Be My Princess (FanFiction): Summer in Altaria

Chapter 22

A couple of days later, I found myself in the family's private jet with Joshua and Jan- going to Altaria.

"Now, are you sure you didn't tell Roberto that I was coming too?" I asked again for, what, the millionth time that morning.

He laughed. "I didn't tell him that you were coming with me." He said, repeating himself.

I had specifically told him not to tell Roberto that I was coming as well. I don't know why, but I just didn't want him to know that I was coming with my brother to visit Altaria.

You could say that I wanted it to be a "surprise". When in reality, I was just afraid that if Roberto knew that I was coming too- for a visit- he wouldn't want us to come. Especially, Joshua, and I didn't want that.

The flight there was both short and long, all at the same time.

Also, I was nervous. So nervous.

What if he won't talk to me, I thought as Jan made us some tea right before we landed- so that I wouldn't be such a nervous wreck.

Roberto is so hard to read that I wouldn't know until he was standing right in front of me.

He changes his mind way too much, and the way that he teases people makes it the more difficult to read him too.

Or maybe, that could just be me.

"You need to relax," Joshua whispered into my ear as we step off of the jet.

"I know, I know." I bit down on my lower lip. "It's just- we're here- and-"

"Roberto won't be mad that you're here," He said gently as we walked our way through the Airport. "He might be surprised, but not mad."

All I could do was nod.

My brother's probably right, and I shouldn't let my nerves get to me, but still.

The way that Roberto was before he stopped coming to Dres Van...he looked hurt.

I hurt him, and for that I feel bad.

Terribly bad.

As if reading my mind, Joshua rolled his eyes and doesn't say anything once we get into the car.

My heart fluttered nervously in my chest once we reached Villa Altaria.

I couldn't think straight as a million questions went through my mind.

Like, will Roberto even talk to me?

Or, will he disapprove of my appearance during my brother's visit?

Will he not like me anymore?

Alberto had waited patiently for us at the entrance of Villa Altaria, like the good butler he is.

For a split second, I expected to see Roberto with him.

Alberto bowed when we walked up to the entrance.

"Welcome, Your Royal Highnesses." He said as he entered Villa Altaria with us.

I nodded. That was all I could do at the moment. Besides freaking out.

"Where's Roberto?" My brother asked as we continued to follow Alberto.

"In the gardens," He said simply. "He decided for you all to have tea outside today."

Then Alberto glanced at me.

"However, I had not expected Her Highness to come with you." He said, more to my brother than to me. "I shall bring another tea cup."

My brother chuckled. "Thanks, Alberto."

Once we reached the gardens, Alberto bowed to retrieve another tea cup for me.

"You really didn't tell anyone that I was coming here," I whispered into my brothers ear as relief spread through me then.

He laughed. "You told me not to. So I didn't."

"Like you ever listen to me," I said once Roberto was in full view then.

My heart began to pound in my chest.

A maid came in with an extra chair for me.

Roberto was clearly confused as to why there was a need for a third chair.

Clearly, he was not paying any attention to our entering the gardens.

When he looked our way, I was right.

He was about to smile, but then he saw me.

I pursed my lips together.

Roberto's expression was unreadable. I couldn't tell if he was happy to see me or not, but when he spoke. He wasn't his usual carefree, teasing self.

"I see you brought a stowaway," Roberto said to my brother as we sat across from him at the round table.

"As if my sister could try and leave the Manor without permission," My brother scoffed.

Roberto's eyes widened, and he looked at me.

"You got permission to leave the Manor, to leave Dres Van?"

Alberto came in with tea and an extra tea cup.

"Momentarily, yes," I replied.

"What did you do to have His Majesty agree to such a thing?"

I clenched my jaw together tightly as I began to put two sugar cubes and a spoonful of honey in my tea-- like always.

When I didn't say anything, Roberto raised an eyebrow.

"Nothing," I said simply as I took a sip of my tea. "All I did was ask. I guess you could say my relationship with my father is slowly building up...again."

"Hmm..." Roberto nodded thoughtfully.

"But why come here?" He asked suddenly.

"I can't come here to see you just because?" I said nervously.

"Aren't you neglecting your 'responsibilities' as a Princess by being here?" He retorted.

My brother covered his mouth with his hand, to hide his smile. He knew that I had somehow hurt Roberto's feelings.

However, I didn't think I had hurt his feelings this much. Well I did, but I was hoping he would have forgotten what I had said to him.

"Roberto, I've neglected my 'responsibilities' as Princess for five long years." I retorted back. "A day or two won't change that."

"Touché," He stared straight into my eyes as he took a long drink of his tea.

This will be a very long visit, I thought.

Author's Note:

Thank you to those who have been patient for this chapter!

Hope you liked it!

Until next time, my lovelies!