Althea’s Why is everyone acting so weird lately? During breakfast, Ruthy had been quiet. She didn’t talk to me about anything at all. Thomas was grumpy and annoying, but it was something different. I would always tease him and joke around, but I couldn’t bring myself to because he looked too serious. The Queen cancelled our activity today, so I had nothing to do this afternoon. I planned to head to my room to read, but when I passed the library, I heard Thomas’ voice down the hallway. I hid behind a vase and listened to his voice.“Would you like to have tea with me later, Ruthy?” I heard his voice say. Oh, so he’s speaking with Ruthy. I couldn’t hear Ruthy’s voice, but Thomas was energetic and excited. Oh boy, am I going to hear a rejection? “That’s great! Let’s meet at the garden in two hours,” Thomas added. Oh! Ruthy accepted? I smirked and strutted

I held my hands tightly as I stood beside Mom who was holding the letter. My father and King Ricardo finally arrived, and they looked at Mom with curious faces. The Queen doesn’t usually summon us for a meeting, let alone a sudden one. Queen Josephine then arrived with Althea and Thomas who both looked at me with curious faces as well. My expression was nervous than ever, and it still might be obvious that I cried. Keith walked beside me and poked my back. “What’s this about?” he curiously asked. I remained quiet and just smiled at him. Finally, Mom took a few steps forward to get their attention. She took a few deep breaths and tried her best not to make her voice shake from the incoming tears. My Dad noticed this which made him uncomfortable. I could see the uneasiness in his eyes and stance. “My daughter, Ruthy, approached me the other day to ask for my help. I understood right away why she approached me out of all people. It was a matter that involved the family

I felt my body shake and how my vision suddenly blacked out. I think I almost fell, but I felt Angelo’s hand on my shoulder. I could see that he was serious with what he said, but still, I never imagined in our relationship that those words would come from his mouth. He was the hopeful and most patient in our relationship. He held on to this little fire between us we called ‘love’, and he never questioned my decisions for us. Now, I think he mustered all his strength and time to make this decision, to finally tell me what needed to be done. “Angelo..I-why?” I softly asked. I held his hand on my shoulder and carefully caressed his fingers. I don’t understand him. I don’t understand where this is all coming from. I waited for him and I remained hopeful too. I prayed for him, every day. I prayed that he won’t be taken away from me. I prayed that we would get the future that we wanted. I prayed for my life to start over, with him. “Since then, I was always in love with y

“Ruthy! Get up!” I was woken up by endless shaking that I thought there was an earthquake happening. I opened my eyes and it was Althea. I couldn’t get myself to sleep last night because I was afraid they would already be gone. Good thing Althea’s still here waking me up. “We’re leaving! Bid us goodbye!” I got up and looked at her. They are leaving already. She was already ready and dressed. I grabbed my robe and brushed my hair. “W-what? So soon?” I told her, flustered. What time of day is it even? The sun was shining so brightly, I’m guessing it’s still early in the morning. “It doesn’t matter. Come on now!” she said then pulled me out of my room. I almost forgot to wear my sandals since she was really eager to get me out. I clenched my chest as Althea continued to pull my hand. I didn’t even get to say goodbye to Noah? I know that we should forget our ties now and move on with our lives, but I still can’t bring myself to just let go and for

Ruthy’s   The past week had been a blast. I’ve never felt so happy in my life. The Wilhems already left last week, but they promised to return in three months for the wedding. Yes, I’m getting married. I know, it may seem fast, but we have a lot to do before even getting married and after. My parents said they were ready to pass the throne and they even became emotional, but they were proud to crown me as Queen of Rinovea. I am getting a little over the future there, but it will come. “Ready when you are, love,” Noah says. We are now heading to the Throne Room to have a discussion with my parents. Noah seems calm and confident, but I know he’s feeling nervous beyond the soul. This is the first time we’ll be having a serious talk in front of the King and Queen with regards our plans for the future. We’ll also talk about what will happen to our family. “I can feel your hands shaking,” I teased him as we walked hand in hand. “No, yo