After a full fifteen minutes of explanation, Nate's grandparents finally accepted the fact that I am not his bride, nor his future wife, thank you very much.

Even though I'm already 21 years old, I think that I'm still too young to marry. Other than the fact that I'm still creeped out about the nightmare I had about marrying Alexander Kinsley, yeah, I still don't want to. But of course, even after our explanation, I didn't miss the disappointed look in Nate's grandparents.

When we were properly introduced, we went to the living room, so they can comfortably catch up on each other. I, on the other hand, was looking in awe on my surroundings. The living room was so homey, and I could picture myself having to settle down in a place like this. A wide spaced living area where me and my future family could just cuddle up near the fireplace and—

Wait, what?

Hold up!

No!

I scolded myself for thinking something like that. I just said a few minutes ago that I don't want to marry yet now, I'm thinking of having a family.

You should be ashamed of yourself

I was so lost in thoughts that I didn't even realize that Nate was out of the living room, and his grandmother is looking at me expectantly.

"Uhm... I'm sorry, I didn't—"

"Oh, hush don't worry," Mrs. Westwood said. "I can see that you're appreciating my home."

"Oh, yes I am," I admitted with a grin. "This place you got is amazing. It feels so homey."

"Of course it is. This place cost me a fortune. It also cost me my relationship with my son," her husband interjected.

The mood suddenly shifted from lively to sentimental.

"I'm very sorry to hear that."

I remembered Jessica telling me that Nate's father died when he was still young. And earlier, Nate was telling me about his grandparents' hope to build a new life in New Zealand, but things went south at the beginning of their business.

"Adam is such a smart boy," Amy reminisced. Her tone is somehow sad.

"The late Mr. Westwood?" I think Jessica told me the name of Nate's father, but I seemed to have forgotten.

"Yes," she replied and scooted near me. "And he is very much in love with Belle during that time. You know, when we first went to New Zealand, Adam can't stop fidgeting with the ring Belle gave on their first anniversary."

I heard a groan from Nate's grandfather. "He kept bugging me about going home after seeing the earth in New Zealand."

"Nathaniel, you can't really blame your son. Belle is such a wonderful girl. When he introduced her to us, I knew right then that our Adam will end up marrying her. She's the type of girl that could somehow keep up with his mood swings."

When I heard the name Nathaniel, I stared at the two of them.

"I'm sorry," I said, looking at the grandfather. "Your name is Nathaniel?"

Amy's eyes lit up. "Yes," she said proudly. "Adam was so angry with his father when he left to go back to New York. And of course, my husband here was so pissed that his son doesn't want to settle here just like we planned. Our son never paid us a visit until Belle basically forced him to inform us about their wedding. It took Belle some years to make Adam agree to visit us here, you know. And they came here a week before they got married. She's the reason why Adam and his father managed to have a reconciliation."

"Well, not really," he grunted. "Adam was too thick-headed to―"

"Well, he is your son after all," Amy interrupted. "But he's right. They haven't fully forgiven each other during that time. But when he named his son after my husband, everything was finally good between them."

"I accepted his apology," Grandfather Nathaniel pointed.

"He didn't actually say 'sorry' if that's what you want to imply," Amy corrected, and her husband grunted in response. "He just took that as an apology because they both have inflated egos."

I laughed more than I should at that statement. Out of nowhere, I said, "Well, he is his son after all."

I paused as I realized what I had just said. Amy stared at me. And so, did her husband. My hands flew to my mouth, and I was about to apologize when a smile spread to their faces and they started laughing.

"Oh, I really like this one," Grandfather Nathaniel said. "I can see why our Nate is whipped."

"Yes, she's a feisty one. I bet she doesn't take his shit out either."

We were hysterical when Nate came back with a bottle of what looks like another Chardonnay.

"Since you guys let me choose something for our drinks, I chose this fine bottle of Chardonnay."

Bingo!

Amy started groaning in protest. "There's no doubt that you are he is your grandson."

"What?" Nate asked with a confused look on his face.

"That's my boy," Grandfather Nathaniel said proudly.

"What?" I asked too.

"I think I'm going to pass on that drink, considering that I know that bottle will also be our drink on dinner," Amy said as he patted her husband's lap. "I think I'll show Vanessa around."

She didn't even have to wait or to ask me if I want to because my legs went to stand and stalk beside her.

"I'm sorry," I said. I should really be ashamed of myself.

Amy just chuckled at my enthusiasm before she took my hand and led me out of the living room.

*****

She gave the tour to her beautiful house. I got to see the cellar, the different rooms, and of course the vineyard.

"This is my favorite part of this house."

We stopped at the balcony that overlooks the whole vineyard of their land. The beautiful sun is finally taking the light out of the sky, making its way yet to another grand exit.

"You know I used to think that this house is cursed."

I tore my gaze from the sunset and stared at Amy. "Why is that?"

"I told you the story earlier, didn't I?" I remembered her story about how they've lost almost everything, including their son, just to have this place. "But whenever I looked at the sunset in this part of the house, my burden is somehow being lifted for just a fleeting time."

I understand what she means. Somehow, looking up at the sky relaxes my whole being. It's like my worries are gone for just a moment.

"Anyway, we've already told you the story about our family, dear. Why don't you tell me something about you?"

I just gave her a small smile as she placed her hand on top of mine.

"There's nothing really much to say."

That's a lie

"Dear, I'm old. And I know a lie when I hear one," she pointed which caused me to stiffen. "But I guess one story is enough for one day, yes?"

"You're not offended?" I asked cautiously.

"Oh, of course not. You can tell me your story some other time," she said and gave me a warm, sincere smile. "When you're ready, this old woman will hear every detail of your tale. But right now, let's go see what the boys got for us."

I took one last look at the beautiful sky. The sun has already set. And the stars are starting to appear as the night finally took over the sky. Everything seemed at peace here.

*****

The night went with a blur of events. I don't know if it's because of the drink or the comfort I felt in the presence of Nate's grandparents that made me recount my adventures with Nate. We laughed, and we laughed even more the whole dinner. Seeing them like that made me long for something I used to have when I was younger.

After dinner, they retired back to the family room where they reminisced more of the good old days.

Me?

I had thought I was an outsider, so I just let them enjoy their reunion. But mostly because I'm afraid that the conversation will turn to me, and I can't risk that. So, I found my way back to the balcony. The sight in front of took my breath away.

There.

At the sky.

The beautiful Aurora Borealis―well, since I'm in the south, I guess the correct term would be Aurora Australis.

I know I have just seen it the previous evening, but I just can't help it. The way they light the sky with their neon colors, is beyond stunning.

When I looked around, I realized that maybe it's not just the sky that made me feel warm inside. The house, the sky, the place, the mood, the people, I would kill to have this simplicity in life.

I feel so at home.

I don't understand why people would want to become royalty. All it gave me was stress, and work. Now that I think about it, it may even cost me my family.

We used to bond a lot. Now, all my parents did was travel to take care of our growing business. Sometimes, it made me sad. But if it wasn't for their travels, I wouldn't even be here. I wouldn't even meet the few people in this journey.

So yeah. Maybe in some ways, it was convenient that my parents are busy nowadays.

"I knew I'd find you here."

I was pulled out from my thoughts as Nate approached.

"May I join you?" he asked. When I gave him a nod, he took his place beside me.

"Why didn't you join us?"

I exhaled. "I don't want to intrude."

He gave out a light chuckle as he nudged my elbow. "You basically just insulted me in front of my grandparents during our dinner when you told them about that punch you once gave me at the party. And now, you're saying you don't want to intrude?"

I just smiled.

"Come on. Whatever it is, you can tell me."

When he said that, I looked him straight in his green eyes to search for something. Hearing him say that made me want to tell him my secret. He is with me in this journey. No, scratch that, he gave me this amazing journey. He showed me the things that I can only see in my dreams. I want to tell him so bad, but my instinct told me not to trust anyone with my secret. A handful of people had already known it, and I can't risk another. Besides, this adventure will be over once he surmised that a missing princess is under his cape.

I looked away. "I just want you to bond with your grandparents."

At least it was partly true

"It's either that's a lie or just half of the reason. But okay, I'll let it go."

I gave him a side glance.

"What?"

"What?" I asked back.

"You gave me a look."

"Nothing."

I heard him snort.

"Okay, I just thought about how lucky I am to have this moment."

I heard his intake of breath before he screamed, "FINALLY!"

I don't know what just happened, so I just gave him a confused look.

"You finally admitted that being with me is amazing," he said, giving me an ear to ear grin.

"Oh, get over yourself, I didn't say that."

"You just said that you were thinking of how lucky you are to be with me."

"No, I did not," I laughed. "I said, I was just thinking of how lucky I am to have this moment."

"That's just the same thing. You are currently with me in this moment so what's the difference?"

I just raised an eyebrow and stared back at the view in front of us.

There was a long pause. Neither one of us is talking. The silence is once again taking over the night. It was a comfortable silence to say the least.

"Thank you," I said genuinely, breaking the silence between us.

"For what?" He asked, his eyes inquiring curiously.

"For this. All of this."

"You're welcome."