"Shh! You will wake her", Sandra said to her husband Charles as they tiptoed to the sitting room to place their daughter, Aurora's gift beneath the Christmas tree.
"I'm just looking out for you. Hope you aren't feeling tired", he said.
"Charlie, it's Christmas", she said and placed the wrapped gift beneath the Christmas tree. "I have to be strong even if it's just for today. You know fully well this is the last Christmas I will be spending with you two."
"Stop saying that."
"We can't hide from the truth, Charlie. I'm dying. This is no joke. It's cancer. I hate to leave you but I have no choice", she said crying.
He moved closer to her and hugged her really tight. "It's okay."
"Mummy", they heard the voice of their little princess and turned their heads towards the voice.
"Yes, princess", Sandra replied. "Come."
The girl ran towards them with her little feet. "Mummy, you are up!” she said smiling.
"Yes. I'm feeling okay today."
"I told Santa that I want my Mum out of bed on Christmas day and it came true."
"Wishes do come true", she said and kissed her daughter's forehead.
"Let's open our gifts, shall we?” Charles said.
"Yeah!” Aurora shouted and Sandra sat down because she was feeling tired again.
Aurora opened the gift her parents placed there and was surprised to see a real tiara.
"Woah! Is this real?” She asked.
"Yes, baby. It is. A real tiara for my little princess", Charles replied.
"Mummy", she said and moved to sit beside her mother on the couch. "Are you feeling sick again?"
"Just a little, princess. Don't worry, I'll be fine and we'll bake our Christmas cookies like always."
"Yeah! Don't worry, mummy. I will take care of you. You will be fine."
"Thanks, baby."
"Mummy?"
"Yes."
"Can I become a real princess that lives in a big castle?"
"You don't have to live in a castle to become a real princess."
"What do I have to do, then?"
"If you care about other people and you are bold, then you are a princess."
Aurora smiled. "I love you, mummy."
"I love you, too. Aurora?"
"Yes, mummy."
"I want you to know that I will always be with you. If not physically know that I will forever be in your heart."
"Are you going somewhere, mummy?"
Sandra looked at her husband and he looked away because he just couldn't accept the fact that she is dying. Ever since she was diagnosed of cancer, he had always hoped that the doctor is wrong and his wife will be fine and stay in his arms until forever.
"Yes, princess. I'm going somewhere far away but just know I'm always in your heart. Tell me where I will always be."
"In my heart", Aurora said and placed her hand on where the heart is supposed to be.
Sandra hugged her daughter and cried silently. How does one explain to a five year old girl that her mother has cancer and will die soon? Charles also turned his face and cried.
Sandra just wish she can be with her family forever.
December, 2000
Crown Prince, Zuerien set out on a cold December morning to check out the beauty of the Castle. Being a prince is a hard job. You can't do anything without the council's consent. Zuerien doesn't want to live like this. He wants to travel around the world and find true love. His father, King Edward wants him to marry Duke Bartholomew's daughter. He likes Lady Sophie as a friend but nothing more. He doesn't want to marry someone he doesn't love. It pains him seeing his mother stuck with his father. She loves someone else but was married to his father out of duty to the kingdom of Valtoria. She was also a Duke's daughter and her marriage was arranged with King Edward.
"Good morning, your Royal Highness", George, the palace Butler greeted the Crown Prince of the kingdom of Valtoria.
"Good morning, George. What's the occasion?” Prince Zuerien greeted.
"The King requests your presence in his Chambers."
"Okay. I'll be there right away."
"I'll relay your message to His Majesty", he said and turned towards the castle.
Prince Zuerien turned towards the castle and head towards his father's chambers. He got there and saw his father in his study going through some paperwork with his mother sitting quietly beside him.
"Good morning, Father, Mother", he greeted.
"Good morning", they replied and his mother smiled.
"Have a seat", the king said and Zuerien did as he was told. The King looked up from the paperwork and faced Zuerien. "What do you think about Lady Sophie?"
Zuerien looked at his mother and she looked disappointed.
"Answer me", he said calmly.
"She's a good friend", he replied with the same tone as his father's.
"Friend?" He chuckled. "Well, since she is your friend, it won't hurt to see you two get married to each other, right?"
Zuerien looked startled. He knew his father has the intention of making him marry Lady Sophie but he doesn't expect it to be this soon.
"But, Father..."
"Any problem?"
"I'm still 15. I can't get married."
"I'm not saying you will get married right away. When you are old enough and the time is right, your marriage will take place."
"Still..."
"What?"
"I don't love Lady Sophie."
"Love." He chuckled again. "Love, you say. Marriage isn't about love but about duty. It's the combination and agreement between two nations. Stop being naive."
"Edward, he doesn't love her and we aren't sure if she loves him too", Queen Anne said with a gentle voice.
"I already talked to Duke Bartholomew and he said when the time is right, he will bestow Sophie to Zuerien for their marriage."
"Edward, give him a chance to choose for himself."
"Don't you dare argue with me!” He shouted and she flinched. "That's my order. You can leave. Both of you."
Zuerien and Queen Anne stood up and left the King's study.
"I'm sorry", Queen Anne said to Zuerien. "I'm sorry about being helpless to do anything about it."
"It's not your fault, Mother."
"What do you intend doing?"
"I have to follow his order, I guess."
"You can't. I know I have always told you to listen to your father but this is different. If you marry someone you don't love, you will be sad forever. You have to find your true love."
He sighed. "When the time is right, I will know what to do."
"Zue!” Princess Leah, Zuerien's 5 year old younger sister called running towards him.
He caught her easily and carried her. "Your highness, you shouldn't run around carelessly like that. You may hurt yourself."
"I can't hurt myself. I'm a big girl."
"Don't you know big girls hurt themselves, too?” Queen Anne asked.
"No. It's not possible. Is it, Zue?"
"Mother said it's possible. So, don't run around like that again. Okay?” He said pinching her cheeks.
"Yes, your Royal Highness", she said smiling. "Zue?"
"Yes?"
"Can we go outside the castle?"
"For what?"
"I want to see Santa."
Zuerien looked at his mother pleadingly.
She smiled. "You can go. I'll cover for you."
"Yeah! Thanks, mother. You are the best", Princess Leah said and kissed her mother's cheek.
Zuerien set her down. "Go get ready, your highness."
"Okay. I'll be back", she said and walked back to her chambers.
Zuerien turned to his mother. "Hope you won't be in trouble for granting us permission to leave the castle."
"Of course not. Your father has meeting with the council today and after that he is going to St. John to see the Reverend. So, you should be fine."
Zuerien smiled. "I love you, Mother."
"I love you, too. Now off you go."
June, 2013"Congratulations, little princess", Charles told his daughter as she moved closer to him with her award as best graduating student in her hand."Thanks, daddy", Aurora said and hugged her father."Finally out of high school, huh?""Yeah, Dad. It feels great to be out.""So, do you have any after party to attend or we should go home.""Dad. You know I'm not like that. I prefer hanging out with you.""That's true. Well, since you are going to college by January, you have me to yourself for whole six months.""Yeah!""Should we go to a restaurant and celebrate?""No. Let's go visit Mum", she said.Charles sighed."Please, Dad.""Okay. Let's go.""Thanks, Dad", she said and moved to the car but was stopped by her best friend, Charlotte.
"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
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