"Someone call the court physician!", Zuerien shouted and on hearing this, Queen Anne turned back and she saw Zuerien standing by King Edward who placed his hand on his chest and groaning in pains. She made her way towards them immediately half running.
"Edward!” She called and touched him but he hit her hand away.
"Do not lay your hands on me!"
"Really? Okay, then", she said and stood up.
"Mother."
"You heard what your father said. I will make sure I don't touch him again. You there!” She said to the guards who were already running towards them. "Take His Majesty to his Chambers and call the court physician."
"Okay, Queen."
She turned to the King. "The court physician will treat you and I hope you get better", she said and walked out on him yet again that day.
King Edward felt hurt that she left even though he was the one that told her not to touch him.
She went to her room putting on a strong face but deep down, she was hurting and angry. Hurt because he was in pain and angry because he would not allow her to touch him. She is a doctor too and can treat him, so why would he not allow her attend to him?
'That is because of the argument you had', her inner woman spoke up.
She went to her daughter Leah's quarters and saw the girl with her tutor reading a book.
"Mother!” The little girl shouted on seeing her.
"Your Majesty", the tutor greeted.
"How are you coping with her? I hope you enjoy teaching her."
"Of course, Your Majesty. Princess Leah is not at all a problem. She is a sweet kid."
"That is a relief. You can take a break now and continue tomorrow."
"Thank you, Your Majesty", she said and left.
"Mother", Princess Leah called running towards The Queen.
"My Princess. Do you understand all what you were taught?"
"Yes, Mother. I learnt a lot about the Kingdom and the duties of a Princess."
"That is good. Leah?"
"Yes, mother."
"How old are you now?"
"I'm Eight years old, mother."
"That's good. You know I always want you to be happy. No matter what it is that brings you happiness, I'll always get it for you even if I have to risk my life. Do you know why?"
"Why?"
"Because nothing in this world can measure up to happiness. When you are happy, life is worth living. I may not be happy but I want you and your brother to be the happiest people on heart. Promise me you will tell me what makes you happy and I promise to always get it for you."
"I promise, Mother."
"Thank you", she said and Princess Leah hugged her.
As Queen Anne hugged her daughter, her mind drifted to King Edward. She still felt bad for leaving him like that.
"Are you crying, Mother?” Princess Leah asked looking at her mother.
Queen Anne didn't even notice she was crying. She wiped the tears away and shook her head. "No. I'm not. Let's go to your father's chambers."
"Why?"
"He is a little bit indisposed."
"Indisposed? But I still saw him this morning and he was healthy."
"It just happened now."
"Okay. But what are you not with him."
"Nothing sweetheart."
"Okay."
They made their way to the King's Chambers and met the physician just coming out of the King's room.
"How is he?” Queen Anne asked in haste.
"He is like that because he hasn't been resting. All he needs is to rest a lot and eat healthy food."
"Are you sure that is all?"
"Yes, my Queen. I will request one of the nurses to bring him some medications."
"Thank you."
"I'm just doing my job."
The doctor left and Queen Anne opened the door with Princess Leah behind her. On the bed, she saw King Edward sleeping peacefully and Prince Zuerien was sitting beside him.
On seeing his mother, Zuerien stood up from the chair and Queen Anne sat down and held the King's hand.
Zuerien just couldn't understand the relationship between his parents. One minute they are at each other's throats - especially his father- and the second their faces are showing how hurt they are for speaking wrongly to each other.
Princess Leah also moved to her father and asked her brother. "How come?"
He shrugged. "It just happened."
She sighed. Although she is not very close to her father, she still loves him.
"Let us go now. He needs to rest", Queen Anne said and they all went out of the room.
They went out of the room and walked towards the Queen's Chambers.
"Mother, may I ask you something?” Prince Zuerien asked.
"You may."
"You said your marriage with Father was arranged."
"Yes, it was."
"But it seems you both feel something for each other."
Queen Anne looked at him with shock painting her face. "What do you mean by that?"
He shrugged. "I am not psychic but I can see. One minute the both of you can't seem to stand each other and the next you are looking hurt for leaving each other. I sometimes wonder how Leah and I were born."
She chuckled. "It is complicated."
"Well, I may need you to break it down so it would not be."
"Your Father and I were friends since we were kids but I felt nothing for him even if he felt something for me. Our parents thought we were in love with each other but I was not in love with him. I was in love with someone else but being the Grand Duke's daughter, I had to get married out of duty not out of love. Your father was fully aware that I feel nothing for him except being friends but since the day we were married, he tried to have a place in my heart but I didn't allow it because someone's place was there. He tried until he finally gave up and changed towards me. I know I deserve every bit of his actions towards me but there is nothing I can do again. It's too late."
Zuerien felt bad for the both of us them but there was nothing he can do. Leah listened carefully to her mother's words.
"You asked how the both of you were born. Well, that was also out of duty just like my Mother would say. She would always look at me and say, 'Anne, marriage isn't about love but duty.' But I sorely disagree. And that is why I don't want you to get married out of duty but out of love. I want you two to be happy always. Nothing in this life can beat pure love and happiness."
"But Father wants me to marry Lady Sophie. There is nothing I can do."
"I'm sorry for being so helpless in this situation but I will do something about it when the time comes. For now, let it be. You trust me, right?"
"I do, mother. I always do."
She smiled. "Thank you for trusting your mother."
"I trust you, too, Mother", Princess Leah said and hugged her mother.
"Thank you, my princess."
Zuerien smiled and felt assured.
*~*~*~*
"Congratulations once again, little princess", Charles said to his daughter as they clicked their glasses together.
"Thanks, Dad."
They drank their wine and Charles cleared his throat.
"Aurora?"
"Yes, Dad."
"Do you think I'm a good father?"
She suddenly looked pale. "Why do you ask that question?"
"You know, I didn't raise you up like I should raise a girl. I make you learn self-defense and archery when other girls your age are busy with social lives. I make you read a lot when your peers are either painting their nails or shopping for clothes. I'm sure your Mum wouldn't approve of the way I raise you."
She sighed and held her Dad's big hand in her own smaller ones. "All those things doesn't matter to me, Dad. I prefer learning self-defense and archery than partying. I prefer reading that painting my nails or whatnot. I like the way you raise me. You raise me to be independent. I may not be a social person but I can still cope. I like the way I am, Dad. I really do. And I don't think Mum will be disappointed. I'm very sure she would be happy." She smiled. "And by the way, I prefer hanging out with you than any other person."
He smiled. "Thanks for being my daughter."
"And thanks for being my Dad."
"You are welcome." He tasted the cookies on the table. "Hmm... This cookies are just so delicious just like your Mum's."
"Well, it's her recipe. Dad?"
"Yes, princess."
"You know it's been 13 years since Mum passed."
"I know."
"Do you have any plans of remarrying?"
"Remarrying?"
"Yes."
He sighed. "I actually didn't know how to break it you but there is actually a lady that I like but I haven't thought of marrying her."
"Why? Is she not to your taste?"
He laughed. "It's not that. I just haven't thought about it yet."
"Why? If you love her, why don't you go for her?"
He looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "You aren't even against the fact that I'm trying to replace your Mum."
Aurora once again held her father's hand. "Dad, listen. No one can replace Mum. It's not possible. Mum is different and whoever that lady is, she is different. I have been with you since Mum passed away and I wonder how you've been able to live being lonely like this."
"I'm not lonely, princess. I have you."
"I know. But there are some things you need a wife for. You deserve to be happy again and it's not your fault Mum died. I'm very sure she would want you to move on."
"You think so?"
"I know so."
He sighed. "Okay, then. If you say so."
She drank from her wine. "So, tell me about the Beau."
He laughed. "Her name is Bianca and she is one of my workers."
"When do I get to meet her?"
"You want to?"
"Of course, I want to."
He shrugged. "Well, if you want to meet her, I have no right to deny you of that. And one more thing."
"What is it?"
"She has a son."
"So, she had been married before."
"Yes. Her husband is dead."
"Ohh! How old is her son?"
"I'm not sure of his age but he is a bit older than you."
"Woah! That would be cool. I'd like to meet the both of them."
"As your Lordship pleases", he said and bowed.
"Rise."
He raised his head and the both of them laughed. "I'm really going to miss you when you leave for college. I wonder why you chose to go to college very far from home."
"Ohh, Dad. Don't be sad. I'll only be gone for 3 years."
"3 years is a great deal!"
"Dad! It's not like I won't come home at all. I'll make sure I come home anytime I have the chance to. I promise."
"You better don't break your promise."
"I won't. I cross my heart."
"That's my girl. Well, we've talked about my love life, what about yours?"
She instantly choke on the wine she was drinking and he ran to her and slapped her gently on her back.
"Dad?!"
"What? Can't I ask a question?"
"You can. And I'll give you your answer. You know I have never dated and I don't have a boyfriend."
His face fell. "It's my fault, right?"
"Dad?!"
"It's my fault. You are 18 and I have never allowed you to live life like other teenagers. It's my fault."
"Dad! It's not your fault. I told you I like myself this way. Besides, I don't want a boyfriend that will make me want to divide my time between him and you. I prefer staying with you always."
He shook his head. "You know you are gonna get married one day, right?"
She shrugged. "I don't want to."
This time it was the father's turn to choke on wine. "What?!"
"Yes. I don't want to get married. I want to stay with you forever."
He took her small hand in his much bigger ones. "Aurora, do you know the most beautiful thing in life."
"Diamond?", She asked.
He shook his head. "No, princess. Nothing is more beautiful than finding true love. Being with the right person is the most beautiful thing you can ever find."
"But I love you."
"But you can't get married to me, can you?” He asked and she shook her head. "That's it. I'm sorry I had to raise you like this but I didn't know what to do. When your Mum died, I didn't know how I was going to raise a 5 year old girl on my own. I then decided to follow my instinct and raise you just like my heart told me to. But I guess I was wrong. I failed to make you realize some things. Love is the greatest gift nature can give to you. I hope one day you will find true love and get married to the right man."
She shrugged. "Maybe."
"You aren't taking this serious, are you?"
She shrugged. "Maybe not."
He shook his head. "There will be a day that you'll eventually find yourself in the boat of love and you'll remember this day."
"I doubt that."
"Stubborn. Just like her Mum."
"I like it like that." She let out a yawn.
"Sleepy?"
"Very."
"Head to bed now. I'll do the dishes."
"Okay, Dad. Goodnight."
"You may not see me as you wake tomorrow because I'm going to the company very early. I have a shareholders meeting very early. Make sure you practice your archery."
"Yes, sir", she said and salute him.
He laughed. "Naughty kid. Go to bed. Goodnight."
"Goodnight", she said and kissed his cheeks before going to bed.
Charles watched her as she went to her room and wondered how fast she has grown over the years. He looked up. "Sandra, our little princess is no longer little. She's grown into a very beautiful woman just like you were. I hope you approve of the way I raised her. Even if you don't, I hope you forgive me. I didn't know how else to go about it. I'm sorry."
Aurora woke up to the sound of her alarm."Ohh! I can never like the sound of this alarm", she groaned. "I just hope I can sleep a bit more", she said but she knows better than to wake late. She has things to do so getting up early will be the best option. She heard her father's words from last night reminding her to practice archery.Groaning, she stood up and changed into her top bra and yoga pants. She cleaned her face and went to the gym downstairs. Since her father is an extremely rich man, they have almost all the gym equipment in the gym.After running endlessly on the running machine, raising the Olympics bell, doing countless press ups and practicing a little bit of archery, she went back to her room to have a refreshing bath. On getting out of the bathroom, she heard her phone ring. She checked the caller ID and saw that it was her best friend, Charlotte calling. Charlotte has been her friend since when they were still you
"Good morning, Prince Zuerien", a palace maid greeted Zuerien as he made his way to the dining hall."Good morning", he replied and entered.He saw his mother and his younger sister already seated on the table and ready to eat."Good morning, Mother. Sorry I'm late.""This is unusual. You are never late to the dining hall", Princess Leah said.He chuckled. "I could not sleep.""Why?! What is wrong?” Queen Anne said with concern."I have no idea.""Ohh! You should not stress yourself too much. Rest is essential.""Yes, Mother. Have you been to Father's chambers this morning?""I was with him throughout the night. He slept throughout."Prince Zuerien and Princess Leah exchanged glances and Princess Leah smiled."What is wrong with the both of you?” Queen Anne asked.
"Do you really think she wouldn't hate me because of what I did earlier?” Aurora asked her father as they were stocking the fridge with groceries."I already told you. She understands. Don't worry.""It's just. I don't want her to have the impression that I don't approve of the both of you."He moved closer to her and placed his hands on her shoulders, massaging them. "Relax, princess. Everything will be fine. Trust me." He laughed. "I'm just wondering when you begin to want to impress someone. As far as I know, you usually don't care if someone calls you a snub.""Come on, Dad. She is not just anyone. She is someone you like. So, I want to impress her.""Okay", he said and continued to arrange the groceries."I really hope she likes me.""She will." He closed the fridge. "Why don't we have a duel?""A duel? Really?""Yes. Are you s
Prince Zuerien woke up early and feeling really sad. Today was the day he was meant to pick up Lady Sophie. He was suddenly feeling headache at just the thought of getting married to her. He did his normal morning routine and put on his clothes.While still dressing up, he heard a knock on the door."Come in", he called out and the door opened revealing his mother, the Queen. "Good morning, Mother.""Good morning. How was the night?""It was fine", he lied. He didn't wanted to bother his mother about the headache he was feeling due to what was bound to happen today.She smiled. "You do not know how to lie. I know you are worried but I have a plan."He looked at his mother. "Plan? What plan?""You have to make her hate you.""I don't understand.""During her Saturday here, you have to make sure she hates you. I know the both of
"You should wake up now, little princess", Charles said waking his daughter."Dad!", Aurora groaned. "I'm tired.""This is 9 am. You really should wake up."She had no other choice but to wake since she knew her father wouldn't let her be. "Okay, Dad. I'm up", she said sitting on the bed. "Why aren't you going to work?""I'm going. I will just be a little bit late.""Why?""What's today?""Oh Gosh. Today is Mum's birthday. Oh My God, how can I forget?", She said jumping out of bed.Charles chuckled softly. "Go get dressed and let's go.""Okay. I'll be ready in a jiffy", she said and went to the bathroom.It was a tradition that whenever it was Sandra's birthday, the two go to the cemetery to greet Sandra and have a little bit of picnic to celebrate.Charles went out of the room to get the picnic mat
"I told you not to stand like that when you want to shoot, didn't I? You don't listen, do you?""Aurora! You don't have to shout at your precious student like that", Charlotte said smiling and hugging Aurora."Okay...okay. Let go of me. I can't breathe", she said and pulled Charlotte away."You know I love you, right?""I know. I love you too. But we need to continue. Just shoot this last time and we'll bake those cookies. I'm starving.""Oh! I didn't know. Let me shoot this last one", she said and picked up the arrow again and stood to shoot. She pulled the arrow and released it before crying out loud. "Oh shit!", She shouted dropping the bow and wriggling her finger."What is it?", Aurora said and moved closer to her."The arrow grazed my finger and it is hurting like fuck.""Language", Aurora warned and pressed her thumb in the finger to stop the
"Princess, wake up", Charles shook his daughter gently."Dad, I don't want to get out of bed today", she replied."Why?"She sat down and face her Dad. "I'm nervous, Dad."Charles smiled. "Don't be nervous, princess. Just get up and get dressed. It's past noon. You haven't even eaten breakfast yet.""I'm not hungry."He chuckled. "I get it. Get dressed and be down in 30 minutes."She pouted. "Okay, Dad."He stood up and left the room still chuckling to himself.Aurora groaned and got out of bed to the bathroom. She decided to have a hot bath because she was suddenly feeling cold. She had her bath and stood in front of the mirror."Aurora, stop being like this. They are humans and not aliens for crying out loud. You can do this", she said to her reflection in the mirror. "Yes, you can. Let's get dressed."
Lady Sophie got dressed and prepared to go to the dining hall for dinner. She sighed as she held her necklace facing the mirror. She was nervous because of she has to tell her Father about Jacob tonight. She's been shifting the time but the time can't be shifted again. It has to be tonight. She already told Jacob to go to his cabin and remain there tonight till she breaks the news to her Father.She checked the time and realized it was time to go down for dinner. She sighed and held her necklace again."Wish me luck, Mother", she said and kissed the necklace before going down.She got to the dining hall and saw her Aunt Louise already seated. She sighed in frustrating before sitting."What's with all the sighing?", Lady Louise asked."Nothing", she replied and adjusted her seat."So spoilt", Lady Louise scoffed. "No worries, in no time you'd be married and will have to move to the p
Aurora and Jerry got to the car and Aurora sighed."Everything is finally coming to an end, right?""Yes, pumpkin. Congratulations."She smiled. "Thanks, Uncle. I really appreciate all your help.""It's nothing, dear. It's what I have to do."She nodded. "I hope you continue to help me in the nearest future. I want you to guide me.""Don't fret, pumpkin. I'll be here all the way to help. Just call on me.""Thanks, Uncle.""You're welcome, pumpkin.""So, you need to book a flight. You're going back home on Sunday. You need to attend the meeting on Monday, you know?""Yes, Uncle. I miss home. I can't wait."He smiled and drove off.She was happy that everything was finally coming to an end.¶*¶*¶Aurora entered Zuerien's room and he was lying on his stomach and doing something on his laptop."Hey, babe", she said and moved close him."Hey", he replied without looking up from his laptop.
Aurora opened her eyes and tried to adjust to the light. When she was finally able to adjust she looked around and Zuerien was not in bed. She yawned and stretched.When she remembered what happened last night, her cheeks turned pink and she covered her face."And why are you covering your face?", She heard Zuerien's voice.He was standing by the door to the bathroom in just a pair of pants and beads of water were dripping down his body."Why is that any time I wake up in your bed, I always see you like this?""Like how?""Wet and in only pants."He smiled and sat on the bed. "Good morning.""Good morning", she said."How did you sleep?""I slept well.""That's good.""Hmm. Zuerien?""Yes."
Aurora walked in the cafe and sight him sitting alone drinking a cup of coffee coffee. She walked towards him and sat in from of him."Hey, Kev.""Hey", he said. "You need coffee?""Nah. I'm great.""So, you thought about it already?""Yes.""So, what's your decision?""I accept the offer. But you must make sure she doesn't hurt anyone anymore.""Of course, I will.""So what do I have to do?""I'll make a document. She'll think the document states that all the property gets transferred to her name but it's actually stating that you are the rightful owner to the property.""How will you make her sign?""By tricking her. She trusts me. I'm her som, remember?"Aurora nodded. "Then when will it be ready?""I'll call when it is. And bring Jerry along cau
Kevin walked in and saw his Mum sitting in front of the window on a rocking chair."Kevin, what a pleasant surprise to see you here.""Hi, Mum.""I don't know you still consider me your Mum.""Not now, Mum. I'm here for something else.""After leaving here for months, you are finally here to talk to me. Why did you leave shortly after Aurora left the house?""Because I couldn't bear to witness all these."She chuckled. "You can't witness your stupid mum's behavior, right?""Stop putting words in my mouth.""I'm not putting words in your mouth. It's the truth.""Whatever. As I said, I'm here for something important.""What do you want?""I want you to end whatever is it you are trying to do to Aurora."She looked at him with disbelief. "What did I just hear you
Aurora woke up when she felt Zuerien's wet and hot lips on her cheek."Good morning", he said to her with a smile.She smiled back at him and rubbed her eyes. "Good morning.""Hungry?""Yeah.""What do you want for breakfast?""I need to go home. Charlotte and Megan are probably worried about me.""Nope. Charlotte called this morning too and I told her you won't be home until noon.""What? Are you planning on keeping me here that long?""Yes. I didn't see nor hear from you for 4 days. Of course I'm keeping you here for that long.""Okay then. Let's just sit and stare at each other to make up for the days we didn't see each other."Zuerien smiled and pulled her up. "Go and have your bath.""Why?""We're going out."
It's been 4 days since the encounter she had with Zuerien and she hasn't talked to him since then. She doesn't know what else to think. She thinks he doesn't want to tell her because he doesn't trust her but her inner woman told her that isn't the case. She thought of all other possibilities too but none was making sense to her.She got out of the shower and dressed up and took her phone before walking downstairs. Megan was serving breakfast and Charlotte was helping out when she got to the kitchen."Good morning", she greeted with her dull voice."Holy shit! You are as white as sheet!", Charlotte exclaimed."What's wrong with you?", Megan asked."Nothing. I'm fine.""You're obviously not fine.""Stop being dramatic, Char. I'm just tired", she said and picked up a slice of bread and spread jam on it."You need to rest a lot. I don't want you getting
"Aurora, wake up", Charlotte said as she shook Aurora gently."Hm?", Aurora said but didn't get up."Get up, Aurora. You don't want to be late to the meeting, do you?""Okay. Just 5 minutes.""No. Get up now", Charlotte said and begin pulling her. "Up.""Okay. Okay. I'm up", Aurora said and got up from the bed. She slapped Charlotte's hand and ran to the bathroom."Don't think you'll get away. I'll get my revenge!", Charlotte said."Stop being dramatic. I didn't hit you that much.""I don't care. I'm going to get my revenge.""Whatever", Aurora said."Be fast. Breakfast is ready.""Okay."Charlotte went out of the room and her phone rang. "Hey, Marc.""Good morning, baby", Marco greeted back. "How was the night?""It was splendid."
Aurora slumped down from the couch and sighed heavily. "Oh Goodness!"Charlotte came in holding a glass of wine. "Oh you're home.""Yeah", she said and grabbed the glass from Charlotte's hand. "Give me that.""What? That's not for you."Aurora already gulped down the drink and placed the cup back in Charlotte's hand. "So bad. I drank it already. I was thirsty."Charlotte rolled her eyes and ripped the cup. "So, how was the meeting?", She asked and began massaging Aurora's legs."It went well. He agreed. I just have 2 more people to meet with.""Then you have your company back?""Then I have my company back. And Uncle already spoke with King Edward."As Charlotte heard King Edward, her heartbeat sped up. "Really" she forced out."Yes. But he said be wouldn't be able to meet with me."Charlotte felt r
"Zuerien?""Yes.""Or should I call you Your Royal Highness?"He looked at her in shock and gulped. "What are you talking about?"She smiled. "I'm sure you know what I'm talking about, Crown Prince Zuerien."He sighed and leaned back. "How did you know?"She smiled. "Do you remember the first day we met and I told you you look familiar?""Yes. But I don't think I've ever seen you somewhere before.""Yeah. You haven't", she said. "You know, when I was in high school, I saw a picture of The Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Valtoria giving a speech at the annual Christmas ball and since then I was crushing on him. I always follow new updates about you. Crazy, right."He chuckled."But the funniest thing is that anytime I try to talk to Aurora about the Crown Prince or show her a pic, something was always coming up. So, s