The Modern Princess

CHAPTER THREE

I furiously packed all my things, this is what I want—to be alone; I used to stay alone in my condominium so I can think clearly. After we have roam around this country, I don’t think I want to go out again, unless for shopping of course, most women love that. I still can’t believe that I am marrying a prince; well, it’s not only a prince, he is actually the prince of my dreams…but that was before. I have no feelings of attraction with him—not as of the moment, and not planning to. Jeanne was known to be a sporty, intelligent, hot bachelor but I am not sure if we will fall in love. Let’s be realistic, we are nothing but two strangers; our probability of meeting one another is one over the population of the world.

I unpacked my things when I inside my hotel room but I wasn’t allowed to carry them, four security men are with me, plus the two who were carrying my bag. It is surely a five star hotel. The room is very different from what I’ve expected; it’s a penthouse. It has three rooms, with its own bathroom, another bathroom near the living room, and its own kitchen. It has a patio where you can see the rest of the country. Mine was the master’s. It has a lover’s tub in it, full of unlighted candles and filled with water with petals. Seriously, am I going on a honeymoon on my own? I shake my head, what an odd and nonsense joke.

When I was about to leave, Duchess Marie told me that Ava will be my assistant from now on; therefore, she shall always be beside me and I am uncomfortable being with her, not because I find her intimidating or unlikeable, it’s just that I am always alone. Well, aside whenever I’m in the office, but, I don’t see anything wrong with her and I don’t see having a difficulty being with her.

I spend the rest of the night staring at my laptop, trying to keep myself busy. I admit it, I am workaholic; I do not like doing nothing, it stresses me much not doing anything. I try to search for different articles about business then I shifted to current events in the Philippines then I looked for the laws of Lexumbia, but now I’m getting bored in doing this so I shut down my laptop and watch television instead.

I looked over the clock to see what time it is; it’s eight o’clock. Gosh! It’s late! I wasn’t able to even turn off the television, I never knew that I was already sleeping and I didn’t woke up by myself. Surprised, a phone call woke me up and it was a private number, it belongs to one of them surely. I cleared my throat before hitting the answer button.

“H—Hello, Kathy here” I said, my voice still husky sounding really like I just woke up.

“Kathy, this is Jeanne” his voice was plain but…seductive. No! That’s not what I meant! Okay I will admit it I find his voice hot and sexy.

“Yes, why?” the fact that I have just woken up still cannot be denied by my voice.

“We will fetch you after an hour; we have to do our first public appearance today” he sounds calm.

“An hour?” my eyes grow wider, I was surprised by what he said; an hour is not enough for me to prepare. Why did he gave me a very short notice?

“You need a longer time then? Just call me when you are done.”

“H…ow?” I utter. I never encountered anyone who has a private number.

“I’ll send you my number” Did I asked an odd question? It seems like he is smiling as he say that.

I get up from bed and rushed into the bathroom and took the fastest bathe I can. As I wash my body I am already thinking of the dress that I will wear. I want to wear a red dress which I bought yesterday. I will wear my white pearl earrings and necklace with it, together with my killer black pumps. I wish I can walk and not stumble with them later, I know they’re really high but Jeanne is tall, he’s still taller though I wear them.

It is exactly an hour when I finished dressing up. I went out from my room and I searched for him around the living room; Ava told me he’s here, no need to call him though he sent me his unknown number; he was sitting on the beige lounge, reading newspaper, legs crossed and he looks so calm. He’s wearing pants, pink polo with a coat, he has no ties and two buttons are open, he looks so hot…I mean neat and manly. I walk towards him with straight body and walked with confidence.

“Let’s go” I smiled wide at him.

He looked at me, his face says nothing. I do not know if he liked what I wear or not. “You haven’t eaten your breakfast” Is that a statement or a question? Oh. Either way he looks intimidating. It was like I have done a great sin.

“I—I’m fine. I can manage” I stammered. It’s been long since I’ve been intimidated by someone.

“Let’s eat first” He pulled down his feet, left the newspaper and stand like he will take another step.

“But we will be late” I argued. I think he hates me. I bowed my head and looked away from him.

“Ava, prepare our breakfast we will eat” he commanded; sounding bossy and uptight then he looked at me, his beautiful eyes staring at mine.

“I’m not angry with you. I don’t hate you because you are late, I just don’t want the fact that you’d rather go without eating than ask me to wait for a little longer for you to eat” His voice was calm but with strictness, he sounds domineering.

“Jeanne, I am professional; I hate the fact that someone’s waiting for me, I know how precious time is”

“So you will rather put your health at risk?” he raised his eyebrow at me, his hands on his waist.

“I’ve been doing this even before. I can manage Jeanne, please. I’m sorry” f**k! Is he really not angry? And in the first place why does he have to be angry?

“Kathy, now that you will be my wife I don’t want you to do that, ever again. Let them all wait for you, but never put your health at risk. It is something that you must give importance.”

I nodded. Not all man can intimidate me, but this prince can. I do not know how but they way he acts affect me.

“This conversation is over, let’s now eat” and he hold my hand and we walk going to the dining table. I don’t feel comfortable at all. He didn’t let go of my hand, not until we reach the dining table, then he grab the chair assisting me to sit. He seated right beside me and put two pancakes on my plate, pours an orange juice on my glass then he once in a while glances at me.

“Penny for thoughts?” he asked trying to sound friendly.

“The food is good” I smiled.

“I’m sorry. I think I had intimidated you”

“I’ll be lying if I say no. Yes you did, but it’s my fault”. I take a bite of my pancake.

“So are you ready to be a public figure?” he asked I swallowed the pancake before talking. Who can be ready in the first place?

“No, but I have to be ready.”

“You don’t mind if I’ll be sweet on you later?”

“Of course I don’t. Jeanne, do whatever it takes for them to believe that we are totally in love. I totally accept all the terms and agreement” I smirked.

“That sounds funny” he said. Now we are fine, maybe he’s not really angry at all. I smiled at him as I take another slice of pancake.

“Finish up your food and we’ll go”

----------

Taylor opened the door and Jeanne went out of the car, he gave a hand on me and helped me to go out. The moment I went down I’ve seen paparazzo around. Okay let’s get it on; everybody’s eyes are on us. He didn’t remove his hands on mine. We walk going to the mall and he occasionally kisses my hair. I try to walk with confidence as if I’ve been a public figure for long, actually it was Sophia, my best friend, who taught me how to walk with confidence; she was a freelance model way back in college.

“Are you fine? Your hand feels cold” he whispered on my ear.

“A little nervous I guess” I whispered back. A lot nervous actually

“You look stunning, don’t be nervous” and I felt the heat on my face. s**t! I blushed on the most unexpected time of the day. Why does my body sometimes betray me?

Walking around with paparazzo all around me is hell. None of them asked any question but they keep on capturing photos of us. That’s weird. I thought they’ll go around and question us? We get inside three boutiques where two was all about me shopping for dresses. I said I didn’t like any of them but in fact I really did and I love most of them. Maybe I’ll just go to another country and buy them I just don’t want him to spend his money on me. On our third boutique it was a boutique mainly for him, he just bought white tees then we go. Next stop: Ralph Lauren.

Actually the whole time we’ve been walking, we don’t talk that much. He just ask in which countries have I been, if it was my first time to visit his country and yes. It is my first time.

We were just a few steps away from Ralph Lauren when my right leg ached. f*****g cramps! Why does it have to be now? I was almost falling down. Luckily, Jeanne was handling my arm and he looked at me with curiosity of what is happening.

“My right leg… cramps”

“Move away” Jeanne said then he leaped me into his arms and brought me to the nearest chaise longue he can see. He removed his coat to cover up my legs so that they will not see my underwear then removed my shoes and straightens my legs, he then pushed my foot pointing to my direction then pulled it slowly, and then he pushed it again. The pain was suddenly gone after several times of repeating.

I sighed hard. My strength was gone; the ache that the cramps brought me really hurts. He sat beside me, our hands almost touching then he looked at me, eye to eye.

“I feel better” I murmur.

“We better go home” he said.

“No” I hold his chest and I but removed it right away. “This is not a big deal. Besides, we haven’t bought you something”

“I’ll just ask Taylor to buy me one”

“I can manage”

“No we’re going” he said then he stands up but before he can I hold on his wrist and he looked back at me.

“I.said.I.am.fine” I said; my eyes grow bigger as I said this slowly, emphasizing every word.

“Are you persuading me Miss Kathy?” he smirked.

“If that’s how you call it. Yes, I am Prince Jeanne.” He stood up then offered his hand to me.

“Then you win, give me your hand” And I do as he say, then he put his hand on my waist, I am now leaning on his chest.

“You aren’t comfortable?” he whispered.

“I am a career woman, I don’t do public display of affection thing” I murmured back.

“There’s surely no way we will meet aside from this written agreement” he smirked.

“I guess you never see yourself marrying a career woman”

“Excuse me sir, Tasha’s over the phone, she wants to talk with you two.” Taylor gave us the headphone and gave the phone to Jeanne.

“We’re now over the phone, what do you need Tasha?” he said.

“I just want to tell you guys that the most efficient proof to convince them that you are in a relationship is a kiss…on the lips of course”

“What the hell Tasha” he sounds so irritated, so angry, his eyes are blaring. It’s my first time to see him like this, his eyes says it all.

“I’m just telling the truth Jeanne, that’s a concrete proof. Don’t you remember? And they sealed it with a kiss” she said romantically.

“I get it Tasha” I said. I know what she’s trying to say. I have to please these people and if that’s the way then I am willing to do this.

“I’ll call you later Tasha, we are not yet over” Jeanne said and he hung up the phone.

He gave the phone to Taylor and he still looks pissed off. It’s like Tasha intended to tell it to us since Jeanne will certainly not do it. I believe he’s also having a hard time in our arrangement. Who wouldn’t in the first place? We have to convince the whole world that we are together. We continued to walk, his hands still on my waist and there was silence as we walk.

I look away from him and move away from his hands; he then grabbed my hand “I understand if you don’t want to continue this Jeanne. I know you’re having a hard time”

He grabbed my waist again our body almost hugging. I didn’t dare to move away. I don’t want to give them an impression that we were fighting.

“Sorry, I forgot that there are medias around” I murmur, our face are so near each other. His nose is perfect and his lips…

“I am not having a hard time Kathy. I just don’t want you to think that I’m taking advantage of you because of this arrangement. I’m taking one step at a time and don’t mind them” he murmured and kissed my hair the feeling was different that I have to close my eyes. When I had a chance to recover I remove my hands off his chess.

“I understand but my point is I’m not numb” I said now I’m arguing again.

“We’ll have more time knowing each other Kathy. This is just our first date together, before pleasing other people we have to first please ourselves, we need to know each other’s wants and needs” then I nod and smile. He explains so well, even in the videos where I’ve seen him, he’s a great speaker really furthermore he’s very cool and a gentlemen-type I guess, he’s unlucky to have me.

We continued to walk until we reached the Ralph Lauren’s boutique. We roam around and look for a dress that will suit him. Jeanne is actually good in carrying different dresses; everything seems to fit with him; in my opinion, it is because of his broad shoulders, the great built of his body and his height.

“You like me to try that?” He asked. I wasn’t aware that I was staring at the blue striped polo for a long time. I must have been thinking too much. I shook my head in response and returned the polo back to the rack.

“I’ll try it” Jeanne said and get the polo back then he goes to the fitting room. I know that will suit him but I’d rather say no if he asks if he looks good with it. He shall buy what he wants. I continued to roam around the boutique to find something to buy for my brother, yes even though we kept on fighting we make sure to buy something for one another whenever we go out of the country. A polo shirt will be great for him but too bad I haven’t found any that will suit him.

“You look great with that sir” A woman exclaimed and I look towards her; Jeanne was on her side. She’s in late twenties, a tall blonde woman with blue eyes, she’s surely into Jeanne. He smiled at her then he put on a navy blue coat and left the two buttons open.

“I’ll get this” he told the woman who’s staring at him for long. I know he mesmerize people but looking that long is a bit creepy. He goes back to the fitting room and the woman walk towards the counter with a smile on her face. She looked at me and gave me a shy smile. I didn’t expect that he’ll not ask me, I’ve went out with some of my exes, my father and my brother to buy some clothes and all of them ask me if they look great. He’s the only one who didn’t; I find that weird.

After removing the clothes he walk towards the counter and paid for what he bought. I was sitting on the couch, checking if someone had sent me a message. I received one from Lisa, telling me that Mrs. Daniels wants to meet with me once I touchdown Manila, and I told her to set an appointment as soon as I arrive home.

“Let’s go” he’s looking at me and giving me a smile. Taylor was holding what Jeanne bought. He offered me his hand, assisting me to get up from the couch then he holds me on my waist, again; he never let go of me after I had cramps. We walked again about four boutiques away from Ralph Lauren and went inside a five star restaurant in Ritz-Carlton.

Being inside Ritz-Carlton wasn’t new for me. Richard sends me in different conventions in different countries and he makes sure to give the best to his employees and seriously, he treats me like his own daughter and he don’t understand why I do not want to manage our company the way the kids doesn’t want to manage his company too. What I do not know about Ritz-Carlton is that they do have a secluded section for the elite of the elites. The ambiance here is dazzling, ever dine in a place with a literal golden spoon? It is really impressive for a first date. The place is neither full nor empty, most are couple while some are a family, a happy family. Everybody was moving finely, no signs of clumsiness and everybody looks classy.

Newspapers were my breakfast. I have seen lots of them and unsurprisingly I was on the cover; different newspapers with different covers, one was when I stumbled, the other was I was leaning at Jeanne; the other was when we were eating in the restaurant. I have read some articles and surprisingly they’d known that I am a lawyer, they’d known our business and some more information about me. One which captured my attention the most was a tabloid one with a heading saying that “Will she be another waity Katie?” Come on, she’s a great woman, they are in love, I know we have the same name but I am nothing to be compared with her; She’s way more than I am. She really deserves to be a duchess; and their love story? That was perfect, something that I really admire.

“Kathy, duchess in on the line”

“Hello auntie” that was the most modest and charming greeting I can give.

“Kathy. Have you seen the newspapers?”

“Yes auntie. I’m looking at them right now” that’s the most modest and charming response I can give.

“There will be more of that honey, you have to be strong. People will surely criticize you”

“I know how hard it is honey, I’ve been through that”

“Did you get used to it auntie?” I sighed. I wanted this right?

“I can say, I get used to it because of my love for Henri and he helped me”

“Uncle is lucky to have you auntie” I’ve researched their love story. Duke Henri’s mom doesn’t like her, which makes things complicated. A royal is for a royal, a commoner for a commoner, another thing that made it harder.

“And I know Jeanne is lucky to have you too” I shake my head. No way. He’s never lucky to have me.

“I’m sorry auntie”

“Why honey?” Sorry if I’m messing up with Jeanne’s life.

“For stumbling yesterday”

“Just be yourself honey. I will surely look after you, I will help you.”

“Thank you auntie”

“Well I have to go now. Enjoy roaming around the city honey”

After we talk, I decided to go out to buy something for my employees; I want to give them something for them to remember me, yeah, I know that it seems like this wedding will really push through. I do not know. I just want to go out and do something than to bore myself inside that gigantic hotel room. Jeanne was out of the country and he’s be back on my seventh day of stay here, meaning, he’ll be back on the day I have to go back to my country.

I have seen so many paparazzi are waiting for me to go out; once I stepped out of the hotel they started capturing pictures of me. Some of them were asking questions but as the duchess said, I have no obligation to answer, besides I am just going to a store nearby; I told Ava that I’d rather prefer to have a walk than to go inside the car. I will be having a hard time buying stuffs if I’ll be in a car. The paparazzo are all around me, I can’t even see where I am walking, Ava and the other guards are all around me; if I just know this will be this hard then I should have bought my employees something before having our first public appearance.

Not too far away from where I was walking, I saw an old man holding a rose. He looks like a simple man; he’s not so tall, has a brown eyes. He’s wearing a cap, a denim jacket, white t-shirt and beige pants. When I was getting near him he walks toward my direction. I heard a beep on my phone and have seen I received a message from Lisa. When I looked at the direction where the old man was standing, he was not there anymore. I looked around to find where he is, and I found him lying on the floor. s**t! These paparazzi will even hurt people just to capture my every move! I pushed all of them away and rushed to the old man.

Damn it! Is he fine? I saw him still lying on the floor. I feel the anger inside me. Damn this people! They can kill anyone for the sake of money! And these paparazzi are still capturing photos.

“How can you still take pictures in such situation?! I can’t believe you can harm anyone for those photos! Can’t you see that this man was hurt?” I am really f*****g angry at them. How dare them?!

“Are you fine grandpa?” I asked not minding paparazzi around, still taking photos of us. I have seen that his right arm have scratches, still not moving from the floor.

“I’m fine princess. I just want to give you a flower” he said and I reached for it, but before I can thank him I rather thought of what happened to him.

“Move away! Ava let’s take him to the nearest hospital NOW” And the f*****g press did not stop taking photos. The security guards shoo away the media people, Ava and I helped the old man to stand and assist him until we reach the car that was all the time following us without me noticing. I am still uneasy when we are in the car, I do not know damage did it brought him.

“Don’t worry about me” the old man hissed.

“No sir, I’ll take you to the hospital. You cannot get up when they pushed you. I’m sorry this is my fault.”

“No princess. Don’t blame yourself” and that give shiver all over my body. Princess. That’s what my grandfather used to call me when he was still alive, my princess.

“No, I know it is, I’m sorry”

When we reached the hospital, there were no signs of paparazzi around, the old man was transferred to a stretcher and the nurses assisted him until he reached the emergency room. Minutes had passed, and the doctor hasn’t gone out of the emergency room. I was walking and walking around, I can’t manage to stay at a place.

“Kathy” Jeanne said he was still catching his breath.

“Jeanne” I mutter and I walked towards him, he holds me on the waist assisting me as we sit on the chair nearby.

“How are you?” he asked sitting beside me his breathing is not yet at ease. I look down on my knees, I can’t look straight to him after what I have done.

“I’m fine. I… am sorry. I don’t plan to…”

“Kathy, I know what happened. Ava told me, it is not your fault. I don’t blame you for doing that. What you did was right.”

“I know it was right, but the way I did it… It was wrong. I’m sorry”

He put my head on his shoulder. “Kathy, always remember this. Don’t change yourself for what they want to see, instead let them see what you want to be” I know it’s too late for regret what I have done but I have no time to be careful with my words any longer.

“Why are you here?”

“Ava called me and I flew back immediately”

“I’m sorry…”

“Shh…It’s fine”

“I have seen my grandfather in the person of the old man” I mutter. I did not move a single inch.

“He’s almost at the same age I believe, I don’t know if they really are of the same age. I am soft-hearted when it comes to old men. I love my grandpa so much; he is the best, that’s why I’ve been reckless and careless with the words I said”

I am sometimes too emotional, especially when it comes to my grandfather. He’s my inspiration, my knight in shining armor and even though he’s gone, I know he’s always leading me to the right path.

“I know he’s proud of you and what you did. Don’t regret that”

When I heard that the ER’s door opened, I removed my head on Jeanne’s shoulder, his hand still on my waist and we walk towards the doctor meeting him at the middle.

“Ed how was he?” Jeanne asked, I was surprised that he knows him. Ed seemed to be at his late twenties, dark-copper hair, oval shaped face and cleft chin. He’s a little bit smaller than Jeanne about an inch or two.

“He has bruises and scratches on his right hand up to his elbow, he’s still lucky that it there were no dislocated joints in his arm.” And I sighed hard, thanking the Lord that nothing worse happened to him.

“Can we come in?” I asked.

“Yes, you can” Ed said and he gave me a warm smile.

“He’s my grade school buddy” he said, answering my unspoken question.

We entered in the emergency room, Jeanne was right beside me and we were followed by the security people. I sighed hard before we get in.

“Don’t worry Kathy” he said, and he tightened his arms on me, giving me comfort.

“Princess Kathy, Prince Jeanne, I’m sorry for bring trouble in your name” old man said, he sounds sorry for the since that I’ve done.

“Don’t be sorry” Jeanne said.

“How do you feel?” I asked. The anxiousness in my voice cannot be hidden.

“I’m fine, these are just slight scratches, I was really there to give you the flower and to ask for your signature for my granddaughter, but I lost it”

“The flower is still with me grandpa and don’t worry, I can still give you the signature” I smiled.

“What is your name by the way?”

“I am Simon”

“Call me Kathy please and Jeanne”

“It is very nice to meet you in person.”

“We have called your granddaughter to ask her to go here so that she can personally see Kathy, she’ll be here in a bit” Jeanne said.

“Thank you sir”

“Call me Jeanne” he smiled and Simon gave him a pleasing nod.

“Grandpa” a little girl said, she’s crying, she’s crying because of me. Yes. This is my fault.

“Penelope” he said. She’s a redhead beautiful kid, holding a teddy bear on the side.

“How are you grandpa?”

“Don’t worry little girl, grandpa’s fine, look who’s here Pen, its Princess Kathy”

“Hi Penelope, don’t worry grandpa will be fine” I said then I wiped out the tears on her face.

“Princess Kathy” and suddenly her mood changed, she smiled at me like she didn’t cry at all.

“Don’t worry honey, grandpa needs rest and after sometime his wounds will heal”

“Can I hug you Princess?” she asked. Seriously, I do not want to be called as a princess, but when it is her who’s saying that, it sounds fine.

“Yes but only if you will kiss me and if you will let me take a picture with you and with your grandpa” I said and she gave me a wide big smile, she’s a pretty young lady, I bent down so that she can hug me then I offered my cheek so that she can kiss me then I hugged her again, she made me feel better after this very nerve-racking day. Ava was holding over my camera, and she took a photo of Penelope and I.

“Please take a photo of us please?” I said. “You mind?” I look at Jeanne, well I did not really intend to include him, not because I don’t want to, but I’m a little shy when I’m with him, but of course you know, everyone around us know that we are together.

“Of course not” he walked towards my side and he carried Penelope, we were all beside Simon. I fixed the dress Penelope wears so she’ll be comfortable in Jeanne’s arms, we were like one big happy family, just like how I portray myself someday, not with a prince, not with a CEO, not with a lawyer but with the man I love but that did not happen exactly the way I portrayed it.

“Okay, one, two, three smile” Ava said, the camera she’s using is mine, the one I was using when I stumbled and fall on Jeanne when we met the first time.

Jeanne released Penelope and I walk towards Ava to look at the photos, after sometime I saw Jeanne right beside me, also looking at our photos. We looked at the photos together, one was when my head was resting on Jeanne’s shoulder, the other was when Penelope came in, the other was when Penelope hugged and kissed me and the other one was when I was fixing her dress. I didn’t know that Jeanne was looking at me when I was doing that and I didn’t know that I was smiling, we were really like a family. I shut the camera off, feeling awkward after I have seen that knowing that he has seen it too.

“Ava can you look for a paper and pen please? I will just give this lovely lady a little remembrance” I smiled at Ava; I was just really doing an escape route for the awkwardness I felt.

“Here Madame” she said as she get a paper and pen from her pocket.

“Here Penelope” I bend down to give her the paper with a little note saying “Be a good girl Penelope, grandpa loves you so much, take care of him when you grow old I know he loves you so much. Love Kathy” and I attached my signature in it.

Her eyes grew wider, full of excitement and happiness as she read the letter I wrote “Thank you Princess Kathy” and she hugged me and I hugged her back.

“Promise me to be a good girl okay?”

“Yes, I will Princess” then there was a knock on the door.

“Excuse me” Ed said.

“Come in Ed” Jeanne said.

“Simon, how do you feel?” Ed asked, looking straightly at Simon.

“I’m good, just light scratches on my arm, when can I go out of the hospital?”

“Actually you can go now but Jeanne asked for further examinations just to make sure that you are totally fine”

“The examinations are enough I think and I have cause Prince Jeanne and Princess Kathy lots of trouble today”

“No. We want you to stay here until the night Simon, so that you can rest well and don’t worry about the bill and your medications, everything’s settled already” Jeanne said. Is he a Psychology student? How did he know that I want Simon to stay at the hospital at a longer time?

“Prince Jeanne you don’t have to do that and I will be fine at home”

“Please accept it Simon, we just want to make sure” I said. “And call us by our names please” I added.

“Thank you so much Kathy and Jeanne”

Today’s my flight going back to my hometown. I packed all my things and everything I bought for everyone in the Philippines. I did not pack up the dresses bought by Jeanne, I asked Ava to keep them so that I can use something when I go back here; that’s more of an alibi, I do not feel at ease about this pricey things; that’ll be another story if I bought that by myself. Plus, I am not sure if I will come back. After what happened, different feedbacks were given by the people. Some of them liked what I did, and most did not; I understand them, we have different opinions and perspectives in life.

All the packing are done. I headed to the Palace so that I can personally express my gratitude to the Royal Family. I called the duchess earlier and told her that I’ll be coming. My flight will be at twelve midnight. It is eight o’clock in my clock; I have an hour to have a conversation with them.

“Lila” I mutter. She’s an old woman and she’s the head of all the servers here, she looks very strict but she’s a soft-hearted woman.

“Miss Kathy, the Duke, the Duchess and Prince Jeanne are all waiting for you at the living room” Here we are again.

“Thank you” I smiled and followed her going to the living room. I have seen the three of them sitting and talking about something which I didn’t heard what it was about.

“Miss Kathy has arrived your highness” Lila bowed her head and they looked at them, when I entered in the living room where the portraits of Jeanne’s grandfather and grandmother are in, she closed the door of the living room after I walked in. Duke Henri was beside the Duchess on the lounge while Jeanne was sitting adjacent to them.

“Good evening” I said, I don’t want to utter the aunt and uncle term.

“Kathy have a seat beside please” Duchess Marie said, she gave me a warm smile pointed beside Jeanne. I have no choice but to do so. He smiled at me and kiss me on the forehead, who knows? Maybe this will be the last time that I’ll see him.

I take a deep breath then go straight to the point. “Duke, Duchess, Prince Jeanne, first I want to thank you, for your accommodation, you made my stay here in Lexumbia memorable. You’ve given me a lot, much more than what I need actually, and I felt your heart-warming welcome from the time we’ve stayed here in Lexumbia.” I paused, and took another deep breath.

“I also want to apologize for the trouble I brought, my sincere apologies”

“Kathy, we have talked about this” Jeanne butted in.

“You just showed your real self Kathy, we don’t really mind that” Duchess Elizabeth added.

“But I know I still brought shame in your name. Besides I’ll feel uneasy if I will not apologize for that especially to you Jeanne” I hold his hands, I want him to feel my sincerity that I really regret what happened.

I removed my hands afterwards, I felt anxious about the next thing I will say but I know I have to tell this. “I don’t mind if you don’t want to continue the wedding…after all I’ve been here…to meet you and for you to know how I am, I know the papers for my background check is not sufficient to describe myself and my attitude. I fully understand if you will change your mind. I know this wedding is hard for Jeanne and I think he deserves someone better” I fake a smile.

In the short time that we’ve been together I can see that he is a very good man with a good personality, I don’t deserve someone like him. I know he will never be happy with me.

“I never regret my decision. This marriage will still get through” Jeanne’s eyes shows austerity as he looks at me. I don’t know if I have offended him or something.

“Don’t be affected by what people around you say. People will always judge you, whether you are a royal or not you have to stay strong, this is just the beginning Kathy” Duke Henri said, he does not always talk but when he does, he talks sensibly.

“I’m sorry” I mumble. “I enjoyed being here with you, I never thought a royal family will be this kind and loving and cares with sincerity.”

It’s because you deserve it, you and your family” The duchess walked towards me and offered her hands to me; I stood up and hug her back.

“Thank you so much auntie” I murmur. That was the first time I felt comfortable uttering that word. I wish I can be like her.

“I look forward to see you after two weeks my daughter” and I felt a shiver on my spine. I’ve never seen that coming. She foregoes her arms over me; Duke Henri then stand up and also hugged me.

“Take care Kathy” he said

“I will” I replied and after that it was Jeanne who was waiting beside his father. Jeanne was looking at me; he kissed my cheek, and then hugged me tight. That gave me goose bumps all over my body.

“Don’t apologize all the time. You are always blaming yourself, you are more than what you think you are. I’ll see you in two weeks.” his words are well constructed, it’s like no other words will fit for that. I let go of him, I have to so that I’ll not fall for him. I never wanted to fall in love with any man, not again.