I walked out on my balcony to gaze upon the whole of Soctora Kingdom. It was as beautiful as always, with its unique colored houses and cottages, breathtaking waterfalls, and slight breezes. I may live in a castle but it small and perfect. My kingdom.
Soctora is a small kingdom off the Gulf of Mexico, not many know it's here but we have a decent amount of townspeople. It's big enough for my parents, the King and Queen of this fine place. Then there's my brother Charlie, he's only a minute older than me but manages to make it seem like he's years wiser than me. My name is Robin, I think it's after my great grandmother, at least that's what mother says.
My hope is to make this the best year yet, I'm about to be 17 and I want everything to be perfect. Normally mother isn't too involved in birthdays but, she seems quite excited for this one. I have a feeling it's because once I'm 17, I have to start the search for a husband. I'm not too into the idea of marriage, especially arranged ones, so I told my mother that I'm going to pick a man myself. I will not be forced to marry a man I've never met.
Charlie can be annoying at times, but he's actually really protective of me. Anytime a man approaches me, he finds all these ways to get him to leave. I find it endearing, unless it's a guy I actually like.
My thought train is interrupted by Charlie strolling through and meeting me on the balcony.
"Lost in space again? What's on your mind this time?" He asks with a sly grin.
"I'm not lost in space, I was thinking about marriage stuff again." I tell him, he frowns.
"Robin, I know that mother thinks you need a man to be happy but you don't. I get that our law states that you need one but I don't like the idea." He says for the thousandth time again.
I look off to the side, "I know, I've heard it before. I don't know though, maybe I want someone to be by my side. You see how close mother and father are, I want that." I explain. I've never told him that before.
He thinks a moment. "Partners are important, it's nice to have someone there for you. It's just that we're only turning 17, why does everything have to change now?" He says, saying something real for once.
I've never heard him talk like this. "Char, are you alright? I know some things are changing but I'm not, I'll always be the same Robin." I tell him, he looks at me.
"Thanks, I guess it's just nerve racking to think that I have to start thinking about the future." He says. I give him a hug.
"You want ice cream?" I ask, he nods his head excitedly.
We walk down to the main castle doors and tell the guards about our ice cream wishes. As always they send a guard with us to ensure safety. Even though our kingdom is small, they always send a guard just in case. I just don't like the fact that it calls attention to us. Charlie doesn't like it either but it's our parents wishes.
While at the ice cream place people stare as always, but one in particular. It was a boy with brown hair and bluish green eyes. He was looking at me intently, probably another onlooker who wants to come close to the royal families. I look away and order my ice cream. I sit at a table with Charlie and the guard sits at the next table. I go to grab more toppings when the guy from before approaches me.
"Hey, are you Princess Robin?" He asks
"I am, but I'm busy so if you don't mind I'll be getting my toppings." I tell him, not wanting another person to come up to me wanting my wealth.
"I just..wanted to say that I think you're really cool. You're not like I'd thought you'd be." He says, sounding honest.
"Oh? And what perhaps did you think I'd be like?" I say, sounding a little more stern.
"Nothing it's just, most royals are stuck up and cruel. But you're different. You actually seem to care about Soctora. My name is Alex by the way."
"Well, thanks I guess. It's nice to meet you Alex. Do you always come here? I don't believe I've seen you here before." I ask him.
He looks around nervously. "Uh no actually, I saw you come in here and I wanted to meet you. But I've lived here all my life." He explains.
He pushes his hair back and the sun glints off his eyes. He looks really handsome, too handsome to just be some nice guy.
"That's cool, well, I've got to get back to my table. Maybe I'll see you around?" I say casually.
"Oh yeah, got to get back to your boyfriend. I'll see you." He says.
I burst out laughing to his surprise. "He's not my boyfriend. That's...my twin brother, Charlie."
He looks away awkwardly. "Sorry, I didn't know that. You guys don't look that alike. Well, I'll see you later." He says.
"We're fraternal, most people don't know. I'll see you." I say and smile as I walk away.
I go back to the table to see Charlie staring at me with a confused look.
"Where were you? Why were you over there talking to that stranger?" He asks when I sit down.
"He's not a stranger, that was Alex. He was just being nice." I explain.
"Alex? What's his last name? And why was he even talking to you, we're royals." He says, I can tell he's growing angry.
"Charlie, I'm fine, he was just complimenting me. Now let's go back home, mother wants me to pick out my party dress." I say before he gets more heated.
He nods his head and we all go back. I meet mother in my bedroom, she's standing tall and with her hands on her hips.
"Where have you been, I've been waiting for a half and hour." She says, slightly stern.
"Sorry mother. I went out with Charlie. I'm here now." I say, sounding apologetic.
She nods her head and we go to my closet. She picks out some options. I settle for a beautiful red gown with a sweetheart neckline and a lacy gown finish. Mother retires back to the sitting room with father and I go to my balcony again. This time I see something in the grass below me. It's Alex.
He's standing there with a bike and he waved up at me. I adjust my long red hair to look more presentable.
"Alex? Is that you?" I yell down.
"Hey Princess. Thought I'd come say hi." He shouts back up.
I smile secretly, he is very handsome. "That's ok flattering, be careful though, these grounds are littered with guards." I yell.
He climbs a tree that comes closer to my balcony and jumps over to land on it. Now he's standing opposite me.
"That was very intriguing. Have you always climbed tree like that?" I ask.
"Not always, but it was fun." He replies.
"So why are you really here? No guy has ever tried to come see me, especially with the guards and my father having been in the military for some time." I say, slightly rambling. I ramble when I'm nervous.
"Well, I figured I wouldn't see you for a bit and I wanted to say hi longer than an interaction at an ice cream bar. I know I'm risking a lot, but I just wanted to talk." He says, I find this odd.
No man has ever even gotten this far before. I start to freak myself out with this but I settle my thoughts.
"I appreciate your courage Alex, it's not easy getting past these guards. But why risk it to talk to me. I can assure you I'm not that cool" I say.
"well, in my opinion, I think you're the coolest girl I've seen. I know that sounds weird but it's true." He says, he smiles at me.
My stomach churns, "Alex, before you stay for too long, I just want you to know that I'm not the most trusting person. People I meet and become friends with have trouble with me because of my duties. I don't want to start something with someone if they aren't completely ok with knowing a royal. Many of those people have tried to steal my fortune and my families money." I explain, not wanting him to walk away.
Alex hesitates before responding. "I get it, being a royal comes with its downsides. I know you're really busy and you have duties to the kingdom. I truly am not here to steal any fortunes or mess with you. I just want to get to know you and be around you." He says.
My heart practically melts. I can't believe a guy actually said that. I hear footsteps coming closer and I tell him to hide behind a wall. I walk back into my room and open the door to see Violet, my handmaiden.
"Oh, hey V, can we talk later? I'm just busy reading." I stumble out a lie quickly.
"Sure, I'll come back later I guess. Everything alright R?" She asks, trying to peek behind my door.
I block her view, "I'm all good, just going to take a nap." I say, waving at her.
I quickly close the door and go back outside.
"That was close, it's not easy trying to be quick in heals and a gown by the way." I say, he chuckles.
"Sorry, I'll formally come see you tomorrow. It's good to see you. I'll meet you at the castle front gates tomorrow at 11?" He says, kissing my hand.
I nod and he jumps down onto the tree and down to the ground waving goodbye. I walk back into my room closing the balcony doors. I sit on my bed and think about what just happened. Suddenly I get a painful headache, it kind of just happened out of no where. I try to suppress it and hope it goes away while I retire to my sleeping robes.
I walk down the hall to Charlie's room. He was sitting at his desk with a hand in his red locks. He was drinking a big glass of water.
"Everything alright?" I ask, he looks a little off.
"I'm ok, just a bad headache." He replies, I stop immediately.
"A headache, like no other. That what's happening to me." I explain. He looks up confused.
I shrug, then we both go to our mother. We tell her about the headaches. "It's your twinepathy" she says when we get there.
"I'm sorry, our what?" I ask, very confused.
"When you turn 17 and you're a twin, you get twinepathy, it's when you can read each others minds whenever and wherever you want by your command." She explains, almost calmly.
"How long have you know?" Charlie asks.
"When you were babies, a powerful witch came and cursed you. But in my opinion, out of all the curses I'd take this as a win. It's not a bad curse." Mother says.
We ask more questions and try to gain some understanding about this. But I guess now I can read Charlie's mind whenever I want to. Or at least I will on our birthday which is tomorrow.
The next morning, bright and early.
I open my eyes to see the sun shining in through my curtains and Violet standing beside me with some flowers and a candle.
"Happy Birthday!" She says enthusiastically.
"Thanks V, that's sweet" I say as I blow out the candle.
"So, what are your plans today? Hanging out with that hot guy who was in your room last night?" She blurts out.
I shush her quickly, even though no one is around. "How do you know about that? And he wasn't hanging out. He came to tell me that he wants to get to know me and formally meet me today." I explain our meeting.
Violet smiles widely. "Oh my, that's very interesting. He's hot too, nice!" She says.
I roll my eyes. I get out of bed and throw on some casual clothes. I open my door to see my mother standing there with father. They were in between me and Charlie's rooms. Charlie stumbles out at almost the same time as me. Mother and father smiles widely and say happy birthday. We hug and I turn to face Charlie, he does the same.
"Happy birthday Char!" I say, smiling at him.
"Happy Birthday Ro!" He says, we hug.
We have a formal breakfast, which was made for us by our family chef. We exchange gifts and open our parents presents. I go to change once gifts are over, it was nearing 11 and my parents were getting ready to meet Alex. I pick out a pretty purple dress to wear, it was casual yet classy. I pin my hair up with braids and some floral accessories. I put some flattering makeup on and I'm ready. Violet comes in to tell me he's here and compliments my look.
"Mother, Father, I'd like you to meet Alex. He's my new friend." I say.
Mother and father were on their thrones, I chose to stand next to Alex, guards were on him like a hawk. I awaited their reaction.
"Hello Alex, I'm Queen Victoria and this is my husband King Fredrick. It's nice to meet a friend of Robins. She hardly ever brings someone to meet us. Mostly because they are gone before we get the chance." Mother says, making me grow mad.
"Alex, that's a nice name. Are you planning on coming to the party to tonight?" Father asks, making conversation.
Father was always good with making conversation in awkward or wrong moments. He is very protective over mother and I though.
"I was, I'd really like to get to know Robin. I promise no harm will come to her when I'm near. I just want to get to know her. I have no harmful intentions to anyone in the royal family or other." He explains.
Father looks somewhat okay. I take a deep breath. A guard whispers something to father. Probably that his background check had come in. Telling him that Alex is clear.
"Well it was nice to meet you and we'll see you at the party. Are you staying with Robin?" Mother says.
"I was planning on it. Good day your majesties." He says, Bowing. Mother and Father leave the thrown room and I dismiss the guards.
"That went great! I was so scared they wouldn't except you." I say, looking at him.
There's a brief moment when we look at each others eyes, and I felt our faces growing close. I stop while ahead and complain about the nightmare I had recently.
Later in the evening, just before the party.
I was in my room getting ready, I put the gown on and start putting on jewelry. Mother comes in.
"Oh darling you look gorgeous. May I?" She says, she takes the earrings and jewelry and fixes them.
Out of all the memories with my mom, I don't remember her being this involved and kind with me. Maybe because of the guy. My hair was lined up and curled, I actually look like a princess.
The double doors open and the announcer yells. "Introducing, Princess Robin Olivia Maria Sarah Soctora and Prince Charles Alan Fredrick Benjamin Soctora. The people at the party cheer and yell happy birthday. Me and Charlie hold hands and walk down the steps together. He's wearing a tuxedo and it makes him look so formal. When we reach the bottom of the staircase I adjust my crown. I then grab Charlie's hand again and we start dancing. Soon many people are on the dance floor.
I separate from the dancing and go to find some refreshments when I see Alex at a table. He is in a dashing tuxedo and his hair is combed back. He looks up and sees me and I wave.
"Hey Alex, you like the party so far?" I ask.
"Yeah it's really fun, you look amazing. Happy Birthday" he says genuinely.
"Thanks, it doesn't really feel like a birthday." I say, moving my gown to sit next to him.
"Why not, this is an amazing party and you look exquisite." He says, trying to cheer me up.
"It's just that mother and father said happy birthday to me this morning but after that, it became about my new duties and how to act now that I'm almost 18. I just want them to be happy for me and celebrate with me and Charlie instead of being like this." I explain, letting the words fall of my tongue.
He looks into my eyes again and I get a funny feeling in my stomach. "I'm sure they're happy for you, they just want you to be an amazing ruler once it's your turn. They love you." He reassures me.
Without thinking I grab his hand and hold it for a minute. "Thank you Alex, I didn't really mean to unload this on you but thanks for being here. Even though we just met, it feels like we've been friends forever." I say, he squeezes me hand gently.
A week later:
Robin and Alex have spent countless hours together and have grown very close. So close that they are best friends now. They've managed to spend every minute of her free time together. So much so that Robin began to look at him differently.
Tonight is the first ball of the season and our birthday ball and i'm riddled with nerves. My parents are expecting me to find a potential suitor, Alex will be there, and Charlie keeps questioning me. It's a lot to process and i still have a lot to do before tonight.
I was in my room getting dressed for the ball when charlie came in. I was wearing my new gown. It was magenta/purple with sparkles and had two think straps and an elegant flowy skirt.
"Wow, you look great Ro" he said.
"Thanks, come to ask me more questions?" i asked in a condescending tone.
"No, i'm sorry for being so annoying. I just want you happy." he said.
I walk over to give him a hug.
"I can never be truly happy, not with our parents arranging my marriage." i said frowning, "I can never be with him."
Charlie looked slightly shocked. "Him?" he asked.
"It doesn't matter, it can never be. I'm not even sure he feels the same." i say. I turn and walk to look out the window. The gardens were elegant and decorated for the ball.
"Don't think like that, maybe he does." Charlie says.
"Charlie, I said it can't happen, please drop it. I'll see you downstairs." I say, pushing him away.
It was silent, then i heard footsteps and the door. I look over to my other handmaiden, Sasha.
"Are you alright my lady?" she asks.
Sasha has been my best friend ever since she came to the palace. Her father is a chef here too. They're great family friends. Even though we're friends, she still addresses me as a royal.
"I'm alright Sasha, just a bit sad." I say, going to my bed post and leaning against it.
She comes over to me and pulls me into a hug.
"I'm so sorry Ro." she says, calling me by my name for the first time.
I glance at her. "I'll always be here for you. If you need to step out or take a break tonight, let me know." she says.
I hold her hand. "Thank you." i say, a tear rolling.
We hug again. "I'll be waiting outside for you your highness." she says as she curtsied and left.
The ball was about to start and me and Charlie were waiting behind a curtain, not saying anything about earlier.
"THEIR ROYAL MAJESTIES KING FREDRICK AND QUEEN VICTORIA"
Mother and Father make their way out to their thrones and then we were announced.
"AND NOW, THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESS' PRINCE CHARLES AND PRINCESS ROBIN"
We hold hands and i give his a squeeze and smile at him as the curtain parts. We step out to applause and sit in our thrones next to Mother and Father.
Mine was beside mothers and Charlie's beside fathers.
The hall began and the guest began to dance. My eyes searched for Alex. I was surprised he'd been added to the guest list. My mother then leaned slightly toward me.
"I once loved a man who wasn't royal. I was countlessly berated by my parents to marry another royal." she said.
I was shocked to be hearing this but i listened as she went on.
"I didn't listen to them, Robin. I married the man i love. Your father." she said.
"Why are you telling me this?" i asked.
"My parents woulnt have it. I don't want that for you. If you love someone, you should have the right to marry them, royal or not." she said.
I leaned over and gave her a hug, to her surprise.
"Thank you. I love you." I said.
"I know we've been distant as parents, but we should change that. I love you Robin." she said.
I leaned back and we smiled at each other.
Then my eyes landed in him. Alex.
He was dressed in a fancy suit and his hair was slicked back. He landed on my gaze and smiled.
No one was allowed to approach us unless we approached them, but he came over to me. He offered his hand to dance.
"Your Majesty, a dance?" he said.
I never told him the truth about my role in the royal family. Nevertheless, I accepted.
"Yes." i said.
The room was silent. We walked to the middle of the floor and began to dance, soon others joined.
"So, Princess?" he said.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I had to keep it a secret." I explained.
"I get it, it's ok. There's actually something you should know too." he said.
"Consider my interest peaked." i said.
"Well, I never told you how i was put on the guest list." he said. "My real name is Alexander Francis Michael Collenworth, Prince of Sanctira."
I stopped dancing. "What?" I said blankly.
"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you, I had to keep it quiet. I couldn't risk anything, my parents wouldn't dare let me." he said.
I was riddled with confusion and a bit of anger and..love. I looked around and found Sasha, my eyes blurring. I walked quickly towards her, leaving him there.
"My lady! Are you okay?" she asked, noticing my tears and quickened breathing.
She took me through a door to a supply closet. I dropped to my knees on the floor, crying.
I had no idea why I was feeling like this. He was a prince, so we could still be together. Yet I feel hurt and frustrated, for being lied to. And Sanctira is the neighboring kingdom, they've wanted to send canons in our kingdom for years. How would this work?
"Robin!" Violet said as she stepped quickly inside the closet as well.
"What's wrong your highness?" They both said.
"He's a prince. From Sanctira." i said.
They both gasped.
"He said he had to keep it a secret, but he lied to me. And he's from our enemy kingdom. I know i didn't tell him who i was, but he had to know already. What if this is all just a ploy to get into our kingdom and take us all down once and for all." I say in hysterics.
"I'm sure it's not a ploy, you can tell that by the way he looks at you. When you ran over here, he went to go after you but he was crowded by people on the dance floor. Sanctira hasn't strikes in years. He didn't tell you who he was probably because of this. He knew where your mind would go." Violet explained.
I stood up. "Thank you for leveling my mind." I say, hugging her.
They fixed my hair and wiped my tears, which luckily hadn't messed my makeup up.
There was music playing which meant there was a dance happening. I walked out composed and saw Charlie standing right outside.
"Char?" i said.
"What happened? I was you talking to Alex and then you ran over here." he said.
I quickly looked around and saw him looking at us from across the room blocked by guards. Mother and Father approached. The guests continued dancing.
Once they'd reached us I began to explain.
When i was finished, mother gave me a hug.
"I'm sorry Robin. But, Violet is probably right. The way he looks at you, and right now he's trying to fight off the guards to be with you. To me, that doesn't seem like rivalry." She said.
"Your Mother is right dearest." Father said.
I smiled at them.
They walked back to their thrones and Charlie stepped in front of me.
"Just go talk to them. If anything goes wrong, I'll be a few paces behind you." he said.
I smiled and nodded. I kissed his cheek.
"Thank you for being the best twin brother." I say.
He smiled and I began walking over, taking breaths.
I waved the guards to the side and He stepped closer to me.
"Robin. You've got to know, I mean no harm to you or the kingdom. I simply fell in love with a girl. Who happens to be a royal from a neighboring kingdom."
I smiled. "I just didn't get why you lied. I know i didn't tell you who i actually was and I apologize, but you could've told me. I just want to be with you. We haven't known each other for that long, but Alex, I can't stay away from you." I say.
He smiles. He steps forward and we share a kiss. It was magical. We part and I feel the eyes on us.
A year later.
"NOW PRESENTING QUEEN ROBIN CHARLOTTE WINTHROPE AND KING ALEXANDER FRANCIS MICAEL COLLENWORTH"
I held his hand as we stepped out at our wedding celebration ball. Our coronation was just yesterday. We sat in our thrones and shared a kiss as many cheers rang out.
I looked out to see my Mother and Father smiling. Charlie was whistling. And Violet and Sasha was crying with handkerchiefs.
I looked at Alex and saw my happily ever after.