Prince Edward

"Graduates, please stand up and remove your tassels from the right to the left," said our principal as we all smiled.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our graduating class for this year, congratulations, graduates. You did it," said the principal, smiling as our families began to clap.

'I did it, I finally did it, I graduated from CSA like my Father did.' I thought, smiling as I turned to look at Daphne laughing.

"We did it, William!" she exclaimed happily as she hugged me.

"See, I told you everything was going to be fine," I said as she rolled her eyes playfully.

"Well, I am going to find my family," she said happily as I smiled and nodded.

"Me too, see you around?" I said as she nodded.

"See you at the party, Edward," she said, waving her hand and walking away as I raised my eyebrow.

'What party?' I thought as I raised my eyebrow before looking for my family.

I was getting slightly lost in the crowd of many graduates and their families, not to mention the fan girls, as my GrandDad would say.

You see, ever since my Father did Ice dancing and I followed in his footsteps by also doing the sport, I have received attention from many girls.

But it isn't just because of that. My GrandDad says it's also because of our good looks, and he's not lying there.

I mean, William didn't attend this school, and he was very popular with the girls at Ever Realm Academy.

I was about to turn left when I heard a familiar voice. I turned to see Liz waving at me as my whole family approached me.

"Congratulations, darling!" exclaimed Mom as she and Dad hugged me happily.

"We are so proud of you, Edward," said GrandDad as everyone nodded, and I smiled.

"Takes after his Dad," said Dad, smirking proudly as everyone laughed.

"Sure, he does, honey," said Mom, raising her eyebrow at Dad as we chuckled.

"Congratulations, Edward," said Rosalie, smiling as I smiled at her.

"Thanks, sis," I said, smiling as she smiled shyly.

Since she arrived, Liz and I have welcomed her into the family like the rest of the family since she will soon marry William.

I knew William didn't want to admit it, but I knew very well that he was already falling for Rosalie.

If he wasn't, he wouldn't have cared about their argument and wouldn't have asked for my and our cousin's help to make it up to her.

Besides, it gives me a chance to finally tease my brother. Since I know it makes Rosalie a bit uncomfortable; I try to tease them when only he's there.

However, I make no promises, and occasionally, I tease both of them; it's just too funny to see them blush.

"Why don't we return home before we get squished by fangirls?" Granddad said, grinning as we nodded.

"I agree. I don't need more of my friends saying how much they like my brother," said Liz as I chuckled.

"Besides, there's a surprise waiting for you, Edward," said Mom as I raised my eyebrow before chuckling.

"You didn't listen to me, did you, Mom?" I asked as she shook her head.

"Of course not, darling," said Mom happily as Dad chuckled.

"And she may not if it involves something to celebrate you guys," he said as Mom playfully hit him.

"Hey! They are my babies, after all," she said happily as I shook my head.

"Another of my babies graduated, which calls for celebration," she said excitedly as we walked towards the carriage.

During the whole carriage ride back, I told them about how Daphne was freaking out while they didn't believe me since she did a fantastic job on her speech.

However, I did notice that Rosalie seemed a bit zoned out, so I took the opportunity to look at William and give him a look.

He looked at her and then back at me before nodding. I didn't know her story entirely, but I did know she suffered a lot and needed us.

"So, what now, Edward, are you going to get married to?" asked Liz as I chuckled and shook my head.

"No, I'm thinking about doing some exploring," I said as they nodded.

"Around the kingdom? Or all around?" asked Mom as I smiled at her.

"All around," I said, smiling as Mom seemed slightly upset.

I knew very well that she didn't like the idea of me leaving to explore because she worries a lot about us, but that's what I want to do.

"Do you have an idea when you're going to leave?" asked Dad as I thought momentarily.

"I'm thinking about leaving in a few weeks," I said as they nodded.

"Any idea where you might go first?" asked Mom as I nodded.

"Either Wei Lin or Corinthia," I said as they smiled.

"Why there?" asked Liz as I smiled, looking at GrandDad, and he nodded.

"Both those kingdoms have many legends that are terrific to have an adventure," said GrandDad as William and Dad nodded.

"That is true; Corinthia is known for its Greek legends," said Dad as I nodded.

"Might try there first, then," I said as they nodded.

Once we arrived, we walked out of the carriage, and I was about to look behind me when Liz took my hand and turned me forward.

'What is she up to?' I thought as she smiled at me.

"It's party time!" Exclaimed Liz, excited as I couldn't help but shake my head.

"You seem more excited than the graduate, Liz," said Dad, chuckling as Mom nodded.

"Yes, Darling, it looks like you're the one who graduated," Mom added as we all chuckled, and she smiled.

"One day," she said, smiling as we nodded, and Izzie came out smiling.

"Everything is all set," said Izzie, walking out, and we smiled at her.

"Come and see the ballroom," said Mom excitedly as we all headed towards the ballroom.

"Even though I said no?" I asked, chuckling as we walked towards the ballroom.

Once we arrived outside the doors, my parents pushed the doors to reveal the ballroom, which was decorated beautifully.

I was about to say something when suddenly my whole family jumped from the side, scaring and catching me off guard.

"Surprise! Congratulations, Edward!" Exclaimed my whole family as my eyes widened, and I smiled and shook my head.

"You're all here?" I said happily as they nodded.

"Of course, we're here," said my GrandDad Roland, smiling.

"We wouldn't miss it for the world," said GrandMum as I smiled, turning to Liz smiling.

"I guess you do know how to plan," I said, smiling as she nodded happily.

"She gets that from her Aunt," said a familiar voice as I turned smiling.

"Of course she does, Aunt Amber," I said as she smiled happily.

"Thank you all so much for coming, and as Liz said, it's party time!" I said as we all cheered, and the party began.

Slowly, my friends and other family members began to appear to celebrate with me; I was about to move when I heard a familiar voice making me turn.

"Daphne, you came," I said, giving her as she smiled at me.

"Of course, I came. Did you think I would miss this day?" she asked as I raised my eyebrow at her.

"You knew, didn't you?" I asked as she smiled and shook her head.

"Liz told me a while ago and made me promise not to say anything," she said, smiling as I shook my head.

"That's why you said you'll see me later," I said as she nodded.

"Although I think I might be late since most of your friends seemed to have left by now," she said as I chuckled slightly.

"Not really, since it's usually just family and very close friends," I said as she nodded.

"Is that her?" she asked as I turned to look at Rosalie talking to Liz before nodding.

"Yes," I said as she nodded.

"So, rumors are true. Your brother is getting married," She said as I nodded.

"What about you?" she asked as I frowned, confused.

"What about me?" I asked her, confused as she smiled.

"Are you betrothed to anyone yet?" she asked as I shook my head.

"No, and I don't think I will," I said as she looked confused.

"Why?" she asked, surprised as I shrugged.

"Don't really like arranged marriages, unless they are necessary," I said as she nodded.

"I believe in finding love on your own, not by being set up, just like my parents," I said as she thought for a moment.

"I think you mean my parents because weren't your parents married because of an arranged marriage?" she asked as I smiled.

Her parents met at my Mom's birthday ball, and since then, it was game over for them.

They were always each other's partner at every ball they met until Prince Nicolas decided to ask for Princess Clio's hand.

"True, but my parents met and fell for each other at a young age, and that was founded in their youth. They already loved each other by the time they were betrothed to each other," I said as she nodded.

I was about to say something when Liz came to Daphne and me. She was greeting us before going to the restroom.

This was lucky for Daphne because she had to use the restroom as well. They both left, leaving me unaccompanied.

I was about to take a seat when something caught my eye, making me laugh.

I turned to look at William being smothered with our cousins, and I couldn't help but chuckle because it was the girls and not the boys.

I walked to him before stopping to see Rosalie sitting down, looking at him confusedly, trying to figure out something before she crossed her arms and raised her eyebrow.

'Oh no,' I thought, chuckling as I looked over at William, who was looking at me as I rolled my eyes to where Rosalie was. He nodded, and I smiled.

'Oh yeah! It was surprise time," I said, smiling. I nodded and left to tell our cousin Edmond to give the order.

"Alright, I will give it," said Edmond as I smiled.

"Good, because I think he's going to need it," I said as he looked at me confused.

"Why do you say that?" he asked as I gestured for him to look at Rosalie and then at William with our cousins as he looked confused.

"I don't get it," he said as I smiled.

"Rosalie doesn't know those are our cousins, and I think she might be getting a bit jealous," I said, chuckling as he smiled and shook his head.

"William is trying to get himself killed, isn't he?" he said, smirking as I nodded.

"Always," I said as we chuckled and went to prepare for the surprise.

Princess Rosalie

"Great party, right?" said Liz as I giggled and nodded at her.

"Terrific," I said as she smiled.

"I'll be right back," She said as I nodded.

"Gives me a chance to sit and get some water," I said as she nodded and left as I went to take a seat.

As I sat, I couldn't help but think about what had happened earlier during the graduation ceremony—all the stares and talk.

The more time I spend with them, the more I see that they really are a big and strong family, which could be why they are so successful.

'Could that be one of the reasons why my Father sold me to them? That doesn't sound like him.' I thought, looking around as I saw William and Edward laughing.

Since the first day I arrived, Edward and Elizabeth have quickly accepted me into the family, and I didn't understand why at first until now.

Now, I know that Edward did it for one reason: the teasing. According to Liz, this has been happening since they were young.

Every chance he gets, he tries to make William and I feel slightly awkward; however, that doesn't always happen.

Slowly, his friends started arriving, and I couldn't help but feel the same sensation as when we were at his ceremony.

Flashback

While returning to the carriage, I couldn't help but notice the stares I kept getting, which made me feel slightly uncomfortable.

It was then that William took hold of my forearm and smiled at me as we walked, making me feel better until I heard a whisper.

"That's her," said a voice.

"Who even is she? I have never heard of her," said another voice.

"How did she get so lucky to be with William? Just look at her," said another voice as my eyes widened.

I had every right to feel strange when they were talking about me and William. All these girls were upset that I was his fiancée.

"Maybe not. Look, she doesn't have a ring," said a voice, and I couldn't help but feel slightly upset.

End of Flashback

I couldn't help but wonder if they were right. I mean, I didn't have a ring on; William hasn't given me one yet, and at first, I didn't think much of it until now.

'Could it be that he was having second thoughts?' I thought, a bit worried, as I shook my head.

I couldn't help but think that the stares could have also been because my Father wasn't there.

Since I was William's fiancée, there was nothing wrong with showing up; it would mean I was supporting him and his family.

I also celebrate the good things, but many could say it doesn't look right since I have no ring yet and my Father isn't here.

They haven't officially announced our engagement yet, although I know many are already suspecting it.

It is odd and even scary to have people talking about me; I know Liz would say to ignore them since it's just gossip.

However, they're right about certain things that I cannot deny. Sometimes, I wish this wasn't a big deal.

I took a deep breath and looked up to see William surrounded by many girls; I couldn't help but raise my eyebrow.

I was a bit confused. Why was he surrounded by so many girls? How did he know them? Most importantly, why wasn't I there with him?

Part of me wanted to get up and walk over to him, but I couldn't; something told me there was an explanation.

'But then again, he hasn't given me anything; could they be a replacement?' I thought as I looked at them smiling and bit my lip, upset.

'Rose, you have to get up. You have to go and see what this is,' I said to myself as I stood up, took a deep breath, and walked towards them.

As I got closer, I grew more nervous and was about to give up when William saw me and smiled, almost gesturing for me to go to them.

'Here goes nothing.' I thought as I stopped before him as one of the girls blocked us from standing close to each other.

"Glad you're here. Ladies, this is Rosalie, my fiancée," he said as all the girls looked at me smiling.

"Rosalie, these are all my cousins," he said, smiling slightly as my eyes widened.

'Cousins?' I thought as they all smiled and waved at me.

"Well, hello, Rosalie. I am Charlotte, the oldest," said the one with long, beautiful black hair and blue eyes.

"Nice to meet you, Rosalie. I am Athena, Charlotte's twin," she said as I smiled; they did look a lot alike, but what separated them was their eye color.

"I am, Laylah," said one with blonde hair and amber-colored eyes.

"I am Arianna, the youngest one," said the one with black hair and green eyes.

"That would be me, cousin," said Liz as she appeared back, smiling with another girl with long blonde hair, slightly tan skin, and blue eyes.

"I see you met all the cousins already," said Liz as I nodded.

"Have you met the boys yet?" added Liz. I shook my head and looked at William, smiling.

"She will soon," he said as I frowned, confused.

"Oh, this is Princess Daphne or Corinthia. She is a close friend of ours, and she graduated this afternoon with Edward," said Liz as I smiled.

"Nice to meet you," I said as she smiled.

"Likewise," she said, smiling.

"So, you're the one who was finally able to capture my little cousin's heart?" asked Charlotte as I raised my eyebrow.

"I'm not the littlest one, Charlotte," said William, crossing his arm and raising his eyebrow as she giggled.

"You'll always be the youngest one in our group, Willy," she said, trying to brush his hair as he moved his head to avoid it.

"Nice try, cousin. That worked when I was five; it's not going to work now," he said, smirking as she rolled her eyes.

"It's all ready to go," said Liz, smiling. I noticed the girls smiling, and William nodded.

"Rosalie, come with me," He said as I looked confused but nodded.

"It was nice meeting you all," I told them as we walked away.

Part of me was relieved to find out those were his cousins. Then again, why did it take him so long to introduce me to them? Is he ashamed of me?

I wanted to ask him, but I couldn't, especially after seeing where we were going. We reached the end of the hall, arriving at the doors of the castle.

"William, what are we?" I asked, but he cut me off.

"Trust me," he said as he handed me my winter coat as he put his own.

"Wear it. It's pretty cold, and snow should be coming anytime soon at night," he said as I nodded and put on my coat. We walked out of the castle.

Once we were outside, I noticed all the carriages in front as we turned and made our way to the stables.

'Where are we going?' I thought as we continued to walk.

Once we arrived at the stables, I noticed two young men standing outside the stable doors looking identical.

"These are my cousins, Alexander and Adrian; they're Arianna's older brothers," he said as I nodded.

"It's a pleasure," I said as they smiled.

"The pleasure is ours, Rosalie," said one of them as I smiled, and they opened the door.

As soon as the doors opened, I couldn't believe my eyes. Was I dreaming? Or was what I was seeing real?

In front of me stood another young man with blonde and brown eyes. He was standing next to a horse grooming it; however, it wasn't just any horse; it was mine.

"It's..." I started, but I couldn't finish. Tears began to form in my eyes as I looked over at William, happy as I smiled.

"I told you I would make it up to you," he said, smiling as I hugged him quickly without realizing it.

I didn't know what came over me, but I felt the urge to hug him after he had brought me back my horse, Lily.

"Thank you," I said, pulling away and smiling as a tear fell, and he wiped it away with his thumb.

"Go to her," he said as I smiled and raced towards my horse; she looked excited once she saw me as I hugged her.

"Hi, girl, did you miss me?" I asked her, pulling away and petting her.

"I think she did; she's a fine horse," said the young man as I smiled at him.

"Thank you," I said, smiling.

"I am Edmond, William's older cousin," he said as I smiled.

"After Charlotte and Athena, he's Laylah's brother," said William as he walked happily, crowing his arms.

"How did you?" I asked, turning to face William smiling.

"I gave the order to have her brought here," he said as I frowned, confused.

"My Father didn't protest?" I asked as he shook his head.

"He's out of town and doesn't know, but she belongs to you, not him. So, I had the order to bring her here, and my cousins helped," he said as I looked at them, and they smiled.

"She will live here from now on, and you will be able to ride her anytime you want to," he said as I smiled.

"She will be taken care of well here because, as Liz said, we love horses. We come from a family who flies with horses," he said as I giggled and nodded.

"Thank you so much; this really means a lot to me," I said happily as William handed me a letter.

"This is also for you; it's from Celeste," he said, handing me an envelope as I smiled.

"My nanny?" I asked as I took the letter and immediately recognized her handwriting.

I looked at William and felt warm and bubbly, something strange I hadn't felt before.

I smiled at him and was about to say something when, suddenly, there was a loud explosion, and we lost our balance as we tried to remain standing.

Alexander and Adrian closed the doors as some of the horses got spooked and were getting slightly out of control, and so was Lily.

I tried to calm her as they calmed the rest of the horses before we left the stables to see what had happened.

We saw the whole family at the castle doors, looking alerted at what had happened as we made our way towards them.

As soon as we arrived by their side, there was another explosion. Turning to the left, we saw trees and items flying beyond the castle wall.

"It's a bomb attack!" yelled Hugo.

"It's happening at the border!" exclaimed Garrick.

"Get the men ready!" yelled William as my eyes widened.

"On it, brother!" yelled Edward.

"Dad, you and Roland stay here with the rest," said Hugo as Garrick and Roland nodded.

"We're coming with you!" said Alexander and Adrian as they nodded.

"Right behind you boys," said a man with blonde hair who I think might be their Father.

"Me too, brother," said King Axel and the king of Corinthia as Hugo nodded, and I turned over to William as he looked at me before smiling.

"Edmond will stay here with you. Lock yourselves all in a room and be safe. We'll be back," he said as I nodded.

Within seconds, horses arrived for all of them as they hopped on and headed for the kingdom's border.

"Come on, let's take cover inside," said the former king of Enchancia as everyone nodded and headed back inside.

"Let's go to the star auditorium; it's high enough in case of anything," said Sofia, and we all nodded and followed her.

As we passed by many staff, Sofia informed them what was happening and encouraged them not to panic but to stay in their rooms until everything was cleared.

Once we arrived, I couldn't believe how beautiful it looked. Not only could we see the stars from up here, but we could also see what was happening at the border.

From up here, you can see the fire explosions clearly. Most of us stood still, just watching the border.

"Kids, why don't you go sit or lie on one of the beds we have here?" Sofia said as the girls nodded and headed over.

As soon as they were out of sight, I noticed Sofia pulling a rope to reveal a big telescope as she looked within it.

"How bad is it?" asked Garrick as she shook her head.

"You can barely tell," she said, slightly worried.

"Why don't we sit down for a moment, darling?" said a woman with brown hair; it must be her Mother.

"Mom's right, Sofia. Let's sit," said a young lady with blonde hair and amber eyes.

'Why does she seem so familiar?' I thought before smiling.

'She's Edmond and Laylah's Mom," I thought as I looked over to Liz.

"All we can do is wait," said Edmond's Mom.

"And not worry," said a young lady with black hair and green eyes who also seemed familiar.

"My aunt Amber and Vivian are right; why don't we sit, Rose?" asked Liz as I looked at Daphne as she nodded, and we took a seat.

I couldn't help it, but I was getting a bit impatient. I didn't know any answers, and I was just seeing and hearing the explosions.

I wanted to hug William so much at this moment and never let him go. 'What? What's wrong with me?' I thought as I took deep breaths.

"Don't worry, Rose. They'll be fine—he always is," she said as I smiled and nodded.

"I hope so," I said, smiling as she nodded.

"Why don't you tell me something to take your mind off it?" said Liz as I smiled slightly.

"I could read to you the letter my nanny sent me?" I asked as she smiled and nodded.

"Only if you want," she said as I nodded, taking out the letter and reading to her.

Dear Rose,

How are you, my darling? I hope you are doing well and behaving wherever you are now. I miss you so dearly, but I am happy to know that you are taken care of.

You're in excellent hands with William and his family. I haven't forgotten about you, my darling. I promise you that. I just didn't want to send them and have your Father read or destroy them.

However, since William came for Lilly, I took the liberty of writing you this letter to tell you that I miss you every single day and continue to love you any minute, my darling.

But also, he is a good man, so don't let your past stop you from being happy with someone who loves you because he doesn't just do this for anyone.

Trust him; he's a good one. As soon as I get the opportunity, I will send you another letter. Take care, my darling.

I love you, Celeste.

As I finished reading the letter, I couldn't help but smile at what I read. She had only known him for a few minutes and already liked him. Most importantly, she said to trust him.

"She is right, you know. William does feel something for you. The proof is what he did for you. He brought you back your joy, Lily," she said, smiling as I raised my eyebrow.

"You knew?" I asked as she smiled and nodded.

"Of course, I knew I was the main help," she said, smiling proudly as I giggled and looked up at another explosion's sound.

'Please, be alright please, I can't...I can't lose you too.' I thought as I looked at the borders of Whelsire.

"I wonder who could be attacking?" asked Daphne as we all shrugged.

I didn't know why at that moment, but I stood up and walked over to the telescope as Liz and Daphne followed me.

I took a deep breath before looking myself into the telescope as I gasped when I saw a familiar flag.

"What is it?" Asked Liz, worried as I heard footsteps of people approaching.

"I...I think I know the enemy's flag," I said as I continued to look through the telescope.

"Who is it, Rosalie?" asked Garrick, worried.

"Give me a second to refocus it," I said, adjusting the telescope for a better view.

Then I smiled as I confirmed my suspicion and saw a blue and yellow flag with a purple dragon.

"It's Aragon," I said, pulling away from the telescope and looking at everyone confused.

"What?" exclaimed everyone as I pushed the telescope to Sofia; she looked for a second before pulling away and nodding.

"She's right, It's Aragon," she said, upset, as everyone looked surprised.

"Why are they attacking? They have no issues with any of us," said Sofia's sister as Sofia sighed and shook her head.

"King Lyvot and lady Malorie think that Whelsire might have something to do with Duke Ben's disappearance," said Garrick as everyone's eyes widened.

"What?" they all exclaimed.

"Why?" asked Vivian.

"How?" asked Daphne, confused as Sofia shrugged.

"We have no idea; we've never had deals with them. I don't know where they could have gotten that idea," Sofia said as they thought.

"I sent a letter to Lucinda since she and Malorie are cousins, but I haven't heard anything yet," said Sofia.

"I guess that Lucinda hasn't been able to reach her cousin yet," said the queen of Corinthia.

"Whelsire is strong; they will be defeated, Mom," said Liz as she nodded.

"I know that sweetheart, but still, I wish she had talked to me instead of doing this," said Sofia as we all nodded.

'Something wasn't adding up,' I thought as I watched the explosions.

Why would they think Whelsire had anything to do with this if they never had any deals?

My Father talked more with King Lyvot and Duke Ben, and I don't remember him ever mentioning anything about Whelsire.

'This is very odd indeed, and I hope it's not what I am thinking because if it is, I may be in danger.' I thought, looking at the explosions.