A Prince's Proposal: A Scandal with...!?

Sugarcane

I had been waiting outside the throne room the whole time, dying to know what the King and Joshua were discussing.\n\n@@color:grey;(I'm dying out here...What are we going to do?)@@\n\n[IMG[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_medl79fABW1rung62o4_400.png]]\n\nJoshua came out of the room, deep in thought.\n\n!@@color:blue;"Joshua...!"@@\n\nEagerly rising from the sofa, I waited for his answer.\n\n@@color:purple;"...He wants you to not say anything about the scandal to anyone who asks."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"......"@@\n\n@@color:grey;(I knew it would be inevitable that I must meet him again.)@@\n\nI was still shocked by the change of events.\n\nJoshua was the one I loved, but I couldn't tell the public that there was nothing and will never be anything between psycho Leonardo and I. \n\nThe King wanted to defer the media's attention towards my relationship with Leonardo instead of Joshua and I. \n\n!@@color:grey;(Fuck this! This is so messed up!)@@\n\n@@color:purple;"If you deny the article...This would make Leonardo a liar and he might be harrassed. Not only that by denying it... you will give the Paparazzi more reason to dig deeper into your life and eventually finding out about our relationship."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"I know. I get it. Say no more."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Fuck Leonardo! @#$%)@@\n\nAs soon as my internal struggle had calm down, I began to think again.\n\n@@color:grey;(But...I was so preoccupied with myself that I forgot that this...most important of all, it could jeopardize my relationship with Joshua.)@@\n\nRealizing this I knew then that the King was absolutely right.\n\n@@color:blue;"You're right. This is the only way."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(I have to face my past in order to get pass this.)@@\n\n@@color:purple;"Sorry..."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"But don't worry. I'll take care of you."@@\n\nJoshua said as he embraced me tightly.\n\n@@color:grey;(The only one to blame was myself for being so weak.)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Joshua, I'm sorry... I just couldn't tell you.)@@\n\nMy arms wrapped around him holding back my tears.\n\n@@color:grey;(We'll be okay...As long as we're together. Even Paparazzi, Dresvan Kingdom and the demonic prince can't tear us apart.)@@\n\nI repeated this over and over in my head like a prayer.\n\nThen my ears suddenly caught "Prince Leonardo" from a nearby set.\n\n@@color:grey;(......)@@\n\nWe abruptly let go of each other looked at the screen.\n\n[IMG[http://redrockcanyonparanormal.com/Images/Pythian-Castle-Front-For-Web.jpg]]\n\nIt showed Leonardo walking out of Nerwan Castle.\n\nHe was being interviewed.\n\n"Prince Leonardo! Is that article speaking the truth?"\n\n"From that photograph it sure looked like you and that mystery man are close!"\n\nLeonardo stopped walking for a moment and looked into the camera.\n\n@@color:orange;"Well......I suppose the photograph itself is real."@@\n\nThen he grinned slightly.\n\n@@color:grey;(...No, I made a big mistake. I shouldn't be blaming myself for all of this because everything is his fault!)@@\n\n@@color:purple;"That jerk..."@@\n\nWe stood in front of the TV with dropped jaws as a knock sounded at the door.\n\n@@color:orange;"What did you just call me?"@@\n\nI whirled around and saw Leonardo standing by the open door.\n\n@@color:blue;"!"@@\n\nI couldn't stand the sight of him.\n\n@@color:purple;"What're you..."@@\n\nLeonardo sidled past Joshua and faced me.\n\nStaring directly into my eyes.\n\n[IMG[https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTrJ9yGjLAgNG8lW_3VfP-gxRqD0GhSzrj7zN5eVcSy3QOocJcdCw]]\n\nThe same eyes that haunted me in my nightmares.\n\n@@color:orange;"He's my prince...So I've come to take him back."@@\n\n!@@color:blue;"!"@@\n\nSpeechless, I stared at Leonardo. My face filled with horror.\n\n@@color:orange;"Can we not be so horrified about this? It was decided that we wouldn't deny the article, right?"@@\n\n@@color:grey;(...You shameless psycho. How dare you appear before me!)@@\n\n@@color:purple;"Did my father...tell you?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Yeah. Hey, <<print $playerFirstName>>, If we don't play along the media will figure out that the article was BS."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Wanna come over to Nerwan just for kicks?"@@\n\n@@color:grey;(If I needed to kick something... it would be your ass!)@@\n\nI glanced over at Joshua.\n\nLeonardo took another step closer and peered into my face.\n\n[IMG[https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTrJ9yGjLAgNG8lW_3VfP-gxRqD0GhSzrj7zN5eVcSy3QOocJcdCw]]\n\n@@color:blue;"P-please not any closer."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"...Are you sure? If the media finds out we're not a thing, they'll find out you're with this guy."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Haven't you tormented me enough already? Must you be so cruel and show your disgusting face before me?)@@\n\nI was in daze for a minute, staggering almost tripping over myself.\n\nBefore I could speak, Joshua put his firm hands on my shoulder.\n\n[IMG[http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_medl79fABW1rung62o6_400.png]]\n\n@@color:purple;"<<print $playerFirstName>>, go to Nerwan."@@\n\n!@@color:blue;"!"@@\n\nI stared at Joshua in disbelief.\n\nThen I opened my mouth without thinking.\n\n[[How can you say that!]]\n\n[[Fine!]]

Our private jet landed in Nerwan.\n\n[IMG[http://redrockcanyonparanormal.com/Images/Pythian-Castle-Front-For-Web.jpg]]\n\nThen a limousine took us to Nerwan castle.\n\nA place that I dreaded to ever come back to. \n\nMore flashbacks came flooding into my mind.\n\n[IMG[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTorsFDRjfon-eypHfdvEkJDNvkdZrWkBBk7wwoCQHSUXCN4L8KKQ]]\n\n"Welcome to Nerwan Castle, Prince Joshua."\n\n@@color:purple;"Yes, thank you for having us."@@\n\n"We all sincerely hope that the you and Mr <<print $playerFirstName>> enjoy your stay here."\n\n[IMG[http://hookedonhouses.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/servants-lining-up-at-entrance-611x272.jpg]]\n\nSaying this, the stewards all bowed their heads. The entire staff of Nerwan Castle quickly followed suit.\n\n@@color:blue;"Thank you."@@\n\nLast time when I was here, I was on business with Joshua but most of the time I was alone because Joshua had business to attend to. That trip didn't end well.\n\n@@color:grey;(Hmph...I feel so dirty being here.)@@\n\nThere used to be bad blood between Dresvan and Nerwan but now it seemed to be all cleared. \n\nOne of the maids offered to take my luggage.\n\n"Sir <<print $playerFirstName>>, please let me take your luggage."\n\nA swarm of maids came at me.\n\n@@color:blue;"No need..."@@\n\n"No, I insist. You must be tired from the journey."\n\n@@color:grey;(Get your filthy hands off my luggage, you Nerwan maid!)@@\n\nI almost lost my composure there but I took a deep breath to calm my nerves.\n\nAfter she gently forced my luggage away, another maid approaches me.\n\n"And I will carry your backpack!"\n\n@@color:blue;"No thank you."@@\n\nThe maid cut me off with flushed cheeks.\n\n@@color:grey;(What's wrong with these people...are they all as mental as their psycho prince?!)@@\n\n"Sir <<print $playerFirstName>>, you are the star of Nerwan!"\n\n@@color:blue;"What!?"@@\n\nI looked skeptically at the maids to see them looking at me excitedly with their eyes sparkling.\n\nNot knowing what else to do I hurried on my way. The maids [[squealed in response.]]

!@@color:deeppink ;'A Scandal with...!?'@@\n(rewritten version of Joshua's Secret Escape event)\nrewritten by: C.L\nRATED: R\n(may include adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements)\n\n@@color:yellow;*please do not copy any part of the story without giving credit to this site*@@\n\n![Story Description]\n\nThe MC is a talented fashion designer who works for the Dresvan royal family. In secrecy, he's dating the famous Prince Joshua of Dresvan. An event happened during one of his business trips with Prince Joshua that scarred his life forever could also start a political war if it got out. Not only was it hard enough to be a man dating a prince but now the MC gets trapped in a scandal with none other than Nerwan's Prince Leonardo. But Prince Leonardo is no knight in shining armor. \n\nThe King of Dresvan asks the MC to not decline the scandal and go to Nerwan to meet Prince Leonardo. What will happen to the MC and Joshua's relationship? Would the MC eventually face his past? or Everything will go smoothly and happily ever after? This isn't Disney BS, you won't see that here!\n\nSprites taken from: [[Fortykoubuns|http://fortykoubuns.tumblr.com/]] \n\nCOLOUR CODES:\n@@color:blue;MC@@ @@color:purple;Joshua@@ @@color:orange;Leonardo@@ @@color:brown;Jean@@\n@@color:deeppink;Pierre@@\n\n[[CONTINUE]]

<<silently>>\n<<set $score = $score + 1>>\n<<endsilently>>\n@@color:blue;"H-how can you say that...!"@@\n\nI was shocked to hear such a thing come out of Joshua's mouth.\n\n@@color:grey;(Joshua, you don't understand anything!)@@\n\n@@color:blue;"I know it's inevitable that we must do this but I didn't want to hear it from your mouth...anyone but you."@@\n\nMy heart ached and the thought of Joshua and I being torn apart from one another flooded into my mind.\n\nBut Joshua smiled.\n\n<<display 'dont worry'>>\n\n

<<if $score eq 3>> \n!@@color:yellow;"Congrats! You got Happy Ending!"@@\n[[CONTINUE TO ENDING|happy]]\n<<else>>\n!@@color:red;"It's unfortunate that you got Unhappy Ending, try again and see if you can get Happy Ending next time."@@\n[[CONTINUE TO ENDING|unhappy]]\n<<endif>>

I was naive to think that our love would [[conquer everything...]]

What will the world think of us when [[they find out...]]

Then Leonardo casually pushed through our wall of bodyguards.\n\nOne hand was in his pocket, the other was holding mine.\n\n@@color:grey;(I felt like I sold my body by letting Leonardo do this to me...)@@\n\nWith our hands clasped tightly, we looked like an ordinary couple strolling through the city.\n\nThe screaming girls snapped pictures of us with their phones.\n\n@@color:grey;(It's like a boys love convention and we were on display. I felt sick to my stomach.)@@\n\n@@color:blue;{{{"Hey, psycho... stop touching me."}}}@@\n\nI said quietly to Leonardo without anyone else hearing but he ignored me.\n\n@@color:orange;"Heh, it feels like we're a real couple now. Wanna go ahead and make it official?"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Stop joking around."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(The thought of that is unbearable...It's a blasphemy!)@@\n\nAll I could do was continue to hold his hand and walk while shaking off the nerve-racking feelings.\n\nI couldn't help but look back at Joshua for comfort.\n\n@@color:grey;(Joshua you're so close but yet so far...)@@\n\nJoshua had lagged a few paces behind us, with a clear scowl on his face.\n\nThe only one enjoying this trip seems to be [[only Leonardo.]]

@@color:purple;"Don't worry..."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"But first, Leonardo, you must agree to my terms."@@\n\nHe said as he faced Leonardo.\n\n@@color:purple;"I'm coming with him. You will take both <<print $playerFirstName>> and myself to Nerwan."@@\n\nJoshua scowled fiercely at Leonardo as he gripped my hand.\n\n@@color:grey;(Joshua...please stay with me.)@@\n\nI looked back and forth between the two princes.\n\nI got the feeling that something tremendous [[was going to happen.]]

Both our feelings were [[mutual but...]]\n\n[IMG[http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/12141065556_dc0ef9e495_n.jpg]]

As I stood alone in the courtyard agonizing over these feelings, Leonardo had followed me. At first he had a concern face on but I knew it was all a fake.\n\n@@color:orange;"...You're pretty good understanding who I really am."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"If only you weren't a filthy commoner then maybe it would have worked out for the both of us."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"No thank you."@@\n\nI turned the other way avoiding his stare.\n\nBut then...\n\nTwo hands grabbed my shoulders...\n\n@@color:grey;("Huh...?)@@\n\nLeonardo had took a hold of my waist and tightly embraced me from behind.\n\n@@color:orange;"You know I get turned on when people mistreat and verbally abuse me."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"What!?"@@\n\nLeonardo continued to tightly embrace me.\n\nI felt his body temperature raising and I could hear him quietly panting from behind me. \n\n@@color:blue;"Disgusting! Get your hands off of me!"@@\n\n@@color:grey;(What!?)@@\n\nI felt something poking at my butt...\n\n@@color:grey;(Don't tell me he's hard already!?... gross!)@@\n\n@@color:orange;"You know if we stay in this position...I may be able to handle banging you as long as I don't see that ugly commoner face of yours."@@\n\nHe said while he tried to unzip his pants.\n\n@@color:blue;"What the the hell are you doing from behind!"@@\n\nI managed to get Leonardo's arms off of me but he continued to grab ferociously at my suit like a wild animal.\n\nRIP!\n\n@@color:grey;(That bastard! He just ripped my sleeves!)@@\n\nThen Leonardo tried grabbed onto my belt.\n\nI struggled to keep my pants on..\n\n@@color:blue;"You fucking pervert!"@@\n\nWHAM!\n\n@@color:grey;(Huh...?)@@\n\nMy suit suddenly felt lighter.\n\n@@color:purple;"Keep your filthy hands off him!"@@\n\nJoshua had forcefully yanked Leonardo off of me and punched him in the face.\n\n@@color:orange;"Ouch!"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Joshua!"@@\n\n@@color:purple;"How dare you shamelessly touch him!"@@\n\nJoshua angrily yelled at Leonardo.\n\nLeonardo wiped the blood dripping from his mouth and smirked at Joshua.\n\n@@color:orange;"You dare punch me for this stupid mutt! Do you know what you just did!? Do you know the consequences of what you just fucking did!?"@@\n\nWHAM! \n\nJoshua not blinking an eye, punched Leonardo again in the face.\n\n@@color:orange;"Fuc-!"@@\n\nBefore he could finish his sentence, I added another punch to his face.\n\n@@color:orange;"Arg!"@@\n\nLeonardo stumbled around as he tried to stand straight. \n\nHe then shaked his head a few times to wake himself up.\n\nHe ran heatedly towards Joshua and I and tried to land a punch on one of us but missed.\n\n@@color:orange;"Shit!"@@\n\nInstead of landing a punch, Leonardo stumbled on his own feet and tripped over and landed flat on his face.\n\nCLICK! CLICK! CLICK!\n\n[IMG[http://www.hennagarden.com/Images/themes/papparazi.gif]]\n\nFlashes rained down from the bushes as a gang of Paparazzi that were hiding in the bushes jumped.\n\n"Big scoop!! Prince Joshua defends <<print $playerFirstName>> after Prince Leonardo's sexual assault!"\n\n@@color:blue;"Joshua...lets run for it!"@@\n\nJoshua stood there in a daze as he was assaulted with flashes from cameras.\n\nI then grabbed Joshua's hands.\n\n@@color:purple;"......"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Lets run!"@@\n\nJoshua stared at me and then nodded.\n\nWe took each others hands and then ran out of [[the courtyard to the entrance.]]

[IMG[http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/12448668415_ee306c4e74.jpg]]\n\nOnce outside the banquet hall, I slipped into the empty courtyard.\n\n@@color:grey;(Why did this have to happen to me?... What have I done to deserve such punishment?)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Not only was I gagged and tied up and almost raped but now everyone is forcing me to stick to that psycho demonic prince...This can't get any worst.)@@\n\nLooking back, my life had been perfect and being in a relationship with the man that I loved made it even sweeter until that psycho demonic Prince Leonardo tied me up, gagged me,verbally and physically assaulted and took a picture and accidentally sent it to someone on his mobile phone. The picture got out and that's how this mess started.\n\n@@color:grey;(Before this, I still got to be with Joshua even though we had to keep it a secret...)@@\n\nBut now I can't even be close to him without having that psycho being there too.\n\nI squeezed my eyes shut and pray that this is all just a bad dream.\n\nClomp, clomp, clomp...\n\nI heard the sounds of someone walking towards me from behind.\n\nThey ran and stopped over and over again as if the person were looking for someone...\n\n@@color:blue;"Joshua...?"@@\n\nI was hoping that it was Joshua running after me.\n\nI turned around with hopeful eyes but when the figure finally came closer, breathing heavily...\n\nWas it Joshua?\n\n[[CONTINUE TO SEE WHICH ENDING YOU GOT!|ending]]\n\n@@color:yellow;*note: The ending is determined by what you have chosen in the multiple choice selections.@@

It was decided that we go sightseeing for starters.\n\n@@color:grey;(What a waste of time. I wanted to get this over with.)@@\n\nJoshua came along and Leonardo was our guide.\n\n@@color:orange;"We'll start with Nerwan's main artery. This is our biggest urban area."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Why did Leonardo have to tag along...I wanted alone time with Joshua.)@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Though I'm sure you already knew that, Joshua."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"This is your first time here, right, <<print $playerFirstName>>?"@@\n\nLeonardo smiled at me.\n\n@@color:blue;"Yes."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"That's right."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"You go out a lot in Charles, but not here..."@@\n\nJust then, the sound of squealing girls boomed through the area.\n\nI looked to the side of our bodyguards and saw countless girls waving at us.\n\nI sigh.\n\n@@color:grey;(More fangirls...what's wrong with this kingdom!)@@\n\n"Prince Joshua!"\n\nAnother woman...\n\n"Prince Leonardo! Look this way, ple-ease!"\n\n@@color:grey;(This is giving me a headache.)@@\n\nI started to noticed that the girls were staring at me too.\n\n"Hey, isn't that <<print $playerFirstName>>?"\n\nHer friend replied her enthusiastically jumping up and down with excitement.\n\n"You're right! Oh my gosh! He's even more gorgeous in person. Sir <<print $playerFirstName>>! Kyaaa..."\n\nNow her friend started jumping up and down along with her.\n\n"We're proud supporters of boys love!"\n\n@@color:blue;"....."@@\n\n[IMG[http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/09/10/article-1054185-029ACACF00000578-657_468x311.jpg]]\n\nWith wide eyes I looked at the crowd to see the girls frantically waving at me.\n\nUnable to process what was happening I ignored them.\n\n"Woooooooo!"\n\nThe screaming amplified as more and more people began to crowd.\n\n@@color:grey;(I thought this only happens in concerts and anime conventions...)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(The media sure is powerful...They even got the otakus out of their houses.)@@\n\nJoshua's pensive eyes stared at the sea of screaming girls.\n\n@@color:purple;"......"@@\n\n"That's Leonardo's girlfriend or was it boyfriend?"\n\n"Hey, why do you think he's in Nerwan?"\n\n"Why is Joshua here too?"\n\n"Maybe it's a love triangle!"\n\n"Kyaaaa!"\n\nThe girls amongst the crowd squeal even louder.\n\n@@color:grey;(Annoying...)@@\n\nWith a frown and a wrinkle on his brow, Joshua stood calmly by me.\n\n@@color:blue;"This has gotten out of hand."@@\n\nWhen I said this, Joshua dropped his gaze to the ground.\n\nDue to the large crowd that had formed, the bodyguards now surrounded the three of us.\n\nAnd where the crowd couldn't see in, Joshua reached out his right hand, trying to hold onto mines.\n\n@@color:grey;(Oh Joshua...)@@\n\nI tried to reach out too.\n\nBut Leonardo noticed this, he snorted...\n\n@@color:grey;(You psycho, what's so funny?)@@\n\nI looked at him.\n\nSomeone had grabbed my hand.\n\n@@color:grey;(Leonardo!? Curse it!)@@\n\n[[Keep holding hands.]]\n\n[[Slap his hands away.]]

A Scandal with...!?

Everyone in the world has the false impression that I'm in a relationship with Leonardo.\n\nEven though there is no way in hell I would be romantically involved with him...\n\nThe king of Dresvan had ordered me, to not deny the allegations about my relationship with Leonardo in order to cover up my secret relationship with Prince Joshua.\n\nJoshua had also told me to go to Nerwan.\n\nThen when I had arrived in Nerwan, the subjects treated me like their princess or was it prince... And now I am forced to be Leonardo's date for this public event and everyone in the world would now really think I'm in a relationship with Leonardo.\n\nAs I stood alone in the courtyard agonizing over these thing, someone had been looking for me...\n\n@@color:orange;"<<print $playerFirstName>>...!"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"You..."@@\n\nLeonardo bended over, catching his breath.\n\n@@color:orange;"Thank goodness...I've found you."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"What do you need me for?"@@\n\nI said coldly.\n\n@@color:orange;"You left the party in such a hurry...I had no idea where to start looking."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Right... Enough with your lies. We all know you're a two faced bastard!"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"What is the real reason you followed me out here!?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"...You know me so well."@@\n\nLeonardo then let out a maniac laughter.\n\n@@color:orange;"Okay you little bitch. Enough small talk."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(His true colour is finally showing. This will get ugly...)@@\n\n@@color:orange;"I thought maybe you'd went back to Dresvan then I would have hunted you down."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Even though you are an insignificant human being but your presence is necessary."@@\n\nHe glared at me as he spoke.\n\n@@color:grey;(I want to go back to Dresvan right now...)@@\n\nBack at the party, Joshua and I had fought.\n\nHe'd said the scandal had been my fault but he didn't hear the whole story. Even though I was welcomed at the party as Leonardo's princess or was it prince? And I had whatsoever no feelings for him. I was forced to keep up with the lie. And meanwhile, the man who I really loved needed to keep our romance a secret - which is practically the same thing as lying...also the event that happened between Leonardo and I, me being tied up and tortured physically and psychologically... I couldn't tell anyone even Joshua.\n\nThe weight of all those lies was suffocating.\n\nEven so, if I can keep up with one lie another is right behind it... lies after lies...I have lie to Joshua and the world.\n\nHeaving a large sigh, I looked down hoping I won't burst into tears and allow Leonardo to see one of my weaker moments.\n\nBut then...\n\nTwo hands touched my shoulders...\n\n@@color:grey;(Huh...?)@@\n\nI looked up it was Leonardo smiling at me.\n\n@@color:orange;"Give it up, you peasant. You can't win against me. Just break up with Prince Joshua and you can live a long peaceful life."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"If you continue to refuse, I have no choice to force you to accept it!"@@\n\nHe said, suddenly embracing me tightly.\n\n@@color:blue;"Get your filthy hands off me!"@@\n\nLeonardo then using one hand and took out his phone and shoved it in my face.\n\n@@color:blue;"That picture...!"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"I still have it on my phone... maybe I should put it as my wallpaper."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"You psycho! Let me go now!"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Not until you accept my offer."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Better face reality. You are a commoner and is powerless against me."@@\n\nThe situation seems dire especially when we're alone in the courtyard and Leonard has his arms tightly around me...but I didn't pay $300 a month for martial arts lessons for nothing.\n\nAs I prepare to elbow Leonardo in the guts, a voice range out from behind.\n\n@@color:purple;"What are you doing?"@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Huh...?)@@\n\nThe dignified voice echoes through the courtyard.\n\n@@color:purple;"Hey! Get your hands off him!"@@\n\nJoshua ran fiercely towards us.\n\n@@color:grey;(Joshua!)@@\n\nJoshua reached us and forcefully yanked us apart.\n\n@@color:purple;"I never said you could go that far!"@@\n\nHe pulled me to him and stood protectively in front of me.\n\n@@color:orange;"Just a minute here. <<print $playerFirstName>> was the one who force himself on me."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"What!"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"That's a lie! Joshua don't listen to him!"@@\n\n@@color:purple;"What is going on here, <<print $playerFirstName>>!?"@@\n\nHe roared.\n\n@@color:blue;"Joshua, I wouldn't do anything like that. It's all a lie from him to tear us apart!"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Everything was all his fault! He was the one who forced himself on top of me and took those pictures!"@@\n\nI blurted out.\n\n@@color:purple;"What!"@@\n\nJoshua then stared straight at Leonardo.\n\n@@color:blue;"I have prove, he has those pictures that he took on his phone.@@\n\nJoshua grabbed Leonardo by the hand.\n\n@@color:orange;"What do you think you're doing to a prince!?"@@\n\n@@color:purple;"Show me your phone, now!"@@\n\nJoshua struggled to hold down Leonardo and Leonardo fought to get loose. It was turning into a tag a war to get Leonardo's phone from his hand.\n\n@@color:blue;"Joshua, be careful!@@\n\nCLICK!\n\n[IMG[https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQgzfaTlmIVdEVvEhJSfY2hWV2MjtSZXCkvXeg8Jv6TXjPpcDxlsQ]]\n\nThe scenery flashed white.\n\n@@color:grey;(What was that!?)@@\n\nCLICK! CLICK! CLICK!\n\nAccompanying the clicks of the shutters were the bright flashes of cameras.\n\nWe stood paralyzed as a gang of Paparazzi jumped out from behind the trees and bushes.\n\n"Can you give us an explanation?"\n\nAnother reporter comes up to us with a microphone stuffing it in our faces.\n\n[IMG[http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/BOOKS/Pix/pictures/2011/10/17/1318855785165/Reporter-with-microphone-007.jpg]]\n\n"What is this about Prince Leonardo forcing himself on top of his rumoured boyfriend and taking pictures?"\n\n"Is Prince Leonardo trying to follow the footsteps of Paris Hilton's ex-boyfriend, Rick Salomon and try to make himself a household name?"\n\n@@color:grey;(This can't be happening.)@@\n\nMore reporters join in while filming everything.\n\n"An unprecedented twist?! Two princes fighting over one man."\n\n@@color:grey;(This is getting out of hand...)@@\n\nNeither Joshua nor Leonardo could speak. They stared at the reporters with blank eyes.\n\n@@color:blue;"A-anyway, Joshua we need to find a way to cover this, fast!"@@\n\n@@color:grey;(We in so much @#$%!)@@\n\nMy mind was full with concern over the words of the King of Dresvan.\n\nThen Leonardo stepped before the reporters.\n\n@@color:orange;"He was the one who started this web of lies. He took those pictures and blackmailed me with them!"@@\n\nLeonardo pointed towards me.\n\n@@color:blue;"You lying piece of -"@@\n\nBefore I could finish my sentence, Joshua grabbed Leonardo's arm and twisted it.\n\nLeonardo dropped his phone and holler in pain.\n\n@@color:orange;"Aahhhh!"@@\n\n@@color:purple;"We'll see through your lies!"@@\n\nJoshua flipped through the phone and saw proofs of Leonardo being the real culprit behind this whole mess.\n\nOne of the reporters spoke up.\n\n"So let me get this straight...Leonardo's relationship with <<print $playerFirstName>> was a farce?"\n\n"And...<<print $playerFirstName>> was the one who actually took the pictures to blackmail Leonardo?"\n\n"What the heck is going on!?\n\nThe gang of Paparazzi looked at one another in confusion.\n\n@@color:grey;(This is getting really bad...maybe we should have really eloped, Joshua.)@@\n\nThen the reporters turned their focus to me.\n\n"<<print $playerFirstName>>!! Tell us what's going on, which prince do you love more?"\n\n@@color:grey;(Should I tell them everything?)@@\n\nMy body shook, overwhelmed with the current situation.\n\nJust then, I felt a warm hand on my shoulder.\n\n@@color:purple;"Everything will be okay."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(How is that possible, tell me, Joshua!?)@@\n\n@@color:purple;"I will make it official."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Huh...!?)@@\n\nI had barely taken in the words when Joshua whirled to face me...\n\nHe dropped to one knee and took my hand.\n\nThen he spoke.\n\n[IMG[https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFmy9ClRoRzQ8tCQrgqXeuhpo1ACyxjz10X86rz5evYTvovKd3gjMCR78dr34S-YIe2FwJWmxwQJTQMPJF-PCWG1U8xv1p7ZhZwo_gEqCjIuadNTb1BX6dr24Oy8gyLTZ3uFU6eejKGN_/s1600/Joshy1.jpg]]\n\n@@color:purple;"I wish...to officially court you."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Wha...!?)@@\n\nI was too shocked for words.\n\nJoshua gently kissed my hand.\n\nThen he gazed earnestly into my eyes.\n\n@@color:grey;(This can't be...He's asking me out in front of all these reporters...Is this even going to be okay with the King?)@@\n\nI looked down at Joshua in confusion, not knowing what he wanted me to say...\n\n@@color:purple;"Choose me, <<print $playerFirstName>>! "@@\n\nHe said, firmly.\n\n@@color:blue;"Of course!"@@\n\nI stared firmly back at Joshua and answered.\n\n@@color:blue;"I choose you, Joshua! I would never choose that psycho Leonardo, not in a million years!"@@\n\nI answered once more making it clear to everyone around that Joshua is the only one for me.\n\n@@color:purple;"There. Now he is officially belongs to me. You better be prepared for the consequences of the mess you have caused!"@@\n\nJoshua glared at Leonardo.\n\nHe then stood and put an arm around my shoulder.\n\nThe next instant, the formerly frozen reporters squawked frantically.\n\n"Big scoop! Prince Leonardo, Rejected!"\n\n"Prince Joshua wins a love match against Prince Leonardo!"\n\n[IMG[http://www.hennagarden.com/Images/themes/papparazi.gif]]\n\nFlashes rained down on Joshua and me as the courtyard erupted in noise.\n\nThe party guests, having heard the commotion, began spilling out of the banquet hall.\n\n@@color:blue;"Joshua..."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"I know. You don't have to say it...We're officially courting now. It's the truth."@@\n\nHe smiled gently down at me.\n\nThen, from the side, Leonardo pushed Joshua's shoulder.\n\n@@color:orange;"Tsk...You'll regret doing this one day!"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Go to hell!"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Oops, I better get out of here before the media mobs me for an interview."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"<<print $playerFirstName>>, let's not make that face...your face is already unappealing from the start. Let's not make it worst."@@\n\nHe said, waving and laughing as he walks away.\n\n@@color:blue;"!!!"@@\n\n@@color:purple;"You!"@@\n\nJoshua and I were surrounded by Paparazzi.\n\nLeonardo murmured to himself as he wandered by to the party hall.\n\n@@color:orange;"Damn them all to hell for ruining my plans!"@@\n\nThe reporter following him said, "Huh? what do you mean by that"\n\n@@color:orange;"Get lost while I'm still in a stable mood!"@@\n\nLeonardo snarl at the reporter that was following him.\n\nLeonardo walked back inside leaving [[behind the motionless Paparazzi.]]

@@color:grey;(This was all causes by Prince Leonardo's psychotic fit that day.)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(He must have by accidentally sent that picture to someone that then forwarded it to the media.)@@\n\nI knew I couldn't change the past, so I bitterly bit my lip.\n\n@@color:grey;(You can never tell from someone's outer appearance. You would have never guess that Prince Leonardo was psychotic obsessive bastard towards Joshua.)@@\n\n@@color:purple;"What about a button?"@@\n\nJoshua asked, joining the conversation.\n\nI quickly relayed partial of the story to Joshua but carefully not including the part where Leonardo tied me up and did the other weird stuff.\n\n@@color:blue;"I had no idea how big a deal that button would become."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"I see. So something that happened for just a few seconds became bait for those media hounds."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Wasn't actually a few seconds... more like half an hour of being tied up and psychologically tortured.)@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Guess so. I was also shocked when I saw the article..."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"But because of it I get to be with you right now, so all's well that ends well?"@@\n\n@@color:grey;(You can laugh all you want now but I'll make sure you won't end well.)@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Oh, please...Just stop it."@@\n\nBut Joshua frowned and said,\n\n@@color:purple;"Now you guys no longer need a button for an excuse."@@\n\nAnd then he disappeared back into the crowd.\n\n@@color:grey;(Joshua...I wasn't the one with the excuses... Leonardo was the one that tried to feel me up.)@@\n\nLater, Leonardo escorted me to the stage with him. I stood by his side as he gave his speech.\n\nReporters swarmed around us and frantically snapped our picture.\n\n[IMG[https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSn1P3HxUJyUhs1AerdVNqgCmP2fDh4ZHPUGafiWcD4HLBdGgSd]]\n\n"Prince Leonardo! Can you tell us why <<print $playerFirstName>> is your date at this formal occassion?"\n\n@@color:grey;(Isn't it obvious? He wants to continue to torment me because he's a psycho.)@@\n\n"The magazine article earlier was correct, yes? Do you have an announcement to make about your relationship?"\n\n[IMG[http://d2wss9bif9q3el.cloudfront.net/222/785/images/l5ef79ee66b748e5fbf3b0dhv9.gif]]\n\nThe questions were accomplanied by a string of camera flashes.\n\n"May I quote you, <<print $playerFirstName>>? Tell the public how you stole our prince's heart!"\n\n@@color:grey;(Don't you have better things to report on?)@@\n\nWhich was what I wanted to say out loud but decided to not because of what the King said to me earlier about neither confirm nor deny the allegations.\n\nSo all I could do was force a smile on my face and [[wave like celebrity would do.]]

That the commoner was [[a...]]

<<silently>>\n<<set $score = $score + 1>>\n<<endsilently>>\n!@@color:grey;(Erk! Disgusting!)@@\n\nI tried to release my hand, but then noticed the crowd of people.\n\nI looked at Leonardo and saw him waving smugly at his subject.\n\nI shivered when I felt the heat and dampness of his hand.\n\n@@color:grey;(I feel so nasty and dirty... I need to take a bath as soon as possible.)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(But...If they see me let go of his hand...That will look suspicious.)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(That psycho is taking advantage of the situation!)@@\n\nI bit my lip and kept holding his hand.\n\n<<display 'holding hands no matter what'>>\n\n

@@color:blue;"Fine! I'll go there."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(I have to face the demon eventually...)@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Fate is always so cruel to me anyways."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(If I must die...Make it quick.)@@\n\n@@color:purple;"?"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Fine! I'll go there."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Why are you so reluctant?"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"You pretty much know why."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"......"@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Don't act so clueless. You sure as hell know why!)@@\n\nUp till now, I have been trying to avoid Leonardo whenever he came over to Dresvan for a meeting.\n\nBut meeting him right now was a big blow to gut.\n\nI had all sort of feelings erupting inside me unable to be realized.\n\n@@color:blue;"Let us not waste anymore time. What are our plans?"@@\n\n<<display 'dont worry'>>\n

@@color:grey;(I have to calm down...This isn't Joshua's fault and not even the King's fault. The culprit is that psycho demonic prince.)@@\n\nI glared at Leonardo with rage.\n\n@@color:orange;"<<print $playerFirstName>>, something wrong?"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"I can't fake a smile any longer!"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Might as well tell me to get plastic surgery to get a permanent smile on my face, if you want me to smile."@@\n\nJoshua suddenly stopped moving.\n\n@@color:purple;"What did you say?"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"I said I can't smile when I'm in this miserable situation!"@@\n\nJoshua's face grew even darker with anger.\n\n<<display 'the argument'>>

I subconsciously slap Leonardo's hands away.\n\n@@color:orange;"?"@@\n\nI looked fiercely at Leonardo and was interrupted by some voices from the crowd.\n\n"Huh? What happened?"\n\n"Are they fighting?"\n\n"Oh no, can't be."\n\n@@color:grey;(Oh no! I have to calm down or our cover will be blown.)@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Something wrong, <<print $playerFirstName>>?"@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Argh...I have to man up! I have to do it for Joshua!)@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Ah, there was a mosquito."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Oh I see. Thank you."@@\n\nThen Leonardo resumed what he was doing by grabbing my hands.\n\n@@color:grey;(!)@@\n\n<<display 'holding hands no matter what'>>

I was commoner and he was [[a prince...]]

[IMG[https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSsUgOfx9c70L0PbXcQA6to_PNu-tCfVZPZ_2_uOtFCHw53ujy4SA]]\n\nThe night of the party.\n\n[IMG[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRV_wSb2zbel3Wud6bNTW4gXI2JiySaRGyQQZnxor3UGmTkCImj1A]]\n\nI put on the suit that was picked out for me and walked to the banquet hall.\n\n@@color:grey;(Good thing that they didn't pick a suit that was too tacky.) @@\n\n"Come, Sir <<print $playerFirstName>>, Prince Leonardo awaits."\n\nI was lightly dragged along until arrived at where Leonardo was.\n\n\nJoshua and Leonardo were talking to each other with drinks in their hands.\n\n@@color:grey;(Oh, it's Joshua...) @@\n\nHis eyes were on me.\n\nBut the maid steered me towards Leonardo.\n\n"Prince Leonardo, Sir <<print $playerFirstName>> has arrived."\n\n@@color:orange;"Oh! he has? We've been wai......ting."@@\n\nWhen Leonardo turned to look at me, he temporarily lost his voice.\n\n@@color:orange;"......"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"...Sorry to have kept you waiting."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Oh, it's not that...You just look very pretty."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Pretty?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Oh...I meant handsome."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"And I felt some butterflies, that all."@@\n\nLeonardo looked down bashfully to hide his red face.\n\n@@color:grey;(That look on his face just now... grossed me out.) @@\n\n"Sir <<print $playerFirstName>>, come on, don't be shy. Next to Prince Leonardo."\n\n@@color:grey;(I'm not being shy...just grossed out. Fine! I'll go next to him.) @@\n\nI moved next to Leonardo.\n\nAs I did this I heard a chorus of sighs from around us.\n\nThe design of my suit complemented Leonardo's tuxedo which made me feel even more awkward.\n\n"Well, what a picture-perfect couple....!"\n\n"Yeah..."\n\n@@color:grey;(People are still awkward when it comes to seeing two man together. Especially when Nerwan hasn't officially pass the same sex marriage bill yet.) @@\n\n@@color:grey;(Unlike the crazy fangirls afternoon...this is an official party with guests from all nations and high society backgrounds. They are rather conservative.) @@\n\n"I'd sure love to have him be our princess...or was it prince?"\n\nI began to hear awed and confusing murmurs and around me.\n\nAnd as I stood surrounded by the awestruck subjects, I could see someone quietly turn around and leave.\n\n@@color:grey;(Joshua...)@@\n\nI couldn't help but stare at his back until he disappeared into the crowd.\n\n@@color:grey;(Bring me with you...)@@\n\nAfter walking once around the banquet hall, I took a glass of champagne.\n\n@@color:grey;(Might has well get so drunk that I'll black out and forget everything that has happened.)@@\n\nLeonardo came up to me and said.\n\n@@color:orange;"Oh, <<print $playerFirstName>>, I was wondering where you were."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Getting drunk, what's it to you?"@@\n\nI mumbled.\n\n@@color:orange;"Huh?"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Nothing."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Ah okay then but listen, my button fell off - can you fix it for me?"@@\n\nHe asked me with a playful grin.\n\nWhile looking at his perfectly sewn-on button, I answered curtly.\n\n@@color:blue;"You honestly think I'd fall for that?"@@\n\nMy mind flashed back to a time when [[something similar had happened.]]\n\n!@@color:yellow;*WARNING*@@\n@@color:yellow; 'Viewer Discretion Is Advised'@@

One day, I was with Joshua on business.\n\nIt was the day that I had met Leonardo.\n\nI had always thought Leonardo was a pleasant person even though Nerwan and Dresvan in the past had their differences. \n\nNever would I thought I would be involved with the aftermath from their power struggle.\n\nHe had come to me, looking very puzzled.\n\n@@color:blue;"Something wrong, Prince Leonardo?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Oh, <<print $playerFirstName>>, well...The button just came off my suit...and rolled off somewhere."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"And I have an important meeting after this, too."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Don't worry, leave it to me. It's an easy fix."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"<<print $playerFirstName>>, how dependable of you but...the button is a one of a kind."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Oh, I guess we can't just go out and buy it then."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"No, it's custom made. Can you help me find it?"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Where do you think you lost it?"@@\n\nI was naive thinking that Leonardo was actually a decent human being...\n\n@@color:orange;"I think I was going to my room."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Okay, lets start around that area then."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Great!"@@\n\nI soon learned I would regret my decision to help him for the rest of my life...\n\nWe walked back to Leonardo's merrily talking along the way but when we were close to it.\n\n[IMG[http://favim.com/orig/201107/07/decor-hallway-home-house-luxury-mansion-Favim.com-97474.jpg]]\n\nI noticed that Leonardo was glancing back and forth in the hallway.\n\n@@color:blue;"Something wrong, Prince Leonardo?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"No, just checking around the hallway to see if I dropped my button here."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"That's a great idea!"@@\n\nI assisted him by looking around the floor too.\n\nWe finally arrived to a door.\n\n@@color:orange;"We're here."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"You sure it's okay for me to go in?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Why not? We're both guys anyways, right?"@@\n\n@@color:gray;(Right...sometimes I forget which role I am playing while I'm with Joshua.)@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Come on in."@@\n\nHe gently opened the door.\n\n[IMG[https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTdnaKL58NoouZ0E-44IM1vs1MDrKlbs70oEpF3JECTAK7TNdt5]]\n\n@@color:blue;"!"@@\n\nThe first thing that caught my eyes was the heart shaped bed that had rose petals laying in a shape of a heart on top of it.\n\n!@@color:blue;"Are you for real!"@@\n\nI subconsciously exclaimed.\n\n@@color:gray;(I can't believe I would see this inside a castle.)@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Sorry..."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"No worry. Don't be shy take a seat."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Huh? Where?"@@\n\nLeonardo sat on the bed and patted the spot next to him signaling for me to sit there.\n\n@@color:blue;"What!?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Come <<print $playerFirstName>>."@@\n\nHe waved his hands.\n\n@@color:blue;"Aren't we looking for a button?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Right."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"......Then shouldn't we look?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Yes."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"......Don't you have an important meeting that you need to attend to?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"No."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"What!?"@@\n\nLeonardo said while giving a smug grin.\n\n@@color:gray;(What the heck is going on... Didn't he need to find his button?)@@\n\nLeonardo took ahold of my hand and gently led me to his bed.\n\n@@color:orange;"Come sit. Let's talk."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Right..."@@\n\nBack then I would never have guess what he would do next when I sat down.\n\nReluctantly I sat down next to him.\n\nThe moment I sat down, Leonardo put his arms around my shoulder.\n\n@@color:blue;"!"@@\n\nLeonardo slowly sat a bit closer to me.\n\n@@color:blue;"Ah. Could you give me some more room."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"For what?"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"What do you mean for what? For personal space!"@@\n\nI tried to shake Leonardo's hand off my shoulder but he held me down.\n\n@@color:orange;"If we don't get closer, we won't be able to get to know each other better."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Umm...I think you're mistaken. I better go find Joshua and see what he's up to. Ah ah ha."@@\n\nI gave a nervous laugh.\n\n@@color:orange;"That won't be necessary. He went off with my father to tour one of our town's buildings. They won't be back until evening."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"What!?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Don't worry I will be gentle."@@\n\n!@@color:blue;"What the fuck are you saying!"@@\n\nLeonardo suddenly used his hands to muff my mouth.\n\n@@color:orange;"Shh... I like it quieter in here."@@\n\n!@@color:blue;"Y-o f-cker."@@\n\nI struggled to get free but Leonardo had a firm grip on my hands.\n\nLeonardo then torn down two of the veils from his bed canopy and used it to tie my hands behind my back and my legs together.\n\n!@@color:blue;"Shitty bastard. Get your hands off me!"@@\n\nHe then took off his tie and stuffed it in my mouth.\n\n!@@color:blue;"!!!"@@\n\nI tried screaming but my voice muffed by Leonardo's tie.\n\n@@color:orange;"All good. Nice and quiet."@@\n\nHe was smiling while admiring the view of me tied up.\n\n@@color:orange;"Why the sad face... I thought you like these kind of kinky play?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"I bet you do this all the time with Prince Joshua."@@\n\nMy eyes widen in surprise.\n\n@@color:gray;(H-how did he know about Joshua and I...)@@\n\n@@color:orange;"You're surprised that I knew about you two?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"It's so obvious it's sickening."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"He would constantly look at you with infatuated eyes and only staring at you as though there is no one else in this world!"@@\n\n!@@color:orange;"What's so great about you!"@@\n\nLeonardo shout with fiery anger in his tone.\n\n@@color:gray;(Is he...?)@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Since I was a child I have always been compared to Prince Joshua. I have been trained solely to beat him academically and politically yet no matter what I do I'm never on par with him."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Whatever he does he can effortlessly do to perfection. No matter what I do I'm just not good enough for him to even bat an eye at me."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Yet you! A dirty mutt can catch his fancy!"@@\n\n@@color:gray;(He's in love with him too?)@@\n\nLeonardo stopped talking and stared at me silently.\n\n@@color:gray;(What is he going to do now!?)@@\n\nHe grab a hold of my neck and took out his tie from my mouth.\n\nHis face moved closer to me and he sniffed me a few times while he got on top of me.\n\n@@color:blue;"What the hell are you doing!"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"You have Prince Joshua's scent on you."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"What! Get the hell off me!"@@\n\nLeonardo looked down on me curiously.\n\n@@color:orange;"I wonder if I could still taste him on you."@@\n\nLeonardo then forced his lips on mines.\n\nCLICK\n\n[IMG[https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTCJHtNScESKVotyGSk8tPBkIPS2UgAbJVMOkRow2HH6-RlrZFb]]\n\nI could see a flash of light in the corner of my eyes.\n\nThen Leonardo lifted his head.\n\n@@color:gray;(What the hell is in his hands!?)@@\n\n@@color:orange;"What a good angle."@@\n\n@@color:gray;(Did he just take a picture of us in that position!?)@@\n\n[IMG[https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRvThi52omzxupKzgUzJiD7JdpulPanyNYCpp4Q4fFf_FohiQPz]]\n\nLeonardo then fiddle around with his phone.\n\n@@color:blue;"What are you going to do with that picture!?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Hm...a good question."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Perhaps it serves as monumental value that today I have triumphant over Prince Joshua!"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Not only can I defile his lover, I can do whatever I want to him and Prince Joshua can't do anything about it!"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Wahahahahah..."@@\n\nLeonardo continued with his maniac laughter. \n\n@@color:blue;"......"@@\n\n@@color:gray;(He felt so oppressed in his childhood that his inferior complex got to his head.)@@\n\nCLICK\n\n@@color:gray;(What was that?)@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Oh..."@@\n\nLeonardo got up from the bed and stood up while still fiddling with his phone.\n\n@@color:blue;"What are you doing?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Hm...I think I sent that picture to someone by accident."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"What!"@@\n\n@@color:gray;(What the hell are we going to do!)@@\n\nI panic and struggled to get my hands and legs free.\n\n@@color:orange;"Not accustom to this phone yet. Oh well."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"What! What the hell are we going to do!?"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Nothing. No need to worry it's someone from my list."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Anyways...enough fun for today. Get out of my room."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"What!"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Who was I kidding, you're nothing like Prince Joshua...You tasted disgusting!"@@\n\n!@@color:blue;"Y-you bastard!"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"You just ruined my day. Disappear from my sight before I tell the guards to throw you out."@@\n\nHe untied the canopy veils that were tying my hands and legs.\n\nWith my hands and legs untied I got up from the bed.\n\n@@color:orange;"And. Don't even think about telling Prince Joshua about today."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"No one will believe you. After all I am a prince. They'll just think you are a gold digger who wants media attention."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Even if Prince Joshua believes you, Nerwan is always ready for war. We wanted to conquer Dresvan since long ago. You just give us a reason to start one."@@\n\n!@@color:blue;"You psycho!"@@\n\nThen I stormed [[out of the room.]]

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@@color:blue;"Joshua, you wanted to see me?"@@\n\nI asked Joshua as I stepped into his office.\n\n@@color:purple;"......"@@\n\nI felt a little dizzy.\n\n@@color:grey;(Now is not the time to feel nauseated.)@@\n\nJoshua stayed seated with his back to me.\n\n@@color:blue;"Joshua?"@@\n\nI tried again. This time he swiveled around in his chair.\n\n[IMG[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_medl79fABW1rung62o4_400.png]]\n\nHis face was sulkier than I'd ever seen it...\n\n@@color:purple;"...Could you explain this to me?"@@\n\nHe coolly asked as he tossed the magazine onto his desk.\n\n@@color:grey;(No...not this picture again.)@@\n\nThe magazine was opened to a certain page where there's a picture of that sicko that I never wanted to see again in my whole life.\n\n[IMG[http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/12111509716_b875b51d67_n.jpg]]\n\n'Prince Leonardo! In A Passionate Same Sex Affair With A Commoner Man!?'\n\nNext to this headline was a large picture of myself.\n\nIt had happened just [[a few hours ago...]]

[IMG[http://st.houzz.com/simgs/a3915f1a0e7f0fca_4-3231/modern-bedroom.jpg]]\n\nThe next day.\n\nJoshua and I returned late at night to Dresvan, our heads still spinning over the events of Nerwan.\n\n[IMG[http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_meff512FDY1rung62o8_r1_400.gif]]\n\n@@color:brown;"Tomorrow we will need to hold a press conference."@@\n\n[IMG[http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_medl79fABW1rung62o6_400.png]]\n\n@@color:purple;"I know."@@\n\n@@color:brown;"And His Majesty wishes to speak with you first thing in the morning..."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"I know that too."@@\n\nJean bowed quietly and turned to leave.\n\nAs he left the room he said, "Rest well for tonight."\n\n@@color:blue;"Um...Joshua."@@\n\nI was worried that we had made a big mess out of everything.\n\nReading my mind, Joshua gently stroked my hair.\n\n@@color:purple;"Don't you worry about anything. You did nothing wrong."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Okay..."@@\n\nI sighed.\n\n@@color:purple;"I vowed to protect you, no matter what happens."@@\n\nHe pulled me close to him in his strong arms.\n\n@@color:purple;"And now it's your turn to make a vow. A vow to stay here with me forever..."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"That's easy...I already vowed that long ago."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Because I knew what I was up against whether opposition from society or another kingdom I won't change my decision because I fell in love with a Prince named Joshua."@@\n\n[IMG[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_medl79fABW1rung62o7_400.png]]\n\nJoshua grinned.\n\n@@color:purple;"Okay then..."@@\n\nThen he gently pressed his lips to mine.\n\nIt felt like an eternity since the last time we'd kissed.\n\n[IMG[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_medl79fABW1rung62o9_400.png]]\n\n@@color:purple;"For some reason I'm finding it hard to control myself. Probably because I left you dissatisfied the whole time we were in Nerwan..."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(When you say it like that... how can I say no.)@@\n\nWe slowly lay down on the bed.\n\nAnd any dissatisfaction I might have had, he melted away over and over again.\n\nFrom that day on we would no longer be a secret couple... I felt relieved finally.\n\nThe new future that waited for us may be rocky but I knew that I could face anything as long as Joshua was by my side.\n\n[IMG[http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/11916429423_3735c30678_n.jpg]]\n\nAFTER NOTE:\n\nI knew from the start that our relationship was not something that would be smooth sailing but little by little we're still fighting to have our relationship acknowledged. The scandal with Leonardo may have helped boost society's acceptance of same sex relationships.\n\nJoshua is still struggling to have the 'Civil Marriage Act' pass in Dresvan but the opposition is great. Joshua was so confident that he'll get the act passed next meeting that he had already bought us a matching pair of engagement rings.\n\nHe's so sweet.\n\nI did manage to tell Joshua about what happened in Leonardo's room. Joshua felt responsible for what happened and promised to protect me no matter what.\n\nAnd as for Leonardo's consequences...well lets say the word got out that Leonardo has an S & M fetish and other shameless hobbies that potentially endangering his position as the next in line for the throne and shaming his whole royal family.\n\nMy intuition tells me Joshua had something to do with that.\n\n[IMG[http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/12349330774_1de8057e98_n.jpg]]\n\n[IMG[http://i.huffpost.com/gen/421070/thumbs/r-SAME-SEX-MARRIAGE-large570.jpg]]

<<silently>>\n<<set $score = $score + 1>>\n<<endsilently>>\nWithout thinking, I lashed out at him.\n\n@@color:grey;(It's no use, I can't keep my anger and stress in anymore!)@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Joshua...How can you even suggest such a thing!?"@@\n\nJoshua suddenly stopped moving.\n\n@@color:purple;"What did you say?"@@\n\nHe snapped back at me.\n\n@@color:purple;"What are you trying to say? What are you implying?"@@\n\nAngry wrinkles formed on Joshua's brow.\n\n@@color:blue;"I'm implying that...Based on your behavior since we got here...It's almost like you want me to actually date Leonardo!"@@\n\nJoshua's face grew even darker with anger.\n\n@@color:purple;"You have no right to say that."@@\n\n<<display 'the argument'>>\n

@@color:grey;(Ah, I'm so tired. Not just only physically drained but psychologically too.)@@\n\nThat night I lay on top of the bed in the room that was prepared for me. \n\nI rolled on my side and looked at my hand, the one that had hold onto Leonardo's.\n\n@@color:grey;(No matter how many times I washed it... I felt that it has been contaminated by Leonardo's filth.)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(I had no idea that you could feel so violated by holding someone's hand.)@@\n\nJust then, Joshua came to my room.\n\n@@color:purple;"<<print $playerFirstName>>, are you awake?"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Oh! Joshua!"@@\n\nI scurried off the bed.\n\n@@color:grey;(It felt like centuries since I have last talked to him.)@@\n\nThe one day we'd spent in Nerwan felt like an eternity in hell.\n\n@@color:grey;(And that psycho devil Leonardo tried to tear Joshua and I apart from one another the moment we arrived at Nerwan.)@@\n\nI sighed.\n\n@@color:blue;"I guess...I'm stuck being Leonardo's boyfriend for now..."@@\n\nThe words tumbled out of me.\n\nJoshua gave me a questioning look.\n\n[IMG[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_medl79fABW1rung62o5_400.png]]\n\n@@color:purple;"Why are you saying that? When did you agree to be his boyfriend?"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Never! But isn't that the deal here?"@@\n\n@@color:grey;(But as long as I'm here in this god forsaken place, I feel like I'm forced to think that way.)@@\n\n@@color:purple;"You are mine, aren't you?"@@\n\nI couldn't help but feel chirpy after hearing that.\n\n@@color:grey;(Only Joshua can make my heart flutter like this.)@@\n\nI blushed.\n\n@@color:grey;(!)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(For a moment there I was acting a bit too feminine.)@@\n\nI wanted to says 'yes' and fly into his arms but this isn't some Otome game.\n\n@@color:grey;(What the hell am I thinking...being in Nerwan for too long has messed with my head.)@@\n\nI felt Joshua's fingers brush against my cheek.\n\n@@color:purple;"If this situation hurts you that much... wanna run for it?"@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Does he mean we should elope?)@@\n\nI looked up to see his smiling face.\n\n@@color:purple;"Just kidding."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"!"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"You just ruined the mood..."@@\n\nI sigh and hang my head but Joshua lifted my face.\n\nJoshua's eyes gazed into mine.\n\nHis deep eyes made my heart ache...\n\n@@color:purple;"......"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"......"@@\n\nOur faces drifted toward each other as our eyes closed.\n\n@@color:grey;(Huh?)@@\n\nI opened my eyes and saw that Joshua's were open.\n\nI followed his gaze behind me.\n\nAnd I saw that Leonardo was standing there.\n\n@@color:blue;"Gah!"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Oh? Am I interrupting something?"@@\n\n@@color:grey;(@##%#$% asshole... wait what do they call this again?)@@\n\n[IMG[http://www.stitchmind.com/store/products/toy_doll_cockblock.jpg]]\n\n@@color:grey;(Yeah he's one of those! Cockblockers!)@@\n\nLeonardo asked with a smug grin.\n\n@@color:purple;"......"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"......"@@\n\nI sighed.\n\n@@color:grey;(I want to get rid of this virus called Leonardo that latched onto me as soon as possible.)@@\n\n@@color:orange;"......"@@\n\nThe three of us sipped our tea, an indescribable silence hanging in the air.\n\n@@color:grey;(......)@@\n\nFinally, Leonardo broke the silence.\n\n@@color:orange;"Ah yes, that's right. Why I brought you here!"@@\n\nHe said facing me.\n\n@@color:orange;"You see, tomorrow night there's a party that happens once a month in Nerwan..."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"And..."@@\n\nI replied unenthusiastically.\n\n@@color:orange;"I want you to be my date."@@\n\nHe said, staring into my eyes.\n\n@@color:grey;(...No.)@@\n\nWhich I wanted to say out loud.\n\n@@color:grey;(Given the circumstances going with Leonardo would be the only choice.)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(But...A prince without a date...That would be something I want to see. But...If I'm his date at a formal, public event everyone would officially see us as a couple.)@@\n\nThe voice inside my heart cried out for help.\n\n@@color:blue;"No. Just no. I would rather go with Joshua."@@\n\nNo sooner has I said this did Joshua deflected my words.\n\n@@color:purple;"Go with him."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Huh!?"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Sorry I think my hearing is going bad for a moment."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"...Go with him as his date."@@\n\nWhile I fumbled to think of something to say, Leonardo clapped his hands and said, "It's a date then."\n\nAfter Leonardo left, Joshua told me once more.\n\n@@color:purple;"Don't worry about me. Just go."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Go where? To hell?"@@\n\n@@color:purple;"I'll be fine so don't worry."@@\n\nHe said, lifting my chin with his finger.\n\nThen he leaned in and kissed me, successfully this time.\n\nAs he kissed me the way he always did, my mind wandered off.\n\n@@color:grey;(Joshua, why?...Why did you ask me to come to this hellhole.)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(...And why did you ask me to go to the party with that demonic psycho?...)@@\n\nI knew it was to cover the scandal, but did we really need to take things that far?\n\n@@color:grey;(Sometimes I don't understand you, Joshua...)@@\n\nI felt that Joshua was drifting farther and [[farther beyond my reach.]]

[IMG[https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw6R2hgbzKLRlfSkrH_MZfU91MjhweYtmGICm02USKEuOOc6H-]]\n\n@@color:purple;"<<print $playerFirstName>>, are you tired?"@@\n\n[IMG[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_medl79fABW1rung62o4_400.png]]\n\nJoshua asked me with concerned eyes.\n\n@@color:blue;"I'm fine."@@\n\nI quickly forced smile on my face.\n\n@@color:grey;(This place... has the same foul smell as before. It's all coming back to me now. The smell, the feel of the air, I feel so defiled by it.)@@\n\n@@color:purple;"But you had only just come back from Charles."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"And then you were whisked away to Nerwan with no time to decompress. I would be tired if I were you."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Joshua..."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"You don't have to pretend around me."@@\n\n[IMG[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_medl79fABW1rung62o7_400.png]]\n\nHe said with a smile.\n\n@@color:blue;"Thank you, Joshua..."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Joshua I don't know how to express how grateful I am that you're always so caring towards me.)@@\n\nLeonardo placed his cup down on his saucer.\n\n@@color:orange;"Listen, guys..."@@\n\n@@color:orange;"Oh, you can leave now."@@\n\nHe briefly turned away from us to excuse the maids.\n\nThen he turned back to Joshua.\n\n@@color:orange;"Have you forgotten where you are, Joshua?"@@\n\n@@color:purple;"......"@@\n\n@@color:orange;"It's okay to talk and all, but I'd appreciate it if you didn't flirt with my prince."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(This shameless psycho! Each time I hear his voice it makes me furious.)@@ \n\n@@color:grey;(Must calm down...must calm down.)@@\n\nI repeated in my mind over and over again.\n\n@@color:grey;(We have to resist making any moves that may make others suspicious of our current situation. I have to avoid letting Joshua find about what happened in that horrific event at all cost.)@@\n\nAll these thoughts racing through my head, [[I felt a little nauseas.]]

I fling the magazine back on the desk subconsciously.\n\nIn doing this I met the fierce gaze of Joshua.\n\n@@color:blue;"Joshua..."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"Please...Tell me you didn't...."@@\n\n[IMG[http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_medl79fABW1rung62o6_400.png]]\n\nJoshua pressed, trying to hide his anger.\n\n@@color:purple;"Not with him..."@@\n\n!@@color:blue;"Disgusting!"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"It's so sickening, I don't want to hear anymore of this."@@\n\nBut Joshua's cold stare did not soften...\n\n@@color:purple;"Then tell me why does this picture even exist? Explain how you wound up in these pictures!"@@\n\nMy voice was shaking but I continued on trying to convince Joshua.\n\n@@color:blue;"J-joshua...it's a misunderstanding."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"This is just a tabloid. I have nothing to be guilty of. I did nothing wrong."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"......"@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Joshua, you have to believe me or else...) @@\n\n@@color:blue;"T-this is just a magazine...which is not reliable. You can't believe everything you see in it."@@\n\n!@@color:blue;"I would never cheat on you. Whether woman or man, you're the only one I love!"@@\n\nI desperately tried to make him understand.\n\nFinally, Joshua's face softened.\n\nJoshua uses his hands to caress my face.\n\n@@color:purple;"I understand. As long as it's misunderstanding."@@\n\nHe smiled.\n\n@@color:purple;"It's not that I don't trust you; I just lost my composure when I saw that headline."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"I didn't want to picture you being with another man."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Joshua..."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Joshua, you dummy. You're the only one I want.)@@\n\n[IMG[http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_meff512FDY1rung62o8_r1_400.gif]]\n\nAs I sighed, Jean looked down at the magazine and spoke.\n\n@@color:brown;"Only the Paparazzi would take the picture from this angel. We need to strongly protest this allegation..."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"Yes. Don't worry, <<print $playerFirstName>>, we will take care of the scandal."@@\n\nJoshua looked at me reassuringly.\n\n@@color:blue;"Thank you."@@\n\nBut I was still worried knowing that the public had already seen that article. It was inevitable that I would have to encounter that psycho again.\n\n@@color:brown;"Now that is settled, Prince Joshua."@@\n\n@@color:brown;"His Majesty requests an audience with you and Mr <<print $playerFirstName>>."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(I just went over a hurdle and now the King...this is too much to handle in one day.)@@\n\nExchanging nervous glances, Joshua and I trudged toward [[the throne room.]]

!Man.\n\n[IMG[http://www.clker.com/cliparts/M/P/i/Y/t/l/black-man-md.png]]\n\n[[CONTINUE|TITLE]]

<<silently>>\n<<set $playerFirstName = prompt("Please choose a First Name for the main character","This cannot be changed later on, please choose wisely")>> \n<<endsilently>>\nAfter I returned from Charles Kingdom I went back to Dresvan Manor late that night.\n\nThat tabloid photo still burned in my memory.\n\nI was deeply shaken by it.\n\n@@color:grey;(What am I going to do?...I can't erase that filthy image from my mind.)@@\n\nI staggered down the hall using the walls to hold me up.\n\nJust then, I noticed someone waiting for me in the corner of the hall.\n\nFor a moment there I felt a sudden flashback of that horrific event in my life that I never wanted to remember.\n\n[IMG[https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRavTX-NKN4m18OrMmnyQ1J0DeyHdrHND_Qo0z5djdTLtYQwG6lmg]]\n\n@@color:blue;"No...stop it!"@@\n\nAs the figure came closer, it was Jean.\n\n@@color:blue;"......"@@\n\n[IMG[http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_meff512FDY1rung62o8_r1_400.gif]]\n\n@@color:brown;"Welcome home Sir <<print $playerFirstName>>, something wrong?"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"J-jean..."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Nothing is wrong."@@\n\nI tried to greet him with my usual enthusiasm but I couldn't.\n\nI could tell by his expression what he was going to say.\n\n@@color:grey;(Please...not now. I can't handle anymore.)@@\n\n@@color:brown;"Prince Joshua wishes to see you."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Right..."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(I need to get ahold of myself!)@@\n\nI smack my face using both my hands, trying to clear my mind.\n\nAnswering Jean, [[I followed him.]]

At the entrance I was surprised to see Jean waiting for us.\n\n@@color:brown;"Let us make haste to the airport!"@@\n\nWe got into the limo that Jean had prepared for us and Jean pressed on the gas pedal.\n\nJoshua and I struggled to caught our breath.\n\n@@color:blue;"Joshua..."@@\n\nI turned my head to look at Joshua who was still out of breath and said.\n\n@@color:blue;"What are we going to do?"@@\n\nOur hands still interlocked.\n\nJoshua stared out the window deep in thought so I said nothing else.\n\nAs we drove up to the airport, there was an extensive amount of Paparazzi outside awaiting our arrival.\n\n[IMG[http://images.freshnessmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG00782-20100514-1839.jpg]]\n\nAs soon as they see us driving in, they all rush towards us like hungry hyenas.\n\n@@color:grey;(Arg! This isn't going to clear up any time soon...)@@\n\n@@color:purple;"When I give you the signal, run."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Huh!? What!"@@\n\nJean got out of the limousine first and as soon as he opened the door for us, Joshua gave the signal.\n\n@@color:purple;"Run!"@@\n\nWith our hands still tightly locked together we ran pass the crowd of hungry Paparazzis and into the airport where we face more Paparazzis awaiting.\n\n[IMG[http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2013/6/24/1372103711102/Sheremetyevo-Airport-jour-002.jpg]]\n\n@@color:blue;"Huff...Ha...This is endless."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"Huff...huff...D-don't worry, we have it all planned out."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(What do you mean don't worry!? We're surrounded by the Paparazzi no matter where we go!)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(I hope Jean is okay...he is still outside with the mob of Paparazzi.)@@\n\n@@color:brown;"Over here."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Did I just hear Jean's voice... Can't be, he is still outside handling the Paparazzi.)@@\n\n@@color:brown;"Over here, Prince Joshua, Sir <<print $playerFirstName>>."@@\n\nJoshua quickly yank me towards the direction where I heard Jean's voice.\n\n[IMG[http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_meff512FDY1rung62o8_r1_400.gif]]\n\n@@color:blue;"Jean!?"@@\n\nWe could see Jean's brown hair stick out from above the crowd.\n\nWe hurrily ran towards him and Jean popped out from the crowd.\n\n@@color:brown;"Your private royal jet is ready and I have completed all the necessary documents to board now."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Jean, how did you get here before us!?"@@\n\n@@color:brown;"Let us get on the royal jet first."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(I guess the minimum requirement to be a royal butler is to have super skills...)@@\n\nThe three of us hurried onto the private royal jet leaving behind the chaos in Nerwan's airport terminal.\n\nAfter a 20 minute flight back to Dresvan we were again greeted by another mob of Paparazzi but this time Dresvan Paparazzi.\n\nThey were just as ferocious as the Nerwan ones but Jean had already ready a limousine for us which took us straight to the Dresvan manor.\n\n@@color:brown;"We have arrived."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Thank you, Jean."@@\n\n@@color:brown;"You're welcome, Sir <<print $playerFirstName>>...But..."@@\n\nJean seems to be hesitating a bit as he spoke to me.\n\n@@color:brown;"The news about the incident has already arrived to the King and His Majesty wishes to speak to the both of you the first thing you arrive."@@\n\nJoshua responded calmly.\n\n@@color:purple;"I know."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(As expected of Joshua... always calm no matter what.)@@\n\nI sighed.\n\nJoshua gently gave my hand a squeeze.\n\n@@color:purple;"Don't worry, I'll take care of you no matter what."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(I know...But, we're up against your father, the King.)@@\n\n[IMG[https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQj_7lI8QQqwQg2eBjtSCkN7NbOUVz73RGqVgA4xKLfWgnVHiCh]]\n\nAs soon as we walk into the throne room, The King's voice thundered down on us.\n\n!"What have you done!\n\nThe King spat the words out angrily.\n\n!"Now you have done it!!!\n\n@@color:grey;(Yikes! The King is really angry even his face is all red.)@@\n\n"Dear, calm down. This isn't good for your heart."\n\nThe Queen who was seated beside the King spoke up trying to calm his anger.\n\nThe King took a few deep breaths.\n\n"Not only did you not listen to what I have told you to do but you went to Nerwan and assault and mutilate their crowned prince!!!\n\nThe King shout out angrily again.\n\n!"Do you expect Nerwan not to say anything about this!?"\n\n[IMG[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_medl79fABW1rung62o4_400.png]]\n\n@@color:purple;"But, father! It is not <<print $playerFirstName>>'s fault. I was the-..."@@\n\n!"Silent!"\n\nThe King shouted.\n\n@@color:grey;(My ears are ringing...)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(I have to speak up or else Joshua will get blamed for all of this. The one at fault is Leonardo!)@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Your Majesty with all due respect please listen to our side of the story before passing judgement."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"It all begun when..."@@\n\nI told him everything, the assault in Leonardo's room in full detail, and how he shamelessly assaulted me again at the party and that Joshua only hit him for self defense purposes.\n\nAt last I could finally tell Joshua what happened in that horrific event. That heavy burden of keeping it a secret has finally lifted. \n\nI felt free finally.\n\n[IMG[http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/11916149035_132b88660b_n.jpg]]\n\nAFTER NOTE:\n\nThe King did side with us after hearing my story and was terribly disgusted with Leonardo's behaviour but he continues to monitor my relationship with Joshua. He insisted that we continue keeping the relationship in the dark.\n\nNerwan did not let this incident at the party slip and asked for punishment for Joshua and I and financial compensation.\n\nThis somehow digged up bad blood between the two nations.\n\nIn response, the King of Dresvan retaliate by abolishing their peace treaty with Nerwan and closed all borders. \n\nWar may erupt any moment now so everything is going down to hell.\n\nBut as for Leonardo... there were eye witnesses at the party so he had no luck pleading not guilty in court for sexual assault charges. He was sentence to 5 months in jail after the Nerwan royal family pulled a few strings.\n\nJoshua and I, we successfully won our case claiming everything was due to 'self defense'.\n\nBut one thing I regret not doing was... \n\n@@color:blue;"I should have kicked him in the nuts instead!"@@\n\n[IMG[http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5522/12349137384_0d2f06989e.jpg]]\n\n[IMG[http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3724/12350582795_9f53a6f4ac_o.jpg]]\n\n[IMG[http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/12426867533_f6ea544d64_o.jpg]]\n

C.L

@@color:deeppink;"What? What don't you have enough of then?"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Confidence."@@\n\nI was at Charles working on my side job at Jean Pierre while talking to my good friend, Jean Pierre, himself.\n\nAs usually we talk about our love life and relationship problems.\n\nThe topic about my relationship with Joshua came up.\n\nI knew I loved Prince Joshua with all my heart but I didn't have the confidence to tell him what happened.\n\nThat horrific event that scarred my life was like a dirty stain that I couldn't wash off even with bleach.\n\n@@color:grey;(If only I could open up to him...I wouldn't be so torn but if I told him...)@@\n\n@@color:deeppink;"I'm rather surprised you would think so!"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Huh?"@@\n\n@@color:deeppink;"After all, the moment you start losing confidence is the moment everything falls apart!"@@\n\nMonsieur Pierre slapped me in the forehead.\n\n@@color:blue;"Ouch."@@\n\n@@color:deeppink;"Let me tell you right now, I've never had much confidence in my life but when it comes to love, you must have absolute confidence in yourself and your lover."@@\n\n@@color:deeppink;"Ma petite, there are no perfect relationships without problems but with each problem you both face together, your love grows even stronger."@@\n\nI was touched by his earnest eyes as he looked straight into mine.\n\n@@color:grey;(He's right...I'm giving up too easily. I have to be confident in our love and believe that it can withstand anything.)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(With each problem we face together, our love would keep getting stronger and stronger. We've been through so much yet we're still together.)@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Thank you, I will keep that in mind and fight for our love."@@\n\nThen Pierre tapped his finger against his lip in a considering manner.\n\n@@color:deeppink;"A prince of my own..."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Hmm...a prince?"@@\n\n@@color:deeppink;"Ooh, how I wish that I can go to Altaria."@@\n\n@@color:deeppink;"I could take my meals with my Robbie every day...and go for long strolls through the garden together...and there, among the flowers, we..."@@\n\n@@color:deeppink;"No, Robbie! My heart can't take it!"@@\n\nPierre squealed excitedly completely lost in his fantasies.\n\nI couldn't help but smile as I remember how Joshua and I would act whenever we were alone.\n\n[IMG[http://m0.i.pbase.com/u42/reimar/upload/35975850.BigScreenYongeStreet.jpg]]\n\nAs we walked back home I saw it on the big screen with Pierre.\n\n@@color:deeppink;"Oh my gosh, ma petite! Look!"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"!"@@\n\nPopping out of the screen was an image of psycho, Prince Leonardo...with me. \n\nThe picture had been taken with Leonardo's face was close to mines.\n\nIt looked like we were kissing.\n\nNever have I been hit so hard with reality.\n\n@@color:grey;(No, I don't ever want to see him again.)@@\n\n!@@color:grey;(Stop torturing me, you psycho!)@@\n\nMy determination to tell Joshua what happened in that horrific event diminished.\n\nThere was another picture of me leaving the building.\n\nIt was a close-up that clearly showed my face.\n\nSeeing the magazine brought memories of what had happened in Charles Kingdom [[crashing into my mind.]]

[IMG[https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQj_7lI8QQqwQg2eBjtSCkN7NbOUVz73RGqVgA4xKLfWgnVHiCh]]\n\nWe entered the throne room and bowed deeply before the king.\n\n@@color:blue;"My deepest apologies for causing this tabloid scandal, your Majesty."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(I'm the victim here, please someone remember.)@@\n\nI continued to bow my head. The king waved a hand.\n\n"<<print $playerFirstName>>, raise your head...I'm well aware that the Paparazzi are always on the lookout for scandals."\n\n"Rather than reporting the truth, they are more concerned with what will sell. This is nothing unusual."\n\nI relaxed my tense shoulders.\n\n"But..."\n\n@@color:grey;(There's a but!?)@@\n\n"This is a different case when it is about a relationship between a commoner and a prince and both are males."\n\n@@color:grey;(I forgot about that point...)@@\n\n"I ask that you keep quiet about this scandal."\n\n@@color:grey;(Huh...?)@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Keep quiet...Your Majesty?"@@\n\nI stared hard at the king, trying to understand what he'd meant.\n\n"Correct. I am fairly certain that reporters will come to you for questioning to follow up the article."\n\n"And when they do I want you to neither confirm nor deny their allegations."\n\n@@color:grey;(Don't bullshit me, old man!)@@\n\n@@color:purple;"With all due respect, Father! Why must <<print $playerFirstName>> act that way?"@@\n\n[IMG[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_medl79fABW1rung62o9_400.png]]\n\nJoshua challenged the king, his face reddening.\n\n"You know very much why. I understand how the both of you feel about each other. It's a matter of time that the public would find out."\n\nHe said with a little cough as he turned a serious face towards me.\n\n"But this is the Dres Van royal family."\n\n"This kingdom has strict rules regarding courtship. We cannot allow for your relationship to reach the public."\n\n@@color:blue;"...But in many countries, same sex marriage has already been approved."@@\n\n"What did you say!?"\n\n@@color:blue;"Nothing..."@@\n\n"If the public finds out, the integrity of the throne would be jeopardized."\n\n@@color:grey;(The integrity...But Joshua and I, our relationship...We have nothing to be ashamed of...)@@\n\nI felt a sudden explosion of feelings rushing into me.\n\nI wanted to fight back and scream but...\n\n@@color:grey;(If the tabloid had been about me and Joshua this could get messy.)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(But that's not the major issue here. If I for no good reason strongly opposed against the idea, they might become suspicious. They may even find out about what happened between that psycho Leonardo and I.)@@\n\n@@color:blue;"I now understand your plan, Your Majesty. I will do what you want me to do."@@\n\nI bowed and left the throne room.\n\nAfter I left, the king asked Joshua to stay behind.\n\n[IMG[http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_medl79fABW1rung62o6_400.png]]\n\n@@color:purple;"What are you thinking, Father? <<print $playerFirstName>> is just a commoner."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"If you treat him that way he will only be hurt more..."@@\n\n"Joshua. Please remain calm."\n\n@@color:purple;"......"@@\n\n"If you really want to protect <<print $playerFirstName>>,"\n\n"Letting him be is the best course of action."\n\n@@color:purple;"But, Father...!"@@\n\n"Take a moment to think. Our kingdom has strict rules."\n\n"If word gets out that you and <<print $playerFirstName>> are dating without an official engagement but that is not the major issue here. Both of you are males! Who would suffer the most? "\n\n@@color:purple;"I know, but..."@@\n\n"Your subjects would turn against <<print $playerFirstName>>, not you. This would put him in danger."\n\nJoshua's face clouded with panic.\n\n"It is just as you fear. If you really care for him, think carefully about how best you can protect him."\n\nJoshua could only bite his lip and [[hang his head in response.]]

@@color:purple;"Who caused this mess in the first place? You did."@@\n\n@@color:blue;"No. I'm the vic..."@@\n\nJoshua interrupts.\n\n@@color:purple;"If you had been more careful, you would have never gotten your picture taken by the Paparazzi to begin with..."@@\n\n@@color:grey;(How can you say that! I'm the pitiful victim that was tortured and taken advantage of here!)@@\n\nI clenched my fist because I frustrated that I couldn't say that out loud.\n\nThere were so many words that I wanted to say but I kept them shut within myself.\n\nThe people around us were starting to glance over.\n\nIf I stayed there much longer, I might say something that would get me into even more trouble.\n\n@@color:grey;(I need to get out of here before I explode with anger...!)@@\n\nI spun 180 degrees and dashed [[out of the banquet hall.]]\n

Leonardo was still talking to the media, but I had escaped and was finally able to catch my breath.\n\n@@color:grey;(Fresh air at least after being around Leonardo you tend to forget how it smells like.)@@\n\nSuddenly I was approached by a different group of women.\n\n"Excuse me...Are you Sir <<print $playerFirstName>>?"\n\n@@color:blue;"Oh, Yes."@@\n\nThe ladies immediately surrounded me with squeals of delight.\n\n@@color:grey;(Don't tell me another group of boys love fangirls...)@@\n\n"Sir <<print $playerFirstName>>, you are the man that inspired many."\n\n"I mean, you're a commoner and a man, but you're going to be a prince...or was it princess?"\n\n"You're like a modern Cinderella."\n\n@@color:grey;(Being a man and called a Cinderella, what an insult.)@@\n\n@@color:blue;"Thanks..."@@\n\nJust then I overheard the excited whispers of the ladies behind me.\n\n"Hey, so is Joshua single?"\n\n@@color:grey;(......)@@\n\n"I want to be the future princess of Dresvan!"\n\n"Hey, no fair! He's mine!"\n\n"Joshua is just so handsome."\n\n"Oh! He's right over there! Let's go!"\n\n@@color:grey;(Ladies... he's mines! You can take Leonardo and take a hike!)@@\n\nWith clouded eyes, I watched the gaggle of girls flock to Joshua.\n\nAfter I broke free from my admirers, I set out to look for Joshua.\n\nIt was bothering me that the girls think that Joshua was single.\n\n@@color:grey;(I wonder where Joshua is...)@@\n\nI glanced around the banquet hall and spotted a large crowd of females concentrated in the corner of the room.\n\n@@color:grey;(He must be over there.)@@\n\nAs I walked closer, I caught glimpses of his lilac hair.\n\nAfter I finally shoved my way into the circle, I saw Joshua's frowning face in the center.\n\n"Prince Joshuaaa, can I get you a drink?"\n\nOne of the woman in the circle said to Joshua.\n\n@@color:purple;"That won't be necessary. As you can see, I already have one."@@\n\nAnother woman asks him.\n\n"Prince Joshuaaa, would you like to dance with me?"\n\n@@color:grey;(...Annoying.)@@\n\n@@color:purple;"No thanks. I'm not in the mood for dancing tonight."@@\n\nAnother woman...\n\n"Then, please, Prince Joshuaa, would you at least come chat with us for a while more intimately?..."\n\n@@color:grey;(What a shameless tramp!)@@\n\nI felt like intervening but stopped when remembering what I was here for. \n\n@@color:purple;"More 'intimately'?"@@\n\n@@color:purple;"If you wish to know me intimately then first I must educate you on Dresvan's history?"@@\n\n@@color:purple;"This will require a lot of your time and patience. Is that okay with you?"@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Hah! That's my Joshua for you.)@@\n\nI almost burst out laughing at Joshua's trademark seriousness.\n\nBut then I noticed...\n\nSome of the more assertive girls were physically latching onto Joshua.\n\nI gasped, noticing his eyes had met mine.\n\n@@color:grey;(Joshua...)@@\n\n@@color:purple;"......"@@\n\nBut his gaze held only for a second before he abruptly looked away.\n\n@@color:blue;"......"@@\n\nIt was that little action of his that caused the unease in my heart to rise.\n\nI felt like I am one of the main characters in William Shakespeare's classic play 'Romeo and Juliet' where we're star-crossed lovers who are always obstructed by outside forces who are trying to tear us away from one another and were destined to be doomed from the start.\n\nDeep in thought, I wandered to a secluded nook of the banquet hall. \n\n@@color:grey;(Make that Romeo and Romeo instead... but are we really doomed from the start, Joshua and I?)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Joshua...has been acting differently since we came here...)@@\n\nEver since we came to Nerwan, that psycho demonic Prince Leonardo had been taking advantage of the situation when pretending to be my boyfriend.\n\n@@color:grey;(Joshua was the one who insisted that I come to Nerwan...and now I have to be that psycho's date for this party... what else does that psycho want? My virginity too?)@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Too bad, you can't have it!)@@\n\nThe party itself seemed like it was in honor of my romance with Leonardo.\n\n@@color:grey;(There is no whatsoever romance between Leonardo and I and there will never be!)@@\n\nBut the way things had been escalating this whole time, I felt like I have to do something fast before we get to the point of no return.\n\n@@color:grey;(I rather die than to be stuck with Leonardo for life!)@@\n\nMy anger raged and I made a fist.\n\n@@color:orange;"<<print $playerFirstName>>......Are you okay?"@@\n\n@@color:grey;(Just the man I wanted to punch right now!)@@\n\nMy thoughts were interrupted by Leonardo's annoying face peering into mine.\n\n@@color:blue;"......"@@\n\nThen, from behind me...\n\n@@color:purple;"What are you doing here in the corner by yourself?"@@\n\n@@color:blue;"......"@@\n\n@@color:purple;"You looked like you had something on your mind."@@\n\n@@color:purple;"You'd better smile and stay closer to Leonardo, otherwise the media might get suspicious."@@\n\nHis face was serious.\n\nMy heart sank.\n\n@@color:grey;(...Of all the things you could have said. You just said something that reminded me of how powerless I am right now.)@@\n\nI thought for a little while, then...\n\n[[Lash out at him]]\n[[Forget it!]]

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