"Is that all you've got, Princess? You have to do better than that if you don't want to bring shame to the Queen!"
THWAP!
A sharp wooden stick lightly struck Little Natalia's leg, sending a sting of pain shooting through her small limb.
"AGH!!!... Okay! I'll dance!!!! I'll dance better!!"
Little Natalia's voice trembled as she forced her tired body back into position, her small feet already aching from hours of practice. The dance instructor circled her like a hawk, eyes sharp and critical, constantly adjusting her posture with quick, harsh taps of the wooden stick. Her arms felt heavy, her legs burned, but she pushed through, trying desperately to remember each step, each movement.
After what felt like forever, the practice finally ended. Little Natalia collapsed in one corner of the grand practice room, tears streaming down her flushed cheeks. Her small body shook with quiet sobs as she hugged her knees to her chest, trying to muffle the sound….
SNIFF SNIFF…AGHH…IT HURTS….SNIFF SNIFF…..
.
TAK TAK TAK
"Natalia? Are you in there?"
The door creaked open, and Little Zack's concerned face peeked inside. His eyes immediately found her curled up form.
"ZACK!!!!!"
Little Natalia's face lit up instantly despite her tears. She scrambled to her feet and ran to him, her small arms wrapping around him tightly as she buried her face in his shoulder. The complaints came pouring out…..how mean the teacher was, how much everything hurt, how she couldn't get the steps right no matter how hard she tried.
Zack listened patiently to every word, nodding sympathetically as he gently guided her to sit down. From his pocket, he pulled out a small container of healing medicine. With careful, tender movements, he applied the cool medicine to her small wounds, on to the red marks on her legs, the bruises forming on her arms. His touch was so gentle that it barely brought any sting to her skin.
.
"Hmm... am I dreaming?"
Present-day Natalia's voice echoed in the strange space between sleep and memory, her consciousness floating somewhere distant and, in a world, full of haziness.
"I think I was sleeping somewhere...Hmmm I can't remember... well, who cares, I'll wake up anyway."
She watched the memory of her younger self play out like a scene from a forgotten play, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she watched herself and Zack in the past.
"This memory was from way back... heheh, Zack was so cute back then….not like he isn't now but heheh so cute!!!"
A dreamy warmth spread through her chest as she observed Little Zack carefully tending to Little Natalia's wounds.
"But why am I thinking about my love???....I was probably thinking about him before I fell asleep. Maybe he's sleeping beside me right now! Heheh, that would be so sweet when I wake up."
Dream Natalia giggled to herself, her voice light and airy as she overlooked the tender childhood memory with fondness.
KRRCHH... ZZZRRR
The memory shifted and warped, static crackling at the edges like an old film reel changing scenes.
.
"Haha! Did you see that teacher's reaction when I got angry? Pfft, it was so entertaining to watch, right Natalia?"
A middle school-aged boy stood before her now, wearing the prestigious City of airs academy uniform, a long-sleeved military-style jacket with golden decorative patterns running along the chest and sleeves, paired with fitted dark trousers. The outfit looked sharp and refined, marking him look as one of the elite students. He casually draped his arm around Young Natalia's shoulders in a friendly gesture, his fingers playfully rested against the swell of her upper breast which Natlia doesn't seem to mind or just didn't seem to notice it, they were laughing about their recent classroom incident.
Young Natalia wore a matching academy uniform designed for female students, a fitted long-sleeve jacket adorned with intricate gold patterns on the front and sleeves, a crisp red ribbon tied neatly at her collar, and a long, straight dark skirt that flowed down to her ankles with golden designs embroidered near the hem. Small heeled footwear completed her elegant appearance.
"Hey, don't go too harsh on them! A little teasing is fine, but don't push it," Young Natalia replied with a gentle smile, though her eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Look who is speaking, don't you remember when you got angry? Hahah! That teacher bowed in apology in front of the entire class!"
A female classmate appeared beside them, laughing loudly as she slapped Natalia's back enthusiastically.
"Ow! Ow!..... That was his mistake, not mine!" Young Natalia pouted adorably, her cheeks puffing out in protest.
"Hehe, you sure are silly."
Another male friend joined the group, reaching out to poke her puffed-up cheeks playfully, making everyone around them laugh.
"Moooo!" Young Natalia huffed dramatically while trying to shove his hand away but he pinched her more harder making her friends laugh harder.
They surrounded her completely, a tight circle of friendly faces and casual touches, everyone vying for her attention.
SMACK!
KKYAA! WHAT!!
"Your loyal friend is here."
Suddenly one of the girls slapped her ass playfully and then pointed toward the classroom door where Zack stood quietly, his eyes fixed on Natalia. He wore a simpler uniform which was still neat and clean, but clearly it made him look as a student from a different social class. His expression was carefully neutral, but there was something in his eyes as he watched her surrounded by all those people.
"Zack!"
Natalia's face brightened immediately. She pushed away the guy's hand from her shoulder without hesitation, she shoved away the hands which still trying to pinch her harder, and at last cutely glared at the girl who smacked her ass, and then she hurried toward Zack, weaving through her classmates. She took his hand gently and pulled him to a bench in the corner, sitting close beside him as they began talking quietly together.
But the moment of peace didn't last long.
The male friend came again, placing his hand heavily on Natalia's shoulder as he leaned in close from her other side. His chest pressed against her arm as he invaded her personal space, getting uncomfortably close to Natalia. One of his hands casually dropped to rest on her thigh as he spoke with a wide grin.
"Hey there, friend! Did you only come for her? Come on, let's all hang out together sometimes!"
"HEY! HEY! STUPID GIRL! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!!!!"
Dream Natalia shouted frantically in the void, her arms waving wildly as if trying to reach through time and shake her past self.
"ZACK IS GETTING ANGRY!!! CAN'T YOU SEE???!!!! HE'S FROWNING! BE A LITTLE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS, YOU IDIOT!"
She could see it clearly now, the way Young Zack's expression tightened, the slight clench of his jaw, the hurt that flickered in his eyes before he quickly masked it with a polite smile.
"Young Master, I just came to check on her, nothing else…... I can't join your group; I still have work to do in my class."
Zack's voice was pleasant to hear and was respectful, but Dream Natalia could hear the strain beneath it, the careful way he kept his emotions locked down.
Before Young Natalia could respond, another male friend came up from behind, grabbing both her cheeks with his long fingers and stretching them playfully.
"She's just fine, no need to worry about her…. right Natalia?"
"Owww! Let go of my cheeks! It'll make my face fat!" Young Natalia slapped his hands away, rubbing her sore cheeks with a laugh.
"Hey now who said you are fat???.....All I feel is your sexy muscle hehe" The girl from before came from front of the bench and touched her stomach playfully
HHYAA!!! HEY!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING! KKYAA!
Within seconds, she was surrounded again, her friends closing in around her, pulling her attention in a dozen different directions with their jokes. The circle of students swallowed her up completely. Some did maintain some distance but many playfully trying their best to please her in their own way and few of them were very close friends of hers that casually touch her…..
Zack stood awkwardly at the edge of the group for a moment, clearly out of place. He bowed politely and turned to leave.
Young Natalia, still laughing and talking with her friends, only gave him a quick glance over her shoulder, before turning back to the conversation, letting herself get swept up in the energy of her classmates.
"TSK! STUPID! STUPID! STUPID!"
Dream Natalia stomped her foot hard against the imaginary floor beneath her.
"What are you doing?! Can't you see he's sad?! Go get him! And STOP getting surrounded again and again! Pay attention to what matters, you fool!"
But the memory didn't change. Young Natalia simply continued laughing with her friends, completely oblivious to the boy who had just walked away in anger...…
KRRCHH... ZZZRRRR
.
"Waahh! I can't do it! It's so hard!"
A small softer version of Natalia threw a full tantrum on the royal training grounds, her small body dramatically flopping onto the dirt in protest. The cause of her outrage was almost comical; a baby animal had accidentally smacked her with its tail during training and then promptly run away.
Deeply offended by the betrayal, little Natalia collapsed to the ground in exaggerated frustration.
Unfortunately for her, no one paid the slightest attention, because they were busy somewhere else.
"Aww, Master Zack, you're so good at this! How do you do it?"
A caretaker woman watched in amazement as Young Zack sat calmly in the center of the training area, several baby animals surrounding him. Each creature competed for his attention, nuzzling against him, chirping and squeaking happily. He smiled gently and gave each one a pat, his natural ease with the animals almost seems magical.
Young Natalia sat on the ground pouting, her eyes welling up with frustrated tears.
"ZACKKKKKKK! WAAHHHHHH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? CAN'T YOU SEE I'M HURTTTTTT?!"
Natalia pouted angrily as she held up her slightly reddened hand where the baby animal's tail had brushed her.
Zack looked over at her dramatic display, and a sweet knowing smile spread across his young face. He stood up, the baby animals following him like he was their leader, and walked over to her. Kneeling down beside her, he gently patted her head with tender care.
"WHAT A BRAT I WAS!"
Dream Natalia covered her face with her hands, peeking through her fingers at the embarrassing memory.
"HEY, MY BRAIN! CAN'T YOU SHOW ME SOME DECENT MEMORIES WHERE ZACK AND I ARE LOVEY-DOVEY?!"
After Zack explained the technique slowly and patiently, showing her how to move gently, how to let the animals come to her instead of chasing them, Young Natalia was finally able to touch the baby creature. Her eyes sparkled with pure delight as she stroked its soft fur, and she turned to Zack with the brightest smile.
"Zack, thank you! I think I can do anything if I stay by your side! Hehe!"
The innocent declaration made Young Zack's face flush bright red, a shy smile tugging at his lips as he quickly looked away.
"KYAAAA! SO CUTE! SHOW ME MORE OF HIS FACE!"
Dream Natalia squealed with delight, clapping her hands together.
"WHAT A CUTIE! GOOD SECOND HALF! MORE! MORE! GIVE ME MORE OF THIS!"
KRRCHH... ZZZRRR
"WHAT THE—! Hey! Stupid brain! Don't cut off now! I want to see more of that!"
.
"Congratulations, my dear daughter! You're one step closer to reach your age for becoming true official Princess!!!"
Queen Mother's warm voice filled the royal chamber, her eyes gleaming with maternal pride and a touch of sadness.
"Ah, my cute daughter is getting bigger day by day. I miss my little baby already."
She reached out and gently cupped Young Natalia's face in both hands, squishing her cheeks affectionately.
"Mooo, Mother! Don't ruin my makeup now!!!!!.... Emmy, help me!"
Young Natalia struggled to escape her mother's loving clutches, but Queen Mother's grip was firm. Beside her, Young Emmy stood like a statue, her expression completely blank and detached from the playful chaos.
"I can't fight her," Emmy stated simply, her voice flat and matter-of-fact.
"Gah! Zack! You came! Save me from her!"
Natalia spotted Zack entering the room, dressed in casual clothes that were slightly dampened with sweat from whatever task he'd been doing. His hair was a bit messy, his sleeves rolled up.
Without hesitation, Zack gently tapped Queen Mother's arms in a playful attempt to free Natalia.
"Owww! My hands are broken!"
Queen Mother released Natalia with exaggerated drama, immediately turning to grab Zack instead. She hugged him from behind, his height barely reaching her chest. Despite the playful gesture, her voice turned warm and full of gratitude towards his work, she spoke softly near his ears.
"Thank you for helping me prepare her birthday celebration, Zack."
Zack nodded with a soft smile, then carefully pulled out a small bracelet from his pocket. It wasn't particularly fancy or expensive it was simple and handmade, which was crafted with obvious care. Every detail showed how much thought he'd put into it.
"Wow, Zack! Thank you! I'll make sure I treasure it!"
Young Natalia's eyes lit up with happiness as she took the bracelet, examining every small detail with fascination, turning it this way and that to catch the light.
.
"Hey there, beautiful lady!"
Young Oliver suddenly appeared out of nowhere, trying to strike up a conversation with Young Emmy. But her eyes remained completely blank, staring straight ahead like he didn't even exist. His voice didn't even register in her ears.
"PFFT! POOR OLIVER!"
Dream Natalia laughed hard at the memory.
"BACK THEN EMMY WAS THE WORST AT SOCIALIZING!! WELL, HER LIFE WAS ALWAYS TIRING AND BUSY WITH ALL HER DUTIES, BUT SHE SURE DIDN'T CARE ABOUT ANYTHING EXCEPT WORK!"
.
CREAKKKK...
Suddenly, Natalia's group of friends arrived at the chamber entrance, their voices carrying through the hall with excited chatter.
"I have to go now! I'll see you all later!"
Young Natalia waved goodbye to Zack, Queen Mother, and Emmy before hurrying off with her friends, eager to join the main celebration.
"Hmm, your loyal friend still isn't ready? Will he not attend the party?" one of her female friends asked curiously as they walked while giving compliments to each other dresses.
"Hmm….. Zack and the others will come afterwards. I'll celebrate with them after the main party," Young Natalia replied casually, not thinking much of it.
Behind them, back in the chamber, Queen Mother's expression shifted to one of sadness. She held Zack a little tighter, her embrace more protective now.
"Sorry, Zack….. The others can't see her so close to you in public... this mother is sorry."
Her voice carried lot of guilt and pain.
Zack shook his head gently and smiled, reaching up to pat her hand comfortingly, silently telling her it was okay, that he understood.
Outside, the grand birthday celebration was in full swing. Music filled the air, decorations sparkled under magical lights, and young Crowns laughed and danced together.
"Hey, Natalia! Here's something beautiful for a beautiful lady!"
One of her male friends approached with a polished, expensive-looking bracelet.
Young Natalia looked down at her wrist, confusion crossing her face. She now has two bracelets….the simple one Zack made and this new fancy one.
"Hey, that one doesn't match with your outfit at all! Here, give me that, I'll give it back to you afterwards."
A female friend quickly removed Zack's handmade bracelet before Natalia could protest, replacing it with the new, shinier one that supposedly matched her dress better.
Young Natalia didn't think much about it. She nodded absently and went back to enjoying the party, letting herself get swept up in the celebration.
"GAAHH!!! FUCK!!!!!"
Dream Natalia screamed into the void, her hands pulling at her hair in frustration.
"THINK BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING, YOU IDIOT!!!!! SHE NEVER GAVE IT BACK! AND YOU EVEN FORGOT ABOUT IT COMPLETELY! AGH! MY STUPID BRAIN! ZACK MUST HAVE BEEN SO DISAPPOINTED WHEN HE SAW THAT OTHER BRACELET ON MY HAND LATER!"
She paced back and forth in the dream space, angry at her past self's thoughtlessness.
"Sigh... what is it that people say?... What you think about before bed is usually what you dream about….. But Why am I having these dreams? Did Zack get angry with me in real life? Or... NOOOO! SHOW ME SOMETHING GOOD! PLEASE!!!!!!"
Dream Natalia ran around in panicked circles, desperate for the next memory to be better.
KRRCHH... ZZZRRRR
.
"NATALIA, I LOVE YOU! PLEASE BE MY GIRLFRIEND!!!!!!"
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END OF CHAPTER
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Author Note
Wow wow wow..... I was so busy this month that I haven't written a single line of story!!!!
I did rechecked some already written stories but I haven't wrote anything new and also I haven't scheduled any chapter this month.....Uffff nothing can be done about it, life do get hectic sometimes, even next to next month I will out travelling so yeah....things are a bit slow in my end.
It's good that I have some chapters stocked up so I will keep scheduling it in my free time but don't be surprised if I miss few days ( which I try my best to not let it happen!!!!)
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