naomi sat alone on the rooftop, eating the meal her father had prepared for her. She only got to eat at the canteen twice a week, as part of her free scholarship, to limit expenses.
********
Later that day, Alexander and Naomi stood at the gate, chatting as usual, with the guard watching over them.
"I didn't see you at the canteen today, why?" He asked.
"Were you looking for me?"Her smiled wryly.
Alexander nodded. "Yes, why didn't you come?"
"I only get to eat at the canteen twice a week for free."
"Why?"
"I'm on a free scholarship, so I have to limit my expenses."
"That's too bad."
Just then, a voice called out from behind them. "Alex?"
Alexander's eyes widened in surprise as he turned to face his father, King Luke. The guard was equally shocked, his eyes darting nervously between the king and Alexander.
Naomi, sensing trouble, tried to make a hasty retreat, but the king's calm voice stopped her.
"Don't run".His warm smile put Naomi at ease as he approached the gate. "Who are you, and what's your name?" he asked.
Naomi gulped nervously, her heart racing. This was the first time she had seen the king himself.
Just then, Daniels appeared, looking surprised.
"Your majesty," he bowed, and Naomi quickly hid behind him.
"Who is she?" King Luke asked. "I've never seen her before."
Alex stepped forward, his voice nervous. "Father, she's my friend."
"Your friend? You didn't tell me you had such a pretty friend."
Daniels stepped forward, his head bowed. "She's my daughter, Your Majesty. I apologize for any trouble."
The king waved his hand dismissively. "She wasn't causing any trouble." He turned to Naomi, his eyes warm and inviting. "Come closer, child."
Naomi nervously moved closer to the gate, her heart racing with anticipation. The king smiled warmly at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"What is your name?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Naomi gave a slight bow, her voice barely above a whisper. "Naomi, Your Majesty."
"Such a pretty name from a pretty girl like you."
"Father, can she come play with me in the palace since she's my friend?"
"Yes, of course. Why didn't you invite her sooner?"
"Thank you, Father."
"Anytime, son." He turned to Daniels, a warm smile on his face. "You have a lovely daughter."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The king nodded and turned to leave, his departure leaving an awkward silence in its wake.
"I'm happy you'll be coming to play with me in the palace."
Naomi smiled back at him, her heart still racing from the unexpected encounter with the king. They shared a warm smile, the tension between them dissipating.
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The next day, after school hours, Alexander sent his guard to bring Naomi to the palace. The guard obeyed and escorted Naomi to the palace, where she was immediately struck by the opulent interior.
As she stepped into the living room, the cool air conditioning and sweet air freshener enveloped her, making her feel like she had entered a different world. The room was adorned with gold accents, and Naomi couldn't help but wonder if this was heaven on earth.
She sat down on the plush couch, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the surroundings. The guard left to inform Alexander of her arrival, leaving Naomi alone to await his return.
Just as she was starting to feel comfortable, a voice interrupted her reverie, speaking rudely from the staircase.
"What are you doing here?" Diva asked, her tone dripping with disdain. Naomi raised her face to meet Diva's glare. "Are you daft? How did you even get in here?" Diva continued, her voice rising in indignation.
Alexander appeared on the staircase, his guard by his side.
"She's my guest," he replied calmly, his eyes locked on Diva's. "I invited her," he continued, his voice firm. "Do you have a problem with that?"
"What? You invited this... thing to our house? Do you want her to contaminate this place with her lifestyle?"
"Mind your words, Diva. She's my friend, and you must respect her."
He took Naomi's hand, and together they left the living room, the guard following closely behind. Diva's angry voice echoed through the hallway.
"What?" she exclaimed, before storming off to inform her mother.
Diva burst into her mother's room, only to find her engrossed in a phone call.
"Mom, I need to talk to you about something," Diva said, her voice urgent.
Her mother gestured for her to wait, still speaking on the phone.
"But it's important!" she exclaimed, before her mother cut her off.
"Sweetie, can't you see I'm on the phone?" she said, her tone dismissive.
"Fine, whatever!" Diva muttered, storming out of the room.
She retreated to her own room, moving to the window to gaze out at the garden below. Her eyes caught sight of Alexander and Naomi playing happily together, and her anger simmered anew.
~~~To Be Continue ~~~~
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