MY DEAR LIFE *chappy two*

[kaye]

Chapter 2


A: ok…silently…

Alex whispered to her self while slowly backing out through the back door.

A: oomph!

She bumped into someone.

A: Oh my! I’m so sorry…

She was shocked when she turned to face the person…Speechless; she looked like an idiot with her mouth open.

Guy: it’s alright…

The guy said with a stern face and walked towards the dining hall.

Alex was still glued in her place; staring down at the marble floor.

M: god! Now I know where that smell came from!

Alex flinched hearing his brother’s voice.

A: what are you talking about Matt?!

M: what are you doing here? I thought you were sick!

Matt snickered.

A: I was…

M: liar…you were supposed to be here for the breakfast party…

A: no one told me there was a party! All I know was breakfast…
M: oh really? Then I should help my dear sister get dressed…better late that never…

A: I don’t need to go to the party!

M: how come, afraid to bump into your fiancé?

Then she remembered again what happened awhile ago, before Matt came. Oh god! She felt like crying.

Ok! No crying! You can do this! What is that idiot doing in here anyways?!!

M: ehem…I’m talking to you Princess Sister…are you listening?

She suddenly went out of the palace…straight to the garden where no one will see her, except the gardener of course.

M: what the…?!?

A POV: why now? I’m still not ready…thinking that my fiancé might be there too…
Why is this happening to me? Should I face him? But he acted like he didn’t know me…maybe he really doesn’t care about me after all…but he has too! With all those words he said years ago! He can’t fool me!

Gardener: your highness…what are you doing here?

A: oh…good morning Charlie! Nah! Just using some time…

Charlie: there’s a party upstairs…

A: I don’t want to go there…

Charlie has been the gardener even before she was born…he’s already 53 and still working…Charlie was like a friend to Alex already…

Charlie: having a problem? I thought you told me you got your genes from Alexander the Great! Wait a minute….you’re a hoax!

Charlie made a defense pose. Alex laughed.

A: Charlie! Of course I’m not!

Charlie: you’re not? But Princess Alex doesn’t frown over problems! She gathers strength from it and looks for solutions! That’s the Princess I know…standing up and tall….

A: how did you know I have a problem?

Charlie: well…I can simply see it in your face, your highness….you are an open book…

Alex smiled weakly at Charlie…then the weak smile turned into a great smile.

A: thanks Charlie! You sure know what to do!

She turned to the entrance to the palace. To her surprise, the guy occupying her thoughts went out. She was speechless again…always lost for words every time she sees him. She took a deep breath and started walking towards him.

He didn’t see her following him. She stared at his back. He was walking towards the royal pool bothering with his phone.

A: acting like you don’t remember me?

He turned immediately to her surprised. He laughed.

Guy: sorry…are you talking to me?

Alex laughed sarcastically.

A: yah right! As if you can see anyone around.

The guy looked around, noticing they were alone at the pool yard, he turned to her weirdly again with a questioning look.

Guy: umm…sorry…have we met?

A: acting like you don’t know me?!

Guy: I really don’t remember miss…I doubt if we met before…are you sure you got the right person?

A: you think I’m stupid?

Guy: I beg your pardon? I never said such a word…maybe you just got the wrong guy…please excuse me…I need to make a phone call…

He turned his back on her then started dialing. Alex was so angry that she suddenly made him face her.

A: how dare you Theo! How dare you do this to me!

After a bit of yelling, she suddenly threw him a cold punch. He went flying towards the pool. Alex was shocked; all she intended was to punch him.

A: oh god! I’m so sorry…

She scrambled to the edge of the pool to help him back, reaching for his arm; unfortunately she outbalances and falls to the pool with him. Instead of her helping him back, he was the one who pulled her towards the edge and helped her get back on solid ground.

A: don’t help me idiot!!!

Guy: fine then! It suits me!

He pulled his self back and started shaking his head to lessen the water dripping from his hair.

Guy: you ruined my cellular phone! You ruined my day!

Alex pulled her self out of the water then faced him again her hands upon her hips.

A: as if you never ruined my life Theodore!

The guy rolled his eyes. Smiled for a moment then went back to Mr. Stern face.

Guy: for God’s sake! I am so sorry to disappoint you! If you hold a grudge against my brother…give it to him! Not me!

A: what are you talking about?!!

He looked like he was so irritated he let out a sigh.

Guy: My name is Richard, Lady! I’m Theo’s twin brother!

A: what?!?

Richard: Richard! R-I-C-H-A-R-D….Richard! Twin brother! Now will you excuse me!

Richard walked away from her fuming…he was so angry and pissed…Alex ran after him…

A: Theo! I mean… Richard wait!

They entered the castle gathering looks from visitors…and murmurs.

A: I’m so sorry! I thought you were Theo…

R: please go away Miss…I don’t even know you…

A: that’s why I have to introduce myself properly to you…

R: later…I have to change…you have to change too…

They met up with the chambermaids…

CM: your highness! What happened?!

A: oh puhleese! Fine then! Later!

***
Kg: ok! What stunt did you pull again this morning with the Prince?!!

A: it wasn’t a stunt…it’s was an honest mistake…I mistook him for someone…

Kg: mistook him for someone? Mistook him for someone?!! Alexandria! That was a prince! How can you mistake him for someone?!?!

Queen Tanissa held on to her husband.

Qt: Geoffrey please…it really was an honest mistake…Richard has a twin brother…

The king was quiet a moment. Alex smiled at them with an I-told-you-so face.

Kg: he has a twin brother?

The Queen nods.

Kg: oh right…I remember…

A: am I free now?

Kg: no you’re not…you have to apologize to the prince…

A: what? Oh…I know…

Matt was in the room also playing with the cushion, he suddenly stood up.

M: I thought she was getting married!

Qt: Matthew…your sister’s marriage is none of your business right now…

M: but I thought…

Kg: the marriage is still in process…

A: wait! How come I wasn’t informed who I'm marrying?

Kg: because we’re still waiting for his parent’s decision…

A: who is he anyway?

Kg: Richard…

Alex feels like swooning…

A PoV: Oh god! Why his twin brother?


Richard was reading a book in the garden. He was staying in the Palace for a week. He finally gave in to his Parent’s decision to spend the summer in this monarch country, but he can already smell something cooking. As a Prince, you can’t avoid set marriages; there have been 5 attempts by his parent’s before, now he’s being careful for the oncoming. He can feel in his vibe when he agreed for the summer here he already agreed to another marriage plan his parent’s have on their sleeves. Oh well…they won’t succeed anyways…

So that Princess Mischief knows his brother…not surprising…to think Theo knows all the princesses in the world…

A: ehem…

Richard turned around only to find her again. She was leaning on the tree.

R: stay away…

Alex started to walk toward him. She smiled and made a curtsy even though she was wearing slacks.

A: good afternoon your highness…how was your day?

Richard looked at her up and down then raised an eyebrow.

R: dreadful…

For a moment the smile that played on Alex’s face disappeared, she smiled again.

A: how unfortunate! The day’s so wonderful for you to judge like that…may I ask why?

R: obvious answer…do you really have to ask?
He stood up and started to turn his back on her and walk away. She made a pissed of face and started following him again.

A: I am being nice to you…please be nice before I lose my temper…

She was holding her breath looking like she was going to burst in rage any moment.

R: I’m sorry but I’m not in the mood

She was turning red…

A POV: you baboon! If I can get my hands on you!! Ooooohhhh!!! I hate you so much!!!

Richard walked away ignoring her.

A: fine then! Have it your own way! Let’s see if you can stand it!! Humph!

Alex walk past him bumping him on the shoulder. Having walked away a couple of feet she turned back and stuck her tongue out.

` Richard was shocked. He called to her.

R: are you really a princess? You don’t act like one!

Alex turned back at him, bushing embarrassedly.

A: are you insulting me?!!

R: was that an insult for you?

A: Aargh! What’s your problem anyways?!! Straight to the point here Prince! I don’t play games with anyone!!

R: you are irritating…get it?

A: how dare you!

Richard walked to the other direction avoiding her.

A: you!! Come back here!! Coward…

She walked the other direction away from him too, muttering something about evil overdrive…should get hit in the head with a knight’s bat, while he was muttering about Princesses without manners and irritating loveless lady.

[kaye]

short update...sorry...

[diat0]

... Baw... suggestion... ang plot ko na lang bi sang sadto ang gamita... to balang may win 'kuno' plot nga wala ko man matapos sulat... sige na!!!

[kaye]

abaw...pero i like this plot kasi eh...and i have many ideas stored for this LOVELY story...hehehe...tnks!

[kaye]

Richard was having his afternoon tea at the manor’s balcony. He was overlooking the backyard pool. What a sight! It was giving a clear view of long slender legs, soft curves, a large amount of white porcelain skin…a beautiful face…and an annoying look…hmm…good thing she didn’t see him. She was having her afternoon swim, for the first time when he arrived here. They kept on bumping each other on the hallway sometimes, but he doesn’t even look at her, and her keeps on throwing dark glances towards him. That’s understandable anyways…

R: can I ask you something?

Richard asked the maid standing beside him.

Maid: yes your highness?

R: what’s her name again?

M: who might that be your highness?

R: the one taking a swim in the pool…

M: oh…yes…Princess Alexandria Maree…

R: is she…is she the only lady of the palace? No sisters?

M: she’s the only daughter your highness…and currently the highest lady of court right now…

R: oh…I see…well thanks anyways…

M: your welcome your highness…

Only daughter?! My mom’s kidding me I hope…I can’t marry that…that annoying spoiled princess…God! In all the places in earth…why here?

*Recall*

Richard was on the phone with her mother, Queen Jane last night.

R: I knew it!
Qj: well it’s kind of obvious already honey…
R: don’t you think I’m young to get married this early?
Qj: your brother’s about to be engaged…it would be a blessing if you two can have your betrothed shown to court this year together…
R: mom…I don’t even know who you want me to be engaged with…
Qj: you don’t?!
R: I don’t…how would I know? There are too many ladies of court in this place…
Qj: son! She’s the only daughter there…

*end of recall*

Only daughter…only daughter…only daughter…

A: HOW DARE YOU!! How long have you been here sitting?!! Sitting and staring at me?!!

Richard woke up from his senses…there in front of him was Alex in robes and dripping wet, hands on hips and glaring at him. If looks could kill…he would probably be dead already without noticing it.

R: Goodness! I beg your pardon?!

Richard stood up and faced her; the maid was frantic trying to break up the heated argument.

A: I said….HOW DARE YOU!!! How long have you been spying on me?!

R: a little bit of clarification here princess…I wasn’t spying! Especially on you! I was sitting here peacefully trying to clear my mind and having a cup of tea! There! Evidence!

Richard pointed to the tea table…to his surprise, the tea set was gone…

R: where…

M: the butler took it away sir…

A: hmmf…liar!

R: I really was having tea!

A: well if you really were…in all the balconies in this manor why here?

R: I find it here quite relaxing…

A: not enough explanation!

R: fine then! So what if I was spying on you?! You’ll be my fiancée in a couple of days from now anyways!

A: What?!! You…you shouldn’t be shouting that in public!!

R: make me…

Richard leaves, Alex was furious

***
Alex was in the sitting room with her mom.
Qt: I am sorry Alex…there would be no way to stop this engagement…
A: mom…marry me to any other guy…just not him…
Qt: what is wrong with Richard dear?
A: I don’t know…he’s just annoying…
Qt: well instead of looking for a new eligible bachelor these remaining days…why don’t you try and resolve your differences?
A: as if he’s interested in doing so…
Qt: I’m sure he is…

Alex sighed and left.

***

They were having a children’s charity party at the palace gardens. The hosts were Alex and Richard. They were still in bad terms but they were keen in not showing at all.

A: you want me to blow the balloon?

Marie: yes please…

Alex started to blow but failed. She keeps on trying but the balloon just didn’t want to inflame. Richard beside her laughs then gets another balloon and blew too, with no much hassle; the balloon was already big and shining red. He handed it to Marie.

Marie: thank you so much Prince Richard!

R: you’re welcome…

Richard smiled sweetly at the handicapped girl, kissed her on the forehead before she ran off to her playmates to show the balloon off. Alex stared at him.

R: what?

A: why is it much easier for you guys?

R: because we are guys…

A: yah! Brag about it Mr. not so nice guy!

R: look who’s talking…

A: ok! Before we get into an argument…I want to clarify that I do not want this to happen…

R: so do me…

A: then there’s no purpose at all…

R: I know…

They were quiet for a moment avoiding each other’s eyes. Suddenly Alex burst laughing…Richard laugh with her.

R: why are you laughing?

A: I don’t know!

R: what?

They laughed again this time it was unstoppable until everyone was looking at them already.

A: ok…ok…ok…breathe…inhale….exhale…

She laughed again because Richard still didn’t stop laughing.

R: God! My stomach hurts!

Alex stopped laughing then held a helping hand on Richard’s back.

A: are you alright?

Richard laughed again, this time with tears in his eyes.

R: don’t tell me you’re concerned!

Alex turned serious.

A: I am concerned!!

Richard stopped laughing abruptly then looked at her seriously too.

R: umm…it’s getting kind of embarrassing…everyone’s looking at us….

Richard whispered amusedly. They slowly looked at everyone looking at them then smiled sweetly. Everyone smiled back to and went back to their business. They both heave out a sigh.

A: really funny…

R: what did you find funny?

A: …what has been happening around here

R: like what?

A: we met hating each other then we just sit here right now and keep on laughing about nothing…weird

R: I know…you’re kinda weird too…

Richard laugh but Alex was serious

A: what?!

R: honestly…

A: you! I hate you!

Alex stood up then left murmuring bad things about him again. Richard stared questioningly at her.

R: what the…Alex!

Richard followed her back on the palace.

R: Alex! Wait…you don’t understand…

A: yah right! Leave me alone Richard…

R: why are you always easily irritated?!

A: because that’s just me! Now leave me alone!

R: fine then…

Richard huffed and looked irritated too.

[kaye]

Chapter 3


QJ: so it’s done then?
QT: yes dear…finally…
QJ: that’s great news! Then I’ll be there tomorrow…we can have a private party for this special event…
QT: I’ll get everything ready…and I’ll tell the kids.
QJ: thank goodness you spared me for that confrontation…I wish you luck
QT: I quite need that for my daughter…
QJ: I think you need to have that too with my son…
QT: oh well…I’ll do my best
***
Chambermaid: your highness?

A: yes?

CM: are you done dressing already?

A: just a moment…

CM: her majesty wants you in the drawing room in 30 mins.

A: tell her I’ll be there by 30 mins…please

CM: yes your highness

A: thank you

CM: you’re welcome your highness

Alex fixed her hair and smiled to herself.

A POV: that idiot Richard is going to get it…weird? Let’s see who really is weird...

She stood up and left for the drawing room.
***

QT: sit down dear… we are waiting for company…

A: company?

QT: yes, I have to tell…oh! Here he is… good afternoon Richard…

Alex stood up and so did her mother, she turned to the door and met with Richard eye-to-eye. Richard bowed to both ladies.

R: good afternoon your highness, good afternoon my lady…

Alex looked at him up and down and raised her eyebrow.

A POV: well I see…he changed his clothes…why that idiot looks good in jeans and t-shirt…but nothing has change…still looks like an idiot.

A: afternoon too…

Richard smirked. He noticed her cold tone and the absence of “good” in her greeting.

QT: sit down the two of you…I have some important matters to discuss and I both need your presence…but before we start I have some drinks ready…what would you like Richard?

R: tea would be good, thank you…

QT: and Alex?

Alex thinks and turned to her mother smiling.

A: does the kitchen have that new kiddie chocolate drink featured in TV? I never had one of those in packs before…and I…

QT: Alex…

Her mother cut her, Richard looked at her weirdly.

A: yes?

QT: your chambermaid can buy that for you, now you can have a chocolate drink…in a cup…

A: fine with me…

Richard grins again while Alex glared at him. The Queen never noticed because she took some papers out of the coffee desk.

QT: now…you two might be wondering what we will be discussing today…so not to surprise you…it’s a matter that involves the both of you…care to tell me what is that Richard?

R: our engagement…

QT: right!

A: what about it?

QT: well the decision of both families is made…the date of your engagement party will be decided yet…

A POV: my heart feels heavy…I'm getting engaged with his idiotic brother…and I haven’t even met him yet after that tragic ending a year ago…I just want to kill him for hurting me.

QT: and Richard dear…your mother will be arriving tomorrow…

R: I have been informed Madame…

QT: that would be nice…so we’re done discussing this matter and I have some meeting to attend to…I will be leaving you two here then…to talk…to be comfortable with each other…

Both stood up as Queen Tanissa walked out of the room.

R: well then… they sealed the agreement…

A: and do you think it’s nice to hear it all over again?!

Alex sank back in her cushioned couch. Richard sat and drinks his tea. After moments of silence he heard some sobbing and turned to that direction.

R: don’t cry over it…I’m not going to eat you anyways…

A: and who said I'm scared of you?

Richard stopped talking and leaned back on his chair.

R: if it is not me… is it…Theo then?

The sobbing stopped suddenly. She straightened up and faced him.

A: and why would it be THEO?!!!

R: calm down…I was just guessing…

Alex stopped talking then just stared at him…mournfully…

R: what are you staring at?

Richard uncomfortably moved in his seat because the mournful looked changed to a look of curiosity and interest.

A: at first glance you two look so much alike… but if I stare at you for a long time…your differences are obvious…

R: and what is that?

A: you look more…sincere…kind…gentle…

Richard laughs.

R: stop playing with me Alex…

A: no…honestly…you look like I can trust you…

Richard stopped smiling and looked serious…he leans forward...and whispers.

R: ok…spit it out princess…what secret do you want me to keep?

Alex smiles and looks right and left. She stood up and grabbed Richard by the arm and dragged him out of the drawing room.

R: where are you taking me?

A: just wait and see . . .

After a lot of turning right and left in the hallway, they arrived at the end of the corridor of the eastern wing on the 3rd floor of the palace.

R: wait a minute…this is private quarters…

A: shhhh! Shut up…this is my room…

R: and why are you taking me to your room?!

A: actually this is my other room…this is where I put my things that I don’t use anymore…

R: you are not answering my question…

A: ok…this is the safest place…where no one will find out we’re together…and knows what we will be doing…

Richard looked alarmed and freed his hand from her grip.

R: and care to tell me what we will be doing?!

Alex giggles and stared at him.

A: ok mister green minded…are you scared that I will seduce you?!

R: what are you talking about?!!!

Richard was taken aback and backed away from her.

A: oh stop acting like a scaredy cat Richard!! I just want to talk with you with no one listening…

R: can’t we talk in the garden?

A: and risk Matt listening to us?

R: what is it you want to talk about anyways?

A: shh…oh d**n lock! It’s stuck…

Richard laughs while Alex hits the knob with her fist.

A: OUCH!

Chambermaid: is someone there?

A: oh my god… oh my god…

Alex panics and looks somewhere to hide. She suddenly pulls Richard with her beneath the curtains.

R: Alex…I'm allergic to..to..ah..ah

[kaye]

Richard was about to sneeze. Alex went out of the curtain just in time.

Chambermaid: my lady! What are you doing here?

A: oh…I need something from my room…but its lock…so I’m just enjoying the site here…

CM: oh…I see… ok…do you need the key then?

A: no need of the key…

CM: well alright…I’ll go then…

A: umm…excuse me Bernadette…

CM: yes my lady?

A: where’s Matt…?

CM: he’s looking all over for you…

A POV: that moron…

A: don’t tell him where I am…ok?

CM: yes my lady….

A: thank you…you may go…

The Chambermaid bows and left.

A: ghost is clear.

Richard appears beside her.

R: why do you really need to hide me?

A: I don’t like starting rumors…

R: you’re my fiancée…what’s there to hide?

A: correction…about to be…we are not yet engaged…

R: we are still going to be…

A: no… uh ah…not until I get my hands on things…
Richard looks at her skeptically.

R: what do you mean by that?

A: I need your help in planning something…

Alex leaned and whispers to his ear.

R: are you crazy?!! I'm not going to help you! It won’t work!

A: it will work if you help me!

R: no it won’t

A: this is for both of our sakes! After we end this thing we can go back to our normal lives…you can go back to your girlfriend if ever you have one…and I can go back to my monastery life…

R: that is rubbish I tell you!

A: it isn’t!

R: it is…

A: no, it isn’t!

R: yes, it is!

A: won’t you just shut up!

R: you shut up!

A: I’m not talking to a worthless pig like you!!

R: you are even fatter than me and you call me pig?

A: I am not fat!!

R: I didn’t say you were fat! I said...fat-ter…get it?

A: I’m not that low if you think so?

R: if you aren’t, why are you thinking of running away then?!

QT/KG: running away?!!

Alex and Richard froze and turned to the direction of the voices. It was the King and Queen and some servants staring at them. The color drained from Alex’s face.

A: mother…father…

A POV: oh no…

***

KG: I can’t believe you have the nerve to think of such thing. You are so selfish. You are only thinking for yourself. Are you not even wondering what will happen to us, your family after you commit such a crime?! My god Alexandria!!! Are you even thinking?! And not only that, but you are trying to lure Richard to the conspiracy itself! You are not only going to affect us, but the Danish royalty also! My god Alexandria, I am so frustrated with you!!!! And because of that…you are grounded again, this time you won’t leave your room without chambermaid and a guard, you can’t go out of the palace gates and you won’t be wondering elsewhere in the palace without my permission! Understood?!

Alex shook in her seat and nods.

A: yes father.

Richard stood up from his seat.

R: I'm asking for an apology sir about what happened…most of it was my fault…

Alex stared at him.

A POV: my fault my butt…trying to help me…doesn’t even know what he is talking about…

KG: you are forgiven Richard, I understand your situation…no punishment will be carried out…

R: thank you sir…but I hope you can reconsider Alex’s situation…she isn’t entirely at fault…

KG: my daughter’s matters are closed…my decision is final and will be followed…

R: yes sir…will I be forbidden to see her…?

KG: no you aren’t…you are free of will…

A POV: what if I don’t want to see you?!! Idiot…

KG: you two may go…

Alex stood up and left after curtsying. And so did Richard after bowing.

A POV: why do things always ends up like that? I hate myself! I feel like crying again...but I shouldn’t cry…I shouldn’t let my weaknesses rule over me…

R: Alex…

A: I need to be alone for a moment…

R: can I talk to you later?

A: I’ll try…

Alex hurried out leaving Richard staring at her back.

***

Richard passed by Alex’s room. Two guards were on duty and a maid comes to check time to time. He approaches the door but got blocked.

G: we have instructions from the highness not to let you enter.

Richard sighs.

R: fine then…can I at least lean on the door?

The Guard looked at the Chambermaid questioningly.

CM: let the poor boy…

Richard cringed from the word used, but went on to lean on the door and listened to what was going inside. Well, obviously, she was sobbing her heart out again.
He sighed and looked at the chambermaid. She shrugged her shoulders acknowledging Richard’s pity.

CM: she’s always like that My Lord…every minute…every day…

R: thank you…I’ll be going now…

Richard walked gravely towards his room.

[kaye]

Chapter 4


Theodore: I can’t believe you’re getting engaged to her…

R: and care to explain why?

T: what a nightmare! So demanding and arrogant! Oh man, if you were with me you’ll go crazy! She gets jealous with everyone! Even the canteen lady!

Richard was talking with Theodore on the phone.

T: she isn’t even my girlfriend yet!!

R: you knew she was royalty?

T: I knew from the start…but she didn’t tell me…it was the time that she told me that I took the chance and told her to leave me…oh man…what a sight…the d**n broke…I practically stared at her…then she went of running to mommy and daddy…

R: wow… you say it like you know her that much…

T: you’ll learn to know the person even for a day when she’s head over heels for you…I tell you only if you know how to take initiative…

R: I see… well thanks for the warnings… I can get a lot from it… big help! Thanks bro!

T: anytime…now don’t call me at the middle of the night…you’re disturbing me and my princess…

R: slow down bro… you haven’t shown her to court yet… you don’t want her carrying a mini-you, not before the big day…

T: I know how to take care of things…I got everything under control…don’t worry…and besides…she’s irresistible…

Theo said matter-o-factly. Richards smirks.

R: ok…I have to get some sleep too…mom will be arriving tomorrow morning…and I have to show my butt in the welcoming party…

T: well that’s bad…ok…night bro!

R: thanks…night!

Richard hanged the phone and lied in his bed.

R POV: so that’s the reason why she wants kill me the day we first met…she got to taste my playboy of a brother… good thing she got away… before he damages everything…now I know all the reasons…

Sigh. Why does her father need to ground her? It was my fault anyways…only if I haven’t shouted the secret…well it’s out already…you can’t do anything Richard…and now she’s sobbing in her room. All you can do know is sleep and get ready for tomorrow.

***

The next morning, Richard woke up early to have a swim in the pool, after a few laps he’ll be going back to his room and get ready for his mom’s arrival. On his way to his room he passed by the kitchen, it was still 6: 30 in the morning and the kitchen was still empty except for someone who was fussing with the refrigerator.

He took a closer look and to his surprise…it was Alex.

R: Alex?

Alex froze and turned to him, after looking at him atrociously she went back to what she was doing. Richard laughs and took a seat, he looked at her amused. She got a pitcher of fresh milk and Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup. She laid it on the table and got a loaf, jam, butter and cheese from the cupboard. After getting all things on the table she sat across Richard and started to eat.

R: wow! You sure look hungry! Let me guess…you didn’t eat what they gave you…

Alex looked at him appallingly then went back eating.

R: you look like you haven’t slept and your eyes are all puffy and red…but you still look attractive…

Alex ignored him and kept eating…

R: aren’t you even going to ask me if I would like some of what you are having?

Alex stared at him, smiled plastically and shook her head.

R: obviously…

After a few moments of staring at her he spoke up again.

R: I think you find the sandwich and chocolate drink more attractive than me..

Alex smiled genuinely and nods. Richard frowns and stood up

R: fine then…I’ll go…and if ever I pass by your father I’ll tell him you’re out here alone eating and if he would like to join you…

Alex suddenly grabs Richard and looked at him pleadingly.

A: Richard…I was just joking…please…please don’t do that…I can’t take it anymore…

Tears started to fall, and the mischievous gleam in Richard’s eyes turned to shock and pity. Alex crumbled to the floor unable to control herself, she sobbed. Richard instinctively reached out to her and gathered her in his arms.

R: stop crying…I…I don’t know what to do when a girl cries in front of me… I’m sorry…I was just joking too…Alex…stop crying…

A: I…I can’t take this anymore…

R: what do you want me to do? Do you want me to take you back to your room? What? Tell me…

A: I’m alright…I can do this alone… I’m sorry…I’m acting like a stupid girl again…

R: no you’re not…

Richard wiped her tears but she jerked his hand away, she wiped her own tears and stood up, she started to walk but unable to…she suddenly swooned in front of him.

R: Alex.

Richard caught her just in time. The last word she said was “don’t tell father” before she lost consciousness. He carried her back to her room, careful that no one will see them, the guards weren’t in duty and there were no Chambermaids in sight. He laid her on her bed and tucked her in.

R POV: what should I do? Donýt panic…think Richard, Think! Ok…she should have some first aid kit in her bathroom…but you don’t know how to play doctor, idiot! What then? It will be no harm to wait for one chambermaid…they would understand his situation…what time is it anyways?...ok, it’s 7…they’ll be here any minute to open the curtains…so I’ll just wait.

***
CM: good morning your highness! It’s a...

Richard made a grab from the back of the door and covered the shocked chambermaid’s mouth before she could scream.

R: shhh…shhh….it’s me Prince Richard...

CM: your highness! What are you...

R: shhh…..keep your voice down

CM: what are you doing here?

R: you’ve got to help me…

CM: what happened?

R: it’s Alex…she fainted in the kitchen while trying to get a snack… I don’t know what to do…

CM: she fainted? Well obviously because of her lack of sleep and food…

R: are you sure?

CM: yes… it happened for so many times already…what she needs now is some rest and I will feed her later when she wakes up…

R: are you really sure?

CM: I'm sure…now I believe you have to get ready for the welcoming party?

R: yes…but I just can’t leave her here in that situation…

CM: I understand…now you can go and get ready…

R: thank you…

Richard went out of the door and smiled at the two confused guards, then continued to his room to change for the party.

***

A handsome carriage made its way through the crowd lined-up in the streets of Lanovie and arrives at the royal estate.

Butler: announcing the arrival of her Majesty, Queen Consort; Jane Ellis Dantes Willfort …

A well dressed lady stepped out of the carriage. Queen Tanissa approached her first.

QT: Jane dear! It’s a pleasure to have you here again!
QJ: and I’m so glad to be back…

They smiled at each other.

KG: Queen Jane…welcome back!
QJ: your royal highness… it’s beautiful to see this wondrous land again
KG: what can I say? …come inside…Richard is waiting for you…
QJ: so it is…

Richard was waiting for his mother in the grand foyer.

QJ: oh Richard darling!! I miss you so much!!!
R: mother…

QJ throws kisses all over Richards’s face while he struggles to get away.

R: mother…you are ruining my suit