2

I cat-walked my way to the throne room where my Dad is supposed to be waiting. The throne room is one of the biggest rooms in the palace where we sometimes hold meetings with the whole royal family.

"Yes Dad?" I asked as I stood in front of his throne.

"Have you signed the papers?" He asked and I nodded.

"Very good. I hope nothing absurd will happen during the parade," Dad added.

There was a brief silence before Dad spoke up. I made my way to my seat to join him.

"Have you ever thought of getting married?" Dad suddenly asked and I almost choked my own saliva.

"What?" I exclaimed and cleared my throat. What’s with the sudden topic? Well, Dad usually speaks to us about sensitive and confidential topics to ask for our opinions, but this is the first time he mentioned marriage.

"I'm just a little worried, dear. You'll be turning eighteen in a few months. The court will bring up the rule again- about you needing to be married to be the heir of the throne," Dad frowned.

I guessed he's also not fond of the arranged marriage rule.

"Do I have to? Like, you're the king. Can you make me queen without getting married?" I suggested.

Well, I don't want to be married with someone I don't love. How can the relationship even work? We're going to run a country for goodness’ sake.

"I can't make you queen. I can't. The people will be confused, and maybe angry." Dad massaged his temples.

"Dad, don't stress about it okay? You have a whole country to stress about besides that." I walked towards him and he gave me a poker face.

That's what I like about Dad. He's very kind-hearted and down to earth. I think that's how my Mom fell in love with him. He may be the King but he still spends time and jokes around with us.

"Just kidding, chill out Dad." I gave him a hug.

"What's this language now, young lady?" He asked and I pulled back my tongue. Gosh I forgot I'm with Dad.

"It's just an expression Dad. It means, breathe in, and breathe out."

I excused myself out of the throne room and into my room. There's really nothing to do in the palace when there's no occasion or something. Well, maybe there are some things to do.

When I was about to enter my room, I immediately remembered about the parade. I have to clear the list of performers during the parade. The occasion is placed under my name, that's why I'm so hands on with it. I turned around and walked to the opposite side, to the Women's Room.

"I thought you forgot about the parade, Your Highness," Lady Shine said as I entered the women's room.

"I did," I answered and sat on the chair with papers in front of me.

"The performers are listed by time, Your Highness. About half an hour during the parade, there will be a dance performance for I think also about half an hour..."

Lady Shine continued explaining while I browsed the list and signed papers, I think 23 times. My hands are killing me- I can’t feel my fingers!

"Okay. I'm done. Deliver it to Dad," I said as I finished then went off finally to my room.

"Your Highness."

I stopped. Oh for goodness' sake. I turned around and saw Sir Angelo panting like he was being chased by a tiger. He had his hand on his chest while the other on the wall to support his weight.

"What is it, Sir Angelo?" I asked curiously.

"Your brother had an asthma attack."

Keith has always been so playful despite his age. He likes running around the palace with his human sized toys. He even has a car his size. His asthma comes on and off. It makes me worry more. One time, we were at the garden, with Mom and Dad. He was being chased by a bee and he was running like crazy. I was watching him because he looked funny and I was laughing. I stopped laughing when he started to have heavy breaths and suddenly fell to his knees. I was the first to notice and I ran to him with my heels, with a long gown, on the grass. I even carried him myself and brought him inside. It was a vivid memory because Mom was crying hysterically with Keith unconscious and has an oxygen mask.

Back to the present, I ran. I even heard Sir Angelo shout but I was busy running to my brother's room. I almost slipped but luckily, I got a hold of one of the tables near me.

"Your Highness!" Sir Angelo called and I felt his hands around my shoulders behind me. He pulled me up and I saw his eyes filled with concern.

"You know you're not allowed to touch me, right?" I teased him but truthfully, yes.

"I can't help it. Please be careful," He said in a soft and low voice. I nodded and started to walk.

As I reached Keith's room, the guards immediately opened it. Mom was already there, and again, Keith has an oxygen mask in his face.

"What happened?" I asked and sat beside Mom.

"I'm throwing all his large toys," Mom said with authority.

"He had an attack while playing with his horse," Keith's maid explained.

"Is he okay now?" I asked and walked closely to him. I held his hand and squeezed it a little. I hate his asthma. We can be the most powerful people in the world, but we can't take this away from him.

"For now, yes. His breathing is stable. I still can't understand why Prince Keith doesn't have an inhaler," the nurse said.

Mom doesn't want to buy Keith an inhaler because he may lose it or break it, but it can be very of use when we're away from the palace.

"Personal reasons. Thank you," Mom simply said then the nurse left.

"Will he be able to attend the parade?" I asked Mom.

"I'm afraid not. We should let him rest," Mom replied and gave me smile.

I left the ward and headed to the basement kitchen. It's where all the pastries are stored. I sat on a stall and the chef served me with a gallon of ice cream. Just what I needed.

"Thank you, Chef Kai. I appreciate this kind behavior of yours," I told him and took a scoop.

"No worries, Your Highness. If it's your cravings we hear, ice cream is here."

I laughed and he chuckled. It's really sweet how some people hide little secrets with me. Secrets with the princess eh.

"But you shouldn't eat ice cream yet, Your Highness, it's time for lunch," He added and I almost choked.

Oh dear, I clearly forgot. Mom's going to be furious.