Chapter 10

MIA

Jubilations were all over town. Two weeks had passed since they left for war and now they returned. I was glad to hear they had one the war but I had more than that in mind. It's good we've won but not everyone is here to celebrate that. No, stop thinking that way. I went out of the kitchen and noticed the soldiers march into the palace. I saw the king and the familiar looking prince on their horses. I waited for Alex to come to the kitchen but hours went by since they returned and he didn't come. Sadness clouded my heart and thoughts ran through my mind.

Rebecca, the kitchen head called us all together giving us instructions on the preparation for the victory of the war. We had varieties of food prepared and decorations set all-round the palace. At times like this, people from outside the palace are granted to come in to celebrate but it's only for a while once the sun sets, everyone goes home. After the food and decorations, the events were planned next. My mind still held on anxiously to see Alex.

ALEX

As soon as we arrived at the palace, I went to my quarters immediately. What I needed was good rest and get everything I had on my mind off. Especially the heated conversation I had with Father. I fell on my bed and my mind wandered to Mia, I missed her. I remembered the discussion I had with father and worry filled my mind.

"Do you plan to tell her?" Clint asked

"I want to tell her. I need her to know but I don't know how she'll grab this piece of information" I said

"How do you plan to tell her?" He asked

"Well, I'll have her sent here" I sighed

"Here?" he questioned

"Yes." I looked at him and he had funny look on. "What?"

"Nothing, Your Highness" He smiled

I smiled. "After the celebration, have her here" I said and he bowed.

MIA

The sun finally came down and everyone retreated to their various homes. The celebration went on well, everyone ate and drank well. The King or the Prince wasn't present for the event. Only guards, others in the palace and people from outside. I did notice some highly ranked men that could be familiar with the king. I hoped to see Alex here but not even a trace. I became saddened and worried. He promised he would return, he lied. I knew giving my heart away would result to nothing but disappointment. Tears fell from eyes as I cleaned the kitchen. I felt very hurt and betrayed. Rebecca entered and I wiped my tears to avoid questions.

"The Prince wants to see you" She said

The Prince? I felt very surprised to hear that and just immediately, I noticed Clint. A smile found its way on my face. If Clint is here, it means Alex is here. I looked around but no sign of him.

As soon as Rebecca left, I hurried to Clint

"Hey" I greeted him. "Where's Alex" I asked

He smiled. "You'll see him soon" He said

"Oh thank heavens, He's not dead." I sighed happily.

We walked to the other part of the palace; the main palace. I've never been to this part of the palace before and everything here looked very different from the part of the kitchen.

"Do you work for the prince?" I asked Clint

"Yes I do" He smiled

"That means Alex knows the Prince also" I whispered to myself.

Could it be the reason why he was asking questions about the prince?

We arrived finally in a quarter which I assumed to be the prince's. Clint went ahead of me into the inner chamber and I stood outside curiously and wondering why the prince would want to see me. Could it be because of the time I bumped into him? Questions raised in my head and I couldn't find an answer. Shortly, Clint came out with a short smile on his face.

"Go in" he said

Slowly and carefully, I walked into the chamber. The inside was amazingly beautiful. Decors set at each corners brought the room to a significant notice. A small table set was to my left and a very large linen bed was at the extreme with linen curtain droppings. By the side was a large window where I had not noticed a figure standing. I stopped my sightseeing and curtailed myself immediately.

"You called, Your highness" I spoke gently

Silence replied me and he continued staring outside the window with his hands behind him. I noticed his princely attire and wondered how expensive it must have been. It indeed depicts quality.

"Mia" He called finally

How did he know my name? That voice.

He sighed, released his hands and turned around.

"It's me....Alex" he said

I couldn't place the words I heard. Suddenly nothing was making sense. Alex, here in the prince chambers. What is He doing here?

"Why are you here? Does the prince know you're here" I asked with surprised

He looked at me with disbelief. He walked closer to me until only an amount of space was left between us.

"I'm the Prince, Mia" He said

A laugh escaped my mouth as I couldn't believe what I heard. Alex, the prince

"You're joking" I whispered with a dazed face

"Mia....I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier" He said

All this while, I had been with the Prince!? From the beginning it had been the Prince?

"No....I'm dreaming, this is not real" I shook my head.

I left the chambers quickly and ran home. Everything seemed just too much to accept. How did I not know? The questions he asked, the familiar look, why didn't I fix those puzzles. So all this time I had been with the prince. What have I gotten myself into? The man I love is the Prince of Scotland, next heir to the throne. Impossible.

Mother noticed my unstable state as I arrived home.

"Are you alright Mia?" she asked

I shook my head "No mother, I'm not" I said as tears fell from my eyes.

"What happened?" she hurried to my side

"Alex.....He's....He's the Prince" I said

"What" she looked surprised

"He's the Prince of Scotland" I emphasised. "What am I going to do mother?" I cried.

She being as shocked as I am, had nothing to say but to comfort me.