I'm so sorry for the long wait! I'm horrible at updating stories i know. But i can assure you the next story which i'll be writing, will be updated in a shorter time. Oh, just for your information, its a Jasper and Bella story. =] So, finally the exam is over! I figured out, since i'm now struggling with the last chapter, i shall just post Chapter 16 and 17 first. Enjoy!

Oh if you don't understand anything about this chapter, feel free to ask me. I'm afraid its a lil confusing cause i'm actually speeding up everything.

Anyway, thanks to those who reviewed. I really appreciate it. =]

A month later

In the past one month that I have returned to the palace, how many times have I met my family members? Subconsciously, I did a mental calculation in my head. Once or twice maybe. The first time was when I saw them sitting at their throne. The second time was when I was caught trying to return to the land of the humans. Grandpa and my parents warned me if I were to ever do anything, which would ruin their precious royal reputation, I would be grounded.

True enough, they forbid me from exploring the world outside the palace after that the incident during the party. Really, who wants a party…?

A week after I came back, they insisted on throwing a party for Alex and I to celebrate our safe trip back from our exploration. Apparently, my parents made up a story, saying that both Alex and I were on the human land to learn their cultures etcetera.

Somehow, I haven't been acting myself lately. I said I wasn't feeling well but they pressed on me to attend the dinner. So, when I was there, I accidentally spilled the red wine onto one of the noble's face. Then, I used the dining cloth to wipe off the liquor. Unfortunately, her make-up was smudged and my parents and grandpa scolded me, though that lady never blamed me. In fact, the others thought it was hilarious, but I couldn't see how funny it was. Mermaids were quite peculiar in the sense that they thought being a klutz was amusing.

That night when all the guests left, I was given a lecture on how necessary it was to carry yourself with more grace. I swear I could've died of the unbearable ennui sitting there, listening to their constant nagging, which they had been doing for the past 17 years since the day I was born. Then, they gave me my punishment the humans called GROUNDED. Had it not been that Alex was by my side about once a week, I would not have survived. Grandpa tried his best to prevent us from seeing each other, thus giving Alex many errands. Poor Alex, he barely had five hours per day to sleep thanks to that hectic daily schedule of his.

Alex told me that outside the palace, there's a yellow portal. When you enter this place, it's as though you're entering a human land. Here, mermaids get to experience the scenery at the beach, which is similar to those on the lands of humans. However, no one was ever allowed to enter this 'human land-liked' place because King George said so.

Now, I wanted to see the place I missed badly. So, I sneaked out of the palace, and was at the entrance of the yellow portal. Two muscular guards stood with their spears crossed like an 'X'.

"Get out of my way!" I gritted my teeth, clenching my fist into a ball just as I feel anger and irritation seep into my body. I wanted so badly to slap these two annoying guards who were restraining me from getting pass them.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness. Under the King's order, no one is allowed to enter that portal." One of the guards said, robot-like. I scoffed. "Very well then, you leave me no choice but to–" I quickly swam to their backs and muttered the same words I used to make Will fall asleep on that very day.

Excellent, I praised myself. Without hesitating, I swam through that portal and found myself coming out of the crystal clear seawater. My eyes scanned the surroundings and spotted the beach immediately. I transformed into my human form, and walked up onto the white, sandy beach. I glanced at my body; I was thankful that I still had on the outfit I was wearing before I left the Cullens. I sat on the sand, not bothered by the fact that doing that would probably dirty my beautifully embroidered white, knee length skirt. I laid my chin on my knees, enjoying the picturesque scenery that lay before my eyes.

The horizon became a rippling bar of gold as the evening sun illuminated the surface of the ocean. Sunset, the best moment in my life thus far. The end of yet another day of torture.

I whispered, "Will, are you seeing this similar scenery too?" I glanced at the bracelet he gave me; the facial expression I adored most came into my vision. His breathtaking crooked smile, which sent my pulse racing and caused butterflies in my stomach. How I miss that sensation. Hot tears came flowing out of my eyes, and I buried my face into my arms. Will, my love, I miss you so much. How are you feeling this entire month? Did you suspect anything? Are you sick? These questions were swirling in my head, reminding me of my heartbreaking parting with Will and the Cullens.

I thought I heard Will saying, "Olivia, please come back to me." I miss him. I wanted to know his situation so badly, but I couldn't. I feared if I were to go and look for him, I wouldn't want to come back to the kingdom. I couldn't be too sure of what Grandpa would be capable of doing if he knew I did broken our promise. And I didn't want to think of it.

The whole time as the images of Will and the Cullens accompanied me in the silence of the slowly approaching night, I unknowingly drifted into sleep. I had to embrace myself tightly to keep myself warm from the icy cold night wind, which was blowing so harshly.

My eyebrows furrowed when I noticed the heat from the morning sun falling onto my face. I opened my eyes and was immediately blinded by the bright light. My vision solidified after having slowly adjusted to the brightness around me and I realized I was still on the beach. Oh dear, I would be punished again if they found out where I was the whole night.

I gasped when I saw a head popping out of the surface of the ocean. Please, don't be daddy, or grandpa. I closed my eyes praying silently. "Arwen! I knew you would be here." A familiar voice reached my ears and in a sudden moment of recognition, my heart gave a leap of excitement. Impossible, how could he be here? Grandpa would've him killed before he could even step into the kingdom. Was I hallucinating?

I opened my eyes and gave my arms a pinch. Ouch! I could feel the pain, which meant it was NOT a dream. I stood up and ran towards the man of my life, standing just a few feet away from me, "Will!" He pulled me into a tight hug and I buried my face into his warm chest.

My nose twitched as I inhaled his scent. It wasn't the one I always recognized; he wasn't Will. The voice spoke again, "Arwen, are you alright? Who is Will?" I quickly shoved the stranger away from me. "It's none of your business, Lord Caleb."

"My dear, of course it is. Your parents have just arranged our marriage." He said triumphantly. What was he talking about? Oh right, he wanted me – he just wanted to become a prince. Everyone has been gossiping about him, the charming Lord Caleb who has successfully won the hearts of all women in this kingdom, all except for Princess Arwen.

He was what the humans considered a playboy. I had no idea why he was still earning the respect of all mermaids, even though he had broken many of their children's hearts. My eyes scrutinized the egotistic fool before me and I spoke with my hand held in mid air, "Stay right where you are, Lord Caleb. Don't you dare come any nearer." He edged closer and closer towards me and said in what he thought was a seducing tone, "My dear, you won't want a burnt husband, do you"

"I've got no husbands. Even if all the men are dead, I will never ever marry you. I'm now warning you, don't you take a step further, or I will make sure you get burnt to a pile of ashes." I snarled as a ball of fire formed in my right hand.

He chuckled, "No, you won't dare. You will be mine no matter what." He made a sudden leap towards me, gripping both my wrist tightly, making us both fall to the ground. He locked my legs in between his knees, preventing me from moving. I struggled to get out of his hold but he was far too strong. I sighed as I realized I couldn't defeat the monster in front of me. I was fighting in a battle that was lost even before it started.

He laughed evilly, "Aren't you exhausted now, Arwen?" I shot him a death glare and continued trying to shoot flames out of my hands. But I couldn't. Hs grip on my wrists was far too firm. His cheeks brushed against mine as he leaned forward and whispered into my ears, "Now, you're mine."

He crushed his lips onto mine, and I wanted to scream, but no voice came out. I'm sorry Will – I can't overpower him, my mind whispered as he tore off my blood red tight shirt. Another voice shouted in my head, Your hands are free now, use you power immediately. The face of my beloved flashed in front of my olive eyes and I could feel energy flowing into my body. I laid my hands on his shoulders, and I could feel the heat coming out of my bare hands. I smirked when he screamed at the top of his lungs.

When he fainted, I attended to his wounds, healing those burnt parts. This would teach him a lesson not to mess up with Olivia Hale. If any of my vampire brothers found out about this, I wondered what they would do. I had to stifle a giggle, remembering how Emmett enjoyed beating up someone.

God, Olivia, you almost lost your virginity. I shuddered at the thought of it, and dived into the sea, and went back to the palace. When I got out of the portal, I caught sight of the two guards from before still lying unconscious on the seabed. Oops, I must have made them sleep much longer than they were intended to. Feeling a little guilty, I went to their sides, and whispered into their ears a counter spell.

Before they could open their eyes, I swam back to the palace, at full speed. Thinking of how they would punish Caleb when he got out of that portal, made me laughed hysterically. I was so going to see the infuriated grandpa punishing him, for no one has ever opposed the rules set by him. Caleb would be the first.

Evil, wicked me. Slipping past those guards unnoticed again, I went to the kitchen, one of my usual routines. "Good morning everyone." I said enthusiastically. I respected those in the kitchen, the servants in the palace. They were really nice and kind. I felt sympathy for them for they were treated badly by their supervisors.

"Morning, Your Highness." Everyone stopped for a moment and bowed, then only they continued whatever they were doing. The chef came towards me, "Was dinner yesterday not to your taste?" I was a little confused at first, but then something struck me. "Olson, I'm sorry, Lily didn't explain to you? Well, I was too exhausted, so I fell asleep even before dinner was served."

Lily was my servant. She was my one and only true friend here, excluding Alex of course. I hoped she remembered the excuse I made up. "I see. I guessed my assistant must have forgotten to pass me that message. Anyway, here you go, salad."

I put on a huge smile and said, "Thank you." He bowed at me, "You're welcomed, Your Highness." I nodded, took my tray of food and went back to my room.

Lily shouted, "There you are, Your Highness." My eyes widened and I coughed a little. She noticed and said again, this time whispering, "You got me quite a scare when I found out you weren't in your room."

I replied, "Lily, oh Lily, isn't it my usual routine to go to the kitchen to grab my breakfast?" She looked as if she was thinking hard, trying to remember my usual schedule, "God, I forgot. Silly me." She shook her head and sighed.

When she closed my bedroom door, I turned and looked at her, "Well done, Lily. Your acting skills have improved tremendously." "Thank you, Your High–" I cleared my throat. "Oh right, it's sound-proof here. Thanks, Olivia."

I smiled and nodded, "My friend, how many times do I have to say–" I was cut out by Lily's imitation of me, "that in here, I'm Olivia Hale?" A peal of laughter broke out and echoed across the four soundproof walls of my bedroom.

"How was the beach?" Lily asked anxiously. I swallowed the food and told her the striking scenery that laid before my eyes the day before and also about the unfortunate incident which involved the detestable Lord Caleb. "All in all, nothing beats the amazing experience I had on the land of humans." I concluded with a wink. It was fun sharing my stories with Lily.

She stared at me dumbfounded, "Lord Caleb actually did that to you? You're amazing. I guessed you're the only lady who has never slept with him." Realizing what she said, she flung a hand over her mouth.

I stared at the innocent, sweet-looking, seventeen years old teenage girl with my mouth opened. I stuttered, "You… You mean… You and him…" She let out a sigh, as if she knew what I was talking about, "Yes. That was a year ago. I had his child, and he tricked me into going for abortion. I regretted making the decision to kill the fetus in my womb. She's innocent."

I still eyed at her, but my mind was already flooded with questions. How many ladies has he slept with? How many ladies has he forced them to go for abortion? The sound of her clearing her throat reached my ears and I was snapped back to reality. I hugged her and rubbed soothing circles on her back, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought up this subject. But I promise you, I will take revenge on behalf of you, and every other woman he has hurt."

She laughed, "Thanks, but I'm alright, really." Someone knocked on my door, "Princess Arwen, the King wants you in the hall immediately." I quickly ran to the door and opened it.

"Tell him I will be there in a few minutes' time."

Lily was next to my dressing table, waiting for me to go over so that she could prepare me for my meeting with my family members. Once I was done, I swam towards the hall, and bowed before those people sitting on their humongous shells, "Good morning, grandpa, dad, and mum."

"Morning." They replied in unison. Grandpa motioned to one pinkish medium-sized shell, "Take a seat."

Once I sat down, grandpa cleared his throat, "Arwen, we've summoned you here because we need to tell you something." Clearly, I knew what he ought to tell but I played along. "What is it, grandpa? What happened to Alex?"

He laughed, "No, nothing has happened to him. It's good news actually. We've decided that you will be married to Lord Caleb."

My eyes widened in horror and I protested, "No… I will never ever marry that playboy. You can't make me!''

My mum shouted at me, "Arwen Galadriel Louise! Don't you dare raise your voice while talking to us. You will marry this Lord Caleb, whether you like it or not."

I taunted, "Over my dead body." Before they could even open their mouths to scold me, a guard knocked on the door. "Come in," Dad snarled, clearly still enraged by my act.

"Your Majesty, Your Highnesses." He bowed at all of us. "What happened?" Grandpa barked. From the edge of my eyes, I could see the guard flinched. Poor guard – I wished the news he had brought was one of importance, If it wasn't he would probably have to suffer a punishment, for his untimely entrance.

He said shakily, "Your Majesty, someone broke the rule. He went through the yellow portal." Grandpa growled. "What! Bring him in, immediately!" The guard bowed again, and left the hall. The evil monster in me laughed in delight. An interesting show awaits.

But I still said, "Er, I guess I should leave now." Grandpa said loudly, "No, you stay. I'm not done with you yet." I rolled my eyes and sat back on the shell. I wished it was a couch, and there was a bowl of popcorns in front of me.

Within minutes, two guards came in with a man between them. "Your Majesty, its him." Grandpa nodded and bellowed, "Show me your face, you filthy man. How dare you go against my rules!" Grudgingly, he lifted his head.

Once again, all three of them said in unison, "Lord Caleb?"

"No, Your Majesty! I was looking for A-" I cut him off before he could even utter my name.

I swam towards him, "What? You want me to marry this man who broke your rule? Oh my… Even Jovaic never dared to break the rules you set, grandpa." I shook my head and leaned towards Caleb and whispered very softly, "Do you want to get burned again, Lord Caleb?" I could hear him gulp. "I take it as a no. So, don't you dare mention my name."

Grandpa looked at me confused, "Arwen, what are you doing so close to him?" I replied innocently, "Oh, I was just observing his sun tanned body. He's got quite a well-built body, actually. Now that I think of it, he has got quite a handsome face. I believe he would be quite suited for his role as my husband, would he not?"

Grandpa shook his head, "No, Arwen. Get away from that man. He's a prisoner now. You will not marry him."

My eyes brightened, "Really? I'm not going to marry him?" Dad said, "Yes".

"Yes! Grandpa, daddy, mummy, I love you!" I jumped up and down in delight. "Can I go back to my room now?" I asked with the puppy eyes staring at them. They nodded and I turned around, facing Caleb. I whispered again, "Don't you dare to mess up with me anymore."

I swam back to my room at once, excited and relieved.

That night, I fell asleep with my photo album in my arms. Faintly, I realized that my album was gone. I opened my eyes and gasped when I found there were two figures in my room, their backs against me.

I asked, afraid, "Who are you? What are you doing in my room?" I aimed my hands at the candles in my room and lit them. Within a second, the candlelight illuminated my entire room with yellow light. I looked at the couple, now turned and facing me. "Dad? Mum?"

My gaze flickered from them to the album in the woman's hands. "Mum, what are you doing with my photo album?" Still afraid, my voice came out shakily. She sneered, "My dear, now that you're back here, you don't need this anymore." Then, dad took out a lighter he was hiding, and lit the item in mum's hands.

"No!" I leaped towards her, wanting to save my precious. Mum let the burning album slowly fall onto the seabed, and grabbed my shoulder before I could manage to move any further. "No! No! No!" I cried out loud.

"My dear, it's only a photo album. I can give you a nicer one, if you want." She said in her teasing tone. My anger flared, taking the place of my sadness. I glared at her with my piercing eyes and placed my hands on her arms, which were gripping on my shoulder.

She screamed in agony while dad swam towards her and healed her wounds. Once healed, he turned and gave me a tight slap, "She's your mother, for goodness sake. How dare you burn her!"

"No mother would destroy items her daughter treasures as much as her life." I said, not even bothered with the pain inflicted on my reddened cheeks.

"I'm still your biological mother, and you can't change that fact." She said weakly, still recovering from the wound.

I shook my head and laughed. "No daughter chooses her own mother, or her father. Both of you can't change the fact that I despise this family so much. Do you think I would even come back if that old man didn't threaten me?"

"Arwen!" Both of them shouted in warning tone.

I sneered, "No, I'm not done yet. I've got a loving family on the land above. I'd rather risk my life staying with a bunch of vampires than staying with you all."

"You'll truly regret what you've said, young lady!" Dad shouted.

Calmly, I said, "No, I won't. Arthur, that old man and I have come to an agreement, as long as I stay here, he will never bother my family up on land. So, whatever you have in mind will not succeed. That old man would never let anyone break his promise, when his royal image is concerned."

The lady in his arms cried, "What has happened to you, Arwen? You were never this rebellious! One day, soon, you will know what we're doing is all for your own good, for the sake of your future."

I replied coldly, "Right, Elizabeth. Trapping someone in this monotonous life is for her own good. I will keep that in mind."

Disappointed and infuriated with the hostility I was showing, they turned and got out of my room. "Good night dad, mum!" I shouted to them.

Deep down inside me, I was glad that I had finally confessed what I felt about them. I'm a great actress, and I will continue acting as your good little daughter, so long as Will and the Cullens aren't harmed. Someone knocked on the door, Damn, who could it be?

I opened the door only to find those two annoying mermaids standing on the doorway. I said in the most polite tone ever, one which I only used with Esme, "How may I help you?"

Their eyes narrowed into slits, "Well, we just want to inform you that Elizabeth has arranged dates for you with several nobles. We won't want our daughter to be single for the rest of her life, don't we? Someone like General Blake would suit her, don't you think so, honey?"

General Blake? This name sounded familiar. I remembered, he was the guy who hugged me from behind when I was twelve years old. An insolent boy he was. Wait, they mentioned council meetings too.

Elizabeth laughed, "That's right, he's just in his early 20's and already accomplished such an achievement. Besides that, we will arrange a new servant for you. Lily is promoted."

"What? Dates? A new servant? All without my permission?" I was cut off by Elizabeth who laid her index finger on my lips. "Nuh-uh. It's late now. Good night sweetheart."

They sure did know how to destroy my life. To others, they seemed really kind, arranging all these for me. Little did they know my parents had other intentions behind this decision of theirs. To me, attending dates was the tortuous thing ever. You had to be polite to someone, even if they're ill mannered. Promoting Lily would mean she would be too busy that she won't even have time for me. Who knew, maybe the new servant was her spy?

My eyes spotted the porcelain vases and I smashed them on the closed door, vending my anger on them. "I hate those monsters!"