Two months after Bryan's burial, followed by his mother’s death, Nicholas’s life became boring and quiet. He wasn’t used to not having his trusted first friend, Bryan, by his side.
But he was also thankful because Bryan had sacrificed his life, so Theodore, who was now locked up far away from the palace, couldn’t find Nicholas.
Life became peaceful and normal again for Nicholas and his family. But they still couldn’t forget Bryan and his parents, who treated Nicholas and his family like their own.
"I thought we were going to visit the princess together? It seems like you don’t want to anymore," Nicholas laughed while looking at his friend’s name.
"Maybe next time, when we’re together again," Nicholas took a deep breath and looked up. He didn’t expect to cry like a child because of Bryan.
Why wouldn’t he? They had been together since birth. Through all the ups and downs, they were always there for each other, but in the end, Nicholas was left with sadness in his heart.
Nicholas stepped back and waved at Bryan's grave. "Goodbye, my friend." After saying his final goodbye, Nicholas left, wiping the tears falling down his cheeks.
He accepted that his friend was gone and was now safe in God’s territory, along with his parents. Nicholas could already imagine Bryan smiling while hugging his mother and father. That’s where they would continue their love as a family with God.
Yesterday, Nicholas and the people of San Mariano learned that Theodore wasn’t really the king’s son after they did a DNA test.
When it was proven that Theodore wasn’t the king’s son, the king couldn’t help but feel sad because he had grown to love Theodore and treated him as his real son.
But despite everything, the king wasn’t alone, as he now had his partner, Dakota, who made him feel loved every day and showed him that he wasn’t alone.
On Nicholas’s 18th birthday, the king surprised him with a motorcycle as a gift, so he wouldn’t have trouble going to school.
Nicholas accepted the gift wholeheartedly and showed it to his family, who were also happy with the king’s gift. He used the motorcycle to visit Bryan’s grave and buy food for dinner with his family.
After buying the food, he rode home on his motorcycle. He parked it beside their house and turned off the engine.
He immediately noticed the black van parked in front of their house, making him frown as he entered the house and saw an unexpected visitor.
"M-my p-princess," Nicholas stuttered, shocked to see the princess playing with his younger sister. When they heard the door open, everyone turned to look at Nicholas.
"Big brother!" Nicole shouted, standing up from her seat beside the princess. She ran to her brother and took his hand to bless. "Mama, Papa, big brother is here!" Nicole shouted again, looking towards the kitchen door.
Their father came out of the kitchen, approached Nicholas, and patted him on the shoulder. "Have you enrolled yet, son?" he asked. "Yes, Dad, I’ve enrolled," Nicholas smiled at his father and then looked at his mother, who was now standing in front of him.
"It’s good that you’re here, son. We’ve been waiting for you. Chantria brought a lot of food, and we’re going to eat it soon, so go to your room and change," his mother said.
"Mama, why are you calling her Chantria? You should show respect, Ma," Nicholas said shyly, smiling at the princess, who quickly walked over to him and smiled.
"Nicholas, it’s okay. I’m no longer part of the... royal family," Chantria said, making Nicholas speechless.
Chantria giggled at Nicholas’s reaction to what she said and continued, "You heard me right, Nicholas. I’m no longer one of them. I’m like you now, just a regular citizen." Chantria smiled, making Nicholas's ears turn red, which Nicole quickly noticed.
"Wow, big brother! Why are your ears so red?!" Nicole teased, pretending to be surprised. She knew this meant only one thing: her brother was in love.
Nicholas glared at Nicole, making her laugh, and soon their parents and Chantria were laughing too.
"Let’s stop this now. We shouldn’t keep the blessings waiting. Let’s eat," Nicholas’s mother said, and everyone agreed. Nicholas’s parents and sister went into the kitchen first.
Nicholas waited for Chantria to go in, but she just stood beside him. He looked at her and asked shyly, "Aren’t you going in with them, prin—uh... Chantria?" He was surprised that he almost called her "princess," knowing she wasn’t part of the royal family anymore.
Chantria laughed and shook her head. "It’s more fun being with you," Chantria smiled sweetly, making Nicholas’s whole face turn as red as a tomato.
Nicholas secretly glanced at her, catching her looking at him, and she smiled warmly, making his heart beat even faster.
Their moment was interrupted when Nicholas’s mother called out, "Nicholas, Chantria, stop flirting and come eat!" They heard laughter coming from the kitchen, and both of them quickly looked away, then quietly walked into the kitchen to join the others for dinner.
"Give me a ride on your motorcycle later," Chantria teased Nicholas, who smiled at her playful behavior. "Sure, if you’ll answer my question first," Nicholas replied, raising an eyebrow.
Chantria looked at Nicholas, confused, and raised an eyebrow at him. "Can I court you?" Nicholas blurted out, surprising himself and making Chantria blush as she slowly nodded. Nicholas smiled widely in return.
THE END.