AudreyMars, Roman, and I were finally enjoying a day outside the palace. To avoid attracting attention, we had were all wearing simple clothes and matching caps.First I laughed at Roman for his certainty that no one would recognize him, but he was right. The part where we found ourselves was mainly occupied with tourists, and no Penevian expected to see the royal family outside.We strolled through the bustling market of Penevia. The city was a beautiful blend of old and modern, with cobblestone streets and colorful architecture. Street vendors sold everything from handmade crafts to mouthwatering food, the air was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and spices—and everyone appeared to be in a good mood like they had no bills to pay.If this was the standard in Penevia, I had no problem living here.As we wandered around, we tried various street foods, watched street performers, and believe it or not, looked like a regular family. Mars was captivated by his kingdom and coul

Audrey"Something's wrong. We need to get back to the palace, now," Roman spoke, breathing heavily.I whistled loudly, and Mars came running toward us. “Yes, mommy?”“We’re going.” Roman told him urgently, scooping him up without a second thought."But I don't want to go. I was playing with my new friends." Mars protested, kicking his legs. It was already late, and his spoiled behavior had always jumped out whenever he was tired.Only now was not the right time."We have to go, Mars. Now," Roman repeated, his voice stern. I tried to stop Mars from kicking his feet, but he shook his head and screamed, unhappy with the sudden departure.“I don’t want to go—““Shut up. We’re going!” Roman yelled, his volume sending shivers through my spine. Even little Mars was too terrified to say another word."Hey!" I snapped at him, taking my son from his hands. "Don't yell at him like that ever again! Are you crazy?""No matter what happens, don't pick up your phone. Tell them your phone was on sile

AudreyThe day after the king's passing seemed even worse than yesterday. Last night, after Roman and I had returned to our room, he was unable to sleep. His eyes which had been swollen and red from crying, stayed wide open as he stared blankly at nothing. His father was gone, he called out to him while he wasn’t there, and that part was the hardest.Roman left early in the morning, without saying too much while I found myself in Mars’ room. I picked him up and brought him to a private room to tell him the news. Kennedy and Ashley were by my side.Mars was in my arms, his little body shaking as he cried for his grandfather. He was still young, but he knew he wasn’t coming back anymore.Ultimately I wanted to be the one to tell him about his grandfather’s passing before anyone else could.The conversation of death was heavy fun for a young kid, but it was necessary.By now, the news had also been shared with the people of the kingdom. It was a day of mourning, everyone was expected to

RomanBeing king is a responsibility I'd never asked for, but one I was expected to embrace without question.Lord Crawford went on and on about new duties and responsibilities, his words echoing hollowly in my head. My cousin, Brandon, sat beside me and as always he was writing down notes, acting like my personal brain.It had been two days.Two days since I'd lost my father, our king and everyone around me expected me to just pick up where he left off. Expected to lead a country, lead a royal funeral, and address my people—all while dealing with my own personal grief. The thought was suffocating.My mother had given her own set of instructions. While everyone was allowed to sob, I was forced to keep my emotions in check, I couldn’t lose face in front of the ministers.The same ministers that didn’t even want me on their throne.‘The tears you had spilled at your father’s bedside. Those tears should be your last,’ She had said to me, and I listened.I did what was necessary. I put on

AudreyWith Mars clinging to my side, I walked through the palace halls. It had been a long day. Now that I was to be queen, the classes had become even more sincere. Every ounce of my energy was drained.‘Forget the mourning period, just focus on becoming queen’If those words could not get anyone punished, I’m sure that’s what the teachers would’ve told me.Mars and I were on our way to meet the Queen. Somehow he would manage to cheer her up, and I’m glad he could do that for her. I barely knew the king, but had a hard time sleeping so I couldn’t even begin to imagine what losing him must’ve felt like to her.Fake relationship or not, I would’ve lost my mind if something would happen to Roman.As we walked, a familiar figure caught my eye.Rina.She stood at a distance, but her features were so strong one could not miss it. She was not someone I wanted to see at the moment, and it was not because of fear.It was because I had not forgotten that she dreamed of being with Roman, and l