I wake up at 10:00am in the morning and feel refreshed. My maids bring me breakfast and leave me alone. My breakfast consists of brown bread, sausage, scrambled eggs and black pudding. As I chow down the delicious food, I think of the day that lies ahead of me. I have to go around the kingdom, personally invite all the eligible ladies to my ball and visit the living devils- the Di Vienna's. WOW. I have a rough day ahead of me. Why did they have to come? What did I do to ever deserve this? They are just some power hungry, rich girls. Mayhap I can see if Philip can just invite them. I don't think that I could survive a minute in their house. I can't think of this, not now. I finish up my breakfast and begin to get dressed. What should I wear? I don't want to look desperate, because I am not, but I don't not want to look like I tried. I know! I'll wear my light blue tunic and my brown pants. As I put my tunic over my head, I hear my parents conversing. I walk down the large robust, yet elegant staircase that leads me down by the dining chamber.

"Don't you think he should know?" I heard my mother say as I walk towards them.

"No my dear Elise, he is not ready," I hear my dad reply.

"Tell me what?" I ask in curiosity.

"Nothing dear. We will tell you later." I didn't want to make a fuss, so I didn't bring it up. I had a feeling that I would find out what they mean sooner or later. Just then I see my mother tearing up, water filling her eyes.

"Are you okay mother?" Why is she crying? Was it something I said? Then if it is, then what did I say?

"Tis nothing," she sniffles and continues, "it is just you shall be getting married soon. And I- I" she stopped to cry. Why? What did I do? Was it my presence?

"Did I do something mother?"

She chuckles softly, "No dear it is just that you shall be leaving me," she glances at my father, "you shall be leaving us." Thats it if she was crying before, it was nothing like this. She was bawling, clutching herself into my father's shoulders. "Charles, oh Charles! Our boy, he is leaving us! What shall I do? He is our only son!" Mother cries her worries into his shoulder. I walk over to her, enveloping her into my arms. I was going to miss them too. When a man becomes king, his family moves away, to an entirely different province. No wonder she is upset. She doesn't want to move away. Just then, my sisters Sapphire and Pearl walk down the stairs. They usually eat breakfast in their bed chamber. They both love to read. Currently their favorite book is, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. We even saw him perform the play! They are twin sisters, always doing everything together. When we were little, they would ALWAYS exclude me from their little adventures. Just because I am an older brother, doesn't mean I am chopped liver. Well anyways, they come down in coordinating dresses. Sapphire is wearing a light blue and light green dress while, Pearl is wearing a light pink and lavender dress. They were going to visit our cousin today, Emile. She lives is a far off province of Bankston.

"Hello Sapphire and Pearl. Are you girls ready for the trip?" I ask.

"Peter, will you saddle up our horses? They are Twilight and Dash," Sapphire tells me, as if I don't remember. When I was forced to go with them to pick out their horses, they were jumping and screaming with joy. They could not wait until they found their perfect match. Sapphire chose Twilight. A female horse, who is as quiet and timid as she is. But Twilight can be stubborn sometimes. Twilight really brings out the best in Sapphire. Now when Pearl picked out her horse, well Dash was crazy! Dash is a young female horse, very new to the world. Dash is very lively, crazy and as adventurous as Pearl is. They really found their perfect horse. They will be together forever.

"Sure girls," I say with a smile, "would you like me to get your meals ready too?"

"No silly! That's what the scullery maids are for!" Pearl says with a laugh. I was just trying to be helpful. But, I guess Pearl is right. I would not want to do someone else's job for them. Suddenly they both envelop me in their arms.

"We'll miss you Peter!" cried Pearl.

"Aye, we will. We won't be back until a fortnight," Sapphire interjects. WOW. I really was not paying attention was I? I had no idea they would be gone that long. They are only just going to make it to the ball. I am going to miss them too. What will I do when they are gone? Who will give me funny glances in the hallways, and answers to my studies? Who will be my friend? I hug them back.

"You'll really be gone that long?" I ask with disappointment filling my voice.

"Aye," Sapphire mumbles, "that long." I didn't know when, but Sapphire had started crying. I had a hunch that Pearl was too. I can hear the muffled sobs, from both girls. These are my only friends. Well not counting Philip, but I rarely even see him. These are the people who I loved to spend time with. These are the people who I have confided in and shared my hopes and dreams. I know it sounds cheesy, but my sisters are my best friends. I am really going to miss them. I didn't know when I started, but I can feel my tears running down my cheek. I know they will be back soon. I know they will. But, time apart, was hard for all of us.

"I am going to miss you guys," I say as tears are running down my cheek, onto their dresses. "You are my best friends. I don't know what I'll do without you." I don't know if they can hear everything that I am saying, but I keep going. "I love you two."

"I love you too," Pearl mumbles.

"Me too," Sapphire says. We stay like that for a long time, just holding each other. It was like, if we didn't hold on, we would slip away from each other.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later in the afternoon, I get ready to do my work. I still have to personally invite all the eligible maidens to my ball. This should be fun. I know it will. In case you didn't know, I mean that sarcastically. This could possibly be the worst day ever! (For you Catherine!) I walk out of the castle, trying to mentally prepare myself for the day. I walk to the stables and see my friend, Philip. He is wearing his finest attire for the occasion.

"Are you ready mate?" Philip looks up from his work to look at me.

"Aye. Have you saddled up the horses yet? Or do I have to do work too?" and with that he laughs.

"Yea. It would be helpful if you did something. I mean just because you are a Prince, doesn't mean that you can't do work."

"Alright, alright. You got me there." I briskly pass Philip into the stables. I walk toward the end and I see my horse. Big, strong, Maximus. He seems to know that we are going to go on a ride and gets excited. I grab the blanket, saddle, bridle, and reins and prepare Maximus. Within two fast minutes, he is ready to go. I take 10 pounds and place them in the saddle bag. "Philip, you shall take Maximus, my best horse."

"Why?" he asks in mock irritation.

"Because I am the Prince and I declare so," I chuckle at my demand.

"Fine, I give up. Now, are you going to get in that bloody carriage, or what?"

"Yea sir. I am." I walk into the elegant carriage. It had our country emblem in the outside and on the inside, well, its very intricate. Dark stained wood that has been engraved in intricate designs lines the sides and ceiling of the carriage. The floor is granite tile and the seats are made from the finest leather. So soft, so supple. There are beautiful, small windows on the side. I snap myself back into reality when, the carriage starts moving. The day is sunny, not too sunny, just sunny. WOW. I'm boring myself. You know what, I am just going to recite my lines. Well, not lines just things that I do. Smile, stand still and umm.....nothing? Mayhap I should say, 'Good day to you-" and then their name. NO!  I cannot do that! Then that means I would have to say that to everybody and God knows I do not, I repeat, do not want to say anything to the Di Vienna's. Back to my original plan- Smile and stand still. Maybe I should nod yes or no. Yep. Thats the plan.

                  About an hour later, we make our way into the Clermont province. The first house that we visit there is the Newsome family. They have a daughter Celeste, her older brother Mitchell and her other older brother Preston. (Vicky, I have succumb to the power of the internet. Apparently Preston is a medieval name. Fine. You win.) Our carriage makes its way to their driveway and I am impressed. They have a manor half the size of my castle! And my castle is no small one! Philip knocks on the door and we are greeted by their butler. Their manor, on the inside, is very ornate. A huge double staircase lies directly in front of the front door. I look up, to see the sexy grin of Celeste. She is a very beautiful woman, sexy in her own way. She is starring a red, sweet-heart neckline, mermaid style dress. Really and truly, it suits her. I feel myself grinning. Celeste makes her grand entrance and I can't help but blush. Did I dress for the occasion? NO! Peter, do not fall for the bombshell! I slightly shake my head, and avert my eyes down to the floor. I did not want to make it obvious that I cannot look at her, so I did not look completely down.

As she was on the last step she said, "Why hello Prince Peter," as she says my name, she bites her lip. I look  down and blush again. Why am I falling into her whims? Why must I like that sweet, gentle, beautiful, curvy, sexy.....STOP IT!!! Oh my goodness! What am I going to do?!?! If this happens with every pretty girl then, I'm going to have a problem. Just as I am about to say hello, she walks near and nearer to me. I stand still. My body wants to move, but it is not listening! She inches closer.....and closer.......and closer..... Finally I break free from her trance and start to back away. Just then, Philip saves me and starts to read about the ball. She stops in her tracks. Ppppphhhhhhheeeeeeeewwwwwww! I don't know what I would have done if she got any closer. As Philip is telling her of the event and she glances my way, but no more. I see her older brothers, Mitchell and Preston, coming in from the front hallway.

"Why hello Prince Peter," Preston starts with a light hearted tone.

"Yea. And hello to you too Preston," I answer back.

"How is my younger sister here doing?"

"Just fine," I reply. I was so not ready for this. What should I say? Should I say anything? I knew I should have recited lines!  I don't want to come off desperate, too rich, mean, greedy, or just plain dumb. Philip is done with reciting the whole, 'You are now cordially invited to the Princes-' blah, blah, blah. You get the point. Anyways we walk out the door without further interrogation from the Newsome's. Their butler shuts the door and I am finally safe. I walk back to the carriage, side-by-side with Philip, not saying a word. Not that I mind though. I mean, I just got out of living hell. Although the Newsome's are attractive, I have heard that they can be quite vicious. Mainly Celeste. Preston and Mitchell well, I do not know much about them. So I cannot say.

"You seem to have a thing for the girl," Philip says, breaking the ice. I look over at him and he is smiling ear-to-ear. Did I miss something? Or was it totally obvious that I was kind of fawning over her?

"I don't know what you are talking about," that statement is a total lie. Of course I know what he is talking about!

"Aye you do. I saw ye blushing, grinning, averting your eyes. Clear signs that you like the girl!"

"Okay, so mayhap I find her attractive. That doesn't mean I have a thing for her. Okay?"

"Yeah, yeah boy. Lie all ye want. I know the truth!" I left it at that. I did not want to go into my feelings right now. I stepped into the carriage and thought of lines.What would happen if all the families were like that, asking questions and I didn't know what to say? That would put shame on me. And my family.  I visited the Bankston, Kent, Angeles and Columbia. Only one more stop, one more province. Lastly is the province of Carolina, the family is the Di Vienna's. My favorite people. By this point you should know, but if you don't then pay attention! I mean that sarcastically! They are NOT my favorite family! Not in a million years! Calm down Peter, calm down. One stop left and you are done. One stop left and you are done. Oh! What should I say? What should I say? I start to think of good, generic lines and the whole world starts to slow down. I feel myself becoming weak and heavy. My eyes are drooping. I don't know when, but I fall soundly asleep.

"Wake up you bloody bastard! Tis the last stop!" I feel Philip shaking the carriage, "I said wake up bastard!"

           I wake to the loving sounds of a friend. I realize who's driveway I am in and am resenting the moment I have to get out of this carriage. Shaking the carriage once again Philip says, "You better be awake or I'll slap you awake!" this time he says it with anger in his voice. I look out the window to see that I am not in the driveway of the Di Vienna's, but am a good hundred yards from it. He must have realized that I was sleeping and wanted to make sure I  was awake for the greeting.

"I'm up! I'm up!" I say as I am sitting up in the carriage. I grab a mirror making sure my hair isn't too messed up. I fatten out my somewhat wrinkled clothes and once again we are off. Ten minutes later we are entering the driveway and are greeted with an unusual sight. I see what I believe to be a maid, sweeping of the front porch, seconds before we are going to step upon it. The carriage stops, I am out of the carriage and Philip off Maximus, yet she is still sweeping. Just as I think she won't move, she scurries inside. Seconds later, Philip knocks on the door. I hear a bang coming from the inside of the house. Did someone fall? Is everyone okay? I silently cursed myself for being concerned with them. Why should I anyway? They  are just a bunch of, pretty little rich girls that- I stop my thinking in its tracks. The maid, opens the door. But, she doesn't look like she is a maid. She is quite beautiful. I stood there staring for a moment. Should I ask for her name? Would she answer? Just then, she bows.

"Please, do not bow. Tis not necessary," I say. The girl quickly undos her bow and Lady Guinevere shoves her away.

"Sorry about her. She is just a mere housemaid," Lady Guinevere states.

"Don't worry about it Lady Guinevere she's fine," I reply. I don't know if the maid notices, but I give her a small wink.

"Here are my daughters. Helen and Alys Di Vienna."

"Hello, MY prince," Helen dreamt.

I cough, "YOUR price?!? I am no ones prince."

"Sorry, I was just thinking of OUR future." I ignore that comment and let Philip get straight to the business.

"Dear Lady Guinevere, Helen, Alys and Azalea Di Vienna, you are cordially invited to the Prince's Maiden Ball. This event will take place on, April 9th, at 5:00pm in the evening at the Royal Palace. This is a formal event so wear your best attire. This is a ball in which the prince will chose a bride. All eligible women from every household must attend. Every girl will have one chance to dance with the prince. Any questions?"

"Who will be invited? And who comes up with the invitation list anyways?" Lady Guinevere inquires.

I mumble to Philip, "Not me, that's who. If it was up to me, these fools would not be coming." I chuckle to myself and Philip.

"Lady Guinevere, it is the whole royal family," answers Philip trying hard not to let another laugh escape him.

"Thank you for coming and see you soon!" Lady Guinevere says. And with that Me and Philip get out of there as fast as we could. I swear, if we stayed any longer, there would be hell to pay. Those girls are just a bunch of power hungry, hogs. Well, except for that maid of theirs. What was her name again? Oh wait, I didn't ask for her name! Dang it! Mayhap Philip knows. But at this point, I am not willing to ask. He saw how I was with the bombshell Celeste and I didn't want him asking questions about why I would ask what her name was. But I was dying to know.

          The ride home was long, took us over a day and a half. Not counting the fact that it was already nightfall before we got out of the Carolina province.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I'm tired," I hear Philip's groan coming from the tent.

"We need to get going. Otherwise it shall take us a fortnight to get to the castle." I hear shuffling noises coming from Philip's tent. It seems that he is getting up. Finally.

"But tis so early," he complained.

"Get up now, otherwise I shall get my water and pour it upon your head." There that should get him up.

"Actually a shower shoulds nice."

"GET UP!!!!"

"Fine. I can see that you have woke up on the wrong side of the bed." And with that, Philip finally gets up. I already had my morning meal, an apple and some bread. He eats the same. Things are now quiet between us and the silence is painful. Does he want to say something? Should he say something? Or do I have to say something? I rethink yestereve and recall that lovely maid that lives in the Di Vienna's house. I knew I should have asked for her name! Now, it tis all I can think about.....her. You would think that Celeste would make a few appearances in my thoughts, but she never came. I wonder if that maiden was thinking of me. And if she was, then what was she thinking? I can feel myself slightly blush at the thought. Even though she may be a servant, it does not look like she was born one. Could she be the step-daughter of Lady Guinevere, the one that disappeared? I don't know when, I don't even know how, but I shall meet that girl again. She is in my thoughts and hope that I am in hers. I still can only think of what her name is. When will I find out? How shall I find out?

Pearl- @RainbowDashLoyalty

Emile- @11pbskids

There will be more of these characters and many more new ones! If you would like to be in my story, I cannot guarantee it, but you can comment below! I hope that you liked this chapter!!

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