Taming A Billionaire

The third point of view:

"Come with us, Anika," his sister, Jasmine, extended an invitation without his approval. Akim was immediately put in a tight spot as he didn't want to turn down Jasmine's offer. 

So he said to Anika, "Can you give me a few moments with my sister, I need to have a word with her," 

"Sure," Anika said with a knowing smile that made Akim wonder if there was a need for privacy when she knew what they were about to discuss. 

Nevertheless, Akim still moved away from her before he started a conversation with Jasmine, 

"What are you doing?" He asked. 

"Helping you make a move on the girl, you're welcome," Jasmine said proudly as if she just did the world a big favor. 

Akim face-palmed, "I don't you to make a move -" 

"I know you like the girl," 

"No, I don't," 

"Really?" Jasmine raised a dark brow. 

"No," He gulped, "Maybe a little," 

She threw her hands up, "How could you be so dumb?" she asked. 

"What does a six-year-old know about love and relationship?" Akim asked back, astounded. 

"I learned enough from mummy and daddy and the soap opera played in TV,"

At the mention of their parents, Akim was reminded of the fact that they were blatantly disobeying them and that was the wake-up call he needed.

"I'm sorry, Jasmine, but there's no point in doing this. I'm a prince, we don't belong in the same world and we won't last here anyway, remember?" Akim explained to her. 

"So what?" 

"So what?" he was astounded by her nonchalant question. 

"You said it, we have a limited time here, so why don't you make full use of it?" 

Akim shook his head, "You're a kid, you don't understand -" 

"When would you have a spine," She pointed out that he wasn't brave and reminded him of the fact that Anika claimed the crown prince had no backbone. Unfortunately, the prince was him.

"I'm sorry if I sounded rude," Jasmine apologized when she realized that was rude coming from her mouth, "But then, you only live once, I suggest you do what you truly want for once," she said and went back to Anika. 

By the time Akim returned to them, Anika had a smug look as if she already knew the verdict. How could someone be so confident? He was envious.

"Hi Anika, do you intend to join our small team for a short cruise. Moreover, you seem to know the way more than us," he asked her , politely.

"I was wondering when you were going to ask," Anika smirked at him - she seemed to be fond of smirking at him. It was well... cute, to be honest. 

At first, it was kind of awkward, but Anika was a good tour guide and he eventually relaxed. It was not like she was going to bite him or something. 

They spent their time wandering stall after stall and tasting bits of foods and snacks - so they could have space in their stomach for more. Although the foods sold weren't as luxurious as the ones they consumed at the palace regularly, seeing the way people eat heartily stirred their appetite as well.

So they put down their pride and eat like the commoners and to be honest, it felt good. There was this joy they felt within themselves as they had a good time with other families on the same stand with them. It was fun.

Everything was going well until Anita took them to another food stand and when Akim glanced at the glass, his eyes almost popped out of his socket.

"What is this?" He asked, goosebumps climbing up his arms.

Anika introduced the snacks, "That's termite," She added immediately upon seeing their shocked looks, "Edible termites,"

"No way," Jasmine had the same revolted expression as her brother. As they lived in the luxurious palace, they never had something as disgusting as this.

Anika explained, "Well, termite is edible but not all species. Yes, you can eat edible termite because it is safe to eat, nutritious and it is equally delicious. The flying termites are usually collected while flying or after their wings have fallen off. Afterward, the ants are either fried in their fat or in oil before consumption and other ingredients - by choice. It can also be steamed, roasted, or boiled before consumption, but trust me, the fried ones are the best - they taste like heaven," she moaned at the thought. 

To confirm her saying, Anika dropped a bill on the table and stretched her hand, asking the seller to give her a taste. The woman poured a few of the insects into Anika's palm with her serving spoon and the girl put the whole thing in her mouth, chowing on it. 

Akim and Jasmine gagged at once. That was the most appalling thing they have seen. 

"Why don't you have a taste?" Anika gestured as if she didn't know of their aversion towards it. 

"No!!" Both of them rejected the offer without a second thought. Sadly, Anika was not the type to give up easily. 

"Why?" She stood proudly, "Scared of a little insect? What's the word again? Man up?" Anika intentionally incited Akim. 

Challenged, Akim stepped towards the woman and opened his palm as well and the woman placed a few of the insects in his palm with a chuckle knowing he was still scared. 

Akim's toes curled at the sight of the brown insects in his palm, he wanted to throw the insects and run as far as his legs could take him. But that would be cowardly, so he courageously put the whole thing in his mouth. He couldn't be viewed as weak by Anika. For some reason, he wanted to impress her. 

At first, the insects felt squishy as he chewed which made him imagine eating the insect's poop. But then, his expression changed as a delightful flavor exploded in his mouth. 

"Hmmm," He nodded and asked for more, the woman happily obliged. Akim chewed more, beginning to nod his head. Where has this insect been all his life?

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A question below ?