THE 18TH BIRTHDAY BALL

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HOW SHOULD I START TELLING my story? All of this has started only two years ago on my eighteenth birthday and honestly, a lot has happened on that day that I can't recall most of them. I remember a lot of important people had come from all over the world to give their greetings—Dukes, Princes, young billionaires, Presidents and Prime Ministers—while I just sat there with nothing running in my mind but the words, "When will this end? I need to pee." It was probably obvious that I looked uncomfortable because Simon leaned into my ear to whisper.

"Princess, do you wish to leave the hall?"

I was not able to conceal the loud sigh of relief I made that finally someone had asked. "Yes, please Your Excellency I am begging you." I whispered back to which caused him to laugh inwardly before proceeding to announce the next part of the party so I could finally excuse myself.

I had glanced at my grandfather who was drinking champagne with my father and my mother before Simon had escorted me out of the hall. Pa gave me a funny wink while gramp's expressions were asking, "Why are you leaving? It's your party!" to which I replied telepathically, "If I don't leave, my bladder's going to burst and it will be the end of this great monarchy!" which he probably have understood and nodded. We have that kind of alien relationship—gramps and I.

Just as we were out of the hall, I couldn't hold it anymore and just ran for the loo like it was a matter of life and death leaving Simon flabbergasted. I don't know why he would still get surprised. He should already have gotten used to it. But I heard him laugh and I don't exactly know what that meant.

Minutes later.

"Uh, did you wash your hands thoroughly Your Royal Highness?" Simon teased when I held onto his arm after coming out from the comfort room.

"Not to worry, good Sir. I wiped it clean on your sleeves."

I laughed as the expression on his face changed into disbelief. I knew I beat him that time with my prank. It has become our little competition since we were little. When I'd think about how it began, I actually was the one who provoked him first. Simon was a stiff and quiet little boy back then. He wasn't the kind of child you'd expect to do any kinds of mischief especially with a member of the royal family. Even when he had become quite the young soldier serving in the palace at only twenty, bearing that handsome face that you'd trust your life right away—not to mention, sought after by the ladies. To be more exaggerated—and Frederick had always hated this—Simon is more of a Prince charming than the Prince himself. Looks can be deceiving indeed, as they say. That orphan boy Simon never gave up with any prank I'd play on him. He'd always have a plan to get even on me. In a way, it made him mysterious and most specially, not a boring playmate.

"I can't believe you would actually go for a prank like that Drei!"

"I can't believe you fell for it. Haha!"

"Of course, I did! You're not the best-behaved Princess I know. I met the future Queen of Netherlands and she's so much more like a lady than you."

"So? I met her too. She's way too intimidating." I said matter-of-factly. For a second there he was silent and I thought he agreed to me there. Alas, he never sounded so bored saying these next words.

"Drei, she's ten years old."

I tried to get away with it by rolling my eyes and acting annoyed. "Come on, we're different. She's to be Queen and I'm not. And most of all, stop scolding me like a child Simon. I'm already eighteen." I said. Then I heard him chuckle. Just the very thing he always does to dampen my mood.

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