The heart of Valtoria

Stranger

I was just lying on my bed, waiting for my class to begin. As a home-school student, I don't attend regular school and classes because my parents won't allow me to enroll in any universities. They're concerned that people might find out about me and do something unnecessary. Besides, it's not yet the right time for me to be exposed to the public as a duchess.

At 16, I'm a curious young lady, especially about things outside the palace. I wonder what it's like to walk down the street without being recognized, to make friends without them knowing my royal status, and to experience life without the burden of royal responsibilities. However, I'm not ignorant of the world beyond these walls. My parents allow me to visit the city, but I must use a different name and disguise myself.

Inside the palace, I'm Remi Akira Nalani Clio, or Duchess Ran, but outside, I'm Saskia Marlowe, just an average individual. It somehow felt liberating to shed my royal identity and blend in with the crowd. I can walk, talk, and laugh without anyone bowing or curtsying. It's a feeling I cherish deeply.

Even when I'm allowed to go out, my parents have one condition: I must have a bodyguard. They're concerned about my safety, and I understand their worries. Little do they know, however, that I'm aware of the other agents they've hired to watch over me without my consent. Though I understand their concern, I still long for freedom to do as I please without being watched.

"Duchess," my personal maid called, knocking on the door.

"Come in," I said after fixing myself.

"Your teacher has arrived duchess," she said, bowing her head.

I've told her many times not to bow, as I believe it's me who should show gratitude and respect, not just because of her age, but also her hard work in keeping the palace clean and comfortable. I really respect all of them for that.

Imagine living in a palace with no one but your parents, who are always busy with their royal duties.

The guards, maids, and other workers here are like family to me. I enjoy talking and bonding with them, and I don't want them to think of me as superior. I want them to know that I value and appreciate their hard work.

If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have learned valuable skills like cleaning and cooking local dishes. They make this home safe and comfortable, and I admire their hard work. Sometimes, I sneak into the kitchen to help with meal prep or assist with cleaning. It's my way of showing appreciation and feeling connected to the people who make this palace a home.

"Good morning, Duchess," my home-school teacher said as I entered the study room.

"Good morning, Miss," I replied, smiling.

We began our lesson on the history of the Valtorian Ataee Realm. I love my classes, and I'm close with my teachers, who are trustworthy and keep my identity secret. Even when I run into them in the city, they sense that I'm in disguise and don't show any royal deference.

"Miss, may I buy the book you're reading? I'd like to study it further," I asked politely.

"No need, Duchess. It's my pleasure to give it to you," she replied, handing me the book.

I insisted on buying it, but she refused, so I thanked her and accepted her gift.

After she left, I put the book on my shelf and ran to my parents' study room.

"Mom, Dad!" I exclaimed excitedly.

"Looks like your class is over," my mom said, laughing.

"Yes, so can I go out now?" I asked, making puppy eyes at my dad, the king.

"Fine," he said, smiling.

I hugged them both, thanking them.

"You're the best!" I said, kissing their cheeks before running to my room to change.

I quickly changed into casual clothes and put on a disguise, excited to explore the city. As Saskia Marlowe, I felt free and anonymous, ready to take on the day without the burden of royal responsibilities.

As I walked out of the palace, I felt a thrill of excitement. I loved being able to blend in with the crowd and experience life as a normal person. My bodyguard, dressed in casual clothes, followed me at a distance, always keeping a watchful eye.

I made my way to the city market, where I could smell the delicious aromas of street food and fresh produce. I wandered through the stalls, taking in the sights and sounds, and chatting with the vendors.

As I tasted some local delicacies, I noticed a group of street performers gathered around a large crowd. I pushed my way to the front, fascinated by the acrobats and musicians.

Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see a handsome young man, with piercing blue eyes and a charming smile.

"Hi," he said, holding out his hand.

"I'm Max. I couldn't help but notice you're enjoying the show," he continued.

My bodyguards noticed that Max approach me, but I signaled them not to come over and that I was fine.

I took his hand, feeling a spark of electricity.

"I'm Saskia," I replied, smiling. "And yes, I love street performances."

We chatted for a while, laughing and joking, as the performers continued to entertain the crowd. I felt carefree and happy, like I'd known Max forever.

But as the afternoon wore on, I knew I had to leave. My parents would be worried if I didn't return on time.

"It was great meeting you, Max," I said, reluctantly saying goodbye.

"Likewise, Saskia," he replied, his eyes sparkling with interest.

"Maybe I'll see you around?"

I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest.

"Maybe," I said, turning to leave.

As I walked away, I couldn't help but wonder if I'd ever see Max again.

While walking back to the palace, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I'd just met someone special. Max was charming, witty, and had a spark in his eyes that made me feel alive.

My bodyguard, who had been discreetly following me, caught up to me as I approached the palace gates.

"Did you have a good time, your highness?" he asked, his expression neutral.

I nodded, smiling.

"Yes, guard, I did. Thanks for keeping an eye on me,"

He nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

"Anytime, Duchess," he said before bowing to me.

As I entered the palace, I couldn't help but feel a little wistful. I wished I could be just Saskia, without the burden of royal responsibilities. I wished I could see Max again, without the fear of being recognized.

But for now, I have to put those thoughts aside. I had duties to attend to, and a life to lead as Duchess Ran (short for Remi Akira Nalani).

I made my way to my room, lost in thought. As I changed into my royal attire, I couldn't shake off the feeling that my life was about to change in ways I couldn't imagine

.

Just then, my nanny (personal maid) knocked on the door.

"Duchess, your parents request your presence at dinner,"

I nodded, taking a deep breath. Time to put on my royal mask and play the part of Duchess Ran.

The next day, I went out again, but little did I know this day would be different from all the others.

After meeting Max yesterday, I suddenly thought of escaping from my bodyguards today to look for him. I don't know why, but I felt like I'd learn a lot from him, a normal Valtorian citizen living a regular life with regular food, things to do, and everything. Even after years of going in and out of the palace, I hadn't really talked to anyone like I did with Max yesterday, and it felt good. I felt like I had a friend my age, aside from my cousins, and he seemed trustworthy.

"Take care, Princess," Dad said before I stepped out of the palace.

Just a few minutes' drive, and we were already in the city.

"Guard, go find yourself something you want. I'll just look for a book here," I said to my head bodyguard, but he just smiled.

Why didn't they want to buy something? I was getting frustrated.

I went inside the bookstore and roamed around while looking at them, but it seemed like they didn't really have a plan to go anywhere. I could also sense the other agents that Dad had put on me.

A few moments later, I saw them finally getting busy, so I grabbed the opportunity to run. Unfortunately, one of them saw me, and they started chasing me.

I was laughing while running because this felt actually hilarious. Things won't really get old, especially the best ones. While running, I was caught off guard when someone pulled me inside an abandoned and dark building. I suddenly felt scared because what if this person was a bad guy? What if he'd hurt me?

I could feel my hands trembling.

"It's okay, you're safe now. I won't hurt you," he said in a low, gentle voice.

Who is he?

I felt relieved hearing those words from him.

"Why are they chasing you?" he asked while hugging me and caressing my head down to my back.

"T-they are actually my bodyguards; I am trying to escape," I explained.

I felt him freeze for a bit before releasing me, and I could feel him staring at me like I was a big joke.

"AHAHAHAHAHA!" he suddenly laughed, which made me frown.

I couldn't see his face clearly because it was so dark in there, but I was sure that he was taller than me.

"I thought some bad goons were chasing after you. Turns out they're your bodyguard, silly young lady," he said in the middle of his laughs, which made it even funnier.

'I am actually the bad one trying to escape them,' I said to myself, which made me laugh too.

"By the way, I am…" he said, still chuckling.

He stopped talking when my phone rang. I looked at it and saw Kaius's name on the screen.

"Yes?" I answered.

"Where are you? We're coming to visit you, and we saw your bodyguards in the city. You ran away from them again," he said, sounding like an older brother scolding me.

"I'll be back nowwww," I excitedly said, not minding what he said.

I hung up the call and looked at the guy in front of me.

"I have to go, bye!" I said before running out of the building and heading back to the palace.

I laughed when I saw all my bodyguards standing outside the palace, looking so bothered. It seemed like Kaius had told them that I'd be heading home already, so they gathered there.

"Duchess!" the head bodyguard exclaimed when he saw me before running towards me.

"Guard!" I said, as if I had done nothing wrong.

"Are you okay? Aren't you hurt? Did something happen to you?" he asked while the others bowed their heads beside me.

"Yes guard, I am fine. I am sorry for running away," I apologized while showing them a peace sign.

"I am relieved that you're fine and not hurt anywhere. We thought we would be beheaded by the king and queen," he worriedly said, which made me feel bad.

They could have lost their jobs because of what I did, just like what happened before.

"I am so sorry, Guard; I won't do it again," I said before entering the palace.

I then saw my cousins sitting in the living room, doing their own thing while eating some snacks.

"Where have you been?" Kaius asked, noticing me first.

"City," I answered, but he wasn't satisfied with that and glared at me.

I told them about Max and the guy in the building.

"Be extra careful, Remi," Kaius said. "Not all the people in the city are what you think they are,"

"Yeah, I know, because some are bad, like you!" I said before running off, which made them all laugh because he was trying to catch me.

Kaius still chased after me, laughing.

"Hey, that's not fair! I'm just trying to protect you," he shouted.

I ran into the garden, dodging flowers and trees. My cousins followed, teasing and joking.

Finally, I stopped and turned around, grinning.

"You can't catch me!" I playfully said.

Kaius pretended to be angry, but his eyes sparkled with amusement.

"This isn't over, Remi,"

I laughed and ran back to the palace, feeling carefree and happy.

As I entered the palace, I saw my parents waiting for me in the living room.

"Remi, we need to talk," Mom said, her expression serious.

I felt a twinge of worry. Had they found out about my escape?

But then Dad spoke up. "We've received an invitation from the King of Aerthys to discuss some matters, so we won't be home for days. That's why your cousins are here to accompany you, okay?"

I didn't even have a choice, even if I were to ask them not to go or to let me come along. There were still some matters they weren't telling me about, especially when it came to the problems the empire was facing. But I knew that, sooner or later, they would trust me.

"Okay, Daddy. Take care," I said before hugging and giving them kisses as they left.