Raised From The Wild-Chapter 105: Back To The Jungle

On Friday evening at the Asteria Palace dining hall, Amaya asked permission from her grandfather and her Daddy Ibrahim that she would spend the weekend on Verde Island. She would explore the mountains with Marx and Dave and a few mountaineers.

"Father, can I come with my elder sister? I want to explore the mountains too." Donello pleaded with his father during dinner when Amaya discussed her plans the following morning.

Princess Nelida’s face contorted when she heard his son’s request but before she can voice her disapproval, Prince Ibarra spoke.

"You can’t go Donello. Maybe next time. We need to ensure that the area is secure first."

Actually, Prince Ibarra did not want Amaya to go as well. Wasn’t it dangerous to go to the mountains? But then Amaya grew up in such an environment. What was dangerous for normal people should be a piece of cake for her.

Donello felt dejected. He wanted to rebel. This was one of the disadvantages of being an heir to the throne. His freedom was restricted.

Amaya woke up very early on Saturday morning. Marx was already waiting for her outside. He was standing in front of the fountain looking at the sculptor of the first king of Lireya in hunting garb.

The east has brightened and splashes of yellow, orange, and pink hues could be seen in the sky.

"Good morning, Marx." She greeted him warmly.

Marx turned to look at her but he paused when he saw her dress. It was the hunting outfit that she wore when they looked for the missing half of the airplane. Her hair was braided into two and both the edge fall into the front of her chest.

When Lilia first braided her hair, she thought it was beautiful and neat. This morning, she asked Lilia to braid it for convenience.

Marx frowned. He didn’t like her hair braided. He liked it to fall freely on her back and on her. However, he understood that it was more convenient to have such a hairstyle when exploring the mountains.

A few strands of her hair escaped from the braid. Marx tucked those strands behind her ear before he gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. Before Amaya could register the strange emotion she felt, Marx pulled her toward the jeep wrangler parked at the side of the road.

Amaya was carrying a backup that contained a change of clothes, daily necessities, and some herbs. She also brought with her her bows and arrows.

"What is in your backpack?" Amaya was curious because Marx was carrying a big backpack.

"I brought a tent, a sleeping bag, and a few ready-to-eat food." Marx paused before continuing, "And a portable oven."

"Portable oven? Why do you need to bring that?"

"To boil water and cook our food."

Amaya did not ask anymore. There was silence for some time as both seemed lost in their own thoughts.

Amaya felt a big warm hand cover hers. She looked at Marx in surprise. Lately, Marx was fond of holding her hand. It was a good feeling though and she actually look forward to it.

They arrived at the island before 6:00 am. It was quiet at the construction site as the workers were still sleeping in their quarters. Amaya was pleasantly surprised to see that the progress of the construction was very fast. The main villa already has walls made from stone bricks.

Initially, Amaya wanted the main villa to be made from wood but after hearing the suggestions of the experts, she agreed to use stone bricks for endurance. The architect promised her that they could make the stone bricks look like wood by using paint.

The main house has a big basement underneath. It will be Amaya’s own laboratory.

They did not linger at the construction site but they went to the foot of the mountain and waited for the rest of the mountaineers who will join them. A team of construction workers built a temporary rest area for those who will explore the mountain.

Marx handed Amaya a sandwich and soy milk. "Sorry, but this is the only things I can buy from the convenience store that’s open for 24 hours. All the rest are still closed."

"Thank you, Marx." She took a big bite of the sandwich and nodded her head. "This tastes good."

Marx took the napkin that went with the sandwich and wiped the corner of her mouth. "You have a cream in your mouth. He said before gently wiping off the cream from the corners of her mouth."

Amaya gave him a grateful smile. Somehow she felt embarrassed. She was surprised because she did not feel the same way previously especially when they were on the island.

Three vehicles similar to theirs arrived. Dave got off from the first one. He walked to the other side of the vehicle and assisted a tall slender woman. Another woman has gotten off from the back seat. A total of four men and one more woman got off from the remaining two vehicles.

"That’s a nice outfit, Amaya. I don’t think I have seen anything like that in the malls." Dave had seen a lot of beautiful women but Amaya’s beauty was beyond compare. Her unique dress made her look like a warrior princess. He was dazed for a few seconds before he remembered that he needed to introduce her companions.

"Marx, Amaya, this is my fiancee’s younger sister Phoebe and her friend Liza." Dave introduced the two women who came with him. "These four men over here are professional mountaineers who worked part-time as coaches in the gym. They will act as our guide and security." Dave finished off their introduction.

Phoebe wasn’t listening to what Dave said. She studied Marx then she smiled sweetly and acted coyly. ’What a handsome man. Dave pales in comparison.’ She sized Marx and her gaze lingered on his lips. She wanted to kiss those lips but reined herself.

Marx saw the lust in her eyes. He looked at her coldly. He took Amaya’s hand and held it in his.

Phoebe scanned Amaya from head to toe. Her outfit was interesting and beautiful. She should get one for herself.

Dave told everyone to prepare for their trek. Amaya brought with her a notebook and pen. She planned to create a map of this island. She asked the Earl if he has the map of the island but he told her that there was none. He explored the mountains when he was still young but did not think of making a map.

They climbed the smaller mountain first. It was a difficult journey because there were lots of vines and thorny plants blocking their path.

Amaya was not happy with their progress. If they continue their pace, they will not be able to cover one eight of the island.

Marx noticed Amaya’s constant frowning. He knew that she was impatient. "You want to separate from the group?" Marx also felt that the team was slowing them down.

"Hey guys, how about we meet at the top of the mountain?" Marx said in a polite manner.

"But is it dangerous if you separate from the group?"+Phoebe was genuinely concerned because of Marx.

"Phoebe shut up. She is born in the wild and has many experiences in the jungle. Your worry is baseless." Dave said sternly.

"I am not worried about her. I am just worried about Marx Skylar" she spoke softly.

"Huh? Don’t tell me you have a crush on that cold CEO?" Liza spoke with a low voice so only Phoebe heard her.

"Why? Is it something shocking? You should be shocked if I don’t feel anything toward him given his charm." Phoebe snorted. She looked at Marx who was talking to Amaya. They were very close and Phoebe felt jealous.

Whether the group agreed or not, Amaya still planned to leave the group. Marx can only support her.

"We will meet you up at the peak of the smaller mountain," Marx said then he followed Amaya who already disappeared from the dense vegetation.

Phoebe pursed her lips. How can she have an opportunity with that man if they were not together?

Amaya studied the plants that she saw in the mountain. She knew a few of them but the number of plants that she cannot identify are more than the ones that she knew. Maybe Dave could identify them.

She was taking photos of plants when Marx caught up with her.

"I finally caught up with you. You disappeared so fast."

"Sorry about that. I’d like to cover more areas as much as possible."

Marx just nodded.

They continued to walk and eventually bumped into a river. The water was so inviting that Amaya was tempted to bathe.

"Marx, I’d like to take a bath." Amaya said out of nowhere. She felt sticky because she was sweating.

"But your clothes will be wet afterwards unless you brought extra clothes." Marx did not want her to take a bath as the others might catch up very soon. He did not want those five men to feast on Amaya’s body.

He looked back to check if the others were coming when he heard a splash on the water.