4

~ Flashback into the past ~

“THE ROYAL DIAMOND IS MISSING!!!” A guard shouted from across the kingdom. Joshua and I were long gone before the bell rang but got spotted crossing a road. We ran for our lives, trying to find a hiding place. There were so many moldy rocks that it was perfect. As we bent down, my back bumped against someone. I glanced behind to see she wore a black coak.

Footsteps approached, and the girl tapped my shoulder. She pointed in a different direction, away from the guards. I wasn’t sure, but I trusted her anyway. We ended up in this run-down, paint-peeling, bug-ridden, collapsed-looking building. Perfect! When the coast was cleared, she sat down and uncovered herself fully.

Both my brother and I were stunned by her beauty. But confused as we never saw her before. She was a peasant, her brown hair was in a high ponytail, and her brown eyes were like honey. Her lips were pink and soft, her cheeks were rosy, and she was absolutely gorgeous. “Thank you very much...umm,” I said.

“Laura, you can call me Laura.” She wasn’t looking at us but around us to see if they were gone for good.

“Are you a foreigner? The accent is strange?” Joshua mentioned.

She turned to us and smiled. “No, I was born in the kingdom, but I study in an English-speaking town from time to time. Sorry if my Satian accent is off.” She said I didn’t mind at all as it was cute. But why the help? She chuckled and responded with why not. Do a good deed, and someday we may return the favor.

Puzzled by the statement, I took the gem out of my pocket. The light shined directly upon it, which made my eyes hurt. When adjusting to the shiny object, Laura’s eyes glued to the gem like a month to a flame. “What’s wrong, Laura?” I said with concern and worry.

“The royal diamond for the princess’ tiara. It is custom-made jewelry with extra shine. When coming of age, she will be crowned next in line. I can’t believe I’m seeing this close-up.”

“How did you know that?” Joshua asked her. She made it back to reality and overheard townspeople talking. It cost more than the palace itself. Man, if I pawn this– our life would be set. Laura mentioned the trust of the people. They like to tell and will notify the guards about their whereabouts. Freaking out, Joshua begged me to put it back.

I just couldn’t let this opportunity go. This gem could change our lives for the better. We could become rich. Plus, it takes a lot of work to return it. Joshua pulled on my sleeve and continued to beg. I couldn’t say no to him. “People are looking hard for you. Putting it back isn’t an easy task. If you give it to me, I will return it safely.” Laura said as she reached her hand out.

How can I fully trust her words? I mean, she did help us hide from the guards. With a hand-off, she puts the gem in her pocket. Somehow she pulls out 120 £ and a map. “I know it’s not much, but here. I was going to get dinner with this and turn this place into something else, but you guys deserve it more.”

“Why are you doing this?” I asked.

She walked off without saying another word. I hope I can see her again before she fades for good. She seems decent; we were in major shit after the gem was returned. We were accused of attempting to kidnap the princess. She hadn’t been home yet and was worried. Now, why? Out of all people, us? We were sentenced to death because of this.

The royal assholes took our parents. We were told to run and never look back at the situation– we did anyway. Thanks to Laura, we had somewhere to stay.

~ Present Day ~

Mikhal entered my room with a smile on his face. I turned over and pulled the covers above my head. “Good morning, princess. Had a nice sleep?” Mikhal yanked my covers off. Groaning, I lay on my back and stared at the ceiling. “Time for your royal duties. The queen wants you in the throne room.” He said.

After he spoke about it, here comes Drew’s voice. “Morning, your highness,” he said nervously. I looked at him with slight confusion.

“What are you doing here? Why are you not with Jabrel?” I sat up in bed and stretched. Jabrel is sick, and Hamon got the day off, so Drew was ordered to accompany me. Drew Hamilton is an advisor and maid for my brother. Just like Hamon, he is brilliant but timid. To be my advisor, you must have courage and a whole lot of patience. Let’s see if he has it.

“What’s the plan for today, Drew?” I laid back in bed until Hamon came to pick me up. Why won’t he let me stay for five more mins?

“First breakfast with the family, then a fitting for the ball, then meeting with your majesty in the throne room.”

The grand ball is a word that makes me happy. I get to chat with people again. Things have changed since I got older, and events are less fun. I hopped in the shower and did my daily routine. When done, Drew averted his eyes to the ground.

“It is okay to look, Drew. I know my brother does things differently. But they have to make sure everything is up to par.” I said.

“I understand, princess. My lord puts undergarments on before getting out of the bathroom. I’m sorry, my lady.” He bowed out of respect. We headed out to the dining hall for breakfast. Everyone, even my family, greeted me.

“Mother, father, where have you been yesterday?” I asked as I waited for my plate to be served.

“On business. We have to make sure you have the right match, Mia. Today you will join me when addressing your perfect match.” My mother said with a gentle smile. Surprised she wanted me to see them. I get to have an idea of who they are.

I nodded my head in answer. I saw Jabrel coughing up a lung in the corner of my eye. “How did you get sick little brother? What do you do?” asking him with a smug look on my face.

“I got pushed into the water fountain. Don’t get dramatic; it was an accident.”

“Who pushed you, Jabrel?” My father asked him.

“I said it was an accident. There were many people, and someone didn’t watch where they were going– Then boom. In the water, I go.”

My brother was eyeing his servant down like a hawk. What was he doing?? Drew smirked and looked away. I went to the royal tailors for my ball gown after eating. When I entered, another girl was standing by the mirrors. I had to squint hard to see who it was. “Is that Princess Yuli of Pervia? It’s a pleasure to see you again.” I bowed to her.

“Princess Mia of Satia. It’s an honor to see you as well.”

Princess Yuli is the only daughter of King Julius and Queen Juliette. We became close friends due to our kingdom alliance. I only see her when they are on business, so why is she here??

“I was hoping not to bump into you while I was here. I was going to surprise you at the grand ball,” she stated.

“Ohh, that’s right. Hamon said you weren’t going to come. I was so upset.” I faked, pouting at her. Her head turned sideways. I didn’t realize I used my American accent when I said that. I corrected myself the right way. Yuli giggled.

“Yeah. Due to business, I made time to party with you, my lady. I had to see you shine on that throne, no? Especially when they announced your coronation day.” Yuli smiled with glee.

The grand ball was supposed to be an announcement for coronation day, but it was for my arranged marriage. When my future partner got picked, her face matched mine until she noticed something. What will happen once I become queen?? Yuli explained I could get a divorce the next day and still be on the throne. I must marry to become queen, but it doesn’t have to last long.

“I never thought that before. This is why I love you, Yuli.” For her to come up with this plan is interesting. I turned to my servants, and their eyes looked shocked. “Yuli, I need you around more often.” I laughed.