The Bookworm Meets the Prince

by Klarika Nuque

“Oh, Lizzie, look at me,” she said and angled my face to look directly into her eyes. “Drew will never cheat on you, never. Don’t you see that the bitch wanted you to think that? He would never do that to you. I know he wouldn’t because if he did, I would kill him and would do so without a hitman,” she said, and with that, I laughed a little. I suddenly remembered when Jam said those same words to Drew a few months ago. Those were happier and simpler times.

  “Fine. He wouldn’t do it, but how about the blowing up of my room part?” I asked.

  “Lizzie, I’m not too sure about that as well. Maybe you were right to get out of there, but what I don’t get is why you had to give up Drew,” she replied.

  “Because in that split of a second, Rissa, I didn’t know myself anymore. I had become someone else entirely. So, I don’t know. I don’t even know why I gave him up. Maybe because I was too exhausted from trying to conform to the life he was preparing me for, and I just gave up myself,” I said.

  “Oh, my Lizzie, don’t you see you have grown up? You don’t read that much anymore. You have a life outside your books just like what your parents wanted. I guess they don’t like the part where you had your heart broken and the part where your life was in danger, and maybe this wasn’t the direction they were hoping for, but you learned a lot throughout this experience and that’s what matters the most. You finally took a chance in life, and that’s what a normal person would do,” she said.

  “You mean to say a normal person gets to meet a prince in real life?” I asked, smiling a little bit.

  “Fine, so yours was a bit of an exemption because you don’t just meet a prince every day. Heck, I still don’t like being called a future duchess for crying out loud, and you’re supposed to be a crown princess,” she said.

  “Wait, Chad’s a Duke?” I asked, a bit shocked.

  “Yeah, someday, though that’s a conversation for later. What I mean is, Lizzie, don’t close your doors on Drew. If you think that he cheated on you, I’m telling you now he didn’t. But the other factor, well… I don’t know. I would probably give up too if I came across the same thing. But I know that everything will be fine, Lizzie. You’ll see everything will work out fine. Trust Drew. He will make everything better,” she said, and we did something we haven’t done in a long while.

  We laid down on my bed and shared a comfortable silence. It gave me hope that things would go back to normal.

  Chapter 26

  His Explanation Is Worth Listening To

  “I now present you the graduates of this school year…” the principal of our school said.

  Today was graduation day, the day I thought I wasn’t going to experience so I could be with my Prince. But alas, all good things must come to an end.

  I had been back for the remaining days of the school year, so what else was I supposed to do? I couldn’t let my broken heart rule over me for the rest of my life, right?

  Drew hadn’t contacted me the entire time I had been back, and that truly saddened me. I thought he would fight for me the same way I would have fought for him, but I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.

  Chad and Rissa were still going strong, though. Chad has refused to make any kind of comment about Drew. He knew it was still painful for me to talk about that failed relationship. He just got back a few weeks ago and mostly spent his time with his girlfriend who he hadn’t seen in a while.

  People around me were throwing their hats, and I couldn’t help but do the same thing as well. Let’s just say it’s a rite of passage. Rissa saw me and laughed a bit.

  I remembered what I heard from Jam when she arrived last night. Apparently, Sarconia was getting some buzz, but I told her I didn’t want to hear anything about that specific royal family for I didn’t know how long. She respected it but, nonetheless, made me think of Drew.

  When I said I loved Drew, I meant it with all my heart. I only went home that day because I was too frustrated with everything. I just needed a breather from everything, but I thought he’d want to explain—but nothing. He didn’t care about me as much as I cared for him, no matter what he said.

  “Hey, want to join us later on? We’re going out and having a few drinks,” Rissa said. I nodded my head and embraced her and Chad. For now, they were having their family lunch, and I was having mine.

  Jam hugged me and said congratulations while we were walking towards the car where my parents were waiting. In no time, we were on our way to the hotel restaurant where we would celebrate my graduation.

  We had fun and took loads of pictures to capture the graduation spirit. Jam took our family picture and later asked one of the servers to take our picture with Jam. We laughed and told stories of when we were younger and had no problems.

  When we got home, I told them that I was going out.

  After the rowdy graduation ceremony and our little family celebration, I wanted peace and quiet, so I finally gathered myself up and went to the beach.

  This beach still held a special place in my heart; it was where Drew and I started dating. It was where he told me his deepest secret, and it was where he promised that he would fight for me. It might not have happened, but it was still nice to look back to. They were memories I wouldn’t trade for the world.

  I walked a bit by the shoreline, sat down on the sand, and watched the sunset. I still had a few hours before the gang would call me for that drinking session, but for now, I had this… I had this moment of peace. I might still be broken-hearted and missing my Prince Charming, but I could handle it better now.

  “It’s always a view to see you by the beach, you know,” a familiar voice said. It was a voice I had been wanting to hear for the past few months.

  I closed my eyes, saying a quick prayer that this wasn’t a dream, and slowly looked at the source of that voice.

  It was Drew.

  He was here, wearing his favorite white polo shirt, jeans, and sneakers. He was not in his usual princely regalia I had grown used to when we were on his land. This guy standing in front of me was the guy I fell in love with.

  I couldn’t find the words to say to him; I couldn’t speak, and I wanted to cry all of a sudden because he was here.

  “Can I talk to you? I guess we owe each other that much, right? I need to say a few things that matter a lot, and I want to know if you’re willing to listen to them,” he said, looking a bit hopeful.

  I simply nodded because I still couldn’t say anything.

  He sat next to me and stared at the sunset with me like what we did on our first date.

  “I wanted to say sorry because I have been missing these past few months. Trust me, I have a valid reason, but I guess I should start from the beginning,” he started explaining.

  “The moment we landed in Sarconia, I knew one thing: I would propose to you. I even got your father’s approval before we left; he would have fought tooth and nail had I not assured him no harm would come to you. Then we got to Sarconia, and nothing went according to plan. I wanted to show you around my kingdom, my country, but then the royal duties that came my way were just too much. It took me away from you, and I kept telling myself that the moment I finish everything, I will devote every minute with you. But that didn’t happen. I uprooted you from a life that is comfortable and safe for you, yet I couldn’t even keep my promise of making it worth your time. It was like they purposely gave me too much responsibilities so I couldn’t be with you, and I soon found out that it’s true. My dad gave me duties that weren’t supposed to be mine just so I couldn’t have time with you. I was so stupid and caught up with it, I neglected you. I’m sorry for that, Liz. I really am,” he said as I looked at him, listening to every word he said.

  “Then I told my dad that I was going to propose to you, and he just accepted it like it was no big deal. Looking back, I should have seen that the signs, but I was too caught up with happiness. I thought something was finally going according to plan. While the party was in full preparation mode, I wanted to find you the most gorgeous ring, and
that got me sidetracked again. I should have seen it sooner, but I was just too caught up on planning that I gave them a chance to blindside me. The next thing I knew, Ryan was around where he wasn’t supposed to. I knew his dad had been putting pressure on him because he was to be the next royal adviser, but I told him to get a normal life. I know how it feels like to grow up with that much pressures after all.” He looked at the ocean, and like always, started throwing rocks.

  “When he was in your bedroom, threatening you, I finally woke up and smelled the coffee. Something wasn’t right, and I gave them too much headstart. And when you told me of my dad’s plans that night before our engagement, I immediately went into overdrive because someone wanted to take you away from me and I couldn’t bear that.”

  He bunched his hair with both his hands and put his hands on his face before. Meanwhile, I stayed quiet, listening to him.

  “So while you were busy entertaining the guests, I called one of my men, but not the royal guards because at that point, I didn’t know who to trust. I felt like everyone was out to get you and me. I soon learned of my dad’s plans that night after I proposed.

  I knew they planned on making me drink something that would knock me out so that when I wake up the next morning, I would think I slept with Cath, and Ryan was supposed to give you comfort during this trying time in our relationship. What I didn’t account for was, when I was confronting Cath and getting evidence, you’d hear our conversation. I promise you, Liz, I would never cheat on you. I was just getting enough proof to get rid of them forever.”

  He looked at me while I was listening to his story. I didn’t say anything since I was still trying to process everything he was saying.

  “After you left, I confronted Ryan and gave him the scare of his life. I told him if he didn’t change his life, I would erase the history of his entire lineage. For the nobility, that was something they could never tolerate. Their lineage defined them, the same way as our lineage determines the next ruler. I promise, this time, Ryan would not be bothering us. His father will make sure of that.” He took a deep breath and continued on.

  “The most difficult part is cornering my dad and making him pay for all of the things he has done. I only learned five minutes before the explosion that he had planted a bomb in your room. I was really freaking out because I didn’t know where you were. One of the maids said they saw you on your way to the room, so I went nuts and wanted to go back for you, but they didn’t let me.” He started looking at his hands before he told me the rest of the story.

  “It was when we heard the explosion, and they didn’t let me go until we were outside. I was at the brink of going completely insane when Mom shouted that you were safe. I just had to make sure you were ok. I don’t know what I could have done if you were really there. The maid is now under custody for treason.” He pulled out his phone to show me the latest news in his country.

  I really didn’t know how to feel about these people. They all tried to make my life miserable, so in all honesty, I couldn’t even feel sorry for them.

  I thought Drew was finished, but he started speaking again.

  “That’s why when you left, I knew I had to let you. I had to make them think they won. I’m sorry that I hurt you during this process, but I had to make them feel comfortable before I could make my move. I then followed the paper trail and finally got enough evidence to convict my father. It was settled through the people. When they heard of his crimes, there was a public uproar for him to be dethroned. They didn’t want any harm to come to you. It was a media circus. The family had to make hard decisions so the monarchy would not be completely phased out,” he said while putting his face into his hands once more.

  “What?” I asked. I was clearly confused.

  “My dad abused his power, and we have a law that enables us to convict the living monarch. Our position is very tricky and has to be dealt with accordingly. This isn’t a normal public shame; it is a dishonor to the royal family that all the nobility should know. To us, this is more sacred because you did not only betray your people, you betrayed your kind. In the old times, we could have used the guillotine, but that has been outlawed a few decades ago,” he said.

  “Our name means a lot to us; it’s our birthright, and to have any hint of shame on it is something we could never get over. It will be known for generations to come. My father’s reign has been overthrown by me. In a month, I shall be crowned since I am the next in line. I’m now the acting King of Sarconia since he’s not around, and well… everyone’s happier,” he said.

  “So what happens now?” I asked. For what seemed like forever, I felt hope that there might be a brighter future for both of us, a future where no one would try to tear us apart, a future where we could be happy without any restraints.

  “Cath is officially banned from entering Sarconia. I had enough evidence to convict her and had them removed from my country. Since I never filed any charges against her when she tried to pin the baby on me, I still had that card for treason. I didn’t want to bring too much trouble for my country, but they forced my hand,” he began.

  “You can do that?” I asked

  “Princess, I’m the future king, I’m entitled to have some perks,” he said and laughed a little.

  I smiled at him because this was the guy I fell in love with. Even when he was exercising his authority, it made me feel good that he did it for us.

  “We wouldn’t have to ever think of Ryan and Cath again. As for my dad, well… after the coronation, he can retire to a very uncomfortable place. I might not hold the crown yet, but I know that I have more power than him at this point. I’m not giving him a chance to ruin the thing I value the most in life,” he said, looking at me.

  “Basically, Liz, what I’m saying here is I wanted to talk to you when everything was finally at peace. When I had already fixed every detail that threatened our happily ever after, I wanted to stand in front of you and your parents and proudly say you are now totally safe to be with me. As much as it would hurt me, I would rather let you go and know you’re safe than have you in my arms and endanger your life. I endured this past few months of torment for a lifetime of bliss with you… that is if you will still have me,” he said with hopeful eyes.

  I felt tears sliding down my face, but I couldn’t help but smile. He loved me, and everything would be alright. Rissa was right; he was going to fix everything.

  I had him, and I wouldn’t let him go this time around. I now knew what life was without him, and I couldn’t bear to live through that again knowing I had a chance to be with him.

  I kissed him with all I had, and he did the same.

  This time around, everything would be different. There wouldn’t be any villain who would try to separate us. There wouldn’t be a king who’d want me gone. This time, it was just me and Drew—my prince.

  Chapter 27

  My Father’s Small Wish

  “Please tell me she gave you another chance. Please tell me she did, or else I would have to knock her down and kill her because she had been a complete idiot this past few months,” Jam said as Drew and I entered my house.

  I was shocked that everyone was here: my mom and dad, Rissa, Chad, Jam, Andie, and quite surprisingly, Alex.

  “Uhh… Are we celebrating something?” I asked. Well, to be honest, we hadn’t been together in one room to have fun in quite a while.

  They all stared at me like I grew a second head. I guess this was one of those times I was supposed to figure something out and didn’t quite catch the drift.

  “Sometimes I wish we were a big giant majestic plot in a novel so she might actually get what’s going on. For someone who has a 4.0 GPA, sometimes you’re quite stupid, cousin dearest,” Jam announced while shaking her head.

  “You’re on to something there, Jam,” Rissa said, laughing with Chad.

  “Princess, all of them are here because we are celebrating the fact that we’re back together,” he said

  I raised my eyebrows
at him.

  “You know I’m going to take you back? Isn’t that a bit presumptuous of you?” I asked though I found it funny myself.

  “Let’s just say I’m hoping you’d take me back. Consider it wishful thinking then,” he said, laughing a bit. He then placed his arms around me and gave me the tightest hug ever. Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration, but I’m the one telling the story here.

  After what seemed like forever, which was actually just a few seconds, someone cleared his voice.

  “We are still here, you know? And you’re still under my roof,” dad said.

  Everyone laughed, and as I looked into my father’s eyes, I instantly knew that he still liked Drew. He knew he made me happy. Bottom line, it was the only thing any parent would want for their kid.

  Drew let me go only to put his arms around me, and we proceeded to eat dinner. It was a dinner fit for fresh high school graduates.

  As we were eating dinner, I just couldn’t control my curiosity.

  “It’s a good thing you’re able to come visit, Alex,” I said.

  He looked at me and gave a small smile.

  “It’s an opportunity I wouldn’t want to miss. I wanted to support my brother; you are the only girl that he has ever fallen for, after all. I also wouldn’t want to miss that one,” he said, hinting at something. He then took a quick look at Jam while she was busy chatting with Andie.

  A thought came to my mind. I was not sure, but it was possible.

  I had been curious why Drew and Andie said that they weren’t that close to Alex when I could clearly see they shared that bond. It might be a royal secret I’d know in the future.

  “I hope you don’t mi—” I started to ask Alex but Andie beat me to the punch.

  “They broke up, if that’s your question, Lizzie. Dad’s gone, so the happy couple facade is gone too. The rumor we heard was true,” Andie said while Alex simply looked at his sister and returned to his meal like he heard nothing.