I Found the Prince

The Surprise: Part 3

Olivia's POV

My mouth is still wide open as the carriage starts to take us through the palace gates. How on Earth did Ethan manage to get us invites to the King and Queen? You have to do something really great or really bad to meet them and with how much the boys are beaming, I know it's really great, but what could it be?

"Are you surprised?" Ethan asked, pulling me away from my thoughts. I just blink at him in awe of what is happening. "I never let you see the invitations, but they wanted to meet one of the owners of your family's shop. The Queen loves it, apparently." He says, shrugging his shoulders. I still have no words to mutter. I am just too far in the realm of shocked. Ethan laughs at me a little and pulls me into a hug. He kisses the top of my head and says, "Be cool, Princess. They are going to love you! I mean, what's not to love!" This helped me slow my breathing a bit. 

Once we park in front of the palace doors, we are escorted inside. The palace was absolutely beautiful. There were murals and sculptures everywhere. It seemed as if the royal family hired a decorator who wanted to make the palace more homey than... royal? We arrive at the dining hall, where the meeting was happening. I took a deep breath as the guards opened the door and we all walked in. The King and Queen were sitting in their seats, but they stood up to greet us. "Hello, Ethan, Olivia, Wesley, and Ashley. It is such a pleasure to have you all today." The Queen said. He voice was like silk, it was beautiful. 

I curtsied and said, "Thank you so much for having us, your Majesties." I look over and see that everyone followed my lead and bowed as well. 

"Well, please, come sit down and enjoy the feast we have prepared for you!" The King says. His voice was a little terrifying. It was deep and it echoed throughout the room, I could feel the vibrations going through my chest. "So, when we met with Mr. Ethan and Mr. Wesley, Mr. Ethan said you had some insights about our son." The King said. My face instantly went red and I quietly kicked Ethan under the table. 

"Your Majesty, it was no offense to you or the Prince, we were just discussing him leaving the palace is all. Has he returned yet?" I ask, trying so hard to get the heat off of me. 

The Queen had sad eyes and said, "No, not yet. We are hoping for his return today with it finally being a week since his departure. But, we would love to hear your insights on our son. We will take no offense. Here, I'll start. He's a bit of a goof ball. I swear he loves to play pranks on all of us, including his little sister, Kayla. He has become a bit serious, but he's trying to stay Kingly for his Kingdom. Personally I think he should loosen up a bit. I hope that girl of his can do that." She says. I giggle at how comfortable they are with us. 

The Queen honestly helped me loosen up a bit. "You're right. I told Ethan he looks so emotionless all the time. He looks like he's got a broom up his butt. I hope you're right about him being playful, that would be a sight to see. Anytime I see him on T.V., I roll my eyes because I know he's going to sound like this." I say the last part in a deep monotone. The King and Queen are laughing hysterically at what I'm saying. I can't believe this is going so well. 

"Um, Livvy?" I hear Ashley say, but I ignore her. 

"I hope you take no offense, but," I say as I stand up. I start to give myself fake muscles and buff up a bit. "I am the Prince, I will be King, I am macho and mean. Fear me, GRRRRR!" I act out and the King and Queen are holding their stomachs from laughing. 

"LIVVY!" Ashley says loudly. I turn to her, annoyed that she was interrupting, but she pointed at Ethan. I spun around to see the Prince. Prince freaking Ethan standing right behind me, snickering at my act. 

"Oh, no. Please, don't stop on my behalf, Princess! Keep going." My heart dropped when I heard his voice and my nickname. My Ethan was Prince Ethan. I felt butterflies attack my stomach and I wanted to throw up so badly. I ran out of the room, looking for the nearest bathroom. "OLIVIA, WAIT!" I heard Ethan, or shall I say, Prince Ethan call out. I ignored him and ran as fast as I could to the first bathroom I saw and let it all come up.

This was a lot to unpack. I knew something about him was familiar, I knew there was a possibility he was the prince and yet I ignored it. I knew it all and yet I felt nothing but betrayal. I heard a knock on the door, "Livvy, can I come in?" It was Ashley. I got up and unlocked the door for her. I saw Ethan out the corner of my eye, looking concerned. I ignored him, shut the door, and locked it. "Are you okay?" She asked, looking at my eyes. Yes, I have been crying. 

"How could he do this to me? I trusted him more than anything and the whole time he lied to me. I feel like an idiot." I say.

"Oh, Livvy. No, you feel like an idiot because you embarrassed yourself in front of the King and Queen, also known as Ethan's parents. Come on, don't act like you didn't know the whole time that he was the prince." She says, trying to snap me out of it. I shrug my shoulders because part of me did know, but I wanted him to tell me. "So, chill. Look, you didn't even notice Wesley's surprise." I look up at her, confused. "Yeah, he had a secret as well. You know, Prince William." I nod. "He's Prince William!" She squealed. 

"WHAT! WE BOTH HAVE PRINCES!" I screech. She giggled and nodded. "This is insane. My brain is exploding!" I say, trying to calm down a little. 

"Olivia, does that mean we can talk?" I hear Ethan say. That little eavesdropper. 

Ashley looks at me, telling me to do it. I roll my eyes and sigh as I get up to open the door. There he was, the Prince. "Olivia, I am so sorry. I thought you would get a kick out of it since that was our relationship. I never meant to hurt you at all. I had to keep my identity a secret so I could continue to explore and learn about the kingdom. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but please don't let this effect us." He spills out. How is he this adorable while he's begging for forgivness?

I look into his eyes and I could see the sincerity and the fear. He really didn't do too much harm and plus that means I'm in love with a Prince. I do really love him so much and I don't want this to end. "Okay, you're forgiven!" I say with a sarcastic tone. 

He chuckles and pulls me into a kiss. I quickly push away and wipe my lips and his. "What was that for?" He asked, looking a bit hurt. 

"Can I brush my teeth?" I ask, trying to hint that I threw up. He laughed at me and walked me to another bathroom. "Is this your room?" I ask once we get there.

"Yes. There are extra toothbrushes in the closet and so is the toothpaste. Don't be long, I want to properly introduce you to my parents." I blush at the thought since I just completely embarrassed myself. 

I quickly brush my teeth and head back with Ethan. The King and Queen were sitting down and chatting it up with Wesley and Ashley. Once they see us, they stand and walk over. "Now, for a proper introduction." The Queen says. 

"Mom, dad, this is Olivia Rose, the girl who has stolen my heart." He beams and I blush heavily. 

I hold out my hand for a handshake and say, "Nice to meet you!" But, she pulls me into a big hug. 

"Oh, this is so great! You have really brought back my little jokester. I have missed this boy's smile so much and you, Olivia, have brought it back. So, no, no handshakes. You are officially family, missy!" She squeals, still hugging me. 

I felt Ethan tug on her hands. "MOM, RELEASE!" He says and I start to giggle at how adorable this all is. 

Once the Queen let go, I felt another tug and I am pulled into a hug by the King. "You are the sweetest and funniest girl I have ever met! You will be good for my son!" He booms. I felt his voice radiate all throughout my body. Even when he is happy, he is scary. 

"Dad!" I heard Ethan say annoyed. The King let me go and I dusted myself off a bit. 

"It's very nice to meet you both!" I beam. The look at me with kind eyes and I blush. 

"Well, let's finish lunch!" They say and we all sit down. 

We start to talk about Ethan and I's relationship timeline and Ashley and Wesley talk about theirs. Apparently, tomorrow, Ashley is meeting his parents. I am so excited for the both of us! I can't believe that just 7 days ago, I was just a shopkeepers daughter and today, I may just be the future Princess of Danville!