THIRTEEN

[COCK CROWS]

[BIRDS CHIRPING]

[DOOR OPENS]

"Morning, Princess..." Miriam walked in and opens the curtains, for the morning sun to brighten the room.

"Have the cook prepare as many biscuits and muffins as she can this morning, perhaps I might need more milk and juice for the orphanage house. I wonder how many I should take with me..." Kleo stands with her arms folded beside her Maid, waiting for the day to start.

"Well, let us get you dressed"

[LADY SULTAN]

"Benevolence and meekness made ladies say and do things differently.

Nor could the be any doubt that an impeccable lady will settle for less, The rare gem for the season, seems amiable to bother for the town, neither the fewer worries for the dilemma ..."

"Morning, Archer, I know you are a bit worried about our last meeting but I may say, you are forgiven." She smiled

"I am delighted to know that you do not keep a grudge against me."

"Archer! I am a lady of many things but never a lady that keeps grudges, I feel doleful that you belittle me."Kleo compressed her fleshy lips into a line.

"I didn't say it in quite those terms, " He said under his breath.

"If I can recall, you said you wouldn't want me keeping grudges with you and I am not a lady who does those sorts of things... So please would you explain to me what you meant " She gave him a look.

"Now, all of a sudden, you're of a different mindset."

[KLEO CHUCKLES]

"I am just joking but sincerely, I will not hold grudges against my Friend."

***************************

"There is no such thing as an 'almost marriage' " Kleo chuckled as Archer gnashed his teeth.

"Of course there is, there are the ones..."

He knelt on one knee, taking her hands in his, laughing.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

"No, absolutely not, I am not discussing this with you."

"I believe I know the reason..."

"What are you thinking?"

"It's discomforting talking about it, Come with me for I have something delightful to show you..."

Drags her to the outskirts of the town.

"Is it one of your mysterious gardens again?"

"No it's far from a mystery, it's more of tasting than mystery."

"So, it's An adventure, then?"

"Yes! Sort of! Maybe!..."

"Which one Archer? [KLEO CHUCKLES]

"we will see..." For the first time in their acquaintance she appeared to know not how to respond, she opened her mouth to say something and then closed it with a smile, appearing to think upon the occurrence.

"This...mmm...[SAVOURING] is Luscious... How do you get to try many things?" [CHUCKLES]

"Well, I guess you only live life once, so trying strange things is the only way to live a perfect life."

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

"What's the name?"

"Durian fruit!"

"Wow, learned something new today."

Three golden carriages ride into the town in search of the princess. Kleopatra and Archer sit on a tree branch, savouring the taste of the fruits they had just plucked. One of the Guards spots her and shouts her name to get her attention.

"Princess!"

"Princess Sultan, your father searches for you in the whole kingdom, we are here to return you to the Palace, immediately."

"Princess?" Archer ask in confusion.

"Why have they come looking for me, how did they even know I am here?" She looked at the guards in horror.

"Kleo! What is wrong? Who are they and why do they address you as the princess?" I steadied myself, so as not to fall.

"Archer! I can explain."

"Kleo, just say the truth, for it's only the truth that will make this possible for us, Are you a Princess?" [ARCHER SNARLED]

"Yes, I'm a Princess!" She looked down in disappointment.

"Princess your attention is needed at the palace ...."

"Wait! Give me a minute please." She growled at the guards.

"Please Archer, I can explain, I have always wanted to tell you."

"When? Never! If you were going to tell me, then why didn't you make it clear in our first meeting..."

"I am so sorry, i..."[SPEAKS NERVOUSLY]

"Look, Princess [ARCHER MOCKS] I am not interested in your stories or your lies... I cannot believe you lied to me."

He walks away from her, taking his sling bag and walking towards the opposite road.

"Archer!"

"Archer, Please !"

[SOBBING]

"Princess, the carriage is ready!"

"Leave me alone! I will ride my horse back to the palace." [KLEO SNARLED]

********************

Kleopatra rides into the palace gates with dried tears on her cheeks. Rashida stands by the shade waiting for her sister to step in.

"Thank Goodness, you are back home Kleo!" [RASHIDA EXHALES]

[INHALES]

"Where have you been, Kleopatra, Father is so worried, mother fainted, when she realised, you went missing"Rashida tries to hug Kleopatra, but she dodges it.

"What's wrong?"

"Rashida, it was your doing. You sent the guards to get me, but why?" [KLEO GROWLED]

"What are you saying... you were missing and here you are, Found and alive."

"I was never missing, Shida! I was perfectly fine, alone! And away from your absurdity."

The king steps out of the palace, with His queen behind, her maid holding up an ice bag for her, with the other maids fanning her dramatically. Her mother runs to hug her tightly, embracing her return.

"Thank God, you are fine, Dearest, what were you thinking, running off the palace walls?" Her mother held her face.

"Nothing mother, I went to visit the town, I am alright and I am not dead." She said through tears.

"Town!"

"Have I not made it clear, that you should never leave the palace?" [KING ROARED]

"Yes, Father.!" [SOBBING]

"You are more than grounded, you will not leave your room, except for your music lessons, breakfast, lunch, dinner and reading hours...."

They walk into the Palace, Kleopatra, still in tears, definitely this day was not meant for her. Rashida smiles at her achievement.

[LADY SULTAN]

"Well, they say, what is hidden in the dark cannot be hidden forever, definitely, the princess deserved what she got.

What is said about our Prince...

Is he going to make things easy for him or the confession rather the revelation will make matter worse? Our Grace has not been in a light mood these days, after the poetic kiss, he is brought down to page one.

This author thinks the prince should think wisely about his actions and not make rational decisions.

So, Dear Prince, Think deeply and not imprudently..."

Yours truly,

Lady Sultan.