Max Celeste Katherine Ride is not just an ordinary girl, she's part of the royal family and is in fact, the heir to the throne – the Crown Princess of Northern Arinka. As she is turning 18, the King and Queen are searching for Princes to court her but Max is defiant. She does not want an arranged marriage and wants to marry the person she chooses. Then she meets Fang. He is the Crown Prince of Southern Arinka and although the two kingdoms are peaceful with each other, the royal families believe that it is time for them to become one – Arinka. Now, just how well will Crown Princess Max Celeste Katherine Ride get along with her possible future husband, Crown Prince Nikolas Joshua Edward Avon?

Hi Everyone! Thanks so much for reading this. I'm starting fresh after not being on Fanfiction for around half a year. I've attempted writing a few Fanfics but never followed through with them due to a lack of interest. Now, hopefully this idea I have in my head will turn into a good story. Again, thank you for reading and enjoy!

Disclaimer: James Patterson owns most characters mentioned in this Fanfiction.

Max's P.O.V:

I was running through the dense forest, the sharp branches jutting out of the tall trees scraped my arms as I sprinted. The leaves fell quickly in the strong breeze. They were after me again. I turned and glanced at them, they were gaining on me. I caught a glimpse as one pulled an arrow out and set it on his bow, aiming it straight at me…

I woke up abruptly, breaking into a cold sweat, just in time as Mary, my maid entered the room carrying a tray full of delicious food. It was that dream again, the one I've been having since I was six until the palace Doctor found a cure for it…

"Are you okay Your Highness? You seem a bit flustered, is there anything I can get you?" said Mary as she set the tray on my bedside table.

"No thank you Mary. I've told you, there's no need to call me Your Highness. Just refer to me as Max. What are these yummy goodies for? Is it some special event?"

"Your… Max, surely you must not have forgotten it's your 18th birthday today? The Queen organised this breakfast especially for you, she said these are your favourite pancakes, muffins, cookies, fruit and juice. If you are not satisfied, you may request for other foods." Mary curtsied as she exited the room.

I grabbed a muffin and started chewing on it.

Wow! I really did forget my birthday. Just yesterday I was looking forward to it… Maybe it was that dream. Why did it occur today again? Never mind, might as well stuff myself full with all this delicious food.

I dug into the breakfast. Soon after, it was all demolished. I finished it off with the last sip of orange juice prepared.

Swinging my legs off my bed, I walked over my iPod dock and put on some music before going to my walk-in wardrobe to get dressed.

As Crown Princess Max Celeste Katherine Ride of Northern Arinka, it was a must to have such a variety of clothes in my wardrobe. Dresses and gowns for formal events, dresses for casual parties, clothes for blending in the streets like a normal citizen and uniforms for school. Every piece of clothing was carefully ironed and folded or hung up and placed in its correct category.

I chose a light sundress with tiny daisies on it and a white cardigan.

Moving on to the shoes, most of them were all high heels, designer brands at that. Originally, my mother – Queen Valencia Elizabeth Violet Ride, had ordered me to only wear high heels and ballet flats if my feet got too sore, but with my insistent persuading, she finally let me have Converses, Vans, boots etc. Like the clothes, each shoe was arranged carefully and grouped with all the others of its kind.

From here, I chose a cream coloured ballet flat with a big white flower stitched at the front.

Glad with my choice, I stepped out of the wardrobe and closed the door. There were many other things in the wardrobe, such as my collection of bags and wallets, most of them unused, but that's for another day, today, I didn't need anything else.

I hurried to get dressed and braided my hair quickly as I was sure that my parents would send someone up soon.

Opening the door, I sprinted along the corridor, bumping into my sister Ella along the way.

Ella was wearing a light blue sundress with white wedges.

"OMG MAX! Happy Birthday! EEEK… You're 18 now! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Ella threw her arms over me.

"Thanks Ella. Come on, let's go downstairs now, can't keep Dad and Mum waiting." I smiled and grabbed Ella's hand. We ran down the spiral staircase and into the large dining room.

Dad and Mum were sitting at the table sipping their tea when we arrived. My Dad – King Jeb Michael Ryan Ride looked up first and beamed.

"Max, Ella! Come over here and give me a hug."

Ella and I ran over into Dad's big arms.

"Happy 18th Birthday Maxie!" He whispered.

"Thanks Dad." I whispered back. I kissed him on the cheek.

Dad let go of us and I went over to Mum and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. As always, she was looking beautiful with her hair flowing down onto a midnight blue gown.

"Happy Birthday, my darling Max" Mum smiled and patted the seat next to her. I sat down.

My dad got a present out from under the table and handed it to Mum who passed it onto me.

"Oooo…" squealed Ella. She leant over the table. "Open it Max! Quickly!" She urged.

I slowly took off the red ribbon and opened the box. Inside was a smaller box.

"Oh not this again!" I groaned.

I caught my Dad and Mum share a smile.

Opening another box and then another, it finally ended up with a key.

"OMG! OMG! OMG!" Ella yelled as she danced around the room over to me.

I stared at the key shocked. It was a car key to the red Mercedes that I always wanted.

I looked up at Dad and Mum and they were smiling brightly.

"Thank you so much! I love you two so much!" I got up and hugged them tightly. Soon the room was filled with happy laughter.

After receiving all my other presents sent from family and friends from all across the globe, I went outside. Parked in the driveway was my new red Mercedes.

None of the presents could beat my new car. Sure, the clothes and bags and vouchers I received were all nice but the Mercedes was definitely the highlight of my day… so far.

I jumped and squealed with delight. Max Ride NEVER EVER squealed, but what can I say, I was extremely happy and very grateful towards my parents for giving me this.

Even as a princess, Mum and Dad made sure we weren't too spoilt. They didn't want us throwing away cash for the latest gadgets every time something new came out. Obviously we had the money but they didn't want to bring up two snobby, spoilt, bratty princesses, unlike Princess Lissa who was the Crown Princess of Bronia, our next-door neighbour country. Ugh, how I hated that girl.

I glanced around the driveway, odd, there were more cars that usual… Oh yeah, I had my 18th birthday party… well, more like a ball. Were the guests already arriving?

I spotted a sleek black Lamborghini. That would have been my second choice of car. I smiled, someone sure had a good taste. I walked over closer and noticed a black figure lounged near the fountain in the middle of the driveway near the Lamborghini.

He looked up and smiled.

Well, first chapter finished. I hope you guys enjoyed it! Sorry for a short first chapter, I promise some will be longer, much longer. I bet you all already know who the black figure is! Please review and give me feedback, thanks! Xoxo Trex.