Prologue
Princess Isabella went curious when she heard noises out in the hall. Despite her maids and bodyguards' forbidding advices not to come out until her husband comes back, she insisted to go out and check what is going on. They have the whole penthouse to themselves as her husband, heir-to-the-throne Prince Benedique made a state visit to Puerto Rico. She decided to be left in the hotel due to exhaustion, aside from the fact that she wanted to take care of their two-year-old firstborn, Prince Kevin. She had enough of loss in the past and doesn't want the same thing to happen again.

The princess did not sense the danger when she heard the noises. Instead, there were mute voices of amusement and soft chuckles she missed when she still wasn't a princess and not married to the prince of Arkadia.

"What's going on here?" the princess asked when she got out. Everyone stopped in surprise and grew silent when they saw her. With that silence, a soft humming voice rose above them and it's coming from a baby being held by a royal bodyguard at the back.

"A baby? Whose baby?" Isabella went to them to take a look. One of the security team who's holding the child stepped forward. A baby wrapped in a white blanket is in his arms.

"It's nobody's baby, Your Royal Highness. We found him near the fire exit at the end of the hall and on the floor." Oliver, the man holding the baby, replied.

Isabella grew concerned. "That's bad. What kind of a mother would leave her baby just like that? Does anyone already tried looking for the mother?" She asked to carry the baby.

"Marc and the external security team have been on their way, Your Royal Highness," Thomas LaCrouix, the head of her security, replied.

The princess looked down to the baby in her arms. She held back the tears as she remembered someone in the past that she missed so dearly. "You said he's a boy," she said as they responded in affirmation. She smiled to everyone in the hall. "As we wait, may I take him inside the room for a while?"

"Yes, you may, Your Royal Highness."

Isabella smiled at them before turning back to her room. When the people inside saw her with a baby, they crowded around her and followed her until she was seated on the edge of the bed.

"She's charming."

"It's a boy." Isabella told her lady-in-waiting.

"He's not even crying," another maid said.

"He's rather playful."

"Brother?"

Everyone turned to the small child's voice behind them. The princess smiled at her son, Kevin, who sat beside her and began playing with the baby. The little prince softly smoothed the baby's hair with his little hand. The baby made little chuckling noises as his head turned towards Kevin. "I love baby," Kevin told his mother and kissed the little one noisily on the forehead. Isabella felt a lump on her throat when she witnessed Kevin's quick affection to the baby and kissed her son's hair. He is her precious one and she'd die if any harm comes her son's way again, like once upon a time before.

"I think I love him already too, Kev."



~~~



Prince Benedique glanced at Kevin when he heard his son's jovial noise. The little prince is playing with the baby and talking to him like the baby could already understand him. The baby is charming, and Prince Benedique is not immune to that charm. He instantly liked the baby, but the little one is going to give him problems he's not sure if he can handle.

"Everyone has been alerted as to why this thing happened and your job will be questioned because of this," Benedique started. He is in the office area of the penthouse where he called out the heads of his security, Thomas LaCrouix and Oliver Borough, as well as John Lyndon, his personal secretary and media spokesperson. Isabella is there too. "This is a leak to the responsibilities you should be doing for my wife. How does the baby was there without anyone of you noticing that somebody has gone into this floor? What if someone put a bomb there instead of a baby?"

"Benedique..."

"Don't tell me that it's alright, Isabella, just because there's no harm done anyway. I'm talking about the possibilities here." Benedique began pacing around in worry. "I hope this will never happen again." He turned to his men.

"Yes, Your Royal Highness," they quietly replied.

"I'll take note of that." The dark blonde prince said. "With what happened, I'm going to reconsider your position, if you're even capable of protecting me and my family. You're going to be under probation for an indefinite period of time even as we go home Arkadia." His voice boomed in the office. Isabella wouldn't dare to be the receiving end of that kind of mood from Benedique. The security kept their heads straight but lips quivered and eyes weren't able to meet the prince's.

"I wouldn't like these things to happen between us but you're giving me no choice. Keep going now. I'll talk to you again. Later." The security team took the cue as they excused themselves and went out of the room. His black-haired beautiful wife watched and waited for him to speak again.

"John, did you already call Lt. Gen. Perseus Kline?" he asked his secretary.

"Yes, Your Royal Highness. A batch of security team as requested will be on the way here, headed by Maj. Bruno Maxille." John replied, adjusting his glasses as he reads his notebook. "Their background checks will be arriving anytime in an hour, Your Royal Highness."

"I'll check on it as soon as it arrived." Then, Benedique turned to her. Isabella saw her husband drew a deep breath before speaking once again. "It will be impossible. It will take a long time before you take full parental custody of the child. It will create a big issue, as well, in the Parliament as to whether it should be done or not, my Isabella."

The princess looked sadly at the baby who's now cooing with her son, Kevin. "I wished things weren't as complicated as they really are. I wanted to adopt the baby boy." She's about to say something more to Benedique but John is there. They have a secret that no one knew.

"I checked the books and it says that an adopted child in the royal family is also entitled to succession to the throne, Your Royal Highness." John continued, oblivious to the meaningful looks exchanged between the couple.

Benedique sighed, torn between his stature to his country and his eagerness to make his wife happy. Hell, if it weren't for the law or what the people in Arkadia would say, he'd adopt the baby without any question or doubt. His wife is a very softhearted woman and this is just one of those things he loved about her. Besides, they were still hurting from an incident in the past. They couldn't afford to let go of this baby now. If Isabella wanted to adopt the baby, he did not want it out of his sight either. He turned to John.

"Let me see what we can do, Your Royal Highness," John told the prince. He opened his folder. He is a very efficient man and Benedique trusted him so much in dealing with situations like this. He considered him as one of his closest friends too. "I had here information from the Social Welfare Department of Puerto Rico on how to adopt the child and learned that it will take us a long time before legalizing the custody to the boy. We still have to find his birth parents and assure that he's either relinquished to us or permanently abandoned to proceed with the adoption process. We can get things easily arranged for you, as you are a trusting candidate as foster parents. However, the only real problem we had is the acceptance of the baby in our country. Not everyone will be surely impressed if you pursue with this, Prince Benedique. Likewise, if the baby's mother is not found within the time period and you decided to adopt him, the child will be facing the circumstances of growing up under media scrutiny and pressures of the royal family."

Benedique turned to his wife and stared at her for a long time. Their looks provide the silent understanding of what they would want to decide upon at that moment. They were both thinking of the adoption as human beings willing to provide shelter to a poor baby, not as royalties worried about what other people would say. They were both stubborn, as his mother said to them when he announced his engagement with Isabella years ago. And both are determined to get what they want and nothing was going to stand in their way. And today, not even the law or the rest of the Arkadians is going to stand in their way to adopt this adorable little boy.

"I can provide protection, as much as I'm doing now with Kevin," Isabella said. Benedique's face changed and it softened with a smile at his wife and hugged her. He is strict when it comes to business and political matters to anyone around him in public but he never hesitated to show his affection towards his wife, amidst royal protocols. He loves Isabella and he wouldn't hesitate to show it even if the Pope is watching. Privately, he is a very warm person towards the new family he's trying to build and to protect. He turned to the bed where his two-year-old son is making the baby sleep. The baby, on the other hand, had his eyes closed and sucking his thumb. Kevin is going to be a good elder brother to his future siblings, as Benedique intend to have many children as he and Isabella could. His heart instantly goes out to both boys. He wanted to take care of the baby and take him away from the life he'd live if they leave him there. This is a decision he has to make as a husband and as a father, as a loving person with compassion towards this moment from a child in need.

"I'm going to wait as how much longer it will take before we finally adopt the baby, and I want the adoption solid. No one should know that it would be us who are going to be adopting the baby as I predict that there's going to be lots of people who would want to assume that the child is theirs, even take advantage of the situation. You can never tell what's on the mind of some people. Once the baby is ours, no one's going to take it away from us." He smoothed his hand gently over the baby's head.

"Brother," Kevin told his father.

"Yes, Kevin." Benedique said. His wife looked at him, almost in tears. He reached out to hold her hand. "Yes, Isabella. We are going to make the baby ours."



>> 1

1
25 YEARS LATER...



Prince Howard, Howie as his family and friends commonly know him, smiled cheerfully when he got out of the car. The attending valet of the hotel approached his security.

"If you'll take a good watch over my transportation, you'll be tipped nicely," Howie told the valet and his two security guards.

"Even if there's no tip at all, Your Royal Highness, just the pleasure of serving you," Kristoff, the blonde security, replied to him with a return smile.

"Bluff," Howie chuckled as he continued inside the hotel. Everyone inside must have already been aware that he arrived. Sighing inwardly, he continued inside. He's used to this attention, most especially that he is the adopted son of King Benedique and Queen Isabella, which still makes a big issue for his right to the throne. He is aware that there are people who will never cease scrutinizing his every move. He lived in a life of prosperity but with more than a lot of royal protocols. Being adopted was not a secret from him; it will never be as it was constantly reminded to him every day: whenever he makes appearances, when he's with his brothers, when he's on public engagements and whenever he's on a relationship. But amidst all that, the king and queen loved him and treated him as their own. In return to the blessings he had, he felt he needs to work hard enough to show the family how grateful he is. He studied hard and earned excellent academic performance. He set himself a proper behavior, as his parents would expect from him, and for what his other brothers would look up to. His brothers, Alex and Nick, thought he's doing too much, his friends said he's done enough. For him, he could be doing this for a lifetime.

"Howie, it's nice to see you," Louisse duBonne, a personal friend and a famous actress, greeted him when he arrived in her daughter's lavish birthday party. Anne, her daughter, is Howie's godchild. Louisse is the wife of Howie's close friend and classmate in boarding school, Francis duBonne.

"I'm glad that I'll be able to attend today," Howie said after kissing Louisse on both cheeks. "Where's your husband and children?"

"Here I am," Francis patted his friend on the shoulders. His firstborn son is in his arms and he showed Howie his son's teeth. Howie laughed. "He's growing and I'm getting old." He almost whined then winked at the prince. "And as of this age, I still haven't seen you getting seriously involved with any woman eh? What's happening to you, Howie? Didn't I tell you that you had enough proving to anyone your worth as a prince?"

Howie rolled his eyes. "And you're nagging me about it again."

Louisse pinched her husband's nose. "Ignore my husband, Howie. We've been waiting for you. The kids doesn't care whether you come or not but we are." She made a pointed look towards the children's party where some of their friends have already joined the games. Howie saw his youngest brother, Nick, playing with the children as well.

"How long has he been here?"

"Thirty minutes, I guess. Look at him. He must have thought he's still a kid." Francis told him.

"Ssshh. Don't let Nick hear you. You knew how he hates it, especially when Kevin treats him like he still is." By that time, Nick finally saw his brother and walked over to them. He's only seventeen yet he's getting taller, Howie thought. And he's starting to look like the younger version of their great-grandfather King Eugene. "Aren't you supposed to be in Cornwall?" Howie asked, referring to the boarding school where he also graduated.

"Yes, but my classes are through three hours ago. Besides, I wouldn't miss my first godchild's birthday." Nick replied. He smiled to everyone. "Don't worry. I asked Papa's permission beforehand and he sent over a car to get me there."

"It's a good thing he immediately granted you permission. He's still worried about that kidnapping thing, Nick. Every one of us would hate to think what would happen if you were really taken by those men." Howie said with concern.

"Everyone has been worried," Francis added. Three months ago, there were kidnap threats towards the youngest prince. The king and queen decided to double the security over their son but the kidnappers found their way to get the young man while he's out with his schoolmates for a walk in a nearby museum. There has been an exchange of shots as the royal security took Nick in safety and tried to catch the kidnappers. There was actually a bunch of them, six in all. Two got away and three were dead while one was injured. The injured one was taken to the hospital but he didn't reach it and died inside the ambulance. Another breach in the security and the king is mighty furious.

Nick scratched his head as he remembered that one. "I'm still adjusting over my new security. They were like robots."

"Live with it, Nick. C'mon, I'm starved. Take me to the buffet table." Howie said, excusing himself from Francis and Louisse. They greeted friends and acquaintances they saw along the way. "How's school? Is it true about the A-levels I heard about you?"

Nick raised an eyebrow. "Of course, it's true. I'm blonde but I'm not that dumb." And then he lowered his voice so that only Howie could hear. "I'm even done polishing my archery skills, as well as keeping up with my shooting lessons. In no time at all, I can already hit the target between Kevin's eyes." He imagined himself holding a gun and aimed. "Bang!"

"That's not funny," Howie said seriously, in reference to Nick's last statement. He is aware of Nick's indifference towards Kevin and he kept on telling the younger one that no matter what happens or whatever Kevin will do, he's still their brother in which he must respect.

"Damn with the respect when he didn't deserve it," Nick muttered harshly. Howie gave him a reprimanding look. "Sorry, Howie. I'm just joking."

"I'm sure that you really are." They both stopped when a woman crossed their path and looked at them.

"Oh, it's you." Howie said with disinterest to Adrienne Chisolm, daughter of Jacques Chisolm, Ambassador of Arkadia to the US, and Kevin's female best friend. Howie didn't like the woman and he made a diverting turn away from her. But Nick stayed and looked at the beautiful woman. Howie sighed and went back.

"There's a book fair at the other hall and I dropped by here because Louisse is my friend," He heard Adrienne explaining to Nick. "Aren't you supposed to be in Cornwall -?"

"My classes are through," Nick interrupted her, not wanting her to see him as just another kid who's still obligated to be in a boarding school at this period of time. He deserved to be out of Cornwall from time to time, and he's glad that his father permitted him to go to this party. "It's good to hear you have other agenda aside from living in the clubs." He added at her.

"I don't exactly 'live' in the clubs," Adrienne retorted. "And I got loads of agenda on my schedule. I'm glad that taking the throne when I'm not actually entitled is not one of them," she casts a side glance to Howie. For such a petite woman like her, she got arrogance and snobbery the size of France, Howie thought.

"Excuse me," Adrienne said and left.

"Nice to hear you still got manners," Nick answered back at Adrienne. She just winked at him return. "We can't help other people feeling that way," Nick said, turning to his brother. "Others just couldn't accept that you also deserved that throne." They started to avoid the people.

"But I really don't deserve it," Howie replied. "I'm out of here." He announced and went back to Francis and Louis to tell them. The couple was surprised to hear about it but when he said that he got another engagement called by his father in a couple of hours, the two had no other choice but to let him go. Soon enough, the royal convoy left the hotel. Nick came with him.

"Where are we going now?" Nick asked him.

"Cornwall. You need to go back. You still have classes tomorrow," Howie answered. Nick groaned, scratching his head once again. "What are you going to do after graduation?"

Nick bit his lower lip. "Travel, I guess. I want to go somewhere but Europe. Maybe in the States, get a bartending job or perform in the clubs."

"Seriously?"

Nick nodded. "Then I'll go back to take up arts or music course in ASU." He went into deep thinking then a smile dawned into his cute, smooth face. Howie watched him get his mobile phone and dialed a number.

"Hey, you got a cell phone!"

"Papa gave this to me after that 'thing'," Nick stuck out his tongue at his brother. He is referring to the failed kidnapping to him a few months back. "Excuse me. I have to call Alexei."

"Is she your girlfriend already?" Nick shakes his head.

"How I wish, Howie, but she likes somebody else." With that, Nick's jaw tightened. Howie wondered who could be that other man. Alexei is Nick's childhood friend who lives in Ortho, the nearby province from Theo, Arkadia's capital city. She's a daughter of a rancher who lives near the castle where the royal family usually spend summer.

"Really? Alexei liked somebody else?" Nick just nodded and turned away to focus on his phone call. He heard a loud bang as the car windows shattered behind him. The loud impact caused him to jump in surprise and dropped his phone. He turned to see Howie with blood all over him.

"Howie!!"



>> 2


























2

Nick watched as the last bodyguard went out of the private room after Kevin requested every one, which is not family, to leave them in privacy. The youngest prince looked at his brother as the door closed. Brian, their cousin, and Alex stood nearby, anticipating the brewing storm that is about to arrive inside the room. The two immediately sensed the heated tension when Nick gave a cold glare towards the eldest man when they arrived at the hospital moments earlier.

"Tell me, you didn't plan to do this on Howie!" Nick angrily pushed his brother from the back, catching the other one off-guard. Kevin landed with his face flat on the floor as Nick straddled him and eager to wring his neck. Brian and Alex immediately pulled Nick, as Kevin crawled away from the raging kid.

"Fuck, Nick! He's may be adopted but he's still my brother. I wouldn't do anything like that!" Kevin's loud voice boomed within the four walls of the room. He ran his hand over his neck and straightened his shirt.

Howie has been shot on the back and while on the way to the hospital, he lost consciousness, which caused Nick to panic. He called their parents, and his brothers. Soon enough, the media has already learned about what happened and is already crowding outside the hospital building. The king and queen are on their way now.

"Why do you think Kevin would do it?" Alex asked his youngest brother. He's holding Nick, who still struggled to get off and thrust himself more to hurt their eldest brother.

"Because he's jealous of Howie's popularity and it wouldn't be good for him when he take over the throne." Nick replied. "Admit it, Kevin. You're threatened of Howie being around that's why you hated him." He tried pushing Alex and Brian away but the two did their best strength to hold him back.

"Nick!" Brian exclaimed. Nick turned to his cousin. "We shouldn't waste our time thinking about this right now. Howie's in the emergency room and we have to think of his safety first."

Nick turned to the other blonde man. "Why? Tell me the truth, Brian. You're the one who's always with Kevin. I know you know the truth that's been going on in Kevin's mind. I've been wondering why he just suddenly woke up one day and turned cold towards Howie. Howie did nothing to us but kindness, and returned his gratitude by preserving honor and respect towards the family. But Kevin is still mad at him." He struggled one more time. "I won't hurt Kevin now, I promise."

The two hesitated at first then finally let go of Nick. Kevin sighed heavily. "Don't make a big fuss out of this. The throne has nothing to do with this -."

"No. When it concerns Howie, everything including the throne had something to do with this. I hate to see that brother of mine suffered being scrutinized all his life just because he is adopted. It's not his fault that his real parents abandoned him. It's not his fault that our parents cared so much, and enough to take him under their wing." His high-pitched voice echoed among the men inside the room with him. "So, don't say this is not a big fuss because it is. That's our brother and he was shot. He's undergoing an operation now to take that blasted bullet off his chest."

"He'll be alright. He's a strong man," Kevin replied.

"Howie is, Nick. Don't worry about him. We have to worry about who is behind this plot against him," Brian added.

"So, don't worry about it, kid." Kevin walked towards the window and saw the media outside the building. He cursed silently. Things are getting out of hand outside, and there are patients inside the hospital who wanted to get rest but are now disturbed by the unexpected commotion. "Go back to Cornwall, Nick. You still have school tomorrow."

"Yes, I know that. But don't treat me as a kid. I'm turning eighteen, and I can even make a baby if I wanted to." Nick reminded him. He shot him a finger before leaving the room.

"Great, Kev. Just what Nick wanted to hear from you," Alex said and followed Nick.

"You shouldn't have added the last one, Kev. You know how Nick hated to be called a kid by anyone most especially you." Brian said and went out. Kevin muttered a curse and angrily kicked the wall.



~~~



Howie drew a deep breath and opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was Kevin standing at the end of the bed and looking at him.

"Good, you're awake before I go to that press conference to state your condition." Kevin started. His face is void of expression. "How are you?"

"Doing well, I guess. How long have I been here?"

"You've been asleep for two days. I've never seen a person could sleep nonstop like that. I guess this is what you really need, a good long rest." Kevin's cold voice spoke to Howie like he's just talking about some important business.

"Who keeps the bullet?" Howie asked.

Kevin raised an eyebrow, and then sighed. He took something from his pockets and showed the two bullets inside a sealable plastic. "I was thinking you'd have this as a souvenir but the police needs this for investigation first."

Howie nodded, trying not to smile. Kevin still knows him well, despite the differences they are having right now. "How's Mama?" He asked instead.

"She's fine. She's outside. Papa isn't here. He was, last night, but he had to leave to arrange the investigation of what happened to you." Kevin replied and turned to leave the room. "I'll just tell Mama that you're awake and I'll proceed with John for the press statement."

"Thanks, Kevin."

Kevin turned to Howie. "I didn't do anything, so don't thank me."

"You're my brother. That's just something to be thankful," Howie replied but Kevin ignored his statement and went out of the room. Howie sighed and closed his eyes once again. He never understood why Kevin just changed from being a caring and compassionate brother into a notorious cold-hearted playboy and indifferent brother. It's just not fair for him, who most often received sarcastic remarks from Kevin about him as their adopted brother. It hurts that the brother he's once closely acquainted with is now part of those people who's been judging him on his threat to taking the throne away from Kevin. Knowing Kevin, he's not easily influenced by anybody. He has his own mind, a stubborn one in fact. Howie could guess that someone close to Kevin might be the very person who's brainwashing his brother and talking to him into thinking otherwise about Howie and his stand in the royal hierarchy. Someone or something provoked him to be like this.

Obviously it's not their mother. Queen Isabella loves her children so much and she doesn't tolerate Kevin's sudden behavior towards Howie. Their father wouldn't like to hear the same thing. Their brothers do the same. Then there are Kevin's two best friends: Keith Davis, son of the family's close friend; and Adrienne Chisolm, the woman who openly expressed her dislike to Howie. 'The feeling is mutual,' Howie thought although he noted the voluptuous body and sexy charisma that makes Adrienne Chisolm a natural head-turner. Those are the only things he love about her. She's a beautiful woman. Keith, on the other hand, has a cheerful and kind nature. He's like another older brother to Howie and Keith never prejudiced him.

Howie smiled when his still-worried mother came inside the room and hugged him. "Don't make such a big fuss out of my wounds, Mama. I'm fine now. I'm a strong man, remember?" The queen kissed her son on both cheeks.

"A mother couldn't help being worried over her children, Howard," Isabella told him, "most especially those who has just been from danger." Despite old age, the queen still looked serenely beautiful and has an attitude that could influence the coldest of hearts and captured the warmth of the people through the course of time. The people of Arkadia love their queen.

"I love you, Howie. So does your Papa, and your brothers especially Kevin, no matter how stubborn and hardheaded he is now."

"I know that, Mama. Still, I'm thankful for that." He gripped his mother's hand. "Is Nick back to school?"

"Yes, don't worry about that one. Your Papa is strict over him finishing his studies."

"He must have already told you about his plans after graduation." Howie chuckled, remembering the things that go on in the young prince's mind.

Isabella laughed. "I'll support him if he can get through your father."

"Nick will have his way." The queen nodded. Both fell silent for a moment. "I was thinking that what happened has something to do with me being adopted. They want me dead so that I could no longer be a threat in claiming the throne if Kevin wouldn't be able to inherit it. Mama, you know that I don't have any intentions for that matter. I'm actually working with our lawyers in renouncing my status as the second heir."

"Howard, don't do that. It's not with the bloodline. Your father and I, and most of the family and the Parliament believe that you have the right to the throne. It's your capability to be a leader someday that makes you heir besides the law that made you eligible in the first place. You've already proven you're worthy enough to everyone. There may be other reasons why this happened to you. But we will not tolerate this. Your Papa is already working out to find who did this to you, and that someone is going to pay. Nobody harms our children; no one has the right to harm you." Isabella couldn't help but cry now.

"Mama..." Howie saw how his mother gets worried, not just for him but also for the rest of his brothers. His mother's greatest fear is losing them. She had this intense fear of losing them as if she had been through such great loss before. As far as he could remember, she had a good life since her younger days in her hometown in Portugal. Then her life as a princess was a colorful one. She never lost anything in her life and her experience of having the things just within hand was probably a reason for fear of losing the people that are very precious to her, her sons. She never wanted that to happen.

"We did our best to protect you. This isn't going to happen again. I don't want anything to happen again."

Howie shushed her mother. "Mama, it won't happen, never." His mother stared at him. It was like a memor came her mind then shook her head. "Sometimes, I wondered if you didn't adopt me. What would be my life instead?"

Isabella kissed her son's hand. "That's the thing that I don't want to think about when I first decided on taking you. I could never imagine myself leaving a helpless child on a fire exit in the hotel. I've decided then that since I have the power to give you a good life, I wanted to adopt you. I love you instantly, son. God gave you this destiny."

"I'm so lucky."



>> 3


























3

Howie turned the page of the book he's reading. It's been quiet inside the study. Aside from the constant ticking of the grandfather clock, the faint voices of the people partying in the palace ballroom can also be heard. It's Kevin's birthday party and Howie only made a brief appearance downstairs before retiring himself from the crowd. With their relationship right now, Howie thought that it's best to avoid Kevin and won't let his day spoil with his presence.

Howie slowly adjusted his body down on the sofa and cringed at a slight turn. His wounds are healing but it was as if he could still feel the hot bullet going through his body. It's been almost a month since he was shot. There's still no lead as to who did it to him. As much as Howie hated it, his father insisted on doubling his team of bodyguards for his own protection. It's embarrassing sometimes when he had to go to an engagement and he got a stream of royal police convoy behind him like he is the very important person in the world. Well, he's not and he already talked to the king about removing some of the bodyguards and will only remain the most efficient among them. But King Benedique stood firm in his ground on remaining those bodyguards. Howie can't do anything but just concede.

He heard the door opened and closed. He groaned when he saw Adrienne inside the room. He really didn't like this woman, even more when she's here dressed in a seductive red dress with low neckline. He admitted to himself that he's physically attracted to her but he will never begin to think about courting her to become his girlfriend.

"I didn't know that you're here, Howie." He heard Adrienne chuckled. He frowned and looked at her. "Oh, Jack Daniels. Like you are really drinking that," Adrienne stood by him near the sofa.

"Why are you here? Get out. Or are you really looking for me? I didn't know that you like me huh?" Howie sighed, closed his book and suddenly closed his eyes. His vision got blur; he must have already drunk himself up. He opened his eyes and turned to the wine bottle. It's already empty. Wait 'til Nick and AJ see this, Howie thought amusingly. He just emptied a Jack Daniels all by himself.

"Suit yourself, Howie." Adrienne rolled her eyes. "I asked Kevin for a phone. A servant took me here." Adrienne replied. She sat beside him and saw the book he's reading. "World History Book, fascinating. I didn't know you have penchants for reading such."

"I have to feed something on my brain other than plotting on how to dethrone Kevin," Howie sarcastically replied. He straightened from his seat only to find himself face to face closer to Adrienne.

"Oh, this is just too cheesy." Adrienne said with a smile then it disappeared. "You're drunk, are you?"

"Obviously," Howie rolled his eyes. "Leave the sofa, Adrienne, and get on with your phone call." He whispered. The woman stood up and went over the large mahogany office desk. "I wonder why there are so many people like you who are so upset with me being heir to the throne. Everyone knows anyway that I'm reluctant to take it. So, what's the big fuss? I'm just one of the spares."

Adrienne glanced at Howie. She saw him lying now on the sofa and his head rested against his crossed arms. He closed his eyes as he spoke.

"I hate to think of a non-Arkadian taking over this country," She told him.

"The feeling is mutual, Adrienne. I hate you too. You're very judgmental and very ignorant." Adrienne glanced at the prince when she heard it. Howie looked more serene and angelic just lying there, relaxed and eyes closed. "Stop staring at me, I know I'm cute. Just get on with your phone call so you can get the hell out of here."

Adrienne frowned and tried not to throw her pouch on him. She heard somebody answering her on the other line. "Oliver, how is it?" There was a pause. "That's good to hear. I'm still at my friend's party. Check all the details then let me hear about it tomorrow. Goodbye." She placed back the receiver and turned to leave.

"The woman had some modus operandi going on." Howie said, eyes still closed.

"Aren't we eavesdropping eh?" Adrienne retorted. "It's none of your business. Just get on with your sleep."

"Leave. I don't want to see you. Leave."

Adrienne grinned and never waver her look from the man on the sofa. "You want me here, but you're just fighting from what you feel," she teased him more. She walked towards the door but was surprised when Howie caught her on the waist. He spun her around to face him. The Hispanic-looking prince bents down to claim her lips in an unexpected kiss. His tongue successfully seeks entry inside her mouth. It's been a long kiss and when Howie felt that either of them is going to moan soon, he stopped the contact.

"I'm not that someone who'd pant just to get close to you, Miss Chisolm, although," he looked at her from head to foot, "I think you can damn give a good fuck after all. Excuse me." He lightly pushed her away then went out of the study.

Adrienne felt herself trembling after that kiss. She silently reprimanded herself for kissing him back. That has been a wonderful kiss after all.



>> 4


























4

The princes were like any famous celebrities ever known. Whatever they do, may it be a scandal or good news, paparazzi loves a picture-perfect shot from them and newspapers took every opportunity they had for the brothers to grace their society pages.

Today isn't like any other ordinary day. There were screams and chants when the dashing princes were seen going for a walk from the church to the nearby national monument for the annual Independence Day tradition. Usually, the royal family would attend the early morning mass officiated by the Archbishop of Ortho. After that, they are going to walk out of the church and into the street towards the national monument along with the other churchgoers.

It reenacts what happened on the day Arkadia has finally been independent from being an ally with France. Prince Martin Bordeaux of Theo, the nation's national hero, led the people with the political talks for independence. On the day they were granted free reign from being France's allied domain in 1896, Prince Martin and his family went to church for a thanksgiving mass. Afterwards, the whole churchgoers walked towards the city's main open field, in which is now the city's big park in dedication to the prince, to meet France's foreign affairs minister for the signing of the diplomatic agreement between the two countries and the declaration of Arkadia as a free and independent country.

Another thing that everyone is looking forward to this day is the annual wage increase in the population's workforce. Arkadia is a rich country that is second to Japan in terms of advanced high technology and leader in computer chip manufacturing. It is a motivation for the people to work hard for the benefit of all. This is one of the reasons why most Arkadians highly supported their monarchy and the political Parliament.

Dressed in fine tailored morning suits, the family would often stop on the sidewalk to greet the people watching on the sidelines as they pass by. Such activity is a very hard task for the entire royal security team as well as for the national police team deployed for the celebration, to protect the royals from being harmed after the shooting incident with Prince Howard and the attempted kidnapping with Prince Nickolas months ago. But King Benedique insisted on pursuing the tradition amidst the safety threats. Everyone, even the princes, is looking forward to this every year.

"I'm hungry," Nick muttered as he nodded and smiled to a group of girls who called his name. As he did that, they heard loud shrieks in return.

"You always are," Alex snickered. Nick stuck out his tongue to his brother and there were sudden flashes of lights on the area.

"Great, just what I need. A front-page picture of me and my tongue," Nick laughed, so did Howie and Alex. Nick turned as once again, another group of screaming girls screamed his name.

"He really is the popular royal, isn't he?" Howie said.

"Oh, sometimes I get jealous with all the attention," Alex joked. He waved to a couple of women who called his name and got a screaming response. "I felt like a pop star. The only thing missing is a recording album and a few concerts."

Nick blushed when another group of girls called him. They even have placards bearing the words, 'Marry me, Nick.' The walk towards the monument is turning into like a fans' day for the princes. The only thing Nick could do is to wave to them and continued with his walk.

"Every year, all he could do is to wave and goodbye." Brian said, teasing his cousin.

"I'm shy," Nick explained. The men laughed at him. There were flickers of cameras once again.

"Oh, yes. That's why Alexei turned to somebody else because she's tired of waiting for you." Alex told the youngest one. Nick ignored him and walked instead with Giselle and Anastasia, their other cousins.

"What happened?" Kevin asked when he caught up pace with them.



~~~



"I wish Nick would finally overcome his shyness with women," Benedique said as he and his wife followed their children towards the monument.

"No, please, not Nick. Not my baby," Isabella told her husband. "I had enough from his older brothers." She turned when someone called her in Spanish, her mother's native tongue.

"Señora Isabella!"

Benedique heard it too. Together, they stopped by the crowd and greeted the people.

"Señora Isabella," the woman called once again and reached out to hand her a folded piece of paper.

"Thank you," the queen said and turned to her husband. When she glanced back, the woman is already gone.



~~~



"What did you do with the flowers?" Howie asked Nick four hours after the Independence Day program. The two went back to the palace, while the others were still out for other engagements.

Nick scratched his head as he struggled to carry his own sports bag. "I gave them to the ladies in housekeeping," He smiled. While on their walk earlier, he was encouraged by Giselle and Anastasia to approach another group of women and had received a massive amount of flower bouquets. "The ladies were so delighted when I went to the east wing. I found them having their own celebration and I joined them for a while."

"Really?"

"Yes." Nick replied. His face is glowing. "I had a good time. They asked me to dance with them in which I did. I'm going back now to Cornwall. I have big exams on Friday. I also dropped by Papa's office and he wanted to see you." Howie pointed to himself as Nick nodded. He patted his older brother on the shoulders before leaving. Howie went towards the office and knocked before entering. He found his parents inside.

"Nick said you wanted to see me." Benedique nodded and offered the nearby couch to his son. "So, the one who shot me is an anti-monarchist," Howie started as soon as he settled himself down on the couch.

"Yes. I already talked to the man. Somebody paid him to do it. The police still continued with the investigation, taking the lead that this also has to do with Nick's attempted kidnapping." His father told him. "The bullets found in your body were the same as those found in the shootout scene with Nick months ago." The king tightened his hold to his wife's hand.

Howie wanted to conclude that someone out there wanted them dead but he couldn't say it loud now. His mother is there and he doesn't want her to hear the very thing she doesn't want to hear. She always feared for her children's safety. Howie knew how she'd even spent her own finances just to assure that everyone of them will be safe.

Howie's silence made Benedique proceed to another agenda, which is why he called for Howie. "A woman gave this note to us while we were walking earlier." The king said. "We think that you have to know about this."

Puzzled, Howie took the piece of paper and read the note. 'Thank you for taking care of my son, Howard.' He suddenly felt his heart beats faster after that. With trembling hands, he folded back the piece of paper.

"She's instantly gone when I turned to look at her once again," Isabella told him. There was silence as the two waited for Howie to speak. He felt mixed emotions welled up inside: excitement, longing, and then anger. He just couldn't explain more of it. He looked at the only parents he knew all his life and he couldn't imagine living his life without them. But he also had a wishful thinking of meeting the people who really brought him into this world, and ask them why they abandoned him.

"What are you going to do, son?" Benedique finally broke the silence.

Howie shrugged and drew a deep breath. "I don't know, Papa." He quietly replied. "I don't have plans. But then, may I have this for a while?"



>> 5


























5

"Julianne Travois?" Ivan asked when he arrived at his meeting place with Howie. The prince looked up at his best friend, who sat opposite of him. "He's a good writer."

Howie nodded and set down the book. They were in an exclusive café where Howie asked to see him. "How's your wife?" He asked first before preceeding with his actual intentions. He met Ivan a long time ago when they were still both studying in Cornwall. Ivan LaVorgna, who is the son of a Royal Navy Officer, became one of his trusted friends aside from Francis duBonne. He is currently a forensic and investigative officer in the Army and just married his college sweetheart, Martha Wilkins, who is still finishing her studies in medical school.

Ivan's eyes twinkled upon mentioning his wife. Howie saw the same expression on his parents and wondered when he will have the same feeling of unimaginable bliss of having a special someone you loved the most.

"She's fine. Now you reminded me, I missed her already. It's just an hour since I last saw her."

Howie chuckled. "Alright. Enough of it for now. I wanted to ask you a favor and I wish you could help me."

Ivan studied his friend's face. "This is serious huh? You're not winking for two minutes now." Howie laughed. His friends always make fun of his mannerism of constant winking, when actually it's his eye defect. He doesn't want to get rid of it. He felt it was like his own identity, his trademark. "Okay, Howie. What is it?"

Howie set down the note on the table, along with a clear file folder. "I need a forensic study on this note: the pen used and what type of ink and where it came from, any thumb marks, DNA sample if possible, just anything that you can find relevant to match with my own physiological identity. This folder contains my information. I hope that this will remain confidential?"

"Whoa! Slow down," Ivan raised an eyebrow. He opened the note and read it. "I see. You wanted to know if this has anything to do with your biological parents eh?" He drew a deep breath and set down the note. "Trust me when it comes to confidentiality. But do you think this is -?"

Howie shrugged in reply.

"Are you ready to know about it when the results come out?"

"Maybe."

"What does your mother said about this?"

"They didn't know that I'm doing this, Ivan. They showed me that and I asked them to keep it for a while. My parents are now old and I don't want them to worry on things like this. Anyway, if I found out about my biological parents, I won't leave this life that I used to. This is I, a prince. I was never what I am supposed to be if I didn't get adopted. I owed this so much to Papa and Mama, and I love this family. I wanted to serve them with all that love and gratitude for their kindness."

"Yes, I agree." Ivan nodded. "But things will be different after this."

"I know. I'm still setting my mind on that idea." His eyes roamed around the café to check once again if there are any paparazzi nearby. He's paranoid because he valued privacy so much. He caught sight of Adrienne sitting nearby and seemed oblivious to the world. She's in front of her laptop, typing something she has written from her notebook.

"Are you mad at your biological parents for leaving you?"

"There are mixed feelings in me, Ivan." Howie returned his look to his friend. "Anger but excited, confusion, anticipation, gratitude..."

"Gratitude?"

"If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have this opportunity to live a wonderful life." Howie answered a-matter-of-factly. He glanced back to Adrienne. She's muttering something as she glanced at her notebook than back to the laptop. That simple movement of her lips made Howie remembered the night he kissed her. He now knew how soft and sweet they are.

Ivan noticed that Howie is distracted. "You hate that woman. Why do you keep on staring at her?"

Howie shook his head. "I hate her, but I'm curious." He shrugged. "It doesn't matter. Don't give it any more meaning, Ivan. That woman would be impossible to get along with." He could still remember that night in the study room. Being inside the room with Adrienne is suffocating and pure torture. The woman is dangerously attractive and sexy. Howie is not immune to her charms. And damn those soft lips that tasted so sweet, trembling beneath him as his tongue seek entry into her mouth. She teased him and if he didn't have enough control, they must have already baptized the study room as their private love nest.

Ivan, on the other hand, knew his best friend better. One turning glance to a woman means he took the attention offered to him and that is different from looking at a woman. The second time that Howie looked at a woman means he is attracted and interested in her. Ivan could attest on that. Howie's former girlfriends received more than just a glance and he took each of those relationships seriously. With regards to feelings, Ivan knew that Howie isn't used to showing it but rather doing it in another way, which sometimes led to misunderstanding. Then that will lead to a break up on the woman's part.

"Yes," Ivan conceded. "Adrienne Chisolm is really impossible to get along with." He smirked. Howie didn't make a comment on that.

Just then Adrienne must have felt their look, and she glanced their way.



>> 6


























6

Adrienne sat alone in the café, almost oblivious to the world around her. She's busy typing her story in her laptop, feeling panicky and frustrated at the same time. Unknown to everyone, she is the author behind best-selling novels and goes under the name, Scarlet Hughes. It is one of her secret talents to write and also her passion for relaxation. But right now, she felt anything but relaxed. Her editor gave her a deadline next weekend to finish her current novel and she only had half of it saved on her laptop and only a quarter before the ending written on her notebook. She's not inspired to write, and most especially that she's undergoing another crisis in her life.

Frustrated, another feeling she's having after dropping by her parents' estate and found out that they are divorcing. The news must have reached the newspapers by now.

She valued her family most, just like what Kevin had. But her ultimate treasure just shattered after learning that her parents' marriage isn't working anymore. Tears threatened to come out from her eyes but she firmly held it back. There's no use crying. After all, it won't bring back her parents' marriage.

After that revelation, she needs to be away from the estate and be alone with her own thoughts. That's why she ended up in this cozy yet posh café in the quiet side of the city. She never come close to the things she wanted so much. She felt like a loser. Even her best-selling books couldn't sum up to the depression she's feeling right now. She may have friends but it seems like no one knew her well.

She glanced around and caught sight of Prince Howie. They met each other's look then the prince turned back to his companion.

She remembered the last time they met and how wonderful his kiss was. She hates to admit it. Howie left abruptly which made Adrienne wanting more. She furiously blushed at that thought. She stared at her laptop and scanned her mind for homonyms in her vocabulary. Sadly, she's having a writer's block and she couldn't improve a certain scene in the story. What's happening to her? Howie just couldn't affect her senses right now. He's not part of her life and never will be.

With a sigh, she started packing her things back in her tote bag and the laptop in its own bag. She went out of the café and saw some of the royal bodyguards outside. She recognized them easily. Being Kevin's close friend had its advantages sometimes. She saw Jonathan, who was once Kevin assigned to guard her when they went on a ski trip.

She's about to go to her own car when she saw a familiar SUV in sight. With a silent groan, she turned back to the café's door but stopped when she met Howie who is about to leave too. They stared at each other for a while. Adrienne has been fighting a decision that she had in mind.



>> 7


























7

Adrienne stared at Howie as she fought for the decision she had in mind. "Adrienne," the voice came behind her. Surprised, she immediately grabbed Howie's hand to entwine with hers. She turned to the person who called.

"Thomas, hi."

The man she greeted unenthusiastically looked at her then to Howie. "Good day, Your Royal Highness."

Howie, who recognized Thomas Burke, as the youngest son of a restaurant entrepreneur and according to Kevin is Adrienne's stalker, smiled and shook with his free hand with the man. Ivan just watched in amusement, silently taking note of the two paparazzi lurking on both ways. "How are you?" Howie asked Thomas. Adrienne is just silent, staring at Thomas. Jonathan, the bodyguard, approached them and offered to take Adrienne's things.

"I thought you were in the States." Adrienne started. "By the way, Howie is-"

"She's my girlfriend," Howie interrupted, tightening his grip on hers.

"Uh, really?" Thomas smiled at the two but Ivan could see that it doesn't even reach his eyes. "I've been home for sometime now. I was surprised that the two of you are together."

"What are you trying to imply? That my girlfriend will be lying to you? I'm watching you, Burke. I knew that you've been stalking Adrienne." Howie said. His last statement made Adrienne turned to him.

"Hey, keep it cool, prince." Thomas laughed nervously as Jonathan and the other bodyguard gave him a look. "No one knows that you were together. I came here just to talk with Adrienne."

"That needs an appointment. Adrienne is a very busy woman now. I filled up her schedule most of the time." Howie grinned.

"It's been a secret, but now that you know..." Adrienne glanced at Howie then back to Thomas, "I guess, that there's no point in hiding it now."

"You're right about it, sweetie." Howie agreed. "I hate to say this, Thomas, but will you excuse us? It's been nice seeing you again."

"Sure, no problem, Your Royal Highness." He backed off to give way to the three.

"Car keys," Howie whispered to Adrienne as they made their way towards the waiting car. Adrienne complied and gave her keys. Howie tossed the keys to another bodyguard. "Follow us to her home," he ordered and pointed to Adrienne's convertible silver Lexus parked nearby.

"See you soon, Howie." Ivan said and winked at Adrienne. An amused smile is obviously all over his face. Adrienne wished she could scratch it out. Even Howie is smiling in amusement. She doesn't have any other choice. Thomas is a very persistent suitor no matter how many times she rejected him and talked to him about stopping his obsession or else she'll file a case against him. She glanced back to Thomas who's been following them with a look. Because of that man, she now owed something, of all people, to Howie.

After Adrienne has gone inside Howie's car, the prince followed inside and muttered, "There are two paparazzi on both ways, Adrienne. My status is being speculated right now and this is your fault. What is your explanation?"

"Hey, I didn't ask you to do it."

"But you held my hand or rather, grabbed it." Howie quickly but quietly retorted.

"I don't have any choice and you were there. I talked to him about this and suing him many times but he's very persistent." She avoided Howie's look. She completely swallowed her pride just to save herself from Thomas. "Thanks, anyway. Don't worry. I'll help you clear your name as soon as this thing gets out."

"I don't think you could do it. We just make Thomas believe that we were together. That means I'm stuck with you," Howie watched Adrienne's face turn into a frown. "Being your boyfriend is not a good idea for me too. I don't like you and I never came close enough to think about you as my woman." He turned to the view outside the window.

"Then let's pretend that we are, in just a period of time. It won't be hard, I guess, to act as if we are together. Everyone who cares will make a big deal out of it at first but will wear it out easily. You're royalty. Anyone will see that we are not a perfect match and they'd just think we'll break up soon." Adrienne told him.

"You must not have been reading the papers. I'm the prince who took relationships seriously. If we broke up, that will be because there's something wrong with you and I couldn't stand you, which is the truth anyway."

"I don't care."

Howie ignored her last retort. "I don't mind having a girlfriend, even for just a while." He smirked. "I admit you're cute. My friends will envy me if they find out we're together." He rested his head against the headboard and closed his eyes. There was silence inside the car as they moved on.

I'm just cute, and not even gorgeous? Adrienne frowned. Her phone rang but she couldn't answer it. She recognized that the number was Oliver's. She hates talking her secret activity with someone around. But she answered it anyway. "Oliver." There was a pause as she listened. "Almost through with it." Her face lightened when the man said something on the other line. "Really? That's good. Next month will do fine. Okay. Goodbye." She noticed that they already reached her place. She puts back her phone inside the bag.

"Oliver again? I wonder who he is," Howie said, not moving a bit from his seat.

"I'll go out now. Thanks for the ride."

"You haven't ridden me yet," Howie grinned. Adrienne rolled her eyes.

"You said that there were two paparazzi tailing you right now and they are making wild guesses, wondering what took us long to get out of this car. I need to get out now."

"Wait. Let us give them a reason then," Howie straightened from his seat and bent closer to kiss her on the lips. Adrienne wondered, why is it that the second they got close contact, she just couldn't resist him? She nipped his lips gently, savored the kiss and promised herself that it will be his last time and then pushed him away.

"Not fair," Adrienne protested and she reached the doorknob herself. Howie went out, grinning widely. "You're enjoying this." She added.

"I enjoyed tormenting you, Adrienne."

"If there's news about us tomorrow, take care of it. Just remind me about it."

No." Howie replied. He walked Adrienne towards the front steps of the apartment building.

"Why...?"

"If there's news about us tomorrow, I'm going to take care of it. I'll just call you to remind what you should do." Howie told her.

"That's what I said. You just repeated it."

Howie took the keys from the bodyguard, along with her things. He turned back to her. "I don't take orders from you, Adrienne. See you when I see you." He bents down to kiss her gently once again on the lips. "Bye, sweetie." He chuckled at the endearment, finding it absurd that he'll say it to Adrienne.

"You are so good at appearances." Adrienne touched his cheeks.

"I know. I'm the one who had the intention to steal the throne, remember?"

Adrienne made a fake smile. "Goodbye, honey."

"Oh, help me, God!" Howie sighed aloud. He doesn't care if anyone would hear him, even Adrienne. He didn't expect how this day will turn out to be. Now, he wondered what the next days will be in store for him.



>> 8


























8

Howie entered the entertainment room and saw his brothers in complete attendance, as well as Brian. Nick, who's on the phone with someone, is still ignoring Kevin. Alex and Brian are playing pool while Kevin is watching news on the TV. Everyone turned when he entered.

"Is there something wrong?" Howie asked them.

"None," Brian replied and lightly hit Alex on the head with the cue stick he's holding. "Hey, it's my turn, AJ."

"Just thought that you might forget," Alex touched his head. "That hurts." He did the same with Brian, too. Brian laughed, and ran away from him. They reached Nick, who got beaten with the stick when Alex tried reaching for Brian.

"Ouch!" Nick dropped the phone and grabbed Alex's sweatpants and pulled it down.

"Hey, no hitting below the belt!" Alex laughed, pulling his sweatpants back.

Nick laughed then shrieked when Howie threw him a cockroach he must have found somewhere. "Yaiiiy!! Where did that came from? Palaces are supposed to be cockroach-free!" He jumped away from the couch. He didn't see a beanbag on the floor that he tripped and fell on the floor. The older men laughed.

"Maybe because you leave too much crumbs here when you eat. Cockroaches would lurk here, for sure." Kevin tried not to laugh but Nick looked ridiculous and awkward as he searched for the cockroach in his shirt. They watched him in amusement. He doesn't see it crawling down his shorts, nearing his leg. When the insect reached his leg, Nick felt the tickling little thing and screamed. Brian laughed, hitting Nick's leg with the cue stick. The cockroach jumped away. Nick looked so disgusted.

"Waiting for their Master Nick." Alex said as he stomped on it.

"Eeww!"

Kevin shook his head in disgust. "Call somebody to clean up the mess," he said. Alex, who kept on laughing, went out of the room. Meanwhile, Nick found his cell phone and resumed talking to whoever is on the other line. Howie is still chuckling as he sat by the TV and watched. His smile faded when the news program resumed and he saw his face on the screen. The news about him and Adrienne already hit the headlines. The paparazzi never wasted time on some juicy royal news.

"And finally, five months after his breakup with Dr. Ingrid Holmes, His Royal Highness Prince Howie is in love once again. Surprisingly this time, to Prince Kevin's best friend, Adrienne Chisolm. If everyone could remember, Miss Chisolm openly expressed before that she opposed to the idea about a non-Arkadian taking a chance on the throne. It seems like she took back what she said and is now dating the gorgeous prince," the woman on the screen recited with very much enthusiasm as if she just discovered the cure for AIDS. The rest of the princes gathered near the TV and watched as the scenes unfold. There were pictures taken earlier when they were from the café, and when he took Adrienne home.

"Aside from being the royal best friend, Miss Chisolm also had her share of publicity. Recently, her parents, Ambassador Jacques Chisolm and his wife announced that they were divorcing last Tuesday." The woman continued, as another picture of Howie kissing Adrienne on the front steps of her apartment is changed into Adrienne's parents' picture.

"What's up with you and Adrienne?" Kevin asked him.

"Something," Howie replied without much interest.

Kevin frowned. "That's my best friend, Howie." He said with warning in his voice.

"She's my girlfriend now." Howie announced then. Alex just came in and paused when he heard what he said.

"What? Really?" Kevin exclaimed. Howie felt another glare from his brother. "How did that happen?"

Alex rolled his eyes. "Please, Kev. Don't exaggerate. It wasn't like they're getting married." He instructed the servant with him to clean up the cockroach. After the maid left, the brothers resumed their conversation. "How long is it then, Howie?"

Howie glanced at his wristwatch. "Like about three hours and forty minutes," he replied, glancing at Kevin. The eldest brother is frowning like a mad man, his arms across his chest and staring back at Howie. Howie missed his brother. He missed the days when they were young and Kevin treated him as his real brother and protected him from the bullies in Cornwall.

His most unforgettable moment was when he was eight years old and Kevin was ten. The two went horseback riding in Theo and Howie's horse suddenly went crazy. He lost control over it and fell off. Kevin immediately went to aid his brother as their bodyguards carried the younger prince off to the car to bring him to the hospital. He never left Howie's side until he was fully recovered. Howie felt how worried his brother has been of the accident and that was the reason why Alex and Nick never got interested with the horses. Kevin made sure they never got near the animals, as he doesn't want the same thing to happen to the younger two.

"I knew better that you shouldn't be dating Adrienne." Kevin told him. He couldn't voice out that Adrienne's father had hopes of marrying his daughter into royalty and Howie just gave him the chance to make the dream come true. It's not that he doesn't like Adrienne to be part of their family, but he hates people like Jacques Chisolm who hungers so much for publicity and higher social status. And knowing the ambassador, Howie is going to face a relationship dilemma soon. He knew Howie is the type who gets serious with his relationships and probably, whether he likes it or not, he may face Adrienne at the altar soon. That's how persistent Jacques Chisolm can be. And despite the gap he and Howie had right now, he still knew his brother. Howie is never ready for a marriage of convenience, unlike him who's got a family tradition to worry about because he is the eldest son.

Looking at the present, Howie wondered why Kevin has turned away from him. Kevin, of all people, knew that he has no intentions on claiming the throne. "You don't need to tell me that," Howie replied. "I shouldn't have done it too. It's a mistake. It just happened that Thomas Burke was at the area and probably stalking Adrienne once again. I was there and she came to me for help. I knew her dilemma. What else can I do but be gentleman enough to aid her." Howie stood up from the couch and started towards the door. "Got to go. Don't worry, I will never hurt her." Honesty told him he'd never hurt Adrienne. They aren't actually a couple in love, in the first place. Thinking about that woman, Howie had to deal with her stubbornness and arrogance in the next indefinite days.

"Hey, I'm not yet through with you." Kevin said but Howie immediately left the room. He glanced at the rest of the men inside. "What?"

"You're exaggerating, Kev." Brian said, mimicking what Alex had said earlier.

"You're overreacting. Howie is just giving out charity to your best friend," Nick added, standing up and leaving the room as well.

"You don't understand." Brian and Alex, who remained in the room, waited for him to continue. But Kevin sighed and stormed out of the room.

"That one is pretty annoying most of the time." Alex said as he watched Brian continued with their pool game. Brian visualized the shot, imagining and calculating how to stroke the shot, which will give him the winning streak. Control is the name of his game and he also wanted safety being turned to his side. He bunted the ball down to sit on the foot rail while the cue ball went to the side rail and rebounded off, pushing the eight cue ball into the pocket.

"Damn!" Alex exclaimed but never missing out to strike Brian lightly on the butt with the cue stick.

"Hey," Brian chuckled, retaliating Alex with another smack on the side.



>> 9


























9

Howie saw Ivan's name on the caller ID and answered his mobile phone. "Why?"

"Are you sure you're going to push through on that foolishness with Adrienne?" Ivan asked without preamble.

Howie set down the pen on his office desk and massaged his neck with his free hand. "Isn't it rather the women's business to gossip about this kind of stuff?"

Ivan ignored his comment. "I saw the news on TV. What are your plans now? How did Kevin take this?"

"He overreacted, as usual. I don't know what the big deal about this is. We're just going out, as what Adrienne wanted everyone to think so. It's not like we're getting married tomorrow." But deep inside, Howie could feel that Kevin had a reason why. His brother wouldn't just oppose to it without seeing what could be wrong. There's something Kevin is not telling him. "By the way, how's the thing going?" He asked, not mentioning what the 'thing' is all about. He is careful with any spying bugs set up inside the palace. "If the facts are ready, call me here."

"Sure, I will." There was silence on the other line. "Aren't you really going to talk about it, Howie?"

"Shut up, Ivan." Howie smiled on the other line. "You know that I really don't want this kind of burden."

"Then care to share why are you doing this for her?" Ivan pressed more. He wouldn't be an investigator for nothing without his talent to pry, he thought amusingly as he waited for Howie.

"I would love to do her a favor so she'd be indebted to me," Howie replied. But Ivan didn't believe him. Howie is not the type who'd look for something in return to the favors he did. He mostly does it wholeheartedly.

The door in Howie's private office opened and his personal secretary came in, followed by Adrienne. After showing her in, the personal secretary left.

"I don't know, Howie. But I know you. You take your relationships seriously. Still, there are lots of things going on with you right now. Do you think you can handle this one?"

"Maybe. Besides, she's cute. I couldn't wait to hear what Francis had to say about this." Howie looked at the woman in front of him from head to feet. Adrienne raised an eyebrow in response, and tapped her fingers on his desk.

"Howie..."

"Thanks for the concern, man. I think I can handle this. Thanks again." Howie set down his mobile phone and turned to Adrienne. "I told you that I'd call you to remind what you should do. As of now, things are still under control." He watched as Adrienne took the framed picture of the royal family on his desk and looked at it. "What are you doing here?"

"Fulfilling my side of the relationship," Adrienne replied. "And correction, I'm not just cute. I'm gorgeous." Howie rolled his eyes. He leaned back on his chair and watched her move about. Adrienne set down the photo frame and walked towards the window. "Thomas is out there, on the gray SUV." She realized she's been trembling all along and hated the feeling of it. She's on the way to the publishing house but spotted the familiar SUV trailing behind. She didn't know why but she felt safe knowing that her car is just near the palace and decided to drop by Howie's office first.

"Damn that man," she heard Howie muttered beside her. Oddly enough, it surged unexplainable electricity within her just hearing him spoke quietly and smelling his faint masculine scent. She turned to him. How do those eyes can look so charming now? She didn't normally notice that thing about him.

"If he can't be stopped after you sued him, then let me do it, Adrienne." Howie said.

"No. That's not your responsibility. I already arranged for it yesterday. That man didn't hurt me yet, but he must be given a restraining order. I should have done this a long time ago." They stood there gazing out the window. The paparazzi waiting outside must have seen them and they began clicking their hi-tech cameras in their direction. Adrienne turned away from the window.

"Take me to the Lorie Avenue," she told Howie. He raised an eyebrow. How could she be so daring in ordering him around?

"I got lots of things to do right now. You can go there with my bodyguards behind."

"Bodyguards won't scare Thomas."

"Then why don't you just go out there and tell him to back off? Don't waste my time. I got things ahead of me today. You're not my priority."

Adrienne stared at him, her jaw dropped open. "How dare you tell me that? You'll regret this, Howie."

"You're not my real girlfriend, Adrienne. You're just asking me a favor but you still have the guts to threaten me. Get out of here." Howie went back to sit behind the desk and opened a folder. He stopped when Adrienne is still standing there. "Well?" He watched as Adrienne snorted and stormed out of the room. "Spoiled brat." Howie muttered and went back to the windows. Moments later, he saw Adrienne's car leaving the palace grounds. Soon after, Thomas' SUV followed behind. Howie called for his bodyguard.

"Adrienne is going to Lorie Avenue. Follow her and make sure you keep an eye on her without her knowing it."



~~~



Princess Monique shakes her head after reading the society pages. The youngest sister of the king idly walked out towards the balcony of her bedroom and smelled the fresh air within the castle grounds. She worked hard to deserve simple luxuries like these. Yes, she's may be a princess but being the youngest made her unrecognizable. She craved for the attention and she now had it. She's been married four times: divorced and widowed twice. She graced the society pages with her wit, charm and rebellious nature. Her children lived with it. Anastasia is her daughter from her first husband who died in a car accident, in which she successfully plotted. When he died, she received an enormous amount of inheritance from the late duke. Giselle, her youngest, is her daughter from her third husband she divorced eight years ago. She has gone through it all and her next mission in life is to meddle with her nephews' lives. That would be a lot more fun.

This time, Howie graced the society pages for having a new girlfriend. There were pictures of him kissing Adrienne Chisolm on the cheeks and looking as if they had intimate talks while they were together. Monique grinned and shakes her head once again. The paparazzi would do anything just to sell photos. She couldn't blame them. Howie is a favorite royal icon, ever since his presence set foot in the Arkadian land. Everyone is interested to anything that goes on with the adopted prince, who is currently dating the daughter of a controversial diplomat who is undergoing a serious scandal and divorce right now.

Monique didn't buy the story created by the paparazzi. As far as she knew, Adrienne didn't like Howie. She hates the idea that the second heir to the throne is not an Arkadian. If Howie becomes king, the lineage of the royal family will fall off to someone who doesn't even have a family tree to boast of. Now, Monique wondered why Adrienne had a sudden change of heart. Howie is a natural charmer. Did she fall off to that and swallowed what she had said before? 'Or maybe the poor girl is just depressed and lonely,' the princess smirked thoughtfully.

She had to make a call on Kevin. The oldest prince must have been irritatingly mad at Howie right now upon learning about Howie and his female best friend. She smiled at the thought. She is responsible for brainwashing the young man, turning him cold against Howie whom he used to cherish and protect as his own kin. Her revenge had already started.

She is the first person who oppose to her brother when Benedique came home with his wife from Puerto Rico. They brought along a child they planned to adopt, a matter in which has almost divided the kingdom and questioned the future king's judgment towards things in life. Monique was sure, Isabella charmed her way to convince Benedique to adopt the child, disregard the chaos it will bring to the royal family and the whole Arkadia. She absolutely hates Isabella. Benedique should have pursued his wedding to Monique's friend, Lady Romina, if not only Isabella returned to Arkadia and to the man she met while still in university years ago. The two, as the romantics said, have been secretly in love and not even Benedique's engagement will keep him from pursuing Isabella to become his wife and the future queen. Monique loathed the day the two got married. Romina took her own life on the day of Benedique and Isabella's wedding.

Monique will never forgive Isabella for that. She will seek revenge for her friend who died loving the man who just took her for granted. Isabella's sons will have to bear with it. It's going to be a hard life for the princes.



>> 10


























10

Adrienne sat on the chair a few minutes after Howie excused himself and went to an office. The news about their 'relationship' is still the talk of the society, in which Adrienne doesn't really care no matter what they said about her. The palace press secretary issued a statement concerning the couple's need for privacy, but the paparazzi never stopped stalking them and ever ready for any intimate moments they'd share whether it's just a simple kiss or a soft whisper on her ear.

Today is the first time since she last saw him at the palace. Howie called for her and asked her company to the Dominican Sisters Convent. The first thing that came to her mind is Princess Michaela, the king's sister who decided to become a nun after finishing her university course although others speculated that she chose the seclusion of the convent after a heart-wrenching break up with her boyfriend, a duke in the noble society.

"Good day."

Adrienne turned to the person who greeted her and saw a lovely woman's face garbed in the nun's attire. "Good day, Sister."

"I saw you and Howie came. I'm Michaela, his aunt."

"I'm Adrienne, Your Royal Highness -"

"No titles here, my dear. I'm simply a nun and Benedique's sister."

"I'm Adrienne, Sister Michaela. It's been nice to meet you," the two shook hands.

"I've read about you on the newspaper," the soft-spoken lady continued. "Howie's a nice man. There's no need to worry about him just because he's a prince and constantly guarded by those paparazzi." She glanced around and then held Adrienne's hand.

"This is the first time I see you, Sister, but I heard a lot about you from Kevin."

Michaela smiled. "I hope it's good."

"It is. And I can see that they love you."

"I love my family too. They are always in my prayers. My brothers' safety, their families as well, my twin sister's family..." Michaela's voice trailed off upon mentioning Monique. Adrienne saw a momentarily sadness passed through the serene face. Sister Michaela must have missed her twin sister, Princess Monique. "Listen, Adrienne. Whatever you're going through right now, don't forget that God is always there. Never hesitate to call Him when you need Him."

"My parents' divorce bothered me a lot, Sister." Adrienne said. The nun saw a hint of tears from the corner of the young woman's eyes but fought back. This one must have been going through a lot right now.

"Hi, auntie," Howie greeted suddenly. The two didn't notice him watching them since Michaela joined his 'girlfriend.' He kissed his Aunt Michaela and sits beside Adrienne. "I see that you already met Adrienne."

Michaela smiled as she noticed the other woman putting on a strong face. She watched as Howie puts his arms on Adrienne's shoulders, taking a momentary glance at her then back to his aunt. Adrienne moved slightly away, like she's uneasy having Howie's arms on her shoulders. Something's wrong here. She hoped Adrienne is not just like those women who only liked Howie because of his wealth and royal influence. Howie deserves more than that.



~~~



Adrienne glanced at Howie. After going to the convent, Howie instructed to take them to a restaurant for lunch. "What did you do in the office back there?" She asked. Howie's handsome face turned to her. She just realized that he looked saintly with those quiet brown eyes like it was piercing through her soul to repent on her sins towards him. He's a natural charmer and she should guard herself from falling for him.

"Just something." There's no need to tell Adrienne that he's sponsoring the convent. No one knows because he feels that this is something that doesn't have to be publicly known.

"You're too mysterious, Howie. I just couldn't understand you."

"That goes the same with you, Adrienne." He chuckled.

"What's funny?"

"We're about to fight over something so shallow. You're acting like a kid most of the time, don't you realize that? You really are one spoiled brat. You won't stop until some thing would go your way. Too bad for me, I was trapped."

"No, I'm not a brat."

"Yes, you are."

"No."

"Yes, you do." Howie winked at her. She thought it was weird. Kevin told her it's some sort of an eye defect but she found it charming now. "And you're beautiful, that I might add."

"Yes, I am."

"And I would like to kiss you," Howie added with a teasing smile.

Adrienne paused and stared at him. "Oh?" She suddenly felt excited. Howie ignited the sleeping passion she didn't thought she had all along after experiencing that mind-boggling kiss with Howie a week ago. But she couldn't kiss him right now. There was her pride she should consider. If she gives in, she will already admit defeat against Howie, swallowing hard all the criticism and mockery she has done to him.

Her musings were saved when Howie's mobile phone rang. "Yes, AJ?" His gentle voice asked. Adrienne always noticed the gentleness in his tone, like as if he is the most patient and nicest person.

"What?" Howie glanced at her as he listened to Alex on the other line. "Alright. I'll be there immediately."

"Something's wrong?" Adrienne asked, watching Howie hesitated at first then drew a deep breath.

"Promise me that you won't squeal this to anyone."

"Trust me, Howie. I promise." Adrienne's face grew concerned.

"It's about Kevin and his betrothed. He secretly married her today."

"Oh, with Cristin Deveraux."

Howie nodded. "But Cristin left Kevin soon after the ceremony."

"What?"

Howie nodded. "I'm sorry for cutting off our lunch date but my brother might need me right now."

"Do you think so? Kevin doesn't even need you."

Howie frowned at that. He glanced out the window as he gives instructions to the chauffeur for the change of plans. Adrienne bit her lower lip. She shouldn't have said the last one. She was glad that Howie trusted her to tell about Kevin. But she shouldn't have reminded him the complexity of his relationship with Kevin.



>> 11


























11

"Don't start," Kevin warned when he met Howie and Adrienne down the hall. The two just reached the palace and met the older prince. Kevin is literally storming down the palace halls and breezed right through them towards the king's office.

"Kevin could be such a brat and a pain in the ass." Adrienne muttered under her breath. Howie heard her.

"Yeah, just like you." He said sternly. "Besides, his new bride just left him. Who wouldn't be mad at that?" He took her elbow. "I'll take you home. Kevin is in such a bad mood and it's not advisable to come near him right now."

"No, I'll go home myself. You need to go and check on your brother." Adrienne told him. Howie drew another deep breath and glanced towards where Kevin has gone. Adrienne saw the uncertainty in his eyes. "I'll let you in on a secret, Howie. Kevin still adores you as a brother, no matter how cold he is now towards you. It's ironic and I couldn't understand him for that matter as well. Trust me on that, and thank you for trusting me on this earlier." She tiptoed to reach him and kissed him on the lips. Howie responded, enclosing Adrienne in a tight embrace. Soon after, she gave him one last pat on the shoulders and went off.

Howie didn't say anything but only watched her leave. The woman is giving him confused and mixed emotions. But he'll deal with it later. He started towards his father's office. He found the king and queen inside along with Kevin, Alex and John Lyndon, the king's longtime personal secretary.

"This isn't going to leak out in the media, John." Kevin said firmly. "No one should know that I married that woman."

"And ditched you," Alex added. He received angry glares from Kevin, Howie and their father.

"Aren't you going to divorce her?" Howie asked in concern.

"No. I won't give her that freedom. She has to pay for what she's done."

Howie saw their parents holding each other's hand as they watched and listened to Kevin. "We won't let you hurt Cristin, Kevin. After all, she's a family now. We'll just track her down and let her face the consequences of what she's done. You're not going to hurt her." King Benedique firmly told his son.

"But what about me, Papa? I was the one who was dumped right after marriage!" Kevin exclaimed in disbelief.

"She must have hurt your ego but you don't really love her."

"You'll never understand how hurt I am, more than my ego could handle. You betrothed me to that woman for eight years since I've come of age." He couldn't even utter his wife's name because of intense fury. "I fulfilled my duty to know her better because I believe that you did this for me. And I've come to know and cherish that woman through the course of time we've known each other. I married that woman not because you asked me to, because I wanted to..."

"Are you trying to say..." Alex stared in disbelief.

Kevin looked around them. "Yes, but I hate her. She had enough of that stubbornness and it's now my turn." He looked at his wristwatch. "Remember what I said. No one but us should know that a marriage occurred. I'm going to find that woman."

"What are you going to make her pay?" Alex asked his brother.

"You'll find out soon. Excuse me." Everyone is quiet when Kevin left. Howie and Alex looked at each other.

"How about you, Howard? What is this about you dating that woman?" Benedique turned to his other son.

"It's true, Papa. And her name is Adrienne." He surprised himself by the feeling of irritation when his father didn't bother saying Adrienne's name when the king knew her for a long time now. His other girlfriends usually had his approval. Anyway, Adrienne is a different woman. "But we're taking things one at a time."

Benedique frowned. Howie could sense that his father didn't like Adrienne. He wouldn't be surprised. Adrienne openly expressed her own dislike to Howie. And the king wouldn't be half as glad to find him dating that same woman.

Benedique chose to dismiss the issue. It wasn't like Howie is getting married as well. He turned to his long time secretary. "John, I'd like to speak with you about this dilemma with Kevin..." That was their cue to leave, Howie sensed. He followed Alex in kissing their mother on the cheeks. The two left the room. They were silent as they walked down the hall.

Faint sounds could only be heard from the clicking noise of their shoes across the long hallway. Palace guards stood on every post like a statue that was made to be put in place as a décor. They seem like one, but they are reliable in terms of security. Howie remembered an intruder who tried entering the palace once but has been immediately caught. It was found out that she just wanted to catch a glimpse of Prince Nickolas and to ask for an autograph, a simple wish in which the youngest prince immediately granted and was sent to her in jail. After that incident, nothing occurred again. The teenager was released on the same day. And Howie and Alex knew they are safe around the palace, as long as the guards stood there.

Alex suddenly laughed. Howie cast him a weird look. "That was some ridiculous marriage," he said.

"I pity Kevin." Howie replied, shaking his head.

"Huh?"

"Kevin might be an ass, but he didn't deserve it. However, we still have to hear Cristin's side as well. Let's give her the benefit of the doubt. Seeing how this thing started, Kevin may have been unfair to her, too."

"Whatever, man. But Kevin needs some lesson from time to time too. I witnessed how he's been rude to Cristin. His ego couldn't take it. He wants revenge. Those two have been biting each other's head off since the second they laid eyes upon each other." Alex told him.

Howie hinted a smile. "Yes, I know. I remembered the first time they met." He looked at Alex.

"They overly flirted with each other," they said in unison. Alex nodded.

"Oh, brother." Alex put his arm on Howie's shoulder. "How about you? Why are you doing that Adrienne some favor? You don't have to, you know?" He watched his brother curiously. Howie's aura seemed to change day after day. He had this cheesy smile every time Alex sees him. It seems like he's enjoying his relationship with Adrienne.

"I know, but on that moment, I felt like helping her instantly just to draw Thomas away from her. I don't know what has come to me, AJ. But I felt like acting charitable at that time to her." He snickered. "Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"

Alex nodded. "That you're attracted to her and that was your chance to make a move on her."

"Hey!"

"Relax, man. That's how I see it." He tells Howie. He shook his head. "You're in denial, Howie. Did you know that there's a thin line between love and hate?" He shook his head. "Think of another excuse and go back to me to tell about it, okay? I need to go back to the university." Alex made a quick escape down the hall to avoid Howie's protest. He didn't turn even as Howie tried calling him back. Howie resigned and went on his way too.



>> 12


























12

Howie took over Kevin's engagement in the opening of a bookstore where the latter has been invited to be the honorable guest. Kevin made an excuse of going some place in lieu to his search for his wife. Howie even recited the speech made by Kevin's personal secretary. Adrienne is also there although he didn't invite her to come along. She came all by herself. While having his speech, he noticed her talking excitedly with a woman. He watched her laugh and smile, silently noting about the mixed and confusing emotions in him whenever he sees her. He wished he could make her smile everyday. Theirs may only be a fake relationship but he still wanted to make an effort to make her feel special. He doesn't know why he wants to do that and it confuses him more. Their relationship will expire anytime soon.

After the opening ceremonies, that's the only time that Howie finally joined Adrienne who is now alone and wandering over the best-sellers' section.

"Adrienne..."

Adrienne turned and smiled at him. For the sake of appearances, Howie thought. He reached out for her hand and kissed her on the cheeks. They posed in front of the cameras that wanted to have a shot with the lovely royal couple. A little smile there, an embrace here and a kiss satisfied the media around. "Do you like any book here?" Howie asked her.

"There are some that caught my interest."

Howie glanced at the red hardbound romance novel. "I heard that Scarlet Hughes is the newest best-selling author in town. Surely, there's a huge percentage of romantic Arkadians around to buy every new novel from Scarlet Hughes."

Adrienne eyed him curiously. "How did you know that?"

"I made some quick and brief research before going here. I can always rely on the personal secretaries for the speeches but the social interaction comes entirely on my own. I have to come prepared."

"That's... that's pretty clever."

"Really? Then I also have to buy this book." Howie said.

"Why? What does that had to do with what I said?"

"Nothing."

"Then why are you going to buy that?"

"Maybe because I want to experience the depths of this book and why it was a best-seller." Howie told her. Adrienne didn't say anything. She followed him as he purchased her book. The man is seriously going to read her book, but she couldn't tell him that she is the person behind the pen name. That is her secret world, her 'security blanket.' She couldn't trust anyone, even Howie, with the knowledge that she could write and be the author of those best-selling novels. She projected an image of being the socialite daughter of a diplomat and no one would ever know who she is and what she really wants. She separated her own persona with the one as that and the other side of her as a serious and passionate writer. Only she knows the truth of what she really wanted in life.



~~~



Adrienne squeezed through the bodies of people crowding inside Sabato, a popular and exclusive club in the city. It's her friend's birthday party and while there, she will try to forget family problems for the meantime and enjoy the night away. She felt someone grabbed her by the waist. To a constant onlooker, one would notice that she's already drunk as she leaned on to the person who just held her. Adrienne turned around to find James Donahue, one of her friends.

"Hey, nice to see you."

"So do I," James leaned down to kiss her lips. Adrienne didn't mind and kissed him back. "Where's your royal boyfriend?"

Adrienne shrugged playfully. "I don't know. He's maybe somewhere in the big palace, hauling his ass in the throne room." She giggled.

"I can see it now," James laughed, "playing with his royal toy." They laughed. A woman in red dress approached the two.

"We're continuing the party in my place. Come on," she said. The two just nodded and started to follow the woman and her group.

"I don't think so," Alex came suddenly from nowhere and stopped Adrienne and James before they got near the exit. Adrienne blinked more than once to see what was happening. She saw lots of people around and then Alex suddenly on her side.

"Your Royal Highness. How are you?" James greeted with a smirk. The man has been drunk as well.

"We're taking you home, Adrienne," Alex told her, totally ignoring the man.

"Oh, AJ!" Adrienne flung herself towards Alex and hugged him. "How are you?" Alex motioned James to leave them and the man did as he was told. "Do you have a new tattoo? I haven't seen you in a long time."

"We just saw each other at the mall yesterday, Adrienne."

"Really? I can't quite remember. I must have been really drunk." Adrienne giggled once again. "Where's Howie?" she asked as Alex led her out of the club and into the waiting car outside.

"At home, probably sleeping by now. Howie loves sleeping so much."

"Really? That one is a very nice guy, AJ. And he's very responsible. You should take him as your role model."

"Why? I'm responsible. And I'm graduating from the university next year."

Adrienne ignored his remark as she continued. The car already made its way to Bordeaux Castle, a privately owned property of the royal family and official residences of the princes. "I couldn't understand myself why did I say those mean words at him, like he doesn't deserve to be an heir because he's adopted. That's bullshit. Scarlet Hughes will be mad."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Who's Scarlet Hughes?"

"It's my teddy bear," Adrienne replied. She rested her head on the headrest and closed her eyes. "Howie didn't deserve a girl like me, AJ. He's really a nice guy."

"Maybe or maybe not at all," Alex replied as he watched Adrienne's drunken state. Howie wouldn't like this at all. Silence took over inside the car as his seatmate dozed off. One of his friends was at the bar and called him to tell about Adrienne's behavior. Alex was in another place at the same time but as soon as he heard about the wild reports, he immediately went to Sabato to rescue Adrienne. This is an incident the media wouldn't like to miss and Howie wouldn't surely like to hear. When he entered the club earlier, he caught sight of Adrienne and some man whose hands were all over her body. It's his duty as Howie's brother to protect him, even if the package comes along with an inconsiderate girlfriend such as Adrienne. He didn't know what has motivated Howie to pose as Adrienne's girlfriend. A thought occurred to him that probably Howie liked Adrienne after all and just couldn't admit it. Could it be?



>> 13


























13

Only dressed in thin white shirt and black sweatpants, Howie walked down the hall towards the kitchen for a morning breakfast. Before proceeding there, he passed by the Receiving Room to grab some morning dailies. Hopkins, the butler, is already there for his daily share of the morning news.

"Good morning, Hopkins," Howie greeted cheerfully.

"Good day, as well, Your Royal Highness," Hopkins smiled a bit as he watched Howie sat down on the nearby couch across him and browsed through the newspapers on the small center table. He saw Howie's face turning into a frown when he saw what the headline news is all about.

"AJ took Adrienne here? Where's she, Hopkins?" Howie stood fast before Hopkins could, taking all the papers he could carry with him.

"We took her in the Peach Room, Prince Howard," Hopkins had this concerned look as Howie left as soon as he heard the butler's reply. He heard the prince on the hall instructing him to bring some hangover pills to the room. The butler's concerned face smiled. The prince cares about the poor woman after all.

Howie walked down the hall, up into the grand staircase and into another hall again until he stopped to a door. He entered inside, locked the door, passed through the room's Sitting Area and inside the main Peach Room where he saw Adrienne's back disappearing towards the balcony.

"Congratulations," Howie suddenly said which surprised Adrienne. He threw the newspapers on the coffee table for her great view.

"Don't start with me, Howie," Adrienne rolled her eyes and winced when she felt her headache. She turned to Howie and paused when she saw the silent anger in his eyes. She felt herself fear, wondering what could be on his mind right now.

"Why are you doing this to me, Adrienne? I did nothing to you." Howie said quietly and calmly, calmness before a brewing storm ahead. There's no hint of harshness in his voice. She remembered Kevin telling her that Howie, no matter how soft-spoken he is, could be the most dangerous among them. His gentleness, kindness and quiet nature could be dangerous especially when provoked. And she did something to test his patience now.

"I did nothing. I just went to the club for a party." Adrienne replied and went inside the room to get away from his scrutinizing gaze. It makes her feel unnervingly uneasy. Howie followed her. He caught her hand and pushed her back against the wall.

"Pole-dancing and flirting with men is nothing? You did more than partying last night. You acted like a cheap whore and it's just a blessing that AJ came to take you away," Howie said in a harsh whisper, his breath is on her face. His breath smelled of some mint toothpaste. His sudden outburst surprised her. "Why, Adrienne? Can you be considerate for me just for once? You disgraced me. You disrespected me." Disappointment crossed his face.

Adrienne tried to recall last night's happenings. She must have been really drunk. There have been dancing, countless booze around, men swarming around her, James kissing her, Heidi inviting them to another place, then with AJ inside a car. "Oh, Howie."

"What?" There was sharpness in his tone.

"I'm s-sorry," Adrienne said. She gasped when Howie moved his body against hers, his hands on her lower rib cage, caressing it softly and slowly moving up towards her breasts. She felt his breath against her neck now as he kissed and slightly bit every inch of it causing her to moan in pleasure. Howie found her weak spot. She forgot her inhibitions and caught up with the passion suddenly ignited within her for just being this close with Howie. Her arms wrapped around his body as he pushed her head to continue fondling on her neck. Howie pulled down the straps of her dress, the one she wore last night, off her shoulders and revealed her twin peaks. She didn't wear any bra. From her neck, Howie's mouth found her breasts, kissed and nibbled one after another. Adrienne can only moan in pleasure especially when his other hand found the middle of her thighs.

But it seemed to be just a drifting dream when Howie abruptly stopped. "Be careful with what you have, Adrienne. I can fuck you right here right now but I suddenly remembered," he kissed her lips fiercely, "you won't like the idea of a non-Arkadian king-wannabe thrusting you with a massive hard on." Howie pushed himself to her to let her feel his throbbing hardness. Then he pushed her back on the wall and stormed out of the room.

Adrienne helplessly watched him leave. Her face is blushing furiously. She saw him came back but only to throw something on the floor. "I'm sorry," she whispered quietly as he disappeared from her sight. She walked towards the thing on the floor and found that they were hangover pills for her.



>> 14


























14

"Smile," Alex muttered to Howie when Peter, the photographer, frowned to the prince for the nth time. Howie felt Alex's slight nudge beside him. He smiled at the camera with his family. It's an annual engagement for the royal family to have their pictures taken for the Christmas edition of stamps and greeting cards. Proceeds will automatically go to the charity foundations handled by the Department of Social Welfare.

"Alright," Peter said. "One last shot, my dear family. You can be anything you like." King Benedique smiled at his wife and tightly holds her hand. Nick touched Kevin's nose as the older prince pulled his ear. Howie touched Alex's new hairdo. Alex yelped in surprise. All was taken on the last shot. It will never be on the stamps, but it will be for the family's photo album as their simple remembrance for that day.

"It's done. Thank you, Your Majesties, Your Royal Highnesses." Peter took the time to shake hands with each of them.

"Why did you that for?" Alex asked Howie. "No one messes up with my hair!" He gritted. He tried reaching out for Howie's hair but the latter immediately stepped back. Howie laughed.

"No one touches my hair too, AJ."

"So do mine. And this is a new hairdo!" Alex tried reaching out again for Howie's hair just to get back on him, but failed.

Nick, watching the exchange, just shook his head. "Peter, I'm scheduled with you on January," He reminded the photographer.

Peter nodded. "I'll never forget that, Your Royal Highness. Advance happy birthday." Nick muttered his thanks and announced to his parents that he needs to go back to Cornwall immediately. Kevin went off with him. The two are not good with each other yet but they were civil. Alex will rush back to the university as well.

"Thanks, Peter." Howie turned to shake hands with him. "You're the image guru of the photography industry."

"That means a lot, Your Royal Highness. Thank you so much." Peter said.

"Howie," King Benedique called his son. "I'll meet you at my office."



~~~



Howie sat quietly in front of his father's desk, staring back at the king and waiting for him to start.

"What's your plan with Adrienne?" Benedique suddenly asked his son. Obviously, he already read the latest headlines. His disapproval to Howie's relationship with that woman deepened even more. "You don't deserve a woman like her, Howard Dwaine." He added. Uh-oh, Howie thought. His father is more serious, now that he called him by his full name. "I'm not saying this not only because she's disgracing you with her actions. What I'm saying too is that I don't want to see you hurt. That woman is obviously a heap of trouble and I even wondered why Kevin could tolerate her."

Howie nodded and tried absorbing what his father is meaning to tell him. Benedique is just concerned with his son's feelings. He doesn't care about what the media would try to show the people, as most of it was just half the truth or never at all. He always comes firsthand with his boys first to talk about the real situation before appealing the issue to the media. They are members of the royalty, leaders of an old yet dynamic kingdom. Everyone lives up their hopes and expectations to the royal family and preserving a good nature is important with King Benedique. Otherwise, whom would the people trust then? There have been threats of abolishing monarchies worldwide and the king would not want to see that. He will be ready when the time comes but not now. Arkadian monarchy is already part of the history and culture of the country. But if things happen otherwise, his main concern is for the safety of his family.

Howie drew a deep breath. "I understand the dilemma, Papa, on what you're trying to say. But I'm ready to go through all of this." He leaned towards Benedique with his most charming expression. "I'm going to teach Adrienne a lesson in life."

"Why are you doing this, Howie?"

"I had this amazing realization when I woke up one day, Papa. I love that woman. I don't know why but I really cared a lot for her. It may be hard but I'm going to do everything to make her love me and I'm going to endure the wait until she will love me too."

Benedique raised an eyebrow. "Are you aware of my disapproval to that woman, Howard Dwaine?"

"She's a misunderstood case, Papa. But I can tame her. She's a troubled woman right now. But you'll like her once you get to know her."

The king sighed. "Whatever you say, Howie. You're old enough to know what you're doing. I'm just here to remind you about her. Just don't come running to me when that woman did something horrible again."

"If that happens, then I guess she's not really worth my effort, Papa."



>> 15


























15

"Adrienne! I didn't expect you here," Kevin greeted his friend and kissed her on both cheeks. There will be a charity game of water polo at the national sports center in the city. The royal team will be competing against the Olympic team and proceeds will go to Brian's medical foundation program. Obviously, the princes' cousin organized the event but he won't play with the royal team. Brian will just stand on the sidelines to cheer, along with the children he invited to watch the event.

"It's charity. I want to help," Adrienne replied and winked at him. Nick came out of the locker room and gave her a menacing glare before walking away. Kevin didn't notice that and Adrienne just kept quiet about it. She could understand the younger prince's aversion towards her. Nick never liked her because of her statement about Howie before.

Kevin raised an eyebrow. Adrienne never winks. She must have gotten used of Howie being around. Even he almost got Howie's mannerism before. He sometimes winked without noticing he's doing it. Those were the old days, now is different. "Anyway, Howie's playing. Howie!" Kevin called his brother before Adrienne could even stop him.

"What!" Howie shouted back and went out of the locker room, dressed only in shorts. He stopped in surprise when he saw Adrienne. Kevin excused himself and left the two alone. Adrienne swallowed hard and tried to remain her composure.

"What are you doing here?" Howie asked coldly.

Adrienne put a strong face. "I just want to confirm if you're still my boyfriend," she said although she really came there to support Brian's charity foundation.

"Until Thomas Burke backs off," Howie replied.

"Good luck on your team." Adrienne told him. Howie just nodded then turned to go back inside the locker room. But Adrienne held his arm to stop him. "I was also going to explain about the last time..." She stopped when Howie glanced at her hand holding his arm. She pulled away.

"If there's time, we can talk about it. I have a game to do." With that, Howie turned to left her outside. But he stopped when somebody called his name. He turned and saw a woman who's standing behind Adrienne.

"Janette!" Howie exclaimed and welcomed the newcomer with a hug and a kiss on both cheeks. Adrienne stood nearby and watched them. But it seems like Howie is now oblivious to her presence. "When did you come home?"

"Yesterday. Nick called me at home and told that you're going to be here. You looked gorgeous. I like your arms now." Janette touched Howie's left arm and began pressing the developed muscles on it. Howie, on the other hand, is chuckling and going along with the flirting. "It's been nine years!" Her eyes widened and hugged Howie once again. "We have to meet again. There's so much to catch up. I heard you've just been in a terrible accident. And then you have a new girlfriend. Did you get bored waiting for me?" she made this puppy-like face at Howie. Adrienne rolled her eyes as she continued to watch. Howie smiled amusingly at Janette and that's when he saw Adrienne standing nearby.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Howie untangled himself from Janette and went to Adrienne. That was Adrienne's cue to smile sweetly to the skinny woman as Howie's arms went possessively to her waist. Janette's reaction is a Kodak moment. Her eyes widened like a huge ball when she saw her. "This is my girlfriend, Adrienne." He winked at Janette.

Adrienne rested her head against Howie's shoulders as she looked at the other woman. She knew Janette very well, since way back in boarding school. She's a daughter of a viscount who had wild dreams of becoming a princess someday. Unfortunately, she didn't even come close to having a short-time fling with any of the princes. Janette, on the other hand, hates this woman. Adrienne has been her contender for almost anything when they were schoolmates back then.

"Hi, Janette. How's California?"

Janette managed to plaster a smile across her face. "Cool. I got a wonderful tan."

"Really? It's a surprise since I heard you were scared of sunburns and skin cancers. I wonder how you had it. Or it must be worth a few bucks off from your father's account, wasn't it?"

Howie noticed the tension grew between the two women. "But the tan is beautiful, Janette. Anyway, Adrienne and I have to leave. Excuse us." He slightly pulled his 'girlfriend' away from Janette who watched them go and then stomped her way off to the opposite direction.

"What was that for?" Howie hissed.

"The woman's a bitch. I've known her since boarding school. I didn't know you're keeping friendship with her. She just wanted your title, you know." Adrienne stubbornly crossed her arms across her chest.

"May it be true, what do you care anyway? Who are you? You're not really my girlfriend. Getting jealous?"

"No. I just want to see her defeated face." Adrienne replied then went off, leaving Howie with a deep frown. She bit her lower lip as she almost revealed herself there. Okay, so she likes Howie and she's jealous. She sounds pathetic. But she doesn't have to overreact. Howie will obviously just laugh at her.



>> 16


























16

Adrienne went to her parents' house and found her mother already packed her things and ready to leave. She felt a stab of pain in her heart as reality now stood before her that the divorce is pushing through. There are so many things going on in her life. There's Howie and then her parents. She saw her mother's Chevrolet van is waiting outside with its driver.

"Where are you going to live, Mom?"

"Anywhere but here." Francine replied.

"I have a condo unit, Mom. I can let you have it for a while."

"Thank you." Her mother said and hugged her. "Is that okay with you?"

"I have my house. I wouldn't want you in my lifestyle right now, Mom. It's pretty hectic and I don't have time to take care of you."

"Hush. It is okay, honey. I'm old enough to manage on my own." Francine replied. She glanced at the framed photographs of their family on top of the decorative table.

Adrienne felt she saw verging tears on her mother's eyes. She knew how her Mom loved her Dad to the point of giving up her career as a doctor just to be on her husband's side. She didn't realize that the marriage is going on one-sided for a long time now. Francine went through hardships, bearing the pain knowing that her husband doesn't love her anymore and was already having his own mistress. Adrienne's jaw clenched at the thought of that revelation about her father. Her mother has kept it for years to protect her husband's interest with the national politics, but not for long. Her sufferings must end before she could further damage her own person and lose her self-respect. Adrienne, though hurt, had nothing to do but agreed on her mother's decision. She hugged her mom. Francine finally broke down.

"I'm sorry for my shortcomings, Mom. I love you." A tear fell from her eyes. "Forget the condo. You and I are going to your new home. You're going to stay in my house."



~~~



"Yes, it's cancelled," Howie told Alex on the other line. He just came from the hospital to visit his cousin, Giselle, who has been rushed due to food poisoning. He ignored the media who welcomed him outside the building and let the bodyguards take care of them. "I'm going back later to look after Giselle as Anastasia and Aunt Monique are still on the way home from Greece." He didn't saw someone who went on her own way to approach him.

"Hi, handsome."

Howie looked up and saw Ingrid Holmes, his ex-girlfriend. "Hi, how are you?"

Ingrid shrugged. "Doing well." She looked at the media who kept on shooting them pictures.

"Is there someone you need to see at the hospital?" Howie asked, mesmerized on her sweet smile. He always liked people with charming smiles. Adrienne has one.

"No. I'm a doctor remember? Or did Adrienne have been so good enough to give you subsequent memory loss?" Ingrid chuckled.

Howie smiled. "No." He and Ingrid separated on good terms and remained friends. They didn't see each other as often as when they had a relationship before but Howie made sure about keeping friendship with the doctor. Ingrid is a nice person but it's just that things are not really meant to be for both of them.

"No?" Ingrid now smiled amusingly.

"No! I mean, I forgot that you're a doctor. I just have so many things to think about right now. I'm sorry." Howie said, totally ignoring that he had Alex waiting on the other line.

"Oh, I knew it. Adrienne's been keeping your hands full." She kissed him on the cheeks. "Be careful with your heart, Howie. We knew Adrienne. And I knew you. I wished you to be happy, that's all." She affectionately touched his cheeks then turned towards the hospital. Howie sighed then panicked when he remembered Alex on the phone. "Oh, J. I'm so sorry. Guess who I just met now..." He went inside the car followed by his bodyguard.



>> 17


























17

"That's great, Mom," Adrienne said as she sat opposite her mother by the kitchen counter for their dinner. It's been a week since her mother moved in with her. Francine just told her about an old friend who offered her a refresher seminar for her medical profession. Soon after that, the soon-to-be-divorced woman can go back with her duties as a doctor.

"I'm so glad, Adrienne. I missed ERs," Francine laughed. Adrienne felt glad hearing that gaiety in her mother's voice once again. "I guess I've been lying to myself all these years but being a doctor can really fulfill me." Adrienne acted like pouting after the last line.

"Aside from having you as a daughter, of course," Francine added.

"I know, Mom. I'm glad you're doing something you want," Adrienne took the last from her lasagna and drinks her juice.

"I'm glad that you did the same," Francine said back. Her daughter turned to her in question. "I know your secret. I know that you're Scarlet Hughes and I'm proud of you."

Adrienne's eyes widened. "Mom, no one knows it's me except my editor. How?"

"You forgot that I belong to the critics circle and the book club. Besides, that's the name of your favorite teddy bear and your pen name way back during your shift in the school paper. You always let me read your articles. And most of the things in your book now showed an image of your childhood." Francine smiled wider. "I felt it and I have no doubts. Why didn't you just reveal that it was you all along? I heard that Scarlet Hughes has been attempted to be interviewed but always declined."

"Everyone knows me as the socialite party-goer and they might not take my writing seriously. They would just buy it just because I'm popular and I don't like my books to be taken for granted as such. I don't like to take advantage of the publicity that I can have to influence towards my books. My books are very special to me. That's what makes me for who I really am. This is the only private life I have and that no one really knows. I'm afraid that the only thing left in me will be lost. This is my true identity. This is my talent in which I do to make a living. This is what I enjoyed most."

Francine reached for her daughter's hand. "One of the things that I learned from my marriage with your father is when hiding our deepest desire will lead us to become rotten thus the probability of losing the same thing we wanted most."

"But we're different -"

"I gave up my medical profession and lost it through the years of staying with the man who couldn't love me the same way I did. Now, I was like a fresh graduate trying to catch up with the things I missed. I realized that who I really am is the deepest desire I have within me. I never let it out. No one knew the real me as I always come up with the appearances for other people, afraid of myself and what other would think. I forget the things that will make me truly happy. Becoming a doctor is the real me, this is what I really want. But before, I turned back on everything that will make me happy, blinded by the love of a man who doesn't feel as much, and I became a self-centered and arrogant woman. No one understands me and it has been really hard for me."

Francine gripped Adrienne's hand. "May you understand what you really want, what can make you happy, and if hiding your true identity is the best for yourself and for other people around who care about you, and then go on. But take in mind, honey that you can always open up yourself truly to someone if that will makes you happy. You can never always hide. You're risking the chance at pure happiness because you're too egotistical to show everyone beyond what they see on the exterior. Don't live up to what others would expect you to be. Be who you really are. There will be a time that you'd want to scream because you've been misunderstood but bear with it because it has been your choice. You never let anyone knew the real you. You never let anyone know what is deep within your heart."

Adrienne drew a deep breath. Her mother is right. She's used to pretending to be someone that everyone would want to see. She didn't, for once, show them what would really make her happy. No one can understand her. Now thinking of the hypocrisies she showed before, even hating Howie just because he is adopted. That's too shallow. She knew all along that Howie is a nice and responsible man but she let others influence her to hate the man just to please them. Kevin must see that Howie will never lead the royal family to shame, that he's a good man, and worthy candidate to the throne.

She suddenly missed Howie and that crazy wink mannerism of his. She didn't notice the smile formed in her lips but Francine did.

"So, about Prince Howie. How did he become your boyfriend?"

Adrienne shyly bit her lower lip as she was being reminded once again about her recent relationship with Howie. The man is obviously still mad at her. She doesn't know how to plead forgiveness. Howie didn't deserve her and when they meet again, she'll tell him that they should stop the pretensions. She didn't know either what or how to feel when she saw Janette openly throwing herself to Howie or when she saw Howie on the TV with his ex-girlfriend. She's jealous seeing him with those women, especially with Ingrid. But the reports said that they just met and shared a few friendly greetings then off to opposite ways. But still, she couldn't help feeling odd about the whole idea.

She consciously tucked the strands of her hair behind her ears. She began telling her mother the real story between her and the prince. Maybe her mother would understand the dilemma she's going through right now.



>> 18


























18

Adrienne saw her friend, Kevin, when she got into the restaurant. She's there for a dinner date with her father, to catch things up with him. Kevin happened to be there, alone.

"So this is what the fuss is all about," she started.

"Huh?" The prince looked at her questioningly. Adrienne raised an eyebrow and motioned towards where the paparazzi are outside the establishment. "Oh. I'm sorry, Rain." Kevin said, calling her by her nickname he baptized to her. "I was just thinking about Cristin."

Adrienne stared at her friend, silently noting the difference with Kevin. His marriage remained a secret but after what Cristin did to him, he resigned himself from the prying eyes of the media. He seldom go to parties now and he'd only be seen during public engagements, in which is becoming rare too.

"If I'm Cristin, I'd laugh seeing you with this attitude you're projecting right now."

"I'm going to wring her neck when I found her," Kevin muttered. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"My dad's in the corner. I'm on a date with him," Adrienne winked.

"Don't keep him waiting then." Adrienne nodded and turned to leave. Kevin watched his friend walked away towards the man who wished he was born royal. Later, Kevin left the restaurant.

Jacques Chisolm stood up when his daughter finally walked up to where he is. He's a big tall man, with formidable look on his face. Only Adrienne could go through his father's strictness. Everyone else would simply avoid away from him.

"I gave up hoping you'll end up marrying Kevin. But my hopes returned now that you're Howie's girlfriend." Jacques told his daughter and received a frown.

"I never liked your idea of matchmaking me to royalty, Dad. It never occurred to me about being a princess. It's just a title. It doesn't appeal that much to me."

Jacques disagreed. He imagined his daughter becoming a princess. Maybe just a little persuasion from him and a little seduction on Adrienne's part will do some trick to a vision he had for a long time. And when a royal wedding is on the way, his name will grace the papers once again. Being attached to the royal family will bring more power to him, the power that may bring him to the Parliament. And another selfish deed may lead him then to a noble title. Lord Jacques Chisolm and his daughter, Her Royal Highness Princess Adrienne, he thought wildly. It has a nice ring on it, sounds good enough.

"Whatever is in your mind right now, Dad, I won't tolerate it."

"Do you love Howie?"

Adrienne was caught off-guard with that question. The easy way to reply is 'yes' just for the heck of pretensions. But she remembered what her mother said two nights ago. And for her, no is not the answer to her father's question and yes couldn't be either. She's confused. She had to see Howie first before making the feeling final.

"Excuse me, Dad. I just have to see Howie right now." She stood up but before she leaves, her father's words stopped her.

"You're going to marry Howie, Adrienne," Jacques hissed at his own daughter. "Don't disappoint me. I'll just have to see you as a princess soon."

Adrienne turned to her father. "Why don't you marry him instead, Dad? That way, it will save us a lot to worry about." Then she left the restaurant. Jacques was left behind, sitting on the chair and grinning from ear to ear.

Adrienne groaned aloud when she spotted Thomas outside the restaurant. He was smiling widely. "Hi, Adrienne."

"Hi." Adrienne hesitantly replied. She smiled politely then turned away towards the parking lot. But Thomas followed her.

"Come with me," Thomas said in which, Adrienne frowned. The man even reached out to hold her arm.

"No!" She freed herself from the hold. Panic-stricken, Adrienne saw the dark side of Thomas as his smile went into a devilish grin. "Leave me alone, Thomas. I already told you that I don't like you and that we can only be friends."

"I don't want to be just your friend. I'll marry you and we can leave here in Arkadia, away from your parents. I know you're having a rough time right now but let me ease your worries."

"I already told you. I can never love you. I love somebody else."

"What? Prince Howie? I knew you're just faking it just to keep me away."

"Whatever, Thomas. I think you should leave now. If you really love me, you will leave me in peace."

"No."

"Thomas, please..."

"Is there something wrong, ma'am?" the restaurant security took the cue to interrupt. He's been watching the two and felt that the woman will need his help.

Adrienne didn't budge. "I'm giving you one last chance, Thomas. Leave."

"No." Thomas now grabbed her arm to pull her with force with him. Adrienne screamed as she was pulled towards the parking lot. The guard followed and helped her get away with the man. The people nearby helped as well to hold Thomas away from Adrienne.

"I'm going to call the police and make sure you'll rot in jail."



~~~



Adrienne felt the comforting hand on her shoulders as she sat outside the restaurant after the incident. The police had just got through interviewing her and left with her father to finalize the case against Thomas Burke. The crazy man has now been taken to the police station.

She looked up and saw Howie's angelic face. Instantly, she stood up and hugged him. "He grabbed my arm and wanted to take me away." She silently cried on Howie's shoulders. His embrace tightened on hers.

"Ssshh, everything's going to be fine now. I'm here." Howie whispered. He smoothed his hand on Adrienne's back, easing her worries away. He ignored the constant flicking of the cameras around them, catching the moment that the two people, obviously in love, are giving out comfort for each other. He didn't bother seeing Adrienne for almost two weeks now. He tried not to even if it tortures him not to see her. And he missed her. Man, he's losing it. She's not his real girlfriend but he's taking this charade seriously than he thought.

Howie let Adrienne cried it all out. He could feel her fear from the previous incident. His knuckles whitened recalling the day when Adrienne rushed in the palace for safety because Thomas is stalking her. He ignored the threat to her safety, because he doesn't even care. But now, he felt that he wanted to kill Thomas for putting that simple bruise on Adrienne's arm and attempting to take her away from him.

"Let's go home," Howie quietly said and ushered her towards his car. The bodyguards followed behind.



>> 19


























19

"Fucking shit," Alex muttered under his breath and continued with his cigarette. Nick glanced at him as he coughed after inhaling the smoke. Alex's cursing seemed like very natural for him and it doesn't seem to sound vulgar whenever it comes right from him. He received countless reprimands from their father with regards to his unusual ways but he doesn't care as long as he believes that he's not doing anything wrong. He's just being himself and doing what he wants. He's starting to form his new identity aside from being known as a prince of Arkadia. Among the princes, Alex has the rebellious tendency, which often shocks the queen. Isabella wanted a clean upbringing for all her sons but as soon as they get older, they're becoming to live on their own and do the things they wanted to do. Nick would just laugh at their parents' reaction, as he also intends to follow his brother's footsteps just after he graduated from Cornwall: to be an independent person and b someone aside from being a prince of Arkadia.

"What?" Nick asked Alex.

"Howie lost it," Alex replied, watching their older brother on the palace grounds with a few of his friends. It's Thanksgiving Day and the royal family usually prepares an outdoor party with family and friends. It's a social activity being held at the palace garden.

"Lost what?" Nick asked innocently.

Alex turned to Nick in disbelief. "Are you sure you got A-levels all by yourself?"

"Uh-huh." Nick scratched his head as he stared from his cellphone, as if anticipating for a very important call. "I got A in History, Arts and Music, B in Math -"

"Dummy, I'm not asking your grade. Can't you just figure out that Howie lost it? He fell in love with that woman," Alex rolled his eyes. Nick looked to where Howie is and found him glancing towards where Adrienne is. Howie didn't waste any time as he sauntered towards Adrienne and entwined her hand with his. The two shared a moment to stare at each other before walking together.

"That's sweet," Nick said. "I'm glad Adrienne finally lost it."

"It was Howie -"

Nick shook his head. "Adrienne lost it, AJ, not Howie. She's been expressive against Howie's stature in the royal family but look what it got her. Adrienne would like to feel that it's a real relationship because she has finally fallen in love with Howie. Look at her. She couldn't take her eyes off him. All she has to do now is swallow her pride and admit it. It's obvious that she cares a lot for our brother."

Alex stared at Nick. "You're right and you never cease to amaze me."

"My brilliance sometimes amazes me, as well." Nick smiled.

"Yes, so don't let it all come to your head. But hey, Howie lost it too. He said that he just helped her with her ordeal. He's denying that he obviously likes Adrienne," Alex knocked Nick's head.

"What's up?" Brian knocked Nick on the head too. He just came home from another medical engagement abroad. He's been an advocate for heart problems and issues because he's been through with it before. He wanted to spread the knowledge and the wonders of medicine to help prevent heart problems and avoid taking it for granted.

Brian glanced around and stopped his gaze at Adrienne and Howie. "Oh, see that? Adrienne lost it."

"Yes, she did," was all Alex could say.



~~~



"What's up with tomorrow?" Adrienne asked Howie as the latter tightened his grip on her hand.

"Nick has an archery competition. I'm going to be there because I'm one of the organizers," Howie replied. A waiter passed by and offered them champagne flutes. Howie took two for both of them.

"Really? I didn't know Nick has archery skills."

"He did. But what keeps him busier is his weekend visit at the shooting range." Howie saw his brothers and Brian on a nearby gazebo. Nick is talking with some woman while Alex is busy on his phone. Brian met his look and smiled. Howie raised his glass in recognition. He turned back to Adrienne. "I'm glad that Thomas finally had the taste of his own medicine. So," Howie cleared his throat. "What does that leaves us now?"

Adrienne stared at him. She thought he wouldn't bring up the subject until later. This is the first time they saw each other since that night of arrest with Thomas Burke. They haven't talked about the status of their relationship. But it seems like Howie couldn't wait any longer to be a free man again.

For her, she came to realize, in the process, that Howie is a wonderful man and she cherished every moment that they were together and she felt special around him. In just a short time, she felt herself falling for this nice man. But as the saying goes, everything must come to an end. Theirs is a fake relationship. And they reached the time when things are now settled and they must go in separate ways. Maybe, he'll get back to Ingrid again after all of these. "I, uh..." she started to say.

"Excuse me," Ivan interrupted the two rather hesitantly. Howie greeted him congenially. "There is really an important message I have for Howie, Adrienne. I'm sorry to bother you but may I excuse him for a while?"

"Sure, no big deal," Adrienne tried to put a strong face. She felt herself tremble when Howie let go of her hand. It was like that was the end of everything between them. Howie winked at her before leaving her. Adrienne watched Howie leaving as if walking out of her life.

Meanwhile, Alex, Brian and Nick watched everything.

"Is she going to cry?" Nick asked.

"Almost," Alex muttered as he took pity on the woman who has finally ready to let go of all her pride and admit that she has really fallen in love with Howie. They watched as Adrienne tries to smile around then turned to face the princes' aunt, Princess Monique.



>> 20


























20

"Hello, lovely one." Princess Monique greeted Adrienne as soon as she's alone. Howie seemed to be on a special mission when he left with his friend, Ivan. "How are you?"

"Your Highness," Adrienne showed a hint of a smile and slightly curtsied. She doesn't like the king's sister but she'll show courtesy to avoid trouble. On the last time they saw each other, Princess Monique insisted on being curtsied which irritated her. "Doing well, madam."

"Really? Aren't you feeling a little ashamed of yourself? Showing here after all you'd openly said about Howie and then strutting off in his arms as his girlfriend? It's shocking." Despite the words, Monique maintained her smile. She glanced at her nephews who were watching nearby and waved at them. Alex, Brian and Nick returned the gesture.

"Things may differ, madam. Howie and I talked a lot about it, and we're taking things slowly and carefully," Adrienne replied. She hates this woman. She wanted to scream murder, but remained her composure. "We understand that we're on a complicated matter considering what I've been in the past. We are aware, as well, that we cannot please everyone." Why do I have to make up some explanations with this woman, Adrienne thought wildly. Princess Monique had nothing to do with Howie and his affairs. That's entirely Howie's business. The queen didn't have a problem with her when Howie introduced Adrienne earlier. If Her Majesty did, she'd rather kept it to herself as this is not the time to talk about it.

"Glad to hear about that, Adrienne." Monique smiled at a couple that passed them by. "I'd just have to remind you about Howie's ex-girlfriends. Most of them are still in good terms with him, and some would want him back if given a chance."

"Everyone knows about that, Your Highness. It seems like the princes are on the same boat when it comes to dealing with women and relationships." Adrienne replied. If anyone would hear their conversation right now, one might be proud of her for talking with the 'temperamental' princess and answering her every bickering although the truth is, she's nervous as hell.

"I'm just reminding you. It's hard when jealousy starts to eat you, especially when you're not on a real relationship anyway," the princess said and without any word, let her go and left her. 'What do you care anyway?' Adrienne asked quietly. What a hypocrite! She doesn't feel any good towards that woman. The princess always felt that she's being worshipped at every ground she walks on, and people will go her way with just a snap of her hand. Adrienne wondered what good Kevin saw in his aunt to like her that much.

Her thoughts turned towards Howie. She doesn't want to feel affected by her conversation with his aunt but it's bugging her now. She's used to living out in public appearances and showing off to people what they see her as. What could they be saying behind her back for all of these? Could they also notice that everything between her and Howie is just a charade? And why does she suddenly feel threatened after remembering the women in Howie's life? Is it just normal to feel jealous about it when she isn't classified as a real girlfriend anyway?



~~~



"I started the research with the pen and stationery used for the note." Ivan started as he and Howie walked down the hallway towards Howie's office. Ivan brought an attaché case with him, which probably holds all the things he needed to explain the result of his investigation.

Howie has been silent and so, Ivan continued. "The note is actually written using a quill and an indelible ink. The stationery is custom-made from the leaves of pineapple and it has been specialized for the owner who requested it." He immediately went to the conference table and spread his things while Howie remained silent and watched his friend. This is the moment of truth and there will be no turning back.

"The thumbprints found in the note have been taken and identified, Howie. We also-"

"Wait a minute. We?"

Ivan nodded. "I won't break your confidence, Howie. I only had George to work for me. You know that kid I introduced to you and I considered as the 'jack of all trades'? He's really smart. And I told him that this is all just experimental if we can proceed on doing heavy crime investigations, especially those that could have happened a long time ago." He looked at his friend. Howie nodded for him to go on. "So, aside from the thumbprints, he also found some remnants of tears on the note. He had it for DNA. I used my connections in Puerto Rico for this one and hard as it seems, we found the match. You'll be surprised, Howie."

"My DNA matched with the person's?" Ivan nodded in reply. "He or she?"

"It's a she. An old woman just two years junior from the queen." Ivan took out an envelope containing some photos of a person that was all too familiar with Howie.

"Aunt Aurora!"

"The queen's cousin, Howie. Apparently, Aurora Vasquez would be disowned if she continued with the upbringing of the child she conceived together with her lover, who is just a poor miller's son back then. Her father, Don Enrique Vasquez, was a shipping magnate and a heartless man who thught that only money can make the world go round. Right after you've been made to 'disappear', he married off your mother to a rich man from Buenos Aires."

Howie stared at his friend for all the revelations he's hearing right now.

"Your biological mother did not consider abortion because she's a very devout Catholic. But her father strongly recommended it until Aurora promised her father that she'd leave you in an adoption home when you were born. But the plan changed when her cousin visited Puerto Rico in 1973. Aurora took her chances of visiting the then Princess Isabella."

"She had her maid along with her and instructed the maid to leave you at the fire exit just after her visit with her cousin. She had hopes that her cousin, knowing that the queen is a very kindhearted person, will adopt her son. Probably, it was in the blood that brought you close immediately to the Princess Isabella and that's why she took all the power she got to adopt you as her own. It all worked out and the rest is history."

Howie weakly sat on the couch, rested his head against it and closed his eyes. "I don't know what to do next, Ivan." Howie's voice is close to breaking down.

Ivan couldn't say anything. He watched as his friend struggled to understand the discovery of his true lineage. Howie leaned forward, his arms hanging by his knees. "I'm not good at advices, you know that, but I think that whatever it is that we are going through right now, we can always turn to God for guidance and light. He will give you a peace of mind." Ivan told his friend, giving him a pat on the shoulders.

Howie nodded. "Thanks, man." Silence overwhelmed the room for a moment. "How did you prove that she's really my biological mother?"

"Aside from DNA, I researched her background and happened to talked with some people around including the maid who left you at the fire exit. I began creating theories until I've come up with the answer when I met your biological father."

"Huh?" Howie looked up at his friend.

Ivan nodded. "He wasn't poor anymore. It seems like he's been challenged by your biological grandfather to fulfill something in his life and is now a wealthy businessman. He's a self-made man, Howie. You can even be proud of him. He already has a family of his own but according to my investigation, he never forgets about Aurora. Except that it didn't reach upon his knowledge that he got her pregnant and it was you."

"His name?"

"Conrad Burke."

Howie's jaw dropped open. He only met Conrad Burke once in the opening of a branch of his famous restaurant. He never thought that the good-natured man is his biological father and Thomas Burke is his half-brother.

"This is a joke of fate, man." Howie groaned out aloud.



>> 21


























21

Howie donned his cap lower than necessary to hide his features so that no one would recognize him and will learn of his arrival in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is thankful that the royal security team had neatly arranged for this top-secret travel to the country without leaking it to the media. Because if that happens, there will be speculations that he has already found his true roots, which is actually the truth. He wouldn't want any commotion with regards to that area. So many things will come out in the open; so many innocent people will be hurt. He doesn't want things to be more complicated as it is now. He remembered two days ago on what happened when he announced about the trip and the revelation of his true identity.

It was Sunday and he chose the moment when everyone were through with dinner. Nick and Alex were at home from school and Kevin is around before going to Theo. He requested everyone to gather at the Sitting Room.

"May I guess what the important thing you wanted to tell us is?" Nick innocently asked. Howie smiled at his youngest brother, amused that Nick would always want to look innocent although he actually knows a lot. He just loves playing innocent in which Kevin always misunderstood and irritated him, thus often referred Nick as a kid.

"You can never guess it this time, Nick." Howie replied.

"Are you getting married?" Alex asked. Howie shook his head. He noticed the anticipation growing in everybody's eyes.

"Oh, I think I know what it was," Nick muttered. Howie heard it but chose to ignore it.

"I'm leaving for Puerto Rico to meet my biological mother," Howie announced without preamble. Kevin and Alex stared at him in surprise while Nick just had a grin across his face. Yes, the young man is a smart one. The king and queen quietly looked at their second son. "Please understand. I won't be leaving this family for good because this is the only thing I've known in my life. Arkadia is the only home I've known. But then, there's also a part of me wondering who and longing to see those people who made me come into this world."

"We understand that this time will really come in our lives, son," Benedique said. He and his wife exchanged looks.

The queen turned to him. "If this is the only thing that will make you whole and complete, who are we to stop you?" Isabella told her son. "We wanted our sons to be happy." She stood up and went to hug Howie. He felt tears in his eyes and he just let them fall. His father hugged him as well.

"Thank you, Mama, Papa."

"Who are your biological parents?" It was Kevin who asked.

"You'll be surprised," Howie said, releasing himself from his mother. "Aurora Vasquez, Mama's cousin, and Conrad Burke, Thomas' father." He heard their mother gasped.

"Howard, is that true?" Isabella asked. Howie nodded and began explaining to them the whole story, and about Ivan's investigation.

"Do you also intend to tell Conrad Burke?" Benedique inquired.

"No, Papa. He already had his own family. I wouldn't want to put chaos in my life and be in a situation where I'll just show up in their doorstep to claim him as my father. If he's man enough, he should have fought for Aurora amidst her father's strict orders against them. But he didn't and Aurora was left to suffer the consequences and made the hardest decision of letting go of her child." Howie looked at the king. "I don't need him, Papa. I have you as my father. What more could I ask for?"

Benedique hugged his son, felt tears stinging his eyes.

"But I'm going to Aurora, to Aunt Aurora." Howie continued when his father released him. "She suffered a lot. But what I'll do won't change my love for you, Mama. You're the greatest mother I've known. You and my Papa are my heroes." He hugged his mother once again. Soon then, his brothers began their turns to hug him, including Kevin.

Looking back, Howie felt so lucky to belong in that family who loves him and still accepted him for what he is. After all of this, he couldn't wait to go back home to Arkadia.



>> 22


























22

Howie was shown in what the maid called it as the Blue Room when he reached his mother's villa. He drew a deep breath while he waited until the door opened and revealed a pretty woman, the type on which one could see on those popular Puerto Rican TV soaps. She smiled at him.

"Señora Aurora will see you now. If you'll just follow me," the woman said in heavy English. She's too tempting to be true, Howie thought as he followed her down the hall and up the stairs. He set aside the thought as Adrienne's face came to his mind. After this, he'll settle things with her.

The woman muttered a few Spanish words to someone inside before admitting Howie in. "Gracias," Howie said to her.

"De nada," the woman smiled sweetly and left. Howie turned and realized that he's been led to an open balcony overlooking the sea and the lush green garden below. A woman in red stood nearby and dropped her scissors when she saw him.

"Howard?"

Howie nodded. "Aunt Aurora, or should I say my mother?" He watched as Aurora went speechless for a moment then turned to look away.

"How did you know?"

"That should not be the question. You knew that when you sent that note, it would arouse my curiosity to find the people who were supposed to be my parents." Howie replied. He never moved a bit, to where he is standing right now.

"It dawned into me but I don't intend to take you away from them but only to thank them for taking care of you." Aurora said, looking back at him.

"I won't leave them. It will be too complicated. Besides, that's the family I've known and Arkadia is the only home I have." Howie answered. He just realized that he took the facial features from her, including the warm brown eyes and the sweet smile. He held back his tears. "Why didn't you fight for me?"

Aurora cried from that sudden question. "I'm sorry, Howard. I was so scared of mi Papa. I don't want to live an impoverished life and I was afraid. I've been a very bad mother and you just don't deserve me. It's a good thing that you grew up with Isabella. She raised you well. I couldn't give you what she had provided as a mother."

"I noticed that." They still have the distance in between. "Thank you for that opportunity."

"I still love you, son. You're always in my thoughts and in my prayers."

Howie nodded. Finally he couldn't hold it any longer; he rushed towards his mother and hugged her. "I love you, too, Mama. I'm glad that I finally found you."

Aurora cried in her son's chest, relieving all the emotions and sufferings she endured for all those years. Howie cried as well. "Everything has changed for both of us now, Mama. But you will always be my mother. I'm may be far from you, but you are now going to be here in my heart." They hugged each other for a long time. So many times have lost and Howie made sure he'll be staying in Puerto Rico for the certain vacation he asked from his royal duties. He found his real mother and they are going to have a lot of catching up to do.



>> 23


























23

Nick perched his eyeglasses above his nose as he reads an article about him in an issue of Hello Magazine.

The youngest prince had so many plans ahead after his impending graduation from the exclusive boarding school, Cornwall. Although the palace hasn't announced the plans yet, there were speculations that Prince Nickolas will take up Music or Arts course prior to his interests.' There was an inset of a photo of him walking outside the gates of Cornwall with his best friend, Luke Twain.

Nick smiled amusingly. Royal watchers never ceased to amaze him with their close speculations. But that was only close to the truth. He never told the public about his plan of becoming 'invisible' in a certain point of time. The media never left him alone. It's a good thing that the boarding school is off-limits to any form of media and he had peace for years of studying there. But now that he is graduating, he had to face them like taking his morning breakfast. He made a mental note to request his father for media protection once he entered the university as well. That will make them shut up for four more years.

The ringing of the phone by Kevin's office desk interrupted his thoughts. He was there to borrow some of his brother's book. He set down the magazine and took the phone receiver. "Office, hello?" he replied nonchalantly.

There's a pause on the other line before answering. "Nick?"

"No. Darth Vader. Who are you?"

"Adrienne. Listen, Nick, is Kevin there?"

"Not in the room, but he's here." Nick replied. He ran his hand through his soft blonde hair. "Howie's not here too, in case you're wondering."

"No, I'm not -"

"C'mon, Adrienne. You can't fool me. I've noticed that loving look you've been giving my brother. He may have not noticed it but I did. I'm maybe the youngest among them but I'm the smartest."

"Really, huh?"

"Yes," Nick replied with sure confidence. "Don't worry about me though. I can surely keep a secret. I'll never tell Howie that you love him but in one condition," He grinned. He loved getting the upper hand in a situation. Adrienne would be shy to tell Howie of her feelings because of her pride after what she's done in the past. The two haven't seen each other in a long time now and it must have taken her a lot of guts to phone Kevin just to hint something about Howie being around. Howie have been very busy, for only God knows what, after he has gone back from Puerto Rico.

He heard her sighed, "What condition?"

"That you'll say yes if he asks you to marry him."

Another long pause. "Is that it, Nick? You disappoint me. I thought you're the smartest. Howie would never ask me. He just doesn't feel the same way."

"That's why I'm the smartest, because the rest of them can be dumb especially when in love. Remember Kevin and Cristin? Where's Cristin now? She jilted her husband right after the wedding ceremony has been done. Tell me who's smart." Nick grinned triumphantly when he heard her sigh once again on the other line. "If you don't agree, I'll tell Howie once I see him today. And I'll tell him as well all the times you call here and talk to Kevin asking him where Howie is."

"He just doesn't feel the same way." Adrienne repeated.

"Maybe but I'm keeping my hopes up. I never had a sister and I never wanted you as a sister-in-law as well but if you're the person who can only make my brother happy, I don't have any other choice then."

"Your condition is impossible, Nick, but I'll also have my own condition for you."

"What?"

"You'll tell Alexei your feelings when the time you learn that I said yes if ever Howie proposed marriage to me." Adrienne tried not to suppress a laugh. She got Nick on that one too.

"You're smart, too, Adrienne. I'm beginning to like you. We need species like those in here, my brothers are becoming dumb."

"And you?"

"Not yet, sister. But I'll probably give in to your condition."

Adrienne didn't expect Nick to give in easily. She couldn't reply more as she heard a click on the other line. Nick hung up.



>> 24


























24

Moments after Nick hung up on Adrienne, the door opened and Kevin came in followed by Howie. "Feet off my desk," Kevin growled at Nick in which the younger man complied. But he never left the chair. Kevin didn't mind that.

"Prescription glasses?" Howie asked.

Nick shakes his head. "Just a fashion statement." Kevin raised an eyebrow from his reply and noticed the magazine on the desk.

"I see that you're having a private reading, huh?" Kevin smiled and tossed the magazine to Howie. His two elder brothers are starting to go back in good terms right after the night when Howie revealed to them that he already found out about his real parents. It has been an emotional night. Even Kevin cried with everyone. He also took the opportunity to ask forgiveness from Howie in which the latter immediately gave. Nick was glad that his brothers are getting along well now.

"Read the bottom left part," Nick said with a wide smile.

"Prince Nickolas will soon be celebrating his 18th birthday and dubbed as one of the most eligible bachelor, if not of the world, in Arkadia. Young, rich and good-looking, he already charmed his way to the young ladies' hearts and everyone would just have to watch out for one lucky woman he'll take to be his princess." Howie read aloud.

Kevin rolled his eyes as he chuckled. "They made it sounds like a promotional write-up for a new season of The Dating Game," Kevin commented as he set down a bottle of brandy on the table and poured for himself and Howie's.

"Do you really think so, huh?" Howie teased and playfully throws the magazine back at Nick.

"It's ridiculous. Who would take interest in me? Alexei doesn't even notice me." Nick replied. "How's the mission, Howie?" He asked him to divert the subject from him to the other one.

"My mother and I are doing just fine."

"The truth hasn't fully sunk into me yet. I just can't believe Aunt Aurora has a tragic love story and you're his son," Nick said. He took out a pack of Gummi Worms from his pockets and began munching on it.

"So do I," Kevin turned to Howie. "Anyway, have you heard about Adrienne?"

Howie shook his head. He laid out his palm to Nick for some Gummi Worms. Nick just gave him three. "Hey!" he complained.

"Three, for 'I love you'."

Howie turned back to Kevin. "No, I didn't call her for a long time now. But I will later. It's about time. We got some unfinished business." He winked at his brothers.

"Do you love him?" The youngest among them suddenly asked. The two turned to Nick.

"Yes, that's why I really have to talk to her."

"After talking, what's next?" Nick pressed once again.

"We'll take things slow first," Howie patiently answered. "I don't want to surprise her with a sudden marriage proposal, you know."

"Seriously?" Kevin was surprised to hear it from him. But he trusts his brother and Adrienne will be in good hands if she agreed to become Howie's wife.

"Uh-huh. You'll be my best man, Kev."

"Ask her now. Ninety-nine percent she'll say yes," Nick interjected.

"How can you be so sure?" Howie asked him.

Nick winked at them. Kevin smiled. Everyone's getting the habit of winking from Howie, even Adrienne. He watched as the young man pushed a handful of those chewy candies he had in his mouth. "I'm psychic. I'll bet you a hundred bucks she'll say yes as soon as you gave her the hint." Nick answered with his mouth full.

Howie shook his head. "I doubt it, Nick. She used to hate me, remember? I don't know where I stand in her life right now. And there's pride that she has to consider."

"Come on, she's a woman. She's not as egoistic like us. She'll give in." Nick said. Howie gave him a quizzical look.

"I'm on with it, one hundred bucks." Kevin said. "Adrienne will ask for time first before considering Howie's proposal. It's not just that she'll doubt you at first, Howie, but you're right. This will be all too soon for her."

"I agree. One hundred bucks, Nick." Howie winked at Nick.

Nick grinned, showing off the candies churned inside his mouth. "I can smell victory then."



>> 25


























25

"What's this? You're reading this kind, Howie?" Alex raised a hardbound paperback novel he saw in Howie's coffee table in his office. "I didn't know you're this mushy."

Howie chuckled. "I bought it during the opening of Walls bookstore on Lorie Avenue. Adrienne's with me at that time."

"Adrienne?" Alex read the synopsis on the inside cover. "Scarlet Hughes? That's the name of Adrienne's teddy bear. She mentioned about it when I took her here after I picked her up from Sabato. Remember that?"

Howie nodded. How couldn't he? "Scarlet Hughes teddy bear? Weird." Howie said. He opened his drawer to get a file.

"Weird maybe, but not for a woman who used it as a pen name. I remember my friend using his dog's name as the name he puts up as the owner of the website he created. It hides his identity." Alex said. "He's a hacker."

"Anyway, Adrienne wouldn't be doing anything wrong with just merely writing. It's not as if she's planning revolution against us. This is just some sappy romance novel. Maybe she just wanted to hide this part of herself from those we've come to knew her about." Howie looked at Alex. His brother is making sense with this sudden conversation about a book. The first day of his relationship with Adrienne started at a café where he saw her typing furiously on her laptop - like she's beating a deadline! Could it be? Then her phone calls with some person named Oliver. Oliver, as in Oliver Pierce of Kraft Publishing?

"Didn't Adrienne graduate in Journalism in Atheneum?" Alex asked again.

"Yes." Howie quietly replied. He stood up and snatched the book from Alex. He looked at the book. Kraft Publishing is the publisher of the Scarlet Hughes novels. It made sense.

"Hey, I'm just starting to read it."

"Go and buy your own," Howie told him, starting towards the door. "I'm going to start reading this."



~~~



Adrienne just smiled a bit as she was approached by some paparazzi when she comes out from a public library. They began throwing questions at her, not about her parents' recently concluded divorced case, but her relationship with Howie. The divorce devastated her personally but they don't care about it. They are beginning to wonder about the couple's status since it's been more than two weeks now that the two aren't seen together on social functions.

"The palace didn't issue any statement. Tell us," a reporter asked.

"Do they still have to make a press statement about us?" Adrienne retorted.

"Did you and Prince Howie already broke up?" another one asked.

"Is it true that he's planning for a vacation outside the country with another woman?"

"What can you say about his meeting with his ex-girlfriend, Dr. Ingrid Holmes?"

Adrienne swallowed hard when she heard that one. She suddenly remembered Princess Monique, probably laughing at her right now. She wondered how these people could come up with such questions. The succeeding flashes of light would have blinded her any moment now if only she didn't found her sunglasses inside her purse.

"Blame it to me because I've been away for too long."

Adrienne turned in surprise to see Howie suddenly behind her. A sigh of relief washed over her and went to hug him. She doesn't care about the others. She doesn't care about the past. To be in Howie's arms once again is all that matters.

"I missed you, sweetie," Howie whispered in her ear. There goes his usual endearment again. She felt him leading her towards the car surrounded by his bodyguards. "Is it okay if I'll take you home to Bordeaux?"

"Anywhere, Howie." Adrienne just replied. She closed her eyes and leaned closer to his chest. Howie wrapped her in an embrace as the car sped off.



>> 26


























26

The peaceful surroundings welcomed them as they reached the palace. Howie led her inside towards the Great Ante Room and left her for a while to give instructions to prepare a guest room for her. Adrienne busied herself looking at the paintings hung on the wall, including the recent royal family picture. She secretly envied the bonds within this family, wishing hers would be just like them. But when the divorce went final, her wish will never happen. Deep in her thoughts, she didn't notice Howie has already gone back in the room.

"There's a question I had that left us hanging up to this moment," Howie started. Adrienne drew a nervous breath and slowly turned around. "I asked what does it leaves us now, after we've gone through the problems we have."

Adrienne never felt so insecure like this in her life. She loved a man she found impossible to reach out, fearing for rejection and sparing a part of her from getting hurt. But then, she loves Howie. It wouldn't probably hurt much to try fighting for her feelings. If he doesn't feel the same way, at least she tried to open up herself. She had to give up her pride and let it all out. This is now or never. "Originally, we'd separate after the charade is over," she answered him.

"Originally?" Howie repeated. "What's your new plan then?"

"To stay in a relationship with you, if you'll let me." Adrienne said. Howie stared at her for a long time. "I'm sorry for my shortcomings, for the things I've said and done to you because now I realize how much you mean to me, not just I need you again or anything other than that. It's unexplainable. I just couldn't tell enough how much do I really feel and care for you. Let me prove it..." She stopped when Howie pressed a finger against her lips.

"I understand, Adrienne. I can feel your sincerity. And I feel the same way, too."

"Huh?"

"I love you, Adrienne. I love you very much."

Adrienne felt tears streaming down her face. "Oh, I love you very much as well, Howie. I love you so!" She hugged him.

"I'm sorry if I've been away without telling you, sweetie. Did you know that I already learned about who my biological parents are?" Howie asked, still holding her in his arms.

"Are? Who are they?"

"My Aunt Aurora and Conrad Burke."

"Huh? They are? And Thomas is your half-brother?" Adrienne's eyes widened in surprise. Howie nodded and began telling her everything that has happened in the past two weeks. "My mother promised me she'll attend my wedding," Howie finished with his story.

"I'm looking forward to meeting her then." Adrienne said, taking the hint.

"Is that a yes?" Howie made his infamous charming smile. Adrienne couldn't resist but closed the gap between them and kissed those lovely lips. It really feels good holding him this close and feeling his wonderful kisses.

"Yes, I'll marry you, Howie."

Howie lifter her up and spun her around. "You made me the happiest, Adrienne." They kissed once again. When they pulled apart, they just hold close together. "I can't live up with other people's expectations anymore. I want to be just myself." Howie heard her say. He stared down at her. "I'm really sorry for everything, Howie. Even if it may take me a lifetime making up for everything..."

"Loving me would be just enough," Howie said. Adrienne wiped his tears that he didn't notice that he had. "I couldn't live up to proving others my worth here in the family, either."

"You had enough, Howie."

"As what they've told me." He nodded. "I want to be just myself, and do what I got to do like admitting that I've been really attracted to you since then. But you are so irritating, I couldn't stand you." He blew a sigh of relief. "Whew! Glad that I got it out from my system." Adrienne stared at him.

"Really? You liked me all along?"

"If I didn't, do you think I'm stupid enough to just go on with your charade to pretend I'm your boyfriend? That's my chance, and your chance, Adrienne."

"Yeah. That's my chance to make everything right," They kissed once again. After that, Howie just suddenly laughed. Adrienne looked at him in question. "I suddenly remembered Nick indulging me to bet that you'll say yes immediately after a hint of my proposal."

"I can't blame you for doubting, Howie, and betting otherwise against him. But I'm glad that you asked me to marry you." Adrienne laughed. She knew her secret with Nick. But she will tell Howie about it after Nick has collected his brothers' payment.



>> Epilogue


























Epilogue

Kevin watched on TV as Howie's announcement of his engagement with Adrienne unfolds on the screen. Secretly, he's happy with his brother. Howie deserves to be happy more than anything else. Obviously, those two are so much in love and they will probably be spending a lifetime together.

Unlike him.

He threw the wine goblet. It hit the wall and shattered into pieces. Later, he found himself crying down so many tears and staring into blank space. He felt so lonely now that he missed Cristin. He never thought that love could change him in a very odd way. And how could Cristin ever done this to him? It's torturing him not knowing where she has gone.

She said she's just going to the church's restroom but it was almost half an hour and she still hasn't gone back. She left him.

His musings were interrupted as the phone rang. Knowing who might be calling, he immediately answered. But it's not Clint, his hired private investigator to look for Cristin. It's John Lyndon.

"It's John, Prince Kevin. We need you here immediately. Your father has just had a mild heart attack."

Kevin felt a sudden leap in his heartbeat upon hearing it. He glanced at the TV and just in time, he saw Howie falling down from the podium where he is and everyone scrambled around in panic. His brother's bodyguards rushed and picked him up towards the hospital. Howie's been shot once again.

"Shit!" Kevin's heart beats faster. His hands started to tremble as he wiped his tears and gather himself before going out of the room. The hallway greeted him with silence. And if they could only speak, all of his secrets will be revealed enough to create a scandal to last the royal family for another lifetime. But he's planning to change ways now. Cristin made him a better man. And now that his father and brother were hurt, he's just going to prove to everyone his worth to the throne, his family's legacy.



THE END



~~ Stay tuned as Kevin's story will take part on the next series. Get to know more of the prince destined to be king, his secrets, his sufferings, his joys, and his life... his LEGACY. ~~