I'm enjoying the solemn serenity of my room, simply hearing the breeze that blows through my open windows, causing the curtains to dance along. I flip through the pages of Emily Albright's novel 'The Heir and the Spare,' immersing myself in it. I am reading halfway when I hear a clamor from my door, which interrupts me, causing me to take a short pause. My cousin's loud voice echoes across the four corners of my room as she shouted my name again after opening my double door. I close the book that I was reading earlier, not bothering to finish it all as I get disturbed. I put my glasses on the table and rub my eyes lightly. I look at her as she marched down on my king-sized bed.
Harriet rarely comes to my room unless she needs something or needs to go somewhere else. I'm like her bait, sheltering her from the King. Minutes had passed, and I couldn't take any longer the stillness she is giving me now. The once-loud yell has deafeningly quieted down to the point that we can only hear the crickets.
"What are you doing here, Harriet?" I asked, breaking the deafening silence between us.
Harriet is the eldest daughter of Prince Harold, the second Prince of Bridgeton. She is the most gregarious among my cousins, and I'd say she's been to almost every place in Bridgeton. I often envy her free-spirited life because the second Prince isn't as rigid, unlike my father.
"Let's go to 'Home of Love' later; I heard they'll be celebrating their 5th anniversary at night, and I'm sure everyone will be thrilled once they see us," she added enthusiastically.
Home of Love is a charity-based housing program for those who have been abandoned in Bridgeton's streets and elsewhere. King Lexus, who is my father, agreed on this as one of our projects.
The King may appear cold and aloof, yet he has a heart for the people of Bridgeton. Our late grandparents have taught us that our lives are no different from those of regular individuals. We were just born with a title on our heads. However, we should not regard others as lesser to ourselves because their existence is valuable. No life is more important than that of another. That's what I could say my most significant takeaway from them when they were still alive and kicking.
"Hm, I still need to tell dad about this," I mutter before approaching Harriet.
"Does Karina already know about this?" I inquired once more. Harriet shakes her head, implying that she informs me first.
"You should notify her right away, and I'll inform Dad as well."
"Okay, I'll update Karina about this situation, and you should go to the King as well. I'm leaving now," Harriet declared with a smile as she waved her hands before leaving.
I stretch my hand and lie down on my bed for a few moments. I sigh, recognizing the weight of duty that awaits me once I reach the age of eighteen. As King Lexus's only daughter, I will be his sole successor in ruling the Kingdom, and I must be accountable for every action I take while appearing immaculate in the eyes of many. I've spent my entire life on a training ground with a slew of rules to observe. The life of royalty is not as simple as it appears to be. People who aspire to be like me have no idea what royalties have gone through to prove that they are worthy of ruling the entire Kingdom. I must prove myself to my father, my royal family, and the citizens of Bridgeton as well.
I sigh once more and elevate my body from the soft mattress. I check my wristwatch and notice that it's already 4 pm. I anticipate that the party will begin at 8 pm, as usual.
I then proceeded to my father's chamber to seek his assent. I knock first when I arrive at the place. It took three knocks for my father's butler to open the door for me.
"Your Majesty, Princess Alice is here," he announced before allowing me to enter the room.
"Let her in," a cold and commanding voice of a man full of authority echoed. Butler Serge allows me to enter. I smiled at him before proceeding to where His Majesty is located.
Before speaking with him, I bend my head in courtesy. Even though we are a modern family, reference is vital in the palace, especially if you are confronted with someone in a higher position than you, regardless of your relationship with that person.
"Rise, what's the matter, Alice?" he inquired after putting some documents away that I believe he had signed earlier.
I eventually told him about my plans, including my desire to attend the housing center's anniversary celebration.
"When are you going to be there?" he asked, clasping both of his hands.
"Later at 7:30 pm, Your Majesty," I replied shortly,
"Hm, Alright. I'm guessing you'll go there with your cousins again?" he says, with which I nodded in response. My father is already aware of it because we were always present at every Home of Love anniversary celebration.
"Serge, notify the Royal Guards that the Princesses will be departing for Home of Love later at 7:30," the King commanded, with whom Butler Serge immediately takes action.
I express my gratitude for His Majesty's approval and bows my head before I exit the room.
When I get to my chamber, I summon one of the court women to assist me in picking a dress to wear later.
After spending 30 minutes deciding what color is proper for the occasion, I settle on a Vintage Blue Applique Dress that Medieval Princesses used to wear. Before putting on the dress, I had taken a bath. I also summoned the royal beautician to assist me with my make-up, and because they are aware of my skin condition, they did not apply heavy make-up on me because it would aggravate my skin. I completed my look with a braided bun and a pearl headband.
When I finished preparing myself, it was about 6:50 pm.
"Alice, are you finished?" Harriet's piercing voice penetrates the door. I didn’t bother replying to Harriet and told the maidservant to let them wait outside as I am almost done. I take one last look in the mirror and am pleased with how I look. Before leaving my room, I dismiss all of the royal attendants.
"Why didn't the maidservants let us in a while ago?" Harriet's irritated expression was the first thing I noticed as I opened my door. While Karina, dressed in a beige balloon dress, remains quiet on the side.
"I instructed them not to," I shrug. Harriet appears irritated by my response and has the audacity to question why; I wonder what has gotten into her that she is so easily irritated tonight.
"So nosy Harriet, only for privacy," I joked in response, despite the fact that the actual reason is that I want her to learn how to be patient.
"Whatever, Alice, come on, let's go," she says, leading the way.
"Harriet has her period," Karina explained as we followed Harriet's trail.
I chuckled a little when I realized our cousin's mood swings.
As we walked down the palace, a white limousine parked outside, with guards stationed on each side.
"Why are we taking the limo? It can only draw such kind of attention?" Harriet comes to a halt in the middle of her question.
"I suppose it's the King's order," I said. We solely utilized carriage last year at my cousins request.
"Can't you sometimes object to the King's order, Alice?" asked Karina, who was always silent.
Hmm, as much as I try, I don't think it's wrong to ride in this car. I only object when I see the King's inhumane actions.
"Is there a problem with riding this?" I inquired, intrigued.
"No, but it will attract a lot of attention," Harriet explained.
Harriet is the only one among the three of us who wishes to live simply, like the people of Bridgeton. She doesn't want fancy goods, but they are already provided to her and expected of her because she was born into a Royal Family.
"What car do you want to ride in then?" I calmly asked as she refused to enter the vehicle: Harriet and her obstinacy.
"Whatever it is, as long as it isn't as long as this vehicle is," she shouted.
Even though it takes time to request another automobile, I did it for Harriet's sake, and we ended up riding in a carriage again.
At 7:53 pm, we arrived at the housing center. Outside, we can already hear the loud music and various laughs. The royal guards began to march in the entryway, telling the gatekeeper of our presence and allowing us to enter.
"I believe everyone's having a good time right now," Karina remarked as we stared at the various lighting effects flashing across the houses.
I assume they will execute a firework display later, as they usually do.
The sound of a trumpet heralds our arrival, and everyone greets us as we go through the housing complex and into the main hall. Even if we've previously established rapport, reference is still required, but not in such a way that they feel inconsequential. A smile is already a gesture of respect, and we reciprocate by smiling back, indicating that we regard them as well. Simply put, respect generates respect.
I look at everyone on both sides of the pathway as I make my way to the main hall. My heart yearns for excitement just looking at their happy smiles. I'm puzzled how their family was able to abandon these people. How are they able to do so? I took one more look at them, and I noticed the glitter of delight in their eyes as if they were yearning for some hope. Their eyes are filled with optimism. I wish their family saw hope in them and didn't have the strength or the thought to abandon them.
When we arrived at the main hall, the charity's head embraced us with a genuine smile and led us to our seats. I noticed several types of food being served on the table, some of which are pretty familiar to me because they regularly serve these delicacies on every occasion.
"Princesses Alice and Harriet, as well as Princess Karina. Thank you for visiting us," Lana, the Home of Love's head chief, says as she bows her head.
"Hmm, I'm not sure as to how many times I've told you not to call me Princess. As you can see, the King is not present, so cut the formalities," Harriet replied with an irritated tone and demeanor.
"It's still required, Princess Harriet, because I'm simply a lowly commoner."
When I heard her, I lifted my brows? How can she justify labeling herself as lowly? When she handles all of the charity's management.
"Don't irritate me, Lana. If you call me Princess again, you'll suffer severe repercussions," Harriet, the impatient one, forewarned her.
"Let's do Harriet's bidding, Lana, to prevent any disagreements," Karina says solemnly, as she always does.
Karina dislikes being around loud individuals. Although she can endure Harriet's nagger and whiner side, she can't do that to someone not close to her. When I noticed that the mood was becoming hostile, I immediately corrected it to avoid an awkward situation.
"How are things going, Lana?" I asked, enabling the subject to be changed. Nonetheless, I am also equally concerned about the current state of affairs at Home of Love.
"A family arrived a few days ago, and nearly 7 children have been chosen for adoption. We're currently working on the paper," she elaborated.
I hope that the foster parents of these youngsters treat them well. I have instructed Lana to ensure that these individuals who are up for adoption have no criminal backgrounds and can meet the needs of these children. Telling her not to approve of people who have a history of abuse. As I cannot put these children in danger. As much as I want them to stay in this more orphanage-like setting, I also want them to experience what it's like to have parents, as the housing center may not fully meet each individual's needs.
"Yes, Princess. We've gone through procedures and processes, and so far, everyone has no bad records."
"Good...btw, next week will be the delivery of all the essential needs."
"Thank you so much for all the help you've pour towards these people....thank you, Princesses," tears escape from Lana's face, which I assume tears of joy knowing that she's also a victim of abandonment, it's given that she'll be happy for these people.
"Don't mention it. We act as what we see right for the people," I replied as I give them a quick smile.
I'll hold on to them; I'll fight for them. I'll make sure to give them light and hope, a reason that will enable them to live and love.
