3

My maids are currently putting me in my peach lace tube gown that has pointed tips on the breasts.

"Isn't this too revealing?" I complained as I looked at myself in the tall mirror. Is this even appropriate?

"It looks perfect on you, Your Highness. You look absolutely stunning," Genesis said.

I heaved a sigh. I feel like this is so inappropriate. It's a parade for the orphans- for children!

"Please let me change," I pleaded and they sighed. At last, they let me change into a dark blue lace gown with thin off-shoulder sleeves. At least it's not a tube.

"We're running 5 minutes late, Your Highness," Danielle said as she pins my hair into an elegant bun.

"A princess is never late," I said and wore my transparent heels.

I walked to the back of the palace where our float is parked. Sir Angelo and Sir Saint were waiting at the bottom of the stairs.

"Ruthy, you're late," Dad said as I climbed the stairs.

"Sorry. I had a change of gowns." Sir Saint guided me while climbing while Sir Angelo was behind me.

Saint gestured a two-finger salute with a wink and I chuckled. We have gestures we only know if we can't speak in public, and that just means I look beautiful. They made that idea and I just laughed it off.

"Thank you," I whispered. I sat beside Mom who is in the middle with Dad. The chair beside Dad is vacant, Keith is supposed to be there. I feel so bad for him. I was so excited for him being here with me, his asthma really had to ruin it.

The gates opened and the float started to move. Sir Saint and Sir Angelo were on both sides of the float. As we leave the palace, the people are already cheering. I was waving and smiling at the people who were throwing flowers at our float.

When we were in the middle of the village, the float halted to a stop. There were people preparing in front of us and I guess this will be the first performance. The streets were surrounded with balloons and flowers, it felt and looked lovely. I suddenly felt hungry that my stomach was aching a little, so I looked for a place to eat. I spotted an open bakery just beside our float.

"Mother, can I go buy some food in the bakery beside our float? I'm starving please," I pleaded to Mom's ears. She told Saint to come with me so we both went down the float.

The people made way for us to enter the bakery. The place smelled so good, there were bread, cakes, and oh, cinnamon rolls.

"Your Highness, welcome to our bakery. We are pleased to serve you with our best sellers," the man in the cashier said and gave a bow.

I scanned the glass counter for a snack. "Can I have two slices of that cheesecake?" I asked and pointed to a cheesecake in the counter.

"Sure. We'll get you two from the fridge. Noah!" the man called. A teenage boy wearing a shirt dumped with flour and a hat on his head entered from the back door. He looked young- and gorgeous. He looked manly too.

"Can you please serve the princess with two cheesecakes?" the man asked and Noah laughed. Is there something funny with the situation?

"Princess? It's just a lady wearing a gown," Noah murmured and it made me clear my throat. He did not just say that.

"Excuse me?" I raised a brow. This man is rather rude than gorgeous. I take it back.

"She is Princess Ruthyelia Nobingale of Rinovea," Saint calmly remarked and Noah stared at him.

"Are you guys serious?" He asked and backed away a little. He looked at me and Saint with confused eyes.

"Noah, apologize this instant. We may lose our bakery because of you! She's the princess! It's the East Orphanage parade today!" the man told Noah.

"Forgive me, princess, if I have offended you," Noah said and gave a little bow. Under his little bow, he even smiled wickedly at me. I coughed from disbelief and covered my face.

Noah then left to get me my cheesecake and the man suddenly knelt before me.

"Princess, forgive me. My nephew is from the United States, and he is new to our business. Forgive his careless actions," He pleaded and I was flustered.

"Please rise. It's okay mister. Such actions can be forgiven," I said and gave a warm smile.

Noah came back with a box and he handed it to me. I peeked and there were 2 delicious cheesecakes inside. There was also a mini fork.

"Thank you, sir," I said. I turned and was about to leave when Noah spoke.

"That'll be for 12R," He said and the man slapped his hands.

I stared at him for a while, trying to make up what he just told me. Then I realized, I have to pay. I awkwardly turned to Saint.

"Do you have money with you?" I whispered and he was flustered. He coped his pockets and luckily, he found a 20R bill. I handed the money to Noah and he gladly accepted it.

"Keep the change," I said and gave him a wink. He was left dumbfounded. Beat that.

"I'll repay you," I told Saint. That was a little embarrassing. I asked my guard for money, dear grace. I forgot we have to pay, or do we?

"It's okay, Your Highness. It just happened to be in my pocket that's all," He said with a smile.

We both climbed the float together and I happily ate the cheesecake. The performance was still on going and the people beneath us were busy cheering and taking photographs.

"You know that's not allowed right, dear?" Mom whispered and I almost choked.

"I know, Mother, but I'm really starving. Do you want to take a bite?" I took a piece of the cheesecake and handed it to Mom.

Her eyes widened and she suddenly exclaimed, "That is wonderful!"

We ate the cheesecake together and good thing, Dad was busy watching the performance. He didn’t even bother glancing at us the whole performance.

After at least 3 hours, we were finally returning to the palace. I can now have a proper lunch. Mom immediately went to the women's room…which I don't know why. I headed to my room to have a quick bath because I feel so sweaty. Wearing a long and thick gown and being exposed to the sun for 3 hours can be exhausting.

"Shall I ready you a rose bath, miss?" Genesis asked as I entered and I nodded.

I started to unpin my hair and remove my make up. I still feel embarrassed when Saint paid for the cheesecake! The way I looked at him and the way he cluelessly stared at me for a sec.

I grabbed my key behind a book from the top of my shelves book and opened my locked drawer. My locked drawer actually contains money- the money I secretly collected through the years. I grabbed a 200R bill and hid it under a jewelry box on top of my desk.

"Princess Ruthy, the bath is ready.”