The Royal Blood

(A Be My Princess Fan Fiction)

Fan Fiction by : Animedaisuki

Chapter 1 : Real Time, Big Time

In reality, I was just dreaming. I know! It's a classic, so please spare me, I still have tons of projects at my hands. I really became Prince Joshua's private designer, I got to be his fake fiancee, but in the end, we parted ways, saying that I should focus on the dream that I worked hard for and in his current situation, he thinks I deserve better, but he promised to see me again once he's sorted things out. I don't know, obviously it wasn't a happy ending for us. NO. We. Don't. Have. A. Thing. Going. On. It was just…sad, I guess, because I became close with him and treated him like a friend…I don't know if he feels the same way. Hahahaha! Anyway, of course, I didn't waste your precious time making you read what had happened in my dream, I just wanted to refresh your memory, because, well…we'll see.

My alarm clock rang, and I awoke from my dream. It was a nightmare. I hated remembering that night. Yes, it's tearing me apart, for goodness' sake!

Ring ring ring ring ring ring

'Prince Roberto?', I wondered what was wrong, he had to call me early. Yeah, Roberto, along with Glenn, became close friends with me. I have to tell you though, Prince Glenn and his butler, Yu, were my childhood friends when I was living near the castle, but we moved so I barely had memories of them, but it turned out that the sunflower pen Glenn gave me before I move, has a note in it:

I'll miss playing with you…I hope I see you again soon! Let's play again, ok?'

Glenn and Yuyu

Apparently, they came knocking on my door, with Glenn yelling at me:

"What the hell is with you?!", Glenn shouted as Yu tried to chill him off.

"Prince Glenn? What are you…"

"Do you seriously not remember me? You idiot!"

Well, that happened after I went back home in Oriens, you know when me and Joshua parted ways, blah blah blah.

"Hello, good morning.", I greeted Roberto over the phone.

"Racel! Please tell me you'll go tonight?"

"Tonight? Where?", I asked, because I honestly have no idea what's gonna happen 'tonight'.

"Altaria would be hosting a party tonight and I expect you to be there! Glenn said you "were busy, but…please? Come on, come on."

I wondered that if I go…what will I do if I see him again? I don't know…

"Who'll attend?", I queried.

"Joshua won't be attending, he has a conference to attend in Dres Van."

Among the princes, only Roberto knows what had happened, why I was too shy to show up. DUH! I don't know what I'd say to Joshua if he showed up!

"It's not that…well, a little, but…oh, alright. I'll go."

"Yes! Finally! I'll finally see you again! It's been so long! Glenn said you were too busy to even have coffee with him at the castle. Geez, you're working hard."

"Hahaha! I have declined Glenn a couple of times when he offered to have a chat, but I agree sometimes because his little brother kept crying."

"Hahaha! When you get here later, tell me everything that has been going on with you over there! See ya!"

"Sure."

I quickly prepared for work. Luckily, Jeanne Pierre stood up a branch here in Oriens and The Holy Land. Monsieur Pierre has been really busy going back and forth his branches, but he managed to stay here in Oriens and that would be for a month, then he'll go to his other branches and stay there for a month as well. Right now, I'm assigned to Oriens branch and later afternoon, I'll be heading towards The Holy Land branch. Another fashion line would be out and we are busy as hell, it's hard to make time for yourself at this time.

"I'm leaving, mom! By the way, I'll be going to Altaria this evening."

My mother peered out the doorway, "A party of Prince Roberto's?"

"Yeah."

My mother laughed, "You're really lucky to be close with those people. Be sure to be home in one piece, don't get yourself killed! Bye, sweetie!"

"Bye, mom!"

Ever since my job as a designer boosted, it became difficult for me to carry around sample designs while taking the public transportations. I managed to save up and buy myself a good car. I couldn't borrow my mom or my dad's because they use it everyday too. So they told me to get my own, and I managed to. It's my dream car to have a luxurious sedan when I grew up, so I bought myself one. It was worth the money but right now, I'm really gonna have to spend less…

I rode my car and drove through the highways of Oriens and arrived at Jeanne Pierre's office.

"Monsieur Pierre!", I called out.

"Ma chou! Just in time! Could you please take these designs to the make-up department? I've placed some of your approved designs on your desk, please have it checked for me darling, I know you have good taste, so I want you to choose the design that will suit the royals of Altaria for tonight's party! Thank you ma cherie!"

"Of course, Monsieur Pierre. Later!"

I took the sample designs to the make-up department, because today, we would be having our general rehearsals. I managed to talk to Uncle Mike if we could use his ballroom as our runway and he agreed! So later, we would be rehearsing over at Nobel Michael's Castle.

Ring ring

Fr: Roberto

Racel, I sent the invitation over at your address. Please bring it later at the party, oh and Keithster also sent some of the pastries he tried to make on his own. He said to have your family taste it because they know that kind of stuff and he wants a feedback this evening. See you later!

I sent a thank you message to Prince Roberto and told my mom about the sweets that Prince Keith sent.

"Monsieur Pierre! These are the designs that I have chosen."

Monsieur Pierre quickly looked over the designs and said to have the actual clothes ready before lunch time.

I hurriedly took out the designs from the office's wardrobe and placed them on manikins so that it would clearly be seen by the ones to pick it up.

"It looks wonderful!", I squealed. Then I remembered that I used to do this all the time when I was in Dres Van, designing for the king and queen.

"Racel, are the designs ready? Lunch time's approaching!", Monsieur Pierre said.

"Yes, sir!", I replied. 'I wonder who's going to pick it up…probably Al.'

"Prince Roberto?!", I yelled.

"Racel!", Roberto ran and gave me a quick, but tight, hug.

"Prince Roberto! Your highness, please, don't disturb the young lady from her work.", Al appeared from behind Roberto. "I'm sorry Miss Morgan, he insisted on coming along."

"Your highness! What an honor, please, do come in.", Monsieur Pierre greeted, leading them to the office's lounge.

"I apologize for the mess, your highness.", Monsieur Pierre bowed. "Ah, ma cherie, please show them the designs you've made."

"Of course.", I replied as I went to push the manikins in front of the lounge, assisted by my other co-workers for the other manikins.

Al's eyes beamed, "Very impressive as always, Miss Morgan. The king and queen would love it."

"What about me? Where's mine?", Roberto pouted.

"Prince Roberto, you have received tons of designs from the lady as requested, you have not even worn a single one! You will wear one of them tonight, your highness. That's what the queen ordered.", Al reminded.

Monsieur Pierre laughed, "My goodness, Prince Roberto."

"We would be on our way. On behalf of his majesty, I thank you dearly.", Al bowed in respect as he thanked.

"Wait, I wanna have lunch with Racel! Can you pick me up later Al?", Roberto interjected.

"But your highness—", Al muttered.

"Come on, we'll have lunch over at Glennypoos palace.", Roberto pushed.

Al sighed, "Miss Morgan, if you don't mind?"

"She doesn't mind!", Monsieur Pierre answered for me.

"M-Monsieur Pierre!", I stuttered out. "I guess it would be fine, then."

"Great!", Roberto chimed in.

Monsieur Pierre told me to take the day off instead saying that I've worked hard enough and barely had time for rest.

"Thank you, Monsieur Pierre. I'll come back tomorrow."

"Of course! I'll see you then!"

I went back to the lounge and found Roberto looking problematic. Al has left with the designs and left Roberto in the lounge, saying they'll pick him up after he finished lunch.

"Roberto?", I called out.

"We have a huge problem…", Roberto explained. "We don't have a car to take us there. I forgot that we only brought one limo…"

"Oh. Well, if you wouldn't mind, I can drive us there.", I stated.

"You can drive? You have your own car?", Roberto gleamed in excitement.

"Oh, yes. I managed to save some money for it, please don't expect much. It's not a limo."

"What are we waiting for? Let's go!"

Roberto dragged me to the office parking, forgetting that I'm in my heels, I almost tripped down the stairs.

"Alright. Please wait here, I'll go get the car.", I walked over to the parking lot, but Roberto pulled me back.

"Wait! I wanna experience how to be a normal person too. I'll come along."

I laughed, "You are normal, Roberto."

"No, I meant was, you know, no driver to pick you up. Just, you walking to your own car. I've never experienced that because Al always makes me stay behind as the car just pulled up in front of us and I just ride it afterwards."

I felt sad for him, he doesn't get to experience these things that we normal citizens do. He is a prince after all. I let him come along with me.

"This is your car?", Roberto stated. "It's amazing! It's a luxurious one too! And it's so clean!"

"Thank you.", I replied. I opened the car and sat on the driver's seat with Roberto beside me in the front passenger's side.

"I've never rode a car sitting in front. Never! Seriously, I should visit you more often to experience this."

I laughed, "Well, let's go. Please put on your seatbelt."

"Why?"

"Safety reasons."

I drove through the streets while Prince Roberto looked around the city of Oriens. He even stopped by the street to buy some charms for himself and his family.

"I got this charm for Al, because it says that this charm will help relax people at certain times."

I managed to stifle a laugh, "I'm sure he'd be very happy."

Roberto laughed as he imagined Al scolding him about it.

"Oh, I almost forgot! I have to call Prince Glenn!", Roberto exclaimed and dialed Glenn's number, turning it on speaker.

"What do you want, Roberto?"

"Glennypoo!"

"Stop calling me that!"

Me and Roberto laughed.

"Was that Racel?"

"Hey, Glenn!", I called out from the driver's seat.

"Oh, hey! Roberto, seriously, what are you up to?"

"We're on our way to your palace. We're gonna have lunch there!"

"WHAT?! Hand Racel the phone, I need someone honest."

"Racel's driving. You're on speaker anyway! She can hear you."

"Racel. Is that true?"

"Yes, Prince Glenn. We're on our way there."

"WHAT?!", Glenn stated louder. "Are you kidding me right now? Seriously, you two. Fine, fine. Just hurry up a bit, lunch will be served in 15 minutes and my parents hate it when I come in late!"

"Don't worry, we're in front of the manor's gates now."

"WHAT?! The hell? That was fast. That was too fast."

"I'm driving, Glenn! What do you expect?", I called out.

Glenn ended the call just as the castle gates were opened, but before we were sent in, the guard came up to us and I rolled down my window.

"Ah! Miss Morgan! Pleasure to see you, and… Prince Roberto?"

"Hello!", Roberto greeted.

The guard seemed shocked, but managed a smile and let us through.

When we drove through the entryway, we saw Prince Glenn looking much agitated than usual. We parked our car under a shady tree at the side of the manor and walked up to Prince Glenn, and Prince Alan came along too.

"What in hell do you think you were doing?!", Glenn stated in greeting as Alan ran up to us in excitement.

"Sorry, Prince Glenn. You said to come over quickly…so…", I explained.

"Yeah, but I didn't tell you to come here that quick. You could've been in an accident!"

"Yes. But we weren't!", Roberto smiled in return.

Prince Glenn sighed in defeat, "Racel, next time, please…try your best not to kill me at this young age."

I laughed, "Of course, your highness."

"Racel, let's play after we eat lunch, okay?", Alan pleaded.

"Sure, Alan. Prince Roberto would be joining us.", I stated.

Roberto added, "Your older brother would be coming too!"

"Excuse me?!"

"Yay!", Alan exclaimed in joy as he ran inside, saying to see us in the dining room.

"You two just can't stop…", Glenn sighed.

We walked to the dining hall and found the king and queen of Oriens, getting ready for lunch.

"Your majesties, a pleasant afternoon.", I greeted.

"Racel, welcome, welcome! Join us for lunch!", the queen greeted.

"You've grown to be a fine lady, my dear.", the king added. "Prince Roberto, a pleasure to see you."

"Likewise, your majesties. It's an honor to visit.", Roberto said.

Ever since reuniting with Glenn and Yu, the king and queen, couldn't help remembering the times when I was still younger. They told stories when Glenn, too, was a child, which annoyed Glenn to the max. Anyway, my family, though we aren't nobles, has a great relationship with the royals of Oriens due to the fact that Glenn and I were childhood buddies along with Yu. They even asked my father to design and take charge of the castle's renovation design, because my dad is an architect and thankfully, the renovation is already underway and going fast.

"How's your family, Racel?", the king asked.

"They're doing alright, your highness. Thank you for asking."

"Glenn has been really worried about you recently, he said you were very busy! He wondered whether you even take a time off.", the queen stated.

"Mother, please…", Glenn muttered. "Which reminds me…Racel, will you be going to Altaria's party tonight?"

I drank the cucumber juice before speaking, "Yes. Prince Roberto pushed me into it."

Roberto laughed, "She will, I made sure of it."

"Great. But you are definitely not driving to the airport to catch your flight going there."

I almost choked, "Why not?"

"You drive like…Oh I don't know, like Satan's mistress. You raise hell.", Glenn explained.

The queen giggled, "Darling, she'll be fine. I'm sure she won't be reckless. She's simply quick at driving."

The king looked at the queen and muttered, "You drive recklessly as well, my dear."

"Yeah, mother. One time, we tried to let her drive around the city, a cop pulled her over. If she weren't a queen, she could've been dropped from her driver's license.", Glenn added.

"Sweetheart, a woman must always be in a hurry! Isn't that right, Racel?", the queen laughed.

"Indeed, your highness."

We finished lunch and Alan quickly pulled us out of the dining hall and led us to his playroom and we played all sorts of things: tag, hide and seek, and even push-Glenn-into-the-ball-pit game. Alan, got tired and sat down on the floor covered in soft carpet.

"Will Roberto and Racel come at the party too?", Alan raised a question at Glenn, who was still sitting in the ball pit.

"They will. You'll get to see them later.", Glenn replied kindly.

"Yay! Racel, Racel, will you be my princess tonight?", Alan queried, offering me a teddy bear holding a flower.

"Aww, that's cute.", Roberto commented and laughed.

"Alan, please…", Glenn called out.

Alan stuck his tongue out at Glenn, "Bleh! You're just jealous because she gets to be my princess."

"No, she won't. She's going to be with Roberto and me, not with you."

Alan looked like he was about to cry, so Glenn laughed lightly and ruffled Alan's hair, "Alright, Prince Alan. She gets to be your princess."

"That's right, Prince Alan. I'll be your princess!", I went along smiling, because Prince Alan was an adorable kid.

"Hooray!"

After a while, Alan asked for Prince Glenn to piggy-back ride him to his room, because he's feeling sleepy. Glenn carried him, which Roberto found worth posting on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and took a video to be posted on YouTube, much to Glenn's annoyance.

After leaving Alan in his quarters to take an afternoon nap, Glenn led us to the gazebo outside in the royal gardens.

"Racel loved going here when she was young.", Glenn recalled.

"I never knew you were fond of flowers, you should tell Prince Edward, maybe he'll send out a couple of flowers hahahaha!", Roberto joked.

"By the way, Racel, my parents said you need not book a flight to Altaria, they want you to board with us on the plane we'll be using.", Glenn reminded.

"Thank you, but that would be a huge imposition."

"It's not! My parents would love for you to be there.", Glenn countered.

"Racel says yes.", Roberto answered.

"Huh?!", I replied as Prince Glenn laughed.

After a few more minutes talking, Prince Roberto got a call from Al that he's already waiting in front of Oriens' palace entryway. With that, Roberto left, leaving me and Glenn to discuss our transportation matters.

"You really won't listen to me, huh?", Glenn sighed. "Fine, I'll come and ride with you to the airport."

"Whaaaat?", I replied.

"Don't 'what' me, Morgan.", Glenn exclaimed. "Just get dressed here in the palace. I'll make sure to teach you the proper driving speed. Go get your stuff that'll help get you ready."

"I already have them in my car. I picked them up before leaving the Jeanne Pierre's office, I thought about bringing them home and prepare there, but I guess, change of plans?"

"Change of plans indeed, you'll be preparing here so you can drive us to the airport and I can teach you to observe the speed limits.", Glenn stated and he took out his phone and pressed a number to be called.

"Hello?"

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Morgan!"

"Prince Glenn, good afternoon. Did you need anything?"

"No, uhm, I was going to tell you that if you don't mind, can Racel just prepare herself here in the castle?"

"Sure. As long as she doesn't make a mess, then it's fine."

"Thank you, Mrs. Morgan!"

"Alright, have a nice day darling. Please tell Racel to come home in one piece."

"I will, Mrs. Morgan, thank you. Enjoy your afternoon!"

Throughout the whole conversation, my eyes were bulging and my mouth just kept dropping.

"How the hell did you get my mom's number?", I asked.

"Oh, no. That was your pastry shop's number."

"You surprise me sometimes. How did you even know my mom would be there at this moment?"

Glenn laughed, "We always buy your pastries there, stupid. I tagged along once, and she gave me some cupcakes for free, she even told me and Alan that she'll always be around at this hour, so if we needed anything, we can call. You know, if we ever encountered a Racel-problem. You're parents are very kind, and nice, and they treat us like family, too. But you, on the other hand, are mean to me."

"Well, sorry, it's your fault I'm mean to you."

"Alright, alright, I'm kidding! But…please try to not treat me and my family as intimidating royals. Your family treats us like family, and we do the same, it's just that, you, yourself, kept pushing away. So come on…join us in the flight.", Glenn explained.

I really felt honored upon hearing what Prince Glenn had said. He made it seem like I'm part of their family as well.

"Alright, I will. Thank you."

"It's our pleasure and I'm sure Alan would be most pleased hahahaha!", Glenn said.

An hour later, Prince Glenn told me to get ready and walked me to the dressing room where some maids were there, waiting for me to arrive.

"Start preparing. You girls take a long time to dress up.", Glenn said, laughing as he left me with the maids.

Meanwhile in Dres Van Kingdom

"Prince Joshua, are you not going to attend the party hosted in Altaria?", Jan asked.

Joshua shrugged in front of his paperwork and said, "I have a conference to take care of, you know that, Jan."

"But Prince Joshua, you're well aware that the conference will end earlier than expected, you will still be able to catch up to the party.", Jan pressed on. "Miss Racel would be attending the party."

For the first time the entire day, Joshua looked up from his paperwork, "What?"

"Prince Roberto called and told me that Miss Morgan agreed to attend."

"I don't know, Jan…", Joshua whispered, brushing his hair off his eyes.

Jan reached for his pocket and placed a small wooded box on Joshua's desk.

"Racel left this for you before she left, she told me to give it to you when the time is right."

Joshua's eyes softened as he stared at the box and wondered what would be inside.

"Here, your highness, Miss Morgan must have missed to see this placed on her desk. This was your parting gift for her, Prince Joshua, she must have missed to see it. When you're ready, your highness.", Jan stated sincerely as he placed another box in front of Joshua, this time, the box is square-shaped and sized just right to fit Jan's inner coat pocket. Then, Jan left Prince Joshua.

Prince Joshua opened the parting gift Racel has left him with. Inside was a charm, the one Racel was talking about when Joshua asked her about charms in Oriens. This was the prestigious charm that Racel was talking about, and how she dreamed of having one for herself, instead, she gave it to Joshua as a parting gift: the dangling symbol was a dove made of pure diamond which was sculpted skillfully, and it had amethyst gems for it's eyes, which resembled Joshua's. The string of the charm was the color of gold and when Joshua looked closely, at the back of the dove, his name was engraved. Joshua Lieben.

'She had it custom-made. This must have cost a fortune…', Joshua thought. 'Stupid girl, she should've just kept this for herself…she shouldn't have…'

Joshua looked deeper in the box and found a note folded behind the foam of the charm.

Prince Joshua,

This charm is for you and I'm sorry if I wasn't the one to deliver it to you personally. To tell you the truth, I wasn't expecting any of this in my life. I wanted to be a designer, but I got more than that from you and your family. I apologize for being all new to your customs and for breaking a rule which resulted you being forced to pretend that a prince of Dres Van is engaged to a commoner. I've brought shame to you and your kingdom, but you still accepted me to work for you even if it was only a short time. I am truly honored, your highness. I hope this charm helps you obtain freedom your troubles, may it bring you peace of mind, heart, and soul, may it always keep you safe and bring you hope. You'll become the greatest king to ever rule, I know it, because you have this attribute that no king ever had, and that is having an open mind and following the things you think would be best for your kingdom. Dres Van is an exquisite and flourished kingdom, it is worth visiting and maybe someday, I'll come and see you again.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work as your private designer. Thank you for showing me the things I've yet to see. I will always cherish the memories I've shared with you, even the ones where you tell me that almost everything I do is against the law. I will never meet anyone like you, Prince Joshua. Thank you and good bye.

Racel Morgan

"This girl…why won't you let me forget about you?", Joshua whispered to himself.

He absent-mindedly reopened his parting gift for her, the one Joshua asked the jewelry shop to personalize for him. Inside was a similar symbol, a dove pendant made of only the finest opal gem and golden lace. It reminded Joshua of how Racel always gives him hope, and that in life, being free is always the most valuable gift. Joshua was supposed to give this to Racel as a reminder for her to always have hope that they will see each other again, just as Joshua promised.

"Jan! Prepare my garments, I'm getting ready for the conference.", Joshua ordered.

Back at Oriens Kingdom

"Finally! I thought I was gonna grow old waiting!", Glenn said in exasperation.

I came out of the dressing room wearing a maroon halter gown that was backless and had a slit that goes up to my right thigh. I matched it with silver accessories and a silver purse, with a pair of five-inch silver stilettos lined with Swarovski crystals on the straps. My hair? Well, I had it in an up-do.

"You look gorgeous.", Glenn complimented.

Although we're close friends, I couldn't help blushing at his statement, "Thanks, that was the nicest thing you have ever told me since we met."

"Honestly…do you even know how to appreciate? It's not common for girls to be friends with a prince, you know? So be grateful.", Glenn teased.

"I am, now hurry up, your parents left already! We should leave now."

I led Prince Glenn to my car and he, too, adored my car. It's like a guy's thing to know if a car is good or not. I guess it's the same with princes.

"Nice car.", Glenn said as he rode beside me in the passenger's seat.

"Thanks.", I replied, starting the car and driving off.

As we drove through the streets, Glenn was silent.

"Well? I'm a great driver, aren't I?"

Glenn looked at me and replied, "Yeah, I guess I judged a bit too quickly."

"You seem awfully silent, what's up?"

Glenn shrugged, "Nothing, it's weird having to ride a car this way, you know, I'm sitting at the front and a girl is the one driving. It feels…very normal. It feels, calm, no sense of intimidation, and you get this feeling like you're actually a real person. No hired driver, no butler, no need for you to feel so special. I like it. By the way, why are you driving barefooted?"

"I'm glad you liked it. To answer your question, my heels are bothering my driving, they're too high."

Glenn shivered, "I don't even know how you women work those heels. Pretty impressive, but never something worth trying for a guy. My feet will die wearing those scary things."

I laughed, "I know, they get pretty painful as time passed while you're wearing them. Anyway, we're here."

"You're just gonna leave your car here?", Glenn confirmed in shock.

"Yeah, I got a Park-and-Fly ticket. I can pay for the fee after I come back, it's safer this way."

Glenn nodded.

We both got out of the car and headed for the private plane used by the royals of Oriens. It's a smaller plane compared to your regular one, but the inside was heaven on earth. A fancy couch, huge curved television, and of course, fresh food. The king and queen are seated at the upper floor of the plane, I guess their part of the plane is even more luxurious than the lower floor, but all in all, it was majestic. Another thing, there are no flight attendants, the royal pilot and the butler are the only staff in the pilot seat, and a few maids have their own place in the plane.

The plane started and soared up. The flight only took us about an hour from Oriens to Altaria and as we landed, two limos were already waiting for us. One for the king and queen, the other for the princes and I. When we reached the manor of Altaria, Prince Roberto was there to greet us. The king and queen of Oriens went ahead of us to greet the royals of Altaria, and we were left with Prince Roberto.

"Finally! I thought you were going to message me and tell me you've changed your mind.", Roberto directed to me.

"Don't worry, my princess never fails me.", Alan commented, which the three of us thought was adorable.

"She sure doesn't, Prince Alan.", Roberto chimed in. "Anyway, welcome to Altaria! Allow me to lead you to the ballroom."

Upon arriving, guests were all around mingling. I guess this is how the upper-class do their parties. For us commoners, we usually play EDM and dance around, eat some chips and drink some cheap wine. Yeah. But I was never allowed to parties like that even if I'm not an upper-class.

"Hey, you.", Keith greeted.

"Prince Keith, great to see you again.", I replied with a smile.

In my shock, he smiled and said, "It's been a while, how've you been?"

"Great. Oh, my mother said your home-made pastries were delicious, and she said to tell you to lessen the sugar, it tasted too sweet than expected."

"Oh? Really? Hmm…I have to take baking lessons from your mom. Thank you, please tell her I appreciate the suggestion. Maybe I'll try and send some again tomorrow."

I smiled, "No problem, she's always at the shop anyway and she has more time on her hands."

"Great!"

Prince Edward and Prince Wilfred approached us, with Prince Edward handing out a glass of champagne.

"Racel, it's been quite a long time.", Edward stated.

"We thought we might not see you again.", Wilfred added.

"Yeah, I've been very busy lately. I apologize."

"Please don't try to steal my princess. She's my princess!", Alan exclaimed.

"Alan!", Glenn scolded.

"We won't steal your princess, Prince Alan.", Wilfred said, bending on one knee as he ruffled the young prince's hair.

"Yes, please don't. I'll be very mad.", Alan said in a cute childish tone. "Brother, can I go to mommy?"

"Sure, Alan. Just make sure to behave properly.", Glenn reminded, then Alan ran towards the direction of the queen.

"You make such a cute older brother Glennypoo.", Roberto teased.

"Ugh, shut up, Prince Roberto!"

The party started and music was played, some guests took the dance floor and danced smoothly. Some were mingling with the kings and queens, the princes were all around me as we catch up to one another.

"You should see Racel drive, she drives like hell.", Glenn teased.

"I do not, Prince Glenn. You rode with me earlier and told me I drove alright!"

Glenn snickered, "Yeah, but you drive fast and you over-take a lot!"

"Yeah, and?"

"I'm just saying, you're a wild driver. That's all!"

"So you experienced riding in the front seat, Prince Glenn?", Wilfred asked.

"Yeah, it was exciting. I can see what the driver can see, and it felt normal, like, you're not someone special."

"Alright, alright! Racel, take us on a road trip sometimes, okay?", Keith joined in.

"Absolutely, maybe a week or two after the fashion show. Jeanne Pierre's selling a new line, will you be there to see it?"

The princes nodded in anticipation.

Then, the ballroom, doors opened, but no one paid any special attention since they were all too occupied, but me and the princes did. The ones who entered were the king and queen of Dres Van, and of course, Prince Joshua. I couldn't move, I stiffened when I saw him. Nothing much has changed to him for the last couple of months, he still looked intimidating, powerful, and hella serious. Our eyes met for a second and he walked towards my direction.

'Shit. What do I do? What do I say?', I though in panic.

"Ah, Joshua!", Keith called out.

'Prince Keith, not helping!', I yelled in my head.

I looked at Roberto and he simply shrugged, I glared at him.

"Please excuse me and Roberto for a while. We'll be back shortly.", I said to the princes then dragged Roberto by the arm and we headed out to one of the balconies near the punch table.

"This was not the plan.", I whispered loud enough for Roberto to take a hint on my nervousness.

"Definitely not."

"You said he wouldn't be here!", I said in panic. "I don't know how to face him, Roberto!"

Roberto placed a hand on my shoulder and said, "Just talk to him. I don't think he'd appreciate being ignored, don't you think?"

I nodded nervously as I looked down and Roberto dropped his hand.

At the wrong place, at the wrong time, at the wrong moment, Joshua appeared at the balcony's doorway.

"Sorry, I must be disturbing something…", Joshua muttered, and left. But his expression, it was…Pained? Sad? Angry?

"We must've given him the wrong idea, go, this is your chance to talk to him, go!", Roberto said, it was almost an order, but I followed his instructions and searched for Prince Joshua.

"Racel, Prince Joshua was, unusually, looking for you.", Glenn said as I passed by the princes.

"Oh, was he? Where did he go exactly?"

Keith pointed towards the exit of the ballroom, so I assumed he went out.

"Thank you, I wonder what he wanted to tell me.", I stated as I walked out the ballroom.

I grabbed another glass of wine, so now I have two glasses, in case I actually ran into Prince Joshua. Then, in a dim lit balcony, there he was, leaning on the railings, staring at the moon, just like how he used to when we lived together back at Dres Van.

I didn't think he noticed me, so I spoke, "I thought coming in late was against the rules?"

Joshua turned around in surprise, and when our eyes met, he calmed down and regained his composure.

"I'm not in Dres Van.", Joshua replied.

"Yeah, but you said it's common sense to arrive at least 15 minutes early.", I retorted.

Joshua smiled sadly, "You haven't changed."

I handed him the glass of wine I picked up before leaving the ballroom.

"Here. It's a recommendation of Prince Edward's. I thought you might like it.", I stated.

He took the glass elegantly from me and took a sip, "Your taste in wine has improved."

"I'm glad you liked it."

"I didn't say—"

"It's written on your face…your highness.", I retorted back.

Joshua laughed, "You're really something. Fine, I'm sorry for being late, your ladyship."

I was silent and all our memories together came pouring on me, I didn't realize I was about to cry, but I managed to swallow up my sadness. It would be out of line if I tell Prince Joshua how much I missed him.

I tensed up when I felt his arms wrapped around my waist, his hand placed gently behind my head, making me lose control of my tears and made me sob on his chest.

"Please don't cry…not in front of me. Please. I don't like seeing you cry.", Joshua whispered, I can feel he, too, was holding back tears.

"Prince Joshua…"

"I'm sorry…I'm sorry…I didn't intend to hurt you when I asked you to leave. I'm sorry for not being there when you left…I know designing meant so much to you, but after my father declined the prize you won from the competition…it felt wrong. I'm sorry. I had to let you go. You deserve better…"

"Prince Joshua, there's a cat behind you."

Joshua leaped away from me and almost hid behind my back.

"Hahahaha! Hahahaha! That was so priceless coming from you, Prince Joshua."

Joshua frowned, "I'm trying to say something here, and you dare do that? I can send you to jail because that is clearly against Dres Van's law!"

I just laughed harder, "Prince Joshua…oh my God! Hahahaha!"

"Racel, seriously…"

After I calmed down, Prince Joshua spoke, "I have something I wanted to give you."

He reached in his pocket, but what he wanted to give me, I didn't see, because Prince Alan went in the balcony's doorway, pouting.

"What do you think you're doing?", Alan scolded at Prince Joshua.

"Prince Alan? What are you talking about?", Prince Joshua replied.

Alan stomped his foot on the ground, angry, "I told you, never steal my princess! She's mine!"

Alan took my hand and stuck his tongue out at Joshua. We didn't notice at first, but the other princes were watching from behind, stifling their laughter.

"I asked her to be my princess for tonight, so don't take her away from me! Stealing is against Dres Van's law, isn't it?", Alan fought.

Joshua was caught off-guard and replied, "Yes, but I'm willing to break it just for her to be my princess."

"Prince Joshua…?!", I muttered.

"You don't get to be her princess because I'm already her prince.", Alan pressed on.

'Man, this kid's got spunk.', I thought, smiling.

"Then I'll take her from you.", Joshua smirked, took my hand in his and pulled me gently towards him.

"You're really liking this aren't you…?", I asked in a whisper.

"Yup. The kid really likes you, which is nice, but…", Joshua started.

"But…what?"

Then Joshua smiled at me, "But, Racel will always be my one and only princess."

I blushed, thankful that it was dark.

"No! She will not! My princess will never let me down, right?", Alan looked at me for help.

I gave him some slack and said, "Of course. I will always be your princess."

Joshua just smiled and Alan seems proud of himself.

"Well done, Alan, you saved your princess! Big brother's proud of you!", Glenn appeared at the doorway, followed by the other princes. Alan jumped in joy and ran to tell his parents he saved a princess.

"Uhm…Prince Joshua?", I muttered, looking at our joined hands.

Joshua looked up at me and blushed, "Oh. S-sorry." He dropped my hand gently and sipped the wine I handed him.

"Joshua has grown, I guess. Starting to have a way with women, I see.", Keith joked.

"But I have to say, you have bad taste.", Keith added.

My eyes widened in shock, "Excuse me?!"

"Okay! Sorry! I was kidding!", Keith replied. "Honestly, though, is there something going on with you two that I never knew about?"

Joshua and I both froze.

"N-No! Nothing!", I replied, but Joshua seemed too hurt about my honesty.

Prince Glenn, being close with me, placed an arm around my shoulder and asked to dance.

"Sure.", I replied happily.

I guess Prince Joshua wasn't aware about me and Glenn being childhood buddies because I legit frowned at the sight of me and Prince Glenn together. He needs to chill, it was all pretend anyway! I may have fallen for him, but I have forgotten all about it when I left Dres Van.

"Prince Joshua, are you coming?", Wilfred asked before we leave the balcony.

Joshua looked over, passing his sight away from me and Glenn, "Maybe later, you go on ahead."

We went ahead of Prince Joshua and danced the night away. The party ended blissfully and me and Glenn went out together, laughing along with the other princes.

"Prince Joshua, you seemed off the entire evening, what's going on?", Roberto asked.

"Nothing.", Joshua replied.

Roberto pressed on, "Is there really nothing?"

Joshua was silent.

"Glenn, are you up for a late-night drive when we arrive home?", I asked.

"Why do you say his name without his title?", Joshua asked, almost too aloud.

Glenn and I looked at each other in curiosity.

"It's fine. I permitted her to.", Glenn stated flatly.

"Ah.", Joshua muttered.

When we arrived at the entryway of Altaria's castle, the other princes' limos arrived.

"Will you guys be okay? We'll go on ahead.", Edward stated.

Glenn, Roberto, Joshua, and I, were the only ones left.

"How will you go home, Racel?", Joshua asked.

"Me and Glenn will go together."

Joshua didn't reply after a few seconds, "I see…"

"Hey, how about we grab some coffee tomorrow? I'll pick you up at 3:00? Are you free?", Glenn offered.

Roberto looked up, "What about me?!"

"Prince Roberto, you have some stacked paperworks to accomplish!", Al, suddenly appearing behind Roberto, reminded out loud.

"Al! Don't just appear like that!"

"Sorry, but your mother requests for you to stay at the palace until you've completed all the papers due."

"Guess I can't come.", Roberto stated sadly.

"Prince Joshua, would you like to join us?", Glenn offered.

Joshua raised an eyebrow, "No thanks, my duties are top priority right now."

"Glenn, 3:30?", I asked.

"Sure, no problem. I'll drive, alright, so we don't get killed."

"No way."

Then, our ride came and we both bid farewell to Joshua and Roberto. As we boarded our plane, I received a text message.

Fr: Joshua

Hey…please call me when you're home. I need to talk to you about something…