6

"Ruthy? Are you feeling alright now?" Mom asked as she entered my room. I just finished washing and my maid was busy putting me on my dress.

"Yes, Mom. The wound is healing very fast and I'm glad to get back to work now," I said. I wonder how this day is going to be. Although a lot of re-construction is happening, the palace is kinda noisy.

"We actually offered Noah a place in the kitchen. He seems to have the skill in baking." She started as she sat on my bed.

My eyes widened. "Oh. So he has the skill. And did he accept it?"

I heard my Mom giggle. "He said only if you let him to."

I found myself smiling with the thought. I just talked about giving him and his uncle a new bakery, that won't be postponed.

"Thank you, Genesis," I said to my maid and then left my room with Mom. Outside my room, Sir Angelo was waiting.

"Breakfast is ready, Your Majesty, Your Highness," He said with a bow.

I saw the uncertainty and worry in his eyes so I gave an excuse for Mom to leave first.

"Uhm, Mom, I forgot to tell Genesis something. You go ahead," I said and thank heavens she didn't ask.

As Mom was out of sight, Sir Angelo heaved a sigh.

"I don't know what I'll do if I lost you," He silently said, not moving at his post.

"It was just a simple stab. Nothing like that could kill me." I tried to cheer him up but he still looked down.

"Since when are you close with Noah?" He suddenly asked.

I raised my brow. "Since he saved me. And correction, we're not actually close," I said.

He shrugged and I placed my hands on my hips. Is he jealous?

"Are you jealous?" I teased and he flinched.

"Pardon me, Your Highness, but you should be heading to the Dining Hall to have breakfast." He suddenly switched character.

Ugh, the nerves of this man. I rolled my eyes at him and headed to the Dining Hall. What I wasn't expecting to see was Noah in the table with us.

"Ah, there you are! We've been waiting for you. Come on now," Dad exclaimed as he noticed me enter.

"We thought it would be glad to let Noah stay for a while as he decides to accept the job or not," Mom said with her hands clasped.

"Good for you," I said and Noah smirked. If I could just throw all the tapestries at him, I would include the table.

"Someone's moody." Keith teased and I playfully pinched his arm. How I miss my brother everyday. I just can't imagine a day without my family.

"So, Noah. You'd like to work here?" I asked as I sit at my place. The butlers started to serve us waffles with strawberries. Yum, I've always loved the food here. Wonder if I can sneak some to my room.

"It could be of great help to my uncle while he run the bakery. As a matter of fact, I'm still waiting for the offer, Your Highness." He exaggerated the words 'Your Highness' that almost made me choke my food.

"What offer?" Mom suddenly perked.

"Since he saved me, I offered a new bakery for him and his uncle," I casually said then took another bite from my food.

"That would be great honey. I approve of that. How 'bout I send some workers now to your hometown?" Dad said as he wipes his mouth with tissue. Wow everyone is so onto this.

"We would be delighted, Your Majesty. And as I said, I would accept the offer of me working here with the princess' approval," He said then glanced at me.

I faked a smile. "Oh sure. That would be wonderful." I made sure to add enthusiasm to my voice and I can just sense how my life will drastically turn now that he's working here.

He gave a devilish grin. "Thank you, Your Highness. I would be glad to serve you here."

Mom clapped her hands. "Now it's settled. We'll have someone to tour you to the room you'll be staying and to the whole kitchen."

"I can tour you of the whole palace, if that's okay with you?" Keith asked and then looked at Mom and Dad.

"That wouldn't be a problem. Besides, he saved your sister," Dad said and smiled.

Keith excitedly hopped to his feet and grabbed Noah with him.

"It's like he has a big brother now," Mom said and smiled like a proud parent.

"I wouldn't doubt they'd be very close," Dad commented. The thought of the two being partners in crime, it's over. I just know it.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm sure they would," I muttered sarcastically, and good thing they didn't hear it. After breakfast, Dad and I headed to his office. He said we have to talk about something.

"There are 3 public schools threatened by the rebels if we don't give financial assistance to them. My only concern are the people. I need your opinion," He stated and then grabbed some papers.

"Isn't Mom supposed to be the one here?" I asked, sitting on one of the couches.

"I've already spoken to her. Besides, the future queen should be acknowledged fairly."

The title sent shivers to my spine. So, I stood and gave the papers a roll. The rebels didn't actually hurt people or damage the schools. A threat was sent to their department if the royal family doesn't give them money.

"I think we should secure the schools, relocate the people until we know the location of the rebels. We don't give them money unless they really need it. We don't know if the rebels are asking for money because they really need it or just because for their own entertainment," I explained as I read the reports.

Dad rubbed his chain and nodded slowly. "You have a point dear. I didn't really look at the perspective of the rebels. Maybe they were rebels for a reason."

If we think about it, not only the rebels in our countries but even teenage rebels, they turn that way because of problems. Either financial problems, family problems, or emotional problems.

"As future queen, I think we should think through all the people's perspective and opinions. We don't leave others out or treat others special. They should know how we equalize them." I stand proud of what I said. I'm still practicing all my words and moves. Y'all know this girl right here will rule soon.