A short story by Meira Zaliyanti

WORLD IN THE MIRROR
by Meira Zaliyanti

The night that Leanna hated the most had finally arrived. Such a luxurious and polite dinner in the style of a conglomerate family. When everyone had dinner solemnly not with Leanna. She wanted to end this dinner as soon as possible.

"Lea, are you sick?" asked the middle-aged woman across the dining table

“No, it's just that the purpose of this dinner is really annoying” Lea replied

Lea's parents were suddenly shocked to hear their daugther speak like that. Of course they were surprised, this was a dinner that had been scheduled in advance. This dinner was held to discuss engagement and wedding plans between Leanna Raymonda and Arlo Myles.

Although Lea was not wrong to be annoyed because her marriage was based on the Raymonda and Myles family business cooperation. For Lea marriage is a sacred thing and she doesn’t want to sacrifice her future just for the sake of business.

"Lea watch your talk" Lea’s father said

"What?" replied Lea in a lazy tone

"I don't like the way you guys are like this. It was not my wish to marry Arlo. I have the right to determine the path of my life, Dad, Mom."

Lea’s father was furious to hear the words of his only child. Lea’s mother held his hand hoping to calm Lea’s father emotions. Meanwhile, across the table, the Myles family had put on a bad face because they heard Lea's words.

When Lea’s father was about to stand up to approach Lea, who was blocked by a chair with him, suddenly Arlo's father from the Myles family stood up first.

"I thank you for the dinner maybe we can talk about it another time or there's no need at all because I don't think our son can marry a girl who doesn't know any manners"

Arlo's father left the dining table first, followed by Arlo's mother and Arlo.

Seeing this Lea’s father was very angry with Lea.

"I should be the one angry here. You can't just control my life with whom I should marry and who I should fall in love with. You have no right” exclaimed Lea

"Who do you think you are? You can live with this luxury because of us so you have to do what we say!”

Lea knew she was just a child but that didn't mean she deserved to be treated like this. Lea's father words are true that she can live a decent and luxurious life thanks to her parents. But for Lea this is not a reason that can make her parents have full rights to continuously regulate her life.

“We only want the best for you” Said Lea’s mother

"Oh, the best thing in your opinion is to sell your child to make the business a success?"

"Lea, you're talking too much. I gave birth to you with great difficulty so how could I have the heart to do that. I'm disappointed with your thinking like that."

Silence for a moment. Lea decided to go from the dining table to her room.

***

In front of the mirror Lea saw her own face that looked angry.

"You're not wrong Lea"

"Those who don't understand you"

"They just think you're a doll that can be managed"

Lea vented her frustration in front of the mirror. He kept babbling reassuringly that she was entitled to what she said at the dinner table.

“Wait, what is that?” Lea exclaimed while rubbing her eyes

She had just seen someone pass by in the mirror. But strangely the person is not like a reflection in a mirror but is in a mirror. Lea checked her surroundings but nothing just her and the large mattress behind her.

Lea looked back at the mirror this time she was surprised by the surface of the mirror that turned like wavy water. Lea curiously drew herself closer to the mirror. Lea got closer and started to take her hand too to touch the mirror in front of her.

"Gosh! What's that?!" Lea screams

She had just seen her finger in the mirror. This was the craziest thing she had ever experienced in her life.

Lea tried it again, hoping that it was just an illusion. Many times she tried to touch the mirror with her hand it became more and more real. Maybe this is the fifth time Lea reaches her hand into the mirror but this time she doesn't pull her hand back. She kept her hand in there until half of her body was in the mirror.

"Oh my god!"

Lea then covered her mouth so she wouldn't hear her screams.

She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Her eyes scanned every corner of the room until she realized one thing. All the objects in this room are exactly the same as those in her room. She didn't expect that something behind the mirror of her room was a room similar to her own. But with different color shades. If Lea's room is pink, this room is the opposite of brown shades covering the room. But, hey wait a minute.

Lea's body was fully entered and she walked around the room further. Uniquely, although the location of the items in this room is exactly the same, it is not really the same because all the items in this room look ancient. For example, the bed in front of Lea is a wooden bed with a canopy, while hers is of course a bed with a fairly modern model. Another thing is that the photo beside the bed shows a photo of a dashing young man wearing a prince's signature shirt with a fluttering robe, while the photo in her room is of course her favorite Korean Idol photo.

“ZEPP!!”

Lea who was looking around the room immediately turned her body to the source of the voice. The water waves in the mirror disappeared leaving the mirror as usual. Lea panicked and rushed to the mirror.

"Why is it missing?"

Lea tapped on the mirror hoping the surface of the mirror would turn into a wave of water like earlier but for almost five minutes she tried to no avail. Lea gave up she was now confused who was in which room. When in an unfavorable situation like this the problem only increases. A young man appeared from behind the door at the far right of the bed.

"Hey, who are you?" said the man

Lea didn't answer right away, she was stunned because she saw the man's appearance wearing full prince attributes like in the disney movies that she often watched.

"You must be an Intruder!" The man immediately brandished the sword slung near his waist.

“Wow, wow chill! Intruder? Of course not"

"Then who are you?"

Lea even asked, "What is this place?"

“Owen Palace, how could you not know? And now you are in my room”

"Hah? Palace? You must be joking, there's no way there's still a palace in this day and age"

"Who are you actually? And where did it come from?”

"I'll explain but can you lower the sword first?"

The man obeyed Lea's words, he immediately lowered his sword. He had a hunch that this girl before him was harmless.

"I'm Leanna Raymonda, I don't know if you will believe it or not but really I came in from that mirror" Lea pointed at the mirror where she entered this room. "Now, who are you?"

"I am Prince Altezza Owen"

After introducing themselves to each other they were getting more and more involved in the conversation. Lea tells her origins so Prince Al now understands why Lea's speaking style is very relaxed and sometimes there are some new vocabulary that she just heard. Prince Al tried to match his speaking style with Lea.

Not only that, now they both wonder what really happened. Prince Al believed Lea's words that came from the mirror because a week ago it turned out that he had experienced something similar but not like Lea. Prince Al chose to find out first rather than go into the mirror that didn't know what was in it.

"You better sleep here for the night, tomorrow morning we will try to find a way out so you can return to your world"

“Sleep here? with you?"

Prince Al answered quickly, "Of course not"

"Oh, then where did you sleep?"

“I can sleep in the Palace office”

Prince Al then left the room and left Lea alone in this room.

***

“HUAAAA”

"Good morning Miss" said the young girl with a friendly smile that was right in front of Lea's face

"God! Who are you?"

“Hello Miss, I am Mirabelle and I am a Palace maid. The prince told me to wake you up and change clothes immediately."

"What are these clothes?"

"This is Princess Daby's clothes"

“Princess Daby? Who is that?"

"Prince will be here soon you better change your clothes Miss"

Hearing that, Lea immediately obeyed the maid's orders. Just as she was done changing Prince Al entered the room.

"Good morning"

"Good morning, too"

"Since you have changed clothes, come with me."

"Hey wait a minute, why are you giving me weird clothes like this?"

"Weird? The clothes you wore last night were really weird. You're not in your world people can get suspicious if you dress like last night.”

"Never mind, come with me" this time the prince pulled Lea's arm so that she immediately went with him.

Lea didn’t expect that the prince would take her out of the Palace.

Lea suddenly grabbed the prince's arm to stop him, “Wait, wait. You're not going to kick me out of the palace are you?"

"Why did I kick you out?"

"Then where are we going now?"

“To the best lake in this Palace”

"Lake?"

Prince didn’t answer Lea's confusion but instead just left her. Although irritated Lea decided to keep following the prince's steps.

"Wow" Lea was amazed by the view of the lake that was so wide. At first she thought that they were already outside the Palace but it turned out that they had just come out in the courtyard of the Palace. She doesn't know what world she is in but the size of this Palace is beyond her expectation.

"Come here"

Prince decided to invite Lea to sit by the lake. Lea heard but she kept her focus on the surrounding scenery.

"Sit down, I have something to talk to you about"

"What are you talking about?"

"I still have not found a book that can explain what happened to that mirror so that it can bring you here"

"Is there really a book in the world that talks about that?"

"I am sure there is. If I am not mistaken, my late grandfather once told me about the world in the mirror."

"You mean the world is in a mirror?"

"Of course not, your world in the mirror"

"Impossible. My world is clearly real.”

"Whatever but I believe that your world is in the mirror"

"Whatever, I also believe that my world is real"

"Never mind, I did not invite you here to fight"

"You who started first"

"Tonight there is a family dinner at the Palace and I have already informed the King that I will invite a friend who has come from far away"

“You mean I’m a friend who came from far away?”

"Yes"

"No, how can I meet the King? He’d be suspicious. Look, my speaking style is different from yours."

"This is the only way you would not be suspected. Tonight I will take you to the Palace library, we must find the book together. You want to keep hiding until the King finds out and thinks you are an intruder?”

Lea shook her head quickly.

"Then follow my advice. I will help you answer the questions the King will ask later."

What else can we do. It's true what the prince said Lea couldn't hide forever until she was caught she chose to follow the prince's advice.

***

If only Lea knew that she was not the only guest, she would have thought of the prince's suggestion first. Lea had just arrived and was about to sit next to the prince but suddenly the maid reprimanded her.

“Sorry Miss, the seat over here belongs to Princess Daby. You can sit in a special chair for invited guests, let me take you”

"Oh yeah sorry"

Leah smiled awkwardly. The prince who was beside him stifled a laugh he forgot not to tell Lea about some of the Palace rules. In the palace there are always rules, one of which is the sitting position at the dining table.

While waiting for the King to come, Lea watched the other palace families who were talking with the prince. Lea seemed to understand that the girl Princess Daby's maid often referred to was Prince Al's sister. And she also realized one more thing the girl who had been across the prince's table named Elvarette Carvil was Prince Al's future wife. And this dinner is devoted to discussing their marriage.

After a while the King came. The King warmly welcomed the Carvil Palace family first then also welcomed Lea. They ate their food carefully and absolutely no sound came out before dinner was over.

When the King scooped up his last meal everyone at the table stopped eating. Everyone except Lea. This palace has a rule of eating when the King starts eating food then the others also eat and if the King is finished then the others must also finish.

Lea was still eating her food without noticing that everyone's eyes were on her. She just focused on the plate in front of her. The prince coded with a clear cough hoping that Lea would understand his cue. Thankfully Lea immediately raised her head and now she was confused because everyone at the table was staring at her. She saw that everyone at the table had put their spoons back on the right side of their plates. When Lea was still looking around her eyes accidentally met the King's eyes she immediately smiled awkwardly and hastily put her spoon back on the right side of the plate.

The king who realized this smiled back and said, “Looks like you came from a very far place. But before I ask further about you first I want to thank the Carvil family once again for coming here. It's a pleasure to be reunited with you. Today is the day that will usher in the happy day of Owen's union with Carvil."

“And here are our invited guests who also came from far away. What is the name of your palace?”

“I-I came from Raymonda Palace”

"I am hearing it for the first time, where is it?"

"It is very far in the southwest, if you mention it, you won't know either"

This time it was Prince Al who answered

"Ah well, it does not matter where you come from. If you are friends with the prince, you are someone who can be trusted. Thank you for coming to visit Owen Castle”

“I also thank you for being warmly welcomed”

The next few hours the two families were discussing the wedding day of Prince Al and Princess El. Lea just listened to their conversation.

"I want all residents to wear brown clothes," said Princess El

"Why so dear?" asked Princess El’s mother

"Because at the wedding, the prince and I will wear all white, my favorite color and brown, the prince's favorite color. What do you think prince?”

"Yeah, it is up to you"

Looks like the prince was not enthusiastic in responding to Princess El just now and it made Princess El unhappy with her face turning gloomy.

Tonight it turned out that not only Lea was staying at the Palace but also the Carvil family. It seemed that Lea and the prince's plan to visit the Palace library would be a little difficult. Lea saw that after everyone left the dining table Princess El continued to follow the prince. Princess El kept on talking a lot and the prince just listened.

Lea decided to go to the guest room that had been provided. She thought that the prince would knock on her door if he took her to the library. Less than a minute Lea closed the door to her room there was a knock. Lea thought that it might be a prince.

Lea opened the door muttering, “Want to leave now?”

"What now?"

Lea's eyeballs almost popped out. How surprised Lea was in front of her was not a prince but Princess El.

"It-t.. it's nothing"

Princess El didn't ask anymore but she asked something else.

"How long have you known the prince?"

Lea didn't answer right away, she thought for a moment.

"About a year" Lea answered originally

"It's only been a year and the prince invited you to dinner also let you stay at the Palace, it's unbelievable"

"What's so hard to believe?"

"Prince is not someone who easily trusts new people let alone someone like you" Princess El gave a disdainful smile

"What kind of person do you think I am?"

"You do not look like a good girl. At the dinner table you had absolutely no manners. And Daby just told me these clothes you are wearing are also hers. The maid showed you your very ugly and strange black dress. How can the prince trust someone like you?”

Lea tried to contain her anger if only she knew that the clothes she was wearing were the most expensive brands in her world.

"Why don't you just ask the prince why he trusts a freak like me?"

"Well I can ask-" before Princess El could finish her sentence Lea already replied

"But he doesn't seem interested in telling you"

“Hey, what do you mean talking like that? He is my future husband of course he will tell me!”

"Is that true? Since then I have noticed that you are the only one who cares about your marriage.”

"Why are you talking about our marriage? And are you saying I am the only one who cares? You mean only I want to get married but the prince doesn't? I will report to the prince what you just said."

Before Lea could reply to Princess El's sentence, the prince had come to them.

"What is this?"

Princess El immediately complained to the prince what Lea had just told her.

"You better get some sleep. Besides, it is almost midnight why did you come to Lea's room?”

"I just want to know who she really is. Why did you even invite her to the palace?”

"I have explained it, she is just my friend. Now go to your room."

"Okay, but wait a minute"

"What?"

"Why did you come to Lea's room?"

"I am going to take her to the library, we have something to talk about"

"I am coming along"

"Cannot"

"Why? I am your future wife."

"This is an important matter that the two of us should discuss, do not you understand?"

"Okay, I am sorry prince"

Princess El finally left Lea and the prince alone. After that Lea and the prince rushed to the library so they could find the book World In The Mirror as soon as the night wore on.

Lea was amazed to see the contents of this library large and tall shelves around the room. She began to think how it was possible to find the book in just one night. The prince seemed to understand what Lea had just thought he said, "No need to worry we will not check the contents of this library one by one. There is a section of the library that is categorized as important books, we will look for them there”

They rushed to the part of the library mentioned by the prince earlier. While it was true that there were fewer sections of these important books than she had seen when she first entered, it was still a lot. It took hours to find it.

"We're looking frantically. I will search on the right and you on the left.”

Lea nodded in agreement.

It's almost 2pm and they haven't found the book at all. They both paused for a moment. The prince looked at Lea and replied with a shake of her head. This is the umpteenth time the prince has asked but Lea still hasn't found it.

"If it's like this, it's better if I don't have to go home," Lea grumbled

"Where are you going to live if you don't go back to your world?"

"Where else? Of course here”

"I cannot keep letting you stay any longer"

"Why?"

“The king will definitely be suspicious”

Lea let out a resigned sigh. This time Lea got up first she tried to get back excited looking to the part that she had not had time to see. She saw a book with a dark purple cover . Lea was intrigued by the book and tried to reach it. But because it was too high she had to tiptoe even though she could actually use a ladder to reach it. She almost reached for the book but instead of being caught in her hands it almost fell on her head.

The prince had been watching Lea ever since. He thought Lea was so funny that she knew she wouldn't make it but still insisted on tiptoeing. In fact, if Lea asked the prince for help, he would be happy to help her. But seeing that the book was about to fall on her head the prince rushed to grab the book. Lea closed her eyes and blocked her head with her hands because she thought the book would hit her head.

One second. Two seconds. The book never hit her head. This time Lea opened her eyes and looked up. Instead of the book she saw, it was the face of the prince who was now so close to her. It's impossible if Lea's heart didn't beat so fast with a distance of only five centimeters without realizing that she was holding her breath too.

A few seconds later Lea woke up and moved her body away from the prince. She tried to catch her breath to get her heart rate back to normal.

“You should have taken the initiative to help from the start. Huh" Lea grumbled annoyed

The prince just smiled listening to Lea's annoyance. When Lea was expressing her annoyance she stared at the book held by the prince.

“Hey, we found it Al!!!” Lea exclaimed excitedly

"Al?"

“Yes, look at the book in your hand, WORLD IN THE MIRROR. WE DID IT!"

The prince just realized that the book he had been holding was the book they were looking for. But the prince's focus was not directly on the book, he asked again.

"What did you call me earlier?"

"Hah? What do you call it?"

"Al? You call me Al?"

"Y-yes, is there a problem?" Lea asked doubtfully

“Everyone in this palace calls me Prince, only my parents call me that. My future wife just calls me Prince"

"Come on, don't overdo it, after all, I didn't come from this world so I don't have to obey all the rules here. You also know that I usually speak casually.”

"Okay, I'll allow it but if in front of other people don't mention my name. People can be suspicious."

"Alright, Prince" Lea replied while bowing her body like maids usually do

Prince knew Lea was mocking him he just smiled and shook his head. When Lea first came to this world, she already thought that there would be strange new things that she encountered from this girl. Therefore the prince tried to understand her behavior. He didn't always take Lea's impolite remarks seriously. Maybe if Lea did it to someone else she would be seen as insulting the royal family.

"Then what now?" ask Lea

"Let's read"

They opened page after page of the book and read it carefully. The situation in the library became quiet, both the prince and Lea focused on reading books. For some reason Lea suddenly felt her head start to dizzy, the writings in the book began to fade after that everything started to get dark.

"Lea Lea Lea what’s wrong with you? Hey wake up” Prince panicked because suddenly Lea's body collapsed into his lap. Feeling that his efforts to wake Lea were in vain, the prince carried Lea's body and intended to take her to her room. If indeed Lea just fell asleep, Lea should have realized when the prince tried to wake her up but this was different.

***

It's already six in the morning. An hour and a half passed Lea still showed no sign that she would soon come to her senses. The prince had been sitting by the bed since then, holding Lea's hand tightly. I don't know if he knows what he's doing or not. The prince had just discovered a surprising fact from the book World In The Mirror. He became even more worried that Lea might not wake up.

Prince began to feel Lea's hand move slowly. He immediately looked at Lea, Lea's eyes began to open little by little. Her consciousness began to return.

"Where am I? Why does my head hurt?”

"You are in bedroom now, you were unconscious at the library"

"Weren't we reading a book together?"

"Does your head still hurt that much?"

"Only a little"

"I will explain when your head does not hurt anymore"

“Eh, explain what? Just now. It's gotten better."

“As you know, there are many parts of the book whose writing is faded and difficult to read. But there is one part that I can read clearly and that is the most important part that explains why you became unconscious.”

"What's that?"

“The book says that the mirror you enter into this world is like a barrier between two worlds. So for you my world is in the mirror, and vice versa. It is clear that we live in a different world, Lea. And there are rules in this world because it is not your world here so you would not be able to live here for long. This world is not real to you, you will die if you do not come back within seven days."

"Then how do I get out of here?!"

"For that one I have not found a definite way how you can return to your world but I think the mirror's surface will turn into a wave of water again on the seventh day"

"What makes you think that?"

"Remember when we first met I told you that exactly a week ago I also saw the surface of the mirror in my room turn like a wave of water so I think maybe in five days the mirror will change and it is like opening a portal to your world"

"Ah, I understand"

"After this I will talk to the King to find an excuse so he can understand you to stay here for a while"

***

Over the past few days Lea grew closer to the prince. They always go around the palace every day even some time ago the prince taught her to ride a horse.

Previously the prince taught Lea the approach to the horse before she rode it. Even though at first Lea was afraid, she became more and more relaxed. She stroked the horse's mane gently and carefully.

"Looks like you're ready to ride a horse"

"Is that true?"

"Let's try. I will give you an example of how to ride a horse first."

Lea paid close attention to the prince's explanation.

"First align your body with the horse's shoulders and then you see this footing"

Lea replied with a nod.

"This is called a stirrup, put your left foot here then hold the saddle. Remember, the focus is on the knees and calves then push yourself up and step over the saddle.”

Prince is now on the horse, "Can you understand?"

Lea nodded excitedly.

“I want to try it”

The prince got off the horse and let Lea try. It took Lea half an hour to successfully get on the horse. While on the horse, Lea's expression turned tense because it turned out to be quite high up here and she was afraid of falling.

"Don't panic Lea, the horse can feel what you feel"

“B-b-but in here is so scary!”

The horse that Lea was riding began to move uncomfortably. Lea who was above the horse even more panicked. The prince down there kept reassuring Lea that if she relaxed the horse would relax too. But Lea didn't really listen because she was already so panicked. The horse she was riding was getting out of control until finally Lea was thrown off the horse.

"AAAAA" Lea screamed

Fortunately, the prince swiftly caught Lea's body so it wouldn't hit the ground. The horse that Lea was riding had been running to and fro but was soon appeased by the palace guard on duty at this stable.

Lea still continued to hug the prince tightly, she was so scared that her tears began to flow without realizing it. The prince who saw it tried to calm Lea down.

"It's okay Lea you are safe now"

Lea kept her eyes closed tightly and instead tightened her arms on the prince. The prince did not protest even though he had to carry Lea's body for a long time. He let Lea calm down on her own.

Ten minutes passed, Lea was about to open her eyes and asked the prince to put her down.

"Sorry if I overreacted"

"It's a natural thing after all for a beginner like you, you quickly learn how to tame a horse and ride it"

"Is that true?" Lea quickly forgot her fear and was excited to hear the prince's words again. The prince who realized this also smiled and rubbed the top of Lea's head.

“Of course, you are very talented if only you could stay here longer I will teach you every day”

Lea's face blushed with embarrassment, her cheeks slightly red from the praise and the prince's caressing on the top of her head.

"What's with your face?"

"It's okay, it-it's just because the sun is so hot my face is hot. Did you just say, will teach me every day? I can come back to this world later promise you will teach me”

"I promise"

Lea felt her closeness to the prince was no longer just a friend. She felt comfortable when she was with the prince. The prince always praised her, made her laugh, even the prince always smiled whenever he was with her. She felt the prince's treatment was better for her than Princess El.

***

Lea was sitting by the lake she had visited a few days ago. Prince told him to wait there. Like the prince's last words about two days ago that he would try to talk to the King.

"How are you?" asked the prince who suddenly appeared sitting next to her

“Not so good, my chest keeps getting tight”

“Just two more days, be patient”

"So what does the King think?"

“He allowed you to stay a few more days or even longer it does not matter”

"What did you say?"

"I said your mother is very sick and you have to look for the medicine all over the world so that for years you have been traveling here and there but have not found the medicine"

“Hey why are you using such an excuse?”

"Why?"

“Do I look like a girl who likes to wander?”

“Honestly, no”

“Then how did the King believe?”

“I do not know, maybe because I am speaking seriously. You have two days left here, do not you want to take a walk outside the palace?"

"Can I?"

"Sure, let's go out"

After days of cuddling in the palace, Lea finally saw outside the palace filled with villagers. The view outside the palace is no less stunning than the one inside. There are so many residents who sell everything from knick-knacks, flowers, food and so on. There's even a group of people playing musical instruments maybe in Lea's world it's like live music.

Without waiting the prince, Lea had run over to the people who were selling knick-knacks. She was attracted by one of the pendants in the shape of two swans holding its two heads together.

“Hello Miss, would you like to buy it?”

Lea's expression immediately changed to the realization that she had no money. Wearily she shook her head at the merchant and then Lea just walked away to another place.

After Lea left, the prince didn’t immediately follow her to another place but instead talked to the knick-knacks trader earlier. He planned to surprise Lea. He couldn't help but smile on his face, imagining Lea's reaction, which must have been excited to know he had bought this pendant for her.

"Can I buy this?"

"Oh prince, of course you do not have to pay for it"

“I will pay for it, please pack it well”

“Of course I will wrap it well. You are definitely going to gift this to your future wife, are not you?"

The smile on the prince's face instantly disappeared. The few days with Lea made him so happy that he forgot that he already had a fiancé.

"No, this gift is for my friend"

"Friend? Is she so special that you gift her this pendant that signifies loyalty?”

“Yes she is very special”

The merchant only nodded as a sign that she understood she didn't want to ask all kinds of things for fear of making the prince offended by her words. The prince immediately paid for the locket and continued to walk looking for Lea's whereabouts.

It was not felt for hours around the area around the palace, now it was getting dark. Prince and Lea didn’t return to the palace they still continued their journey. And here they were now in the middle of the lake with a small boat decorated with only one lantern at the end.

"It's very dark in here, shouldn't we just go home?"

“Soon there will be something amazing”

They waited for about five minutes and as the prince said the amazing things started to take shape one by one. Lanterns began to fly from the direction of the settlement. Lea watched it in amazement, she never imagined that being stuck in this world would be such a pleasure for her.

“Why do people fly lanterns?”

"Because today is the birthday of the King's first child"

"You?"

Prince replied to Lea's question with a smile he always liked Lea's surprised, enthusiastic and excited expression like that. An expression he didn't see in any other girl in this world. All girls in this world, of course, cannot be like Lea, they are required to remain elegant, maintain an attitude, not to overdo things when expressing something. And it was precisely that difference that attracted the prince to her.

"I didn't prepare anything, why didn't you tell me?"

"Do you have money to buy me something?"

"Well at least I can find something I don't need to buy"

"What?"

"Never mind, because I already have it I will replace it with a song"

Lea cleared her throat as she prepared to sing Dimas Titis's song Happy Birthday To You.

Happy birthday to the sweetest man
To the warmest heart
It's you

Yes it's your day
When miracle meets grace you are always embrace
It's true

Only a few stanzas, the prince was mesmerized by Lea's beautiful voice, he didn’t expect this girl to have such a melodious voice. Prince looked at Lea's face full of appreciation in singing a song for him.

I wish you perfect done for everything
A joyful year and blessed
To make your gladness less
You're always be your best
Happy birthday to you

Lea continued to sing until the end without realizing that the prince was watching her because Lea closed her eyes while singing. And when Lea sang the last lyric while opening her eyes, they accidentally met each other's eyes but soon they both looked away from each other. Realizing that the atmosphere was getting a little awkward, the prince finally decided to open his voice first.

"Thank you for the song, even though I do not really know the song you sing, but I still thank you for singing it so sweetly. Are you talented in singing?”

"You're welcome. I don't really like singing."

"Why? Your voice is so nice"

"Is that true? I'm just not sure people will like my voice but hearing your compliment maybe I'll think about it again.”

"Lea, I have something to give you"

"What?"

The prince took out a black circular box wrapped with a white ribbon. He handed the box to Lea.

"What's this?"

“Just open it”

Lea didn’t expect that the prince had secretly bought her the pendant she wanted.

"When did you buy it?"

"I gave it as a gift"

Lea smiled happily. She immediately put the pendant around her neck.

"How? Does this suit me?”

"Beautiful" said the prince unconsciously

"Huh what did you say?"

"Eh I mean it fits"

Lea was happier because she was praised like that. She continued to stare at the swan pendant without stopping.

"Lea, can we meet again after this?"

"Why can not?"

"Hey, do you really want to come back here?"

"You don't want to try visiting my world?"

"I do not think that is possible. Let alone disappear for a week like you, just a few hours, I will disappear the whole palace will immediately spread a missing person sheet."

"Then I'll just come here again"

"Do you want it?"

"Yeah. If I could stay here at once I would be happier.”

"I will be waiting for you"

Lea nodded her head in response. Suddenly, the question Lea had always wanted to ask since the first time she was here.

"Al, can I ask you something?"

"About what?"

“Are you going to marry Princess El?”

"Yeah, did not you know that at dinner that time too?"

“I know but I mean do you want to marry her yourself?”

"Why do you ask like that?"

“Some time ago I often noticed your actions on Princess El. You always seem to ignore what she says. You also don't look enthusiastic in preparing for your wedding. Do you really want to marry her?”

"Even if I do not want to marry her I have to marry her anyway. My parents definitely gave me the best.”

"Do you believe in the saying that parents will give the best for their children?"

"Are you not?"

"I don't know, I just feel that even though they know what's best for me, I still have the right to determine my life path"

"You are right but I cannot do that. In this world there is a rule I cannot go against the King"

"Why not? Your life should be yours, not your parents or anyone else.”

“You are very brave huh. If only I could be like you"

"Well I just don't agree with you marrying Princess El out of necessity"

"Why do not you agree?"

"You really don't feel sorry for Princess El if you know that you only married her out of necessity?"

“That is a risk, and Princess El must be aware of that, Lea. There are a lot of people like us in this world so it is normal.”

"You will still marry her even if you don't love her?"

Prince didn’t answer, he instead changed the subject.

"The night seems to be getting late we must hurry home before it gets dark"

***

The day before Lea left the prince had a lot of conversation with her asking much more about Lea's daily life in her world.

"So you're still in school?"

“Not a school, but a university”

"What is a university?"

“Higher level than school”

"Oh I see. Besides in your world what do people our age usually do?”

“Some are working and some are married”

"Are you married?"

“Of course not”

"But, do you have a man you like?"

"Before coming to this world there was none but after coming here there was one man who caught my attention"

"Who? Palace Guard?”

"Hey of course not! Why do you have to be a palace guard?”

"Ha ha ha, the palace guards here are quite handsome anyway"

"No, no. This man is more handsome, he really catches my attention when we walk outside the palace”

"Oh I know, don't be a fruit seller who you say looks like an artist in your world"

"Oh no, you wouldn't know"

"Then tell me"

“Okay but later”

"When?"

"Tomorrow"

After talking about Lea they changed the subject.

“What if the portal doesn't appear? Am I going to die here?”

“The portal must have appeared”

"What if you don't?"

"Don't think bad. You better sleep now."

Lea tried to get rid of her bad thoughts. Even though living here is pleasant, the tightness in her chest is increasing every day, it feels like the oxygen here is running low, making her unable to breathe for so long.

***

Just as the prince expected, the mirror opened a portal between worlds again.

“Hurry up and go”

"There won't be a farewell huh?"

"Your face is already pale still want to say goodbye?"

"Yeah yeah I'm in now"

Lea started to put her hands in first like she did a week ago. Lea's body slowly also began to enter until her body completely disappeared. Prince thought everything was over but it turned out that Lea popped her head back.

“I forgot to tell you one thing”

"What?"

"The man that caught my attention," Lea took a deep breath before continuing, "that person is you"

"See you in one week prince"

Lea didn’t wait for the prince's reaction she immediately pulled herself back from the portal. The prince smiled in response to Lea's sentence, he had also expected it.

"I'll be waiting for you to come back, Lea"

After a week of disappearing and appearing suddenly, of course, the whole house was in an uproar with Lea's arrival. Mama who for a week kept crying for fear that her only daughter wouldn’t come back home.

"Mom! Dad!" Lea exclaimed happily

"Leaaa" Mom threw her arms on Lea it felt very mixed after days she was gone.

Lea returned her mother's hug. After hours in Mom's arms, Lea is now looking at her father. She thought her father's reaction would be like her mother's but her father showed anger in his eyes.

"After ruining dinner and then leaving the house for days you think that's a good attitude huh?!"

"Dad, I can explain"

“You think that with such a rebellious way we will comply with your wishes?”

"What's rebelling?"

"You run away from home for days then what is it called if not rebel?"

"I'm not rebellious. I can explain everything."

"First listen to Lea's explanation" said Lea’s mother trying to mediate

"You take care of your child, I can't stand it anymore" Lea’s father said as he walked away leaving Lea and Lea’s mother.

"You don't have to listen to your dad's words. You know your dad was very upset at dinner that night plus you suddenly disappeared he must be just as worried as me."

"Worry? It seems he is more worried about his image in front of the Myles family than he is worried about me.”

"No way Lea"

“From little until now, you were always the only one who was worried about me. He has time for that, right?”

"Lee don't say that"

"I just want to go to the room"

"Wait, you haven't explained to me where have you been this week?"

Finally Lea made up a story that she was staying at a friend's house that her Mom and Dad never knew, so when they contacted all of her friends, none of them knew where Lea was.

***

One week later, Lea returned to the World in the Mirror to keep her word to the prince. When she entered she assumed it would be empty the first time she had come or that there might be a prince there doing something in his room. But both assumptions are wrong. Instead of the prince, it was Princess El who was there, don't know what she was doing, but Princess El was standing in front of the mirror in a white dress, a luxurious crown and a wedding veil behind her head.

“AAAAA”

Lea covered her ears because she heard Princess El's scream.

"What are you doing here?"

“Shouldn't I be the one asking that? How did you get out of the mirror huh?”

"None of your business, I came looking for the prince. Where is he?"

"Can't you see?"

"What?"

Princess El showed the fingers of her right hand she meant to show the ring on her ring finger.

"We are officially married. Prince Al and I are already a couple.”

"No way, does he really love you?"

"Of course he loves me otherwise how could he rush into our marriage"

The door to the room opened to reveal the prince standing in a typical palace groom's dress and the color matched the dress worn by Princess El.

"What is this? Didn't you promise to wait for me to come here again?"

Instead of answering Lea's question, the prince replied with another question, "What are you doing here Lea?"

"You forgot? I promised to see you in a week."

"El, can you let us talk alone?"

Although actually reluctant but Princess El finally chose to leave the prince's room. Besides, she didn't need to worry because the prince was now officially her husband.

"You said you don't love her then why marry her?"

"Lea, I told you that in my world there are rules"

"But you can refuse. You can find another girl or just marry me!”

"Can't be with you Lea"

"Why not? I like you, you like me. We can continue this relationship until we finally love each other"

"We still cannot because that is not the problem"

"Then what's the problem?"

“We do not live in the same world so it is impossible for us to get married. If we got married, where would we live? There is no way I can come into your world and vice versa."

“I can come with you as a wife in my world they must obey the husband's orders and go with him. So I can come with you if we get married."

"That is the problem. I have read the entire book World In The Mirror. The book says that in my world you are not real, and vice versa because it is also if you form a formal marriage bond with me then you become real and your world is destroyed. Your whole world will disappear in an instant even your parents will disappear too. And conversely I also cannot let this world fall apart just to stay with you that is why I decided to marry Princess El. Honestly, I really like you but to me you are not real"

“I can leave my world and live with you!” Lea answered without hesitation.

"Are you sure?"

"Very sure!"

"Don't you mind if you have to lose your parents?"

“It is no big deal”

The prince was surprised by the answer Lea gave. He thought that Lea just answered without thinking about it but after hearing Lea's explanation he understood that Lea was willing to inflame her parents.

"I still cannot marry you"

"Why can not? I've chosen to come with you."

“Firstly, I just got married to Princess El there is no way I'd leave her. Second, you are indeed a very attractive girl to me no woman in this world has ever managed to catch my attention but after hearing your answer earlier I am increasingly convinced that we cannot be together. I cannot love a girl who does not love her parents."

Lea woke up after hearing the prince's last words. She immediately contemplated it. What has she done? At times she thought she was willing to inflame her parents.

"Then what now?" said Lea unenthusiastically. Now her chest is so tight even though the original purpose of her coming here was to finish the days like yesterday she was stuck here with the prince.

"Go home Lea, there is nothing more we can do. Now, I have a wife."

"But you don't love her!"

"Enough, Lea. I just do not love her yet. Stop equating my world with your world. I told you here there are rules. I had to marry based on an arranged marriage and that was for the best.”

"So now I beg you to go home, you cannot be trapped here anymore"

With a heavy heart Lea turned around and walked into the mirror. She came home feeling very sick. What she had thought the road would be so smooth turned out to be even more complicated.

Prince continued to stare at the mirror in front of him even though with the same pain as Lea he had to think logically. He quickly took whatever heavy object was in his room and threw it in the mirror. His goal was successful he really wanted to make the mirror shatter and instantly the portal disappeared.

Meanwhile Lea who was behind the mirror was surprised to hear a loud thumping sound.

"BUMMMM!"

The portal closed but the sound of the portal closing was not like yesterday. Until the next week came the portal didn’t reappear and now Lea knew that it was probably the prince who had removed it with a thud yesterday.

A year has passed, Lea is now sitting at a desk with a laptop in front of her. She had just finished a story called World In The Mirror. Two months ago Lea decided to write regularly on her blog account until today she finally managed to finish her first story.

Readers may think this writing is just fiction, but who would have thought that all events were taken from a true story.