7

Noah's

"And this is the fourth level of the East Wing. This is my room," Prince Keith beckoned as he opens his double-doors himself.

His room was spacey. His ceiling was painted in Greek pictures, his wardrobe was in the color of beige and his bed was twice my size at home.

"Woah, that is one large playhouse," I commented as I notice the other side of the room. It was a like a whole playground in one room. There was a mini castle, a wooden horse fit for his size and miniature figures that were at least 3 and a half feet tall.

"Well, I don't usually play anymore because of my asthma, but still, I use them because most of them are from Ruthy," He said as he slowly walked towards the toys.

I smirked. "So, your sister spoils you huh?" I teased.

"Correction, it’s 'the princess'." He cleared his throat.

We then walked back outside where he led the way to the room beside his which was on the other side of the hall.

"Now, this is my sister's room."

He was about to open the doors when we heard footsteps coming from the end of the hall. We both turned to look at the person coming.

"Your Highness, if I may ask, are you permitted to enter Princess Ruthy's room without her?" It was one of the guards who cuffed me yesterday.

"Yes, Sir Angelo. Don't worry, we're not going to steal or break anything," Keith- I mean Prince Keith said then opened the doors.

I was about to follow him but was blocked by the guard's arm. Woah, that arm is hard.

"U-uh, I'm with the Prince," I casually said.

"Only members of the Royal Family and those permitted by the Princess are allowed to enter her room," He firmly said while glaring at me.

Geez...what's his deal?

"It's okay, Sir Angelo. The whole royal family is aware," Prince Keith said from the inside of the room.

He glared at me for a solid 15 seconds before moving out of the way.

"Keep your hands to yourself," He whispered at me.

Princess Ruthy's room was even bigger than Prince Keith's. She had a nice king-sized bed with a rose-colored bedding and white covers. She had a beige double-door wardrobe and a marble bathroom. On the other side of the room, she had two tall shelves filled with books and photo albums.

When I walked to her desk, I noticed a picture of her in the garden. She was sitting by the fountain and two guards were behind her, one of them was Sir Angelo.

"Sir Angelo and Sir Saint has been Ruthy's loyal guards for 2 years now. We trust them the most here," Prince Keith said beside me as we both examine the picture.

Huh, so I guess everyone in this castle is already family. Guess I’m the parasite.

“Say, Noah. How did you and my sister meet?” Prince Keith suddenly asked then sat on the bed with his arms crossed.

“Well, it was during the parade for the orphanage. I just got here in Rinovea from Los Angeles and I thought it was a democratic country, so I thought your sister was like doing a cosplay or something.”

“Ha ha ha ha ha!” He suddenly laughed, like literally, it was genuine laughter. “I’m just glad you didn’t get killed,” He added and I stiffened. Was that actually a rule? What if my uncle wasn’t there to save me? Will Ruthy eventually kill me in that moment?

“Well, I can tour you to the West Wing of the castle or would you like to see your room?” He asked then stood.

My mind got a little excited for a minute there. One day, I’m a normal white boy with a pair of jordans and taking mirror selfies with my iphone but now, I’m wearing high-cut boots and apparently living in a castle in a country I don’t know of.

“That’s cool. I’d like to see where I’ll be staying at,” I politely said. I should never forget that they are royals and they can shoot me any second I speak something wrong.

When we got out, Sir Angelo stared at me again, like right through my soul. I felt so uncomfortable I thought I was wearing a gown when I got out.

“Come on man, I didn’t steal anything,” I said then raised my arms.

He raised his brow then looked at me from head to toe. “It’s Sir Angelo, Noah.” He really had to put diction in that, and wow, he already knows my name.

I shrugged it off then immediately followed Keith who was almost out of my sight. He really can’t wait for me huh. The rooms for the maids and chefs were on the same level as the Dining Hall. When we got to my room, I was expecting like a brown square room with a bunk bed and table, but damn-

“Wow. This is my room?” I asked. The room was pretty decent but elegant at the same time. There was a normal sized bed, my own wardrobe and desk, and I even have my own bathroom. The space was large enough for another bed and a TV, I’m just so glad it wasn’t a square room.

“We treat everyone in the palace as normal people. This is how we gain trust and build relationships with people,” He proudly said. I noticed there was a uniform on my bed, guess that’s mine.

“You can start today, if you want, but tomorrow is your actual day one, so it’s up to you,” He said before leaving. Of course, I didn’t forget to thank him for everything before I settled in my bed. I guess I don’t need to get my stuff at my uncle’s because when I checked my wardrobe, it was already filled.

I decided to check the kitchen. It was as large as an auditorium, but it wasn’t crowded or chaotic. There was enough people per station. When I saw someone decorating a cake, I thought it was the baking section.

“Hey. So, you’re the new guy huh?” The guy spoke to me while putting fruits on the cake.

“Yeah. It was purely luck when I saw the princess near the safe room. I was about to run outside when I heard her voice,” I said then leaned on the table.

“Thank you for that. For saving the princess.”

I looked at him. I guess everyone really respects Ruthy huh. So, she’s not that arrogant and stubborn type of princess like on the books. When I met her, she looked really respectful and intimidating, but she looked nice. The way she spoke was calm and did not feel cold or scary at all.

“Are you from the United States?” He suddenly asked after finishing the cake. He rubbed his hands on his apron then started cleaning his station.

“Yeah, I’m from Los Angeles. How did you know?” I asked as I helped him put the stuff away.

“I got it from your accent. I’m Kai, by the way. I lived in San Diego for 3 years before moving here in Rinovea.”

Huh, glad I have someone I can talk sense to. “Nice to meet you, Kai. I’m Noah.”

When I looked around, I saw everyone was busy despite being 3 in the afternoon. Are they preparing already for dinner?

“Say, uh, is there an occasion? Or is this the normal scene in the kitchen?” I asked and he chuckled.

“We’re getting a visit from the Kingdom of Wierxia. It’s going to be a small party in the Ball Room, only us.”

Okay, wow. I’m already going to meet another family of royals and I haven’t even started. I really need to learn the Do’s and Don’ts because that could eventually save my life someday. This is a new world for me and I am completely clueless.

“Oh, okay. Uh- can I help? I can make mousse cups.” I offered as I walk towards the door to get my apron from my room.

“Sure! And-oh! That’s Princess Ruthy’s favorite!”