𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧

26⚚ Belonged

Vencie POV:

The sunlight beamed through the curtains of Amaira's room, making her groan in her sleep as she shifted under the blanket.

After a few minutes, she rubbed her eyes, blinking herself awake. Stretching slightly, she reached for her phone on the bedside table and squinted at the time. 8:30 AM.

A satisfied sigh escaped her lips. It is weekend, and thankfully, she didn't have much to do. She lay there for a moment longer, her mind wandering.

It wasn't even a mystery anymore how she woke up in her own room after falling asleep elsewhere. She knew exactly what had happened—her Vijulu, of course.

Her eyes scanned the room, and she spotted a note stuck to the coffee table near the couch. Smiling softly, she climbed out of bed, padding over to pick it up.

The familiar handwriting made her grin as she read:

Very good morning, my baby. Sorry that I won't be there beside you when you wake up—I had to train a few guards with Gaurav Bhai. I might come back around afternoon. Achi will make you breakfast, baby.

Also, the kingdom people's gifts are placed in the living room. Feel free to open them.

See you soon.
Your coconut head.

Amaira chuckled, her heart warming at the thoughtfulness behind the note. "My Coconut head," she muttered with affection, pressing a quick kiss to the paper.

How does he always know exactly what to say? she thought as she went to freshen up.

A little while later, Amaira came downstairs, the faint aroma of something delicious wafting through the air. As she entered the kitchen, she saw Achi by the stove, cooking breakfast with her usual precision and grace.

"Hiii, Achi!" Amaira greeted cheerfully.

Achi turned to her with a warm smile. "Your Grace," she said, bowing respectfully.

Amaira pouted, crossing her arms. "Achi, how many times do I have to tell you? Just call me Amaira! Or Princess like you always do."

Achi chuckled, shaking her head. "It's a habit, Princess. I'll try, but no promises," she teased gently.

Amaira walked over and sat on the counter, swinging her legs slightly. "Where's Viraj? I thought he was with you."

"Oh, he left early this morning," Amaira said. "He's out with Gaurav bhaiyya training the new guards."

The two of them slipped into an easy conversation, laughing.

After breakfast, Amaira leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile on her face. "Achi, do you have to go back soon?" she asked hopefully, her eyes lighting up.

The elder woman, who had been tidying up the kitchen, turned to her with a kind smile. "No, Princess, I'm free until the afternoon."

Amaira clapped her hands together, her excitement evident. "That's great! Then come on, Achi, let's open the gifts!"

Achi chuckled at Amaira's childlike enthusiasm. She had watched this girl grow up since the day she was born, and one thing had remained constant—Amaira's love for the gifts that the kingdom's people sent her every year.

Shaking her head fondly, Achi followed her to the living room, where a small mountain of beautifully wrapped boxes awaited.

Amaira knelt beside the pile, her eyes sparkling as she began opening each gift with care. One by one, she unwrapped them—intricately embroidered shawls, handmade jewelry, beautiful handwritten letters from the kingdom's children.