LOGINShare
13
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56It’s finally the day. Brylle's 20th birthday. My maids put me on a beige long gown with long sleeves and I'm telling you, it is the most uncomfortable dress I have yet I have to wear it since Queen Josephine likes the color beige.
"I don't know why I'm nervous. I don't know," Althea said as she keep on pacing. She got ready earlier than me and now she's ranting here in my room while I get ready.
"Why are you nervous? There's nothing to be worried about," I assured her as my maids busy themselves.
She continued pacing. "I don't know. I just feel like something is going to happen."
I sighed then peeked at her at my mirror. "Relax, Althea. Nothing is going to happen. Unless Brylle suddenly shows up and thanks us for the feast," I joked.
She inhaled sharply. "Oh my gosh, what if he does?"
I giggled. Althea sometimes gets paranoid from stuff like this, like occasions. She's a very bright and energetic woman but she still has a soft spot for things. That's why we kinda get along. I'm a little happy-go-lucky kind of person and she's here to always keep me on track. We rely on each other very much.
"Girls, are you ready?" Mom asked from behind. I turned and saw her by the door. She was wearing the gown Queen Josephine designed. It was gift from Mom's birthday last year.
"Yes."
"Thank you so much everyone for making this happen. I'm glad that we get to celebrate Brylle's birthday together," Queen Josephine said as we all gather in the Dining Hall.
"Now, let's eat!" King Ricardo exclaimed.
It was like a fun party. The chattering was not annoying, it was rather relaxing. I felt like everybody was having a break from the stressful world and just wanted to treasure this little moment together. We had crab soup and turkey with corn and carrots for the menu tonight and dessert was cake of course.
I kinda feel nervous because I requested this cake from Noah. I want this day to be special for the Wilhems because it’s the first time they'll be celebrating Brylle's birthday here in our palace. I want them to feel that we're here for them as a second family.
"And now, Your Highness' and Your Majesties, it’s time for the cake."
We all stood as the kitchen doors opened. The cake was in two layers, it was a warm beige color. It had blueberry fondant and blueberries on top with white daisies. I was in awe. Noah exceeded my expectations. It was even better than I imagined it would be.
"Blueberry cheesecake as requested from the Princess," Noah said then looked at me.
I turned to see Queen Josephine and King Ricardo's reactions and they were embracing each other. I had my hands cover my mouth from shock. Queen Josephine was in tears.
"Thank you so much, Ruthy. This was our favorite, the whole family," Queen Josephine said then went to give me a hug.
I hugged her back. "You're welcome, Your Majesty. I just wanted to make this day really special for you."
Before she left, she gave me a quick kiss on the cheeks. Althea went to my side then hugged me too. Thomas, who was actually behind me, patted my head.
"Thank you for this, Ruthy," I heard him say. I realized that I’m making a huge decision now, from the moment I asked Noah for a favor. I feel like an adult where I’m responsible for things and now I’m feeling the pressure. I clasped my hands and breathed. This pressure is not purely negative, but I sense that it’s a pressure that will push me to grow. I have to feel motivated and anxious to be able to bring the best out of me. Queen Josephine then went to the cake.
"Would you do the honors, Your Majesty?" Noah handed her the cake slicer and she received it with a genuine smile. When she sliced the cake, cream cheese filling poured from the inside. It was magical.
"You outdid yourself, boy. Thank you so much," King Ricardo told Noah and he bowed.
We all started to take a slice from the cake. I was one of the last persons to get a slice so when I got closer and had a good look at the cake, it even looked more beautiful. The fondant was sparkling!
"I can't thank you enough, Noah. You did amazing," I whispered to him who was behind the cart of the cake.
"No worries, Princess."
Then we were all baffled by the sound of a glass shattering. When I turned, it wasn't a glass at all. It was Queen Josephine's plate. I placed my hand on my chest to contain my heart, it was beating so fast I think I'm going to pass out. I suddenly felt nervous.
"Mom?" Althea called. King Ricardo looked uneasy by her side.
He held her arms. "Are you alright, dear?" He asked.
Queen Josephine looked shocked at herself and was also stunned at what happened.
"Is it- is it bad?" Noah stuttered with his hands behind him. I noticed that he suddenly became so uneasy.
Queen Josephine looked at us. "No! It- it tastes absolutely perfect."
I walked behind Noah and touched his back, hoping he'd relax.
"I'm sorry everyone. Please continue,” Queen Josephine said then left the room. King Ricardo immediately followed her.
The room was silent for a minute before my Dad started conversations and thank heavens, it continued. Noah ran to the kitchen and I followed him.
"Noah!" I called. He turned and I just saw the pure terror on his face.
"Hey! Hey, calm down," I said then held his face. He brushed his hair then started to breathe frantically.
"They liked it. It was wonderful," I told him. I placed my hands on his chest and his heart was beating like crazy.
"I thought I was going to pass out a while ago," He whispered.
I giggled. "Don't worry. Maybe the Queen was just super surprised at how good you were."
He then finally calmed down and sat at one of the chairs. I gave him a glass of water then sat beside him.
"Do you really think I'm good enough? You think they really enjoyed it?" He silently asked.
"Of course! You're an amazing baker! Mom wouldn't hire you for the party if it weren't for your cheesecake."
I recalled our incident back then where I embarrassed him in front of so many people. I can't believe I actually did that. Maybe I am kinda childish despite my age.
He chuckled. "Yeah, that was a memory."
Suddenly, Althea came through the door. She didn’t even hesitating struting through the kitchen and started clapping.
"Noah! Sir Noah, the cake was amazing!" She said then shook Noah's hands. I face-palmed myself.
"Y-your Highness! I- uh- thank you!" Noah suddenly stood. I giggled as I stood as well.
"Oh drop the formality. I'm Althea, Ruthy's best friend," Althea said with a curtsy.
"Pleasure to meet you, Princess Althea," Noah said with a bow.
"Let’s go back to the Dining Hall. I'm sure they all have something to say about your cake," I said then pulled them both out of the kitchen.
Related chapters
Imperfections of a Royal 14
When we reached the gate, Angelo and Saint were wearing their black suits. My eyes sparkled at Angelo. I guess my love for him won't easily fade even when he's ignoring me. I gave them a two-finger salute. "Ruthy!" Althea called as she waves her fan. She was wearing a yellow high-waist dress with a white scarf on her neck. Simple and colorful outfits really suit her despite her age- not that I'm saying she's old or anything. "We will be taking the train today since the bakery is located near your Uncle's house in the South-East, right?" Dad told Noah. "Yes, Your Majesty," Noah answered as we sat in the carriage with Angelo and Saint outside odn their horses. The train station wasn't far from our palace. We had our own train that we can take anytime of the day. I sat at the window side of the train and Althea was beside me. "Is the bakery filled yet?" Althea asked. I giggled. "Maybe. Don't tell me you're going to take some food?"
Imperfections of a Royal 15
The moment we stepped foot on the train, it immediately moved. Dad and Noah were pacing all over the train, Althea was silently crying and Ford was praying. "Ruthy!"Dad and Althea embraced me. "Are you hurt? Why is there blood on you?" Dad frantically asked. "I just hurt my ankle, but..." I looked behind me and Saint entered while carrying Angelo. "Oh my god," Dad whispered then came to help Saint. "Your Majesty..." Saint said. "Please, let me help you. You're our family, remember?" Dad and Saint lay Angelo on the floor. He was still conscious and he was holding down my handkerchief on his wound. Dad stood then went to the other side of the train. I knelt beside Angelo then held his hand. "You're gonna be okay," I said. Saint looked at me, worried about the people around us. I didn't care. I finally didn't care. He was dying in front me, I have no time to pretend anymore. Althea knelt beside
Imperfections of a Royal 16
I’ve always felt that I was being held in a cage, like I was being controlled. I thought that being a princess means being forced to make decisions I didn’t want. I was wrong. I was completely free. I was powerful, I was strong, I was royal. Right now, I have to make the right decision, the best decision. Mom stood carefully by the door, hugging herself. I sharply inhaled, afraid of what she’s going to say next. I kept fidgeting my fingers behind me, thinking of what I should say in a nickle of time. Am I going to be banished? Am I going to be exiled? “Ruthy, are you okay?” Mom quietly asked. I looked up. I gasped and ran to her. I embraced my Mother tightly and buried my face on her shoulder. Suddenly, I feel relaxed. The moment my Mother asked me how I felt, everything that was pulling me down disappeared. I was a fool. This is my Mother- my Mother who loves me with all her soul, my Mother who would do everything for me, the Queen who would save her princes
Imperfections of a Royal 17
Althea’s Royal secrets aren’t exactly new to me. I’ve been present and exposed to too much scandals back at Wierxia because of our relatives, but of course, our family comes clean, except for one historic incident about my brother disappearing. I haven’t thought of it much lately, since our family learned how to move on from the past, but the pain is still alive. Honestly, I don’t really remember Brylle’s face, I was still little when he disappeared, but I guess Thomas could remember. I was heading to my room to return my sewing equipment after the Queen left. She said she needed to visit Sir Angelo. I wanted to come as well, but I figured I’d come with Ruthy. Just as I was about to turn to the hallway where my room is, I heard Ruthy’s voice from the hospital wing just one turn from where I was. Her voice wasn’t loud or shouting, but it was whole and audible. I couldn’t hear exactly what she was saying, but I understood some of the important words. Sh
Imperfections of a Royal 18
Lunch came by like a race circuit. Dad was going on with the possible wedding that they think will be happening and King Ricardo even sided with him. Mom and Queen Josephine were just supporting them and agreeing with the plausible statements they say. At the table, Thomas and I only exchanged looks while Althea kept teasing and asking me questions if it was really happening soon. I honestly couldn’t answer any of them. I didn’t want to pretend and deny it to myself anymore, but it was a matter of love or duty that I will be choosing. If I choose to fight for the love I want, I might have to sacrifice my duty for it. To fight for my selfish decision will cost me all the things I already had. If I choose my duty, then it will be a selfless act, but not the love that I wanted. Harsh, isn’t it? To be in this kind of society and world, sacrifices should be made and feelings should be set aside. The country matters more than your own accords. Lately, there really is nothing else to celeb
Imperfections of a Royal 19
I didn't know if I was seeing things or if it was really true. I couldn't come back to ask him myself since it was too awkward for us to see each other again. It was a scar from a fire. I'm certain of it. Years ago, the kingdom of Wierxia had missing posters all over the country. It was an illustration of Brylle and below it was a description of the incident. The percentage of Brylle getting an injury before being taken was high, and so every child his age was ordered to have a medical check-up by doctors approved by the royal family. I know I'm being crazy, I mean- Noah being Brylle this whole time? It messes up my mind. I couldn't even bring myself to imagine it. "Ruthy? Are you okay?" Keith suddenly asked who was beside me. We were having dinner at the moment, and the grown-ups were having casual talk. I just realized that I had my spoon and fork lifted, but haven't touched the food for a while now. "Y-yes, I'm fine," I answered then continued eating. I've b
Imperfections of a Royal 20
Why am I avoiding him? I don’t know myself. I just can’t seem to look at him straight in the eye or even just look at him. I know I’m being over-reacting, especially when things aren’t even confirmed yet, but the moment I discovered those events, I just started feeling anxious. What will happen if it’s true? What will King Ricardo and Queen Josephine feel? Oh my god, what will happen to Ford and his mother? Will they be punished? See, this is exactly why I’m feeling nervous. After breakfast, I decided to talk to my mother about my theory. I headed to the Women’s Room where I thought she would be, and yes, she was there. “Hey, Mom? Can I talk to you about something?” I asked, as soon as I spotted her sitting on a chair in front of a desk. She was reading something while wearing reading glasses. The large desk was positioned at the middle of the room and it’s the first thing you spot when you open the door. Behind the desk was a tall round window where you can see the
Imperfections of a Royal 21
Althea’sWhy is everyone acting so weird lately? During breakfast, Ruthy had been quiet. She didn’t talk to me about anything at all. Thomas was grumpy and annoying, but it was something different. I would always tease him and joke around, but I couldn’t bring myself to because he looked too serious. The Queen cancelled our activity today, so I had nothing to do this afternoon. I planned to head to my room to read, but when I passed the library, I heard Thomas’ voice down the hallway. I hid behind a vase and listened to his voice.“Would you like to have tea with me later, Ruthy?” I heard his voice say. Oh, so he’s speaking with Ruthy. I couldn’t hear Ruthy’s voice, but Thomas was energetic and excited. Oh boy, am I going to hear a rejection? “That’s great! Let’s meet at the garden in two hours,” Thomas added. Oh! Ruthy accepted? I smirked and strutted
Latest chapter
Imperfections of a Royal 30
After 3 months The Royal Wedding I woke up feeling nauseous and light-headed. Last night, I couldn’t bring myself to sleep because of excitement and nervousness. I couldn’t decide if I was feeling cold or warm when I was laying down in bed. Althea, who arrived in our palace yesterday, strictly ordered me to have at least 8 hours of sleep. I ended up having 5 hours of sleep. The men stayed at the other side of the palace, while we will be preparing at the Women’s Room. As soon as I woke up, Althea came knocking down my door. “Princess! Hello? Bride to be! Wake up! It’s way past your breakfast!” she said outside the door. It’s currently 6 in the morning, the wedding will be at 11. I stood and went to the bathroom to wash my face. My maids were already arranging the make up and other accessories at the Women’s Room together with the other maids. The Women’s R
Imperfections of a Royal 29
Ruthy’s The past week had been a blast. I’ve never felt so happy in my life. The Wilhems already left last week, but they promised to return in three months for the wedding. Yes, I’m getting married. I know, it may seem fast, but we have a lot to do before even getting married and after. My parents said they were ready to pass the throne and they even became emotional, but they were proud to crown me as Queen of Rinovea. I am getting a little over the future there, but it will come. “Ready when you are, love,” Noah says. We are now heading to the Throne Room to have a discussion with my parents. Noah seems calm and confident, but I know he’s feeling nervous beyond the soul. This is the first time we’ll be having a serious talk in front of the King and Queen with regards our plans for the future. We’ll also talk about what will happen to our family. “I can feel your hands shaking,” I teased him as we walked hand in hand. “No, yo
Imperfections of a Royal 28
Noah’s Who would’ve thought that I would fall for the princess? Scratch that. The first question should be, who would’ve thought that I was the missing son of King Ricardo and Queen Josephine? I know it’s hard to take in, but I felt like time was going too fast. I knew that Ruthy was in love with someone else, but it seems like it was something that would fall in ruins and Ruthy knew that. She tried to fight for it, she tried to sacrifice for it, but she couldn’t do it. She was refused. My only intention was to watch, support, and protect her from the sideline, but I was wrong. I didn’t want to remain as a friend, I wanted Ruthy to notice me and accept me. We had a rough start, a troublesome meeting even, but it was pure and joyous. We were happy, not thinking of the trouble it may bring, we were just happy. Every time I look into her eyes, it was always full of hope and beauty, but now, it felt like she was being torn apart. I couldn’t just stand the
Imperfections of a Royal 27
“Ruthy! Get up!” I was woken up by endless shaking that I thought there was an earthquake happening. I opened my eyes and it was Althea. I couldn’t get myself to sleep last night because I was afraid they would already be gone. Good thing Althea’s still here waking me up. “We’re leaving! Bid us goodbye!” I got up and looked at her. They are leaving already. She was already ready and dressed. I grabbed my robe and brushed my hair. “W-what? So soon?” I told her, flustered. What time of day is it even? The sun was shining so brightly, I’m guessing it’s still early in the morning. “It doesn’t matter. Come on now!” she said then pulled me out of my room. I almost forgot to wear my sandals since she was really eager to get me out. I clenched my chest as Althea continued to pull my hand. I didn’t even get to say goodbye to Noah? I know that we should forget our ties now and move on with our lives, but I still can’t bring myself to just let go and for
Imperfections of a Royal 26
This may be the decision I will regret, but I know to myself that this is what my country deserves. A rightful relationship, a rightful marriage. A true born princess, and a true born prince. I don’t exactly hate Thomas, it’s just that I didn’t really think of him as my partner not until now. He’s smart, brave, and decent, much like a perfect prince, but he has an attitude. An attitude that he doesn’t show to other people except me and Althea. I found him sitting by the bench beside a fountain, so I slowly approached him. Before I went to the garden, I had my maids retouch my face and lessen the puffiness of my eyes. “I heard you’ve been avoiding people,” I softly said as I approached him. He was looking at the sky with his shoulders resting on the bench. He chuckled and sat straight. “Just not my day, I guess,” he replied in a lame and boring tone. He’s obviously hiding something. I sat beside him and crossed my arms. “You can’t hide anything from m
Imperfections of a Royal 25
I felt my body shake and how my vision suddenly blacked out. I think I almost fell, but I felt Angelo’s hand on my shoulder. I could see that he was serious with what he said, but still, I never imagined in our relationship that those words would come from his mouth. He was the hopeful and most patient in our relationship. He held on to this little fire between us we called ‘love’, and he never questioned my decisions for us. Now, I think he mustered all his strength and time to make this decision, to finally tell me what needed to be done. “Angelo..I-why?” I softly asked. I held his hand on my shoulder and carefully caressed his fingers. I don’t understand him. I don’t understand where this is all coming from. I waited for him and I remained hopeful too. I prayed for him, every day. I prayed that he won’t be taken away from me. I prayed that we would get the future that we wanted. I prayed for my life to start over, with him. “Since then, I was always in love with y
Imperfections of a Royal 24
It was almost time for lunch and we all headed to the Dining Hall with Noah, but he wanted to excuse himself first because he wanted to work in the kitchen. Queen Josephine wanted to eat with Noah, but he refused at first saying that he still worked for us since it was his job. Ford, who I saw a while ago, was no where to be found in the kitchen. I didn’t know if he was angry or sad, but I only had a glimpse of his face and I couldn’t really see his expression. “Noah, you don’t have to work anymore. You’re a prince,” I told him as he continues to arrange the food at the counter. “It still doesn’t fit right with me. I can’t just adjust that quickly,” he said, focusing on the counter. He was still wearing his apron and hat, although King Ricardo already ordered clothes to be brought to his room. His room is actually moved to the second floor beside their room, but he didn’t want to move just yet. I sighed and watched him. “What’s wrong?” I asked. He washed his
Imperfections of a Royal 23
I held my hands tightly as I stood beside Mom who was holding the letter. My father and King Ricardo finally arrived, and they looked at Mom with curious faces. The Queen doesn’t usually summon us for a meeting, let alone a sudden one. Queen Josephine then arrived with Althea and Thomas who both looked at me with curious faces as well. My expression was nervous than ever, and it still might be obvious that I cried. Keith walked beside me and poked my back. “What’s this about?” he curiously asked. I remained quiet and just smiled at him. Finally, Mom took a few steps forward to get their attention. She took a few deep breaths and tried her best not to make her voice shake from the incoming tears. My Dad noticed this which made him uncomfortable. I could see the uneasiness in his eyes and stance. “My daughter, Ruthy, approached me the other day to ask for my help. I understood right away why she approached me out of all people. It was a matter that involved the family
Imperfections of a Royal 22
Ruthy’s I do think I’ve been unfair to myself lately. Ever since Mom found out about me and Angelo, all I’ve been thinking is “be true to yourself” and “don’t hide your feelings anymore”, but I feel like I’ve done everything but that. I kept denying things from myself, I kept hiding my true feelings. I don’t know what to feel anymore. Rather, I don’t know what I’m supposed to feel anymore. Last night, I felt so uneasy and empty. I couldn’t fall asleep for almost three hours. At first, I just closed my eyes and emptied my mind, but I failed to put myself to sleep. I ended up opening my window and sitting on the mini sofa staring at the moon. When I woke up, I laid on my bed for 20 minutes before standing up. I just cuddled my pillow and wrapped myself with my comforter. I changed for breakfast and headed out my room. Saint was outside, waiting to accompany me. “Are you feeling alright, Your Highness?” Saint asked as we started walking down the
