"Lily, your breakfast is getting cold!" Ashley said through the door. Its been three days since the dance.

"Okay! Coming!" I yelled, mustering up as much of cheerfulness as I could.

I got dressed, and left the safety of my room. Ashley greeted me with a smile. "Cookies?"

I laughed, "Maybe just a couple." I sat down at the table. The pancakes looked amazing. "Why'd you make so much for breakfast? Its just us."

"Well, I'm dining with a princess, aren't I?" She said, winking at me. "Your Highness."

"I've been picked, haven't I." I said glumly. She nodded.

"You'll do fine!" She reassured me.

"Ash, I think I should drop out of it."

"And let that spoiled dukes daughter get crowned and possible marry the prince, who he doesn't even like? No way!"

"Ash, let's face it, I'm a failure. I failed twice, and I left the dance without telling the prince."

Ashley sighed. "Lil', you are anything but a failure." She smiled to herself, "You can always pray. There's church tonight if you'd like to come."

I agreed, then looked at the food, "Speaking of prayer, let's pray and eat! I gotta get to work, Pumpkin must miss me." Even if I've been there yesterday.

"Great idea!"

We said a small prayer of thanks, and started eating.

♔♔♔

"Have you seen the news!" Sam yelled in my face on our break. I held my hands up.

"Geez Sam, calm down! You know I didn't!"

I guess she didn't feel sick, because she grabbed my hand, and dragged me to the employees lobby. "Hopefully it's still on." She mumbled, quickly turning the TV on.

"I'm Daniel Bennett, and back to the news." There was a short break, until the camera fixed back to the night of the dance three days ago.

"So I'm standing here on Palace grounds, there are approximately 50 girls here, along with a few young men."

I rolled my eyes. "Is this it?" Sam shushed me.

"Keep watching!" I turned back to the TV.

The camera was now inside the ballroom, and was zoomed in on the prince, and what looks like to be me dancing. It showed several other girls dancing with the prince, probably after I left. After this short scene, the reporter came back on, holding a few papers.

"So what we have here are the names of the contestants that made it to the finals. Unfortunally, I only have three names." He flipped one card over. "Third is Andrea Addison. Second is Adriana McAldren. And First is..." he cleared his throat. "Liliana Meadows! Congrats ladies! Liliana will be the princess in training. If she strikes out, Adriana will take her place and so on."

The camera fixed back to the main speaker. "Well there you have it, we haven't had a coronation since the king himself became king! I hope y'all are all excited! Stay tuned Saelia, until next time."

I groaned.

"What do you think?" Sam asked.

"What do I think!?" I looked at her, "I haven't seen the news part of it, but I already knew I'd been picked. Sam, I can't be the next princess!" I haven't told her about Adrianna yet, and what she can possibly do.

"Lil' you got this under control, you look amazing with the prince. Plus he didn't look away from you the whole time, he loves you."

"Arg. Sam, he's a prince, he's done that to plenty of girls! And I don't want to be a part of his love life. More like broken relationships."

She looked at me for a while. Then said, "Lily, If I were you, I would at least attempt to listen to your best friend. He wasn't into any relationships that I dont know of, while you were gone. Ask Max, he has seen him everyday."

There's was silence. The small bell on the wall rang, signaling that our break was over. Sam walked past me.

"Trust me, I know. Give him a chance. Ask him about the girl you saw those three years ago." She walked out the doors, and headed towards the hamsters. I looked around the room. Maybe I should give him time to explain. All I did, was make conclusions.

I grabbed the broom that was in the corner, and started sweeping.

♔♔♔

Max: You will have to go to the castle today.
Me: y
Max: ur the princess-in-training
Me: so
Max: Lil' stop it
Me: k, I stopped
Max: gather at least 2 bags, Mrs. Taylor will help u
Me: whn am I leaving
Max: 2 hrs. A lot of things to do. Ur secretary will tell u everything.
Me: I have a secretary? Kewl!
Max: just pack. Ill b home in a few

I put the phone on my bed, and slouched in my chair. Do I really have to leave to the palace? I heard a knock on my door.

"Can I come in?" Ashley peeked in. I nodded. She came in, and sat on my bed. Her belly already the size of a small watermelon. "You heard the news, right?"

"Yea."

Her hair was up in a ponytail, and her gorgeous green eyes looked at me. I was glad Ash was my sister-in-law.

"Do you want me to help you pack?"

"What about your..." I motioned to her abdomen.

She waved her hand in the air, "Nonsense! I may be pregnant, but that doesn't mean I can't help the future princess!"

I stood up, and headed to my closet, with the little clothes I could take from home. "Ash, it may not even work out. Especially with Adrianna lurking around."

She smiled, "I'll pray for you back home, you do the same. You can always text me."

I laughed, "Will do! I'll need your daily encouragement back at the castle."

Ashley grinned, "You better come visit!"

"If I can, I definitely will! Not a word to mom." I warned.

"Pinky promise."

♔♔♔

"So you got everything, right?" Max asked, when we arrived.

"Check. It'll be alright. Relax." I told him. I've been trying to convince myself the same thing all morning. Max stepped out of his car, and opened my door. I took an exasperated breath and stepped out. Already, reporters were calling out my name. Its amazing how my parents still didn't know about me being the princess-in-training. Dad was probably back on the road, and mom, well, she's not the news type of person. Jamie is the one who watches stuff like PBSkids.

"Just keeping moving, you'll see them everyday from now on." Max said behind me. By his voice, I knew he was worried. I smiled to myself, he was the one who suggested this.

"Welcome, you must be Liliana!" A women in her 20's said. Walking towards us. She was wearing black pants and a black blazer, with a clip board in her hands. Whats up with everyone wearing black?

"Um, yes ma'am, I am. And you are...?" I extended my hand, she put the clip board on her other arm, and shook my hand.

"I'm Karina, and I'll be your superviser from now till the coronation. So we have a lot to do! Lets get going, I'll show you where you'll be staying, then after, I'll give you a small tour, unless you already know your way around." She gave my brother a knowing nod.

"No ma'me, I do not." I normally don't use ma'me's and sir's, but since I'm unfortunally running for princess, might as well.

Karina smiled, "Then, it's all set, please come with me."

♔♔♔

Apparently, my stay was not in the actual palace. Its 5 minutes away from the palace. Long story short, it's in the other building, I think she called it Archdale Fort. Don't let me start on it's history. Overall, it's actually a pretty cool place. I didn't even know the place existed. To make things slightly worse, the royals also sleep here, and I thought they slept at the palace. I guess you learn something new everyday, right?

Anyway, my room was pretty amazing. Walk in closet and a bathroom. I'm guessing this is how richness feel like. My room also had a queen sized bed and a small balcony, it wasn't too far from the ground below us, this was the second floor.

Karina told me that she'll give me some time to myself, and to meet her downstairs at 6. Thats like 4 hours away. When she left, Max gave a big sigh.

"When I told you about the contest, I knew you'd reject the idea. I didn't think you'd actually consider it."

"Lets call it peer pressure." I waved my hands in wonder, like spongebob would do. Blame Jamie.

"I'm serious Lil'. I didn't..." I held my hand up to stop him.

"Stop feeling bad for yourself, it's partially my fault, I don't even know why I got picked, I have no hidden talent." I laughed. "Except maybe an Animal Whisperer."

"Thats still a good talent." He teased, forcing a smile.

"Nah," I waved my hand to dismiss the idea, "that's no talent."

"Maybe, maybe not. But listen, I promise you, mom and dad will find out about this soon enough, so whatever you do, please don't do anything you'll regret."

"I regret high school." I said plainly.

Max tried to keep a serious face, but ended up grinning, "I mean't with the prince. Social media is fast about these things. You probably don't remember seven years ago when Princess Grace got crowned. Its dangerous stuff. You two can be romantic without kissing and dating, I can assure you."

"Wait what?" I asked, fully paying attention now, "Are you talking about me and Art?"

He nodded, "Yea, who else? He's the only prince around here."

"I didn't get any info about the prince being in this!" I tried to keep my voice calm.

"Lily, you're in a palace for crying out loud. This is also part of the contest. Romance is on top of social media, and if they'll have to, they'll make something up."

"But..." now it was his turn to stop me.

"Whatever happened to you two three years ago has been cleared up, and the dance three days ago, I'll keep my eye on Adrianna and Kiaan, if you want me to."

I gulped, "That would be...great." Then I groaned, "Why am I in this stupid contest." I sat on the bed, and let my head fall on the soft mattress.

Max chuckled, "Lily, you'll do wonderful. I'm glad you entered. Now I get to see you everyday." He teased again. I flung one pillow at him.

"Oh stop it."

"I'm not lieing," he laughed, throwing the pillow back at me, "just don't sneak into his room at night."

"Max!" I put the pillow over my face, which made him laugh again at my embarrassment.

"As a big brother, it my job to worry about you." He looked at his watch, "Gotta go, I was supposed to be gone for two hours, its been three."

"Well then go! Its not like you to be late!"

He smiled, before he closed the door, he said, "And it's also my job to embarrass you now and then."

"Not in front of Art you don't!" I called.

"Great! I'll be sure tell him."

Arg. Brothers. God blessed me with an atypical brother. I have two. I wonder what I have to do today. I have about two more hours before I have to go downstairs. Lets go exploring. I looked into the full length mirror at myself, adjusted my hair, and went out the door.

The hallways looked so different when there're empty. It almost looked like a five-star hotel. The carpet was red, there was a few chandeliers here and there. And some display stuff. Picture frames covered some walls. I regocnized a few faces. Like King Arthur IV from our history textbooks, and Queen Isabella from the 18th century. There we're a few recent ones too. Prince Peter who got married to Princess Grace five years ago. I don't remember much of it. Then there was Queen Charlotte with King Robert. There was another picture with Art hugging his dog, I think his name is Prince. Bizzare, right? But I have to admit, this was one casual picture I like from the rest. If I was totally crazy for Prince Artem, I would have said that he looks cute in that picture. He was probably around 16 . I shook my head in annoyance, and walked down to the lobby. Hopefully they'll have a table down there.

When I reached the ground floor, I was a little stunned to see Adriana here. Well, better make the best of this.

I walked to one corner, where I saw a few bean bags, (how cool is that?) and sat down. I stared at the wall. Thankfully, Adriana didn't notice me, but instead was engaged in her conversation on her phone. The latest model, I presume. Don't get me wrong, touch screen and all that is pretty cool, whoever thought of it, but unfortunally, my family is not all that rich to afford an iPhone or something. Yup. Still have one of those granny phones. It'll have to retire soon. At least I can still text from it.

"Lil'! Didn't expect to see you there!"

I snapped out of my thoughts. Turning my head around, I saw Art. He was wearing plain blue jeans, and a white shirt. Going with the casual I see. I took Sam's advise, and decided to loosen up a bit.

Forcing a smile, I said, "Hey!"

He nodded back, "Congrats."

"Um, thanks. Honestly, I don't know what I'm supposed to do."

"Karina should tell you, are you waiting for her?" He asked.

"Not yet, just trying to get away from life on this lonely bean bag."

He laughed, "I see, well there's another place you can go for that, come on, I'll show you." He questured in the direction he came from. I got up and followed.

He led me down the hallway, and through one of the storage rooms, I was surprised to see another door in there, which led to outside, and into the garden. Flowers of all shapes and colors grew here. There was even a few trees, including a wooden swing in the shade.

"This is gorgeous!" I exclaimed.

"Is it working?" he grinned, leaning against a tree branch.

I smirked, "I guess you can say that." I looked at the flowers again. This reminded me of a story I had to read in the fourth grade. The Secret Garden. I walked down the path. Art also followed.

"My grandparents made this place when they first got married. I come here a lot." He laughed.

"Where they the ones that...."

"Car crash....yea."

"Oh, you must miss them, don't you." He looked at me and shrugged.

"Yea, but I was like 9 when they died." He smiled, "I only remember how grandma used to tell amazing stories, and grandpa used to joke around all the time."

"Like you."

He chuckled, "I don't joke around all the time." Yup, same old Art. Wish it was still those three years ago.

"Whats wrong?" He asked.

I notised that I was frowning all of a sudden. I looked at my wrist watch that Max gave me for my 16th birthday.

"Oh geez!" I jumped back, "I have to go!"

"Karina?" He asked. I quickly nodded, searching for the door that we came through. "Unfortunately, the door we used, locks automatically."

I glared at him, "Are you serious?"

"Yup."

I sighed, "Man, first day, and already flunked it."

"Awe don't worry, I have a key."

I shoved him, "And still the same Jerk."

"Hey," he laughed, "you can't push a prince."

I crossed my arms, "And you can't lie to the future princess. Or suffer my untrustworthiness."

I followed him to the door.

"Same old Lil'." He smirked, opened the door. Once we came out of the storage room, he took my hand, and gave me the key. "Here, maybe you'd like to go there again."

"But it's yours." I tried giving it back to him, but he refused.

"I have another one." He winked. "And by the way," he added, before he left, "you'll love Karina. She won't get mad if you're a few minutes late. She's like a big sis to me." He grinned, before turning around and walking away.

♔♔♔

I fell on my bed. Day 1. My first lesson with Karina. I'm tired, exhausted, hurt, and sleepy. I had to learn what is the correct spoon to use, how to hold my cup correctly, how to walk correctly. There was a lot of other things that I would find unnecessary to learn. Thankfully, I have a secretary who has a lot of patience.

I stretched, even my legs are tired, and all I did was walk and sit. I didn't even do any big exercise. Art was right, I didn't get in big trouble, but still got a small lecture about it. Ahem, like the classic: A princess should never be late.

Princess. Whatever is waiting for me tomorrow, better be not as overwhelming. I went to the walk in closet, and changed into PJ pants and a t-shirt, there was no way I'm wearing a gown, like Mrs. Taylor suggested. Turning off the lights, I got into bed. Only when I closed my eyes, did I remember that I forgot to read my Bible today. Opening my eyes again, I turned on my lamp, and took my old Bible from the drawer beside me and started reading Hebrews chapter 12 to 13.

♔♔♔

"Today you need to do a photo shoot, and take a few interviews for the reporters." Karina said, checking her planner. "They've been trying to talk to you for the longest time."

I huffed, "Its amazing what famousness can bring you."

"That is true." She agreed. "But if you do become the princess, you'll be the face of the public."

"What if I don't?" I asked.

"If you don't, you'll go back to your old life I guess. But its my job to make sure you do become the princess. And I'll make that happen."

Unless I drop out first. I thought to myself. Karina cleared her throat, while she led me to the limo, that is to take me to the photo shoot. How cool is that?

"In my 7 years of working at the palace, not one princess-in-training has been disqualified. Even before, Queen Charlottes' coronation was pretty amazing, from what I've heard."

One of the bodyguards opened the limos' doors for us, and we got in. Karina tapped her pen on her clipboard.

"Back to business, Mrs. Talor will provide a new outfit for you there, and, you will also be provided with a bodyguard after we get back to the palace. He is to be with you at all times. And please don't ditch him like Art does." She rubbed her temples, then smiled.

We drove for about 10 more minutes. I couldn't help but ask about Art.
"Does Art have to do anything today?"

Karina nodded, "Though he has a different person to take care of his schedule, he let's me know what he has for the day. Today, I'm pretty sure he has a lesson or two in geometry, then he has a couple interviews."

"You two must be close." I remarked.

She chuckled, "I guess you can say that, I babysat him the moment he could walk, and served as his sixth grade teacher."

I laughed, "Must have been something."

"It was, he was adorable growing up, and still is, but still quite the trouble maker, we're like family, siblings almost."

"I can see that, he told me you were like a big sister to him."

Karina smiled. "Okay, we're here." We drove up to a large building. "Just relax,this shouldn't take too long, the photographer will tell you what to do. Mrs. Taylor is waiting for you inside already."

The limo made a full stop, and the driver opened the door for us.

I straightend my shirt, and followed Karina inside. Just like she said, Mrs. Taylor was already waiting for me.

When she saw us walk in, she got up and walked towards us, "Took you long enough! Come on," she gestured towards her two colleagues who were waiting with a whole rack of clothes. "Sandy, pick something summerish, maybe a summer dress, or blue jeans with a gorgeous green blouse. It'll make her eyes stand out more, and Cassie, I want you to fix her hair, maybe a side braid, add a twist to it, please hurry!" She rushed them, "We don't have all day!" Sandy and Cassie quickly got to work. Karina walked over to the photographer, while I was ushered to a nearby chair.

After twists and endless pain, I was done. Blue jeans, and a green blouse. I guess I still ended up playing dress-up. A loose side braid hung over my shoulder, with a few loose hair strands pulled out, making the whole outlook look, well, light and almost care free.

The photographer gave me a few posing tips, but of course I rejected a couple. The whole photo shoot was finally done. Karina quickly led me to the limo, and we were off to the interviews. Fun. One thing I learned about Karina is that she loves to be ahead of her game.

Walking out of the limo once again, reporters surrounded us like bees in a hive. A few security guards made a path for is to enter the building. Once inside, I was led into a room, and seated. And it's not even lunch time yet.

♔♔♔

The interviews took 3 hours. So we finished around twoish. We headed back to the palace, where I had a mini lesson with Karina. I kinda hoped I would see Art, but then again, somewhere inside of me still didn't trust him. Love sometimes came back to stab you in the back, and I would hate to be that one girl who followed her heart to fall in love with a prince, who was close to a celebrity, only being disqualified, and finding out that he was just playing around with your feelings. Adding a long article of lies to that. I sighed, and followed Karina inside.

"Oh! Almost forgot. Lily? This will be your bodyguard from now on. Do you understand?" She motioned for a tall guy in a navy blue uniform, to come towards us. When he stood in front of us, Karina continued, "This is Zack, and Zack, this is Lily, the young princess-in-training." Zack bowed.

"Nice to meet you princess."

"And you...too." I nodded. Yikes! Better get used to the princess stuff. Even if I might get disqualified.

"He is to make sure you are safe at all times. And that also adds to escorting you to breakfast every morning."

Double great. No privacy. Now I know why Art loves to ditch them. Can't blame him now.

"Alright then, Lily come with me, and Zack please be on guard, this is your chance to make up for your mistake."

I noticed that he seemed a little uncomfortable, but he agreed without a question. My next lesson took place in a small room where I'm supposed to learn how to do needle work. Yep. Boring. Imagine being in a classroom, it's hot, and having to listen to the teacher drone on and on. I can do anything but sowing.

I finally got to my room, obviously Zack followed behind me. I attempted to start a conversation with him, but all I got was: "No, Princess." "Yes I do, Princess." "Can't say, Princess."

My friendliness ended in a large heap on the floor. Literally. Once I came into my room, and was certain that Zack won't follow me inside, I layed down on my bed. Today was something else. I hope it won't be like this everyday.

I wonder....I got up, and headed to my balcony. The sun shone bright in the afternoon. Though it was hot, but I was thankful there was a small breeze. For the first time, I actually looked around. My balcony faced a large field, on my right, there seemed to be a forest and a trail, and on my left, there were two buildings one looked like the royal stables, and another was connected to the palace. A few potted flowers grew on my balcony. Some were red roses, and others were hibiscus. I thought they only grew in Florida or Hawaii.

"Hello, my lady." I looked down, and saw Art mounted on his palmetto horse. I guess learning horse breeds at the age of seven really paid off.

"Hey, I see you're headed somewhere." I attempted a weak smile.

Art chuckled. "Yep, finally got out of the place."

I smirked, "At least you didn't have a photo shoot to do at 8 in the morning."

He laughed, "Might as well get used to it, they'll make you do like two photo shoots a week, and 20 interviews."

"Don't tell me that you do that stuff too." I added.

"Sure, you thought only females dress up all cute? Its not my fault I'm so good looking." He joked.

"Speak for yourself." I laughed.

Art grinned, and looked down to the forest. Then looked up again, shielding the sun from his eyes, "Do you have anything else today?" He asked.

I shrugged, "Not really. Why?" I sensed like it can't be good.

"Come down to the trail with me."

"On a horse or on foot?" Memorizing horse breeds is one thing, but riding is another.

"Horse."

I looked down at the ground, "I don't know how to ride." Art thought for a second, then smiled mischievously.

"I'll teach you, it's pretty easy."

"Oh, says the one you broke his arm on the swing." I remembered the time before we moved. Before I started not to like him. When we were somewhat friends.

"That was ages ago. I can't believe you still remember." He laughed, "Come on, I won't let you fall."

I thought for a second, debating if I should go. "By the way," I said, remembering Zack. "I have a body guard."

His eyes lit up, "Cool!"

"No, not cool, I assume you lost yours again?"

"Nah, I told them I won't go far. How about you just climb over."

"Are you crazy?! Thats not princess-like! I'll get disqualified for sure. And Karina told me not to leave him."

"Then I'll make sure you won't get disqualified, I'll talk to Karina if you get caught."

I sighed, and put one foot over the railing. "If anything happens," I mumbled, "I'm blaming you."

"Relax." He said slowly. Holding his horse steady, as I miraculously slide in behind him. He made sure I didn't fall.

"Would you like your own horse?" He asked over his shoulder.

"Teaching me would be a whole day."

"Then you better hold on. If we stand here any longer, we'll definitely get caught."

"Ha, that's very encouraging. You live here, I don't. They'll probably ship me to Antarctica or even to the zoo."

"Naw, why would they do that to a gorgeous girl like you?"

My cheeks reddened. "Lets get going."

"Hold on."

I wrapped my arms around his waist. And we took off into the trees. Then I remembered what Max told me about the things I shouldn't do. Such as being alone with the prince. On the trail. In the woods. I mentally face palmed myself. How could I be so stupid? I guess he really does has the right to worry about me. If he finds out, I just hope I won't get in trouble. Trees surrounded us, as we went farther into the trail. The horse came to a walk. The birds happily chirped above us.

And soon, we came to a creek. Art got off, and helped me down.

"Follow me," he said, tying his horse to a branch. "There's a waterfall not too far from here."

There's an awful lot of following around here. I just wish either the coronation will be here soon, even if I'm still not sure I want be the princess yet, or I'll get disqualified sooner.

"Didn't get the chance to ask you about your flight here." He asked. Walking over dead tree branches.

"It was fine." I answered. Wow. I couldn't believe it's already been two weeks since we came.

"How was your last three years of high school?"

"Its been fine. I hated the move though." I left out the fact about me throwing away any pictures of him, it was bad. Even if he kinda knows how upset I have been towards him. And the hatred.

"What made you guys move back? I mean, I'm glad you guys did" he glanced back at me, he showed a smile.

"My college, dads job transfer. They still think you're Max's high school friend."

He laughed, "They'll be surprised when you become the princess, won't they."

Yep. And the only reason why he came over was to see me. Max kinda covered any evidence of him being the prince.

"So how old are you?" He asked.

"17. Gonna be 18 soon. I assume you're no older than 18?"

"Yea, 19 in a week."

"Congrats." I said plainly. He nodded. We walked the rest of the way in silence. The small water fall came into view.

"Wow. Its beautiful." I breathed. Moss grew near the waterfall, and the rock glimmered in the sunlight.

"It is." He agreed. We sat down on the dry ground near the waterfall. He looked into my eyes, which made me look away. I sure hoped the reporters aren't here. Maybe this is just a set up.

"What made me become your enemy?" He finally asked.

"Enemy?" I looked up.

"When you moved, you wouldn't talk to me for the longest time. I couldn't even contact you."

"You just move on." I lied.

He took my hand hand. "Tell me."

I sighed, "I just got jealous I guess."

"Of whom?"

"The girl that was with you on your brother's birthday."

He was deep in though, trying to resurface the memory from three years ago. Then he started laughing.

"I can't imagine jealousy from you, Mrs. Impossible."

"I was young then. 14." I looked away, feeling fresh anger all of a sudden.

"Well that girl was actually my cousin, and she's two years older than me. You were the girl I had eyes for. I'm sorry if it looked the way you thought it did." He inched a little closer to me, until I looked up again. "I hope you can forgive me." My heart pounded. And this is where I was to be kissed. Great. No, I promised Max. And I broke it once, and if he kisses me, I've broken my promise twice. I quickly stood up. I also promised that I'll have my first kiss after marriage. This can be an automatic disqualification. He looked confused. Before he could say anything, I heard some one else's voices. I quickly got back down. He was even more confused than ever. I shushed him. Soon, he also heard voices, and nodded, keeping quiet.

"They should be around here." A deep voice said.

"Are you sure you saw them both?" Another voice asked, sounding impatient. Art took my hand, and gestured toward the rocks where they most likely won't see us.

"I took a few snap shots." We heard a few papers russling, then the sound of a camera turning on.

"That doesn't even look like the prince. Its more of a stable boy."

"Well, should I put that in the newspaper for tomorrow? Stable boy falls in love with the princess-in-training."

Their footsteps seemed to come our way. I was more worried about them finding us together than the disqualification. I didn't even notice that Art was still holding my hand until he started rubbing his thumb over my hand. I took my hand away, and glared at him. He shrugged, but continued listening.

"James, get a grip. That was not the young girl and the prince! Those were probably some other young lovers. Now come on." There was a pause, but soon, their footsteps began to walk away. We waited for a few more minutes, and then, also stood up.

"That was close." I said.

"Yep." Art mumbled. I sure hope he wasn't mad. "We gotta get to the castle. Other wise we really will get in trouble."

Yea, like saving our butts from the article that would have made the paper if he kissed me. He'll thank me later.

We quickly jogged to the horse, he helped me up, and then got on himself. The horse ran back to the direction we came from. On top of that, somehow, I managed to get back over the railing and into my room. Relieved, I fell on the bed.

And then my door slammed open. Karina stormed inside.

"Young lady, explain to me your absence?!" She looked pretty angry. I opened my mouth to answer, but she stopped me, "Don't answer that, you better thank me that I didn't call for a search party. And I hope you know where Art is too."

I nodded, "He's back at the stables."

"So you two have been together?" She questioned.

"Yes, but..."

"Lily, this could have costed you your place!"

I hung my head, "I'm sorry."

She looked at me, then her eyes softened a bit, "Its alright, Im just glad you're safe."

I then remembered the two guys we have heard. "Expect to hear an article about the stable boy and the princess-in-training."

Karina sighed. "You two went to the woods, didn't you?"

I nodded.

"Well, I'll leave that to your brother." I looked at her in shock.

"You told him I was gone?!"

"Of course, he's your family member. I think he deserves to hear. Plus I ran into him by accident when I found out about your disappearance."

I looked towards the door, and saw an angry looking Max leaning against the door frame. "You better tell me everything."

I sighed, and let my head fall on my pillow. I think they should have an award for: The princess of disaster. Cause I almost created one.

I know this was a super long chapter, but I hope it was enjoyable! Please excuse my grammar and spelling...I didn't feel like editing it. I know some of you we're disappointed when the kiss didn't happen, but you'll thank me later! I don't know when the next update will be. The next chapter might me shorter than this. Still thinking about. But please leave comments and votes! ❤❤❤ thank you! Have a great day!