Days later Javier was sprawled lazily across his bed when the door burst open without warning.
"Javier!" Liza stormed in, her voice sharp with anger.
He groaned in annoyance."Gosh, Liza… can't you at least knock?" he hissed.
"I'm not here for your nonsense," she snapped.
He arched his brow."What if I were naked?"
Liza scoffed coldly."Then I wouldn't be the first to see you. The maids you've been sleeping with in this palace have already seen everything."
His eyes narrowed."What exactly are you trying to say?"
"You recently slept with a virgin maid, didn't you?" Liza asked bluntly.
"And how is that your business?" He shot back. "I told you to stay out of my affairs."
"How can a prince go around defiling every maid in the palace?" she snapped.
He stared at her for a moment… then burst into laughter.
"Look who's talking," he mocked. "We're not so different, Princess Liza."
"What?" she frowned.
"Aren't you entertaining your bodyguards?" he smirked.
Liza swallowed and looked away.
"That face tells me everything," He continued lazily. "Planning to seduce Dario's personal guard next?"
Liza scoffed, brushing her hair back."I don't know what you're talking about. I only came to warn you… the girl you slept with last is planning revenge."She turned to leave.
"Where did you hear that?" He demanded, rising from the bed.
"My maids," she replied coldly before walking out.
Walking down the corridor, She ran into the royal twins.
"Greetings, sister," Benita and Benito said in mocking unison.
"Keep your greetings," She barked before brushing past them.
They rolled their eyes."Who knew we had a palace dog?" Benita clicked her tongue.
"A very mighty one," Benito added, and they both laughed.
Maids bowed as they passed.
"I haven't seen Thana today," Benito said as they stepped outside.
"Just admit you haven't seen her maid… Inna," Benita teased.
"Love at first sight?" came a playful voice behind them.
They turned around smiling but Benito's smile faded when he realized Thana was alone.
"Thana!" Benita rushed forward and hugged her.
"You missed me that much?" Thana laughed.
"I thought you had already returned to your kingdom with your father," Benita pouted.
"Not yet," Thana replied, pouting back.
Their laughter rang through the courtyard.
They glanced at Benito, who looked unusually distant.
"He's looking for her," Benita whispered.
"I know," Thana muttered knowingly.
"Benito… searching for someone?" she teased.
"Stop insinuating nonsense," he scoffed and walked away.
The girls ran after him, grabbing his arms.
"Is there something you're hiding?" Thana asked.
Benita began tickling him.
"Stop!" Benito laughed, breaking free and running. The girls chased him.
As he rounded a corner, he nearly collided with Dario and his guard, Pablo.
Dario had finally agreed to explore the palace after much persuasion from Pablo.
Now, seeing the chaotic trio, he immediately regretted leaving his chamber.
"Brother Dario!" Benito cried, hiding behind him.
Thana and Benita stopped abruptly.Thana's eyes met his.
Benita's face lit up."Pablo!" she called, rushing toward him.
He lowered his gaze respectfully."Greetings, Your Highness."
"How are you?" she asked warmly.
"I am well… thank you," he replied, bowing again.
Benito scoffed softly."So I'm the only one left alone," he muttered.
Benita moved to hug Dario. He smiled faintly and patted her head.
Thana froze.She had rarely seen him smile…
She wished she could see that smile more often.
Benito frowned and pulled Benita away."My turn."
He tried to hug Dario but he stepped back, causing him to stumble.
Thana and Benita burst into laughter.
Dario found himself staring at Thana.Her laughter was beautiful…Her white teeth, golden eyes, soft pink lips…He blinked and looked away.What's wrong with you, Dario? his mind scolded.
He ruffled Benito's hair with a small smile.
"Let's go, Pablo."
He had barely taken two steps when the twins grabbed his arms.
"Come play with us at the field!"Before he could protest, they dragged him away.
At the field, papers were spread before Dario.His expression was dark because they had forced him to craft for them.
"I can't do this," he said, standing up.
"Please," the twins begged in unison.
"Please, Prince Dario," Thana added, pouting softly.
He sighed.
"I'll only make three things."
"I want a bag," Benita said excitedly.
"Make me a heart," Benito added quickly.
Thana and Benita stared at him suspiciously.
"It's for myself," he muttered defensively.They scoffed.
"What about you, Thana?" Benita asked.
Thana smiled shyly, playing with her fingers,Then she looked up into his eyes.
"I want you to craft me, Prince Dario."
Silence fell.
He stared at her… then suddenly burst into laughter…The others froze in shock.
"What just happened?" Benita whispered.
"The stone-hearted loner just laughed,"Benito replied.
Thana smiled softly."Did I really make you laugh?"
Dario stopped, clearing his throat."I cannot craft a human with paper PrincessThana," he said formally.
"I'm leaving."He walked away, Pablo following.
"Did you really make him laugh?" Benito asked in awe.
"I would love to have you as my sister-in-law," Benita said, hugging Thana.
Thana stiffened."Sister… in-law?"
She pulled away quickly.
"I… I want to sleep."She hurried off.
Benito watched her go.
"What's wrong with those two?"Benita sighed.
"Love"