Sam's POV

Ever since I met the king, I have been feeling down. Sure, I don't show it at all, but I really am feeling effects of being spoke of like that.

"Sam," Melanie came into my room. "Are you okay? You've been hiding in your room all day since you paid a visit to the king."

"I'm fine," I replied, sitting up on the bed. "By the way, how're you and Pete going on?"

She blushed. "He asked me out this Saturday."

"Really?" I was happy for my sister. "That's cool."

"Sam, are you sure you're alright?" she asked with so much gentleness in her voice.

"Hey, Mel?" I avoided the question. "How do you act so soft and weak? I mean, isn't it tough trying to restrain yourself from fighting? And how do you even get that gentleness in your voice? Yours is so high-pitched while mine is..."

She smiled. "Don't compare yourself to me like that. I am Melanie Puckett and you are Sam Puckett. Sam Puckett is different from every other girl. That's what makes you unique."

"Ugh," I was sick of hearing those mushy stuff. "That's what everyone says, but you guys don't really mean it, right?"

"We do," she replied as though she was accused and trying to clear her name. "Sam, you're special and you're a dear sister to me. I can't imagine a day when we are separated from each other. One day, when you're married to the prince I will truly miss you."

I froze at the word 'married'. "Mel, I don't think I will be able to marry the prince."

"What are you talking about?" she asked. "Did the prince bully you? Did he fall for another girl? That brat! I'm going to-"

"No, he didn't," I sighed. "It's the king. He doesn't like the fact that I'm a commoner. He expects the prince to marry a princess."

She raised an eyebrow. "But I thought that Queen Marissa was a commoner too."

"Yes, she was," I replied. "But she won a pageant when she was my age and earned the title of 'The People's Princess'."

"You mean the Princess Pageant?" she asked. "That pageant is coming up soon! You should take part in it! You'll go through all the training, win the people's heart and earn the title of 'The People's Princess' too! After that, you will marry the prince and live happily ever af-"

"But who will take care of the chores while I'm gone?" I exclaimed. "Ever since Carly's married Prince Gibson and moved into the palace, I have been in charge of the cleaning because mom said that I was to be blamed for letting her marry a prince."

She smiled. "I will take care of the chores."

"You will?" I looked at her with much doubt. "But you've never done these things before. Besides, your hands are fit for the books and those musical instruments that you play, not for these chores."

"Who says that one can't play music and do chores?" she replied. "Don't underestimate me, dear sister. I am much more capable than you think."

I hugged her in response. "Thanks, Mel."

"You're welcome," she replied. "I'll give Pete a call and find the best image consultants there are in this town! You'll be able to transform into a heart-warming princess! I'm sure of it!"

For once, I was glad I had a sister like that. Sure, she stole my boyfriend from me once, but she brought us back together. Sometimes, I think that she's some kind of guardian angel to me. She seems to have a way with words and make things seem so easy. I wonder how she does that...

Freddie's POV

"Your highness," the guard entered my quarters. "Miss Puckett is here to see you."

My gloomy expressions turned into a bright smile as I ran into the throne room to meet my beloved princess. What? Who says you have to be royalty to be a prince or princess?

"Melanie?" I looked at her in disappointment. "Where's Sam?"

"She's gone for a makeover," she replied. "She's taking part in the upcoming pageant."

Instead of snickering, I was really concerned about her. She's not the type who would compete in a pageant, you know? "Why would she take part in the pageant?"

"She wants to earn the title of 'The People's Princess', just like your mother did," she replied. "I'm here to bring you to go see her."

"Why bring me there?" I asked.

She smiled. "She needs your encouragement and motivation."

"Okay..." I replied.

So, she took me to a store in town called the 'Hollywood Smile'. Boy, that store was huge. But, it still can't be compared to the palace, of course.

"Hmm... Where could they be?" she tip-toed while in search of her sister. "Ah! There they are!"

"Where?" I looked in her direction, but I could not see what she was talking about.

"Come along," she pulled my hand towards her direction and dragged me through several racks of clothing. "Well, I'm glad we're in a store or your outfit will surely invite a lot of attention."

I looked down at my clothes. "What's wrong with my clothes?"

"You look like a prince," she replied. "You should be blending in with the commoners, you know? Like the time when we went on a date and you wore some commoner clothes?"

"Oh," I exclaimed. "So, being in a store helps me to blend in?"

"This store sells all sorts of clothes," she explained. "From commoner wear to costumes! While you're wearing this, it seems as though you just changed into a costume."

I nodded in response. "So, should I change into something else?"

"There's no need for that," she replied. "You'll be perfect for our little princess. Oh, here we are!"

She stopped walking suddenly, causing me to lose my balance and almost fall over. "Where? Where's Sam?"

I looked at my surroundings. Nope, no one here looked like Sam. Well, except for Melanie, of course.

"I'm here, nub," a girl who stood in front of me said.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" I asked, still confused.

She punched me in my arm. "Now, do you recognize me?"

"Sam?" I examined her clothing. It was a blue gown, dress thing. I'm not good at this stuff, so it's hard to describe it, but it sure looked good on her. Her hair was tied up into an elegant ponytail that made her look glamorous. It was as if we returned to the night of the ball. "You look... amazing."

She giggled.

"May I have this dance?" I placed my hand in front of her. She took it and we did a little dance. It didn't matter how many people were looking at us. It didn't matter if we were the center of attention. Because right then, I knew that she was the one. And the whole world seemed to brighten up at the touch of her smile.

But happiness can't always live for long.

"Prince Fredward?" a girl called.

"Valerie?" I recognized her.

She smiled. "It's been a long time."

"A long time indeed," I replied. My facial expressions turned from happiness to disappointment. I knew this day was going to come but I didn't know it was coming so soon.

"Do you mind if we have a little talk?" she asked. "In private?"

I turned back to look at Sam who had that worrying expression on her face. I gave her an assuring look and replied, "Sure."

Sam, no matter what happens, I won't let you down.