Kiss Me Not

Most of the people, except for those who already knew, were shocked. They had never thought that the King would have twin sons instead. Everybody became quiet as they waited for the King's words to continue. 

"My wife, the Queen, had kept it from me only because she wanted to surprise me on my birthday back then." The King sighed as he drew away his downcast eyes from the people in front of him. "Instead of a joyful night, I've been greeted by my wife's death. Gavin was kidnapped and for so many years, I never knew that I actually had another son."

What the King experienced was such a tragedy that most of the people in the room couldn't help but sympathize with him. 

"Today, I am here to introduce my lost son, Prince Gavin of the Wilhelm Royal Family."

This time, instead of chatterings between those who heard his announcement, the people clapped, others cheered, welcoming the King's long lost son before them. They were delighted to see that their King was able to reunite with his other son.

As the royal guard signaled them to be quiet, the room fell silent once again. The King was not yet done with his announcement.

"Lastly, I'd like to announce that I'll be abdicating the crown to Prince Gavin."

This was something the public never expected. 

"Why would the King give the throne to Prince Gavin when the person who deserved it better is Prince Cedric?" 

"Is Prince Gavin even capable like his brother?"

Unlike the warm welcome earlier, the public's opinion about the King's decision was divided. Some didn't mind Prince Gavin for the throne since they were sure that he could handle it, after all, he's the King's son.

On the other hand, some questioned his capabilities. Unlike Prince Cedric, he didn't grow up in the country. He did not have lessons required for a prince from childhood. To them, it was like giving the kingdom to a kid who had yet to prove himself.

Kimmy sighed as the reporters began questioning the King's decision. Even Olivia and her parents had disapproving looks in their eyes, most especially Olivia.

After the conference, the royal family was followed by the reporters who bombarded them with questions.

"Let's go," Cain whispered in Kimmy's ear before he grabbed her hand and protected her from being squished by the crowd.

Not far from them, Leila was able to see how protective Cain became and this only made her pleased. She knew that he was someone who would take care of her daughter.

Both Cain and Kimmy were successfully led out of the palace hall, away from the group who had been trying to get a word from the Royal Family.

"I told you this will happen," she mumbled as she followed him out of the Palace hall.

It would definitely take some time before the country as a whole would accept Gavin as their new King. Although it was not like he didn't prepare for that. It was already to be expected after all.

It was a good thing that the royal guards were able to have the media in control.

"Everyone will surely talk about this until Gav's coronation," said Kimmy as she continued to walk beside Cain.

"Don't worry about that, Gavin will surely handle it. This has already been expected." Cain didn't have to worry about anything concerning Gavin, unlike Kimmy. He was confident that Gavin would be able to change the public's view of him. One day, they would fully accept him as their King.

"Kimmy! Wait!"

Both Cain and Kimmy stopped on their tracks just to turn at the woman who came rushing towards them.

"Mother?" 

Leila stopped in front of them, panting slightly. "This unfilial daughter of mine," she mumbled before she finally caught her breath.

"Auntie," Cain greeted with a small smile.

Leila nodded at him in acknowledgment before she turned her scolding gaze to her daughter. "Seriously, are you planning on leaving me without even bidding goodbye?" 

"Sorry, mom. We were in a hurry, right Cain?" Kimmy sneakily nudged his side, hoping that he would play along with her lies.

Cain eyed her for a second before he opened his mouth and said, "Yes, it's business matters. I have an appointment to attend so we were in a hurry. Let me apologize on behalf of your daughter, Auntie."

In the eyes of the Princess, both Cain and Kimmy looked more like they were just finding an excuse just so they could spend time with each other.

"Fine, fine, I won't hold you back from whatever appointment you have." She chuckled as she gazed at them knowingly. Leila turned to her daughter and reached out just to gently caress her cheek with her thumb. "You should at least come and visit your home sometimes, you know. Don't make me worry too much."

Kimmy pursed her lips as she looked at her mother with guilt in her eyes. She had run away for so long after all. She only bobbed her head a bit as a response to what her mother said.

"As for you, Cain." Leila faced the man beside Kimmy. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter."

"You don't have to say that," Kimmy huffed under her breath.

Her mother obviously heard what she said. "Of course I have to. You're working under him, right? He's basically taking care of you."

Kimmy's lips were stretched out into a thin line as she averted her gaze from her. Well, her mother was not entirely wrong at all. Cain and his father had been taking care of her while she stayed at their place.

"Don't worry, Auntie. You can leave your daughter to me. I'll make sure to keep an eye on her," Cain replied.

Leila chuckled. "Yes, you really should. Kimmy can be really crazy sometimes so someone needs to keep her in check."

How could they brazenly talk about her when she was with them? Kimmy huffed as she muttered to herself, "I don't need a babysitter."