My Secret Life

The allies

I was still sleeping when someone knocked at my door. I opened it and saw Lane standing looking at me like when we were kids.

"I told you to get ready, Elise. We'll be leaving for your school." He said a bit annoyed that I'm still not ready.

"Lane can we not do it today? I'm still tired and I want more sleep" I said looking at him with puppy eyes.

"Fine! but tomorrow we will surely go and no more excuses!" he said as he sigh disappointedly. I don't care as long as I get to sleep. I went back in bed and Stephan was sleeping soundly. He looked so handsome and I blush as I remember how sweet and gentle he was with me last night trying to put me to sleep but we both ended up staying up late enjoying the comfort of each other. Sensing that I was back Stephan wrapped his arms around me and kissed my cheeks.

"You're not going?" he asked with his eyes still closed. His morning voice sound really sexy and it makes me blush everytime I hear it. "Yeah, I asked Lane if we can just go tomorrow and he agreed" I said smiling at him as I kissed his cheeks as well.

"Okay, let's sleep again" Stephan said hugging me even tighter as we both fell asleep again.

But before all this happened let me take you back to our life a year ago when everything was a mess.

A year ago...

I was wandering around the garden today It seemed like a fine day, better than those that had passed. There are no single complaints from the villagers nor guests from other faraway kingdoms. My father, the King seems quiet and has stayed in the library for quite some time now. I wonder what's going on inside his head, now that mother is gone. I felt sorry for him but there's nothing any of us could do. She grew weaker and weaker everyday. I miss her, I feel so lonely and miserable and everyone around me looks at me with pity in their eyes.

"My lady" our butler Mr.Bernon bowed before me.

"What is it? is my father okay?" I asked.

"Yes, there's nothing to worry about. His highness seemed calm and composed." he said.

"Then what is it?" I looked at him curiously waiting for his response.

"There are guests, my Lady and the King sent me to tell you that you have to look your best at dinner. The maids are here to assist you, and you must go at once" he said, voice shaking and he tried to avoid my eyes as much as he could.

I can't understand. What is it this time and why is Mr. Bernon acting this way. I kept all my questions locked up in my head and did as I was told, I don't want to cause any more trouble for my father.

"My Lady, here's what the King instructed us to clothe you." they brought out a lovely light pink gown with rose embroidery all over it.

The maids helped me get ready for dinner and instead of my usual everyday tiara, they made me wear the tiara that symbolizes my position, the heir to the throne. It was a gold tiara and has details like tree branches that symbolize the sycamore tree. Our kingdom was named after its greatest protector, the sycamore trees that have surrounded our home for centuries and served as a thick wall that separates us from the world. Our kingdom thrives thanks to the sycamore trees.

"We will leave for now, My Lady. Mr. Bernon should be here in a while." they bowed before leaving my room.

I wish mother could see me right now. If only there was a way to cure her. If only I was able to find a way to cure her illness. I hope she's happy with my brother Prince Lane, who also left us. His death remains a question for us. How did it happen and where is his body buried. He was supposed to be crowned as king but he went out on a battle and was never able to return. I still wonder up till now if he's still out there, hiding, living somewhere safe and happy. I heard a knock and I know it's time to go. Mr. Bernon escorted me to the dining room and I was announced before entering.

"The Crown Princess, Elise Leonor Artois." everyone bowed as I walked towards the table and my father then stood up and arranged my chair for me.

"Thank you father, it was lovely to see you" I said giving my father a warm hug. He returned to his chair and everyone fell silent. There were many people whom I've never seen before.

"A pleasant evening everyone. I know that this is a sudden reunion and an unexpected celebration of our kingdom joining together. The day has come where promises should be fulfilled between our kingdoms, this will mark the day that we will repay our ancestors. Prince Stephan Grey heir to the throne from the great and good Kingdom of Ark will fulfill his kingdom's will to strengthen the ally with our kingdom. Tonight we celebrate his engagement to my daughter my heir to the throne Princess Elise." Everyone clapped and cheered while I remained shocked when I was seated. Prince Stephan looks really handsome with his blue tantalizing eyes and his black hair. His body was huge I mean he's tall with great body shaped to perfection.

Engagement? to... to a prince whom I've never known. What's going on? Why is my father doing this? Is he joking? All those questions I couldn't ask my father remained in my head and kept hunting me. The dinner went on smoothly, well at least for them. I never really understood what their meeting was all about because I kept thinking of what father had announced earlier. Before I knew it I was able to excuse myself saying I already feel tired and wish to leave in which my father didn't really mind.

I went up my room and as shocked as I am with my father's announcement my room changed. I was arranged differently and some of my stuffs where gone and had been replaced with something new and not to my liking. I quickly find Mr. Bernon to seek for answers on what was going on.

"Mr. Benon, what has happened to my bedroom?" I asked.

"My Lady, apologies for all these. It was instructed by your father to make necessary changes as Prince Stephan would be accompanying you from now on." he said with a worried expression.

"I can't believe this. Mr. Bernon what's going on with my father? Why is everything so sudden?" I asked frustrated about all the matters today.

"I can't really tell, My lady. It's better to talk to your father about it. If you may excuse me" He bowed and disappeared from my bedroom.

"Greetings, My Princess" prince Stephan entered as soon as Mr. Bernon left. He bowed and kissed my hand.

"Prince Stephan, as much as I am honored to be in your presence, I don't really know you. One more thing, do you about all this set up? Us being engaged and you staying here?" I looked at him intensely trying to show him how I annoyed I am.

"Apologies, Princess. I, too was surprised." He replied not showing any expression at all. I can tell that I won't get along with this guy. How do I get rid of him when I'm about to marry him.

"I know you're not comfortable. You don't have to hide it. You don't like this set up and neither do I." he said while staring blankly at the window.

"I didn't mean to be like this. It's just that, a lot has been going in since my mother passed away and this was the least I expected to happen." I replied feeling guilty about how I acted. I'm not the only one stucked in this mess, we both are.

"It's okay, I understand. I wasn't surprised tho. I knew this day would come since the death of you brother, Prince Lane." He said looking at me.

"You know him?" I asked

"Of course, we've been together in many battles and has mentioned you couple of times. I wasn't with him tho, when he died" he said lowering his head, maybe because of guilt or sadness they might be close to each other.

"Can I ask a favor?" I said not wanting the conversation about my brother and his passing continue.

"Yes, of course" he replied waiting for what I'm about to ask.

"Can we not sleep in one bed?" I think this is not much to ask. I don't know him and sleeping with him in one room is something beyond what I'm in favor of, there's no way I would sleep in one bed with him no matter how great of a prince he was.

"You don't have to ask for that, I won't sleep beside you. Not until we're married." He said. I didn't say anything more and went to the bathroom to take a quick shower and change clothes to sleep. When I'm done he then went to the bathroom and took a shower. I sat on my bed and read a book and before I knew it I was fast asleep.