ꜰᴀᴛᴀʟ ᴅᴇꜱɪʀᴇ: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒚 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔

Chapter VII: Regal Revelations

MYSTERYNNE

One more week before the summer ends, Quim and her father decide to celebrate her birthday at the Colorado Mansion, inviting only her friends and family. Two days before her birthday, Quim was introduced to her grandparents whom she had never met.

Quim was at the mansion's gym, boxing, when she was suddenly called from the intercom to the living room by her father. She walked out of the gym and headed towards the hall, removing her boxing gloves as a butler followed her to take the gloves. Upon arrival, she was greeted by two elderly couples sitting on the couch, all composed and elegant. They stood up upon seeing her, but she remained quiet, taking the water bottle offered by the butler and wiping her own sweat, feeling irritated by the butler's attempt to assist. The butler then left as instructed by her father.

"Darling, take a seat," her father ordered, and she looked at him, confused but obliged, waiting for his next move. Sebastian, Quim's father, stood beside her as he introduced the couple to her. "Quim, I want you to meet King Maximilian Reinhardt Winters of Eldoria and Queen Isabella Seraphina Montclair Winters of Avondale, The King and Queen of the Winters throne," her father happily said, leaving Quim puzzled. The elderly couple hugged her tightly, and Quim, taken aback, questioned, "Umm..Okay? What is happening....Dad?"

"They are your grandparents, Quim. They are your mother's parents," her father added, causing Quim to fall back onto the sofa in shock. "Wait, what?" Quim exclaimed, staring at them in disbelief.

"Dad, you're joking, right?" she asked, searching for a hint of jest in her father's eyes, but there was none.

"No, I'm not. I know I am not the best father for keeping all these secrets from you, but your mother is a Princess. Her name is Princess Arabella Rose Montclair Winters of Everglade," her dad explained, but Quim interrupted, "No! No, no, no,.....No!! There is no Winters' throne? There are no royalties here. You're lying!!?" she said, distancing herself from all of them.

"Anastasia, it's true. The throne of winters is located at the far eastern of Switzerland," her grandmother added as she walked towards Quim, taking her hand and making her sit next to her and her husband. "I know this is a lot to take in, but your mom, our bella, is the sole heir to the throne of Winters. Since she's gone and you are now turning 18, you're the rightful heir to the throne, the last of our bloodline. And since your mother's death, the throne is yours to take," her grandma said with sincerity. "You are the one and only Princess and heir to our throne, Anastasia. You are our granddaughter," her grandfather added, cupping Quim's cheeks and smiling at her.

"I'm sorry, but I am no Princess," Quim stated firmly before storming out and locking herself in her room. Her grandparents and father were left in shock at her reaction, prompting Sebastian to bow and apologize on his daughter's behalf before following Quim to her room.

Quim stared at herself, tears streaming down her face, looking fiercely at her reflection as if she were gazing at her mother instead. Her father interrupted, demanding her to open the door. "No!" Quim yelled, but her father brought a maid who opened the door. Quim glared at both of them. "Leave me alone," she said firmly, turning away from her father.

"Quim, I'm sorry," Sebastian said as he sat on her daughter's bed. "So many lies, dad, so many secrets, what more are you hiding from me?" Quim questioned him.

Sebastian sighed heavily, "Your mom and I met when we were both 16 years old. We met at a royal ball when I snuck into their castle gates. I was traveling on a family trip to Switzerland back then. I saw your mom on the piano, playing the most beautiful melody I had ever heard. I watched her, I watched her as she danced gracefully with other people, and despite getting caught numerous times for sneaking into the castle, I kept going back until I was called by her parents. They asked me why I was there and why I continuously snuck into their castle, but I admitted that I was intrigued by the princess. The majesties laughed at my honesty," Sebastian smiled, reminiscing. "But of course, eventually our trip was over as quickly as it started." Sebastian smiled at his daughter. "A few years later, we unexpectedly met again when I was looking for a lot to start my business firm. She was there in a carriage being toured around the city, as her people awaited her. She was still as beautiful as ever. We then met many times, sneaking around the palace. We became a couple a year later, and after a few more years, I decided to ask for her hand in marriage. But of course, her parents, the king and queen, weren't thrilled about it. Later, I found out she renounced her title as the princess of Everglade. Your mother chose me, despite the odds and the difference in our status. I was a commoner, she was royalty. After getting married, we left her country to start a family. We lost contact with her parents and had you." Sebastian looked away. "We never really talked about you being part of the royal family. I think right then and there, we never knew we'd be in this situation, but then again, I never even thought of losing your mother in the first place," Sebastian said, wiping away tears.

"Your grandparents aren't as bad as you think, Quim; they just want you to be part of their world," he said, looking at his daughter. "No matter if you like it or not, you are part of both our worlds. You are both royalty and a commoner," Quim sighed heavily. "That's the big secret, Quim," Sebastian added.

"I'm not the Princess they want, dad," Quim said, but her father cut her off, saying, "But you're the granddaughter they need," he said.

"Dad, I'm not cut out to be a Princess, you know that. I'm not delicate nor feminine. I'm not even conservative and well-kept," Quim said. "But you're still a Princess; you just have to be you," Sebastian said, patting his daughter's hair.

"Also, they have already planned your 18th birthday," Sebastian said, warning his daughter. "What?!" Quim yelled in shock. "But my friends are coming; I don't want those fancy schmancy balls for my birthday, dad. I want a PARTY, not some boring ball!" Quim whined. "I guess you'll just have to deal with it," Sebastian said before leaving his daughter, leaving Quim furious. "Urghh!!"

The planning of the party was left in the hands of her grandparents, Quim remained unaware of the intricate details of the party as she focused on entertaining her friends who had flown in to celebrate her 18th birthday. The theme of the party was black and gold, as per Quim's request.

As the celebration unfolded in the grand hall of the mansion, Quim found herself surrounded by unfamiliar faces, including royal guests and dignitaries. The atmosphere exuded royalty and elegance, a stark contrast to Quim's rebellious and non-conformist nature. The unfamiliar staff treated her like royalty, which only served to irritate her. In a moment of frustration, Quim ordered the unfamiliar staff to leave, keeping only her two trusted personal maids by her side.

Quim, determined to assert her individuality and defiance against traditional royal norms, tore her gown to her liking, opting for black boots instead of heels, and adorning herself with bold and fierce makeup. Her hair was styled in a bun, adding to her rebellious appearance. As she made her grand entrance into the room, her unconventional attire and demeanor shocked her grandparents and the royal guests they had invited.

Despite the initial shock and disapproval from the guests, Quim's bold and unapologetic presence captivated the room. Her deliberate act of rebellion through her torn dress and fierce makeup served as a statement of her defiance against the expectations placed upon her as a princess. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Quim, witnessing her transformation from a reluctant heir to a symbol of individuality and strength.

Quim's unconventional yet striking appearance challenged the traditional notions of royalty, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance. Her bold defiance and unwavering sense of self marked the beginning of a new chapter in her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, as she navigated the complexities of her dual identity as both a princess and a free-spirited individual.

As Quim made her grand entrance into the room, her torn gown, black boots, and bold makeup immediately caught the attention of the crowd. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Quim, mesmerized by her unconventional yet striking appearance. Her deliberate act of rebellion through her attire and demeanor served as a powerful statement of her defiance against the traditional expectations of royalty. Despite the initial shock and disapproval from some guests, his gaze remained fixed on Quim, captivated by her defiance and individuality. While others may have been taken aback by her unconventional appearance, he saw beyond the surface and recognized the strength and courage in her actions.

Throughout the evening, as the celebration unfolded and Quim continued to defy expectations with her fierce and unapologetic attitude, the man observed her every move. Her rebellious spirit and unwavering sense of self left a lasting impression on him, drawing him closer to her in admiration and intrigue. While the room buzzed with whispers and raised eyebrows, he remained steadfast in his admiration for Quim's authenticity and independence.