The Royal Blood

(A Be My Princess Fan Fiction)

Fan Fiction by : Animedaisuki

Prologue

Beep beep beep beep beep beep beep

"Mm…?"

I stirred in my bed, still wrapped in my blankets looking messed up, as usual. Please, cut me some slack, it's morning and it's a new year.

"Shit, I'm gonna be late for my job interview!"

Hi, I'm Racel Morgan and I'm about to be late. I recently graduated from college for Fashion Designing here in Oriens Kingdom. Spare me the thought, when I say kingdom, I didn't say I'm a princess, just a regular citizen who keeps telling herself that the royal life is far from her face.

I started working in an insurance company after a month of graduating from fashion designing. Stupid, I know, but I kept applying for jobs that's aligned to my course.

"Good morning, mom!", I cheerfully greeted my mom as I ran down the stairs.

"Hello, darling. Are you ready for your interview?"

"Oh, come on mom, being interviewed is how I make a living."

My mom smiled and encouraged me while I ran across our foyer and out the road , "Sweetheart, you'll get the job you want soon! Best of luck later!"

"Thanks, mom!"

New year, same me.

"Thank you for today, Ms. Morgan. Please expect an e-mail from us within next week."

I bowed in respect and replied, "It's a pleasure."

I left the establishment and headed home since it's a Saturday. I am currently wearing a fit cream colored knee-length sleeveless formal dress with a brown trench coat that I left unbuttoned paired with slightly pointed cream colored four-inch stilettos.

Upon arriving, I went upstairs and just slept. Saturday flew by, so did Sunday and the next thing I knew, it's Monday.

I was chatting with some co-workers during our lunch break, talking about relationships and stuff.

"Racel, do you have a boyfriend?"

"Now that you remind me, I don't.", I replied.

"Geez, why aren't beautiful people in a relationship? Come on, Racel, any guy would get down on their knees for you!"

I laughed with them.

"I don't even have my dream job yet, I'm still 21 and I think I still have time to get a boyfriend.", I replied. 'I mean, at least I hope so…'

Just then, the television flashed a news about the six princes from six kingdoms coming over to the Nobel Michel's Castle for the special ball being held.

"Oh my God, look, the princes, Prince Wilfred is my favorite, he looks so calm and polite and charming and-"

"You're spacing out again.", I called out and laughed.

"They're princes, Racel. It's hard to believe, but they're really still out there!"

I smiled glumly, "Yeah, whoopee."

For God's sake, they're princes, I know and obviously my life is not as magical as theirs. I can't even get my dream job much less meet a prince or even much, much less, marry one.

I came home with my mom greeting me with excitement.

"What happened? Why are you so excited?", I asked.

My mother went to the living room and picked up an envelope that appears to have a foreign stamp.

"Here."

I shrugged it away, "I don't wanna read it, mom. I know what it'll say anyway: 'We regret to inform you blah blah blah'."

"Come on, honey, it may say something new."

"Oh, like, 'Sorry, we're not interested'?", I replied.

"Racel—"

"I know, I know, I should keep hoping. I guess that's all I'll ever do."

I took the envelop hesitantly from my mom and read it.

"Oh. My. God."

My mom peered over my shoulder.

"AHHHHHH! Mom! I got accepted to Jeanne Pierre! Mom. Mom! Mom!"

My mother was almost sobbing her eyes out to the extent of collapsing to the floor smiling from ear to ear.

"I knew you'd do it…I'm so proud of you!", my mother exclaimed.

When my dad came home, we talked about all the details of my acceptance and everything else. Jeanne Pierre is my dream company, I've been wanting to work there for as long as I can remember. Although it is based on Charles Kingdom, and I have to leave home for a while, my parents agreed on it.

The week after, I have formally resigned from my current job in Oriens and was getting ready for my flight to Charles later in the afternoon.

"Make sure you get as much clothes as necessary.", Mom advised.

"Yes, mom."

"And when you get there, go straight to the hotel we managed to book."

"Yes, mom."

"Also, don't forget to always check your belongings and inform us immediately if something weird happens."

"Yes, mom."

All that conversation went on until my departure. I was lucky enough to catch a cheap ticket to fly to Charles on first-class. Before heading for the departure area, my parents hugged me so tight I wish I shouldn't have decided on leaving.

"Take good care of yourself out there okay? Inform us when you get there."

I smiled, "I will, mom."

"I know you'll make us proud. Keep looking towards your goals, alright, kid?"

"Hahaha! I will, dad. I'll become the best fashion designer you've ever seen."

Yeah, okay, I was crying at this point, but there's no reason to elaborate on it. I hugged my parents and waved them goodbye before leaving for Charles.

'Passengers of Plane 970, your plane is ready for departure.'

"I guess it's time…", I muttered quietly.

I board my plane and I silently left Oriens, heading for Charles. Upon arriving, I took the advice of my parents and went straight to the addressed hotel.

Alright, so maybe I went to the wrong hotel. There is now freaking way that my family could afford a hotel that fancy. I mean, hey, just being honest with myself because I'm aware that we are definitely not filthy rich for me to be addressed to the most famous hotel in Charles.

I decided to ring my mom. It was probably a mistake.

"Mom, hi! I've arrived here in Charles safe and sound, but something weird happened."

"What happened? Did you leave your female stuff somewhere? Are you hurt? Accident?! Answer me!"

"Uh…wrong hotel?"

"What?! But we booked you the fanciest there! That's our gift for you! How come there has been a misunderstanding with the address?"

What?

What?!

WHAT?!

"WHAT?! Seriously? You didn't have to spend too much on this! Oh…thanks so much…"

I'm so shocked. I'm still in shock. Honestly, it's a rare thing for a normal person like me to receive such huge gifts. I feel so thankful.

"Sweetie?", My mom woke me from my trance and I realized that I have been standing in front of the hotel for too long.

"Thank you, mom. Tell dad I said thanks. This is so huge!", I laughed.

Mom, once again, reminded me the reminders she always remind me of. After thanking her, I went in the hotel and checked in.

"Good morning, I'm here to check in Room 435.", I told the staff managing in the counter.

"Of course. I'll have it ready for you. Please wait for a while.", she replied gleefully.

While waiting, I double checked my phone, wallet, and other stuff, hoping I didn't leave anything behind.

"Miss, I apologize, someone else is booked in your room number. There has been a mistake in the encoding of one of our staffs. I apologize. If you're okay with it, we'd have you move to Penthouse 3, but your expenses and check in payment will be as if you are checked in Room 435."

I almost had a heart attack when she said all those things. This day just can't get weirder. My room was taken by mistake, and now I'm moving to the penthouse, which is totally fine by me, but I feel bad for the staff who made the mistake, hopefully he or she won't get fired or anything like that…

"It's really fine. I do understand and please, another ordinary room will be fine.", I replied with a smile.

"I apologize, the rest are booked and the others are being renovated, we are currently doing our renovation so the only available room for you is our Penthouse 3."

"I understand. Penthouse 3 then."

"Moving up to the penthouse!" is something worth posting on social media right now.

I went in the elevator specifically for the people living only in the penthouses of the hotel. As the door was about to close, a guy, wearing dark shades and a casual outfit went in, panting as if he ran a mile.

I stepped aside to give him some space on the elevator. He looked at me when he entered and sent out a smile. So charming.

"Are you new?", the guy asked.

"Yes. Are you from around here?", shrugging and trying to start a conversation, I replied.

"No. I'm only here for a tour in Nobel Michael's Castle. Have you ever been?", he asked politely.

"No, never! I wanted to but…", I was cut off when the guy laughed way too suddenly.

He looked at me, removing his sunglasses, revealing his dark gray eyes, resembling the ones like my mom's.

"Arcel Miller."

I looked up at him, and it hit me that he's trying to introduce himself, stretching out a hand towards me.

"Racel Morgan, pleasure to meet you.", I took his hand, shook it briefly before letting go.

"Likewise."

Ding

We both went out, so I guess his penthouse is in the same floor as mine.

"I assume you're from Oriens Kingdom?", Arcel started.

I nodded. "How'd you know?"

"I saw your charm.", Arcel pointed out the charm dangling from the side of my bag.

It's been my lucky charm since my elementary days and it sure has brought me some awesome luck today. First the hotel, now the penthouse? It sure is lucky, but it doesn't look lucky, it's just a simple gold snowflake since Oriens is not a place where snow visits often and I love snow…so yeah.

"Ah. Yeah, I am, and you are…?"

"Liberty Kingdom."

'Liberty? That's the newest kingdom among the six, if I am correct.', I thought.

"Well, I guess I'll see you then.", Arcel waved off politely.

"Yeah, see you."

I walked further and turned a corner before arriving to my own place. Just as expected, the goddamn room is overlooking the entire city. Almost every corner has a huge window. After the doorway, there's the living room in the center, on the farther right side are the dining area and kitchen. The bathroom's probably on the corner right side, as a smart guess, the farther left side leads to the rooms. Everything was too luxurious, it's like a fairytale! Appliances are complete where all things are in order, hopefully the peace and order in my life remains like this daily. But with my luck, it won't, obviously.

Okay, so I didn't realize that there were a few steps down leading to the entire room after the doorway, and speak of the devil, yeah, I tripped, my stilettos almost broke and —duh!— I fell on my face. Very exciting.

"My luck just ran out.", I announced, trying to sit up without looking stupid. For the first time this entire day, I had a great idea, I removed my shoes!

First things first, I gotta unpack, clean up the room a bit, and go for a shower. I took over the master's bedroom of the penthouse, which, by the way, I loved. It has an elegant vibe, with one huge sliding glass door leading to the balcony and one big window overlooking one side of the city of Charles. I assumed, across the hustle and bustle, was the royal castle of Charles. Quite majestic and magical. For a brief moment, I wondered what it was like to have royal blood, to be served, doing only her duties…

Ding dong

My thoughts were interrupted when the penthouse doorbell rang. I quickly went to the door and opened it, only to be faced with the hotel manager.

"Oh, good morning!", I chirped in greeting.

The manager smiled, "I welcome you to our hotel. I'm not here to discuss rules and regulations but since you're new, we'd like to inform you that your regular meals are free and are all accounted for by the check in fee. I believe it was not stated in our guest book since it's a new promo of ours. But anyway, I hope we see you later at the dining hall."

'Good thing I don't need to spend anything when eating. I can always eat here! Thank God!', I thought.

I nodded, accepting their offer and waved the hotel manager good bye. It's very interesting how this kingdom is way different back at Oriens. I guess they also have different customs in terms of hotel accommodations. Anyway, I was pleased with how the hotel turned out, this is the best hotel experience I have had ever since the haunted hotel I checked into during my trip with my friends during college.

After successfully unpacking, cleaning up, and taking a shower, wearing my pastel green blouse, faded ripped skinny jeans and white denim jacket, which I paired with a pair of white 3-inch pointed stilettos and a white handbag, I went out of my penthouse and got ready for lunch. I brought along the letter sent to me by Jeanne Pierre because I would be reporting to work after lunch time, as scheduled. Obviously, it's not very cold so why bring a denim jacket? I don't know, that's why I had it slung over my forearm.

The dining area appeared to me as a restaurant where only VIPs eat. Crystal chandeliers and beige-themed table cloths scattered. I decided to sit near the window where I can see the city and the people walking in shops and hustling to get back to work after having lunch. It seems like a busy day in Charles.

"Greetings, mademoiselle. What will you be having for today's lunch?", the waiter asked patiently.

I looked over the menu he handed out to me and went with lasagna, mashed potato, and Charles' famous white wine. I love drinking wine, especially on special occasions. I'm not saying that I do it often, I don't. I am a self-proclaimed wine-lover and since I am in Charles might as well taste their specialty, and yes, I am decent enough so as not to finish an entire bottle.

Lunch passed, I was so full, but I headed out for work anyway. Jeanne Pierre's office is a bit far, maybe three stoplights in terms of distance, but since Charles has smooth pavements, it's easy to walk on my heels going there, just to save myself from paying a cab, since it's somewhat a walking distance and I ate a lot so I want to give myself time to digest before arriving to my new office. So I walked.

I passed by a confectionary and I remembered the one we run back home. It's probably busy today, I can't help thinking about my mom, she's probably really busy running back and forth to serve the people buying the sweets we sell. I laughed to myself trying to imagine my mom. I was too busy remembering the days when I, too, was busy with the store, and almost passed Jeanne Pierre's office.

I suddenly felt nervous, I wanna go running back to my mom and just forget about everything. I pulled myself together and went in.

I greeted them and bowed, "Good afternoon, my name is Racel Morgan and—"

No one paid any attention to me because they were all running around, so busy to even notice anyone coming from their front door. Then, I noticed a man wearing an extravagant attire, there he was, standing a few feet from me, Jeanne Pierre himself.

"You there!", Jeanne Pierre shouted at me.

"Y-yes? Sir?"

"What are you doing?!"

My tongue rolled and I forgot everything, "I-I-I was recently accepted here and I was supposed to work as your assistant and I came here to report for work and—"

"Ma cherie, chop chop darling! We got lots of work to do! Racel Morgan?"

"Yes, sir?", I stuttered.

"It is you! At last! A new addition to my Jeanne Pierre family! Ma chou, please do me a favor and have this dress delivered. All at once, darling!", Jeanne Pierre stated.

I smiled and bowed, knowing that I finally got my dream job! I went out and got a cab and showed the driver the address.

Nobel Michael's Castle, The Holy Land

P.S. Deliver to Cynthia

'Cynthia? Probably the model? But what would she be doing in Nobel Michael's?', I thought silently.

It was a silent ride, it took a while since we had to cross the bridge going to The Holy Land, but it was quick enough, maybe 2-3 hours. I still have enough time to come back at the office. The driver pulled along the pavement near the castle's massive staircase. I paid the driver and walked up the stairs. As I walked, I noticed an old man, with long white hair and beard, he must be an aristocrat of some sort. He was walking up, at a slower pace than mine, but I noticed that he was running out of balance. I didn't know what actually happened but I found myself running towards him, on my heels, with my bag, and the dress to be delivered. Just in time, I placed a hand behind the old man and steadied him.

He looked at me and smiled in relief, "Thank you, young lady. You saved my life! Oh, I have to repay you! What would you like? Anything! I'll repay you with anything as long as it is in my power!"

I'm not really looking for a payment, I'm not a gold digger, but I guess the old man was trying to thank me.

"I'm sorry, but I don't need you to repay me, sir. I helped out of will and I don't know what happened as well, but you need not repay me, kind sir.", I bowed respectfully.

"But you saved my life. Why don't you come to my party later? I'll take care of everything."

"Nobel Michael! Sir! What happened?!"

I saw men in suits running from above the staircase, I assumed they were the old man's body guards. Wait. What did they just call him?

"Nobel Michael! Where have you been, sir? We've been looking everywhere!", the man leading the other bodyguards called out.

I almost fell down the stairs, "You're Nobel Michael?"

The old man smiled, "Why yes! You can call me 'Uncle Mike' to make it less formal. It's something I always say to my staff but they kept calling me Nobel Michael! Hahaha! I owe my life to this young lady. She saved me from falling down the stairs. My dear, what is your name?"

"Racel Morgan, sir.", I bowed.

"This is my head butler, Zain.", Nobel Michael introduced.

The butler placed his hand on his chest and bowed his head, "A pleasure to meet you. We owe you many thanks for saving Nobel Michael."

Nobel Michel laughed, "I still don't know what you want in return, young girl, but for now, I would like to invite you to the party that I will be hosting tonight! Here, an invitation."

Nobel Michael took a slender, elegant invitation from one of his staff and handed it to me.

"Thank you for this, I'll try my best to come.", I bowed as I accepted the invitation card.

"Please do. Well, I will be on my way. I'll see you again, Racel. Thank you!", Nobel Michael said as he walked up a few more steps and disappeared in the castle's entryway.

Zain turned to me and said, "You work for Jeanne Pierre, I assume, miss?"

"Yes. How did you—"

"The dress, milady. Only Jeanne Pierre makes such exquisite deigns. Please follow me."

Zain led me towards the entryway and the inside was more extravagant than what it looks from the outside. High ceilings lined with boulders, everything was just as I expected from a castle. It was dreamy, magical, as if I were really part of the nobility. My thoughts were interrupted when Zain spoke.

"Lady Racel, I have to apologize, I am needed by Nobel Michael and I must hurry. I'll have to leave you, but the guest rooms are located at the left hall near the lounge, which is only straight ahead.", Zain apologized, bowing.

I smiled and bowed in thanks. "It's really fine, I understand. I can handle the rest, thank you for your time."

Then, Zain left.

Yep, I can really handle myself, except for the fact that I appear to be walking aimlessly for minutes! God, Racel, that was not very smart. Then, a kind young man approached me. His hair was silver, and he has this gentlemanly aura around him and the fact that he smelled like roses makes him have a kind appearance.

"Excuse me, miss, are you okay? You seem rather lost.", he said.

"I'm not really lost, sir, I'm, well, yes…I am lost.", I replied shyly, trying to hide my embarrassment, I looked down.

The guy laughed heartily, "Where would you be heading to? I may be able to help."

"I'm looking for the guest rooms. I was sent by Jeanne Pierre to deliver this dress to Ms. Cynthia."

The guy's eyes widened, "Jeanne Pierre? You must be a designer then!"

I blushed, "Yes, sir."

He led me along a couple of turns and just then, a phone rang, I was about to check my phone, but I soon realized it was the guy's. He excused himself for a while and I waited. When he came back, he looked rather glum.

He sighed, "Sorry, I've been called over by my butler, wanting me to prepare for the upcoming party. I apologize, milady, I have to leave, but I will expect to see you again some time."

I bowed in thanks. "It's not a problem, thank you for your help."

Then, the guy left and turned the other direction.

I looked around and saw someone rather familiar. I approached the man, "Excuse me."

He turned around and smiled, "Racel?"

"Sorry? How did you—"

"Yu! What's the matter?", someone from behind the man I talked to called out.

Then it hit me. "'Yu'? As in…"

"Ah, is she your friend?", the man who called out approached.

"Yes, your highness, it's Racel Morgan!", the guy called 'Yu' replied.

'Hold on, 'your highness'?! Meaning he's a prince?! And the other guy I talked to was his butler! And his name was…OMG, the dress!', I thought in panic.

"Sorry, do you know where the lounge is, sirs?", I asked politely, though in panic.

"You mean the place where you've been standing the entire time?", the prince stated, which I personally thought was kind of rude.

"Uh, yes, sir. Thank you, I'll be on my way!", I bowed and ran towards the left hall and into the guest room hall.

The two men stared at me as I ran but I cared less, I am in a hurry! They were probably talking about how weird I must have been. I don't know.

"Racel Morgan?", the prince asked.

"Yes, your highness. Don't you remember her?", the butler asked.

The prince looked down and replied smugly, "I do…She doesn't remember me, but it's clearly written on her face that she remembers who you are."

Knock knock

I knocked on Cynthia's door, hopefully I was knocking on the right room.

"Come in, please." A voice from inside the room called out.

I opened the door slowly and I was right! It's Cynthia! The top model, her blonde hair and slender appearance! It is her!

"Good afternoon, Ms. Cynthia, I came with a delivery from Jeanne Pierre.", I greeted.

Cynthia smiled, "Hi, please, sit. I never really planned to go to this party, you know?"

"Huh? Why?", I asked so suddenly I didn't realize it was out of respect. 'I am so in trouble.'

I thought that Cynthia would get angry, saying that it's none of my business, but instead, she smiled and giggled.

"I'm on my day-off and was supposed to have a date with my boyfriend, but my manager insisted me to attend!"

I laughed, "Is that so…"

"Can I ask you for a favor? I know I've put you through more than enough trouble, but, will you please accompany me to the party? I hate going alone in parties. For a friend?"

'Friends? I'm friends with the Cynthia?! OMG!', I thought so suddenly.

"I'm sorry, but I still have work after my delivery, I don't think I can be of help."

Cynthia pouted, "I'll call Monsieur Pierre for you. I'll handle it, now go! Freshen up! And by the way, I love your outfit."

She pushed me in the shower and shut the door, telling me she knows it's a good opportunity for me to meet people, such as the crown princes, and other well-known celebrities. Obviously, I would love that, but, my work…I do hope Cynthia convinces Monsieur Pierre so as not to fire me. Cynthia asked me to shower up as she talks to Jeanne Pierre over the phone. Seriously, this isn't how I plan to go through, I don't even know if this is a good luck or not.

"Racel! Are you done? Jeanne Pierre's on hold, he wants to talk to you.", Cynthia called out.

"Yeah, I'm just drying off."

I went out wearing a bathrobe as I moved over to pick up Jeanne Pierre's call.

Deep breaths, I spoke, "Hello?"

"MA CHERIE!"

"Monsieur Pierre—"

"I am so happy for you, darling! You go enjoy your evening! I heard from Cynthia that the crown princes will be there! Oh my goodness! Please, try not to steal them from me, I would clearly hate that. Ah! Ma chou, I picked out a dress for you from one of my latest designs and I am sure that it will suit you well, I just know it! These kinds of chances only come once in a lifetime, ma cherie, so wear that dress and shine!"

"Thank you, Monsieur Pierre.", I almost spoke in a whisper because I never thought that Monsieur Pierre would be supportive of a commoner like me in attending this party.

"Hahaha! I expect details tomorrow! First thing in the morning, ma cherie, in my office! You will talk about all the latest gossip of what will happen tonight. Ciao!"

When I hung up on him, Cynthia dragged me towards the dressing room, there, stood a make-up table full of expensive cosmetics, some I've never heard of, some that I didn't think would exist. I'm not really a fan of make-up, I only put on your usual ones such as: foundation, primer, eyeliner, blush, lipstick, eye shadow, mascara. I don't put on anything on my brows cause I adore my brows as it is. Anyway, I've never tried curling my lashes, I'm scared, and I don't do those blending of some sort, but right now, Cynthia has her own way with make-up, I guess it's a common skill among models. So by now, all the stress I've gained were all covered and in reality, I look…great. Cynthia didn't put on much cosmetics on my face, but even though, my features improved, but of course, let's stick to the fact that we're beautiful the way we are.

I didn't know how long that took, but right now, Cynthia's finishing up her own make-up. I tried to decide on my hairstyle, because I have straight hair, and it's quite long, hazel brown, and I don't wanna look stupid. Until now, I still haven't seen the dress that I would be wearing, but I know it's something exquisite, of course, it's chosen by Monsieur Pierre himself. Anyway, I went with a simple look, a classic braided bun with small curls on the side of my face.

Knock knock

"Omygosh, Racel, I think your dress has arrived!", Cynthia squealed aloud.

I laughed nervously. Look, I never really planned any of this, if something happens to me, I am so dead. Well, I walked to the door and opened it, only to be faced by a marvelous, yet simple looking dress.

'Monsieur Pierre…It's amazing…'

"Oh wow…", Cynthia muttered in astonishment. "The dress! It's so…wow. You have to try it on. You seriously need to try it on. I want to see it it! Come on, come on!"

"Wait! What if doesn't fit?", I said in shock.

Cynthia went silent, possibly thinking the same thing. "Uhm…NO! It will fit! If not…then…well, you're a fashion designer! You can figure something out! Now go! I'm excited to see it!"

I tried the dress on and it was perfect. Everything went in place the moment I tried on the dress, well, evening gown. It was navy blue in color, off shoulder, and has a thin silver belt lined with Swarovski crystals. From the torso were small bits of Swarovski crystals and as it goes down the bottom of the skirt, more crystals are added, making the bottom lining covered in crystals, forming a waterfall-like design. It was simple yet majestic, it wasn't a ball gown, it was a simple A-line gown, but I loved it.

"Racel, you look like a princess! I love your look!", Cynthia squealed. "Oh, look, there's a note."

"Huh?" I picked up the card attached to the bag where the dress was kept.

Racel,

Ma cherie, you are, without a doubt, a person with talent. The moment you stepped in my office, I knew you have something in you. I hope you enjoy your evening. It will be the night you will never forget. This dress and the accessories coming along with it are gifts from our Jeanne Pierre family, may it let you shine throughout the night. Spill every detail tomorrow morning! Have fun, darling!

Jeanne Pierre

"Thank you so much, Monsieur Pierre…", I whispered.

Cynthia laughed, "Don't get too sentimental now. Jeanne Pierre wants you to have fun!"

I nodded, smiling. The bag where the dress was kept contained the matching silver stilettos and silver accessories. This night just can't get any better. Cynthia was wearing an elegant peach tube gown with a white fur shawl. I have to say, we both looked great. Now, it's time for the party.

"I'm nervous. This was a very bad idea.", I blurted out.

"No, it's not. You look wonderful, Racel. What are you so worried about?"

"Everything! I never really planned this, I mean, I don't belong in this world, Cynthia."

Cynthia snorted, "Who cares? You have an invitation, meaning, you deserve to be here, plus, your outfit will look way better than anyone there. Let's go!"

If it weren't for Cynthia, I would've been lost on my way to the ballroom. The place was huge! Corner halls, twists and turns, gosh! Can't Uncle Mike provide signages for each room? This way here, this way there? Maybe I should ask that of him as his way of thanking me?

"You ready?", Cynthia whispered.

"No."

"Racel!"

"Yes.", I sighed ever so lightly.

"Great! Let's go! The party's started and we are, like, ten minutes late!"

"Cynthia, more people will come late, it's a thing."

Cynthia tugged me along, "Just shush, we can't be too late, it's shameful!"

At last, we entered the ballroom. Tons of people —celebrities, aristocrats, diplomats, nobles, and royalties— were roaming around and, what do they call it? Mingling? Yeah. Mingling. I was lost in thought and accidentally bumped with another lady.

"Sorry.", I apologized.

The lady looked at me from head to toe and replied, "Don't worry about it."

Am I being judged right now? Seriously, please, someone tell me how to communicate with these kinds of human beings, because I'm sure as hell that they can see through me and they know I'm no noble person and I can tell that they don't like it.

"Cynthia!", someone called out.

"Prince Roberto! Great to see you!", Cynthia replied.

'Prince Roberto? The crown prince of Altaria? No way.', I thought in shock.

"Roberto, I'd like you to meet my friend, Racel. She designs for Jeanne Pierre.", Cynthia said.

"I'm Roberto Button, pleased to meet you. You look dazzling!"

"Thank you, your highness. The pleasure's mine."

Roberto held my hand and kissed my knuckles. Very classic. I tried to hide my blush, because I am not used to this kind of lifestyle! Hello! When I greet new people I say, 'Hey, how you doing?'. I am never used to being treated like a noble's daughter.

"You seem flustered. Is something wrong?", Roberto queried.

"N-no! I'm fine, thank you for asking."

Cynthia giggled, "She's new to this kind of thing so please, cut her some slack, will you?"

"Sorry! I didn't know! Gee…you cut me some of that slack.", Roberto laughed.

"Oh my gosh! Those are my peers from the model management! Racel, I'll leave you with Roberto. Don't worry, he won't weird you out, trust me. See you later!", Cynthia waved off.

'Cynthia…why? I need your comfort here! I'm not comfy in this kinds of parties where people stare at me like I'm wearing the wrong type of prom dress! Cynthia!', I am so panicking.

"Chill out. You don't have to worry about anything! Is it true that you've never been to these kinds of gatherings? Please, just be casual when talking to me. Please.", Roberto asked politely.

"Well, if you say so, then yeah, I'm not used to…all this.", I waved my hand in the air.

"Seriously? Didn't your parents expose you to all this? Let me guess, only child?"

"No. I'm not one of you. I just came with Cynthia because she needed someone to be with. I'm not a princess, a noble, or even a rich person! I'm just a normal girl."

Roberto paused for a while before replying, "So what?"

"Huh?"

"Come on! Look! Punches!", Roberto cried, he's…kind of childish, and playful, but, anyway, I went along with it.

When we arrived at the table of punches, I saw the man who walked me to the lounge. The guy with silver hair! He was wearing…he's a prince as well?!

"Ed!", Roberto called out.

The guy looked and smiled, the same smile he had earlier. So it is him.

"Prince Roberto! Very nice to see you here! Oh. It's you! So, how was the dress delivery?", he said.

"Uhm…it went well, your highness, thank you again.", I bowed, still astonished of the fact that he's a prince.

The man laughed slightly, "I apologize. I didn't introduce myself earlier."

"You've met?", Roberto asked me in shock.

I nodded and told him what happened, starting from when Zain left until when the silver-haired guy left.

"This is Prince Edward of Charles.", Roberto introduced. "Ed, this is Racel Morgan, designer of Jeanne Pierre."

"I see. Pleasure to meet you."

Here we go again with the curtsey and the hand kissing, and me blushing in embarrassment and Roberto trying to calm me down. Ahh, great night, great night. 'CYNTHIA! WHY'D YOU HAVE TO LEAVE? Help…'

"Why don't we get some punch? I'll serve you Charle's specialty.", Edward called out and went to get some wine.

"Make sure you don't drink too much. It has a strong alcohol volume.", Roberto reminded.

"Yes, of course. Thank you for reminding me."

Edward came back with two different bottles of wine. I can tell from the look that one is red wine and the other is white.

"What will you choose? Red or white?", Edward offered.

"I think I'll have the white wine first, and if possible, may I have red as my next shot?", I stated.

"You think you can handle it? Women aren't very tolerable to alcohol.", a voice spoke.

"Oh…it's you. The lost girl.", another one said.

"You've met this commoner?!", another yelled.

We —Edward, Roberto, and I— all turned towards the voices. There I saw three more men wearing an equally extravagant attire. The other princes.

"Keithster!", Roberto greeted.

'Keithster? Prince Keith…prince of Liberty. And the other one is…'

"Glennypoo!", Roberto added.

'Prince Glenn of Oriens! How could I not recognize my own country's prince. How stupid.'

"Don't even dare call me such nickname.", a stern voice came from the guy with purplish hair.

'I guess that would be Prince Joshua of Dres Van. I heard that kingdom is full of strict rules and all that do's and don'ts.', I thought silently.

"Aww, bummer.", Roberto replied smugly. "Joshua, you're always so…mean."

"Whatever.", Joshua replied. "What are you looking at?"

I didn't realize sooner that he was speaking to me. "Huh? Uh, nothing, your highness."

"What is a cheap girl like you doing here, anyway?", Keith asked.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, cheap? Excuse me? That was so rude.

"Excuse me…?", I reacted.

"Hurt by the truth?", Joshua added.

I was about to burst, but they're princes, and I'm just a commoner. Even if I'm right, they have the power, I don't, I know I'm just a commoner, but I don't deserve to be treated that way, besides, they're princes, they should have a little bit more manners, even a commoner like me knows it,s wrong to speak of people that way.

"Hey, is that how you two grew up? Lay it off. She's a lady.", a voice loomed from behind the two princes. I recognized him immediately, Prince Wilfred, the crown prince of Philip.

"Prince Wilfred.", I whimpered.

He sent out a slight smile.

"Wilfred.", Edward greeted.

Prince Wilfred has this calming aura, when he arrived, my anger just melted, maybe because he stood up for me? No…that couldn't be it. Maybe because it was just his personality to be very calm and collected it can influence others.

"Prince Edward, good evening.", Wilfred greeted.

"Wilfred, why'd you suddenly stood up for her?", Glenn spoke, trying to recover the topic of me being a cheap girl.

"Glenn, aren't you way younger than all of us here? You're probably younger than Racel. How old are you Racel?", Roberto asked.

"I'm 21."

"See? Glenn, you're only 18.", Roberto snorted.

"So what?!", Glenn yelled in response.

"Prince Glenn. Decency please.", Keith joked.

"Decency? Excuse me, you're the one who started insulting her.", Glenn retorted.

The two princes were starting to heat up when Joshua intervened.

"Can you two shut up? You're acting like babies.", Joshua scolded.

"Hahaha! Joshua, always the proper one.", Roberto commented.

Suddenly, a face I actually know, comes into view.

"Arcel!", I called out.

He looked over and smiled, "Racel, looking good as always. Ah, your highnesses, a pleasant evening."

"Yes, likewise.", Edward greeted.

"Please excuse us.", I stated, dragging Arcel along with me.

"I have to be honest, I'm so glad to see you.", I sighed in relief.

Arcel chuckled, "Why? You were chatting away with the crown princes! Any girl would kill for that opportunity!"

"Yeah, well, not me."

I really hate it when I see the people I'm avoiding during a certain time.

"Racel, can I excuse you for a second?", Joshua stated, behind him was Roberto, smirking.

"Uh, of course, your highness. See you, Arcel.", I replied as I followed behind Prince Joshua and Prince Roberto.

"Was that your boyfriend?", Roberto queried.

I looked up at him in shock, "No! You must have had the wrong idea. He's an acquaintance of mine since we live next door to each other at a hotel."

"Ooh.", Roberto cooed. "Anyway, we dragged you because a certain someone has something to say."

"Uh, what are you talking about?", I asked.

"Yeah, Joshua, what am I talking about?", Roberto mocked.

Joshua paused in his tracks and turned to face me.

'Is he blushing?', I thought. 'Nah, it couldn't be. But his cheeks are red. Weird.'

"Dance with me.", Joshua blurted out.

Roberto and I both looked up at him in shock.

"Sorry, Josh, I'm taking her to dance with me first.", Roberto exclaimed.

"Racel Morgan, I will take every response a 'yes', silence will be taken as 'yes'.", Joshua announced, holding his hand out to me.

"I don't really have a choice, do I?", I took his hand and I can't help but notice the smile that escaped his lips.

'He should smile more often. Really.', I smiled to myself as Joshua led me to the dance floor.

I could feel angry eyes of women staring at me, and some of the murmurings from the crowd can't help making me feel bad.

"Don't listen. Just dance. You look great after all.", Joshua muttered under his breath.

I looked up and didn't realize how close our faces were. I instantly looked down and thanked the dim lights which helped hide my flushed cheeks.

The song ended too soon.

"You're a really bad dancer.", Joshua stated as he escorted me back to where the other princes were.

"Thanks, I appreciate it.", I replied in sarcasm.

"Come on, Racel, it's my turn to dance with you!", Roberto exclaimed as I was dragged, once again, to the dance floor.

The night has finally come to an end. I bid my farewell to the princes, much to my relief, and thanked Cynthia for all her help. I told Zain to send my best regards to Uncle Mike and all my thanks as well.

"Racel.", Edward called out from behind.

"Prince Edward?"

He walked up to me and smiled, "I had a fun evening with you and the other princes. At least let me walk you out?"

I smiled because of his kindness that seems to be unmatched by the other princes, "Thank you."

As we walked down the hall, Edward doesn't seem to be a prince. He doesn't give me the intimidating aura the others have had, and he is so not rude.

"I apologize for their behavior…", Edward started.

"Ah. Yes. Hahaha. There's no need for that, I completely understand."

Just then, Keith and Joshua stood in the doorway where I was about to exit and forget about the evening I've had because it was clearly a dream. Roberto seemed to be scolding them of something.

"What's going on?", I whispered to Edward, but it seems he also doesn't know.

"Racel…I want you to be my private designer…", Joshua whispered as he turned around and looked at me in the eyes.

Beep beep beep beep beep beep beep

"Of all the….ugh….", I groaned.