Happy New Month everyone!

Alicia's POV

I woke up at 4:00 AM for Nani's birthday, saying my prayers and reflecting on everything. I chose a beautiful black sparkling gown and braided my hair by 4:37 AM.

As I stepped out of my room, Richard emerged from his as well-what an unfortunate coincidence.

"Good morning, Prince Richard," I greeted, intending to go the other way when I saw him, but it seemed futile.

"Good morning, Princess Alicia. Please, just call me Richie," he replied politely.

"Just Alicia, please. I don't like any royal titles," I insisted.

"Okay. How are you?" he asked.

"Fine, and you?" I replied tersely.

"Great. Why are you up so early?" he continued with the questions, and now I had to respond.

"I'm going to buy gifts for Nani's birthday," I replied, smiling.

"Ah, that reminds me, I have gifts for her," he said, surprising me with his plural 'gifts'.

"What? She doesn't accept gifts from strangers," I retorted, half-jokingly shocked.

"No, I'm just..." he began.

"Surprised that I got her gifts. I need to discuss something with you," he said, making me feel nauseous.

I awkwardly cut the conversation short and rushed off. Argh, what's wrong with you, Alicia? It's only 4:49 AM; you could have continued the conversation.

In my car, I searched for the perfect shop and finally found one. I shopped until 6:45 AM, then hurried back to the palace. I hid the gifts in my room and laid down, falling asleep instantly.

When I woke up, rays of sun affected me. It was already 11:08 AM. I quickly showered, dressed in a black leather cargo trousers and tank top with black jacket , styled my hair uniquely, and headed downstairs.

I found everyone already celebrating Nani with gifts. Feeling embarrassed and overlooked.

"Alicia is really annoying and stupid for just staying in bed on my birthday, I won't even be surprised if she forgot" Nani whined.

I was pissed off. I shook my head in disappointment and wondered of to my room.

I changed into casual clothes, put on earphones, and immersed myself in studying and meditating on the Bible with deep music, unaware that it was already late afternoon.

A gentle knock on my door startled me, and I opened it to find Casey standing there.

"Yes, Casey," I replied coldly.

"Um... Good afternoon, Your Majesty. Miss Nani asked me to greet you once you woke up, and Prince Richard is downstairs wanting to see you," she explained.

"Okay, thank you," I responded, slightly more cordially this time.

She left, and I closed the door gently, struggling to contain my anger. I dressed in a green sparkling gown and black flat shoes. Taking out my phone, I messaged Nani ignoring the infusion still going on within me.

You
Nani, happy birthday again. May God continue to bless you and keep you alive. Amen!! We need to talk about something when you get a chance.

"Alicia, you're here," I heard Richard's voice, and I looked up to see him looking at my irritable self.

"Yeah," I replied curtly.

"Um... Alicia, Nani was quite upset with you," he said, and I felt a surge of disdain.

"What do you mean? I woke up early to buy her gifts, but Nani will always be Nani," I snapped, surprised at my own harshness toward Richie.

"I tried explaining that, but she was upset because you didn't wake up to wish her a happy birthday and give her gifts after she woke up, so I left her to herself," he explained, warming my heart with his attempt to defend me.

"And Andrew?" I inquired.

"He's upset because his best friend is upset with you. It's all quite messy," he replied, and I couldn't believe my own brother was angry at me because of this.

"Never mind, Richie. Let's move on to something else. How are you, by the way?" I asked sarcastically.

"Sorry for that question. So, what would you like to do? You can't be dressed so beautifully for nothing," he remarked, flashing his charming smile.

"Let's take a drive outside the palace grounds," I suggested, smiling back.

"There's that beautiful smile," he commented, offering his hand like a gentleman. I, as the lady, placed my hand in his.

His touch was warm and comforting. I almost felt like I was back in bed, except his hand felt safer than my bed, though my bed was bigger than his hand.

**SIX HOURS LATER**

We explored the city, driving around markets, shops, and parks. We indulged in snacks and maintained a comfortable silence in the car with the cool air conditioning.

"So, how old are you, and when is your birthday?" he asked gently.

"I'm twenty, turning twenty-one on December 22nd. And you?" I responded in a ladylike manner.

"I'm twenty-five, born on June 20th. I believe your brother's birthday is February 3rd," he replied with a hint of royal pride, and I chuckled at his enthusiasm.

"How did you know his birthday?" I asked, intrigued.

"He told me," he answered.

"How is that possible?" I queried.

"Well, I have a knack for building relationships and extracting information," he explained, half-jokingly. "Education?"

"Yeah, I've completed my education," I replied, teasing him gently.

"What?! How is that possible?" he exclaimed, genuinely surprised.

"Surprise," I chuckled softly. "When I was four, I was in 12th grade, the final year of school. I started college at five and finished at seven, though I couldn't complete Queen's training due to my mother's departure and the rest of the Pack," I smirked, thoroughly enjoying his astonishment.

"You're quite remarkable. I'm sorry for your loss, our loss, you know, our Queen," he said, recovering from his shock.

Back at the King's Kingdom, we entered the living room and found Nani and Andrew hugging. I would say, that is disgusting because the person she is hugging, is my brother.

"You're back," Nani greeted, blushing.

"Yeah, we're back. Sorry I meant... you're back" Andrew echoed, equally red, aware that I'd tease them about it later. Though, in truth, I didn't care-it was just a hug.

Uncle Will appeared, descending like a god, strong and regal, into the room.

"What's going on here?" he asked.

"We just got back and found Nani and Andrew already here. Isn't that nice?" I remarked, earning a thankful look from Nani.

"Okaaaay," Uncle Will responded awkwardly, suspicious. "Where were you this afternoon when we were celebrating Nani's birthday?"

"I woke up at 4:00 AM to buy gifts from the best shop and then fell back asleep. When I woke up and saw everyone having fun, I figured I wasn't needed," I replied indirectly, causing Nani and Andrew, who were angry at me for no reason, to look guilty. Serves them right.

"I apologize for that. Perhaps you could give her the gifts later, as I have something to show you all now," Uncle Will said, diverting attention from the matter at hand.

He presented a paper elaborately decorated.

"This is a threat from the Sturgis Kingdom. They demand we return their slaves or face consequences. I don't know who among us is a slave. I tried asking, but no one owned up, so I decided to handle it myself," Uncle Will announced, noting the awkward silence.

"What's with the silence? Do any of you know about this? Is it Casey?" Uncle Will questioned, reaching for his phone.

"No, it's not her. It's..." Andrew started, and I felt tears welling up.

"It's me. I'm not of royal descent. Alicia was once a slave, and Andrew was a guard, but I was a simple, poor slave. I'm sorry for lying, Alicia, Andrew, everyone," Nani confessed.

I left the living room, retreated to my room, and collapsed on my bed in tears. They came to console me, but I felt heartbroken that my friend had lied to me after everything I had done for her.

**To be continued**

Nani's deception about her royal status has deeply affected Alicia. What will happen next? Stay tuned to find out. Don't forget to vote, comment, and share with your loved ones. God bless you all.

I am so sorry for the late update. I hope by the grace of God, I will be updating frequently.

Love,
giftedFortune