The Romantique Times

Chapter 3: The Sudden Treatment

Chapter 3: The Sudden Treatment

*Edited* 

Vicky's POV

I sat in the carriage and held Lily as close as possible. I looked at the man who sat in front of me with perfect posture. His hair was combed in such way that at first sight, you knew that he was a man of important status.

But honestly, I didn't recognize who he was when I first saw him. He wore a suit that complimented those clear grey eyes. They were emotionless, except for the minute or two when he was staring at me...

But, having a royal look at you? It was impossible... wasn't it? I thought to myself at the state that I was in.

I was sure he wasn't capturing me, or at least, not dragging me on the streets like how most criminals would be treated when they were caught. I was sitting in the carriage. That must mean that I should be clear of all possible punishments, right?

I guess this might be even better than going back to an empty home with no one else to welcome Lily and I to anymore.

Soon, the carriage came to a stop and I was led out of the carriage. It suddenly hit me that I was standing in front of the castle. It looked amazing. I always saw the outline of the castle from afar but this was a completely different view.

"Wow..." I was breathless at the sight of the castle.

Then, I heard a little chuckle from the prince himself.

"Andrew, do as I asked. I'll see you tomorrow evening, Victoria," Prince Wilfred said, before taking my hand into his and kissing the back of it.

He then walked away with the other servants that were following him, leaving Lily and I alone with Andrew.

"This way please, Lady Victoria," the butler said, gesturing for us to follow him.

I held onto Lily's hand tightly and trailed behind the Andrew.  

"Vicky! Look! A bathtub! Oh! Two giant bouncy beds! Yippee!" Lily bounced up and down the beds in the room that we had been brought to. It was such a huge room.

It was almost the same size of the house that we were living in. There was a bathroom connected to the room that had a bathtub and still had space for perhaps another bed. The room also had a spectacular view.

For a moment, I thought I could live here forever.

"Come here, Lily," I called for Lily while exploring the room. She happily skipped into my open arms.

"I wish mother and father were here..." Lily said and she rested her head on my tummy.

"Me too sweetheart, me too. But don't worry. I'm here to protect you," I said to her and stroked her hair, hoping to comfort her, but knowing that we'd both gone back to the memories of our past.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

What a moment to interrupt, I mused, before calling out, "Who is it?"

"Miss Williams, its Andrew," the voice outside said.

It wasn't much of a surprise, considering I wasn't really expecting anyone else.

"The prince has requested that you get prepared for the Easter celebration tomorrow that will be held in the Clock Tower," Andrew said after bowing to me when I opened the door.

What...? A celebration? Me?

"I'm sorry, I'm not sure what you're saying..." I looked at him in shock.

"You will be going to the Clock Tower tomorrow with the Prince for the Easter Celebration as his partner. Now, all you need to do is have a good night's sleep and preparations will be made for tomorrow. There will be several guards outside the door to make sure you do not attempt to run away. Also, just ask them if you need anything," Andrew showed me two guards that had completely no facial expressions who took their positions beside the door.

"This is Maria, your personal maid. That's all I have to say for now. I'll see you tomorrow," Andrew said, bowing once more before walking away, leaving a lady who looked like she was in her mid 30s at front of the door.

"Good evening, Miss Victoria and Miss Lily. I'm Maria and I'm here to serve you for the next few days of your stay," Maria introduced herself with a warm smile.

Strange. She gave of such a motherly aura. I guess this won't be so bad. 

After having a nice warm bath and slipping into the softest, smoothest, comfiest cotton nightgown, I tucked Lily into bed and snuggled into my own. Soon after, I fell asleep in the midst of recalling the bizarre events that happened in the day.

The next morning, I woke up to the voices of strangers. Half awake, I saw Lily sitting of her bed while talking to a mysterious figure.

Lily, who's that you're talking to?" I asked her, frantically rubbing my eyes to clear my vision.

"Oh, Vicky! Prince Wilfred is here!" Lily exclaimed loudly before continuing, "Prince Wilfred, my sister is awake!"

"Yes, I can see that. Your sister is quite daring to be able to sleep so soundly in the presence of the prince," I heard him chuckle while Lily giggled.

Oh boy, what am I still doing under the covers?

I hurried sat up to see Prince Wilfred smartly dressed in a uniform, most likely the uniform that was meant for official duties. But what was he doing here?

"Pardon my rudeness, Prince Wilfred. I hadn't realized that you were here," I hurriedly said after while running a hand through my hair.

"Oh no, that's fine. It was a rather interesting to watch you sleep. Then again, it is my fault for intruding so early in the morning," Prince Wilfred said as he walked towards me.

I quickly get off the bed to face him. Soon, he came so close to me, so much that I could smell his scent. What a scent... Do all royals smell as good as him?

"Lady Victoria Williams, partner of Prince Wilfred. How do you like such a name? I came here in the morning to tell you what Andrew most probably told you yesterday. However, I hope that you would forget about the nervousness and all, and just enjoy the process of everything. Remember, not every girl has the chance to be the Prince's partner. Well then, I'll see you again this evening, my lady," he said, before taking my hand to kiss the back of it once again. 

"I'll see you, young Lily, later too," Prince Wilfred said to Lily and left the room. "

"Bye prince Wilfred!"Lily waved as the door closed.

I was still in shock at what he said. So I am really going to a celebration, with him. That was quite a lot to imagine. When I finally understood what he said, he was already gone.

All I could do was look at the door he walked through and touch the still tingling part of my hand where he kissed. He was so charming...

"Miss Victoria? Miss Victoria?" I heard Maria call out before I finally snapped out of my daze.

"Very charming, isn't he?" she said, smiling to me.

Did she realize that I was staring?

"Ye-Yes. I guess that would be needed if he was the prince, am I right?" I said in reply, looking away from her as I felt the heat on my cheeks.

"Vicky is blushing!" Lily exclaimed and bounced up and down her bed. Oh no, she realized too?

"A-Am not! I... I... Please excuse me!" I stuttered as I rushed into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me.

Oh... How embarrassing...