Chapter 10- Third Mission

"I never thought that love is sometimes complicated. But, it is also magic."

As I opened my eyes, I saw His Highness worried face. "Are you okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine." I reply him with a smile. "Why I am here?"

He look terrified about my question but he answered politely. "You fainted. I think because you're exhausted. So, that's why you're here. I hope it doesn't make you uncomfortable."

"No, I'm not. I'm just wondering. But thank you."

"That's good to hear that you're fine now. I'm worried."

I think I blushed what he said. "I need to go."

He hold my hand and said. "Don't make me feel worried again."

"I......." Then he hugged me again.

I feel a strong bond between us. I can't explain. "Alright." I kissed him on the cheek and left him stun.

What's happening to me? Why I kissed him on the cheek? Ah.... I forgot to ask him if the culprit is arrested. Never mind. I can a find a way though.

“You looked pale. Are you sick?” my cousin Athena asked. “No! I’m just tired.”

“Let’s go to bed.” I said and put my bag on the table. “How about your dinner?”

“I’m done.” Then lying on the bed.

“Alright.” Athena put the book on her desk and lay beside me.

“By the way, how’s the investigation going?”

“The criminal got escaped since there’s someone helped him.”

“Someone? Who?”

“We don’t know yet. One thing for sure he’s not ordinary.”

“It’s odd. This is the first time a bad situation happened during the festivities.”

“You’re right Eurygirl!”

“Even Heneral Melchor wanted to arrest the criminal because by the looks of it, the enemy is not easy to deal with.”

“I agree. We must be careful.”

“I hope it will never happen again like what happened in the past. I don’t want another tragedy.”

“Of course we can’t let that happen.”

“Are you going to watch tomorrow the Third Mission of His Highness?”

“Yes!” I smiled at the thought that I kissed him on the cheek. I just hope he will not be bothered so.

“Why are you blushing then?”

“Huh? I’m not blushing.”

“Really? Are you hiding from me cousin?”

“No! I’m not!”

She just laughed at my reaction. This cousin of mine likes to tease me.

“Stop laughing. Is not funny.”

“Alright. I just can’t hide my excitement because finally there’s someone that you like or even love?”

“What? You’re just imagining things.”

“Do you want a bet cousin? I bet after His Highness mission, he will probably court you. Let’s bet?”

“No thanks.”

She laughed again. “I’ll sleep. Goodnight.”

“We’re not done talking. You’re just afraid to admit your feelings cousin.”

I just keep my silence. Pretending I’m sleeping so that she will stop nagging me.

Why I feel so anxious? She will be here in my third and final mission.

“Are you okay, your highness?” a servant asked while she's preparing my meal.

I nodded as my response. She smiled at me and nodded before she went back to work.

"Why are you nervous?" I feel shock at the moment when I heard her voice.

"Are you alright?" When I see her that she's fine, I feel relieved. Without further ado, I hug her tightly. I think I might go crazy for this girl.

She fell stiffened as I hug her. Damn! I miss this girl so much. "I'm sorry, I just miss you."

"I....... I interrupted her. "It's okay. Don't feel pressured." I saw her blushed. I smile. She's so cute. I caress her cheek.

"I didn't forget how you stole a kiss from me."

I saw how her eyes wide. Without a second, I kiss her forehead. "You're my medicine."

"I am fine now. I am fully recharged."

This man affect me so much. What if my cousin Athena assumptions is right that His Highness likes me. Or maybe loves me. LOVE? How beautiful it is. This is how should feel if someone cares for you, like you or even love you?

When I back to my senses that he kissed me, I immediately went away. I cannot fathom the beat of my heart. I don't know this feeling. This is so foreign to me.

"Good morning everyone."

"Good morning Your Highness."

Everybody stood for their greetings for me. This day is my happiest day. I cannot hide my smile knowing my girl is here.

"Your Highness, your smile is like a sun. It shines brightly." Heneral Melchor is in awe about my sudden personality. Even the Royal guards could not hide their shocking faces.

"I'm just happy."

"Wow."

"Ayieh."

"This is the first time His Highness smile like no other. Your expression before is strict, poker or always a serious one."

"Love change him."

Maybe because of love. I think that's the reason. I'm in love.

"Well, Your Highness, whatever makes you happy, we're here to support you. But, let's finish first your third and final mission."

"Quiet with the teasing." He added. I just laughed at his remark for the Royal guards.

Then silence came like a wind that feels serenity here in Mount Olive.

"Now, let's proceed."

We arrived at the venue at 8:35 in the morning. The sun lingers to my skin. I feel the dance of the leaves and the rhyme of the trees. The hymns of the plants and the fragrance of flowers that captures the heart of my soul.

"Everyone, we are gathered here to witness the last and third mission of His Highness Prince Aldrich. This is the moment. This is the final test. I'm sure all of you is excited what would be the result. Pray diligently that the Heavens are on favor for us. After all, Prince Aldrich deserves the throne. He is the only one has the right to be King."

After this, my life has changed. My priority is in the Lord Almighty, my people, my kingdom. I will continue the legacy that my father started and vow the kingdom's stability and peace. I will make my kingdom more a beautiful place to live in. And it's more beautiful because I have a woman that I marry someday. She will be Wife and my Queen.

"Your Highness, the third mission is........." I feel the pressure now but I'm not afraid or what, maybe this is excitement since after this my reign has just begun.

"The Bread of Life."

Everyone whispers about my third mission. The Bread of Life. I think this is an extraordinary. What would be a criteria for this? I inhale and exhale myself. I chant my mantra for attracting positivity. I can do it. I can do it successfully.

Heneral Melchor commanded his assistant to remove the curtain that hidden my final test. After on which, he position himself at the center and said, "Your highness, the test is very simple. As you can see, they are 10 plates at the table. Each plate has the Bread of Life. However, only ONE is the TRUE BREAD OF LIFE while the others are artificial. So, be careful. Don't be deceived. All you have to do is to choose which among this plate is the True Bread of Life."

"How can I know if I choose the right one?"

Heneral Melchor smiled. "You have to place it at the center of the Tree of Life. If the tree of Life respond it means you choose the right one because the tree of life know the Bread of Life."

I couldn't believe. This is the hardest thing of the test. But, I can make it. I know I will. Please guide me my Lord Almighty.

"Are you ready, your highness?"

"Ready."

"You have only 60 seconds to choose the right plate that has the True Bread of Life."

"Alright. I get it."

"Position. Our time starts at 9 in the morning. Only 3 minutes left we can now start the test."

I just closed my eyes and feel my positive energy. Commemorating my memories with family and friends. My training in arts and sports. My studies. My role as a Crown Prince and soon to be King.

"Your highness, time starts now."

I opened my eyes. I looked all the 10 plates. All are the same. Same color. Same size. Same shape. Which one of this is the True Bread of Life?

"Can His Highness can choose the right one?"

"Yeah. I'm nervous though. All are similar."

It seems like His Highness doesn't know how to identify regarding on this matter. It's 20 seconds has passed since the test started. I need to do something.

"Choose the no. 8 plate. That's the Bread of Life."

"Wow. The Lord Almighty guide him. Amazing."

"Who are you?"

"Just do what I told you before it's too late."

Even if I don't even know who's talking to me but this is my only hope.

"Thank you for helping me."

"I choose no. 8."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"The time stopped at 59 seconds."

"Wow, this test is full of emotions. I feel the intense pressure. But, your highness, this is the moment of truth. Place now your plate at the Tree of Life and let see if you choose the right one."

I feel nervous as I go to the Tree of Life. I'm alive but I walked slowly like a turtle. I inhale. Then I looked to the Tree of Life. I place the Bread of Life at the center and then a moment of silent embrace like a mother cuddle her child to sleep.