The light knocking on her bedroom door roused Katie from her sleep. She jumped from her bed and hurried to her door to open it, cussing under her breath as she did so.
“Wow, you’re one light sleeper,” Shirley remarked, smiling. “Good morning! I hate to break it to you but you need to be ready soon.”
“Diplomatic visit, got it,” Katie nodded. She allowed Shirley to enter, darting to her bed to make it but stopped midway, turning to face her aunt’s attendant. “Miss Shirley, how is aunt? I heard she collapsed yesterday afternoon but I couldn’t visit her.”
“The Queen is feeling better. She’s still a bit pale but she said she wouldn’t miss meeting with the guest today,” Shirley replied as she entered the room, balancing the contents of the silver tray in her hands.
“What’s so special about them anyway?” Katie muttered. Her eyes widened when she realized she said something she should not have, her eyes darting left and right. “… uh, I mean that in the most respectful, diplomatic manner,” she smiled sheepishly. “I thought the King of Anatolia is just here to discuss political affairs with aunt.”
“Technically that’s true,” Shirley chuckled. “I can’t exactly discuss anything the Queen told me in confidence so you’ll have to get your answer later,” she clapped once and gestured for Katie to sit for breakfast. “I’ll help you get ready. They’ll be arriving shortly.”
Katie sat on her bed, quickly making it with ease. “By the way, I’m sorry you have to take care of me, too. I know you already have your hands full with aunt getting sick.”
“Don’t worry about that too much, it’s my job!” Shirley poured Katie a cup of tea. “I’ll take care of you as long as I’m here. I just hope the others will learn to be friendlier. I mean, even if you haven’t been here a while, you’re still the Crown Princess!”
Katie looked down at the tea in her cup, staring at her reflection on the still liquid. It had been six months since she entered the palace and became the Crown Princess. Even so, no one wanted to approach her. Most simply avoided her but some who were assigned to her were hostile, especially when she was anointed as the heir. Shirley, aside from the Queen, was the only one who was friendly toward her… but mostly because she was friends with Shirley’s niece before she came to the palace. With all the animosity from the palace staff towards her, Katie eventually chose to take care of herself instead; making her own bed, preparing for festivities alone, sometimes even having to teach herself the courtly ways. From Shirley’s perspective, Katie’s life had probably gotten harder and more tiring. The palace life had only added to her responsibilities.
If I weren’t friends with Amy before I came to Aelysia, will Shirley be hostile toward me as well? Katie thought to herself.
The slightest shift in the image being reflected on the surface of the tea made Katie jolt, causing ripples on the surface of the liquid, erasing the image. Shirley noticed Katie’s reaction so she asked what was wrong.
“Oh,” Katie glanced up at Shirley then back to her tea. “It’s nothing. For a second there, I thought I was imagining something.” She stood and carefully placed the cup on the cart, “I’ll go ahead and take a bath.”
“Alright, I’ll leave your breakfast here. I’ll also choose your outfit if that’s alright. You can change the items if you don’t like them,” Shirley replied.
“Thank you. Again.”
“Stop thanking me, please. Just give me a present or something if you want to make it up to me.”
Katie entered the bathroom to take a shower. Shirley walked to Katie’s closet, flipping through the small amount of clothes inside. Of course, to a normal person it would be quite a number of clothes but it still didn’t cover a wide range of events. Lately, even though the newly anointed Crown Princess tried hard, she still couldn’t get used to the life of a royal. The hostility from the other staff wasn’t helping either. Shirley was aware of how much time Katie spent alone, locked up in her room. She wasn’t oblivious of the fact that Katie would complain about everything to herself. Katie was astute enough to know the reason why they were acting that way… which was probably why she couldn’t say anything.
She probably believes she is in the wrong… Shirley thought, blaming herself for not speaking up about it. This is the best way I can help her. If she needs someone to run to in this palace, she can come to me.
Katie came out from the bathroom later, smoothing out any folds in her navy-blue, ankle-length dress. Shirley blow-dried and styled her hair as she scrolled through her phone.
“Shirley, what do you think it would take for others to think better of me?” Katie asked, her eyes glued to the phone in her hands. “Aside from, you know… exploding a meteorite hurtling towards Earth with my mind powers.”
Shirley laughed at Katie’s sarcasm. “I guess the best way is to earn the approval of the reason why they are mad at you in the first place.”
Katie groaned and blew air out of her mouth. “I haven’t even seen my cousin in person. I doubt anyone would like someone who stole what was theirs originally.”
“Katie, you know the throne was supposed to be yours before she was even anointed. You don’t need to worry about the validity of your claim, okay?”
Katie absent-mindedly tapped the side of her phone. “I’m just worried nothing will change, that’s all. Especially when you leave for home.”
Shirley paused. So that’s what got the princess worried these days.
After finishing her breakfast, Katie joined Shirley when she left the room. They parted ways at the foyer with Shirley heading to the kitchen. Katie sat at the bottom of the marble stairs, watching the staff run about, fully focused on their tasks. She noticed subtle changes: the flowers changed from a warm, fall arrangement to that of a cooler, winter arrangement. The Christmas decorations were now present, the tall, lavishly decorated Christmas tree standing to the right of the stairs.
Katie pushed herself up to stand and walked around the foyer to test if she could walk properly in her high- heels. She wrinkled her nose when she felt her calves burn, the only reminder of how intense her training was yesterday. Still, she tried to mask the pain on her face but the wobble in her steps betrayed the image of grace she was trying to portray.
“Sometimes it’s very refreshing to see a not-so-graceful princess.”
Katie spun on her heel and spotted the origin of the voice at the top of the stairs- a slender figure wearing a white sweater under a black trench coat. She felt his bright, blue eyes on her even as he descended the stairs, his charming smile never fading.
“Arden,” Katie curtsied in greeting. “I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“It has been a while, hasn't it?” he nodded, “I was boarding my flight home yesterday when I was informed of the Queen’s episode. I rushed here as soon as I landed,” Arden knelt before Katie, gently taking her hand in his, planting a kiss at the back of her hand. He stood and gave the princess a brief hug. “I feel so sleepy,” he chuckled, “I was just about to grab myself a cup of coffee, do you want to come with? I heard the Queen gave you permission to go outside but you never seemed to use it.”
“I… don’t want to go out right now,” Katie smiled half-heartedly. “As much as I want to join you for coffee though, I’m actually out here because we have guests.”
“Ah, yes, the King of Anatolia,” Arden nodded, understanding. “Although, to be honest, I don’t see why you have to join your aunt if they’re going to be the only ones talking after the fact. Your lectures start around this time.”
The doors to the foyer opened and a pair of people entered the palace- a middle-aged man and a younger man- accompanied with a pair of people dressed in black suits following behind them.
“I see now,” Arden gripped Katie’s forearm and pulled her in, close enough for him to whisper in her ear. His usual cheery voice deepened as he whispered: “Change of plans. I’ll bring you coffee later. You might want to brace yourself here.”
He released Katie’s arm and she was suddenly too aware of the distance he had placed between them. Ever since they met, she always felt like she could be amiable with the young doctor, and he was always the one who could easily put her guard down. However, the moment anyone else enters the picture, she could feel him instantly put up a physical and metaphorical distance between them. She didn’t like to doubt their closeness but it was those times that she was close to thinking that way.
Katie kept her eyes on Arden as he bowed gracefully to the other party. He turned to her, giving her a wink before leaving. Now noticing that she was alone in the foyer, Katie felt panic rise in her gut when she realized her aunt was still not present and she had to entertain the guests alone.
“Alaster!” Her aunt greeted from the top of the stairs. “I’m so glad you made it!”
Queen Victoria descended the stairs and gave the elder man a tight, friendly hug. Katie smiled from her spot, glad that her aunt looked well in spite of her episode yesterday. The elder man named Alaster laughed heartily. He stepped aside and beckoned for his companion to come closer. The younger man approached and stood in front of Katie. He showed a smile that didn’t reach his eyes and held out his hand for a handshake.
“Alexander Piper,” he introduced himself, “Crown Prince of Anatolia.”
“Katie Arabella,” Katie shook his hand.
“Aw, don’t you look so perfect together,” her aunt remarked, giddy. “I can tell that the engagement is the first step for you to hit it off!”
Katie pulled back, her eyes widening in surprise. The Queen’s smile remained, expecting Katie to just go with it. The princess glanced at Alexander. He didn’t look surprised at all. Was she the only one who didn’t know? Realizing the casual expression on her face was broken, she promptly corrected it and plastered on a smile.“The official announcement will be three days from now so you have time to warm up to each other until then,” ,” the Queen turned to the King of Anatolia, dismissing the topic then and there. “Come Alaster, I must show you the book you requested to see!” Her aunt waved goodbye, dragging the King of Anatolia away, leaving her and Alexander alone.Alexander crossed his arms over his chest, shaking his head in disbelief. “They’re oddly casual.”“That would be good, isn’t it?” she faced him. “At least they still have their friendly side intact. It’s
Two days later, in the afternoon, as Katie read a book in the palace greenhouse; she heard a gentle knock from the door. She glanced up from her book and was greeted by Arden’s warm smile.“Hey!” he greeted cheerfully, holding up a coffee cup with the word 'Princess' written on it. “Were you bored?”Katie exhaled, a tired smile on her face. “Exhausted. I just finished my lessons. Dancing was fun but tiring so I am kicking my feet up,” she stared at the coffee cup in his hands. “I thought you would bring me coffee two days ago… seems a little late, isn’t it?”“I didn’t indicate a specific time,” Arden grinned, handing one of the cups to Katie, taking notice of how red the soles of her feet were. “So how is your fiancé? You’re right here so I assume he’s boring?”Katie accepted the cup and took a long sip. "He was... condescending
Katie felt her knees weaken and she leaned against the threshold to the closet to keep herself from collapsing on the floor. She clawed at the fabric on her chest, feeling her chest tighten, making it difficult for her to breathe. As her breathing became quickened and shallow, she could feel herself start to get lightheaded. Arden rushed to her side and made her sit on one of the chairs.“Alright, Katie, I need you to breathe slowly, okay?” Arden told her, demonstrating what she should do.Following his demonstration, Katie fixed her eyes on Arden, the gentleness in his eyes calming her heart. After a few deep breaths, Katie felt calmer and was able to think clearly again. Arden glanced inquiringly at her and she nodded, unable to hold back a faint smile.“Why are you smiling?” Arden muttered, resisting the urge to smile as well.“It’s just… with how much you distance yourself from me from time to time, it’
Katie sat on a wooden deck at late afternoon; her feet dipped in the water. She stared at the orange-tinted horizon for a brief moment, sighing contentedly at the sight and the sound of the waves rolling on the shore. She looked down at the clear water below, creating small patches of foam as she kicked at its surface. She giggled to herself, laughing at her antics like it was the funniest thing in the world. “I came as fast as I can!” she heard someone say behind her.She glanced over her shoulder. A boy around her age smiled brightly at her, his brown eyes sparkling. She slid a few inches from her spot, giving room for her friend to sit. The boy took off his shoes and sat on the deck, sighing with contentment he submerged his feet into the water. Now that she got a closer look at him, Katie couldn’t help but think that he looked familiar. He looked like… Alexander.Katie gasped and she jerked awake, the ceiling in her b
On the way to the ballroom, King Alaster stopped Alexander in the foyer. The prince tilted his head quizzically. Knowing his father was never a fan of being late at a social event and that they were already running late, Alexander found his father’s behavior highly unusual.“We never had a chance to talk ever since we got here,” his father said, his tender voice always taking over when he talked to Alexander. “I’m sorry if I can’t always give you what you want.”Alexander’s jaw clenched. “I gave up a real connection ever since I realized my responsibilities. You know where my priorities lie now.”“That’s what I’m worried about,” Alaster sighed. “I was hoping you would retaliate a bit, but I guess I’m thankful that you’re doing what’s best for the kingdom. Aelysia is a large, wealthy kingdom with a strong influence over other countries. Being associated wit
Despite herself, Katie stayed calm. She paced back and forth as she thought of a way to give the band time to fix their instruments.“How long to they need?” Katie asked.“Ten minutes would suffice. They’re fixing it right now but the guests want music to dance to,” Arden spoke rapidly.Katie groaned, her shoulders slumping. “Okay, I have an idea but can you play the guitar?”Arden eyes widened… then a playful and teasing smile tugged at his lips. “I’ll grab one quickly. I’ll see you inside.”“What are you planning?” Alexander muttered, following Katie as she darted back into the ballroom, where the restless guests were starting to complain.“Something I never thought I'd do in this setting,” Katie replied.“You? Wha-”Alexander watched as the princess ran to the platform where the band was staying and muttered: “T
In the morning, after Katie’s lectures in the library, she was left behind by her tutor to self-study. In the silence of the library, the creaking of the large doors opening almost sounded deafening.“Sneak attack!”Every instinct to survive kicked in and she jumped back from her chair, colliding with another table behind her. A heavy broadsword fell upon the table, bouncing on the thick books but it didn’t fail to leave a mark. She jumped over the table and her pursuer did the same. The figure chased her around the library, flipping over tables and chairs, and dropping books left and right. Katie ran toward the door and her pursuer pounced, reaching the door first, blocking the way out. Immediately, the person raised the sword over his head and sliced it downward. Katie crouched down, her hands over her head, and expected the dull sword to crack her head in two. After a few seconds, nothing came.Arden’s laugh echoed in the library
They all sat inside Arden’s car, all silent, none wanting to break the tension. They heard Katie’s breath hitch and she looked away, wiping a tear threatening to stream down her cheek.“We’re going back to the pa-”“Take us to the studio,” Katie said firmly.Alexander’s head whipped toward Katie’s direction, surprised at the princess’ response. He had anticipated she would follow Arden’s advice without question. “Are you sure? You don’t have to force yourself.”“My imagination played a trick on me. I am not injured,” Katie replied opened the door and got out, dropping any further protests.Both men exchanged glances on the rear-view mirror before following Katie. Arden felt irritated that he couldn’t stop Katie from practicing once she had calmed down.Katie slightly threw open the doors, showing aggression but trying to be polite at the sam