Princess and I

8: The Engagement

Xete's Point of View.

I couldn't be more delighted that Sena was the one who found me when I was in despair. She came in the right time like she was given to me to lighten up the burden that have struck me and my kingdom. But lately its like I have been being shove to Haidus. I've seen him before, the twins were always present on different Balls held by different Kingdoms. He's one of the most handsome Prince I've ever seen and his popularity among women and men is shocking. I have to say, I had a small crush on him. But, every time I see Sena, my heart just skips a beat. When she smiles at me, I feel like elephants with wings are flying in my stomach. Then every time she would ignore me its as if someones taking blows on my stomach. I'm ecstatic that I get to know both of them but Sena was enough and now she has been very distant. I don't know if it is accidental that my chamber is close to Haidus or its fate pushing me to where I should have been in the first place.

"Good morning Princess, how was your night?" The king asked.

"It was great," I smiled at him and couldn't help but to look at the empty chair in front of me.

Everyone was there, except for her. I sat beside Haidus as I feel more comfortable sitting beside a person that I know.

A steward walked towarda the King and whispered something.

"Our youngest Princess has already eaten her breakfast. So forgive her absence," The King announced.

I couldn't stop myself from feeling down. I wanted to see her; I want to spent time with her again like we used to. I told myself that it's just breakfast and I know that it can still be fixed since the Queen told me that her task is to show me around.

"Princess, do you have any plans today with my daughter? I already asked some knights to watch you," The Queen asked.

"Well, I dont really know, your majesty. I havent talked to her yet," I said politely.

Haidus interrupted, "Mother, one of SK's lady-in-waiting brought me a letter. She said that she's passing her task to me and I'll be in charge of taking care of the Princess from now on," He looked at me and winked.

My father used to say that hope is our strongest weapon but I could never understand the difference between hoping and expecting. Right now, there is no difference. I hoped and had my expectations and both are crushed. Maybe I should start using the word "wish" from now on because it seems to be impossible to get close to her again. They were right, its so easy for het to shut everyone down. But she's such genuine person, how can she be both at the same time. I already showed her how interested I am to her and how I'm starting to care for her in a way that no one could; and she's just there, annoyed by my actions.

I wanted to cry but how can I be so selfish and weep about this feeling when my father is going through a hard time too.

Haidus is a good looking Prince. Maybe he's also as genuine as her sister, I just have to give him a chance. But I somewhat already know that he's different from Sena. Sena has flaws that she's too afraid to show and the vulnerability in her eyes... She just doesn't know that's what makes her perfect and beautiful. On the other hand, Haidus is Haidus. Its like what you see is what you get, like there's no dimension but I can't really judge based on instincts. I've heard peoples' verdict about the "eights," their well known nicknames. There's always less to say about Sena, and about her useless role in the palace while the others are all so perfect. They are all wrong, everyone in this family have depths.

On the other hand, I do kind of enjoy Haidus' presence. Unlike Sena, he is so much better with the people, he's open, kind and sweet. As everyone says, Charming indeed. He brought me on a small jousting tournament once; kissed me on the cheek and said his goodnight. Like every young woman; I have to say that I blushed. I just have to put it in my mind that I have tons of friends that would die to be in my position. I guess I'm really lucky. That's what I should stick to my mind, that I'm lucky and I should give him a chance.

The lady in waiting opened my room and a letter from Sena greeted me.

Princess Xete,

I am glad that you're diverting. I'm going straight to the point; I already know that you're going to be engaged with him after eight months. Its everyone's dream and I wish you happiness. Have a pleasant sleep.

- Sena

I wanted to ripped the paper apart. It was like every word written on it were knives being thrust in my chest. Maybe its true, thats her natural self. If that's her plan - I'll give her what she wants. It's not hard to fall in love with him more than her. She doesn't have a heart. But somehow I know that she does and she just need someone to stay and keep her grounded. Im lost about what Im feeling. I wish I could be normal; I wish he couldve found me; I wish I could go back in time and stopped the attack. But time is like a ripple, it always produces the same thing. At the end of the day, I will fall in love with her and she won't.

The next morning, I arrived at the dining table earlier than Sena and Haidus. I sat beside Sena's normal place, I just miss her and I'm just hoping that she'll eat with us today. But as soon as they both entered, Sena caught my eyes, and I smiled. She held her straight face and whispered something to Haidus. She suddenly walked to the other side of the table.

At my surprise, they exchanged seats. I didn't even know that was possible. At my kingdom, we all have our permanent place. Haidus smiled at me and I returned it, but I couldn't help but to look down and frown.

Haidus lifted my chin and sai, "Good morning beautiful."

I panicked and unconsciously looked at Sena, worrying that she might get the wrong thing. She smirked at me and thought to myself that she's mocking me.

"Good morning to this very handsome Prince," I replied and laugh. I thought they would agree but it kind of went awkward since no one laughed. My plan of making her jealous was not working.

Sydney and the King was the last one to enter. As soon as they took their sits, I was taken aback but I had expected it. But it was too much, too early that I was caught off guard.

"I, Prince Haidus, hope that I would be engage with Princess Xete within three months if it works," he announced and raised his glass.

Everyone was clapping; the maids, the knights, everyone, including Sena. This is the moment that I have taken it in - she didn't love me.

Well, isn't this every girl's dream, marrying a noble and handsome Prince of a wealthy and peaceful kingdom.