Raised From The Wild-Chapter 419: The Diary

Marx escorted Princess Amaya to the North Wing, where a breathtaking garden sprawled before them. Vibrant flowers swayed gently in the breeze, and lush grass carpeted the ground. At the center of the garden stood a magnificent gazebo, its presence commanding yet serene.

The pair strolled side by side along the cobbled pathway leading to the gazebo. Marx’s fingers twitched with the desire to reach for Amaya’s hand, but he held back. He could feel the lingering tension between them—Amaya was still upset with him, and he knew better than to push his luck.

As they approached, Marx noted how the gazebo had transformed over the past two years. The six elegant pillars were adorned with intricate carvings, and their bases were entwined with jasmine vines in full bloom, exuding a heady fragrance. The dome above gleamed softly, its pale hue reminiscent of drifting clouds.

"This is Riyana’s design," Amaya said, her voice tinged with pride. "I saw her sketches and convinced Daddy Ibarra to make the changes."

Marx nodded, his mind rifling through memories. Riyana—she was the quiet, introverted daughter of one of Ibarra’s concubines, the youngest princess.

Just as they were about to step into the gazebo, a blur of white hurtled toward them. Instinctively, Marx moved in front of Amaya, bracing for impact. But the agile creature deftly sidestepped him and leapt straight at Amaya, knocking her onto the grass.

"Spirit!" a stern young voice called from behind them. "You’re going to hurt my sister!"

Amaya laughed, her tinkling giggle dissolving any tension. Spirit, the snow-white wolf, tugged playfully at the hem of her dress.

"Not now, Spirit," Amaya chided, smoothing his thick fur as she stood. The wolf had grown into a majestic adult, his head nearly reaching her waist when on all fours.

"Sister, are you hurt?" Prince Yohan hurried toward them, his boyish face filled with concern. He gave a respectful bow before glancing at Spirit.

"I’m fine, Yohan," Amaya replied with a warm smile. "And look at you—you’ve grown taller again! Every time I see you, you’ve sprouted a little more."

The young prince, bearing a striking resemblance to the Crown Prince, grinned sheepishly. He adored his elder sister, treating her with the affection reserved for a cherished mother figure.

"I’m still not tall enough, Sis," Yohan replied. "When I’m taller than you, then, I’ll agree I’ve grown."

Amaya laughed, ruffling his hair. "You’ll get there soon. For now, take Spirit to play elsewhere. I have matters to discuss with Uncle Marx."

"You are not coming to dinner tonight?" Yohan asked, his disappointment evident.

"I can’t tonight," Amaya said gently. "I have guests dining at Maharlika Palace. But how about a picnic this weekend?" 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"Promise?" Yohan pouted.

"Promise. And don’t forget, you’re taking Spirit to Verde Island with Camilla and Riyana, right?"

"Yes, Sis! Father already approved."

"Perfect. See you Saturday."

Satisfied, Yohan nodded and led Spirit toward the training grounds. Marx observed the exchange silently, noting how much things had changed over the years.

When the young prince was out of sight, Marx gently took Amaya by the wrist and led her into the gazebo. Inside, two cozy couches flanked a small round table at the center, the space inviting yet intimate.

Marx gestured for Amaya to sit. As she settled in, he pulled a blue notebook from his pocket and handed it to her.

"I found this in one of the wooden chests you gave me. There were two notebooks. One had notes on rare metals your father discovered. This one... is his diary."

"Diary?" Amaya echoed, her brows knitting in confusion. "But I already have his diary."

Marx shook his head. "This is different. I only skimmed a few pages, but... they’re letters. Letters to your mother."

Amaya’s breath hitched as she took the notebook. The familiar handwriting on the yellowed pages sent a pang through her chest. She began to read.

...

Dear Sweetheart,

Today, our little princess turned four. She looks so much like you did at that age. Do you remember the first time we met?

Sapiro made you cry by taking the doll Queen Lucinda gave you. You ran off, looking for Ibarra, but you got lost and stumbled into the secret courtyard where my parents kept me hidden..."

You were so scared when you realized that you entered the forbidden place, the place where it was rumored that there was an old witch whose hair was all white and who ate people, especially small children.

You kept on running, and then you entered the maze. No matter how long you ran, you could not get out, so you started crying.

"Don’t cry. I will help you find your way out." You stopped crying and looked at me with your big, beautiful, dark eyes, which still had traces of tears.

You gasped when you saw my face.

"Who are you? You look like Ibarra, but I know you are not Ibarra."

I still remember how surprised I was when you could tell me apart from my twin. Even our father could not; only our mother and my butler could.

"How did you know that I am not Ibarra?"

"You look the same, but your eyes are different. My name is Danaya. What is yours?"

"My name is Ibrahim."

I remembered how your eyes widened when you learned my name. It was just the way our daughter’s eyes widen when she discovers something new.

"You are Ibarra’s twin brother. But how come I never saw you? Why are you living in this forbidden place?"

I did not know how to answer you, so I changed the topic.

"I’ll escort you out and send you to the secret door. But promise me that you will keep this a secret. Never spoke of me to anyone. Can you promise that?"

You nodded your head full of black and shiny locks, and then you smiled, and I never forgot that smile.

Do you know that our daughter smiles just like you? Your eyes are different, but your smile is the same.

This is it, for now, sweetheart. Until next time.

Your Ibrahim.

...

Amaya’s vision blurred with tears. Her father’s words painted a picture she had never known. He always told her stories about the princess and the prince, but this... this was real.

She looked up at Marx, her voice trembling. "Do you think the secret door and that forbidden place still exist?"