Prologue

The hangar was full of airport security men in suits and policemen as they watched the royal Learjet arrive from the United States. There was no media around as they were prohibited but were delegated to be in a conference room inside the arrival area of the airport. King Albert and his wife, Queen Juliana, concluded their world tour. They visited different countries to strengthen ties and to acquire new investments for the Kingdom of Volzenburga. Together with his wife, they were able to perform their duties as prime representatives of the kingdom around the globe for one month. And while they are away, their daughters, three young princesses, were left under the care of the king's only sister, Victoria.

The king and the queen were alone in the plane's receiving area. They were seated across from each other, only staring and saying nothing. Albert looked away when they heard the announcement from the pilot about their safe arrival.

"We have to tell the children now," Juliana tells her husband.

Albert turned back to her. How could their children, ranging from 2 years old to ten years old, understand what is going to happen to their parents? "How are we going to tell them? Announcement: we're getting divorce?" he sarcastically said and stood up. He couldn't understand why Juliana wanted it. Didn't she learn to love him despite the arrangement in their marriage?

"Yes."

He gave her a glare when he heard her reply. He walked towards the door. "We'll talk later in the evening at the privacy of my office. Right now, I have several engagements in relation to this trip."

"Fine with me," Juliana stood up and followed him. She glanced at her gold timepiece. It's only three in the morning. Albert already had scheduled engagements and will only be home in the palace by noon. She, on the other hand, will be going straight home after the press conference. She will take a few hours' rest and in the afternoon, there will be a pictorial for her forthcoming birthday. It is better that they do things separately. She doesn't want to be with Albert anymore. She's tired of pretending to be a loving wife.

Albert gave his wife one last look. It hurts to know that their marriage fell apart. He loves Juliana very much but he knows that she can never return the feelings. She was only betrothed to him by their parents. He knew that one day she will tell him that she had to go. That time has come. He will give her the freedom she deserves. For the years that they are together, she has been a good wife and a mother. He couldn’t say anything bad towards her. Clearly, there's no other party involved with her decision. He knew how Juliana wanted to be free from anything and her affiliation with the royalty deters the things she wanted to do. The blessing of their three adorable children will be enough for Albert as a remembrance.

"Have I ever told you that I love you, Juliana?"

"No," she met his look.

"I love you," Albert gave her a quick smile and then finally went out of the room. Outside, he was instantly greeted by the royal staff. His secretary, Enrique Tobias, reminded him of his next schedule. "Thank you, Enrique. By the way, I need you to call Atty. Torres. I need to talk to him about a very important matter."

"Si, Your Majesty."

Albert nodded and went towards the door. Ever since he became king five years ago after the death of his father, the country has been his top priority. There are so many things that need to be accomplished. The people needed him so much that he had set aside his family and became one of the most hardworking monarchs in the world. He could have shown Juliana how deeply he cares for her. He should have been there when Amelia made a debut in her school play. He should have been there when Andrea started pre-school. He should have been there when Rhian was born. But he missed a lot of things about his family because he took the time in being the king first before being a father.

Now that he and Juliana are divorcing, he will set more time for his children. They need him the most now. And since the three girls are daughters and heiresses of the ruling sovereign, the custody to them will be with the royal family by default. Juliana does not have the right over that. It is the law. She can have as much money as she could and Albert won't care. His three daughters will be under his care. They will always be.



~~~



Juliana is tired. With complete idleness, she slouched back in the backseat of the car as it passed by the main avenue of the city. She has never done that in a long time, ever since she became the princess of this country. It has been a big sigh of relief to be able to tell Albert that she wants divorce. She always wanted to be free, especially from the royal monarchy that held her prisoner for quite a number of years. Her parents only betrothed her to Albert, who was then the crowned prince before his father died. She had all the plans of traveling around the world until that day it was announced that she had to marry the prince. She thought she had a choice but she later found out that it was against the law if she will deny the privilege that was given to her. It wasn't a privilege, it's a life sentence, she angrily thought. And now, she will finally have her freedom. Albert graciously gave that without further questions.

And what about her children? She's content that they will be staying with their father. Albert is a good man after all and he will take good care of their three daughters. She will not fight for her right to take them with her because she knew that since they are heiresses to the old kingdom, they are also legal properties that strictly belonged only to the monarchy and to the royal family that gave their names. She has no power to fight over that.

She wiped her tears that fell down her face. It's been a decision that was hard to make but she had to. If people will think that she decided on this for herself, they are wrong. This is for the sake of her daughters. She loves them very much but she knows that she will never be a good mother if she continued pretending that she loves the life she's leading. She can never take good care of them the way Albert is willing to do. They constantly reminded her on how she permitted herself to be controlled by her family to be in this marriage that’s why they have to be left under the care of the people who put her there in the first place.

"Slow down, Miguel. I'm not in a hurry," she tells the chauffeur when she noticed that the limousine’s speed seemed to accelerate.

"Apologies, Your Majesty," Miguel courteously replied and slowed down.

Juliana didn't say anything as her gaze continued to the sceneries they passed by. She's only thirty years old, a year younger than Albert. She still had so much to do with her life, places to explore. Her mind is working overtime now as she thinks of what she will do once she's free from her ties with the monarchy.

Her eyes widened when the car passed by the intersection and an unexpected blinding light came their way.

And then everything went black.



>> 1

1
"Is it just me or is the ceremony is really boring?" Drew asked her seatmate, her cousin Kristin. She folded her arms across her chest. "God, I wished our surname started with A and not V!" She felt Kristin's nudge beside her. "What?"

"Shut up." Kristin hissed. "People didn't only come here to watch Amelia become a doctor but also to watch us. Watch yourself. Uncle Albert wouldn't like to hear anything from you." While her cousins are princesses, she gets the title as the duchess as she inherited it from her mother who died two years ago.

Drew didn't say anything. She waited in irritating silence. She hated boring family affairs, most especially the ones that involve Amelia or her father. She's always required to act under royal protocols in which she hated. She couldn't be just herself, relaxed and comfortable. She always had to dress in a pair of conservative suit and expected to portray a respectable manner that a princess like her should. Now, she had to be present in Amelia's graduation from medical school as if that would inspire her way of life. Well, she had her own achievements. She graduated with honors from a prestigious university. She finished an Industrial Engineering course and although she didn't try to find a work - as if she really needs to work, she used her knowledge to help the Department of Public Infrastructure, Public Works and Metropolitan Development by cooperating with what they need and understanding what they want. She will then relay the matters to her father, the king, who has the final approval for every project.

"I'm back."

She looked up when she heard her youngest sister, Adriana or Rhian as she is commonly called. Rhian sit beside her. "You've been to the ladies' room twice now. Can't you hold it back and wait until this is over?" she asks.

"I don't care about your little whining about coming in here so back off," Rhian flipped her hair back. "But since you're asking, I need to retouch my make up. I can't stand the heat." She replied in vain. She adjusted her stylish maroon hat consciously.

"You should have told me," their Aunt Victoria says after a gasp. Despite her old age, she's still beautiful and as vain as Rhian does. "This heat can really get me sick. Ugh."

"Oh, geez," Drew heard Kristin mutter. When she turned, her cousin smiled. "I'll show you something, Drew."

"What?"

Kristin gestured for something in her fisted hand. She barely open it but enough for Drew to see a ring inside. "I don't want this to be caught be any camera. Isn't it beautiful?"

"You're getting married?" she whispered back.

"No, but maybe soon. I have to be prepared."

Drew kept a plain face for everyone to see but to herself, she's screaming with curiosity. "Kristin, I know you. You're so into that man but you know that he doesn't return the same thing to you. In fact, it was more like hatred towards you. Are you going to trap Kevin into marriage?" she whispered in tight lips. She felt her cousin squeezed her hand.

"Yes, isn't it exciting?"

"Drew?" Rhian quietly called.

"Hmm..." the women turned to her.

"Is it true that you're going out with that man from the band Octopus?"

Drew chuckled. "He's a screwed-up, Rhian. I don't go with men like that. They're way down my level. Please. Give me more credit than that. I'm a princess."

"A conceited princess," Victoria reprimanded. Their aunt doesn't approve by the way they see themselves at the top ladder of the society. She wanted her nieces and nephews to be humble but they have their own minds.

Drew ignored her aunt. "And what about you? Are you still going out with the blue-eyed wonder?"

"Yes," Rhian replied dreamily. Victoria heard it and rolled her eyes, beneath the dark sunglasses she's wearing.

"I don't trust that man, Nickolas," she tells the ladies. "He's too good to be true."

"Well, I'm not sorry that I have a boyfriend and you haven't, Aunt Victoria. You still can't go over the fact that I found a nice and good-looking man while you're still searching." Rhian retorted.

"Ugh, don't remind me," Victoria muttered. They heard Amelia's name called. "Aaah, finally. We'll be home soon." They watched as Amelia, the eldest daughter of King Albert and heiress to the throne, walked up on stage to receive her recognition as one of the new doctors in the kingdom. Everyone waited for her to finish her studies as it was long overdue. She is already twenty-eight years old and yet, she hasn’t started her training and duties as the crown princess. King Albert even tolerated her passion to become a doctor.

For Drew, her sister should not have pursued a medical profession because it will never be of any use. Someday, Amelia will be queen and will have more duties as the leader of the kingdom. Now that she has finally finished her studies, she had to face her responsibilities with the kingdom. The kingdom owned her like a precious treasure; she didn't have any choice. Her destiny to become the future queen awaits her.



>> 2

2

"I'm going to New York in America to visit grandma," Amelia announced while she and the rest of the family are having dinner. There was silence in the dining hall. King Albert motioned the servants to leave the dining room.

Drew dropped her fork and knife. "If you're not up to become the queen, just say it and I can fill your shoes anytime. Don't make any more lousy excuses just to get away with your duties as the heiress."

"Andrea!" Their father exclaimed her full name.

"Go on, Papa. Side with Amelia. She's your favorite daughter anyway," Drew said. Her outburst made Rhian uncomfortable in her seat.

"Andrea, you know that's not true."

"It's true. We know how reluctant Amelia is about being the heiress because she wanted to be a doctor. No, erase that. She actually wanted and has been planning a scapegoat from all of these. Ever since Mama died, she wanted to leave the palace. I know you know that, Papa."

"Enough, Drew! I know myself better than anyone of you." Amelia stood up. "But I admit you're partially true about me wanting to leave the palace. I hate to be here. Mama's memories are still here..."

"It's been eighteen years, Amelia. Get over it." Rhian said nonchalantly.

"Shut up, Rhian. You never cared. You never knew what happened." Drew retorted. "I'm sick and tired of this silent thing that's going on among us."

Albert drew a deep breath. "Enough." He quietly said in a calm tone. His daughters stopped and turned to him. He smiled to himself. They knew better than to push anything anymore when he uses that calm but firm voice to them. Amelia sits back on her chair. "You don't have any respect for me. You ignored me while you were fighting in front of me."

Drew was about to speak but Albert gestured a hand to stop her. "I have one and only proposition on this matter and after this, I don't want to hear anymore," he said. "I don't want the public to think you really don’t want to be queen, Amelia. The least we want is losing their trust. Besides, you really don't have a choice. This is your birthright." He looked at Drew and Rhian then back to his eldest one. "You may go to your grandmother and Drew will come with you. After a month, you need to get back here and start with your duties and training. I don't want to make things hard for everyone of us."

"Yes, Papa. I promise." Amelia replied.

Drew rolled her eyes. "Papa, you will let me chaperone, Amelia? That's ridiculous. You know that we don't get along so well."

"Are you questioning my decision, Andrea?" Albert asked in a raised eyebrow.

"No, Papa." Drew replied but she is frowning.

Albert chose to ignore that. "You'll need this for yourself, too."

"Whatever," Drew muttered. "Excuse me," she stood up and went out of the dining hall.

Albert can only nod. He looked at his remaining daughters. Drew has the strongest personality among the three. His most stubborn daughter is the assertive and outgoing one, too. But she is also the most expressive when it comes to showing her affection to him. Amelia, his crown princess, is the serious and the most secretive one. She takes every thing like a business to handle and no one can really tell what goes on in her mind. He worried a lot about her especially her admittance that she’s still hurting from her mother's death. And then there's Rhian, the most vain and self-centered among the siblings. She only tamed a little when she met her boyfriend of one year, the landscape architect of the palace Nickolas Carter. Albert particularly liked that man as he made a special influence to someone as spoiled as Rhian. He's guessing that his youngest may even be the first one to get married by the way their relationship is going between the two and he already has his approval on the possible union.

"Thank you for understanding, Papa," he heard Amelia telling him.

"I'm actually at the end of my patience with you, Amelia." He honestly said to her.

"Oh, Papa," Rhian called softly. "I'm going out tonight."

"But Nicholas is in Madrid."

"Pa, he is not even my husband yet!" Rhian protested and he can expect some whining coming soon.

"Unless he's with you, you're not leaving tonight." Albert shakes his head and sighed. "It fears me as I wonder what I've done that you're doing this to me. And I also fear what will happen to the kingdom when I die."

"Don't say that, Papa," Amelia quickly said.

"Well, I don't know what to do with you anymore. I only wish you'd find some man who will bring you towards what is good and proper and will take good care of you. I've done all I could and it seems like you never took me seriously."



>> 3

3

Drew set down her paintbrush and sighed. She turned to her side to look at the magnificent view of the small man-made lake in her father's estate. She lost her mood in painting, a hobby that nobody knows except the royal household. It still infuriated her that her father decided she will come along with Amelia to America. Why did she have to come along? Amelia will surely come back anyway. She only needs to extend her idle time of doing nothing and preventing herself from undergoing the training as the heiress to the throne. Drew thinks it's foolish. She cannot understand why her sister doesn’t want to be in the palace and why she still can't get over the death of their mother.

Her thoughts turned to their father. Why does he always give in every time Amelia opens her mouth to make some request? When her sister announced she will be studying Biology, he didn't protest. The same thing goes when she decided to pursue her studies in medical school. Their father always gives in to whatever she decided to do. Drew will not be surprised if she learns that Amelia is the favorite daughter - not that she's competing. Even though she's done enough to make her father proud, Amelia still gets the first recognition. Everyone seemed to like her despite her quiet nature and obvious reluctance to her birthright. No one cares about that. She has this charm that attracts the public to her. They cared more that she is beautiful and smart, a perfect image of a princess.

Drew is none of that. She had to study hard to pass her courses and she had to be conscious of herself just to stay beautiful in the eyes of others. But no one notices her. She admits that she's jealous of Amelia and the attention she's getting. She wanted that, too.

She wanted to be revered by anyone as a smart and wonderful woman that she thinks she is and not because she is a princess. She wanted that feeling of being appreciated and given importance. She grew up without a mother who would care for her. She felt she never had a mother at all, never felt the love and care of one. Juliana was a distant woman who only seemed to care about herself. Even at her young age, Drew particularly noticed that. Their father may have missed a lot of her firsts because of his royal duties but he still played the parent role well compared to their mother. Didn't Amelia notice and felt that cold attitude towards them? It seems like it since Amelia still couldn't move on over the loss of their mother and even hated being in the palace. But what she still had with their mother that she can't move on?

A tear fell in her eye and she quickly wiped it away. No one has ever seen her cry. She will never let anyone see it. She felt sorry for herself. Will there be a difference if she is not a princess? What will her life be?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her mobile phone ringing. It's her best friend and second-degree cousin, Juana, on the other line. She is her third cousin on the father's side. "Hola, Juana." She tried to sound cheerful with her greeting.

"Hola, Drew. There's something important that I have to tell you."

"What is it?"

"Luke is dead, heart attack."

Drew almost dropped her phone. Luke was her American ex-boyfriend. When she found a new love interest, she immediately dumped Luke to pursue the other one. That was months ago but Luke was so depressed to have her back since. He had suicidal tendencies in which she ignored because they were emotional blackmails. She didn't buy that. She hated those things. But she never expected it will come to this.

"Where did you learn this, Juana?"

"From Derek, his buddy," Juana replied. "They were in the Bahamas for a vacation. Luke got so drunk and he even took some pills and he overdosed. He was rushed to the hospital but it was too late. He had a major heart attack and he's been calling your name before he died..."

Drew muttered a few expletive words. "Why couldn't he just get over the fact that I don't want him anymore? Did the media know now?"

"No, Luke, fortunately, was your secret boyfriend, remember? His family is in politics and you wouldn't want to compromise it with your Papa's position." Juana reminded her.

"I'll be denying him," Drew said. She stood up and walked back towards the palace. She snapped her fingers to the waiting maid to get the things she left behind.

"Of course. He's really a mess, Drew. It's a good thing that you broke up with him."

Drew smiled. She ended the call and walked down the hallway of the palace. She needs something to vent out her frustrations and disappointment from her father and Amelia. Maybe, she will do that in New York. Hooking up with another American is not a bad idea at all, really.



~~~



Rhian stopped running down the hall and turned to a glass window where she can see her reflection. Nice, she still looks pretty. She smiled to herself and continued on her way. When she turned left and reached the Sitting Area, a special place with two set of couches that are intended for the waiting guests, she saw her boyfriend Nick. She is always excited to see him. She loves him and he does the same. She felt she's the luckiest woman on earth.

"I missed you!" she hugged him tight and kissed him.

"Darling, I missed you, too. It's only a weekend but," Nick smiled infectiously. Rhian held on to him as her knees go wobbly. He does that to her all the time. She wondered if he knows that. She's like a love struck teenager but she doesn't care. Here is the man that she cared a lot. "It seems like forever."

"How are you?" Rhian asked. She sets aside a few strands of his hair off from his face. They met at a friend's wedding and it wasn't actually a love at first sight. Nick hated her vanity, arrogance and selfishness but he doesn't have a choice when the king took his services to landscape the memorial park where his wife's tomb is. Albert made Rhian to be in-charge with the project and they began to work together. Things change one day when both reached the peak of their patience against each other. Rhian unexpectedly let out the feeling of loss, loneliness, disappointment and anger. Nick's heart softened and gathered her in his arms. They both realized how they wanted and cared for each other despite the constant bickering they were having while working with each other. And amidst the criticism they received at the start of their relationship, Rhian unbelievingly stood by him. And everyone saw that Nick is a good man.

"I'm fine," Nick smiled. "And you? I heard that Amelia has finally graduated."

Rhian frowned. "I don't care."

Nick stared at her. "Rhian, you're being childish again. Why did you and Drew hate her so much? You’re sisters. Your family is the only thing you got and not the riches that you already have. Those are only material things."

Albert, who is nearing the Sitting Area, heard Nick and smiled. That's one of the things that he likes about the man. He continued on his way until he reached the Sitting Area.

"... There's no stupid reason to hate your sister, Rhian." Nick continued as Rhian still didn't say anything.

Albert cleared his throat. The two turned. Nick takes Rhian's hand as he walked towards the king. "Good day, Your Majesty. It's good to see you fine and well today." They shook hands.

"Likewise, Nick." Albert smiled widely. "I'm just passing by. It's good to see you back. How's the project in Madrid?"

"It's great, Sir. I mean I may have only been given a month to do it but it's rewarding to see the finished product and the people liked it."

"I've always believed in your talents, Nick. I've been hearing positive feedbacks too." Albert nodded. "By the way, I'll go ahead. I'm on my way towards a meeting you. Welcome back, Nickolas. And it's good to see Rhian so happy again." He gave his daughter a knowing look.

Rhian watched her father go. She hates it when he shows how much he likes Nick and is happy to see him. She actually doesn't want it to happen. He didn't deserve it.



>> 4

4

"Howard, please check if you can reserve a special corner for tomorrow night at the hotel's restaurant," Amelia tells her secretary, the one that her father has recently hired for her.

Drew watched as the handsome secretary jots down on his small notebook. They are at their father's Learjet, on the way to the US. "Certainly, Your Royal Highness. I'll do it now." She heard Howard say. She saw him gave her sister one last look before excusing himself to them.

Whoa, is it just her or the secretary is attracted to her sister? Amelia, on the other hand, didn't know what's going on as she is focused on the book in front of her. "Have you ever tried to look at your secretary?" Drew asked her.

"Huh?" Amelia looked up.

Drew rolled her eyes. "Have you seen Howard?" Her sister can be clueless sometimes. It's no wonder that she still doesn't have a boyfriend.

"He left a while ago. Why?"

"No, I mean, have you ever tried to talk to him while looking at him? You're missing out something there."

Amelia turned back to the book. "It doesn't matter if I look at him or not whenever I speak with him. Sometimes, you don't have to look at them in the eye. Servants are bound to follow you any way."

Drew may consider herself conceited and a brat but she doesn't think that way about the royal household. "Howard is merely just a servant, Amelia. I heard from Papa that he has a noble blood. His father was a Count before he died and he inherited that title. I think it was some part of his father's codicil to serve the king that's why he's here."

"By being at my every beck and call? That's ridiculous," Amelia shakes her head. "He should have gone to the army if he wanted to serve the king."

Drew didn't say anything more. She doesn't care now if Amelia is like that. She, on the other hand, is looking forward to this trip to New York. She will go to the clubs, shop to the famous boutiques and go to the famous landmarks. She will try to have a great time. This is her first time to New York. Whenever she goes to the US, she's been only in Hawaii, Miami or Los Angeles. She never went to New York because that's where their grandmother is. And although she will be going now and will be meeting her mother's mother, there is a difference with the trip since Amelia is with her. She will not have much problem in dealing with the old lady. Amelia can keep her busy.

She looked up when Howard came back. The man has a dashing charm like a Latin prince. There’s an aura of decency and elegance by the way he carries his three-piece suit. It intrigued Drew. Enrique Tobias, her father’s secretary, is not like that.

"Excuse me, Your Royal Highness."

Amelia looked up. "What?"

Drew watched Howard met her sister's look. He doesn't seem intimidated by the arrogance and snobbery that Amelia is showing him. "There's a special corner that can be reserved for you at the hotel's restaurant, Princess Amelia. It has a warm ambiance, perfect lighting and the exclusivity you need."

"Can I specify what kind of wine I wanted?"

"Yes, Your Royal Highness. They offer a wonderful collection of special wines for different occasions."

He spoke as if he's been there, Drew thought. "Have you ever brought a woman there on a romantic date?" She couldn't help but ask the secretary.

Howard looked at Amelia for a while and then turned to Drew with a smile. "Yes, Your Royal Highness, and it's been a great experience."

"Why? You had sex afterwards?" Drew asked naughtily.

"Andrea!" Amelia exclaimed by her sister's boldness.

But both Drew and Howard are chuckling. Then, the man brought back his composure and became formal again. "It's rather personal to talk about it, Your Royal Highness. I hope you don't mind."

"It's alright. A gentleman never tells, is that correct?"

Howard inclined his head as an answer. "Yes, madam."

"I like you, Howard." Drew smiled up to him.

Amelia rolled her eyes. "Reserve the table, Howard, for three. That will be me, grandma and Drew." She's looking at her as she said that.

Drew frowned. "I won't go with you."

"Grandma is excited to see you."

"I'm not."

"Oh, but you have no choice. I have the full control of your bodyguards and they will only answer to me, in behalf of Papa. You just can't go out alone in the big city especially that this is your first time."

"I'm a big girl, more like a woman than you are," Drew said. "I won't need bodyguards. I'll go whenever I want." She stood up. She stopped when she passed by Howard who only stood quietly by the door. "Good luck on her, Howard. You've got your hands full with her. You wouldn't have to look after me."

The secretary didn't say anything as she immediately left that small room.



~~~



The corner table of the exclusive men's club was filled with cigarette smokes coming from two men. Both were relaxed as they sit in silence. The other one has opened the two top buttons of his polo, revealing a distinctive tattoo.

The other one finished his smoke. "So, that's your plan." He tells his friend.

"Yes. She has to pay for what she's done." The man stared at the glass in his hand, lightly shaking it as the ice made a tinkling noise. His friend refilled it with whisky.

"That will be one humiliating scandal."

"I don't care," the tattooed one replied. He took a swig of Scotch whisky. His jaws clenched at the thought of someone dear to him that he recently lost. It would be acceptable if it happened in good nature but it caused something that he didn't expect. It angered him just by thinking about it. "Fuck, I really don't care."

His companion smiled. "It will ruin her."

"That's exactly the plan. She deserves it. I'm looking forward to the end result now."



>> 5

5

The two princesses arrived in New York in style. As they went out of their father’s Learjet, a red carpet has been prepared for them and the city mayor has personally welcomed them. From the metal barricades within a distance, the media flashed their cameras on them.

"Truly, Mayor. There's no need to fuss over our arrival but thank you for the warm gesture. We appreciate it very much and our father extends his regards and gratitude to you for seeing over our safety." Amelia said after shaking hands with Mayor Birch. "We are now looking forward in to visiting our grandmother without worrying too much over our safety."

"It's an honor for us to be graced by your presence. We're hoping for your wonderful and enjoyable stay and I've assured a maximum security level for your convenience." The mayor said.

"Thank you," drew said with a plastered smile. There were gestured towards the waiting limousine where Howard is seen to be already standing by the door and waiting for them. She sighed in relief when her body gets in touch with the plush leather seats of the car. "I need a spa. Howard, can you please find me a spa?" she requested him.

"Certainly, Princess Drew." Howard picked up the phone available in the car and dialed the number he must have already researched. Drew thinks that this man thinks of everything for them. She greatly appreciates it. "And you, Princess Amelia? Would you like to have one, too?"

"No, I'm fine." Amelia quietly said. She didn't look at him. Her eyes were averted to the road they are into.

Drew ignored her sister. She hates the silence so although she's tired, she decided to interview Howard. "Howard, what is your nickname?"

The secretary turned to her just as he finished talking to someone on line. "Howie, Your Royal Highness."

Drew smiled. "Howie, that's cute. Is it true that you're only here because of your father's codicil? Who is your father?"

"It's the late Count Thomas Antonio Dorough of Conspica, madam."

"If I ask you to stop calling me madam, are you going to do it?" She met Howie's look.

"No, madam," His gaze turned towards Amelia. Drew turned and realized that her sister has fallen asleep.

"Do you like her?" She asked straightforwardly. "You always have this look."

Howie chuckled. "I don't understand you, Your Royal Highness." He shakes his head. "What look?"

Drew raised an eyebrow. "You know, I'm not stupid. I'm maybe the most stubborn in the family but I'm the most passionate one. I may not like Amelia very much but I am concerned about the people coming in our lives, especially men. If you don't fit my standards, you can say goodbye now before you can take advantage on any one of us."

"Your sister is a wonderful woman, Your Royal Highness, but I only see her as my boss." Howie assured her. "Do not worry that I may take advantage of anything. I will take care of her like any other assistant should." They stared at each other for a while.

"Boring," Drew sighed. "And just when I thought I can make a couple out of you." Howie only gave her a smile. "So when your father died, that makes you the new count. Why are you serving my father through my sister?"

"It's a gentleman's agreement, Princess Drew." Howie replied. "Let's say that it's something that I need to do as the son of my father."

"You seemed to be a good man. Do you have younger brothers or sisters? You may want to refer them to me."

"Unfortunately, I'm the only son unless my father sired others outside his marriage with my mother." He smiled.

"But he hasn't."

"He hasn't."

Drew groaned. Amelia, on the other hand, is still sleeping. They are nearing the hotel. "Oh, dear. You seemed to be a good man. I don't know if I can still find a man like you. Did you have a girlfriend?"

Howie excused himself for a while from her. He speed dialed a number. "Take the car down the basement parking of the hotel. Alert the hotel security." He ended the call after a few moments. He turned back to Drew. "You'll find your man, sooner or later, Princess Drew. You don't have to worry about that. And about the last question, yes, I have a girlfriend." He smiled that charming smile of his.

"You have a girlfriend? Why did you lead me on?" She shakes her head. "Just when I thought I have found a man for my sister..." She glanced at Amelia who is still sleeping. "You know, she can sleep so deeply nobody can ever wake her up. That's Amelia. Maybe, you can carry her." The limousine stopped in front of the elevator and the security is already there.

Howie is not smiling. "We can't let anyone see her like this. It's inappropriate for a princess to be carried out, asleep and be seen in this way. Apologies, Your Royal Highness. I only mean that-"

"I understand what you mean. But that's why we're here at the basement parking. What are you doing?"

"I'm going to wake her up, madam." Howie reached out and gently touched Amelia's arm. "Your Highness...Princess Amelia..."

It took only a few moments until when Amelia opened her eyes and first saw Howie. "Oh, I’ve slept." She glanced at Drew then back to Howie. "Get off your hand."

"I don't understand why do you feel so angry at him? Did he do something that wasn't pleasant? Have you known each other before?"

"No, I don't know him before. We just met yesterday when Papa introduced us to each other and it wasn't very good." Amelia replied and went out of the car.



>> 6

6

Drew saw Howie at the penthouse when she got there and she chuckled, remembering the episode at the car a few moments ago. Howie stopped scribbling on his pad and looked up. "Your grandmother and sister are waiting inside, Your Royal Highness."

She frowned and went towards the room. When she got in, she saw Amelia and her grandmother, a small Hispanic-looking woman whose features may fool anyone on her real age. Elena Marquez smiled to her granddaughter.

"And finally, you've met Andrea, my younger sister." Amelia said.

"Grandma," Drew inclined her head to the side in greeting.

"Aren't you going to kiss your grandma?" Elena asks her.

"I'm not hypocrite, ma'am. You already know that I don't like to be here in the first place but Papa ordered me to. I'm just following the king's orders."

"Drew!" Amelia shakes her head.

"You know me, Amelia." Drew turned to her grandmother. "If you don't want me here, I can go anywhere anytime until the time we leave. Right now, I want to make things clear that I don't like you very much."

"I heard you." Elena said, gesturing for Amelia to refrain from saying something. "And I assume that you don't want to join us later for dinner downstairs."

"Yes. I'm glad you're clear with that. Excuse me," Drew went out of the room. Howie was surprised to see her out so soon. Drew ignored her as she went straight to her room. She's going out tonight.



~~~



Everyone seemed to become aware of the royal presence in the club as there were several guards on every corner plus out on the streets. Drew didn't waste time to go out and explore the night life of New York. It wasn't hard for her to adapt on the people in the club as she was welcomed and greeted most congenially. Some famous celebrities and models who were there invited her to join their group and Drew did just that.

"I'm so envious that you have a wonderful skin tone," an actress, in which Drew forgot the name, tells her. "You don't need to get out and soak yourself under the sun just to get a nice tan."

"It's in the genes, silly." a model commented. They laughed.

"Thanks." Drew smiled to them. "Anyway, I think I'll go get something to drink." She walked towards the bar and the bartender immediately gave something to her.

"It's for you from Mr. McLean, Princess Drew."

"Who's he?" She asks.

"That would be me," someone said behind her. She turned around and was greeted by a lovely pair of eyes. "I'm McLean or you may also call me AJ or Alex, whichever you prefer."

"I think I'll call you Alex. Thanks for the drink but what if I don't drink this? You're a stranger and who knows what your plan is to me." Drew leaned her back against the counter of the bar as Alex stood in front of her.

"If I have plans for you, I'm not stupid enough to do this in this place where everyone knows me. You're just being paranoid, princess. I'm just trying to treat you with a welcome drink."

"Yes, I am paranoid. Will you drink this first before I do?"

"Sure," Alex takes the glass from her and drinks a part of it. "See? It's safe."

Drew takes the glass and drinks it until the last drop. "Wow, this is good. Can I have more?"

Alex chuckled. "You haven't had sex on the beach before?"

"Excuse me?" She raised an eyebrow. In only a matter of minutes, this man already had ideas of taking her to bed. The nerve!

"Oh, did you get it wrong? I mean, that's the name of the cocktail drink that you had."

"Sex on the beach." Drew didn't show him how she felt stupid on that. It wasn't her fault that she didn’t know it. "That's nice. Thanks." She accepted another glass and drinks it. "My name is Drew."

"I know." Alex smirked. "But what I want to know is what are you doing here? Are you supposed to be at your grandmother's penthouse and bonding with her?"

"You seemed to know a lot." Drew looked at him from the rim of her glasses. He has a lovely eyelashes and he had this tantalizing look that says he wanted her but he is holding it on. "She and Amelia are happy together, as we speak. I have no intention to stay there when I can go around and explore New York for the first time."

Alex chuckled. "Well first, I'm supposed to know you because my uncle happened to be the senator in this state. The family was occasionally briefed with local and foreign affairs and that includes the interest with your small yet rich country. Second, there are a lot of things to see in New York but I bet you can't do that. You have lots of bodyguards and you would need the permission from your supreme commander just to go around."

This man is challenging her. She should show him that she's no longer a child that still needs to ask the permission from her father. But then, she should be wiser. This man seemed to have an agenda. He wanted her to go alone without her bodyguards and although she told Amelia that she can go out without the trusted security, she's not a fool to do that. She is aware of the kidnap threats intended to her. She doesn't want anything to happen to her. She's scared but of course, she never let anyone know that. "There are ways to see New York even while having my bodyguards around. I'm not stupid enough to go out alone. I'm more responsible than you've given me credit for." She raised an eyebrow.

Alex smiled. "Good girl." He nodded at her then walked off.

Drew was left staring at his retreat. That's it? He just left. He didn't even ask for her contact number or if she wants to hang around with him for the rest of the evening. And did he just call her a girl? Damn, she will show him better! She snapped her fingers and amidst the large crowd in the bar, one of the bodyguards immediately went to her.

"Did you see that man who I just spoke with? Tell him that I'm inviting him over at my place at the hotel."

"Yes, Your Royal Highness."

Drew nodded and walked off. She didn't come back to the crowd she's previously been. They weren't her friends anyway. They are just using her for their own publicity. Silly people. As she walked out of the club, her army of bodyguards followed her sans the one she has given a mission to do. She just got inside the car when the said bodyguard came back and politely said that Alex refused. Drew furiously ordered to be taken back to the hotel. She had to be away from that club. A man, a wonderful and interesting man, just refused her invitation. No one does that to her, she - the princess of Volzenburga. She brushed away the thought. She will find another man someday. And this man, Alex, is going to regret what he's done to her.



>> 7

7

Drew inhaled deeply as the soft sea wind brushes her face. She felt at peace and she's happy that way. She felt like she's never been that way before. Her eyes closed, feet opened wide, she opened her arms wide as the wind blew again. She felt like flying. She opened her eyes and saw the sun setting in the horizon. She's standing alone in a beach. The waves roared in the sea and it greeted her as it brushed her feet. Without second thoughts, she pulled out her summer dress until she's only left with her top and bottom underwear. She ran and meets the waves, as if they have invited her in a gathering that's been going on in ages. She didn't feel the cold. Instead, she played with the water. She dove under and swam until she could no longer feel the depths of the sand. She rose up into the surface only to realize that she's already meters away from the shore. She begins to swim back but she didn't see the large waves coming behind her and she's instantly swept away.

"Help!" She lost control of herself. Her heart beats fast. She sunk again and then struggled to resurface. She didn't want to die. She wanted to live. She wanted to see her family: her father's concerned look, Amelia's disapproving glance and Rhian's curiosity. They're not the typical family but she actually loves them. It's not just her nature to show them what she truly feels. She is afraid that they might be taken away from her.

"Help!" She cried again. She closed her eyes. Tears started to come in. Will her life just go to end this way? She wanted to do more things and explore different places. And most of all, she still wanted to feel loved, by her family and by a man who will accept her. "Help..." She tried again to struggle to swim. Why did the waves suddenly wanted to engulf her and bring her down to the sea? Her arms began to ache.

And then suddenly, she felt it. A pair of arms encircled her waist. She quickly clung into it and rested her head on its shoulders. "God, Drew. I won't let you go down." It spoke and she realized that it is a man. "I will be always here for you. I will take care of you. I love you."

As she felt herself being brought back to the shore, she began to cry. No man has ever said that to her before. Fighting her weakness from her earlier struggle, she looked up. But before she could see the man, her vision went black.



~~~



Drew opened her eyes, catching her breath. The dream seemed so real. It felt as if it actually happened. She pulled a pillow beside her and hugged it. It was as if the dream reminded her of her life. The feelings she's been hiding inside. And then there's a man. She didn't see him and it frustrates her. No man had said those words of caring and loving to her, except her father. But that's by default and not counted. This man is different. What does her dream means?

She stared in to the darkness of her room. Oftentimes, she thinks of someone who can be her true friend, her confidante, her love. In the world she is into, it seemed impossible to find that someone. Anyone seemed to have an agenda when they try to get close to her. She's being careful of that. She wanted a person of whom she can really trust and wants nothing from her but the pleasure of her company and accepts and understands for who she is. She sighed. There are only a handful of people that she knows to be like it.

Her musings were interrupted when she heard voices arguing outside. There are soft voices but enough for her to recognize that it's Amelia and her secretary, Howie. Something's up between those two. She glanced at her watch. It's only four in the morning. What's going on?

She stood up, wore her robe and went towards the door. She heard a slamming of the door and when she turned to peek in the corridor, no one's there. But she's surprised to see a bouquet of flowers down on the floor in front of her. She bents down to look at it. She glanced on both sides of the corridor and no one’s there. She picked up the bouquet and read her name in the card.

Princess Drew,

It wasn't intentional to decline the offer but I've got reasons for doing it. Apologies. I want to make it up over breakfast at the hotel's restaurant tomorrow at 7, if you will let me.

Alex

Drew raised an eyebrow. How did the bouquet come here and left it on the floor? Did Alex, by chance, manage to sneak past the security just to do this stupid stunt? Shrugging off the thoughts because she loves the flowers anyway, she went back inside her room.

For the remaining hours of dawn, Drew had already lost her sleep. Instead, she turned the TV on and watched anything. By around six am, she started to soak herself in the bath tub and then took a refreshing shower after thirty minutes. Seven in the morning came and she's still in the room, putting her final touches: her fresh scent and her smile. She looked at the mirror. She never thought that she will look forward into having a breakfast with a stranger, an interesting one such as Alex.

When she walked out of her room, the corridor is still quiet. Amelia must still be sleeping. She walked towards the living room area of the penthouse and the security cordially greeted her. With her bright mood, she greeted them and asked one to accompany her downstairs at the restaurant for breakfast. She reached the restaurant about seven fifteen and the receptionist immediately led her to a corner, far from the entrance and the possible sight of any paparazzi. The bodyguard stood nearby to give her and Alex some privacy. Drew saw the man, in his casual jeans and shirt, already waiting on the table for her. Alex stood up when she arrived.

"I'm glad you came. Am I forgiven then?" Alex kissed her hand.

"The flowers are great. Thank you." She replied instead. She sat on the seat that he pulled out for her. When Alex went to his own seat, she caught his fresh manly scent and she smiled. What is it in him that attracts her?

"I've ordered a special American breakfast for you. I researched that you have a unique breakfast in your country and for your first morning here in the US, I'll give you..." he paused as a waitress carefully set a bowl in front of them. "... cereals." He finished and he gestured for milk.

She laughed. It brought a smile on Alex's face. "Okay, I admit that I never had cereals for breakfast before. I thought when you said American breakfast, we'll be served with bacon, eggs, hotdogs, bread..."

"Well, this one is unique. Admit it, princess." Alex grinned.

Drew nodded. "Cereals. I'd like to try this with milk, please." She let Alex pour in some milk on it. She asked for a fruit juice and was immediately brought to her. "After this, I'd like to have some bacon and omelet and bread, please." She tells the waitress.

"You're eating more? Where did you put the food you eat?" Alex asked with a smile after he asked for the same thing, too.

"Huh?"

"You're skinny and yet, you eat a lot. Where do you put those things you eat?"

"It's probably my metabolism, I guess. I always had heavy breakfast in the morning. I got used to it." She replied as she almost finished her cereals. "This is great." She intentionally closed her eyes to savor the taste of the cereal in her mouth. Her mind scolded her flirt and she already knows that. She wanted to know Alex's reaction as she did that. Immediately when she opened her eyes, she looked at him. He seemed mesmerized. She smiled to herself. "Alex, how about if you grab all the chances that you got now with me? Tour me around New York."



~~~



But things weren’t easy for Drew when Amelia learned about this. Her sister already planned an outing with her to their grandmother’s house in South Hamptons where they will stay for the rest of the month’s vacation in America. It infuriated her because she wasn’t even informed about that. While Alex is waiting outside, at the living room area with Howie and the security team, she’s having a heated argument with Amelia.

“Why didn’t you tell me this? It’s embarrassing that Alex was supposed to tour me around New York but I can’t because you have this stupid plan of gathering everything on your tow to move to South Hamptons to be with grandma.” She’s flashing red with fury.

“You could have known if only you joined last night’s dinner. That was the agreement that I’ve come up with grandma. She’s already old and I don’t want to compromise her health by traveling all the way here when we can stay at her house in South Hamptons. That’s the practical thing to do, Drew!”

“I won’t go with you. I’ll stay here at the hotel until the end of the month that we will leave.” She glared at Amelia.

“Why do you hate grandma so much, Drew? She hasn’t done anything wrong to any of us, as far as I could remember.”

“You wouldn’t believe me when I tell you, Amelia.”

“Try me,” Amelia countered, her face was glaring down at her too.

“I found out that before Mama’s death, grandma’s asking something from her that disturbed her a lot. It’d have contributed to a lot of things that would be bound to happen if Mama only had lived.” Drew replied.

“What is she asking from Mama?”

Drew raised an eyebrow. “I won’t tell you unless you’ll let me stay here in the city.” She knew that she had Amelia. She knew how much Amelia wanted to find out the things that happened before their mother’s death because now, they only heard rumors of the past and they weren’t sure which are true. It frustrated the three of them and the need to find out the stories and probable scandals prior to Juliana’s death created a rift among the three princesses. It’s an internal conflict that has been happening for years now.

“Don’t push me, Andrea. I know that regardless of granting you my permission or not, you’ll still stay here.”

Drew smiled mockingly. “I’m touched how you knew me that well, sister.”

“Now, tell me what you know!”

Drew smiled widely. Amelia glared at her. “Since Mama could no longer bear a child after Rhian, Grandma had asked her to pretend to be pregnant and adopt a son that would legitimately become the heir to the throne instead of you. And I wouldn’t be surprised if one day, she’ll introduce someone as the legitimate son and will be the throne’s heir because I’ve read how much she wanted to please the royal family.”



>> 8

8

Drew is smiling when she gets out of the room. She turned to the corner towards the living room and saw Howie, Alex and some of the security team waiting for them. She stopped; her right hand is on her waist as if she just posed for a camera shot. The men were looking at him. “I’m staying.” She turned to the head security, “Roberto, divide your security so that some will be left here.” She saw Howie trying to hide his frown. “Yes, Howie? Any problem?”

Howie looked at her. “None, Your Royal Highness.” He stood there as if waiting for a command from her. Instead, she ignored him.

“Aren’t we going somewhere, Alex?”

Alex stood up. “You will only need one security, I guess. I had enough of my own.”

“Did you hear that, Roberto? I only need one security.”

Roberto faced her. “Your Royal Highness, you know that a minimum of three is always required to accompany you wherever you go.” When Drew raised an eyebrow, the head security didn’t budge. “Madam, I have strict orders from the king about this and I won’t compromise your safety above anything else. Apologies but I was given the power not to allow you to go unless you have the minimum requirement.”

Alex nodded. “It’s alright, Princess Drew.”

Drew’s jaw clenched. How could her father and Andrea let her be humiliated like this? “Whatever,” she started to walk out of the penthouse suite and towards the elevators. Alex comes right after her. “I’m sorry, Alex, for their behavior.”

“It’s alright.” The elevator doors opened and they went in together. Two bodyguards were with them. The other one must have probably been waiting at the lobby. There was silence inside until they got into the lobby. People they passed by would take a second glance at the princess while some greeted Alex.

“Wow, you know a lot of people. Are you somebody here in New York?”

Alex smiled. They were ushered out of the hotel and into a waiting black Range Rover. There were also a couple of black vehicles behind them that are intended for each other’s security. When they were settled inside, Alex is still not answering her. He glanced at her when she takes out her compact and retouched her makeup. Drew wished she knew what he’s thinking. She never met someone as interesting as him. When she’s done with her makeup, she turned to him and flashed a smile. “So, who are you?”

“I’m just a businessman that happened to have lots of friends.” He smiled back. “Don’t worry. I’m a nice person. Google my name, if you want. I have a clear background.”

Drew turned to face him. “Alex, don’t worry. I believe you.” She takes off his sunglasses. Oh, God. He has beautiful brown eyes. He’s so adorable. She’s getting attracted to him faster than she could imagine. She’s definitely going to keep him.



~~~



Amelia glanced at Howie when she saw him standing by the table. She ignored him as she waited for her father to pick up the phone. Finally, the king did and it brought another feeling of nervousness in her. No matter how much she tries to defy the destiny she’s bound to take, there’s also a part of her that wanted to please her father. “Hello, Papa. It’s Amelia. Drew won’t come along with me. She’ll stay here in New York.”

“I’m expecting that she’ll find a way to avoid your grandmother, Amelia. And I’m not surprised to learn about a new man in her life.” Albert replied on the other line.

“How did you know?” She saw Howie busying himself on his PDA.

“Howard. He’s reporting to me and he just did early this morning.”

“This morning? How did that happen?” Amelia frowned.

“Simple. He called, I answered…” Albert chuckled. “Mi hija, don’t worry yourself too much about Drew. I got eyes looking after her. I want you to enjoy your vacation while it lasts. When you get back here, you have to face your responsibilities and that include the things we talked about before you left here.”

Amelia sighed. “Papa, I don’t like Howie. You should have ordered him to join the army instead.”

“There are no other applicants for the vacant job then, Amelia. Besides, we just followed your suggestion. It seemed to be the best and only way.” Albert replied. “Very well, I hope you’ll be enjoying the rest of the month there. I’m expecting you to be back here. And don’t worry about Alexander James McLean. I will have him investigated, every single cell of him to make sure that your sister is out of harm’s way. I know that beneath that cold surface of yours is your love and concern towards your sisters. Thank you so much, sweetheart. Take care.” And then the line was cut.

Amelia stared at the mobile phone. She’s used to that fact that her father can dismiss her as easily as that. She drew a deep breath as she turned to face Howie. But her new secretary is nowhere near the table now.



>> 9

9

For the whole week that they have been together, Drew and Alex were seen everywhere in New York, thanks to the devoted paparazzi who always followed them around. Whenever they were at the park, at a hotdog stand in a corner, a restaurant, in Broadway or just anywhere else, they never had any privacy. Rumors began to start that the two are now the 'hottest' couple in town when in truth, they are only friends.

More like fucking buddies, Drew thought as she stared at Alex's sleeping form beside her. It has been a wonderful night with him. She seemed to be always wanted to be with him. She thought that maybe someday, if her feelings for him developed, she may relocate to the US and be with him. She wouldn't think twice about that. Alex may be her ticket to leave the palace.

She felt him moved and his arms went over her body. He pulled her closer to him. "You're already awake. Are you thinking about something? Hmmm?"

"No, I'm not thinking of anything." She replied.

Alex takes his cellphone placed at the bedside table. "I'm setting the alarm. You might wake up without me tomorrow, Drew. I have an early breakfast meeting with my brother and uncle."

"Don't you want me to go with you?" She snuggled closer to him.

"It's business. You won't do anything. I'd rather see you in the afternoon after my meeting," Alex kissed her temple. "I love your body, Drew."

"As well as I do to yours," she purred. She traced the tattoos on his arm that can be seen by the bright moonlight. "What are we going to do tomorrow?"

"I don't know."

"Aren't you ashamed that I'm with me?" She asks him.

Alex wrapped his arms around her body. "No. Why would you ask such thing?"

"Well, because the people seem to think that I'm a shallow person, that all I can think about is go to parties or shopping or be with trashy socialites. I'm not, AJ. I go to parties but not always. Well, scratch that." They chuckled. "I love parties. It's the only thing where I can have fun and make me forget who I am. As for shopping, I don't like shopping that much. I have my own stylist who does that for me. And about the people I go with, they're actually nice and they have lots of things to do with their time. They work hard and then party hard, too. And it's frustrating that people misunderstood us."

"What do you do, anyway?"

"I graduated Industrial Engineering and I have duties to cooperate and be an advisor with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. I report to my father on what the department needs."

"You're an engineer?"

"I've obtained a license, yes." Drew sighed. "They say that I'm a person of many contrasts especially in this field. I was seen as very feminine and yet my interest to take my part as a princess was to be in a man's job. I don't care. It's what I like to do."

"Don't ever mind what others think about you as long as you're not doing anything wrong and you're not harming other people." Alex kissed her.

Drew turned to him. "What about you? Tell me something about you."

Alex yawned. "Well, I am the youngest among the brood of six, four older brothers and a sister. My dad's a stockbroker and my mom's a writer. Being the youngest is fun because everyone treated me so special," he chuckled at that.

"Do you feel some pressure within the family?"

"There are times when I feel that but I know that it's nothing compared to yours. Mostly the pressure comes from my parents who wanted me to get married. I've got no problem with the business, I can handle that. But having parents who will call you anytime to keep tabs about your dating life is not cool. But now, I was surprised they haven't called me yet to ask about you." Alex said.

"Maybe, they don't like me. Maybe, they don't care because it's an open knowledge that I change boyfriends as if I'm just changing my clothes." Drew felt so insecure to think that Alex's parents may not like her. It wasn't something she had to worry about but she did. It's a totally new feeling. She cared for Alex so much now and it wasn't like before.

"Do you?"

"No. And if ever I broke up with one so fast, that's because I have a reason." Drew replied. Alex didn't comment on that. "What about us?"

"Us?" She heard him drew a deep breath. "Would you like to be my girlfriend?"

Drew look at him. "I want something more than just being your fucking buddy, AJ. Yes, I want to be your girlfriend."

"It won't be easy for you to let me go." He said. She couldn't tell why it seemed as though she should be serious at her next decision. But she wants him and here's her opportunity now.

"You should know that I'm serious now and I've never felt like this before." She stared at his face, in his beautiful eyes, and ran her fingers through his short hair. She saw him slowly smiled. He embraced her as he went on top of her again.

"And you should know that I am, too." He leans down and kisses her.



>> 10

10

Alex held her hand as they entered the grand ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. He felt it was cold and he turned to her. "You're nervous?"

Drew glanced back to her bodyguards who settled themselves strategically everywhere within her distance. She turned back to Alex. "What would you do if I say yes?" She replied with a question. She gripped his hand tight. How could she not? Alex's cousin invited them to her birthday and by the way he talks about it, everyone in his family seems to be attending the party. Before, it does not matter to Drew. But now, she cares a lot if they will like her or not.

"Don't worry, darling. I won't leave you." Alex smiled at her.

"What if they don't like me?" She quietly asks. Alex looked at her for a moment, as if in disbelief. "I know we already talked about this earlier. But still, you can't blame me if I want them to like me."

Alex hugged her. "Drew, it's alright. You've got to trust me. I'll be here and regardless if they like you or not, it won't change anything. Okay?" Drew takes a deep breath as she nodded. They turned when somebody called Alex.

"Alex, it's been a long time since I've seen you." An elderly woman came and hugged Alex.

"Grandma, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Drew. And Drew, this is my adorable and sweet grandmother, Ingrid McLean." Alex introduced. The two ladies shook hands. He turned to the elder one. "You looked younger, Grandma."

Ingrid's laughter seemed to ring in the crowded ballroom. "Oh, come on, Alex, my dear. Save your precious words. I know you. What do you want?"

Alex shakes his head. "Nothing, grandma. Excuse us, by the way. We have to go now to the birthday celebrant."

"Excuse us, madam," Drew said to Ingrid before walking away with Alex. She didn't see the elder one gave her a run-through from head to feet and shakes her head before proceeding to a nearby couple.

As they walked on, Drew felt the looks coming from other people. She felt conscious that she began to ask herself. Does she look beautiful? What could they be thinking about her? Do they like her? She never cared for other people's opinion but with Alex, it mattered a lot for her. It's something new for her and she doesn't know if she will be happy about it or not.

"Come on, Alex. You're going out with her?"

Drew raised an eyebrow when she heard that. She quickly turned around and saw a petite woman. She didn't know her and she didn't know why this woman says something like that. She looked at her from head to feet.

"Oh, don't give me that, princess. I don't like people like you. And you're not going to do that perusal while you're in my territory." The woman said in a quiet but firm voice.

"Colleen, stop that." Alex tried to say.

"Who are you?" Drew asked. She held her head high. She's still a princess and this little woman should know better than to mess up with her. "I don't remember doing anything to you."

"Yeah, not me. But for my -" She stopped when Alex pulled her away from Drew. She watched as the two talked and she wished she could hear them. The woman glared at her and then walked away. Alex came back to her.

"Sorry about that. That's my cousin, Colleen. She just doesn't like royalty."

"Obviously. I don't care. Besides, I didn't come here as a princess, Alex." When he gave her a questioning look, she smiled sweetly. "I came here as your girlfriend."

Alex nodded in approval. "Nice one, Drew. I like that." He puts his arm on her waist as they went towards the birthday celebrant who's already waiting for them.



~~~



Drew laughed again from one of Alex's jokes. He never ceased to make her smile and make their day an enjoyable one. It's sad that in two days, she will be going back to Volzenburga. She wanted to stay but she needs to be back. "It's sad that I'd have to go home on Friday. I always have an amazing time with you." She said as they get off the elevator. They grew silent as they walked through the security team who courteously greeted them. When they got inside the penthouse and closed the door, Drew faced him again. She's about to say something when her phone rang.

Her eyes widened when she saw that it's her father calling.

"Answer it." Alex chuckled.

Drew made a deep breath first and then answered the call. "Hello, Papa."

"Mi hija, how are you? I'm looking forward to see you again." There is the usual affection in the king's voice.

"I'm fine, Papa. Looking forward to see you, too."

"Really? How about your boyfriend? Aren't you going to introduce him to me? I've been hearing a lot about you here. It seemed serious. I'm concerned. I want you to take care." Albert tells her.

Drew glanced at Alex who turned when the door of the penthouse opened and Howie came in. Her sister isn't with him. "I know how to take care of myself, Papa. Thank you very much. By the way, Howie just arrived. Amelia isn't with him."

"Howie?"

"I mean, Howard." Drew rolled her eyes. "That's how I call him. Amelia isn't here." She tried again.

"I see."

That's it? Drew raised an eyebrow. "I have to go. See you in a few days, Papa." She lost interest in talking with her father. Is Amelia going to stay in the US? If it's true, that's unfair. She wanted to stay, too. Something's going on that she doesn't know. She ended the call and went towards where the two men are talking. "Where's my sister, Howie?"

Howie looked at her. "I don't know, Your Royal Highness. Maybe she's somewhere in the city. Anyway, the bodyguards are with her."

She looked at him. Something's different with him. Something happened at the Hamptons. "What's going on, Howie?"

"I am no longer the princess' secretary, Your Royal Highness. And I'm returning this evening to Volzenburga."

"Huh? Why? What happened?"

"I am in no position to discuss it for now, Princess Drew. Excuse me. I have to go. I only came to bid you farewell, Your Royal Highness." Howie smiled. He bowed at her and then nodded at Alex. They watched the man go out of the penthouse.

Drew didn't say anything. She didn't know why she felt sad. She turned when Alex stood beside her. She hugged him. "Just the thought of leaving you makes me cry. I promise that I'll be back."

"Oh, Drew..." Alex traced her face softly. “You’re a wonderful woman and I felt lucky that I’ve known you even in this very short time. It’s frustrating that not everyone knows how amazing you are.” He spoke soothingly. He crossed the gap between them as he kissed her. Drew didn’t hesitate to return the kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him closer.

“Oh, darling. Please stay here for the night.”

Alex stared at her. “Are you sure? Is this what you really want?”

Her eyes were glazed as she stared back at him. “Yes, Alex…”

He smiled. “Whatever the princess wished to…” He leaned closer to kiss her again.



>> 11

11

Alex greeted the family butler as he entered the main hall of his family’s home in the Hampton. The place is quiet and he wondered where the people are. Just as he is about to ask the butler, he heard an excited glee. He turned to see his three-year old niece coming from a room, followed by his mother.

“Hello, Anita. How are you?” He affectionately smiled as he meets the little girl with a hug. He looked up to his mother. “I didn’t know that you’re now babysitting your grandchildren.”

“It’s a hobby,” Denise replies. “You arrived in New York more than a month ago and you didn’t go here immediately. Did that princess keep you busy that you forgot about your mother?”

“No, Mom. Of course, not. I’d just have to finish my business first.”

Denise raised an eyebrow. “What business? I thought you’re done when you closed that deal with an oil conglomerate in Texas. And then I heard you were in the Caribbean with your cousins before Luke died. What business? Is it true that the princess is your new girlfriend?”

Alex chuckled. “Easy with the questions, Mom. The princess' name is Drew. Yes, she’s my girlfriend. I doubt it if she’ll ever be for a longer period of time. We had a great time together but knowing her background, I doubt it if we'll ever last.” He took Anita in his arms. They walked towards the hall leading the wide back yard. The heels of their shoes echo in the quiet hall. His niece is only looking at him.

“I’ve seen in the news and it’s all over the club, AJ. You should see me trying to hold my laughter when they fussed all over you and the princess. I mean, it’s ridiculous. They should ask you instead of me. I don’t care about your affairs. All I care about is if that woman will make you happy."

Alex shakes his head. “Let’s not talk about her. I’m here to visit you and stay for a while. I miss you, Mom."

Denise smiled wider. “That’s sweet, darling. I’m glad you’ve found time to stay with me. Your brothers and sister never find time to see me ever since they started their own family.” There’s a hint of sadness in her voice.

Alex faced his mother. “Mom, don’t worry. I’m telling you that before I get married, I’ll bring my future wife here and will tell her that I’d love it if we’ll live here, close to you. That will be my ultimate test if she's the one. And then, you don’t have to think about living on your own because we’ll be here to take care of you and not just to make you the babysitter of our kids."

"I wonder when that will happen. For sure, it’s not the princess of Volzenburga. She seemed to be the kind who’d just play around and never settle down… like you.” She looked down to her fidgeting fingers.

Alex kissed his mother on the forehead. “Yes, I doubt it that she’ll be, Mom. I deserved better than that. Definitely, not her. So, what’s up? I see that the garden is beautiful. You finally convinced Dad to do something about it, huh?"

Denise laughed. “We did it together, honey. It’s amazing. He’s coming home, by the way. We haven’t got the chance to go to Leonora’s birthday. I should have met your princess.” She gave her son a teasing grin.

“Oh,” Alex smiled. “It’s okay. Who knows? You might meet her soon. By the way, where are Anita’s parents?” He turned to his niece. The younger one smiled to him.

“Ronald and Lucia are in France to attend their son’s graduation.”

Alex thought for a moment. “Romeo? How old is he? Twelve?”

“I forgot,” Denise laughed. “But he’s graduating from grade school. I think he’d rather go to high school here than to study abroad again. He missed you.”

“Well, I miss Romeo too. I wish he’d rather go to school here than there. I’ve been against it from the start. It was like they’re exiling their son there.” Alex shakes his head. He turned to Anita who’s playing with his nose. And just by looking at his niece, why does he have this sudden wishful thinking about him and Drew having a baby? It wasn’t as if that would happen.



~~~



Drew followed Juana out of the club. She’s too drunk that she did not even care about who is the person that she was clinging to as they made their way towards the car. It was probably her security. She flinched at the greetings of flashes of cameras around. She looked down and tried to act that she’s fine and not drunk. She has been to several headlines ever since she came back to the country. Headlines that are far from she deserved and her father would be proud of. She heard her name being called several times, and was it delivered in different accents? She never noticed it before until when Alex once told her about it.

She remembered him again. She wondered what happened to him and where he is now. She tried to call him at the number he’s given her but he never answered the phone or returned her voice messages. She emailed him and he never responded too. She’s starting to think that he might just never cared too deeply for her, that she’s just a fling who happened to be there when they both needed each other’s company.

Finally, they reached the car and she immediately went inside. She felt the arms of the man who’s holding her and cursing the paparazzi that are trying to catch a glimpse of her blushing face with their cameras. Thankfully, the vehicle is heavily tinted. She’s free as soon as the doors were closed.

I miss him, she thought sadly. She stared blankly at the window. In just a short time of being with Alex and sharing her thoughts and inspiration with him, she realized that she had opened up herself to him and she never did that to anyone before. Maybe this time, she's finally falling in love for real.

It scares her. What is she going to do now?



>> 12

12

Drew browsed the pages of the articles about her from various magazines and newspapers. She asked her secretary for copies of it. As usual, she received several of it and she never wondered why. There's just some people who loves to gossip about her. Before, she wouldn't care but now, she always thinks about Alex's family's opinion about it. Was it the reason why she couldn't reach him or why he never called? She's always photographed with different men but those were only her friends. And she had to talk to Alex to explain about it.

The phone rang for several times and still, there's no answer. She is very frustrated. She placed the phone back on top of the desk. She went to the window and glanced outside. She should think of a way to contact Alex. She needs an excuse for her father to allow her to go to the US. She just couldn't leave the country because of her royal duties, aside from the fact that her father is holding her documents including her passport. She felt like a prisoner.

She turned when the door of her office opened after a soft knock. Amelia came inside. Drew is about to say something sarcastic, just like what she used to do, but stopped. There is something different in Amelia and she wondered what seems to be wrong. She's also concerned. After all, Amelia is her sister.

She walked towards her sister. "Is there something wrong?"

To her surprise, Amelia suddenly cried and succumbed into her arms. She held her close and let her cry. For quite some time, there was silence. Drew never expect Amelia to break down and cry. She's known as the ice princess. No one could break her.

Until now.

It touches her heart that her sister chose to turn to her and pour out her feelings. They weren't exactly the best of friends. But the bad things were all behind them now. Drew realized how she deeply cares for her elder sister and it angered her that someone must have hurt Amelia too much to make her cry like this.

"I'm ready." Amelia said afterwards. Drew wiped off her tears.

"What's going on?"

"I'm pregnant."

Drew stared at her. "You have a boyfriend? Why aren't you telling us? You're going to have an heir?"

Amelia bit her lower lip. "I don't know if he'd still want me."

"Come on, Amelia. Who wouldn't want you? You're beautiful. You're smart. You have the best qualities as this country's princess." Drew saw the hesitation and insecurity in her sister's eyes. She couldn't believe that Amelia is not confident about herself.

"I don't think so. I'm not as interesting as you are or pretty."

Drew's mouth dropped open. "Okay, I couldn't believe that I'm hearing this. Stop it. Don't ever think about it, Amelia. Now, tell me. How did you get pregnant when you don't even have a boyfriend?"

"I had." Amelia said quietly. She looked at her. "I'm scared. I don't know how to tell Papa. What if he gets mad? What if he disowns me?"

As if, Drew thought. But she didn't voice it though. "I don't know, Amelia. Don't worry. We'll get through this. We have to think of a way to solve this." She gripped her hand.

"Thank you, Andrea. I was never wrong to turn to you. Even though we have our differences, you didn't turn your back on me. I'm sorry."

"Silly. We're sisters. We should stick together, no matter what. Let's set aside that argument about Mom. This one's more important."

Amelia drew a deep breath. Her one hand went to her still flat belly. If only Drew knew what her sister is thinking now. She still wondered about one thing. "Who's the father?"

Her sister looked at her. And then she avoided her eyes. "I'd rather not talk about him."

"Why? He's a nobody?"

"He's somebody."

"Can I beat the crap out of him?"

Amelia smiled at that. "Yes, I think you can do that."

She started to smile, too. "It seems like I know him. Is he good looking? Because I have to make sure that my future niece or nephew has a good genes coming from its father."

"Very."

Drew is intrigued. "You looked like you're in love with him. I wonder why did you break up with him."

Amelia looked down, fidgeting on her fingers. This is the other side of her that Drew is seeing for the first time. Her sister is in love and she looks vulnerable. Who could be that man and how could he do this to her? "There are consequences that are very complicated. And when I tell Papa, he might be even happy about it."

"What do you mean?"

"I am betrothed to that man who's now the father of my child."

"I am That means you're engaged? How could I not know about this?" Drew shakes her head. She even forgot Alex for a while because of Amelia's dilemma. "You mean, Papa has betrothed you to someone? Did that man rape you even though you love him? He forced himself to you?"

"No! He's a good man..." Amelia quickly replied. "It's just that I don't approve of the engagement. It's like what happened to Papa and Mama. They were stuck in a loveless marriage because Mama doesn't love Papa. I don't want to be like them. I want to be loved."

"The man doesn't love you?"

Amelia nodded. "He told me when I asked him. So imagine how hurtful it was, Drew. That's why I couldn't tell him about the baby. I don't even know what to do. And I will definitely keep this baby, no matter what."

"Of course. But why he would touch you when he doesn't love you? This is confusing, Amelia. You said he's your boyfriend and yet he doesn't love you. You're betrothed to him but you don't want the engagement. I don't understand. Surely, you're holding yourself from each other but you had sex. That's ridiculous! And now you're pregnant." She saw her cried again. Oh, she pitied Amelia now. Her sister has fallen in love and it wasn't even a good experience. It wasn't everyday that Amelia will give her heart to someone. Their experience with their mother has taught them to be tough and strong and sometimes, cold. She's about to ask her sister again on who is the father when there was a knock on the door. She told the person to come in. It was their butler. Both women looked at him.

"Your Royal Highnesses, there is a visitor for you. He introduced himself as Alex McLean. Should I allow him?"

Drew's eyes widened. Her smile grew wide. Her heart beats faster at the thought that Alex came all the way from the US to see her. "Yes! Where is he?"

"The security is with him at the Sitting Room, Princess Drew."

"Send him in." The butler nodded and excused himself. She turned to Amelia. "I never thought that he'll come here. I've been calling him for days, or rather for weeks."

Amelia is wiping her tears. "I don't know, Andrea. I just have a bad feeling about that man. I don't trust him yet. There seemed to be something in him that I cannot name, as if some ulterior motive." She tells her. "I have to go. Thank you for understanding. I won't stay to see your boyfriend." They hugged each other.

"I'm going to need the name of that man we're talking about, Amelia. We're not yet through talking." Drew said as her sister leaves the room. Amelia only replied with a wave of her hand. The door closed and then opened again. And Alex came to view. She forgot her inhibitions as she ran to him and pulled him for a deep kiss.



>> 13

13

"This is really a surprise, AJ. Why didn't you answer my calls?" Drew pouted. Her arms wrapped around Alex's neck as his arms were around her waist. "I was starting to think that you don't want to see me anymore."

"I lost my phone. And I wasn't able to remember your number that's why I couldn't contact you. Sorry, baby." Alex kissed her again. "I missed you."

"I missed you more." Drew said. She rested her head at the crook of his neck. "Let's get out of the country. Take me from here. Take me to wherever you're going."

"You got things to do here. And I have my business to take care, too. I just passed by to see you and then I'll be off to Denmark on the coming weekend."

"Huh?" Drew pouted again. "I want to be with you."

"How about if we plan a vacation next month? Just you and me, together." Alex kissed the tip of her nose. "What do you think?"

"Sounds good to me," She smiled up to him. "I love you, AJ."

Alex seemed to stare at her in surprise. And then his face slowly dawned into a wide smile. He only replied it with a scorching kiss that almost took her breath away.



~~~



King Albert and his secretary, Enrique Tobias, stood by the window as they watched Drew and her boyfriend walked on the grassy front lawn of the castle. They were holding each other's hand and they were talking and laughing together. Albert's heart warmed as he watched his daughter happy to be with a man she seemed to have a deep affection. But then, something's up with that man, too. He turned to Enrique. "Is that true?"

"That is according to the background check that we've had, Your Majesty. Alexander James McLean was the cousin of Luke Gowain, the princess' former beau, who also happened to be the only son of the most influential senator in the US, Arthur Gowain."

"And this Luke Gowain was dead?"

"Died of drug overdose and heart attack, Your Majesty. The witnesses also said that he's calling for Princess Andrea's name before he died. One of the witnesses was McLean." Enrique replied.

Albert turned back to the couple below. "Do you think it's just a coincidence that they met or this man has something planned for my daughter?"

"I don't have any idea, Your Majesty. I'd rather like to think that it's just a coincidence than the latter. Princess Andrea seemed so happy. I'd hate to see that smile off her face."

Albert nodded. "My sentiments exactly, Enrique." He sighed. "What about Amelia? Have you seen her? My daughter seemed distraught."

"She seemed to have gain weight, Your Majesty." Enrique answered.

"See?" Albert smiled. "I'm right. She gained weight." Then his smile faded. "Could it be that she's pregnant?" He and his secretary looked at each other.



>> 14

14

Drew noticed it at the time when Alex arrived. He seemed distant and she wondered why. There goes a saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder. It works for her but for Alex, it seemed as though he lost interest. Maybe, she's just paranoid. She watched as Alex talked with a couple of men and a woman. They were at a club for a party. She turned to her cousins, Juana and Kristin. "Do you think he loves me?"

"Yes," Juana replied.

"No," Kristin said at the same time. The two turned to her. "Oh, come on. Isn't it obvious? I agree with Amelia. This man's up to something."

Drew raised an eyebrow. "I hate you."

"Oh, you love me for being honest. You got to admit it. You feel rejected. I wonder why." Kristin gave her cousin a teasing grin. Drew didn't say anything. "Oh, I see Kevin. Excuse me, ladies. I have to get my man." Kristin winked at them and then, left. Drew shakes her head when she saw her cousin's target. When Kevin saw Kristin coming, he almost ducked behind his companion. Kristin is stupid. Can't she see that the man clearly doesn't want to be with her? And then she asked herself. Does Alex still wanted to be with her? She tried to seduce him last night but he refused.

"I'll just go to the ladies' room," she tells Juana. She didn't wait for her reply as she walked off. When she got inside the ladies' room, she stared quietly at the mirror.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Drew quickly turned and saw Alex's cousin, Colleen, the royal-hater. "Why are you here? Did Alex know that you're here?"

Colleen smiled. "Yes, he knows that I am here. He didn't mention it to you? What a pity." She shakes her head. "He actually doesn't want me to see you. Did you know why? Because I have something to tell you."

"And I will never believe you."

"Don't worry, princess. I'm not your enemy. I'm just concerned. Someday, you'll thank me and we may even turn out to be the best of friends." Colleen laughed. "By the way, I want to introduce myself. I'm Luke's sister."

Drew stood in surprise as she only looked at her.

"Surprised? Didn't Alex tell you that? Or are you really that dumb?" Colleen laughed.

"But Luke was the only son..."

"Yes, that's true. Because he had three other sisters. Are you really that stupid? It's time for you to wake up and look around, girl. A lot of people were laughing at you. You knew about Luke and our dad and yet when you went out with Alex, you didn't even think for a moment why he's connected with Senator Gowain. Everyone thinks you're the cause of Luke's death. He told us a lot about you and how much he loves you but you only played with him. He's so stupid to accept that and he continued to love you until his dying day." There was now anger in her eyes as she stared back to Drew. "How could you do that to him?"

Drew started to fear for herself when Colleen began to grab her and push her. She tried to pull away and struggled to reach the door. She didn't fight back. She only wanted to get out of the ladies' room. She screamed and pushed Colleen away until she finally got out. Everyone seemed to be oblivious on what happened in the ladies' room. She walked on the other way, away from the others. One of her bodyguards, who kept an eye on her, is immediately behind her.

"I'm going to leave." She announced. The ones who heard her turned in curiosity as the princess went out of the club, leaving her boyfriend behind. She didn't care about the paparazzi who flashed their cameras around her. She went straight in the black Rover and it quickly sped away.



~~~



Alex drinks his wine as he watched in the corner about what happened earlier. Drew never even cared to look for him when she decided to leave. How thoughtful, he shakes his head.

"I'm done, cousin. You should have seen what happened inside." Colleen said who now stood beside him.

Alex smirked. "Great job. Now, for my final performance..." He sets down the glass on the nearby table. "Have a nice trip back home." He kissed his cousin on the cheeks and left.



>> 15

15

Drew opened the large door of her room and with all her might, she pushed it and it created a loud bang as it slammed close. Her tears fell. She walked through the large Sitting Room, passing by her walk-in closet and in to the main bedroom. She threw her purse on the small couch on the side. She takes off her dress until she's left with only her underwear. She went inside her big bathroom, walking along the large sink and into the waiting shower. She fully undressed herself and opened the shower.

Could it be possible that Alex only set things up to humiliate her in his family and to make her look like a fool to every one who knows her? Could it be possible that he only planned everything and make her fall for him and dump her like a hot potato like she did to his cousin? Maybe she deserved it but did she also have the chance to make things right by falling seriously with a man and be happy?

She cried. She slowly slid herself down the tiled floor, the water from the shower continued to flow on her. Did her mother promise to herself that they can never have the happiness they deserve as long as they live? Because ever since, she always longed for peace, happiness and contentment but it never came to her. She knew her father tried to reach out to her but she built a wall around her. She doesn't want to be disappointed. She doesn't want to be hurt. She doesn't want others to break through that barrier until Alex came along. There's something in him that instantly made her decide to open up herself. If it wasn't a love at first sight, there must be something else. She's not lying when she told him that she cared for him deeply than she did to anyone else before.

At the end of the shower, she dried herself and sat on the soft couch. She quietly stared into the blank space. The phone mounted on the wall rang and she turned the speakers on as she answered it. "Who is it?" She went back to the couch, too lazy to do anything.

"It's AJ."

She didn't say anything. Tears began to well up again. She drew a deep breath and held it back. This man must have known the powers he had on her, and he can hurt her so deeply.

"Drew?"

"What do you want?"

"I heard about what Colleen did. I want to see you."

"Is there a point for you to see me?" She asks him. "Tell me, AJ. Did you know about me and Luke all this time?"

There was a long silence. Drew held her breath for his reply. She didn't wait for long.

"Yes."

"And?"

"You disgust me, Drew."

It was like a bomb and it hurt her. "So all this time, you're just trying to make me fall for you." She concluded. "Because you think that I'm responsible for the death of your cousin. You're pathetic, AJ. You and Colleen, and the people who thinks that way." She said in a hard tone. She will never give him the happiness to know how much he hurt her. That was his plan anyway.

"I'm going to ruin you, Drew." Alex said in a tone she never heard from him before. He seemed to be a different person. It hurts her to hear it from the man she finally admits that she loves, even in just a short time.

"I'm already ruined, AJ. You can't do any more damage than that. I've been through hell." Tears came out from her eyes but she tried not to tremble when she speaks. She will not let Alex notice how much damage he's done more to her.

"Then I'll make sure you'll stay in hell."

"I can pull you with me." She gritted her teeth. "Tell me, AJ. Why do you hold this grudge against me? Your cousin just died." She added the last one.

"Fuck you, Andrea!" Alex whispered with full conviction.

"We already did, so many times."

"Luke died because of you and after he did, his mother had a heart attack and died too. Our grandmother was so devastated and... I'm sure you don't even care about my family now. There's one thing I'd like to add."

"What?"

"I never loved you and you were never a good lay." Then the call ended. Drew frowned. How could he say that over the phone? He's not man enough to tell her in the face. She will make sure that he made a mistake to consider crossing paths with him. Oh, how he hurt her! But she knew better than to sulk in one corner and cry about it. They were brought up to be strong women, even Rhian. Alex should realize how wrong it was to mess up with her, she, Princess Andrea, the princess of Volzenburga. If Alex said he is going to ruin her, he needs to plan well for he will never succeed. She will make sure of that.



>> 16

16

Albert walked out of the Children's Center followed by his daughter, Andrea. They just got through a visit for two hours to see the neeeds of the facility and Drew will spearhead the project. Amelia is temporarily taking the backseat to perform some of the duties. The king already learned about his firstborn's pregnancy and far from the sisters' expectation, Albert was not pleased by the news - not about the baby news, but by the knowledge about Amelia's relationship with her betrothed. They decided to keep mum about Amelia's condition first until the matter is settled between her and her betrothed, in which is still a stranger for Drew. She still didn't know who because she didn't ask. She wanted Amelia to tell it to her.

It wasn't the king that the media was interested to interview but Drew. She made her secretary announce that she and Alex broke up and it was due to the infidelity of the latter. She also added that Alex has made some woman pregnant while they were in a relationship. She never showed anyone how devastating the situation it was for her but she made sure that she got the sympathy of her family and everyone who always want to gossip around. The charm of being a damsel in distress never fails.

Wearing her dark signature sunglasses, she quietly walked down the front steps, constantly smiling to everyone. She's thankful for her glasses. Nobody can see beneath it on how swollen it is, considering that she's been crying for nights.

"How are you, Princess?" One of the paparazzi asked.

"She's fine." Her father answered for her. She takes his hand and they walked hand in hand towards the waiting car.

"Your Majesty, what can you say about Mr. McLean's accusations about the princess?" Albert only shakes his head in reply. The bodyguards ushered them inside the car and it quickly sped off.

There was silence inside the car until Drew sighed. "Where's Amelia?" She wanted to check her sister's condition but she didn't see her at breakfast. "And Rhian?"

"Amelia flew in to Switzerland early this morning for a doctor's check-up. Her pediatrician, who is also her friend, lives there. She would rather travel because she trusted her friend's confidentiality in things like those. Rhian is in London. She went to follow Nick."

"Rhian is head-over-heels crazy about that man," she shakes her head. Actually, she envied her sister. She has someone who loves her the way she does. Rhian is lucky. She thinks that Nick is the one who can take good care of her sister.

"With all the things that are happening with you and Amelia, Rhian is probably the first person to marry. While you haven't found yours yet." Albert muttered. He takes her hand. She looked at her father.

"Papa?"

"Yes?"

"When you felt that you were in love with Mama, does it make you very happy despite the fact that you know she doesn't even feel the same way?"

The king looked at his daughter. He came back to the day when Drew and Amelia were still young, both wearing pigtails on their hair. They were sitting beside him in the car while baby Rhian was being cradled to sleep by his sister, Victoria. They were on their way to the public funeral service for his wife, the late Queen Juliana. They were asking him questions with their big eyes full of curiosity.

"It was a very happy feeling, Andrea. It was so wonderful that I want you to feel the same way, too. That's why I never stopped you from finding your happiness." He smiled to her.

"I seek for whatever happiness that I deserve, Papa. And I deserved better than AJ."

"But you said you love him. Isn't that true?"

Drew blinked many times to keep the tears from falling. She's glad that she didn't take off her shades. She didn't want her father to see her close to tears, again. "Yes but I will move on, Papa. He didn't deserve to be treated any kindly from the way he's tried to ruin me. I'll make sure that he'd regret that he messed up with me."

"It will be hard to move on after losing someone you love, Andrea. You will find someone better soon but for now, I understand how it hurt you a lot. I'd like to advise though to keep yourself from damaging him further. It's his loss, not yours. He's damaged enough for that. He didn't see the good opportunity of having you in his life." Albert takes her hand.

She looked at her father and for the first time since she was eight, she felt his love again. He never failed to show it but she always ignored it, took it for granted. But now, he is being the person that she always looked up to, for being a father and also a friend. She hugged him. "I'm sorry, Papa."

Albert hugged his daughter. "I understand, my darling."

"You've always been a father to us, looking out to each of us. I will always be grateful to you." She stopped when her father placed a finger on her lips.

"I understand, Andrea. It's okay. I will never stop loving you and I will never leave you."

"Is that why no matter how much Amelia tried to avoid her duties, you still understand her?"

"Amelia has no choice. I'm just giving her a lesson she will learn soon that this is something she needs to face. It's different from indulging someone to have whatever they want. I have my reasons and for her, it will be sad to say that she may learn it the hard way. I love her just the same that I love you." Albert smiled at her.

"I don't want to think of the hard way; it's somewhat unpleasant to my understanding." Drew sighed. "Why don't you call us by our nicknames, Papa? It would be easier to say."

The king chuckled. "I love your names and I took every moment I have to be able to say it. It's also more like an endearment to me and knowing exactly each one of you and how different you are from each other." He saw her staring at her. "I know each one of you by heart, Andrea."

Drew felt her tears again. Only her father saw her cry and it's rare. At that moment, she felt lucky to be his daughter. She may have not experienced the love of a mother but she thinks that her father is enough to fulfill the missing role in her life. She is grateful that she had him and she couldn't imagine her life without her father. With the moment they shared now, she had to move on. Alex is the previous chapter in her life and it doesn't matter now if he took her heart away. She should live her life doing more important things for her country and cleaning up her act as the notorious socialite. She's not getting younger.



~~~



Drew watched her sister walked out of the castle and waved at her. Amelia just got home from Switzerland after being there for only two days. When she got back, she's excited to tell her about the baby. She's already two months pregnant and it still doesn't show. Except for women who have the natural maternal instinct, one would have to wonder first if she did because she wasn't even seen going out with any man.

Amelia looked gorgeous with her red dress and red ballet flats. She looked radiant but the smile did not reach the eye. She went in the open convertible black Porsche Boxster with her.

"You don't look pregnant, Mommy," she muttered to her as she started the car and sped out of the castle. Their bodyguards' vehicle were right behind them.

"Of course, I tried not to, for now. But I'd like to announce it soon."

"Why? Are you marrying that man?"

"I'd like to but he had to come to me first. Dang! I don't even know where he is now." Amelia sighed in frustration.

"Who is he, by the way? You haven't told me yet, Mia. You promised." Drew glanced at her for a moment.

"Yes. He's..." She stopped when her phone rang. "Wait. I have a call. Hello?"

Drew continued driving. Although she loves the wind kissing her face and blowing back her long black hair, she had to keep the speed in a safe level. She's with a pregnant woman, her sister.

She suddenly screamed when a black van bumped on the right side, Amelia's side. No! Not her sister! Who are these people? She glanced at Amelia whose face went pale and took something in her front compartment. Her gun! At her rearview mirror, the bodyguards already saw what happened. They increased speed and took shots on the van.

The van bumped into them again. And then another one. Her sister is very brave, and stupid, to plan to retaliate. Her heart beats faster. She stopped the car suddenly, catching everyone by surprise except Amelia. She heard the familiar click in her gun and before she could react, Amelia pulled the trigger towards the vehicle who suddenly stopped ahead of them, too. She shot many times, but not at the wheels or at the tinted glass windows. She aimed it at the gas tank on the side. Drew readied herself as she started the car again. She read her sister's mind. Just in time, Amelia gave her last aim as Drew drove the car backwards and away from the van that suddenly exploded.

"No one messes up with a pregnant woman," Amelia said, winking at her as if what happened was nothing but all in a day's work. Her mouth dropped open in surprise. She never saw this side of her sister before. How could she be so brave and... Is she a sharp-shooter? She stopped the car. Their bodyguards on the second vehicle caught up with them and immediately ushered them inside the shielded van.

"Where did you learn that? I mean, we can both shoot but your aim..." Drew asked.

"The father takes all the credit." Her sister replied, a hand on her flat belly and wearily leaned against her. So it was her boyfriend who taught her the additional skill in shooting. Her sister felt heavy beside her and Amelia seemed to be exhausted. She started to get worry for her pregnant sister. She instantly ordered for them to be taken at the hospital.



>> 17

17

Alex watched in awe as he saw on TV the two sisters walking, hand in hand, out of the hospital. They are smiling at the media and went inside a black Range Rover. He heard the magnificent teamwork that those two have done and just like everyone, he's surprised. It's not everyday one would hear a couple of princesses being involved in a face-off challenge with death, one that involved speeding cars, gun shots and an explosion. It was like a spin-off to a Hollywood action movie.

He was half-surprised to see his face on TV, thinking that the event involved him as part of his lover's quarrel with his ex-girlfriend. He already called his lawyer earlier for his statement and he considered it short and sweet.

"According to Mr. Alex McLean through his lawyer and I quote," the news anchor said, "I may hate Andrea very much but I don't have the intention to see her dead. I'm not a violent person that she made it appeared to be."

Alex nodded. It's true anyway. He only wanted her to be hurt emotionally but he always wished her well. For the period of being together, he has no regrets. He can look back on the good memories they shared.

"Missed her?"

He turned around and saw his mother. He turned off the TV.

"Those two were brave, stupid but brave," Denise laughed. "Can you tell me how many women around can protect themselves like that and lived to tell their future children about it?" She shakes her head. "But still, I don't like her, that ex-girlfriend of yours."

"Her name is Andrea, Mom," Alex said. He didn't know why he's irritated that his mother doesn't even care about Drew's name.

"Whatever," Denise said. "I don't know why do you have to fire darts against each other. Just move on with your lives and leave each other alone. So what if she's Luke's ex-girlfriend he couldn't get over with? Are you going to go through the same thing, AJ? You and Luke were different. Your cousin was crazy. You know his background. It only happened that Andrea was the last person he's with. Don't put a grudge over something that happened so foolishly. We knew he died of drug overdose because he couldn't stop it, even before he met the princess. So do not blame the princess. I bet that's the reason why you broke up with her. I bet that's the reason why she's so angry with you because you're being unfair."

"You never bet, Mom."

"I'm not joking, Alexander." Denise glared at him. "I'm right. Don't deny that."

"You're right, Mom. But whatever that happens now is my decision. I don't want her in my life anymore." Alex retorted.

Denise smirked. "Tell that to yourself, AJ."

Alex watched his mother leave the room. He wasn't a bad person. Maybe, he only got carried away by his emotions over Luke's death. His cousin was his best friend. He tried to save Luke from going down the drain but it wasn't enough. He died. And Alex has been unfair to Drew because of that. Now that they broke up, he wanted to forget her but memories of her kept on coming back. In fact, he missed her and he couldn't admit it out loud. She's like a posion that went through his system and he couldn't get rid of. He wanted her back but it wouldn't be easy. He messed up everything with her. It was his loss of not having her now.

So what is he going to do now?



~~~



"The convertible car will be suspended from use and you will be traveling with your bodyguards inside the car now, most especially you, Amelia." Albert said. He called for his daughters in the palace to talk to them about what happened. When he heard about the incident, there was a mixed feeling of pride and worry over his two girls. Pride because in contrast to their image as well-pampered princesses, they were able to protect themselves and succeed against those who tried to kill them. Worry because they are two-thirds of his most precious ones and he wouldn't know what to do if something ever happened to them.

"Don't worry, Papa. I wouldn't go out as much as I've been doing before." Drew said. She turned to Amelia who raised an eyebrow. "Stop that. It's true."

Amelia looked at her. "I know."

"I want you to take care always, my dears. And I will assure you that this will never happen again." Their father added. Drew saw how her father aged just by seeing him being so worried about them. When he greeted them at the entrance of the palace, his eyes were stuck on them as if he never wanted them out of his sight. Royal protocol said they should never show emotions so when they were finally in the private office, the king tightly embraced his two daughters.

The two only nodded. "Papa," Amelia called. "When I was shooting the vehicle earlier, I remembered the plate number. It might help on the investigation on who would foolishly plot that kind of strategy to kill us."

"Wow, you're getting proud of yourself, Amelia." Drew chuckled. "Let me tell you that you wouldn't have gotten the perfect aim if I didn't stop the car behind them. I maneuvered it so well." She smiled widely.

Amelia chuckled. "Yeah, whatever, Drew." She turned to their father. "The plate number is GJYR405."

"Well done, my ladies. I'll take note of the plate number." They turned when a knock came on the door. "Who is it?"

"It's Enrique Tobias, Your Majesty," the king's secretary said on the other side.

"Come in."

The secretary went inside and stood by the door. "Your Majesty, the Count of Conspica is here to see you," he said.

"Send him in. I've been expecting him."

Enrique curtsied and went back to the door. He admitted someone in the room. Drew smiled when she saw who came. It's Howie. Yes, she remembered. He's the new Count of Conspica.

"How are you, Howie?" She asks congenially.

Howie bowed briefly to them. Albert nodded. The Count turned to Drew with a smile. "I'm doing well, Your Highness." He turned to Amelia. "It's good to see you again, Your Royal Highness." Amelia didn't reply as her arms went protectively over her flat belly.

Albert cleared his throat. "By the way, my two ladies may be wondering about Howard's presence today. Andrea, if you still didn't know, he is your sister's betrothed and he came for Amelia."

"Huh?" Drew's eyes widened in surprise as she glanced from one person to another. She now understands the look of worry in her sister's eyes. To everyone's surprise, she slapped Howie on the face. "How could you do this to her?"

"Andrea!" Albert called.

Howie looked at her and then to Amelia. "I came here in my own will. I called His Majesty first to ask if I will be finding my betrothed here. It's a long story, Princess Drew, and it's very important that I will talk to Princess Amelia."

"You definitely should!" She looked at Amelia who only stood and did nothing. Her face is now void of any expression but Drew knew now how Howie's presence had a big effect on her. She turned to her father. "Should we leave them alone, Papa?"

"I think we should," Albert says.

"No, stay here." Amelia said. Her eyes never wavered from Howie. Her tone is firm and strict. "If Howie wants to say something, he will say it within your presence." Drew knew, judging from Amelia's commanding tone, that it will be equivalent to danger if they will leave. They can't leave her especially when she's pregnant. It might stress her if she angered too much.

Quietly, the two stayed as everyone looked at Howie and waited what he is about to say.



>> 18

18

Drew entered her cousin's room. Kristin asked her to go to her house, or rather mansion. She never mentioned any reason but Drew guessed that it was something about Kevin again. Her cousin was mightily obsessed with that man and she doesn't know why. So when Kristin called, it happened that she just got out from her father's office. She couldn't bear being inside the same room with Amelia and Howie. Those two were lethal when together, she realized. She left the palace knowing her father would still have to deal with the two.

When she got into Kristin's bedroom, the loud blaring of some rock music was pounding within the walls of the large room. She frowned. Kristin is nowhere in the sitting area. Drew searched for the music player first and turned it off.

"Kristin?"

"I'm here."

Drew followed the voice and found her cousin in her office corner, in front of a laptop. "What are you doing?"

"Work. Did you know that I earned almost a million dollars this month with just selling fruits and vegetables that were harvested here in my estate?" Kristin said without leaving her eyes on the laptop screen. She inherited her mother's legacy in the duchy that has been in their family for hundreds of years thus, bearing the title of a duchess. Her mother died a few years ago from heart attack when her father left them for his mistress.

Drew raised an eyebrow. "Yay! Maybe you should get married." She sarcastically replied. "Come on, Kristin. Stop beating around the bush. What makes my presence so important today?"

Her cousin drew a deep breath. She turned to her. "I learned that Kevin is about to propose to his girlfriend."

"There's nothing wrong with that. She's his girlfriend. Are you going to stop that?" When her cousin didn't reply, she continued. She needs to knock some sense out from this woman. "Kristin, it's not that hard to understand. You're a smart person and you deserved better than pining over this man for years. He's not that into you. Give it up and move on." To her surprise, Kristin suddenly cried.

"I know and it's crazy. I couldn't get him off my mind and my heart. I want him and nothing else. He's the man I've been looking for, have been wanting for all of my life."

"You're obsessed, Kristin. You just can't give up the challenge that the more he gets away, the more you wanted him. I don't know what to tell you anymore. This has been going on for years now." Drew sighed. She took her cousin and embraced her. "Forget him. You just can't go on like this. I don't want to see you like this. Go out. Meet other people. There are actually a lot of men who'd like to go out with you but you ignore them."

Kristin wipes her tears. "I'd need closure before moving on."

"Closure? What closure?" Drew sighed. Her cousin is really willing to go crazy over that man. If she can only do something to get Kevin to like her cousin but she knows that she should not tolerate Kristin's obsession. It's for her own good. "Kevin told you that he doesn't like you, many times."

"Thanks for the reminder," Kristin rolled her eyes and sniffed. "I don't know because deep down in me, I'm still hoping that he might take a chance on me. I know I can love him more than anyone else could."

Drew bit her lower lip as she stared at her poor cousin. She couldn't blame Kristin from desperately looking for love, even though in this way. Her father made it clear from the start that he doesn't want her as a daughter. Her mother was a cold and distant woman. She practically grew up with Drew and her sisters, making her the fourth member of the sisterhood. Kristin is half-American, from her father, and mostly her features were those of his. She doesn't have that Latin look like the rest of the family but she had their charm and their wit. Drew wanted to question the last one because her cousin is stupid to fall for Kevin.

"I'm looking forward to that closure, Kris. I hope there will be good results." Drew added.

"You should move on, too, instead of firing darts against that ex-boyfriend of yours. It's just a waste of time. I know he's cute and probably good in bed but with an attitude like that, you know better, Drew. You're a smart person."

Drew raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so you're turning the table on me now, huh? Let me tell you that I'm over him. In fact, I can go out with anyone again."

"Really?"

"Why aren't you convinced?"

"Because I think you hit it hard on him. He's the man of many firsts. He's the first one who followed you here in Volzenburga. He's the first one you introduced to the media as your boyfriend. He's the only one you've toured around your castle, as what you said will be your future home when you get married. And he's the first one you introduced to your father."

Drew looked down. She made a deep breath. "Alright, I admit. I love him, Kristin. I still do and it's hard to see that person hate you so much, you'd think you'd rather die than to be the recipient of so much hatred. Maybe I deserved it, after all I've done to most of the men I've been with. But I don't deserved it from him." She tried not to cry. It's still hard to talk about Alex. "Because all I did was to love him with everything that I am."

"And he hated you so much because of Luke? Drew, that's unfair!"

Drew can only cry. Yes, it was unfair. But regardless of what happened, she couldn't help but still love Alex.



~~~



Drew reached the main hall of the castle and was greeted by the butler. She smiled. It's a bright morning and she feels like there's something is about to happen. She hoped it will be good. She decided to go to the small lake at the north of the castle estate and will paint.

"Pablo," she called the butler before he said about anything else. "Did you already hear the latest song from the Brunettes?" She started humming the song. She took Pablo's hand and twirled him around. Although surprised by her cheery mood, the butler played around with the princess.

"I'm actually craving for a blueberry cheesecake. I'm going to send one box of it to your grandchildren later, okay?"

The butler stopped and stared at her. "You know that I have grandchildren at home, mistress?"

"Of course!" Drew laughed. "I know about every one else here in the family, in this household. So I'm going to send one, okay? Indulge me. You know that I haven't been really like this in a long time."

"I may have to wonder why, too."

Drew stiffened when she heard the voice. The butler drew a deep breath.

"I was about to announce his presence, madam." Pablo said.

"Thank you." Drew said. She's still not turning around. When the butler courteously left, she turned and saw Alex sitting on a chair at the corner of the main hall, beside a crafted table with a fresh flower arrangement. He stood up.

Drew placed her hands on her back to hide from him that she's fidgeting, nervous. She missed him. He lost weight. He had a few stubbles but he still looked gorgeous. Her heart is beating faster when he stood in front of her. "What are you doing here? How did you get in here?"

"Your father gave me access." He touched his cheeks down to his chin, "a very hard and painful access."

That's when Drew noticed the coloring on the side of his face. He took all the courage to go to her father in order to be able to talk to her? Why? He hates her. He doesn't want her. She was never important to him. He doesn't love her. She stepped back.

"Drew..."

Drew frowned. "I don't want to talk to you."



>> 19

19

Alex drew a deep breath. He's expecting that. "I know but I am taking my chances." He looked around.

Drew sighed and took his hand. She pulled him towards an empty sitting room. "Why?" There is a fire of anger in her eyes. "Why are you doing this?"

"Well, I missed you."

Drew frowned. "That's really bull, AJ. After the things you've said and done, you have the guts to show up here and tell me that? What did my father say?"

"He's mad and," Alex looked at his watch. "I've got fifteen minutes left on the clock. He sent a bodyguard with me to watch the time. If I'm not out of this castle by the time is up, some big man will be dragging my ass out of here."

"Let's waste time. I'd like to see you being dragged out of here."

"Come on, Drew. I'm serious."

"So am I." Drew raised an eyebrow. "Listen, AJ. I don't want and I don't like people who doesn't want me. I couldn't even care. We had a great time together. I thought that was special until you told me that it was all just an act and I disgusted you. You can't make me believe that you're serious about missing me." They stared at each other for a long while.

"I'm sorry, Drew."

Drew didn't say anything. Her face is emotionless as well. "Why are you doing this? I don't trust you anymore, AJ."

"I know, but I'm willing to make up for everything and show you how I cared about you."

Drew knew how much she wished to hear that from him. She could only wish to hear him say that he loves her, too, as much as she loves him. But she doubt if that will ever happen. What's Alex's agenda? Why did he suddenly appear in the castle and asking for her forgiveness and another chance? She couldn't trust him. It hurts to know about what happened in the past and she doesn't want to get hurt again.

"I cannot trust you anymore, AJ." She said again. "If you want it back, you had to work hard for it."

"Alright, I'll start it now." Alex takes his phone from his pocket and called someone. "You may do it now," he said to someone on the other line. He ended the call.

"What are you doing?"

"I've given my permission to my secretary to release my letter of apology to the public. You'd probably see it in this afternoon's news or tomorrow, depending on their circulation. And then tomorrow, I'll be asking your father's permission again to take you to New York, for dinner."

"You'll take me to the States just for dinner?"

"Yeah," Alex said as if it's just a normal thing for him. "At my parents' house."

Drew's mouth flew open from what's happening. "I'm sure that my father will not give his permission. That he won't..."

"I've faced him already and I'm willing to face him again if that's what it takes to be closer to you. Never mind the shame of what I've done in the past. I only care about getting you back." They turned when a couple of security turned to the corner and going their way. "I'm hoping you'll be ready by tomorrow." Alex looked behind her. Drew saw her sister, Rhian, and Nick. "Nick?"

"You know my sister's boyfriend?" Drew asked in a raised eyebrow. Nick smiled.

"He's my Mom's landscape architect." Alex nodded at Nick and then, turned back to Drew. "I have to go." He stared at her for one last time. Afterwards, he walked away with her father's security.

"What is he doing here?" Rhian asked her.

Drew watched Alex as he walked away. "He wants me back." She wants him back, too. But how will she do it without giving up her pride? He should learn to respect her and realize that she can be far from what others told about her, that she can commit herself deeply in a relationship because for her, she thinks he is the only one she'd ever want in her life.



~~~



Drew watched as her sister Amelia and Howie went inside the security's car instead of the limo. A couple of bodyguards went in there instead, as a decoy. The two are leaving for Denmark. On the way to the airport, there will be three vehicles on convoy. The first van and the limo will go to the countryside to divert the paparazzi while the last van, where Amelia and Howie are, will go straight to the airport's tarmac to board the royal plane.

Rhian, on the other hand, left very early that morning to go to the countryside. Drew learned that she and Nick had a very big fight last night and they broke up. She wondered what happened. Rhian looked relaxed and composed earlier. Wearing a big, dark shades, she gets into the car and drove fast off the estate grounds. The bodyguards followed quickly behind. Drew wished she was able to talk to her youngest sister but Rhian isolated herself from everyone else in the family. From the start, she always had her own world.

And as for her, she received a call from her father an hour ago. He didn't give his permission to Alex to take her on a dinner in New York. Although she's expecting it, she's disappointed. She's actually looking forward to spending time with Alex again. Her father assured her that she will for he invited Alex instead to a sit-down dinner in the king's palace. She wondered what will happen tonight.

"Your Royal Highness," the butler said and gave her the papers she asked. And just like what Alex said, she's the main headlines to some of the newspapers. Alex's public apology and retraction to the words he said about her before were detailed in it.

"Thank you." She told the butler and went to the nearby sitting room. While she's reading it, Kristin came in the room. Her cousin didn't say anything but only sat beside her. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Sandra is dead." Kristin seemed shocked. She turned to Drew. "Oh, my God."

"What? What happened?" Drew was surprised. Sandra was Kevin's girlfriend he's going to propose to.

"She's found dead in her pad. She hanged herself. I went there to give her a gift because I already accepted that Kevin chose her, not me. I didn't expect that this will happen." Kristin wiped her tears. "I was the one who called the police. I already made a statement to them. But did you know what happened when Kevin got there?" She cried harder.

Drew can guess what happened. She hugged her cousin. "Oh, dear..."

"He shouted at me. He's so mad. He pushed me away and I can't do anything."

"He shouldn't have done that. You have nothing to do with Sandra's death."

"But I can't blame him, Drew. He lost the one he loves."

Drew frowned. "How can you still tell that despite of the way he treated you, you still thinks he is right? You've really gone far, Kristin." She shakes her head. They turned when the door opened and saw their aunt Victoria, who ceremoniously walked in. The butler thoughtfully closed the door behind her.

"What is this, ladies? I was only gone for almost three months and a lot has happened. You didn't even wait for me to join in the fun." The king's classy sister takes off her shades. She posed herself to them with a big smile. "Like my tan?"

Drew smiled amusingly. "I don't need the tan, auntie. I was born with the gifted skin color."

Kristin rolled her eyes. "You know, you wouldn't call that fun when Kevin pushed you angrily just because you found his girlfriend dead in her apartment." She sniffed.

"That's ridiculous, honey. Let me do this. I'll call our lawyers to file a case against him. No one should do that to you." Victoria wears her sunglasses again.

"You don't have to do that, auntie. It's alright. I'll make sure that will be the last time." Kristin tried to smile. "By the way, I think you should kick somebody else's ass rather than mine or Kevin's." She gestured for Drew. "I know you're updated with Drew's silly affair. You should also know that the man was here yesterday and asking Drew to forgive him." Victoria looked at her other niece.

"For more update, Papa has refused his permission to take me to a dinner in New York. Now, he will be having dinner with us tonight instead." Drew said.

"Oh. I'm glad I came home. I'd like to join you tonight. I'm going to call Alberto and tell him to prepare an extra setting for me." Victoria said.

"Make it two, Aunt Victoria. I'd like to be an audience, too." Kristin chuckled. "I need a break." Drew only shakes her head. She can't think of anything to retort. She's very anxious to get this day done.



>> 20

20

Drew looked through the window glass of the kitchen where she can see Alex has been ushered by the butler. Her jaws clenched. She wanted to know why does he had a change of heart. She can still remember the things he said on the phone, revealing his true motives to her. He doesn't have the right to be here.

She walked out of the kitchen without thinking twice. The men turned to him. Alex smiled while the butler started to excuse himself. "No, Pablo. Take him with you when you go out." She said quickly.

"Drew..."

"It's Princess Drew." Drew raised an eyebrow. "I don't want you here, in the first place so don't expect that things are going to be alright between us. My father made a mistake of inviting you over. I want you to leave."

"Oh, I think there's a mistake..."

"Leave! Otherwise, I'll call the security."

"I think he should stay." King Albert said from the doorway. "He's here as an investor, not as your ex-boyfriend, Andrea." He turned to Alex. "And he will stick to what we have agreed."

Drew gave Alex a glare and excused herself. She left the dining room. She saw her aunt and Kristin, standing in front of a large painting. She knew that the two eavesdropped. "I lost my appetite."

Victoria turned to her. "Where are you going?"

"I'm leaving the palace. I'll probably be going off somewhere, in a restaurant or something." Drew replied. She shakes her head. "I don't want to see that man."

"Oh, come on. Come to dinner. It will be entertaining, we assure you," Kristin winked at their aunt.

Drew raised an eyebrow. "What are your plans?"

"We'd only like to know him better. Why? Do you want us to torment him?" Victoria let out an infectious laugh. Drew and Kristin couldn't help but chuckle.

"No. I think his retraction and public apology were tormenting enough." Drew tells them. "Just do whatever you want. I'll be the audience." She smiled to them and turned back. "What are you waiting for? I thought you'll be having dinner."



~~~



"Really? You're a drop-out from Harvard Business School?" Kristin repeated.

Drew tried not to glare at her cousin for rubbing it in. She's actually being surprised from what she's hearing from Alex. He's being interrogated by her aunt and cousin, while her father is obviously trying to keep it business-like, she knows that he's interested to know Alex too. And they didn't expect him telling them the humiliating fact of dropping out from one of the best business schools in the world.

"I had low grades. I couldn't adjust to the schedule and it was so far from home. And I don't like the course, too." Alex replied. "That's why I settled myself to Columbia University and took up Arts and Music."

"But you still became a businessman," Albert pointed it out.

"My late grandfather wanted that for me. When he died, he left a multi-national company under my name including the majority of its shares, actually, the whole ownership was awarded to me. The lawyer said, and it was among the lines that I'm the only one with the potential to keep it running."

"He seemed right about that," The king pointed out again. Drew tried not to glare at her father. Is he becoming to be that impressive?

"How many girlfriends did you have?" Victoria asked that made Alex almost choke on the water he's drinking. "Oops, is it a complicated matter?"

Drew glared, finally.

Alex cleared his throat. "I only had three, including Princess Drew. The first one died of a car accident when we're engaged, the second got married to my best friend."

"And of course, Drew." Victoria said. "I actually don't know what's with you and your cousin, may God bless his soul. She only had a few serious relationships. One of them was yours."

"Auntie..." Drew bit her lower lip.

"Really," Victoria emphasized as she continued. "The only difference was she kept it private with Luke and yours was for everyone to gossip about."

"Victoria..." Albert warned his sister.

"In reality, I'm actually glad that mine's in public because it would be easy for me to show the princess how sincere I am."

"Portrayal and public appearances are something that are easy to do and come up with." Drew said, for the first time that evening, to Alex.

"It is also a privilege for someone to express himself to the woman he realized he's deeply in love with." Alex quickly replied.

Victoria raised an eyebrow and muttered something about being corny and cheesy that she received another glare from her brother. "Well, I hate to burst your bubble, Alex, but you should know that my niece is actually betrothed."

Drew raised an eyebrow. Alright, where's the punchline? She quietly thought.

"It's been a long time ago," Albert added.

What? Drew mouthed the word. She's betrothed, like her sister. "And Rhian, is she betrothed too?" She asked.

Albert and Victoria looked at each other first before they nodded. If Alex was on the hot seat, now it's her turn to be surprised and get sweaty. "Fernando came from a decent and noble bloodline. You were betrothed even before you were born. With Rhian, Paolo came from the royal bloodline, too." Albert said. He turned to Alex. "It's an old tradition. Everyone has their own intended in this family. I know you will understand that."

Drew avoided herself from looking at Alex. She's still surprised that she's engaged, to a man she doesn't know. This must be what her sisters were feeling when they learned about it too. "Everyone in the family?" She asked. She looked at her aunt and cousin.

"Mine eloped with someone else when he learned about it," Victoria said.

Kristin looked guiltily at her. "Mine died when I was ten."

"And Fernando?" She asked them.

"He's an officer of the royal army and hasn't gone back since he was deployed in the war zone." Albert replied.

Drew drinks her glass of water. She still tried not to glance at Alex. She wanted to know more, but not in front of Alex. She doesn't want to think that she wasn't free at all, that no matter how much she and her sisters tried to be something on their own, they were never free.

She pulled herself from her seat. "Excuse me. I don't feel well." Her father only nodded and she went ahead, out of the dining hall and away from Alex's presence.



~~~



Drew hid behind the dark shadows of the large pillars in the palace hall. Standing near the archway leading to the garden, she quietly watched as her father tells something to Alex. They are in deep and serious conversation judging from their facial expression. She missed Alex. She still longed for his smile, his embrace and his kisses.

"You really love him, huh?"

Drew turned and saw Nick. He looked gloomy. "Nick! What are you doing here?"

"I came for Rhian but they said that she went off to the countryside." There is sadness in his tone. "She said she's going to marry Paolo..."

"Oh, so you already knew about that." She turned back to see Alex leaving. A black car was already in front. He shook hands with her father and then went in the car. "I never knew that I'm betrothed, too."

"It sucks, Drew. Why can't you just be like an ordinary person?" Nick sighed. He leaned against the wall. "It's so frustrating. I went to His Majesty to ask permission to marry Rhian but he didn't give it. The king said Rhian has been engaged and she's set to marry Paolo Montes. I confronted her about it and she said that it's the best thing she can do for her father and her country."

Drew discreetly wiped her tears. She tried not to show it to Nick. "You know, if Alex will only work hard enough, he'll have me. He's the only man that I want and I love and I won't pass any chances now, knowing that our father has set us up to someone we don't know."

"I will do the same thing for Rhian, too. But I have to find her first." Nick straightened up. "I have to go. Thanks for listening." He gave her a warm hug and then walked off. Drew watched him go. She wished for the best for Nick and Rhian. She hoped that there will be a happy ending for them. Nick is a good man. She likes him. She hoped that things will be fine soon with them.

And most especially, for her.



>> 21

21

Alex is frustrated that he wasn't given a special access to the royal event at the Metropolitan Museum. He wanted to see Drew and to seriously talk with her. He had shown enough to say that he really loves her. But it wasn't enough. He still wanted to talk to her, in private. Although he's already been wanted to go back to the US for his company, he insisted to stay in Volzenburga a little longer. His mother was already mad while his father kept himself mum. He ignored everyone. He wanted to stay and pursue his mission to get back with Drew.

He sat on a chair in an outdoor cafe, just in front of the museum. He can see the light traffic of limousines and luxury vehicles stopping in front. Guests alighted from these vehicles and were greeted congenially. They would walk on a red carpet as they were greeted by the media and press situated behind the velvet ropes that separate them.

He read from the papers that there will be a party for Princess Amelia, who recently revealed that she is pregnant and is now married to the Count of Conspica. There were mixed reaction on the news but most were positive ones. Alex never met Drew's eldest sister but he saw in the papers how beautiful she is. She must be looking more radiant now that she's going to be a mother.

His head turned when he saw the commotion started when a black limousine arrived. He heard Drew's name. She must have arrived now. He tried to stretch his neck to be able to see something. Sure enough, he saw someone came out of the car. Drew is wearing a royal purple gown and she was simply decorated with shining diamond jewels. As usual, she looked stunning. She smiled to everyone. Alex's heart jumped at the sight of her smile. He drew a deep breath. He's still suffering from the stupidity he has done. He should have never let her go.

And then it happened. It was just in a blink of an eye. Something exploded nearby and people scrambled everywhere. By instinct, Alex suddenly stood up and quickly crossed the street, where the vehicles stopped after what happened. He ran towards where Drew is. He saw her being ushered and covered by the bodyguards towards the building.

"Drew!" He tried to call her. "Drew!"

Of course, he wouldn't be heard among the noise around them. But he tried again, "Drew, it's AJ! Drew!" He felt tears in his eyes, out of frustration. He saw her stopped and turned. He doesn't know if she saw him but she ran towards where he is. The bodyguards tried to stop her but they could never touch her with their firm hands, that's why she easily slipped herself away from them.

"AJ!"

"Thank God!" Alex approached her with a hug. "Let's get out of here. It's not safe for you." Drew only nodded. She called for her bodyguards to follow her. They hesitated as they tried to pull her away from Alex but she broke herself free. They followed her and Alex towards his car on the other side of the street. One of the bodyguards took the keys from Alex. Drew has six bodyguards but only two were able to go inside. Two sat in front while Alex and Drew were at the backseat. There was another explosion and the bodyguard behind the wheels drove away. The remaining four followed them by foot.



~~~



Drew and Alex quietly sat together in the Sitting Room where they agreed to wait for the king. Drew changed her clothes to something simpler and they ate a little before proceeding to the Sitting Room. The party ended abruptly due to explosion. Amelia and Rhian are on their way back to the castle. Amelia's husband, Howie, remained as he went with the king to investigate the blasts. King Albert will follow shortly as he's still on the spearhead for everything that is going on.

"You will stay here, Drew." Alex kept on telling her when he said that he needs to go back to New York, as pressured by his family. They have settled everything now and she wanted to go with him back to the US.

"No, I will go with you. I don't want to stay here. I don't want to marry Fernando. Please, AJ." Drew cried. He pulled her close to him. "I don't want to be apart from you. You said you love me. Why can't you bring me with you?"

"It's not that easy, Drew."

Drew pulled herself away from him. "Would you rather see me married to someone else? AJ, I don't want it. I'd rather die."

"Drew, it's not that easy. I still respect your father and we have to ask his permission."

"He won't give anything to you." They turned when the door opened ceremoniously. The king came inside with a man following behind.

"You'd have to go home now, Mr. McLean. Thank you for taking care of my daughter." Albert said. "By the way, Andrea, I'd like to introduce to you His Grace, Duke Fernando of Halla."

Drew looked at the man in uniform for a while. Duke Fernando gave her a smile in which she didn't return. She turned back to her father. "May I speak with my father for a while, gentlemen?"

Alex didn't say anything as he walked ahead of the duke. Before the door closed behind them, she heard the two introducing each other. "Papa..."

"Yes?"

She looked at her father, who seemed unaffected and uncaring about what she's going through now. "You said that you never stopped us from finding our happiness. Why are you doing this?" She asked him. "It doesn't matter what happened between me and Alex. I love him and he loves me more. There's nothing better than that. I will go with him back to the US. He doesn't want it to happen because he wanted to ask for your permission first and I highly doubt you will give it to him. So I will go whether you like it or not."

"You are already engaged to Fernando. Don't humiliate the man by dropping him like this."

"It wasn't my fault in the first place. This stupid tradition should have never happened. Look what happened to us! You were never loved. It didn't make you happy, Papa." Drew cried.

"Yes, it's true. But I have three wonderful girls... That makes up for what I lost."

"Papa, you will never make me happy by pushing through with this. I'm not Amelia." She is desperate to knock the sense out from her father. This shouldn't be happening. "I'm going with Alex, whether you permitted it or not."

"You will never make it out of Volzenburga, Andrea." Albert said. His voice is firm. "I can give out my orders for you to remain in this country."

"I will find a way. I will leave this place, Papa."

"I will disown you!"

"Do it. I don't care." She doesn't even care about being a princess anymore. She only wanted to be with Alex. "And forget that you even have a daughter named Andrea." And then she walked out of the room. Alex and Fernando looked at her in surprise when she stormed out. She faced Fernando first. "I will never have a time to get to know you. I hope someday we will be friends. But right now, I can't be in the same place with you. I can't marry you. I don't love you."

"Drew!" Alex exclaimed. He turned when the door opened and the king went out.

"Princess Andrea, it's been nice to see you and be introduced to you tonight." Fernando said quietly. There is confusion in his eyes but Drew doesn't care.

"Andrea!" Albert called his daughter.

But Drew ignored her father. She took Alex's hand. "We're leaving, AJ. My father just disowned me."

"What?"

Drew looked at Alex. "What? Are you afraid now that my father disowned me? Did you only want me as a princess?"

"No, it's not that."

Albert only watched as Drew pulled Alex away and out of the castle. He'd have to think of an explanation that his other daughter has left the country and probably will never be back. He will never disown Andrea. She will always be his daughter and the princess of Volzenburga.

But now, she needs a hard lesson in life that neither the luxury nor the privileges of being a royalty can give her. She will need to live on her own. He knew it will make her stronger and become a better person.



>> 22

22

Drew took a deep breath as Alex stopped the car in front of a magnificent Summerhouse that is located inside a large estate with wonderful surroundings.

"Dad and Mom have been deciding on a total revamp of the garden's landscape. Through Nick Carter's help, they were able to make it looked like this." Alex said to her when he noticed her looking around the place.

"It's beautiful..." Drew looked at the house. "Your place is beautiful, too."

"Well, it's nothing compared to the castle you lived in," Alex shrugged.

Drew bit her lower lip. She considered being a princess has been her old life. This is the new chapter and her new life. "Do you think your mother will like me?" She really dreads the thought that she will not get Alex's family's full approval of her. It is very important for her that they will like her.

"She will like you." Alex only replied. Drew had a feeling that it wasn't the truth. He takes her hand and they walked inside the house. A little furry dog, a shih tzu, welcomed their arrival. "Hello, Bone. How are you?" Bone, the dog, kept on wagging its tail and jumped around Alex. Drew smiled. She never had a dog and it felt so normal upon seeing the little creature welcoming them.

Normal. It sounded weird yet it seemed right. She's still afraid of living on her own. She lost the bank account that was supported by her father. What was left of her was the clothes she brought along and a considerable amount of money in a bank account she opened a long time ago. It wasn't enough to support the things she used to have and do but with the simple life she plans to have now, she thinks that it will be enough. She will try to find a job. She will use her engineering license to get one and will base her experiences as references when she applies for one. She doesn't want to expect any support from Alex. This is the life she's been wanting ever since and now that she's in this situation, she will do her best to live like a normal person.

"It will be a good idea to have a pet dog, too. I am going to have one someday." She tells Alex. She looked at him who's smiling down to her. He is a good man and he loves her. She's thankful for that. But she won't take advantage of anything he will offer her. She thinks that she will have to do things on her own.

They turned when another couple of shih tzus, a daschund and a chihuahua came running towards Alex. Drew's eyes widened. How many dogs do they have? She looked up when she heard a woman's voice.

"Mom, I'd like to introduce to you Andrea." Alex said as he approached his mother with a kiss and a hug. "And Andrea, this is my beautiful mother."

Drew felt envy upon seeing him do that to his mother. She always does whenever she saw kids or other people with their mothers. She felt she never had one. She always longed for one. "I'm pleased to meet you, madam." She extended her hand for a handshake.

Denise shook her hand. "Likewise, Andrea." She turned to Alex. "Did you bring what I told you?"

"It's in the bag, Mom. I'll give it later. By the way, Drew will stay here for a while."

"Why? Are you going to live together now? Did your father knows about this?"

"Mom..."

Denise didn't say anything as she turned to Drew. "Follow me, Andrea. I'll show you your room." Alex smiled reassuringly to Drew as he takes her hand and followed his mother. "So, are you staying here in America now?" They heard Denise asked.

"Yes, madam. I am planning to look for a job, too." Drew smiled excitedly. "I am hoping that there will be a good opportunity for me here." She gripped Alex's hand tight. "And I have more privacy here than in Volzenburga."

Denise laughed. The dogs followed behind her. "Do you think so? I think there are still a lot of them following you when you got here."

"Mom, you should've seen how worst it was in Volzenburga. They couldn't leave Drew and her sisters alone." Alex said.

"By the way, what did you finish in college?" Denise asked Drew.

"I'm an Industrial Engineer, madam..."

"Please call me Denise. Madam seemed so weird. I can imagine hearing Alex's father laughing at me if you said that in front of him." Denise interrupted her. "So you're a licensed engineer eh?"

"Yes, madam... Denise," Drew bit her lower lip. "Although my only experience was being an adviser to the Department of Public Works in Volzenburga, I will try to do my best to apply what I've learned in the university when I find a job here."

"I doubt if you'll even have the job that you want, Andrea. Your father may have stripped you off from your title, but you're still a celebrity in your own right. They might not take it seriously that you're a licensed engineer. Did you know what famous people like you do for a living here in America?" Denise stopped in front of a door. She looked at Drew.

Drew glanced at Alex. She didn't know because she doesn't care what the other socialites did. "I don't know, Denise." She felt embarassed. Denise might think that she's very naive with the things that are going on. "I don't care, too. I don't think people know me too because I'm not from here. I'm a foreigner. Would they know that I was a princess in a small country? I don't think so."

Denise didn't say anything. She didn't argue more. Rather, she opened the door instead. "By the way, here's your room. I hope that white is alright with you."

Drew looked around. Her eyes grew wide and she smiled. "This is lovely, madam, uh, Denise. Welcoming me in your home would have been enough but to be given a wonderful room is magnificent. Thank you." She nods her head twice.

When Drew hugged Denise, Alex's mother could only hugged her back. She looked at her son. They have already talked about this over the phone during his flight back. Alex asked a favor from her to show a little warmth over Drew while she's here. He added that Drew has been looking forward to see her but also afraid that she might not be liked by Alex's mother. Denise never knew that Drew had that kind of insecurity, judging from the person she was described as in the papers. She realized that the princess grew up without a mother and that probably was one of the reasons for her anxiety. They pulled apart and she looked at the princess. "Get some rest and prepare yourself for a family dinner tonight. Okay?"

"Yes, a family dinner..." Drew smiled. She followed Denise with a look as Alex's mother went out of the room. When she's gone, she turned to Alex and kissed him deeply. "Thank you, AJ. I love you so much!"

Alex felt so lucky to hear those words from her. His heart swelled and he only replied her with a deeper kiss of his own.



~~~



Drew entered the kitchen where she spotted Denise working with the staff. They looked up when they saw her and they stopped working.

"Yes?" Denise asked. "Come here, Andrea."

Drew entered the kitchen. As the others continued with their work, she stood beside Denise. "AJ left for a while."

"He went to his brother's shop. Help us prepare dinner. Here's the knife and the carrots. You'd have to cut it like this," Denise showed her how. And then she gave her the board, the knife, the carrots and a plate to start working.

"This is my first time to do this..." Drew said as she started working.

"Yes, it figures," Denise said and corrected the way she holds the knife. "You might cut yourself. Be careful."

"Thank you." Drew stared at her for a while before she started her work. "What do you do, Denise? Do you work?"

"I'm a writer, a novelist. My husband is a stockbroker. We have six kids and AJ is the youngest."

"Do you have a copy of the books that you wrote and I could borrow? I'd like to read them. I have a friend who also writes but the subject doesn't interest me."

"What does your friend writes?"

"Gossip," Drew chuckled. Denise did, too. "My interest falls on nature and physics. I am very fascinated with that. And oh, before I forgot, Alex told me about the garden. It looked so beautiful. I hope I can go around some time."

"It's a project that I had with my husband," Denise tells her. "And then we also sought the professional help of the famous landscape architect-slash-artist Nick Carter. Great guy. Your sister lost a wondeful man."

"Yes, Nick is a very good man. He and Rhian loved each other very much and it's really sad to hear what happened to them." Drew finished the carrots and placed it on the plate. "I saw him before I left. He's looking for my sister but Rhian left, I don't know where."

"You seemed to have the habit of going somewhere without telling anyone where you've been to," Denise said.

"I think it's a habit we got from our mother." Drew retorted. "When I was young, I rarely saw her. And I remembered that I don't even care if she's in the palace or not. AJ is lucky to have a mother like you. You seemed to be a very good woman."

"There must be something about your mother that was good, too. You're too young then to know about it."

"The only good thing about her was her generous inheritance, I guess." Drew replied. "By the way, is there anyone else coming to dinner tonight?" She asked, diverting the topic.

Denise smiled knowingly. "There will be only the four of us: me, you, AJ and his father. My other children were either at the city or out of the country." She noted to herself that talking about Drew's mother is still a sensitive matter for her. "I think that's enough with the carrots. For a beginner, you've done well."

"Really?" Drew looked down to her work. "Thank you." She smiled to Alex's mother.

Denise realized that there are more things she would like to show Drew. This is the princess' chance to experience new things that an ordinary person would do. Just like the simple chore of cutting a small carrot. It already fascinated Drew and Denise is looking forward to show and teach her more. There are some things that are not served on a silver platter and she hopes that Drew would learn it.

"If you want to see the garden, I'm going to show you how to plant some flower plants, too. Would you like that?"

Drew's eyes lit up more. "Yes, I'm looking forward to that," but she stopped and looked at her nails. "But I might ruin my nails. Can I just watch?"

Denise gave out a knowing smile. "No problem, Andrea." She settled the ingredients on the side as a man, wearing a toque, came to get it and began cooking. It's the resident chef of the mansion. "Come with me and I'll show you how to make a fantastic dessert."



>> 23

23

Unlike Denise, Alex's father is hard to please. When Drew was introduced to him earlier, Bernard McLean only nodded. He then, turned to Alex to ask something that is related to business. Drew stepped back as she watched the three talked and seemed to have forgotten her. She felt out of place.

After helping Denise with the dinner preparations, Drew retired to her room and soaked herself in the bath tub. After that, she went to the study room that was led to her and surfed the internet for job vacancies. It is unusual for a princess like her but this time, it's different. She braved her way against what her father wants for her. She defied the king and now she will face the consequences. She knew that in time, the remaining money in the bank will not be enough to sustain herself and her needs.

"Drew?"

Her musings stopped when she heard Alex's voice. Everyone's looking at her. "I'm sorry. My mind wandered. Yes?"

"Dinner is ready," Alex offered his hand to her.

Drew felt the look of his parents as she takes his hand. She knew that things are going to be awkward at dinner but she had to be brave. She chose this path. She knew she's going to get through this.



~~~



"How are you?"

Drew was surprised at the question directed to her. Alex's father intended to start a conversation with her for the first time since they were introduced that night. Her heart beats fast. "I'm fine, Sir. Thank you. And I thank you more for extending your warm hospitality. I promise that I will leave soon to avoid inconvenience. I'm currently looking for a job."

Bernard stared at her for a moment and then, turned to his son. "Is she the princess? Seriously?"

Drew tried not to raise an eyebrow. What does he mean by that?

"What do you mean, Dad?" Alex asked.

Bernard shrugged. "I don't mean to offend, Princess Drew -"

"Drew will be fine, Sir." She interrupted. She wants to know what does he mean by what he said.

"Well, Drew. I mean, you seemed to be far from the person described in the papers." Bernard said.

"I'm not saying that I'm a saint but I'm only half of the person described there, Sir. Most of the time then, it's not entirely true. There were people who lived to make up something about us to make us more interesting and for them to earn money. But the truth is, I'm a boring person. I do similar things everyday and my family is just like anyone else that's dysfunctional out there." Drew looked at everyone.

"And you're looking for a job. You were disowned, in the real sense?" Bernard finally brought up the topic.

Drew felt she's not obligated to explain it to other people but these are Alex's parents. They are important to her now like the way they are important to Alex. She wanted them to like her. "I defied my father's plan to marry me off to a stranger. He's very mad but I don't care."

She realized that she had to do something where she knows she can find her happiness. It's not just because of Alex but also of so many factors. She wants to be free. She wants to learn a lot of things. She wants to do something on her own. These are some that she's been longing in life and it's the opportunity she grabbed when she saw it in front of her.

"You don't care if you'll no longer be a princess?" Denise asked her.

"I know it's a big responsibility but it already caused so much unhappiness to my father, to me and my sisters. So, yes, I don't care. I want to seek where I will be happy to fit in. Maybe having one princess down from the royal bloodline won't hurt anything to them. They still have Amelia and Adriana, anyway." Drew didn't notice the exchanged looks from the older couple.

"Are you sure about that, Drew?" Alex asks her.

"Yes," she smiled at him. "Don't worry about me."



~~~



Alex quietly sat on the single couch. He watched as his father paced back and forth. They are at the study room, about two hours after dinner. Drew has retired for the evening while Denise is watching the television on the other room. Bernard called for Alex to be alone with him in the study. He knows that his father wanted to talk to him seriously and particularly about Drew.

"Until when is she going to be here?" He heard his father started.

"Give me until this weekend. My apartment in New York is almost done." He replied.

Bernard stared at his son. "Are you crazy, Alex? You're putting yourself in a scandal. That woman has been her father's problem from the start and it goes along with the other people around her, too. She's not supposed to be here. She's still a princess, no matter what. This idea of her living in her boyfriend's house is conflicting to her situation and her royal reputation. Don't do this to her. Whatever happens, she still needs the respect of her countrymen as their princess. You should be helping her make amends with her father rather than tolerating her on this rebellion."

"She fought for her love..."

"Bullshit!" Bernard snapped. "I know that but that's still not the right way to do."

Alex frowned. "The king engaged her to someone with a royal bloodline, far from my league, but she chose me and I'll do anything to keep her on my side. If her father no longer wanted her, I'll be here. I'll take care of her. I'll provide her the things she wants. And I'll give her all the love she deserves and more."

"You'll really going to push through with this, won't you?"

"Yes, Dad. I'm in love with her and I will prove to her that I'm worth fighting for. We won't care what others think or say."

Bernard stared at his son. He really couldn't make his son think otherwise about taking the princess under his care. He doesn't approve of their relationship mainly because he doesn't want to get involved with politics, just like the affiliation he had with his father and his brother-in-law, Alex's uncle. And Drew's father has more political influence when all Bernard wanted is to have a private life with his wife and children. He's been successful in that department for years despite being the youngest son of a former US Vice President. He wanted to keep it that way but Alex won't make it easier for him. His relationship with Drew is enough to create news headlines from print to televised media.

Alex has been an instant celebrity for being the reason of Princess Andrea's denounciation of her royal title. That was a bold and an unexpected move from the princess and she got everyone interested on how her life will be, now that she shunned off her royalty status. And that curiosity crawled towards the people she's with right now, the McLeans. They focused their interest on their family and their background, mostly on their status in the society. The press will not stop until they get some juicy details about the McLeans. And it may not worry Bernard but he still doesn't approve on what's happening. His family's privacy has been violated. It's that princess' fault.

He will not stop until the princess decided to leave them and not be dragged in her scandal.



>> 24

24

Drew consciously looked around. She will never take off her sunglasses to avoid being recognized. She didn't tell Alex that she will be going to New York City. She learned that Denise will be celebrating her birthday on this coming weekend and she wanted to give something to her.

To be able to go to the city, she discreetly asked one of the staff in the mansion on how to go there. Although they do not approve of her plan on going alone, they taught her how. To keep them out of trouble, by noon, she decided to tell Denise that she wanted to go shopping in New York and would like to borrow one of the cars. Instead of letting her go on her own, Denise offered her a driver that will take her around. She couldn't go with her, although she wanted to, because she will be having a meeting at the country club.

It's been hours since she started roaming around New York. She's been to a lot of boutiques but nothing caught her fancy. She also wanted to buy something special for Denise but on a strict budget. She may have enough money but still, she's thinking about her financial resources in the future.

She bit her lower lip. She never thought about caring to spend her money. Usually, she doesn't mind about spending but now that even her allowances were suspended, she had to consider about her finances. She passed by a shop window and saw a lovely shawl on display. She thought Denise would be needing it. It will keep her warm from the cool breeze that blew around the house at the Hamptons. She went inside and selected a conservative design. She looked at the price and beneath the dark shades, her eyes grew wide. How come that this piece of cloth would cost a lot?

But then, she knew that she doesn't care about that before. She would usually take out one of her credit cards, swipe it and go. But things are different now.

When she walked towards the counter to pay, she saw her second cousin, Prince Brian with a woman beside him. Brian, like Kristin, is a half-Volz, half-American. His father is a baron and his mother is an American teacher. They seldom see each other and it was only during the holiday season at the winter palace with the rest of the royal family.

Brian turned and saw her. His eyes widened. He looked around and then walked towards her. "Hey, you're alone? Where's your boyfriend?"

"Who's she?" The woman, who's with Brian, asked before Drew could reply.

Brian quietly apologized to the woman. "By the way, this is Leighanne, my wife. Leigh, if you don't recognize her, this is Drew, my notorious cousin." There's an added chuckle on that. Drew raised an eyebrow.

"I didn't know you got married." Drew said.

"Just last week," Leighanne said as they shake hands. "We're on our honeymoon. And we wanted it to be private. Brian said he'll introduce me to the rest of the clan by next month. It's nice to meet you, Drew."

"Same here," Drew replied.

"Why are you here?" Brian asked again. "And where are you staying?" He looked around. "Come with us. Let's talk for a while."

"I still have to buy a gift."

Brian frowned. "For whom?"

"AJ's mother. Her birthday's coming soon."

"What do you want to buy for her?" Brian asks. Drew showed him the shawl. He takes it and gave it to a saleslady. "Kindly add this to our purchases and gift-wrap it."

"I'll pay for it." Drew tells her cousin. Brian looked at her with a raised eyebrow and ignored her protest. He instructed the woman at the cashier to arrange the things they bought. "I'll take you to dinner instead," she offered.

"We have reservations at the Four Seasons. I'm looking forward to know you more, Drew. Don't worry about this." Leighanne said instead. "Join us."

"My wife is right," Brian said and gave her a look. She knew that look. He used to give her that authoritative look when they were young. Whenever he wanted things to go his way, he would bring up his stubborn side that his cousins, or the elders, knew better than to oppose him. He doesn't take no as an answer. He's a very spoiled child.

"I'll call Denise first. I don't want them to expect that I'll be home for dinner." Drew said. She's surprised when Brian gave her his mobile phone.

"Use this."

Drew felt self-pity at that moment for not having the things she used to have, even the access to a mobile phone. She still has her phone but she doesn't have the network access in able to use it for calls or text messages. She takes her cousin's phone. "Thanks."

"No problem." Brian smiled.



~~~



Bernard puts back the phone to its receiver. Drew just called to tell that she will be home late because she caught up with a cousin in the city and invited her for dinner. She added that she will be back before midnight. Denise lent her a car and a driver thus, the reason that she's in New York. He shakes his head. The princess couldn't keep herself from staying in one place.

"Who called?"

He turned and saw Alex by the door. "Kate Friedrich, your childhood friend. She confirmed her attendance on your Mom's birthday party on Saturday." He lied.

Alex nodded. "I was hoping that it's Drew. Please inform me when she called, Dad."

"If I'm still here. I'm planning to go out for some golf. Do you want to join me?" Bernard said.

"I'd stay and wait for Drew. The driver said they stopped by the 5th Avenue." Alex said and walked away.



~~~



Albert is slowly walking down the hall inside the palace. He just returned from his last engagement. It's almost midnight and he would like to go around the palace first before retiring to his room.

It's been silent in the palace since Drew left. And although many speculated about what happened, he did not disown his daughter. She's still a princess. He could never take that away from her. He only cut off her financial resources and her personal account was only what was left of her.

He's worried about her. She's living on her own and she has no bodyguards. Her safety only depends on Alex and to his bodyguards, who luckily can extend their services on her. Next week, Alex will arrive in the country in secrecy. He is the new shareholder in Howie's business. He may come as a businessman in Volzenburga but his presence will draw speculations on the king's terms with his daughter's boyfriend thus, the discretion. He is looking forward into seeing Alex. He still doesn't like the man. He still wanted to 'beat the shit out of him', as they say in America. But he will be civil to him for his daughter's sake. Amelia's husband, Howie, had a business deal with him while Drew is under his care.

A shadow at the end of the hall caught his eye. He stopped walking. He wouldn't be called the 'Hawk' in military school for nothing. He had a great talent in sensing things, even the sad fact that his wife never loved him. He pressed the security button on a nearby portrait of one of his ancestors for his security to locate him. "Who is it?" He asks.

Nobody answered. He slowly walked towards the corner. He was surprised to see Rhian lying unconscious on the carpeted floor. "Adriana!"



>> 25

25

Alex's jaw clenched when he looked at the clock. It's almost ten in the morning and Drew wasn't home yet. She didn't go home last night. He even lost contact with the chauffeur who's with her. She should have the courtesy to call but he didn't receive or hear anything from her. He wondered where she could be right now.

He also had something to tell her. He just saw on TV that her sister, Rhian, was rushed to the hospital for unknown reasons.

"Where's she?"

Alex felt his mother's presence behind him. "I don't know. I wished that she even bothered to call me and inform where she's gone to."

"Well, I hope she'd call anytime soon," Denise said, also worried. Her husband, on the other hand, doesn't care. He's busy working in the study. He used it as his office whenever he's at home. "Call me when she arrived." Denise said and walked out. The little dogs followed behind her.

Alex drew a deep breath. He takes out his phone from his pocket and dialled a number. A person answered on the other line. "Have you ever wondered what would a princess do when she's out and about in a big city, alone and almost penniless?" He asks.

Sean chuckled on the other line. "Cousin, for someone who had famous girlfriends since the dawn of time, you should have realized the true value of the television. Go to Channel 12 and you'll see your girlfriend. She's on after the commercial."

"You know that I rarely watched TV," Alex muttered to Sean. He went to the nearby sitting room where there is a small TV on the corner. He turned it on and true enough, he saw Drew coming out of a trendy boutique. A couple was with her and he recognized one of them.

Brian Littrell is the half-blood prince and cousin of Drew. He doesn't know the woman they were with. But he knew Brian. He was controversial for his position in the throne's succession line. He's the son of the king's brother who died many years ago. He's fourth in line to the throne now that his father died. If he outlived the three princesses, the king's daughters, he may rule or Kristin, the other cousin who's also a half-Volz.

But in Volzenburga, it was still an issue on half-blood royals like Brian and Kristin to ascend the throne. In fact, the royal family were strictly advised to marry a local citizen rather than a foreigner thus, the betrothal to all members of the family. But since it's not held by a royal decree but only by trust, confidence and verbal agreement, the royals still had the freedom to choose whoever they would like to marry.

Alex researched on that topic that's why he knew. He will not let anyone get in his way now that he and Drew are together again. He felt relieved when he found out about this particular detail. It's no wonder that Brian and Kristin's parents married non-royals because it's still permitted even though they have their betrothed. His only problem right now is how to get through Drew's father. He is aware that the king isn't fully approve of him. He would have to make things right if he wants the king's approval.

"AJ, still there? The news said the princess was with her cousin," Sean said, still on the line. "She didn't call you?"

"I knew she would do that. I wondered why no one's telling me that she did," Alex sighed. "Thanks, Sean. Bye." He kept his phone. He turned off the TV and went out of the sitting room. Just in time, he heard the car pulled up in front of the house. He rushed outside and saw Drew came out of the vehicle. "You didn't call."

"I spoke with your Dad," Drew bit her lower lip. "I'm sorry, AJ. Brian didn't allow me to go home late after dinner especially when we heard the news that Rhian was found unconscious at home and was rushed to the hospital."

Alex turned to the chauffeur. "Where's your phone?"

The driver-bodyguard knew the lax in his job. "It ran out of battery, sir."

"You're fired." And with that, Alex turned around to go back in the house. Drew glanced with concern to the driver then followed Alex. He went in the nearby sitting room and she followed inside.

"You don't have to do that, AJ." She closed the door.

"He compromised your safety, Drew." Alex said nonchalantly.

"I'm no longer a princess. It made me less important."

"Losing your financial resources doesn't make you less important or make you a commoner, like me. You'll always be a princess. No matter what happens, you're always owned by your country's crown that even I couldn't do anything about it. Your safety is a matter of great concern for me and for your country. So don't think about you being a nobody now because you're still a somebody." Alex says. He shakes his head. "It's a pity that a person should have to lose his job just to make you realize that, Drew."

"Please don't fire the chauffeur. It's my fault."

"I will talk to him later."

"I'm sorry, AJ."

"No, don't say that. You didn't do anything. I only hope you'd realize the significance of your being and be responsible for it."

They stood apart and facing each other. His heart ached as he looked at her and saw in her eyes what she's been going through. He loves her. She's the most important thing in his life now.

"I'm sorry, AJ." Drew said again.

"You had me so worried," he tells her. He took the step and gathered her in his arms. "What did you do there?"

Drew blushed. "I learned that it's your mom's birthday this coming weekend so I thought of surprising her with a gift. I couldn't buy anything expensive and I hope she'd like the scarf." She said. When she saw that Alex was about to say something, she took the cue immediately. "I want to give her something, AJ. It's the least I can do for her kindness. I, uh, never had a mother." She admitted. She quickly wiped a tear that fell.

Alex took the small fancy paper bag in her hand. He smiled. "Mom would love this." The brand printed on the bag indicated its expensive reputation. He'd want to know if she still has money left for herself but he knew that the matter is still a sensitive topic for Drew.

"Really?" Drew looked hesitant. It wondered Alex on how Drew was treated by her mother and grew up with her father. She looked strong and independent on the outside but on the inside, she's full of insecurities. She managed to create an image that she wanted the people to see and to conceal the truth in her. "Do you think she'd fully accept me as a daughter, I mean as a daughter-in-law someday?" Her smile grew wide.

"You want that?" Alex whispered as he leaned down to kiss her. "Someday?"

Drew kissed him back. "Someday... Not yet ready now," she said and kissed him again. "I wonder what happened to my sister. I saw the news in Brian's place and he told me that I should go home."

"You should listen to your cousin. They need you there. Your father needs you there." Alex gently cupped her face.

Drew shakes her head. "Amelia is there. And why are you trying to talk to me into going back there again? Don't you want me here? Are you giving me back to my father?" She turned away.

"Drew, it's not that. I'm only trying to tell you that your family is still important. I can go with you to Volzenburga. We'll check on your sister. But I won't give you back to your father. I promise you that. I made a stupid act of losing you before and I will never do it again." Drew still continued crying. Alex held both her hands. He took her in his embrace. "Don't ever think about the betrothal. You can get out of it. We will get out of it."

Drew shakes her head. "You don't know my father. You will not win over him."

"Trust me, Drew." They stared at each other. "Do you trust me? Do you trust me, Drew?"

"I trust you." Drew embraced him again.



>> 26

26

Drew is walking down the hall when the door in the office opened and revealed Bernard. Alex's father saw her. Alex, on the other hand, left after their talk in the sitting room.

"I'd like to talk with you in my office." With that, Bernard went back inside. Drew followed him.

Bernard McLean's office is far from the elegant and majestic appeal of her father's but it boasts superiority just the same. He offered her a seat but she would rather stand. She has a feeling that she won't be here longer.

"I won't be beating around the bush meaning, I'll go straight to the point." Bernard said.

"I know what that means, sir."

"I don't like you for my son. The family doesn't like you. You're tarnishing our name by bringing yourself here, along with your royal scandals and we will not permit that. Alex's cousin, aunt and grandmother died because of you. I will not let you harm anyone of us, even destroying the privacy and the name we deeply revered. If you still have decency in you, you will leave this place and Alexander. You don't belong here. You belong in your own royal world. Go back to your country, to your father and to your fiance."

Drew stared at him in shock. She never expected that straightforward statement from him although she knew that he never liked her.

"What if I don't follow what you want me to do?"

"I will make sure you will." Bernard replied. "And you will also risk Alex's stake on his job and in his grandmother's inheritance. I know he needs it to start his new business. You will make him lose that. He had so many disappointments and this will add to his list."

Drew didn't have to say anything. She was given no choice.



~~~



There was no media frenzy when Drew arrived in the international airport. No one is expecting her return anyway. Everyone must have thought she was exiled from Volzenburga for good.

Keeping her cap in her head and her oversized shades on her face, she meets her sister's chauffeur who came to pick her up. She was immediately ushered to the black vehicle and sped off. It was only until later when they realized that it was a royal car and the prodigal daughter has come back.



~~~



"Did Papa already know that you are here?" Rhian asked Drew when the latter came inside her room. When Drew learned that her youngest sibling is home in the palace, she immediately sought her out.

"He may have known already." Drew jumped into the bed where her sister sat and watching a program on a wall-mounted flatscreen TV. "What happened to you?"

"What happened to you?" Rhian asked her back.

"I asked first." Drew pointed out.

Rhian rolled her eyes. "I only passed out. Papa exaggerated. Tabloids speculated I'm pregnant. End of story."

"Are you?"

"No!" Rhian frowned. "Not to Nick or Paolo or any other men."

"You're planning to enter the convent?" Drew shakes her head. "Please, don't be bitter after your episode with Nick. Maybe he's not the man for you."

"I'm not being bitter," Rhian said. "It's just that being a princess isn't cool anymore when things like these happen."

"Being a princess was never cool," Drew corrected. "So why did you pass out?"

"I didn't take care of myself. I didn't ate. I was stressed out."

"Stressed out from what?"

Rhian looked at her. "You asked too much. Why are you here? I thought you took off and now lived happily ever after with your American boyfriend."

"Yes, I thought so, too. But sometimes, it's not easy especially when there are several factors to consider. Take for example, Alex," Drew sighed. "He has a complicated situation. His dream business is within reach and unless I stay with him, that won't happen."

"Why?"

"Upon the death of his grandmother, she left a codicil for him to receive some inheritance. But he will not receive it if I will stay with him." Drew replied. "I chose to leave instead. I want him to achieve that dream without me interfering. Anyway, his family doesn't like me. I won't stay in a place knowing that I'm unwanted." After saying that, Rhian studied her sister. Drew looked unaffected but she knows her. Her sister always portrays an image that she wants other to see. Her true emotions were kept hidden. Her true self kept intact.

"That's ridiculous."

"That's the way it is. Most of the time, you have to make sacrifices just for the sake of someone you love." Drew said. She studied her sister. There is no hint that she's still in love with Nick. Drew couldn't tell. It's either Rhian was successful in hiding it or the feeling was gone. Drew couldn't imagine herself losing that feeling. She felt that she will love Alex forever. She would not love another man but him.

"Just like Papa," Rhian said, "but I don't really know about him and Mama. I never knew our mother. I wished I have."

Drew suddenly remembered Denise. She is closest to the kind of mother she wanted. She hoped Denise will love the scarf she's given her for her birthday. She left it to the butler and gave orders to give it personally to Denise. "I wish we've felt how it was having a mother."

She really wished it. But she must have been destined to lead a lonely royal life, without a boyfriend, her lover, and even the closest thing for a mother that she can have.



>> 27

27

Alex leaned back to his seat as the flight attendants were done clearing their area after dinner. He is on his way to Volzenburga and he doesn't know how long he will stay there. He had to settle a lot of things. He is going to drop out of the business deal with the king's son-in-law. That relates to his plans with Drew. He knew about his grandmother's codicil and it may have been a favor for him before but now, it angered him so much.

He learned now how his cousin had created a bad image of Drew for the family. The things about her was far from truth. Wrong reasons that compelled him to plot a revenge that became a blessing in disguise.

He fell in love with the princess. Now, he wouldn't let anyone go between him and Drew again. He couldn't imagine his life without Drew now. It doesn't matter if he will become a poor man. He doesn't care if his family would disown him. He had enough savings to survive and start on his own.

As planned, he discreetly arrived at the airport and a hotel car picked him up to take him to the most luxurious hotel in the city. When he gets inside the car, he found a note from the Duke of Conspica, welcoming his arrival. They are going to have a dinner meeting in his mansion at eight.

"Do you have the newspaper as I requested?" He asks.

A copy of the daily paper appeared in front of him.

It was published in English and the country's economy was the headline. On the lower right side of the page is a news about Drew. The media call her the prodigal daughter of the king. But Alex knew how much the king loves her. She wasn't disowned but King Albert had to do something to teach her a lesson. He thought she did. Now he wondered why she left without saying goodbye.

~~~



Her Majesty Queen Juliana Amelia Rosa
A loving wife
A wonderful mother
A compassionate leader
A true servant of God


Drew always wondered how true those words were on her mother's tomb. She never knew her. She's away most of the time and when she's at home, she rarely saw them. They were fully entrusted to the royal nanny and she never cared ever since.

Why couldn't you love Papa? She quietly asked. She never had memories of her mother with their father. She never had memories of them as a family too. Her mother was a very distant woman. The most vivid memory of her with the late queen was when Juliana peeked in her room and when she saw Drew was still awake, she immediately left the room.

"Greetings for your birthday, Mama." Drew says as she placed down the basket of flowers. She drew a deep breath. It's been years and she and her sisters wondered about the woman who brought them to the world. When Queen Juliana died, the king decided to bury everything about her. Drew wondered why.

She looked at the man-made lake ahead of her. The queen is buried in the northern part of the royal family's ancestral home, Palacio de Haltea Monte. It is a private structure thus, the reason for royal cemetery be located in the northern and widely landscaped area of the castle.

Carefully, she sits down on the grassy ground in front of her mother's tomb. If her mother lived longer, would there be a difference in their lives?

"I didn't know you're coming here."

Drew looked up and her heartbeat raced. It's her father. King Albert sat down beside her after a few moments of silence in prayer for his wife.

"How are you?" There's a voice of concern from her father that brought tears in her eyes. But she remained firm and strong. She held back the tears.

"I'm fine." She looked away.

"What happened?"

"Nothing."

The king sighed. "Alright, since you don't want to talk about it then, listen to me. I have many things to explain to you." Drew looked at him. "First, about your mother. I'm not going to say things that will make her look bad. After all, she was your mother. Before she died, we were about to divorce. Of course, it never happened. She died, still the queen of this country."

"It was very hard for me," Albert continued after a moment of silence. His daughter continued to listen. He knew how much they wanted to hear something about their mother. It was his fault that he shut off everything about Juliana when she died. "It was so hard for me more when I was left with three little girls who will grow up not knowing about their mother but I have to do what I had to do. Things resurfaced after she died and I don't want memories of those to be still lying somewhere. I made a royal order to shut off everything about her, insinuating reasons mainly on grief. I only want everyone to see the good side of our marriage, the goodness of their queen."

Drew wished she has the way to know about those things but she knew her father will not tell her.

"The epitaph held the truth on what she has been..."

"Don't say that, Papa. I'm maybe young then but I already know the kind of mother that she was. She was never around and when she did, she never bothered to see us." Drew tells him. The king was held silent for that. "In my own good time, I will know the things you've hidden from us, Papa. I know you won't tell me."

"I will tell you but not in front of your mother," Albert replied.

"Tell me about the betrothal," she decided to change the topic.

King Albert sensed the diversion. He looked at her for a moment before he replies. "It was made to protect the throne. Our country is so small and most members of the royal family were living abroad for privacy purposes. With that happening, some were getting married with non-Volz thus, producing half-breeds. Royal succession does not allow half-breeds to ascend the throne. And to prevent that from happening, our ancestors created the rules of betrothal."

"You can now sigh with relief. Amelia is married to a fellow Volz and of noble blood. I, on the other hand, am ready to face my engagement with Fernando." Drew tells him.

"What happened to Alex?" It's the question he's been wanting to ask ever since he sat down beside her. She fought for her love to the American. She's ready to give up everything in the life she grew accustomed to just because of Alex. He wondered what happened that led her back home.

"I don't want to talk about it, Papa."

"Try."

Drew didn't say anything. She looked up when her father stood up.

"I'm expecting you at my office in the castle within ten minutes, Drew. That's an order."



>> 28

28

Drew walked inside her father's office and saw him standing there, his arms folded across his chest. He is waiting for her. "Close the door, Andrea." He tells her. "And lock it."

Drew did as she was told. Her father never used his commanding voice to her until now. It scared her more than the episode they had before when she decided to go with Alex to America against his will. Because if her father truly throws her out of the house, she has nowhere to go.

"What happened with Alex? Why are you back?"

Drew quickly wiped the tears that rolled down her face. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me. I just missed home."

Albert walked towards her and stared at her, as if studying her. "You're not fine. I know you by heart, baby." His voice turned concerned now. "Papa's here. I will always be with you. Tell me what went wrong." He can never be hard on his daughters especially to the most rebellious of them all, Drew.

Drew remembered when she fell off her horse when she was twelve. She was so afraid but her father was there in an instant, soothing her. He said the same things he just told her moments ago.

She hugged her father. "Papa... I never had the happiness I deserve." And then she began telling him the conversation she had with Alex's father. As she relays the story, her father holds her hand. "I decided to leave to give way to Alex's dreams. It would be unfair for him if I stay and lose all his chances."

Albert drew a deep breath. He led her in the nearby sofa to sit. "Andrea, you deserved everything even happiness. That's why I allowed you to be with Alex. I called off your engagement with Fernando and he's actually grateful because he would like to return to the royal army. I realized how strong my daughters are and they can control their own fate. It would be a mistake to push you to the things you don't want to. Now, you're free and I was about to tell you that you can do anything that you want now."

Drew looked away when she pulled herself from her father. "I felt betrayed. You never told me. If not for Aunt Victoria, I will never learn about it. You have no plans of telling me."

"I'm sorry, Andrea."

"I'm taking care of some stuff and packing up my things. I decided to leave the country. I will leave with my cousin in London, away from you and from Alex. Your efforts turn to nothing now. We're over."

Albert saw the determination in his daughter's face. She's going to leave him, just like his wife planned before she died. He doesn't know if he can bear to see Andrea go. It feared him at the thought of her leaving. For the second time in his life, he used the word that others least expected from him. As they say, a king never begs.

"Please," he started. His daughter looked at him in surprise. He choked. "Please don't go. I need you."

"Papa..." Her father took her hands and held it firmly.

"I've let go of you before. And I never disowned you nor stripped off your title. You're my precious hija, my princess." They say that every person had his weaknesses except for a king. He was perceived as the strongest and the most powerful, except when it comes down to his three daughters.

There may be times when she hates her father the most but she never wanted to see him on his weakest point or even beg. She still loves him and respected him. "Papa, don't do that."

Albert shakes his head. "I was so in love with your mother and it was very hard that she wasn't in love with me and much more when she decided to divorce me. It was much harder when she died but I tried to overcome the pain by taking care of you. You are the most precious I've ever had and I couldn't bear the fact that you were all mad at me and even wanted to leave this castle and tried to forget being a princess."

Drew bit her lower lip to keep the tears from flowing. Her father continued. "I was alone all my life, even when your grandparents were still alive. I never felt loved. They saw me as the child who was born to be king. As early as eight, I was already living in several boarding schools all across Europe. When I graduated in the university, I was then sent to the military school. After that, I was married off to a woman of the same noble birth, the only person who has become my friend, or I thought she was, your mother."

Drew never knew this and realized how lonely her father must have felt, especially when he doesn't have anyone as he grew up. It would have made him a cold man. But he chose to be otherwise. Despite her hate for him when he concealed the secrets of her mother, he was never a bad father. He raised the three of them like a devoted and loving father should. Things happen for a reason. And she should know better than to leave the person who's been with her all through her life.

She gripped the hands that were holding hers. Her face is wet with tears now. "Papa, I'm sorry, Papa. I never meant to make you so sad. Oh, please forgive me. I'm so sorry." She pulled her father in a tight embrace. "I was never been a good girl. I promise to act more like a princess should. I'm so sorry."

Albert hugged her daughter tighter. "No, Andrea. You can do whatever you want. I only expect you to be my loving daughter but you still have the freedom to be whatever that you wanted to be. I only wished that you'd never left me."

Drew didn't say anything. She only hugged her father.



>> 29

29

Amelia arranged the lapels of her husband's collar while Howie's hands were caressing her bulging belly. "You have really thought of that, huh?"

Howie smiled. "Want to bet?" He chuckled.

"I'm not the type who bets," she kissed him.

"I'm just going into the mind of a man in love, especially a man who is willing to take the risk anything for love."

"It will be a stupid risk." Amelia pointed out.

"Giving up a multi-million investment in my company? Yes, it's a stupid risk. No one in their sane mind would give up an opportunity like that. So I thought of something." Howie's smile grew wide. "I arranged a dinner with him and then I invited your father and your sisters."

Amelia shakes her head. "Honey, you're probably cooking a recipe for disaster. First, Papa doesn't like Alex. Second, Rhian is very emotional right now and she could be really grumpy when she feels like it. She's the silent brat. Third, there's Drew."

But it didn't dampen Howie's hopeful spirit. "I have a good feeling that things will turn out fine."

"Really? So how about that proposal I've told you? Have you thought about it?" Amelia puts her arms on his neck.

"That is going to be controversial," Howie chuckled.

"I'm serious, Howie," Amelia puts on a serious face.

So did Howie. "I'm serious, too. You just can't pass on your right to rule on me, your husband."

"But that's exactly my point. You're my husband and I can decide to let you rule as their king when the time comes instead of me."

"And I have the decision to say no," he tells her.

Amelia suddenly cried. Howie got worried as she held her big belly and cried. "I'm so afraid. I'm so afraid." She kept on saying. Howie went to hug her and calm her down. She's hyperventilating. She's been really moody since she became pregnant. Sometimes, he finds it hard to keep it up with her but he loves her. He will do anything for her. Except for this. She wanted him to inherit the throne someday but he knows it's very complicated to deal with. It's an argument he's trying to avoid but she kept on bringing it up. Amelia wanted to make the announcement as early as possible but Howie can't see any reason on rushing about it.



~~~



Drew went inside her father's private office quietly. No one is inside. Her father is in the main palace. By eight p.m., she will go to Amelia and Howie's for dinner. But before that, she wanted to explore the king's office first and somehow find something informative, some documents or photographs of her mother.

The king's office has no visual monitoring system. There is one in the hallway but she already asked permission from the security and lied that her father asked her to work on something inside. In the office, she can do whatever she wants.

She went towards the drawers beside her father's large mahogany desk. It wasn't locked. Hmmm...

She pulled it open and only saw a photo album of them as a family. Those were pictures taken candidly and collected from several professional photographers. She took it and browsed the contents. She didn't expect her father to be keeping something like this.

She returned the album back. She turned to the lower drawer and found file folders. They were all just documents of some sorts until she read the last one that says, 'Julie'. She remembered it was the nickname her father used to call their mother. She browsed the contents. She took it and slid it in the empty laptop bag she brought along.

And she went out of the office.



~~~



Rhian saw her sister went out of the king's office. She's about to go inside to snoop around but Drew beat her into it. She wondered what did Drew do inside. She wondered what is inside the laptop bag she's carrying on her shoulders.

She was about to leave when she saw Nick Carter coming out of one of the offices. The ground floor in the east wing of the palace is open to the employees and guests. Anyone who passed through the strict security measures can venture here while the rest of the palace wings are for private use only.

He saw her too. They looked at each other for a while before she turned on the other way to avoid him. There's no point of seeing or talking with him. It would only hurt more. She has already prepared herself to marry Paolo.



>> 30

30

Rhian noticed that Drew is quiet all throughout their travel to Amelia and Howie's home. Their eldest sister is now living with her husband in his family's ancestral mansion at the northern part of the main city. They were invited for a dinner, something that happened only during special occassions.

Drew, on the other hand, is quiet. She's usually the bubbly one. She will talk a lot about anything and everything. She's the outgoing sister. Amelia is the quiet one while she is the silent rebel, a little combination of her sisters. She wondered if what Drew found in their father's office had something to do with her silent mood.

Their father, on the other hand, is busy taking calls in the limo's phone. He's still working. He's a busy man. He always is. He took a momentary glance at her and smiled. Rhian looked away. How is she going to understand him when she didn't even know her mother? She always felt that missing piece.

When they arrived, Drew immediately went out as soon as the door was opened for them. Rhian followed but she bumped into her sister when Drew suddenly stopped. "What...?"

Alex is standing at the foot of the steps. He just arrived, too. Rhian looked from her sister to Alex. She felt her father carefully took her elbow and led her inside. "Let's leave them alone," she heard him say.



~~~



Drew held her breath at the moment she saw him. She missed him. Alex still looked dashing like he always is. And she's head over heels in love with him.

"What are you doing here?" She asked.

Alex walked towards her. He gently takes her elbow and acknowledged the page boy. He didn't say anything as they walk inside. No one is in the hall when they got in. The butler greeted them congenially and ushered them to the nearby sitting room. Drew is expecting that her family is there but the room is empty. She turned to face Alex.

"What are you doing here?" She asked again.

"I came here for you." There's nothing but calmness in his voice. He must be expecting this confrontation.

Drew stepped back, shaking her head. Her long hair loosely move from side to side. "No, you can't be here. I don't want you to be here."

Alex stared at her. "Drew..."

She looked away.

"Can you tell me, straight in the eye, that you don't want me here? And that's because you don't love me anymore, Drew?"

"Go away."

And still, Drew didn't move.

AJ shakes his head. "Look at me!"

Drew looked at him, surprised at his raised tone. She heard him immediately apologized for that. And she saw him crying. "AJ..."

"It's Dad, isn't it? I learned that he spoke with you and told you about grandma's codicil." Alex said as he stepped near. He never wiped his tears. He's still crying. She couldn't help but cry too. All those days of holding back since she arrived seemed to burst out like a big dam.

"I'm sorry, AJ..."

He finally reached her and wrapped her in his embrace. "I told you. No one's going to set us apart, not my Dad or my grandma's codicil. I don't care if my family don't like you, except Mom. She wants you back, too." Drew cried more when she heard that. A mother wanted her and longed for her.

"But you dreamed of a business of your own and it's a great opportunity for you to grab it." She said.

"I will not be as successful as I wanted it if I'm half the man that I wanted to be. You're not in my life, Drew. I told you that I will not lose you again." Alex kissed her cheeks. He held her tight.

Drew felt so much happiness for this blessing. She's been asking for someone who will love her more than she could and she got more than she hoped for. "I love you, AJ."

"I love you too, Drew. But I'm a poor man now. The only thing I can offer you now is myself and a mother who's willing to accept and love you as much as I do. Are you still going to accept me?"

Drew smiled. "You're a rich man and so am I. We've got each other. I don't mind if you don't have anything but the clothes on your back." She surprised him when she initiated the kiss.

"How are you going to be a poor man when we still haven't had our meeting yet?"

The couple turned and saw her sisters, their father and Howie, the one who spoke.

"I'm backing out of the business proposal. I don't have anything to offer or to share." Alex replied.

Howie looked at his watch. Then, he turned back at him. "I'm wondering if you'd change your mind when you hear about my proposal. But for now, the dinner is ready and I don't want to starve my mother and child. Can we go to the dining hall now?"

Alex swallowed hard. Something inside him tells him to trust the king's son-in-law. He felt the grip from Drew. He turned to her. She only nodded.

"Alright, it's settled then. Let's have dinner now. And then I would like to make the business proposal later." Howie said as his father-in-law only watched the conversation.



~~~



"You want a grand wedding," Drew shakes her head when she heard her father say that. They are talking about Amelia and Howie's plans of getting married in church, to be attended by statesmen and royalty from various parts of the world.

"That's not surprising," Rhian said. "She's the crown princess. It's just appropriate." She and Drew looked at each other and chuckled. Surprisingly, the youngest princess is not in her bad mood tonight. Her usual spoiled tantrums are nowhere in sight.

"I'm sure you'll have the same treatment when you get married," Amelia turned to Howie while her hand rested on her bulging belly.

"I don't know. It won't probably be as blissful as yours," Rhian muttered.

Drew tried not to make a reaction. She pitied her youngest sister. Rhian will fully submit herself to an arranged loveless marriage.

Alex saw the awkward moment too. Drew told him about Rhian's betrothal to someone that's not her boyfriend. He imagined how Nickolas Carter must have been crazy over it. Alex saw the love between the two and it's like a curse that a tradition had to go between them. He wondered where is the man and what Nick is doing right now.

Rhian looked up and smiled to everyone. "By the way, I was wondering about your training," she said to divert the topic. "I think that both of you should train on becoming the ruling sovereign someday."

"I second the motion. I think both Amelia and Howie should rule," Drew emphasized their names especially Howie, "I think that they both have the right."

Amelia stared at her sisters. She knew that her husband is hesitant with the position that is being offered to him. On the other hand, what do these two know about succession? Did they find out something she doesn't know? The three of them were always paranoid, that things in their lives have something to do with their mother.

"I think it's a good idea that Howie should also rule instead of being a prince consort when the time comes." Albert agreed.

Alex saw the smile in Drew's face. He sensed that she's up to something. And it concerns her sister and brother-in-law. "I think it will strengthen the people's trust and loyalty that a great couple will be ruling the country, a man and a woman, king and queen. It will balance the concerns of every people in this nation." He said. He received a sweet smile and a squeeze of his hand from Drew. Oh, he must have done something right.

"I like him," Amelia remarked.

"So do I," Rhian seconded.

Yes, he's done something right. The youngest princess expressed her liking. Amelia showed hers, too. The king gave him a nod of approval. The last time he remembered, His Majesty doesn't like him too. Howie is the only one left uncomfortable.

His father-in-law helped him out. "I will give Howie the time to think about this opportunity before we formally announce his eligibility since he's my heiress' husband."

"Thank you, Sir." Howie quietly said. He gave his wife a look who only smiled in return.

Alex saw the exchange of smiles from the sisters. Something, like a secret, is going on among these three women. And it seems like Howie is not liking it.



>> 31

31

Alex received the profile folder from Howie as they settled in an office in the castle after dinner. The sisters were gone somewhere, engaged in a secret only them knows. The king announced his retirement in one of the rooms as he complained about his leg muscle and back pains. He's getting old, Amelia joked earlier. But the three women assisted their father in the room intended for him.

"I'm backing out of the proposed business with you, Mr. Dorough." Alex tells the hispanic-looking man.

"Why don't you read my proposal first?"

"There's no use for that. I don't want you to waste your time on me. I no longer have enough resources to start an investment with you."

"When you followed Drew here, I think I will figure that out. That's why I made that," Howie pointed to the folder he's holding. "I'd like you to take the time to read it."

Alex stared at the older man. Howie is a businessman who knows what he wants and how to get it. And he will insist to get it if he knows it will benefit both parties. That is how Alex sees him. Howie is not a selfish man but he is also a wise businessman.

He looked up after he read the business proposal. "You're going to hire me as the CEO of the company?"

"I couldn't manage it when my wife also wanted me to manage this country," Howie said quietly. "I want someone to take over, someone within the family." He shrugged. "Plus it will be completely insane of you if you drop the offer. You said you'd no longer invest and I will accept that. So I decided to offer you a job you deserve, a promotion from your current position. You will be spearheading the company. I will entrust you that. And consider this as our wedding gift. We wish you and Drew will have a good start."

Alex opened his mouth to speak but Howie stopped him.

"Don't tell me you're not going to do something about your relationship with Drew."

"I, uh," Alex breathed in deeply. "I want to marry her."

"Then you know what to do. We heard her. She doesn't care about who you are or whether you're broke." Howie tells him. "And I don't know what you did to her because she wasn't the same person now. Amelia dubbed her as the 'spoiled brat' in the family although I personally think that's Rhian's job. You changed her outlook. You made her become a better person."

Alex also thought he did. Drew made wonders in his life too. She inspired direction in him. And if before he avoided a serious relationship like a bubonic plague, he can have all the sickness in the world just to be with Drew. He drew a deep breath.

"Oh, God. Pinch me, Howie. I'm just about to propose to a princess."

Howie only replied with a laugh.



~~~



Albert looked at the man in front of him. For the nth time, Alex braved himself to face him and probably to ask his daughter's hand for marriage. He knew that this man is about to face his family's anger once he pursued his plans on marrying Drew. They are going to disown him. And like any fools in love, he would risk the good life he got used to in exchange for the chance to be with the woman he loves.

"I assume that you are here to tell me that you want to marry my daughter." He said.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"I'm not contented with your offer of loving her and nothing else. You should have something to support her. I'm aware that your family will disown you once you do this. I will grant my permission if only I am assured that Andrea will be living the life she used to." Albert said.

Alex knew that he will not be able to provide everything Drew will need but he will try. Right now, he needed her in his life. He loves her very much and he wants to marry her. "I know I will not be able to give her everything but I will surely try, every day of my life just to see her beautiful smile. I love her very much and I will try all the best that I can to provide her the things she deserved."

"I'm still expecting more than that."

"I accepted Count Dorough's business proposal after I dropped out of my interest on investing. He prepared an alternative offer."

"What's his business proposal?" The king asks with curiosity.

"I will spearhead his company because he will accept his wife's offer to co-heir the throne."

Alex did not know if he said something right but the king smiled wider when he said that. "Howard gave me no choice." His smile turned into a grin and then later, laughter. He seemed so happy.

"May I know what's going on, Your Majesty?" Alex tried to ask. To his surprise, the king hugged him tight.

"Oh, son. You can marry Andrea anytime you want. You made my dreams come true today. Welcome to the family." Albert said. He looked at her. "And for your information, Howie is my real heir to the throne."

"Huh?"



>> 32

32

Drew is worried. She could not find Alex. She hasn't seen him yet since she got out of her room and started looking for him. He kissed her goodnight when he brought her to her room. She thought he will stay but he said that he needs to go back to the hotel where he is staying. Although disappointed, she let him go.

The maids in the hall saw her and greeted her a good morning. "Oh, what a cute dog!" They exclaimed.

The little canine in her arms made a noise and looked up to her. Drew smiled. "Thanks. It's a cute puppy." She woke up earlier and found the puppy wagging its tail as it was seated beside her on the bed. It looked as though it was waiting for her to wake up. And Drew knew in an instant that it's a sweet surprise from Alex.

"What's its name, Your Highness?"

Drew thought for a moment. "I don't know. I haven't thought of anything yet." She hugged her new puppy, a shih tzu. She remembered Alex's mother and her dogs. She told herself then that when she's settled on her own, she will start having a dog. It felt normal. She wanted to feel normal like any other people. "Did you know where is everyone?"

The maids looked at each other. It's unusual that the princess are having a chat with them in the middle of the hallway in Howie's mansion. But the news going around must have been true. The princess who used to be self-centered and aloof has tamed and changed to reach out to other people. And it's all because of a love to an American.

"We heard that His Majesty is in the official palace while your sister, Princess Rhian, left early. His Grace and the mistress also left for the doctor's check-up, Your Highness."

"Thank you." She excused herself and walked away. She was hoping to find Alex and she wants to thank him personally. She went to the Small Room, named as it is because it's only a small room connecting to the palace kitchen and mostly used as breakfast room. She found the butler there who was surprised to see her.

"Your Royal Highness..."

"It's fine, sir. What do we have for breakfast?" She sat opposite the old man. She smiled at him.

"We have prepared a lot for you, Princess Andrea." Fiona, the assistant cook said. She's accompanied by two maids who prepared the table for her. While they are doing that, she asked a guard at the hall to take care of her puppy while she takes her breakfast.

"Thank you." She tells them.

"Have a nice breakfast, Your Royal Highness. And have a pleasant good morning." Fiona said and went out. Drew turned to the butler who still stood by the table.

"Please. Don't worry about me. Have breakfast with me. What's your name?"

"Bernard, Your Royal Highness." The butler took his seat.

"What's in the news, Bernard?" Drew gestured for the newspaper he's holding.

"As usual, oil price hike," he smiled at her, "Princess Amelia's pregnancy and then your beau's visit here in Volzenburga."

"Alex?" She grinned. She started with her fresh mango juice. "I don't care about them, you know. Alex is a very good man. Have you seen him?"

"He came early to drop by the little dog, madam."

"That's all?"

"That's all, Princess Andrea."

Drew began eating. Bernard took a sip of his coffee. "Kindly arrange a car for me to go home later, Bernard."

"Certainly, Your Royal Highness."

She smiled. "In your point of view, is it fine that I, perhaps, marry an American?" She took a bite of her french toast.

"I'm actually an open-minded person, madam. It won't harm the crown if you marry a foreigner. It will even strengthen the ties with ours and his country. And as long as you're happy, I think that's the important thing." Bernard replied. "But for some, it might be too much. As you can see, there's a pattern among the royals, your relatives, Your Royal Highness."

"Pattern?"

"There are always a part of every family who got married to a foreigner thus, the strict rule of succession that only pure-blooded heirs are eligible was strictly imposed. You are following the pattern." He smiled.

"At least, we're relieved that Amelia is now married to Howard. They are both pure-blooded Volz. The throne is secured."

"You are right, Your Royal Highness."

They fell silent for a while. Drew continued eating. "How long have you been to Howie's family?"

"I've been here ever since the late Count and the Duchess got married, way before His Grace Count Howard came into the household." Bernard replied. "I remember it was summer when the mistress made a travel to the Netherlands with the late Count. They came back after a year with the young master. She's pregnant then and she needed to be by her family's side who lived in the Netherlands so that's where she stayed all throughout her pregnancy. When I saw the little boy, I knew how lucky his life would be and how he's deeply loved. I wasn't wrong. His Grace grew up with a loving family."

Drew smiled. She's happy to hear that Howie had a beautiful childhood, unlike her. He had a family she never had. He's got a lot of love to give and she's happy that she met him, finally. "I like Howie a lot, Bernard. I'm glad he's with the family now."

"I'm very happy too, Your Royal Highness. He deserved to be in your family."

Drew knew how those words from Bernard meant a lot to her.



~~~



Drew glanced at the puppy sleeping beside her while they traveled back to the castle. She wished it will stay asleep until they reached home because the little dog is very playful, he wanted to go everywhere inside the car. She hasn't heard anything from Alex yet. She missed him already. Where is he?

Drew sighed as the car stopped again. How come it's traffic? She wanted to reach home. "What's going on? Is there an accident?" She asks her security in front of the car.

"It seems like people were busy with something, Your Royal Highness."

"Huh?" Drew saw from the car that people in the sidewalk seemed to be enjoying at something they were looking at. And then media crew just passed by their car. What's going on?

Her phone rang. The puppy beside her woke up and wagged its tail. She answered her phone while her other hand brushed along the back of the puppy. "Dad? I'm stuck in traffic. I'm near Cuatro Cantos and Calle Poblete. Do you know what's going on?"

"I already informed your security to double their watch over you. Try to look outside, at the billboard that stood by the river."

"What billboard? The biggest one, the one that has Brad Pitt's face on it?" She chuckled.

"It's your face that is in there right now."

"Huh?" She turned on the other side. The street is near the river on which the central business district can be found on the other side. Several billboards lined up on a hundred-meter line along the river, near the Othello Bridge. "What's there? I can't see. There were lots of people here."

"Get out of the limo then." Albert tells his daughter.

"Do I really have to see it?"

"Your face is there." The king chuckled.

"Why am I there?"

"Don't make this hard, Andrea..."

Drew said goodbye to her father and told the security that she's going out. They immediately moved about and the people outside realized who is inside the tinted car. A path was made for her towards the park on the riverside. She left her dog in the car.

"Your Royal Highness, that's the sweetest. We wish you luck," one citizen said when she passed by.

"What is it?" She asks.

"Best wishes, Princess Drew!"

"Huh?" She looked ahead. She was armed with security. And she really felt being a princess as the people made way for her.

"Say yes!"

There were cheers as she got near. A number of camera crew were taking their shot on her.

"What's going on?" She chuckled at the overwhelming support, of whatever it is.

"Look on the other side of the river!"

Drew looked up and gasped. Everyone saw the surprised look on her face. Her father never told her this. She saw her face on the largest billboard on the other side of the river. And there is a question that she never expected to be asked today.


Princess Drew,
I love you. Will you marry me?
-- Alex


"Oh, my God!" She looked around as there was an applause around her. She smiled. Her hands on her face.

"Answer him."

"He's not here." She laughed. She told the media and the paparazzi there if they can take a photo of the billboard for her and send the copy to the palace. She looked back at the billboard again. Alex asked her to marry him, in a very public and dramatic way. He professed his love to her and witnessed by her fellowmen. Where is he, by the way?

She decided to turn back towards the car. She will go to the castle. He's probably there.

When she went inside the car, she was surprised when Alex is sitting there, the puppy is on his lap.

"Hi, darling."

"Oh, I love you!" And she came closer to give him a full kiss on the mouth.

Alex chuckled. He embraced her. "I love you, too."

"I appreciate what you did. That's so sweet."

"Darling, I would like to offer you myself and a caring mother you've ever dreamed of. And also a family who may not like you but don't worry, I will always fight for you. I may not have anything to be able to give you but I'm an industrious man. I will work for everything just as long as it will bring a smile on your face and an absolute warmth in your heart. I love you so much." Alex said as he wiped the tears in her eyes. He had his own, too. His heart is bursting with so much love for this woman he never expected that will come to his life. And he's willing to give up everything just as long as he will have her in his life. And the stars are probably on his side. Everything is going in his favor. "Drew, let me ask you personally. Will you marry me?"

Drew nodded. "I love you, Alex. I will always do. It doesn't matter where we will go from here as long as I'm beside you. And I will support you with everything and will keep you happy the way you promised me too." She kissed him. "Yes, I will absolutely marry you."

Alex smiled wider. And as they shared a blissful kiss, each felt that it's time to start anew. They will encounter hardships and trials along the way but hand in hand, they are willing to go through it together. It will not be simple but having each other is enough for them to face whatever circumstances that come their way.



THE END



How did Amelia and Howie found each other and became lovers, unknown to many? Find out in the next book, AMELIA