CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

THIRD PERSON POV

"Oro seems to be winning at this rate," the announcer declared over the fully packed tournament hall.

"They seem to have a strong lead in exploiting the vulnerabilities of their opponents." His companion responded.

"It's funny how Velvet Regent seems to do practically nothing as Oro continues to attack them. They're not defending."

The team members of Velvet Regent glanced at each other in confusion.

They had followed everything their new Captain had told them to do, as per Lu Xia's request.

But, they didn't seem to be winning.

"It seems this game will end rather early. Giving Oro the title of winning this CTF competition at the fastest possible time."

"Is it because Velvet Regent's main Captain is not sitting in?"

Aqui catches Lu Xia's eye and he nods. He understood her plan. He stood in the team's stand wearing his dark jacket.

"Give us the most beautiful victory ever," Lu Xia had told her before they started.

As Aqui prepared to do just that, she thought she saw a familiar blonde-haired person seated in the crowd.

Probably my imagination. It must be Francesco, Aqui thought. She refocused.

"Uh-oh... something's not right. This shouldn't be happening."

"Are the machines experiencing a bug? No way!"

The screen above the tournament hall showed what had taken place.

Just when Oro thought they had the upper hand, the back door was kicked open.

One, two...

"The replacement Captain has cracked the code at the last second! Velvet Regent wins!"

The room was filled with a stunned silence before the applause erupted.

"I never saw that coming. Well done, Velvets! They completely fooled their enemies into thinking they had the upper hand."

"Say Frank, do you know the name of the beautiful Captain?"

"You know, I heard a rumour. I don't know how true it is. It's said that this is the last child of King Jaye..."

As their team was called up to the stage, Aqui was hugged by a very over-enthused Lu Feng Mian, the twin brother of Lu Xia.

"Daebak(Great). Good job, dear." He had often spoken to her in Korean since their last visit to the place together.

He was one of her closest friends, a co-surgeon. And engaged to another close associate of hers.

As Aqui stood with the group to collect the trophy, she felt overwhelmed.

"Thank You, God," she whispered silently.

The school's anthem was played as their flag was lifted high.

Many congratulated her—including those who had tormented her.

She sought out Javier amongst the throng, but he was nowhere to be seen.

Why am I looking for him, anyway?

But as she looked on, she thought she saw that familiar face again.

Could it be my imagination? Perhaps too much happened today.

From the attack to her identity being finally brought to light, and with the competition, she had gone through a lot.

~

"I think I can answer that."

The very puzzled and expectant mob turned to see King Domingo II, King of Spain, standing tall with strong-looking guards surrounding him.

Forgetting for a moment that others were around, her childlike nature kicked in, and she ran to him. He engulfed her in a bear-like embrace.

"Aquilina, querida, I believe you are now done with your trial?" He asked lovingly when he pulled away.

"Sí, Señor(Yes sir)," she replied with like-affection.

"Well, to all those concerned," he turned to those around him."This is Aquilina S Jaye. The last child of King Jordan Emmett Jaye."

There was a collective gasp by every individual there—except those who already knew, of course.

"I believe you knew her as a classmate for a while. That was because she was undergoing her trial."

He had then ushered her away with some of the guards and Lu Xia after he found out about their competition.

But he had stayed behind to see to his son afore.

~

"Are you sure, you want to be here with us?" Philip asked for the thirteenth time.

"Of course," Aqui sighed and continued to wash the dishes.

"I still can't believe this," Natalie sighed and rearranged the dishes.

Aqui could hear the sounds of the after-party booming in the background. She had escaped the parties that the schools were holding altogether.

She decided to help Philip and Natalie, instead. They were both working with the kitchen crew.

She didn't relish being the centre of attention. Many had sought her out, wanting to befriend her. Though, most of them had hated on her before.

A friend in need is a friend indeed, she thought sardonically.

She didn't want to befriend them now that they knew about her status.

"I guess it's true, never judge a book by its cover," Philip chipped in.

"Does that mean my appearance never gave a Princess vibe?" Aqui said with mock hurt.

"Of course not," Philip looked amused, his tone teasing.

"But, I think Princess doesn't suit you... Perhaps a Queen?"

"Or a Queen Dowager," Natalie added.

Aqui threw the napkin at her head. Natalie threw her a fake glare and rubbed her head.

"Ouch!"

Philip chuckled.

"So now, what do we call you, Your Highness?" He touched his chest and faked a bow.

Aqui playfully hit his arm as they all burst into laughter.

"The night looks beautiful," Aqui moved and looked out the window.

"I guess I'll take a short walk."

"Need me to be your bodyguard?" Philip walked behind her.

"Nah, I'm good," she gave him a tired smile and headed out the back door.

As Aqui walked in the quiet gardens of the Resort, her mind wandered back to Javier...

The thoughts she had tried to push away all through the competition returned.

Why was Javier at the point they were supposed to meet? Why had the place been set up with pillows when the attack had taken place?

Aqui sighed and ran a hand through her hair. She didn't really have any answers.

She thought about Angelo, she hadn't heard from him since the attack.

Maybe he got stuck somewhere.

She thought about what he would say when she finally reveals her identity to him.

He most probably wouldn't expect it.

She smiled at the thought and continued to walk. Her feet led her to the lake by her apartment, where the attack had taken place.

She knew it was risky to wander close to it despite the increased security since the attack. Yet still, she found herself attracted to the place.

As she looked at the moonlight glistening on the surface of the waters, she crossed her arms over her chest.

All was still, and she basked in the beauty of the comfortable silence.

That was, till she heard footsteps on the leaves behind her. She had wanted to turn, when a voice spoke out.

"I wanted to congratulate you today... Little Aquilina."

Aqui paled and felt her body grow weak, her palms also getting sweaty.

She shut her eyes for a moment, before turning slowly.

She first noticed his outstretched arm. And her stomach knotted, when she glimpsed the Signet ring on his finger, confirming her fears.

She finally glanced up, and stood face to face with that person.

Him. The reason why she had once stopped believing. Believing in everything good. Believing in love, truth, and almost... her God.

There he was, the moonlight casting her fair lights on his silver-blonde hair.

His blue eyes were cold.

"Tarquin." She barely whispered.

Yes, he was the one.

The father...

... of her child...

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Hi everyone! Thanks so much for sticking around. I really love and appreciate it all.

Tsk tsk, I'm sure they don't use signet rings anymore... but either way, this ain't the world we know... hehe