The Runaway Princess

Chapter Four

Elizabeth stirred and woke up. She giggled when she realized the compromising position she was in with Dylan. She tried to put space between them so she could stare at his face. She kissed his nose and caressed his face.

When her parents told her she was betrothed to Dylan, she was angry and didn't fail to show it. Dylan wasn't your typical arrogant prince, he wasn't a gentle one either but Elizabeth didn't know this.

She wouldn't speak to her parents for days hoping they would change their mind. When she realized that their mind was made up, she tried to run away. But she couldn't get far before she was caught.

Her parents forcefully took her to the palace. She got engaged to the prince a few days after her arrival but Dylan told his parents to keep the marriage ceremony on hold. He wanted her to willingly marry him.

Dylan had loved Elizabeth at first sight and he didn't fail to show it. During her first few weeks in the palace, she wouldn't go out of her room. Dylan took it upon himself to take her meals to her.

He sometimes tried to make conversations with her but she always shunned him. Dylan took no offense and didn't give up.

Soon enough, Elizabeth began to warm up to him. Then Emerald disappeared. Elizabeth used her presence to comfort him then the rest is history.

Elizabeth was staring dreamily at Dylan when he opened his eyes. He smiled.

"Your stare would make me more handsome" Dylan said with a teasing smile. Elizabeth blushed and rolled her eyes.

"Good morning to you too, your highness" Elizabeth replied.

They both got up from the bed to get ready for the day. "I'll see you later" Dylan said, pecked her lips and left the room.

Elizabeth's maid who was patiently waiting for Elizabeth to get up was shocked when Dylan came out of the room. But she was quick enough to recover.

"Good morning to your highness" she greeted with a bow as Dylan walked away, a smile on his lips.

"Good morning your majesties" Dylan greeted as he sat down at the table.

During breakfast, Dylan decided to break the news to his parents. "We have an announcement to make" He said

The queen was smiling sheepishly. Dylan wondered why.
"We're ready to get married" he said. The queen squealed in delight and the king smiled.

"Congratulations" the king said.

"I'm so happy for you" the queen said.

"I'll start the wedding preparations today. When would you like to make an announcement?" She asked Dylan.

"I was thinking during your birthday celebration, if that's okay with you" Dylan said

"That's in two weeks. It's okay. We have a lot of planning to do" she said to Elizabeth who was a little red in the face.

After breakfast, Dylan left the palace to complete his tasks for the day. He took the opportunity to call Emerald to break the news to her.

Emerald: This is so unfair. I won't be present for your wedding.

Dylan: I'm so sorry but I can't wait. I'm so excited.

Emerald: (chuckles) I'm glad you're happy. I need a lot of pictures and I mean a lot.

Dylan: I'll take care of it. I love you.

Emerald: I love you too Dylan.

"Why won't you be present for the wedding?" Leo asked. Mira jumped and screamed. Leo quickly used his hand to cover her mouth. Miranda calmed down when she realized it was just Leo.

"I'm sorry sir. I didn't realize you were here" Mira said still trying to calm down her racing heart.

"I'm sorry for scaring you like that" Leo apologized. Mira's eyes widened a bit. Leo just apologized to her.

"If you want to attend the wedding, I could give you some days off" Leo said.

Miranda shook her head. "I can't return to the palace" she replied lost in thought.

Leo was confused. "What palace?" Leo asked and Miranda realized her slip.

"Erm...I ...I ... mean..." She stuttered not able to make a full sentence.

Leo raised a brow. "You mean..." He urged.

"Nothing sir. Do you need my help with something? She asked.

Leo let it go. " Yeah. I've decided to sign the deal with Becroft but I can't find the document. I need to to help me search for it" Leo said.

"Alright sir. I'll just round up here" she replied and Leo walked out of her office.

Leo couldn't stop thinking about his conversation with her. He knew there was more to her being just Miranda Jones and he was determined to find out.

Miranda walked into Leo's office through the adjoining door and begin her search for the file. She was getting frustrated when she didn't find it and couldn't help the squeal that escaped her mouth when she found it.

A smile tugged at the corners of Leo's lips. He couldn't help but watch her as she searched. Miranda looked up to find Leo watching her.

"I'm sorry sir" she said and carefully dropped the file on the table.

"Thank you" he said as she turned to leave. She smiled and hurried out of the room.

Leo ordered someone to make a research about Miranda. He was determined to discover her true identity.