หัวขโมยแห่งบารามอส 2 คทาแห่งพลัง (แปลอังกฤษ) English Version

ลำดับตอนที่ #2 : Chapter 2: Viviennaniya of Venol (บทที่ 2 วิเวียนนานีย่าแห่งเวนอล)

CHAPTER TWO: VIVIENNANIYA OF VENOL

“Nurse said Vivien’s not cute. All Vivien have is money and royalty. She said no-one will truly love Vivien.”

 She really wasn’t adorable in the least. She was chubby, with short, lank blonde hair that hugged her freckled-filled white face. In fact, the only memorable feature on her was her clear, emerald-green eyes. She glanced up at the older boy, asking for consolation as she rambled precociously on about herself.

The older boy, who usually liked to tease her, had on a serious expression and a small smile. Then he asked her back.

“What will Vivien do, then?”

The girl pouted her red lips, not pleased with the answer. Her face scrunched up, ready to resume crying.

“Vivien won’t ever marry. Vivien will be a nun!”

“But then Vivien will have to leave the palace and live alone in the church. It would be difficult, you know.”

“Not that!” She shook her head forcefully, frustrated, but the boy was still acting stern.

“Not that then what? There’s no other way, you see.”

“Yes there is!” She insisted. Running out of her minim of patience, she commanded the way she was so used to. “You ask for Vivien’s hand in marriage, then!”

The boy looked thoughtful, but he was not surprised.

“But you don’t love me, how can we marry?”

It was the slyest question ever, but the little princess totally fell for it. She launched herself at him, linking her arms around his neck.

“Who says Vivien don’t? Vivien love you the most. Marry Vivien, okay?”

It was the most adorable proposal, but all the boy gave her in return was a tender promise, sealed by a light kiss on her forehead.

“If you promise that you will grow up to be the best beyond all girls, I’ll come and take you to Gemini.”

You liar!

Pain was all she felt as she recalled those sweet days of old. His indifference tore her heart to pieces. Her freckles had vanished, and her face was now clear and pretty. The chubbiness had molded into beautiful curves. She had also learned how to control her emotions, and her boiling tears seeped back inside rather than spill out, as they usually did when she was younger.

Once a small princess of no significance, she was now a crown princess, and would soon be an empress. She could see simply nothing that could make her fall from the best. So why, why did he drift off further and further every time she rose higher. He acted as though she was something repulsing, as though she was someone he had not known for so long…

She felt her eyes burning. Or was she the only one still lost in the daydream?

“Princess.”

Princess Viviennaniya turned at the sound of her most trusted wet nurse.

“Nurse…” Her voice trembled a little with sobs.

“I warned you it would come out this way. You just won’t listen!”

There was steel in the scold she knew was fruitless. The nurse had known for so long that the little princess had put all her faith in love, but nothing can bend the truth, and the truth was always hard to accept.

If only Viviennaniya was the same small princess she used to be…if only the queen and the young prince weren’t assassinated…if only Vivien didn’t have to become the crown princess…if only the new queen bore an heir…if only the emperor didn’t also pass away…if only Viviennaniya wasn’t the sole royalty left to take the throne of Venol.

Prince Rowen of Gemini could marry possibly any woman, any princess, but not a crown princess, and also not an empress. Gemini needs him, as much as Venol can’t lose Princess Viviennaniya.

But, at least, from what happened tonight, maybe it was true that the prince had an unfeeling heart.

He left without even a backward glance. He didn’t even wait on for a chat. Was it because he had known it was Princess Vivien’s plan, or was he really that indifferent?

“Then so be it. Whatever will be, will be.”

That was the princess’s last word on the matter. There was determination in those green eyes, though she seemed quite pale, and all the nurse could do was accepting.

“Yes, your highness. Whatever will be, will be.”

She steered the princess and sat her down in front of the mirror. As she picked up a comb and trailed it through her silky mane of golden hair, the nurse assured her.

“Don’t worry. No matter what happens, I’ll protect you.”

The second the words died, noises of utter turmoil blasted in from outside. The princess jolted, sprang up and swiftly grabbed her sword from her bedside. The door banged open and the royal guard rushed in, soaked through with blood. The nurse dashed in to support him.

“Sir Gaston betrayed…we’re nearly wiped out. Take…the princess and…flee!”

The guard spluttered, but that was enough to startle anyone. The nurse went ghastly pale, but the princess was the opposite. Her green eyes blazed with fury as she screeched.

“Gaston!”

She marched towards the door and the nurse cried in horror.

“Princess!”

The princess just tightened her grip on the sword. The nurse grabbed another and hurled the hilt onto her white neck. Thundering footsteps echoed along the hallway as the small girl tumbled into her arms, unconscious. The nurse quickly whistled for her Moondragon, trying to keep her balance as she sped to the window. By the time her pursuer appeared at the doorframe with his arrow trained, the dragon was already off, soaring into the night sky and disappearing in a flash of silvery moonbeam.

Clink!

The sword was gently lowered onto the wooden table, then joined by a cloak. As he slowly peeled off his gloves, Arthur of Zares glanced at his roommate, who was reading at the other side of the room.

“Why hurry back? The show’s not over yet.”

He might have been asking a wardrobe for all the answers he got. Arthur shrugged and bounded onto his bed.

“Was it the show, or rather, the girl?”

Though he knew it won't work, he can’t help ribbing anyway. Rowen smiled politely and replied.

“I would have stayed until the end had the show been satisfying. There’s no need for your recommendations.”

Just then, a clattering noise came from the verandah, and Rowen started warily. His sword appeared in his hand as he turned to meet Arthur’s eye before approaching the glass door. He raised his eyebrows a bit, flung the curtains apart then pushed the door open ajar.

The sight of two women hovering in mid-air on a dragon left the two princes speechless.

“Nurse!” Prince Rowen exclaimed softly.

“Do let us find safety inside, your highness.”

The older woman said tersely, handing him the still unconscious princess. She then dismounted and swept after him back into the room. Rowen lay the little princess down gently on his bed. Arthur followed him with curious eyes, before turning to the nurse, who was starting to speak and might answer him better.

“Prince Rowen, Prince Arthur, I am Feina, the royal nurse of Princess Viviennaniya of Venol.”

Arthur turned to stare at the listless crown princess on the bed. His eyebrows crept together as ideas whizzed into his head, then he responded.

“Nice to meet you.”

He said with a chuckle. His eyes gleaming slyly, he continued in the same amused tone.

“Must have been hard. Such a sudden change in the vacation plan.”

“We are most grateful for your concern,” Feina accepted calmly and explained frankly.

“An unexpected event has unfolded in Venol, and in such circumstances I am in no fit state to protect the princess. I remembered that Prince Rowen is not far off, and so I hope your highnesses would be as merciful…”

“No problem.” Arthur instantly agreed, while Rowen frowned. “Venol has been a good ally to Zares, and especially friendly with Gemini, of course…”

Arthur teased, but Rowen’s expression was taut with stress. Though there was a slight hardness in his gaze, he seemed as calm as ever. It’s no easy feat driving Rowen up the wall.

“But we’re traveling into Demos. It’s not safe for the princess.” Said Rowen tensely.

“I’m afraid, your highness, but I do not know of anyone else we could trust. They could turn on us any moment.”

Feina sounded very worried, and that softened Rowen’s resolve. He sighed softly.

“The road to Demos is not a secure one, but if Zares has guaranteed the princess’s safety, then I’m afraid I have no say in this matter.”

Arthur jolted, but before he could even mouth anything, the nurse took that chance to cut him short.

“Your graciousness has saved us all. Venol will never forget what you have done.”

After that, the strange nurse said a few things more and hurried off on her way, leaving behind a large burden for them to carry along.

The two princes turned and met each other’s eyes, then Arthur chose to break the silence.                                                                                                                         

“The crown princess of Venol? I heard she’ll be empress soon.”

“You’re interested?” Rowen asked with a hint of a smile.

“Yep.” Arthur didn’t waste a second thinking. He moved over and gazed down at the still slumbering empress-to-be.

Now that she was this close rather than far away on a stage, her beauty was even more captivating. Her eyes were closed, laying the long eyelashes to rest on her cheeks. Lips like rose petals so inviting and filled with charm.

“Beautiful and powerful,” Arthur muttered. “Pity she’s too young.” He then contradicted himself and shook his head.

“Don’t stare much.” Said Rowen calmly. Arthur raised his eyebrows and turned, smiling slyly.

“You jealous?”

“No.” Rowen’s voice was firm. “The princess’s mother; she’s one of the three Mages of Snowland. She may be gone, but her evil curse lies in the princess’s veins.”

“A curse?” That was more than enough to intrigue Arthur. A grin crept onto his lips.

“Charm.” Rowen answered shortly. “You take too many a look at her, and you’ll fall for her beauty then become enslaved by love.”

“Hmmm?” Arthur hummed in his throat. His already narrow eyes squeezed even smaller. “You’re bluffing, right?”

“You can try if you like. I just warned you out of good intentions.” Rowen chuckled softly. “Before you fall prey to the sorceress’s charm.”

Then knocks sounded from the door.

Someone knocked on the door again. When Arthur went over and answered it, his eyes grew wider when he saw a most unlikely visitor.

The Princess of Baramos!

She was still wearing boys’ clothes, but, while a girl, she has a sweet face that was pleasant to look at anyway. She greeted him with a broad grin.

“What brings you here in these late hours?”

Arthur’s voice was gentle, but Felin felt suddenly queasy. She moved aside to reveal the burly man standing just behind. The Warrior of Baramos.

First knock, Godome Komus wanted to talk with Rowen.

This knock, Lawen of Baramos.

It was puzzling, but Arthur kept quiet.

“Prince Rowen said he’s found me a roommate, and he told me to come get him. As for Lawen, he’s got something to discuss with you.”

“Your roommate?” Arthur repeated then laughed softly. “Oh, right. Come on in, then. Must have woken up by now.”

Felin obediently rushed inside, but when her eyes fell upon the person on the bed, she gaped a little and smiled sheepishly.

“A girl? You’re kidding, right?”

“Princess Viviennaniya,” Lawen stated. Obviously he knew the princess well. “Then it’s the same story. Baramos has ordered me to return immediately. Venol has sent for urgent help. I’m afraid I have to entrust Princess Feliona’s safety into your hands for this trip, Prince Arthur.”

“No problem.” Arthur accepted simply with a small smile, but his thick eyebrows crept close together, thoughtful. If it was to the point that Venol have to send word to Baramos, then it must be serious.

“How bad are things in Venol?” He asked Lawen.

“From what I heard, there’s a coup d’état in the middle of the capital.”

“Mother.” Vivien murmured then sprang up, and everyone spun around to her. Her pale face looked anxious and her eyes hesitant at first, then habit clicked in and she commanded.

“Take me back to Venol!”

Lawen met her gaze and denied taciturnly.

“No orders. I cannot do as you ask.”

“I’m giving the orders here!” The princess demanded loudly, but Lawen merely smiled politely and explained.

“The only person in this place whose order I obey is the Princess of Baramos. Beg her consent, if you please.”

Felin jolted out of her skin. She glared at the warrior who had just chucked her some big trouble, and simpered at the princess, who was staring at her, bewildered. However, when she finally saw Vivien clearly, Felin’s eyes widened once more.

“You...?”

She exclaimed and cursed under her breath in a manner most inappropriate for ladies, then swiftly put on a serious expression.

“You’d better go wash up. I’ll show you to our room.” Felin said and hitched up a small smile. “Let’s just say I’ve taken you for a holiday in Demos. As for Venol, Baramos and Lawen will take care of everything. There, there, please don’t pout. That doesn’t look good on your beautiful face, believe me.”

Felin’s tone was pleasantly tender.

“But…” Before the princess could protest, Felin cut her off.

“Don’t you trust in the High King and Baramos, princess? Do let us be at your service, just for once.”

Surprisingly, the princess calmed down. She nodded obediently and disappeared into the bathroom. The two princes sighed and unwittingly turned and met each other’s gaze. They felt their stomachs churning unpleasantly.

The Princess of Baramos was amazingly an expert with women.

It was weird...and quite funny at the same time.

“You remember where you first saw her? At first I thought you’ll…” Arthur began airily. Felin turned and bared her teeth.

“Master Arthur! I’m a man through-and-through. I won’t do anything to her!”

“It’s a good thing you won’t, your highness, but you’re not a man!”  

Lawen reminded her wearily.

Princess Viviennaniya was already asleep, but Felin wasn’t. She didn’t dare share the bed with her, even though she knew they were both girls. She was a princess, and such a beautiful one, too. It’s too arrogant of a thief like her to lie on the same mattress. But if she didn’t sleep here, then where?

Felin went outside into the hallway before stopping hesitantly at a door, seeing the light shining through the gap underneath. A sly smile formed on her lips and she raised her small hand to knock lightly on the wood. She waited until the room’s occupant opened up before slipping past him inside. Glancing around the room, she asked up.

“Where is he?”

She jumped onto and settled herself on the bed of the absent prince. Kil walked back to his bed and crawled under the covers.

“Taking a shower.”

Felin pouted a bit, snuggled into Kalo’s blanket and mumbled happily.

“Coast is clear, then.”

Kil grew suspicious.

“What are you doing here? Go back to your room!”

“I can’t.” Felin told him. “There’s a beauty in my room.”

Then Felin recounted to Kil how she ended up with the beautiful princess.

“Hmmm. So that girl on stage turns out to be the Princess of Venol?” Kil repeated and scratched his head. “What the hell does she think she’s doing?”

“Maybe she’s doing it out of spite. You see, she went on and on about some heartless, lying, two-faced moron while I hugged her and consoled her ‘til she fell asleep.”

“If you can console her, why don’t you just sleep with her, then?” Kil argued with a laugh.

“Well…I don’t feel horny tonight.”

Felin argued faintly, but it sent Kil jerking to a stop mid-chuckle. Then he snatched a tome from his bedhead and flung it at the little pain. Tilting her head to dodge it without much effort, Felin laughed and explained.

“Well, I’m not used to sleeping with a beauty like that! And that single bed’s bloody damn puny. How do you expect me to squeeze in? And you know I’ll turn back into a boy in the morning. I bet she’ll shriek until my ears ring.”

“Good point. So what’s your plan?” Kil agreed swiftly.

“Sleep here, of course.” Felin answered without a pause and grinned widely. “And kick someone down to the floor!”

Kil laughed, and when the bathroom door creaked, he reached up swiftly to tug the lamp’s string and scrambled under his blanket, feigning sleep for good to prevent further fuss.

Kalo glanced at the two rascals (pretending to be) asleep on the beds. He stood there fuming for a moment then sighed, trying hard to keep his cool. Walking over to Kil’s bed, he noticed that the killer had intentionally sprawled himself all over the bed, and Kalo felt really like kicking his ass. Over to his own bed, the girl who had always been troubling him was imitating deep slumber, usurping his bed, blanket and pillow.

Kalo yanked the blanket and pillow off her, knowing perfectly well that she wasn’t asleep, but the troublemaking princess just kept on sleeping peacefully, making him all the more irritated. And finally, the prince had to make do with sleeping on the floor.

The cold immediately warmed up when the blanket covered him, and a soft body snuggled close. Kalo was a light sleeper, and he opened his eyes to find Felin smiling sweetly at him.

“I’m cold. Let’s sleep together.” Her beautiful voice whispered softly.

“No.” Kalo denied firmly.

“There’s no blanket or pillow up there, only the mattress.”

“I’m not cold. If you want the blanket then just take it.”

Felin just moved closer and closed her eyes to shut out the protests. She didn’t talk back like she liked to, for the warmth of both the blanket and Kalo himself was making her quite drowsy.

The little pain was about to fall asleep, but the prince who couldn’t was getting more and more furious. His voice became harder.

“Felin, get up!” The living pillow ordered. “Sleep on the bed!”

“Nu-uh.” Judging from her voice, it was obvious the sleepyhead was in deep sleep by now.

“Get UP!”

Kalo repeated. This time her large, round, groggy brown eyes opened and bore into the clear blue.

“Come on, we slept together loads of times before.”

She still thought she was a dog. It was such a stupid reason that Kalo didn’t know how to get back to her on that. Kalo gnashed his teeth and, in one swift move, he tugged back his moonlight pearl and clasped it in his hand.

The pretty girl transformed back into the canine, but it seemed the dog couldn’t care less. She was too sleepy to worry. And that left the ice prince huffing and puffing with fury in the darkness.

Stupid dog...

Something really heavy was weighing onto his middle, and it was so uncomfortable he had to wake up.

A pair of large brown eyes smoldering with rage greeted him first thing in the morning. Probably the dog was fuming about being stuck in her hated form after being relieved of it for so long.

“Get off!”

Kalo scolded. But the troublesome mutt growled in reply.

“Gimme back my pearl!”

“The pearl’s mine. Not yours.”

“You stingy prince!”

Denounced Felin the dog. The stingy prince glowered but did not respond. But she still wasn’t giving up.

“Kalo!”

Then there was a knock from the door. Kil stood up and walked over to answer it.

Felin didn’t even care. She leaned closer and closer down to Kalo. She didn’t notice the morning light streaming in through the window. The dog princess transformed back into a teenage boy once more. It was an awkward sight to the early morning visitor.

“Good Morning,”

The Prince of Gemini greeted with a forced smile. Kil whipped around at the loud thud when Kalo mercilessly shoved Felin off him, and turned back to explain the situation.

“Felin said that princess something slept on his bed, so he had to sleep here. He’s on the bed at first, but late in the night he just slipped down to the floor. Liked it better down there, I suppose.”

It was an incredulous tale, especially if taking what he was looking at into account.

Rowen sighed softly. Should he worry about the welfare of the princess, or should he go for the safety of the prince instead?

The prince who was blushing madly, and the princess in the form of a thief, who was grinning ear-to-ear.

“Hand the thing over and that’s that. It’s a good thing to be generous, you know?”

Now that his beloved pearl was back in his hands, Felin’s eyes sparkled with joy. Then he finally turned to greet Rowen.

“What is it, senior? You’re really early.”

“I’m just here to wake you three. Godome’s already crossed into Demos and we’re to follow him. So see you for breakfast in half an hour.”

******