1 THE ROYAL FAMILY

The ocean blue sky that can be looked up onto is relaxing. The cold air that is hugging my body comforts me. The tall green trees, The sound of water falling was audible as there is a waterfall near the area I am standing.

The sun is shining so brightly; the birds are chirping melodic tunes. This day is just like any other day, full of responsibilities. I've been in distress this past few days, the farmers are having trouble harvesting some crops.

"My lady, the shipments were already here" I irritatedly turn around to look at the person talking to me, Archael, the son of the head maid, is casually wearing a midnight green T-shirt pairing it up with black cargo pants.

"You know that it's my rest time, right?" I glared at him.

"HA HA HA" He sarcastically laughs at me. I rolled my eyes and didn't mind him. I looked at my watch, It's just 7:30 in the morning, and I have a rule that my responsibilities will just go on after 8 am. I made this rule to set some boundaries, to separate my status from my own life.

"Zaph…" he called me.

"What?" I asked him, not even bothering to take a glance in his direction.

"The guy-"

I glared at him before he could even start what he is about to say. He pouted and walked up to me. As he kept speaking, "I know, you don't want to talk about it, but what-"

I sighed, then walk away. He knows that I don't want to talk about it, that I want to forget those memories.

"Your highness, his majesty is waiting at the dining hall right now." I nodded at the maid who told me that, lifted my wrist to look at my watch, 7: 45 am, just in time for our breakfast.

I'm still wearing my red nightgown, hiding it in my black silk robe. My autumn gray hair is still in a messy bun, showing off little strands of hair in my face.

"The princess has arrived!" One guard announced before opening the huge mahogany double door for me, showing me the insides of our dining hall.

The 24-seater marble table is in the middle of the room. The white leather seats are formally placed on each side. A row of similar-looking Egyptian chandeliers hanging from the ceiling added to the extravagance of the room. The walls were painted in white, to make the room look bright and neat.

"Good morning, Zapphire." King Martin, my dad said to me. Dad is in the Late '40s, his black hair is in good shape this morning. He is sitting at the head of the table, with his back straight and fingers entwined with each other, placing his wrists on the table.

"Good morning, Dad, Mom." I greeted them as I kissed their cheeks.

"Zaph, how's your day yesterday" Queen Xyina, my mom asked me. She's wearing an ocean blue, long-sleeved lace dress. We have the same hair color, autumn gray. While I got my blue eyes from my Dad.

"Just the same Mom," I smiled at her while going In my designated seat.

"Did you handle the problem about the farmers already?"

"I'm working on it, dad," I answered honestly.

"Where's Aiden?" I ask them, Prince Aiden. My brother is still not in the room. Well, he's mostly late, so it's not that new to us.

My mom was about to answer my question when the guards announced that my brother's arrival.

"Prince Aiden has arrived!"

The door opened showing my brother in his daily attire, a white buttoned-down shirt, and blue denim jeans partnered with white sneakers. His hair is wet and still in its messy form, showing that he had just taken a shower.

"Aiden, what took you so long?" my mom's sweet voice occupied the room.

"Good morning, Mom, Dad." his deep voice entered my ears. He greeted them both with a smile.

"Good morning, brother." I stood up from my seat and gave him a welcoming hug.

"Good morning, sweetie" my brother hugged me back. I can smell his favorite perfume. The one I gave him on his last birthday.

"Sit down now." my dad spoke up in a calm manner.

My brother sat on my right side, while our mother sat across from me. One servant went in and told us that the food will arrive in a minute.

"Zaph, I need your help" my brother leaned in my side and whispered in my ear.

"What is it?" I whispered back.

"Mom and Dad's anniversary will come soon,"

My jaw dropped open I look at him with widened eyes. I totally forgot about it, I must have been so busy these past few days. Mom would probably hate me if she found out, I forgot about it.

"Did you forget about it?" he asked me out of surprise.

"Shh," I told him to be quiet. I look around and got relieved when I saw that my parents are talking to each other and not paying attention.

My brother smirked, and got back to his position earlier, sitting straight with his arms crossed with each other.

"Your Majesty, the food is here,"

The door opened, and a crew of 10 people walked in wearing their uniforms. A white shirt with a penguin waistcoat matched with black trousers and black leather shoes for men. While a gray knee-length skirt paired with a white blouse and feminine gray waistcoat with white stockings and black formal heels for women. They were pushing trolleys, carrying the breakfast.

The servants served the food. The menu carried a variety of soups, juices, and breakfast items. I gestured a maid to serve me a whole wheat bread bun and mushroom soup. Well, I probably can't be eating everything in here. A light and healthy breakfast to start off my day are good enough.

We started eating after the servants left the room. My brother and I are the ones who are usually the first ones to finish eating, but today we are the last one because the dishes are all our favorites.

"Zaph, I have something to ask you." I turn my gaze at my mom, who had finished eating already and is waiting for us to finish.

"Can you check on the condition of those farmers tomorrow?"

"Yes, Mom," I answered with a smile.

"Brother, can you come with me?" I asked my brother who is finally done with his food.

"I'll check my schedule and update you later," He then answered.

The door suddenly opened, we all turned and saw Archael walking in our direction.

"Good morning, your majesty, your highnesses." he bowed to us.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him confusingly. He walked up to me and whispers my ear.

"There is a problem with one of our ships," He said.