"What was the kings name of the last Russian monarch." Karina asked. It's been two days after the incident, and the coronation is getting closer and closer. So Karina decided to do a mini history lesson on monarchy, and kings and queens, and what-not.

"Nicholas the second." I sighed.

"Very good." Karina seemed pleased. "Bonus, what legend originated after they executed the royal family?"

"Anastasia." My head hit the desk. I was bored, and tired.

"Excellent, now you may take a small break. Please don't go into town today. We need to measure you for the dress."

I stood up, "Don't worry, I won't go far. How much time do you give me?"

"Will four hours be enough?" She hinted with a smile.

"Plenty." I need to research about the youngest prince anyway. I made my get-away, and headed for my room. Zack of course, followed, and stood outside my door.

I closed the door, and went to my dresser, where I had my laptop. A present from dad for my 16th birthday.

Sitting on my bed, I started it up, and typed in the search bar, Prince Arran Beaumont. I clicked the first link and read:

Prince Arran grew up in the royal Beaumont family....

I skipped a little ahead.

The only record the media has of his existence was his seventh birthday. After the age of nine, he mysteriously vanished. The royal family refuses to tell us what happened....

So it is true. They did an amazing job if even the media doesn't have the date of his death. I looked at other links, and they too, didn't have any other piece of information. Other than vanished, disappeared, angel. One website even said he got abducted by aliens. Like wow. Probably some second grader wrote that. I sighed, and closed the laptop. Laying down on the bed. Must have been hard for them. But why did they hide his death? Is there a secret to that? Wow Lily. You can be such a nuthead sometimes. I scowled, and got up, walking towards the balcony. It really is an extrodinary sight.

Birds happily chirping, and the breeze making the leaves do their little dance. All this made me want to glide across the room. Maybe some ballet? I lifted my hands up, and stood on my toes. I didn't need music when I had nature. I spun around, and hummed a little tune of my own. Doing a 360 twirl, and leaping up, landing on both feet, ending my short dance.

Even for something as small as that, I needed to catch my breath. Since I had four hours, I might as well go into town. I did tell Karina I won't go far. Besides, it's only to the pet store, and Zack will be with me.

Opening the door, I said, "Will it be alright if we go to the pet store?"

Zack smiled, and thought for a minute. "I don't see why not."

Not waiting for him, I walked down the hallway, and headed to the stairs. I didn't bother using the elevator. As soon as I turned the corner of the stairs, I ran into someone.

"Oof." I quickly grabbed the railing, but failed, and was sure I would end up at the bottom of the stairs. Just like in romance books, someones strong arms, took hold of my waist. Romantic? I think not.

I looked into the eyes of my 'redeemer'.

"Are you alright? Sorry about that."

"I'm fine, Its my fault, I shouldn't be in such a hurry." I said, dumbfounded.

Art chuckled, "Its really me, I heard your footsteps, but didn't bother moving."

"I....oh stop." I crossed my arms.

"I was surpried to see that I'm not the only one using the stairs." He said teasingly.

"You learn something new everyday, don't you." I said under my breath. Why am I acting like this. Oh right. Maybe because I'm still trying to untie my feelings.

"Where are you headed anyway? In such a rush?"

"To the...um...pet store. Yea...so I must get going, you know how Sam is!" I turned around, and walked down the stairs.

I heard him chuckle as he hollered, "I guess I'll see you around, my princess."

I spun around, "And you too, Mister Beaumont." He just grinned, and dramatically bowed, and headed up the stairs.

I sighed, and waited for Zack to follow. After all, don't want to encounter another crazy prince.

♔♔♔

"Lil'!" Sam said, as soon as I got inside the store. Obviously I used the back door.

"Sam!" I exclaimed. Got to admit, I missed her. A lot. We ran into each other and hugged.

"Is it just me, or do you look slightly older? Or maybe that's what love did." She teased me.

I shoved her away, "Don't be silly."

"I'm not!" She protested, "Good to have you back by the way!"

"Thanks, glad to see you too."

"So..." she said, as we walked to the dog kennels, where pumpkin was wagging his tail like crazy. "Tell me everything about Artem..."

"Like what?" I laughed, letting pumpkin out of his cage, who bull dozed over me, and started licking my face.

"You got to be kidding me! Your love life, of course! Did he kiss you yet?!" And yes. We all have those friends, don't we? Boy crazy?

"Sam, I told you, no kissing till I get married..."

"And that'll be Prince Art, right?!" She interuppted.

"Hold your horses. I don't plan on a wedding. I just need him to be a little bit more serious. He needs to know that he can't get all girls just by flirting and being romantic." I explained, pushing the dogs face out of my face.

"Hmm, I'll tell him then."

"What? Sam, are you giving him these ideas?!"

She shook her head, "I'm just kidding, you're so naive sometimes."

Pumpkin barked, startling some of the animals. Sam gave me a broom.

"Just because you're the princess-in-training, doesn't mean you're not working."

I chuckled and took the broom, "Like father like daughter."

She huffed, "No wonder they say we think a like."

I shook my head, and started sweaping the floors.

"Guess who I saw two days ago!" She blabbed on.

"Who?" I smiled, pretended to be fascinated.

"Dutchess Arianna."

I stopped. What?

"You mean Lady Arianna?" I corrected.

Sam waved her hand, "Yea, her, anyways, she came in here with police. "

"She did?" I was still dazed. Now she's terrorizing my friends?

"Yea, and you wouldn't believe what she said, the nerve of her!"

I didn't hear that part of the story yet, so I asked her what she had said.

"She said that you are not capable of being the princess, and that you're a theif, I told her that you are more than capable even close to being royalty..."

I slowed her down, "Wait wait wait, she called me a thief?"

"Yea, you stole some diamond, ruby thing her grandma gave her before she died, but who cares, she deserves that much!"

"Do you think I stole whatever you just said?"

She looked at me, and scoffed, "No, you wouldn't do such a thing. When would you have the time anyway..."

My head was spinning. Looks like she really is trying to get rid of me. Disqualified.

"You don't look too well, maybe you should tell your bodyguard to take you back."

I nodded, "Perhaps. I need to recollect my thoughts."

"Let me help you to the door."

Once we were outside, I turned to her and said, "Don't be surprised if I show up in your room one day."

"You've always been full of surprises, and you've already did that once in seventh grade, remember?"

"Yea, that was the time when your cousins stayed over night." I managed a laugh.

"Cute cousins." She also laughed. "Don't worry, I won't be surprised, and if Art gets angry at you all of a sudden, I'll tell him the whole situation for you."

"Thanks." I smiled, and got in the limo. Zack started the engine, and we headed back towards the palace. Reporters tried to take pictures as the limo rolled their way. Times when I'm glad the window is tinted.

♔♔♔

Arianna's hand slammed on the wall, making me jump. "You theif!"

"What?"

"Thief!" She repeated

"How am I the thief? I didn't steal anything." I protested.

"Oh yes you did." She smirked, "You stole the heart from a man I love. And he needs it back."

I blinked. "You make no sense. So you lied to my friend that I stole some jewelry from you when the real deal is about Art?" I hadn't meant for my voice to raise. That made Arianna's smile grow wider.

"Keep it up darling, and you'll strike out."

Then I blurted, "Do you really think Art has the same feelings for you?"

"Oh, he will, he's just a little...slow. That's all."

"But Adrianna, you can't expect him to love you back. Love doesn't work that way."

"How would you know." She spat.

I looked into her icy blue eyes, and then looked down at the floor, forbidding me to let any tears come. "Trust me, I know." I whispered. That's why I'm not to fond of Love.

"Well then. You haven't seen the last of me." She turned on her heal, and left.

I noticed Zack standing in the Arch of the doorway, he bowed his head, "I'm sorry princess."

I smiled, "Its not your fault."

We walked down the hallway, as we headed back to Karina. We past a small table that I hadn't seen before, and on top of that was a golden goblet. Looked pretty real to me.

"Hey Zack, what's this?"

Zack halted, and said, "That is the Queen's goblet. She loves it, because her mother gave it to her on her wedding."

I nodded, "I bet, it looks very valuable."

"It is," he agreed, "the queen would be devastated if it were to go missing. Speaking of which, it is time for you to meet them at supper."

"Meet who?" I asked.

Zack chuckled, "Queen and King of course."

How I hate surprises.

"Are you sure? Maybe they would like to pick a different day, like tomorrow, or next week."

Zack shook his head, "This is one thing you can't reschedule. They want to meet you in person."

"Very well." That means I have to be on my best behavior. Eating with royalty?! I don't think they want to actually meet me. Maybe we can Skype each other during supper. That will be a lot better, wouldn't it?

As soon as I stepped foot in the room the seamstress got to work with measuring. I could tell this would take a pretty long time.

♔♔♔

"You should wear a blue beaded dress." Karina said, as Sandy, Mrs. Talors assistant digged in my closet.

"Maybe they should cancel." I shrugged.

"Oh no, this is not possible to reschedule with preparations and stuff. Why are you so nervous anyway?"

I shrugged again. "Maybe because I know who they are."

Karina smiled, "Listen, royalty or not, they are still people. They were kids once too. They want to meet you before things get really busy around here."

I agreed, just as Sandy pulled out a royal blue dress, with short sleeves. It was actually really beautiful.

Spending a few minutes on my hair, before finally deciding to leave it down with a few hair pins, Zack walked me to the dinning area.

The place was pretty big, I can't believe I didn't know about this room. A long table was in the middle. Already, the king and queen were seated. Zack pulled out a chair and I sat down beside this girl I hadn't seen before. And to my surprise Arianna was here also.

Art, who was sitting down a few chairs across from me, smiled.

The queen had on the most beautiful dress I had ever seen, with laces and pearls, and to top it off, her hair was nicely done in a French up-do with a gorgeous crown. She smiled kindly, and I think I kinda died inside. They were royalty after all. I have never been so close to them before. Breathing the same air as them. Okay. That's a little weird. The king also looked great. Not that he's great. I mean. Yea. They look good. Like always.

"You must be Liliana." The queen said.

I nodded, "Your Highness."

The queen laughed, even her laugh sounded perfect. "Lets eat, we can talk after."

I said a small prayer in my head, and did what everyone else did. Those lessons with Karina sure came in handy.

Our silverware gently hitting the glass plates. Everyone was softly talking amongst each other.

The girl sitting beside me, turned around and smiled, "I haven't seen you before, are you the princess-in-training?"

I nodded, shocked at her sincerity. I expected her to be more like Adrianna.

"I'm Alya, Art's cousin, and you?"

"I'm...uh...Lily." I stammered.

She hit her forehead. Can royalty do that at the table? "Duh, the queen said that already, nice to meet you."

She saw the look on my face and laughed. Lowering her voice, "Royalty are people too you know. Except I'm probably crazier than everyone else. Me and Art are about on the same level. You'll get used to it."

"Oh."

"Come on. Don't be shy." Her green eyes searched mine.

"I'm not shy." I said quickly.

She smiled, "If you say so."

Adrianna glared at us. Alya ignored her. "Say, how old are you?"

"17." I mumbled.

"17?! I mean..." She pretended to cough, "17? That's pretty young. I guess that's because I'm 21."

I looked at her. Was she really 21? She doesn't seem that much older.

She contained her laughter, because the king already started looking our way. "I know, shocking, right?"

I shrugged.

"I think I'm doing most of the talking, tell me something about yourself, I know you love animals, because Art told me about that already." I glanced at Art who was talking to a different guy. How much did he tell her. And why am I being talked about? I'm not that interesting.

"I have two brothers, one works here actually, and..."

"Who's your brother, I might know him." She interrupted.

"Max," I answered, "He works as a security guard."

She nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, I do know him, he's a great guy. Always friendly to everyone. So I presume Ashley is your sister-in-law?"

"Yes."

"That's interesting. Okay, please go on."

"There's nothing much to know about me, besides that I work in a pet store."

"Awe! You see animals everyday?"

"Yea...well used to before I decided to sign up." I hadn't mean't to sound dull.

"You sound upset about it." She noted.

"Oh no!" I protested, "this is great, I just didn't plan on being picked. Thats all." I laughed nervously.

"Well you must have been picked for a reason," she looked over at Art, then whispered, "cause my cousin is never wrong." She paused, "Now that I think of it, you're the same girl from the party three years ago, right? Art couldn't stop talking about you."

How much has he talked about me?

"Right. Seems like I'm all he talks about around here, isn't it."

"No," she shook her head, her eyes laughing along, "not all the time. Normally it's just to me."

I sat there, listening to her talk. Soon they brought desserts out.

A few minutes after, the King and Queen stood up, probably already finished.

"Very well, it was nice to finally meet you Lily, and best of luck before coronation." The queen smiled, and followed the king out the door.

"Okay, are you finished?" Alya asked.

I looked at my plate. And nodded, there's nothing much to finish.

"Great! Follow me, I don't think the others would mind." I also got up, and followed. Ignoring the stares we got.

We walked through the double doors. Alya turned around, "So, excited for coronation?"

"No." I admitted.

"No? How come?"

"I don't know, I guess, I'm not ready. I'm not supposed to be here."

"Listen," Alya smiled, puting her hand on my shoulder. "No one is truly ready. You don't have to be the best princess, people respect you for being you."

I didn't want to tell her about Art. Not yet anyway. Otherwise, Adriana would totally kill me.

"Thanks." I mumbled. Alya is a cool girl to talk to. She's pretty outgoing, and looking at her personality, you wouldn't have guess that she's close to the royal family.

I saw Max in the distance, just walking around with a flash light. He seemed to be humming something. Mission Impossible? Wow. I can imagine me doing that.

"Max?" I spoke up, he jumped, and turned around, looking somewhat embarrassed.

"Lil'! What are doing here?" His gaze shifted to Alya, he bowed.

"Seems like you already met one of the princesses. Good evening Alya."

"Good evening, Max." She answered. "How's Ashley doing, if it's not too much to ask."

"She's doing great, thank you."

"Awesome, well we must go."

"Of course." He chuckled, and let us through.

Going up the steps, she continued talking. "Unfortunately, I only come to visit this place. So as of right now, I'm staying on Hall B. What hall are you on?"

I never knew these halls were numbered.

I shrugged, "I don't know, I never payed attention, but I know I'm on the second floor."

Her eyes lit up, "Great! I'm on the second floor too! Except I'll be leaving in a couple days. But I'll definitely come to your coronation."

If, I do live up to the coronation.

We stopped in front of her room, in the dark, I could see something taped to her door.

She sighed. "That Adrianna. Always the evil one." She crumpled up the paper, not bothering to read it.

"But what if it's something important." I said.

She giggled, "Its nothing important. She's just trying to find her place."

"Find her place?"

"Mm-hm." She nodded, as we came into her room. It didn't look much different from mine, except different curtains and different lamps.

"But how!" I blurted, then clamped my mouth shut.

Alya, closed the door behind us. "Has she done something to you?"

"No." I shook my head, not yet anyway.

We sat on her bed, and spent the rest of the time talking and sharing some memories from our childhoods.

This was a fill in chapter, sorry it got a bit boring.