Chapter 10

MIA

There were celebrations all over town. They'd been gone for two weeks, and now they'd returned. I was relieved to learn they had won the war, but I had other thoughts. It's great that we won, but not everyone is here to celebrate. No, don't think that way. When I came out of the kitchen, I saw the soldiers marching into the palace. I noticed the king and a familiar-looking prince riding their horses. I waited for Alex to return to the kitchen, but it had been hours since they had returned and he still hadn't shown up. My heart was clouded by sadness, and thoughts raced through my mind.

Rebecca, the kitchen head, summoned us all and gave us instructions on how to prepare for the war's victory. We prepared a variety of foods and set up decorations all around the palace. People from outside the palace are allowed to enter the palace to celebrate at times like this, but only for a short time; once the sun sets, everyone returns home. Following the food and decorations, the events were scheduled. My thoughts were still fixated on seeing Alex.

ALEX

I went to my quarters as soon as we arrived at the palace. What I needed was a good night's sleep and to get everything off my mind. Particularly the heated discussion I had with Father. I collapsed on my bed and my thoughts turned to Mia; I missed her. Worry filled my mind as I remembered the conversation I had with my father.

"Are you going to tell her?" Clint inquired.

"I want to tell her. I need her to know, but I'm not sure how she'll accept this information " I stated

"How are you going to break the news to her?" He inquired.

"Well, I'll have her delivered here," I sighed.

"Here?" he questioned.

"Yes." When I looked at him, he had a funny expression on his face. "What?"

"Nothing, Your Highness," he said with a smile.

I cracked a grin. "Have her here after the celebration," I said, and he bowed.

MIA

When the sun went down, everyone went back to their respective homes. The party went well, and everyone ate and drank well. The event was not attended by the King or the Prince. Only soldiers, others in the palace, and visitors from the outside were allowed. I did notice some high-ranking men who appeared to be acquainted with the king. I expected to see Alex here, but there was no sign of him. I was saddened and concerned. He lied when he said he would return. I knew that giving my heart away would only lead to disappointment. As I cleaned the kitchen, tears streamed down my cheeks. I was deeply hurt and betrayed. Rebecca came in, and I wiped my tears away to avoid being questioned.

"The Prince wishes to see you," she explained.

The Prince? I was taken aback when I heard that, and I immediately noticed Clint. My face lit up with a smile. Clint's presence indicates the presence of Alex. I looked around, but there was no sign of him.

I dashed to Clint as soon as Rebecca left.

"Hey," I said to him. "Where is Alex?" I wondered aloud.

He gave a warm smile. "You'll see him soon," he promised.

"Oh, thank Heavens, he's still alive." I sighed contentedly.

We walked to the main palace, which was on the other side of the palace. I'd never been to this part of the palace before, and it appeared to be very different from the kitchen.

"Are you employed by the prince?" Clint was questioned.

"Yes, I do," he said with a smile.

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

Could this be the reason he was questioning me about the prince?

Finally, we arrived in what I assumed was the prince's quarter. Clint went ahead of me into the inner chamber, leaving me to wonder why the prince would want to see me. Is it because of the time I ran into him? I couldn't find an answer to the questions that arose in my mind. Clint emerged with a short smile on his face.

"Come in," he said.

I entered the chamber slowly and carefully. The interior was breathtakingly beautiful, decors placed in each corner drew attention to the room. A complete table set furniture was designated to my left, and at the far end was a very large bed with red linen curtain droppings. There was a large window to the side where I had not noticed a figure standing. I immediately halted my sightseeing and curtailed myself.

"You called Your Highness," I said softly.

Silence, was his reply, and he continued to stare out the window with his hands behind him. I noticed his regal attire and wondered how much it must have cost. It does, in fact, represent quality.

"Mia," he finally said.

How did he know what my name was? That tone of voice.

He let out a sigh, let go of his hands, and turned around.

"It's me...Alex," he announced.

I couldn't place what I heard. Suddenly, nothing made sense. Alex, in the prince's chambers. What exactly is He doing here?

"Why are you here? Is the prince aware that you've come to see him?" I inquired, surprised.

He looked at me as if he couldn't believe what I was saying. He got closer and closer to me until there were only a few inches between us.

"I'm the Prince, Mia," he introduced himself.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing and burst out laughing. The prince, Alex

"You've got to be joking," I said, my face dazed.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, Mia," he apologized.

In response to the information I had just received, I held my mouth in shock. I'd been with the Prince the whole time!? It had always been the Prince?

"No...I'm having a dream, this isn't real," I said, shaking my head.

I dashed out of the chambers and ran home. Everything seemed too much to bear. How could I have missed this? The questions he posed, the familiar expression, why hadn't I solved those puzzles. So I'd been with the prince the whole time. What on earth have I gotten myself into? The Prince of Scotland, the next heir to the throne, is the man I love. Impossible.

As soon as I got home, Mother noticed my erratic behavior.

"Are you okay, Mia?" she inquired.

I shook my head, "No mother, I'm not," I said as tears streamed down my cheeks.

"What happened?" she inquired as she rushed to my side.

"Alex...He's...the He's Prince," I explained.

"What" she looked surprised

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

She, like me, was astounded and had nothing to say except to console me.