The Reason?

I woke up feeling heavy and hot. My face felt sloppy so I wiped the back of my hand across my face. When I brought it back I saw a hint of makeup. I cursed when I remembered that I had slept with both the dress and the makeup on. I also noticed that I was in a foreign room. I panicked and threw the covers away.

Great, so it wasn't a dream after all.

What are my parents doing right now? Are they worried? Did they call the police or even a search party? What about my friend Jen? Is she worried? Did they think that I ran away? If so, it would surely break my parent's hearts. As for Jen, I'm sure that she's now buying a gun, ready to kill if she had to. We were always that protective of each other.

I really wished that this was a dream. The time when I helped that old woman outside of the store, I didn't expect that this would be my reward for being a Good Samaritan. I just have the worst luck in the world.

I hauled myself up using my elbows and groaned in pain as I felt a sting on my neck. I guess I slept on the wrong side of the bed.

I did a little stretch. It felt good to the muscles. I walk to my balcony glass door and separated the curtains that covered it. Quickly, the early morning light brushed my skin giving me a welcoming heat and quickly brightened up the room. I opened the door and went to the balcony. It gave an overview of a grassy land filled with different kinds of flowers with rich colors. I enjoyed the soothing fragrance that it provided. It helped me to gather my thoughts.

I wonder if there's some sort of key out of this world. Perhaps I could ask the Queen about that later.

Once I was done thinking, I decided to go and take a shower first since I probably look horrible with the make up still on. With each step I took it felt so weird. Maybe this is how it feels when you're not used to the place you are in.

"Good morning, Princess." I jumped as soon as I noticed a maid standing by my bed.

My jaw dropped and I pointed a finger at her. "H-How long have you been there? Why didn't I notice you?"

She said nothing and clapped her hand. Immediately, more maids entered the room and assisted me to the bathroom just like yesterday. The bathroom was huge. It was white and the floors were tiled. I took a dip, actually they tossed me for being uncooperative, in the lavender filled tub and quickly relaxed at the wariness of the water.

Surely someone had filled this before I could have awoken since everything here was already prepared. From the tub to the shampoos and towels. I wish I had a rubber ducky, not that I ever had one.

I spent the rest of my 30 minutes there, playing with the bubbles since I was bored. None of the maids were willing to talk to me and were busy scrubbing my back. Once we were done, they wrapped me in a bathrobe.

On my bed I saw a yellow dress laid out. It's sleeve was a little puffy on the shoulder and the rest of it was elegantly straight up to the wrist. It was made of smooth material. It was long but I don't think it's that long that it'll reach the bottom. I glared at it murderously.

On top of it was a note. The handwriting was in a neat cursive form.

Hello there my little niece!

I have prepared a dress for you! Isn't it cute?! You should be thankful.

~Elizabeth

I stared at the note in disbelief. This Queen is crazy if she thinks that I'll thank her for a dress!!

Well, I don't have to worry about the dress since I do have my clothes from yesterday. Good thing that I hid it so I would have a back up. I don't even care if it stinks or not. I'll just pour some perfume on it.

Throwing the note aside. I reached for the pillow where I had hid my clothes from yesterday. When I lifted the pillow I didn't see my clothes but instead I saw another note.

Frowning, I read it.

If you honestly think that I would allow you to wear these then think again. You're wearing that dress and that's final.

I crumpled the note on my hand. I can't believe this! It was the only back up clothing I have! And she added an insult at the end!

Out of anger I kicked the side of the bed and winced in pain as my foot collided with the hardwood. "Urgh!" I growled in frustration. Not only was my clothes stolen but my feet hurt.

She plays this game well.

Now I have no choice but to put the dress on. It wasn't horrible or anything. In fact, it fits me well and was comfortable to move with, but I'm still against wearing these kinds of clothing. I found my ballet flats under the bed. I was thankful that the Queen didn't take them.

The maids helped me put the dress on and guided me out of my room for breakfast.

As I was making my way to the door, I found yet another note. What is with her and notes?!

I plucked it out and read it. Already guessing that it was bad news, since the two notes before gave me nothing but depression. And I was right.

Your training with the Princes starts today. They will plan your schedule by the way. Good luck and have fun.

"I hate the Queen." I hissed under my breath as I crumpled the paper in my fist and threw it across the room. What is she blabbering about training? What is this? The military?

She didn't say anything about this. Unless it was the training to become a princess?

We went out of my room and made our way to the kitchen. The castle was huge both from the outside and inside. The ceilings were high and lit by various and expensive looking chandeliers. There are thousands of rooms that could fit hundreds of people.

You can easily get lost in this castle, but lucky for me that the maid was escorting me. I went inside the kitchen and was greeted by the more maids, who all don't plan on telling me their names.

"Good morning, Princess." One maid greeted me. I gave her a nod and greeted her back. Being called Princess was a little weird for me since I always act unlady-like. She led me to a table and served me my meal. My mouth watered at the sight of eggs, bacon and bread.

"Princess, if you need anything. Just ask me." She said.

"Why don't any of the maids talk to me?" I asked. No response. "Okay nevermind. Thank you" I said.

She smiled and before she left she said, "Enjoy your breakfast, Princess."

I don't really want to be called a Princess, but I guess I have no choice since the Queen insisted on it. It makes me wonder though. Why does she need someone like me to choose a Prince when she can just choose them by herself?

Somehow I have a feeling that there's another reason why she brought me here. Well, according to the novels and some webtoons that I read, these 'other world' scenarios only happen when you're dead or reincarnated. Either way, the reason why the protagonists were taken were never revealed.

I dismissed the thought as I began to dig in my food. Literally. I don't want to waste good food by thinking of things that'll make my head ache. I am not much of a thinker after all. The food was delicious even though it was so plain. Maybe I was hungry.

As I fed the last bite of my breakfast to my mouth, that's when I heard them. I tensed.

"Where do you think Princess Rose is?" I heard Fred asked.

"I don't know, maybe she's in her room?" This time, it was one of the twins.

"No, she's not in there. I checked." Prince Nate inserted.

"You went to her room?! Nate, we really have to keep a close eye on you in case you'll do something to our Princess." it was the other twin.

"Hey! Just because I love women doesn't mean that I'll take advantage of her! What do you take me for??" Nate defended. Obviously hurt.

"Get it over with. Let's just eat our breakfast and worry about it later." Ace said.

I stiffened. I suddenly remembered the queen saying something about my training and how the princes will decide a schedule for me. I don't know why but my gut tells me to hide.

I am not ready for this.

As their footsteps had gotten closer, I got up and hid behind the curtains, which was a stupid idea, but it is easier to make my way to the exit if I keep following it.

I heard chairs being pulled out and greetings from the maids were exchanged. I was about to leave when I heard them talking. Out of curiosity, I listened and peaked.

"You know, we were supposed to make a schedule for her training today." One of the twins said as he sliced his food. Even with his slightly wet hair he still looks stunning. Now I'm being a creep.

"True, we have to decide who will go first." The other twin agreed and looked expectantly to his fellow Princes.

"I think I should go first since table manners are important." Nate said while putting food inside his mouth.

"No way." The twins said bluntly. Which made Nate choke on his food. He covered his mouth with his fist as he coughed and reached for a glass of water. He took several sips from it before wiping his wet lips with a table napkin. Wow, fancy.

"Why not?" Nate whined while Fred chuckled. Nate looked at Fred with a disbelief expression on his face. "Fred, not you too."

Fred shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry, Nate. The twins do have a point. I'd say that I should go first since dancing is not a simple task."

"I think it's a good idea after we go first." One of the twins said. When both Nate and Fred started to protest, Dan cut them off by adding, "Making her a Princess is a lot of work to do and dancing needs proper posture, which we will be teaching her. Right, Ace?"

"Yeah, okay." Ace said as he placed a slice into his mouth. Not joining the conversation or much less cared. He was also reading a book.

"What? You're not even gonna fight for a place, Ace? Hey! That rhymed!" one of the twins yelled earning an annoyed face from Ace before he swallowed his food.

"I don't care if I go last. Fighting for it seems worthless and besides, we will still get our time teaching that pain in a butt of a Princess."

Why does this guy hate me so much?

"Better watch your words with her, Ace. The tongue is sharper than a weapon. Even though you didn't hurt her physically, you can still hurt her emotionally." Nate warned while the twins gave him a glare.

"Besides, Ace." Fred added "She's a girl. Very delicate with their feelings. I don't even know what she had done to you to deserve your hate."

I don't even know if I should feel insulted in this conversation or not. And most importantly, I don't even know why I am eavesdropping!

"So says the Princes." Ace mocked. "Fine, you don't have to repeat it. I got the point." I think Ace needs another slap with my foot

"Ignore him. Let's just do something progressive like making the schedule for the training. Any suggestions on how to make the sequence?"

"Oh I know! Let's play a game." Nate suddenly suggested. All the attention was on him now. I was curious too so I leaned in a bit.

My dumb self even thought of joining.

"What game?" Fred asked slightly worried since it's Nate after all. The twins though, seemed pretty excited while Ace seemed busy eating and would occasionally raise his head to give them an annoyed look.

"Whoever catches the Princess first shall be the first one and can have the whole day with her tomorrow. The second can have the next day, so on and so forth."

"Fine by me." Fred leaned on his chair contentedly.

"Alright!" The twins shouted in glee.

I was leaning too much and I slipped. "Hick!" I suddenly blurted out. I quickly covered my mouth with my hand when I had realized what I had done. I just revealed my presence. All heads turned to me. I waved awkwardly. "H-hey. Good morning." I squeaked and got up. Slowly, I felt my way to the exit while keeping my gaze to them. "Lovely day! Sorry for disturbing you. Please continue with your fancy way of eating." I laughed nervously.

"Good morning, Princess Rose." They said in unison. Now why on Earth are they being creepy?

"By any chance. Have you heard what we were talking just now?" One twin asked curiously while batting his lashes at me innocently.

"Of course not. Because that is rude. And...not nice." I avoided their gaze. I was not that good at lying.

"Something tells me that she did hear us." Ren sang, having an evil glint in his eyes as he communicated with his brother with his eyes. Nate and Fred were quick to notice this and suddenly, all heads turned to me again.

Only one thought screamed in my mind: Run.

Picking up my dress, I ran. I could her the boys shuffling and the sounds of footsteps echoed inside. I made swift turns, not knowing where to go but as long as I can get away from them.

A thought suddenly occurred to me. Why was I running when I was already aware that the queen intends for me to have my training since yesterday? I know that I wasn't ready for the training but that isn't enough of a reason to run away. Maybe it's the thought of being chased that triggered a sort of reaction from me to run.

I stopped running when I put a good distance between us and put both my hands on my knees as I tried to catch my breath. With the size of this castle, it's easy to lose them. And it's easy for me to say that I too am lost.

"Great." I muttered.

I continued to walk. Each time admiring the beautiful views from the floor to ceiling windows. Each window has a red curtain at the sides. It feels like you're walking in a Disney movie castle. The floor was made of white marble. There were also many stands which held a flower vase with different flowers from it giving the castle a wonderful aroma. I'm guessing that they change the flowers everyday and use the flowers from the garden outside my room. It's like there's magic involved in growing the flowers since the other flowers were not meant to bloom in this season.

From the ache on both of my feet, I'm guessing that I have walked for a long time. I even think that I have toured only a half of this castle. I also remembered some places, which would be helpful in the near future in case I need to hide for emergencies.

I went straight and saw that up ahead, there are two ways which I needed to choose from, three if you consider going straight. I was deciding on whether I should go to the right, left or the straight one, when not one, but two Princes emerge from both sides.

Ren and Dan both stopped to look at each other, panting, before shaking their heads. I'm guessing that they haven't seen me yet, which I am currently standing at least 20 feet away from them.

No place to hide so I covered my face with my hands as if it would help. Why doesn't my brain work at the best of time!?

They were about to turn when their heads snapped in my direction. A bright grin plastered on their faces as they composed their posture.

"Hello there, Princess!" One greeted me while the other gave me a boyish smirk. "Going somewhere?"

"Princess? I am the castle ghost. I am not a p-princess." I stuttered. They began to advance at me slowly like a predator would to a prey. And I don't want to be the prey. "Actually," I said as I slowly took a step backward. "I'm kinda busy today and I guess you guys are too so let's just call this a day, Okay? You do your thing, I'll do my thing. It's a win-win. What do you say?" I offered.

One of them shook his head while the other was the one who talk. "Actually, you are our thing so we can't call it a day as you say." He paused. "Hey it rhymed!"

I hate running...I should just give up.

I took long strides backward to keep a lot of distance between me and the Princes. One of them shook his head. "I think she's going to run away any minute now, brother. That means that we will have to chase her again." Ren nodded his head in agreement. "I know. The only problem is that there is a rule that says 'no running in the castle'." Then he had a mischievous grin on his face before he added. "But I don't consider this running, I call this chasing." He smiled that evil smile of his.

That was all I needed as I ran to the way that I came from and away from the brothers. Both were now hot on my heels.

"Better run fast Princess cause we're catching up pretty fast!" Dan called and his voice was dangerously closed. He's taunting me.

"Jerks!" I called back and ran faster and almost tripped on my foot but quickly regained balance.

One of them blew in my ear. I screamed and ran faster, if that was even possible. I heard both of them crackling with laughter behind me and I stopped in my tracks. Both of them clutching their stomachs from laughing. What I saw in front of me made my blood boil.

They were toying with me.

Out of anger, I took both of my shoes off and aimed each one to their heads. Unfortunately, they caught each one with their hand. Now each twin was holding one pair of my shoes.

Dan smiled again. "You know, Ren. I think we should return this to her." He said, indicating my shoe which they now have in their hands.

"I think you're right. It's only proper for a gentleman like us to give this to her personally." Ren winked.

"You can have it! As a token of my hatred." I hissed and ran again. This time, not looking back. "Damn it!"

"Language!!" They both shouted, amusement clear in their voice.

"Shut up!" I yelled. I always wanted a prince to chase me while holding one of my shoes in his hands as he carefully put it on my foot and lived happily ever after in a castle. You know, all those cliché love story things. But never did I dream to have two of those Princes chasing me and me running away from them in a castle. Plus running around barefooted.

Why can't I be transported to a place with decent princes!?

I was busy fussing with my dreams that I didn't notice that both Fred and Nate were walking far ahead of me. I prayed that they wouldn't look here, but I guess that this isn't my lucky day since they just turned in my direction. They both grinned and made their way in direction.

"Princess!" Nate and Fred called.

oh @#$%^&*()!!!

I stopped as I realized that I was completely trapped. Behind me were the twins and in front of me were Nate and Fred.

Since I don't really have a choice right now, the only thing I did was stop and pray. The next thing I knew was Dan and Ren crashing into Fred and Nate when they tried to dodge me. Both sides crashing to the ground with a thud.

I take it back. Luck was still on my side. "Hallelujah!!" I screamed and clapped my hands in delight. Not wasting any more time I ran to the opposite direction. The boys were just getting on their feet when they saw me running and went after me. Since I was barefooted, I can now run faster without slipping.

When I turned to the right, I went inside the room that I saw first and locked it behind me. I leaned against it while covering my mouth with both of my hands as I listened for them outside. My heart pounded in my chest. I could hear their voices and footsteps, then they were gone.

I gave a sigh of relief. I thank God for my awesome luck. I guess I survived this day without the training. I hope the Queen will know of this. I would surely rub it on her face.

Someone cleared their throat which startled me. I gave out a loud squeak and dropped to the ground.

"Spare me please! I just don't want to go to the training. I just wanna go home! Please kill the Queen and not me." I begged. I don't know what came up to me when I said this.

"Easy child. It's just me. And why would I kill my beloved wife?" I raised my eyes and was met with yellow orbs that stared back at me. I let out the breath that I didn't notice that I was holding.

"Oh. It's just you 'uncle'." I said as I rolled my eyes. King or not, he's still a part of this plan that I really have no idea. He was sitting on a chair with a wooden table in front of him. To his right were large bookshelves and to his left was a table with a bottle of wine on top of it and a painting on the wall.

The King chuckled, wrinkles showing on his forehead. "You amuse me child. No one has ever rolled their eyes at me or told me to kill my wife for fear that they may lose their head."

"So am I gonna lose my head now?" I raise an eyebrow at him. He didn't seem like the king who would do that.

He shook his head, amusement still lingered on his face. "No." he paused and looked at my form which is still by the door. "By the way, child. Who are you hiding from?"

"If I tell you, will you promise not to give me away?" I looked at his eyes so I would know that he wouldn't be lying. I can always tell if a person is lying by just looking through their eyes. I don't know but their eyes would twitch if they do.

The King shrugged. "Depends on the reason." When he saw my expression he took it back. "Okay, I promise I won't."

I saw that truth in his eyes and decided to tell him. "I was hiding from the Princes."

The King had a confused look on his face, probably wondering why I would do such a thing. "Well, why are you hiding then? They didn't do anything inappropriate, did they?"

I shook my head. "No, that's not it. I don't know if you know of this but did you remember what the Queen said yesterday about my training to be a Princess?" I asked.

The King nodded. "Yeah, good luck with that." He muttered to himself but it was loud enough that I could hear it.

I pointed a finger at him. "I'm going to pretend that I didn't hear that." He raised both hands as if in surrender. "Anyway, the princes are playing a game of catch to see who goes first. Guess who's the prey?" I exclaimed.

"You?" The King gasped dramatically. "And is that the reason why you're running? Wouldn't it be better if you just let them catch you and get it over with?" He looked at me with pity but I could still see the hint of a grin.

"Oh shut up! The least you can do is help your lovely niece." I joked. His smile lowered a little and he looked to the side as if thinking of something. Guilt was present in his eyes. "Actually, I didn't know. I just expected this. It seems that she has made her move pretty fast." He said so low that I couldn't almost hear it.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

The King jumped in his seat. He probably didn't mean for me to hear it. "Nothing." His eyes twitched. He's lying.

I narrowed my gaze at him. "I don't know what to say my King, but all I know is that you're hiding something."

He looks like he's debating on whether he would tell me or not. Then he sighed. "I guess that you have the right to know. But you must not interrupt me when I explain. And please keep your voice low, she might hear us."

"Okay? Know what?"

"Do you even wonder why the Queen would need someone to choose the future King instead of picking one by herself?" He asked.

"Since the beginning of all this." I admitted.

He nodded and placed both his elbows on top of the table and intertwined them and placed his head on top of it. "Well, that was just an excuse for the real reason."

"I knew it!" I grinned in excitement. "Do I get a special task? Like do I have to defeat someone with my other worldly powers?"

"I-" He paused. "I do not know what you are saying, but I do believe that even though Thalia is not as peaceful as we would like it to be, we sure aren't at war to 'defeat' our enemy." He explained.

I slumped on the ground. So I don't get any powers then. "So for what special reason was I called here for?"

"In this world my wife has the power to open a portal to your world. Since the Queen can go back and forth between the two worlds, she has become fond of your world-.....what do you call that? Oh! Yes! Romance stories. After each story's endings, she would always complain that the people's lives don't end in books, it should always carry on, so she thought of something. She would make a real life love story in this castle. One that she would be able to see how it will grow, from the beginning to the end. And guess who are the characters? You and the Princes that you are hiding from." He ended. His eyes are now on me. Waiting for my reaction.

It took me a second to process his words. When they finally made sense, something just snapped in me. My blood boiled at this information as I just realized something.

"What?!" I shouted, not caring if the Princes would hear my screams.

The King raised both hands in front of him, trying to calm me down. "Shhh! Calm down. She might hear us!" He whispered.

"Calm down?! So I was dragged to this place to become a character for her romance fantasy and not to be a hero with super powers!?" My reason for being angry was petty.

"I'm serious, she might hear you!"

"Then let her hear me! I am not a pawn." I didn't know what I did, but I remember grabbing on one of the books from the shelf to steady myself. I pulled it off, attempting to throw it against the room.

"Not that!" The King yelled.

Too late I had already pulled it, but it didn't come off, instead I heard a soft click and the shelf started to part. Both sides moved sideways revealing another room. On the couch sat the Queen. Her head turned in my direction as she paused what she was reading. "Rose, if you'll do a rampage, then you could at least have done it outside. I could hear your screams but your words were jumbled."

My fist clenched at my sides while the King's face palmed and said "See? I told you she could hear us!" So this is what he meant when he said that she could hear us.

My eyes were still glued on the person sitting on the couch so casually as if she had got no care in the world. She sighed. "If you have nothing to say then-"

"You!" I shouted. My temper rises at an extremely dangerous level. She took my life away, my family and my friends and brought me to a place so foreign to me so that I could be someone that I don't want to be. To be a part of her stupid ideas.

Her face scrunched up in confusion. Looking at me as if I had gone crazy. "Me?"

"This!" I gestured at my dress and the place. "Everything! You took me to this place just to be-what? A part of your silly role playing fantasy!!" My fist was clenched so tight that my knuckles had gone white.

The Queen's eyes had bulged out. "You know? How?" Her eyes landed on her husband, who shrugged. She nodded her head, understanding. "Ahh I see..."

"That's it? That's all you have to say?!" I was trying to keep my cool so I wouldn't choke her. "You took me here for a petty reason! If it were something dire I might have considered it but playing for a romance role!? Go find another girl!"

"I wouldn't just pick any girl. Your heart truly desired to escape your world."

"Listen to me. Bringing me here to grant me a wish and expecting a romance to bloom in front of you are two different things!" I yelled. "Ah damn it! Of all the genres you picked romance. I hope you'll get abducted by aliens so they will experiment on your brain for having poor taste!"

I heard the Queen whisper to her husband. "What's an alien?" Before I burst out of the room. Blindly running away. I don't care if the Princes will catch me. I just want to be alone.

I ran. My feet now cold against the marbled floor. My vision is getting blurry from anger. I wish a hole would just swallow me. Anything to leave this heck of a place. I want to go home.

"Romance my butt!" I grumbled.

Did I really want to escape my original world? Maybe, but not to become a pawn for someone else's fantasy of romance. Well at least I now know that reason why I am here. Unlike the other heroines in the novels that I read.

I stopped in front of one of the doors. Library, I read. I want to go to the library. It had always been my sacred place of comfort. The smell of old pages always comforted me. Even better since I wanted to be alone. I figured no one would be in here. I opened the door and went inside. The smell of old leather did comfort me. It reminded me of home. I closed the door behind me and I slumped onto the ground. Bringing my knees to my chest as I started to sulk and grumble some curses.

I would do anything to make their lives miserable. I would make them hate me until they will be forced to kick me out of here. The queen will not get what she wants. I am just not the right girl for this. I never liked romance.

But I do admire pretty faces.

"If you're done, can you please get up? It's an unsightly sight for a Princess."

Startled, I quickly lifted my head and saw that on one of the couches in the center of the library, sat Ace holding an open book. Probably in the middle of reading. He didn't look at me when he spoke. He continued to read. His back pressed against the sofa. His face was so calm as he read.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Correction, what are you doing here?" He didn't even bother to look up from the book that he is reading. My guess is that he would rather read than talk to me.

I didn't answer his question at first. Not knowing if I should tell him or not. I finally settled with the safest route. "I just wanted to be alone." I muttered honestly. .

"Why?" He asked. Eyes still glued to the book.

I glared daggers at him. How simple was it to look at a person while she's talking? "What's it to you?" I said bitterly as I rocked back and forth on the floor.

"If you want to mope then at least sit on that couch over there." he pointed to a couch across from him while holding the book on the other hand. "It's better than sitting on the floor. It's cold."

I ignored him and continued to rock back and forth. Not even bothering to give him a glance or an answer. This is silly.

Silence was growing thick, which I welcomed, until he let out a sigh and closed the book that he was reading. He finally looked up and gave me a glance. "You're not gonna listen to me are you?"

I continued to rock while I avoided his gaze. I can tell that he was pissed at me for ignoring him. Serves his royal butt.

With a swift move he put his book down on the couch and walked in my direction and stopped just in front of me. He kneeled until his eyes were leveled with mine. "You are a stubborn girl. Come on, get up." He ordered while tugging at my arm.

I narrowed my eyes at him and pulled my arm away. "And you're a heartless self centered royal jerk!" I stayed where I was still glaring at him.

"Well, you left me no choice then." With a quick movement, he threw me on his shoulder. I yelped in surprise.

"Let me go!!" I screamed and kicked while I pounded on his back.

"Ow! Stop screaming. It hurts to the ears." He rubbed his ear and winced as I continued to scream. "Quite! This is a library so shut up!" He hissed, shouting himself.

"Ace-"

"That's PRINCE Ace for you!" He cut me off.

I just rolled my eyes even though he can't see me. Why should I? I can call him whatever I want. "Whatever. I know you're a jerk but will you please put me down?! You're like a creep! Put me down! Now." I continued to pound on his back.

"As you wish, Princess." With just a flick of his arms, I was thrown on a leather couch with a thud. I bounced once and almost fell if I hadn't grabbed on the back. I glared at him as he made his way to the couch that he was sitting on a while ago, which was across from me. He grabbed his book that he was reading and placed them on his lap as he stared at me with a raised eyebrow. Probably wondering why I was glaring at him.

"So, want to talk about it?" He finally asked.

"Talk about what? You being the complete opposite of a gentleman?" I said sarcastically as I sat up.

"Ha ha very funny." He laughed sarcastically. "Let's be serious, why are you sukling?" He asked.

I looked away. Not wanting him to see my frown. "Nothing."

"So you're telling me that you go around squatting and sulking for no reason at all?" He shook his head and smiled. "You've got some serious problem in you."

I got angry. My face was probably red. "I don't want to talk about it, okay?! Now BACK OFF!" I yelled. How can I tell him that I was disappointed with the reason why I have been brought to this place? It's a silly reason.

Ace flinched in surprise. Not expecting my sudden outburst. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I'm just trying to help cause you look uglier. Seriously, I wanted to puke." With a sigh, he ran his fingers through his jet black hair. "But if you want to, I will force myself to listen. In the meantime, while you are not ready to talk about your problems yet, I'll lend you this book so you'll take your mind off for a while." He extended his arm, holding a book.

"Are you sure? Are you done with that?" I asked. Not wanting to borrow it if he hasn't finished it.

"Of course, why else would I approach you if I hadn't finished it? Bored, maybe, since I just finished it."

"Jerk." I muttered. "Glad to know that you cared."

I reached out and took it. I stared at the familiar hard bound book in my hand. Running my fingers at the golden lines of the title. I stared at Ace weirdly, wondering why such a book is with him. "59 clues?" For all I know, books like this belong to my world.

He shrugged. "Don't look at me. The Queen gave it to me when I told her not to wander in the other world too much and leave the paper works on us. She said....-" He hesitated. The look on his face told me that he was pissed of what the Queen said.

"She said what?" I pried. I'm a nosey person after all.

He shook his head, jaw clenched. "She told me to grow up and stop complaining since I was not a baby anymore, then she gave me the book since she doesn't have sweets with her." He muttered.

I choked on a laugh and shook my head. "Awe, wittle princie poo looking for his mommy?" I cooed.

"Shut up."

I laughed out loud. "Thanks for lending me this book." I said.

"Don't mention it. I'm serious. Although there are things that I couldn't understand. What's a plane? A dollar? A car? There are plenty of foreign words there." He said. I stifled a laugh. Oh this people are so ignorant. "but I think you'll understand them cause you are from that world, are you not?"

I stopped laughing. My eyes went wide in surprise. I saw him smirk at me at my gaping face. "H-How did you.....know?"

He shrugged his shoulders as if it were obvious. "Well it was pretty obvious from the way you dressed and the way you act. Plus the nonsense that the Queen is blabbering about training you as a Princess. Everyone knows that a princess is already trained in their child days."

My mouth formed an 'O'. "So who else knows?" I asked.

He thought for a moment. "All the Princes know."

"Crap."

"By the way," He shifted on his seat. "Since I had caught you first that means that you and I will have our training tomorrow."

"Double crap!"

"Oh shut up. You're not the only one who's in agony you know. Besides, it's all your fault."

I raised my head and glared daggers at him. "My fault?!"

"Yes, if you had just sat on the couch as I asked you to, then I wouldn't have to carry you and make contact!" Our voices were already rising.

"Excuse me but if you just minded your own business, then none of this would have happened!"

"What am I supposed to do?! Leave you there on the floor? Fine! Next time I'll let you freeze to death on the spot!"

"Get off your high horse. Freezing to death just by sitting on the floor isn't possible!"

"Not yet. But I hope you're the first one!"

"Fine!" I spat

"Fine!" He spat back. He raised his hands in surrender as he got up. "You know what? Just meet me here in the morning. I'm leaving for today."

Not wanting to be left alone I followed. He stopped and his head turned to me. "Why are you following?"

"I'm leaving too."

"No! I'm leaving first. You stay here." He ordered, not wanting me to tag along.

"No way! I'm leaving too." I started to make my way around him but he stopped me.

"Stay!" He ordered.

"What am I? A dog? Move!" I pushed.

"I said I was leaving first! Don't cut in!"

"Who are you? My mom? Move!" I pushed harder but he was too strong. We wrestled like that until both of us finally gave up. "Alright alright! Well go out together!" He growled. He walked to the double doors and opened with. He turned to me and jerked his head. A gesture that meant to get my butt out of here before he changes his mind. I quickly got out with a victorious smirk.

He closed the door behind him and gave me a murderous glare. Wow, if looks could kill I would be dead.

"Now get out of my sight before I might do something that I might regret."

"What? You're going to be nice? Eww!"

"Don't get ahead of yourself." He started to leave when his eyes lowered to my bare feet. He raised his eyebrow. "Where's your shoes?"

"Err...." I hesitated. Where are they? I remember throwing them at the twins...

"Princess!!" To my far left, I heard the twins calling me. Each of them holding a shoe. Yep, my shoes are with them alright.

Ace turned his attention to the two, his eyes focusing on my shoes in their hands. Understanding flashed in his face as the answer from his question appeared in front of him. A smile found its way to his lips. "I'll be on my way now. Good luck and don't forget about tomorrow." With that, he made an exit as the twins approached, panting.

"W-where...have you...been?" One panted while the other continued for his brother. "We...have been...looking everywhere!"

"I was hiding." I said.

"Where?" Twin one asked, finally recovered.

"Some place where you two aren't."

Twin one suddenly became interested on the floor and pouted. Twin two saved his brother from his embarrassment when he decided to ask, "Was that Ace?" He looked at the direction that Ace just went.

I nodded my head. "Yep, he was just leaving". Twin two pouted. "Does that mean that he's first?"

I sighed. "Unfortunately, yes"

Twin one decided to step up. "Well, at least we're the second. Are we?"

"Yes." I nodded. Acting like I'll cooperate with the training.

"Good." Both Princes went on their knees as they offered me my shoe. "My lady, can we?" Ren asked.

"No. Leave it there on the floor." I said with a deadpan face.

But it would seem as if the twins are deaf. Deaf twin two took my foot and placed the shoe on my foot. Deaf twin one did the same after.

Both stood up in perfect synchronization, perks of being a twin I guess. They both have big smiles on their faces as they bowed. "We will be expecting your time the day after tomorrow princess." Said twin two. "Until then take care and have a pleasant day." They winked and left.

I made my way around the castle, wanting to return to my room. I was passing one of the floor-to-ceiling windows when, suddenly, the curtains opened and Nate startled me by blocking my way. "Found you!"

"The $-?$&@€[€\+[^]€81!1!!!!!!!" I yelped when I was startled.

Nate gave me a funny look. "What was that?"

I coughed and cleared my throat. "You scared me!"

"Oops, sorry." He gave me an apologetic smile. "By the way, has anyone caught you yet?" He asked.

What am I? "Yes. Two actually. Ace was first, then followed by the twins." I said.

Disappointment flashed in his eyes. It was quickly when he pouted. "Cheeky that Ace is and I thought I was the first. Well, at least I was not last." He shrugged. "So, see you after two days?"

"Can do anything about it?"

"Of course you cant! No one can resist this charm!" He pointed to his face as he flashed me a smile that would make boys a run of their money.

"Please! I've seen better." At least in movies.

"Really?" He fake gasped. "Oh well, but none of them is as lucky as me to be in front of a beautiful lady such as yourself." He winked before leaving me with a flushed face. "See you around Princess!" He called, then he was gone.

"Stupid Princes and their flirty attitude. And this stupid castle with their stupid queen." I muttered as I turned right to the direction of my room. It took me a while to get there because of the size of this castle.

When I finally reached the floor to my room, I saw Prince Fred leaning against the door. His blond hair slightly covers his closed eyes. His head was lowered and his arms were crossed over his chest. He looked so charming. Was he waiting for me?

I made my way towards him, careful not to make a sound. His breathing was even. I think he's asleep. I leaned in to see if he was really asleep and couldn't help but notice the way his hair would fall to his eyes when he is leaning down, his long lashes, his high cheekbones, strong jaw, sharp nose, and the way that his mouth would move as he slept.

I feel like such a creep.

Oh and he smells so good! Kinda like pine cones. His eyes fluttered open and stared into my gray ones.

I gasped in surprise as I backed away.

Fred covered his mouth as he yawned and rubbed his eyes before he looked at me. From the look on his face, he probably just noticed me. "Hmm? Princess, how long were you standing there?" He asked.

"I-I-I.....I just got here!" I stuttered. feeling relieved that he didn't ask what I was doing.

Fred noticed where he was leaning and abruptly straightened himself up. "I-I'm sorry. Was I blocking your way?" He asked. "I was just waiting for your arrival."

Oh right. The princes and their stupid games with a castle and a stupid queen.

I laughed nervously as I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear as I gulped. "Sorry but the boys beat you to it. You were the last...." I said.

He surprised me by laughing. "Well, I guess that waiting for you here instead of looking for you was a bad idea. Oh well, you know what they say 'save the best for last.'' He bowed, then gave me a grin. "Until then, Princess. Have a good day." with that he left. Leaving me staring at his retreating back.

He's handsome.

I opened my door and walked in while banging the door closed. I walked like a zombie towards my bed and slumped against it. I bounced once before the bed settled. I grabbed a pillow and buried my face in it.

"Getting comfy?"

"Shi-" I quickly sat up on my bed.

"None of that language dear."

I glared at her. Grabbed my shoe and aimed at her threateningly. "What do you want?" The Queen sat on a chair at the far left of my room. A book in her hand. She shut it when she turned to me. Sadness in her eyes. She seemed to have aged a day. "Look, Rose. I didn't know....and I'm sorry."

Did I hear her right? She's apologizing? Grab a wall, the world is about to end. I scoffed at her. "If you're truly sorry, then the least you can do is send me back."

She shook her head. "That I cannot do."

"Why?" I asked. Suddenly feeling tired.

"The magic that brought you here...weeeeelllll it isn't ready yet." She smiled innocently.

"What do you mean by that? What isn't ready?"

As an answer, she brought out a clear fist size crystal orb. Something was thick and swirling inside of it like black smoke or mist. I stared at it dumbfoundedly. "What is that?"

"This is the thing that brought you here."

I gapped "Really? I remember it being a flat paper and not an orb."

She rolled her eyes. "Honey, you remember that I'm a fairy with magic, right? I used some of my magic to morph this thing to look like a charm."

My mouth formed into an 'o'. For some reason I guess I now truly believe that I really am from a different world and that the queen is a fairy. And that I have no magic and I am not a heroine to save this world from a demon lord.

I waved my hand at her. "I don't care about the details. I only want to know when that thing will be ready to take me back home." So I can sulk and cry that I was taken to a different world as a romance protagonist.

The Queen scratched her head and avoided looking at me. A sure sign that it was bad. "I don't want to disappoint you, but I...don't know....."

"What?!"

"Now watch your blood pressure, my dear. I heard that it's not good-"

"What do you mean that you don't know? Explain. Now!" I demanded. I was pretty close to throwing my show at her.

"This magic is unpredictable. The amount of magic required to bring a human to our side depends on the amount of baggage they have. By baggage I mean emotional but sometimes it could be because of blood. In your case, you completely drained it. We have to wait until the mist will be gone. You will know if it will be fully charged when the ball turns into a solid ocean blue and would radiate a brilliant light. When that happens you can decide if you would stay or leave. Until then you're stuck." She explained.

"Can you at least-"

"I can't give you powers either. Zero magic means zero."

"When that thing will be ready, I would surely leave this heck of a place." I said.

A ghost of a smile appeared on her lips. "You wouldn't know that."

"Oh I know and my decision is final."

She shrugged. "Hmm....we'll see about that in the future won't we? After all, with all the handsome Princes in this castle, you might change your mind." She winked, got up and left the room closing the door behind her.

I sighed.

I yelped when the door opened once again and the Queen's head peaked out. "Oh, By the way, I searched the word alien in Merriam - Webster Dictionary." With a flick of her wrist an iPad appeared. "It says-"

"Get out!!" I threw a pillow at the door and she was gone. Sheesh!!! Give the person some rest!!

Dinner was served to me that night as I was reading the book that Ace had lent me. I just sat there on the bed. What does she mean by me changing my mind? She's still up with her plan?! The nerve. No worries. For now I will 'cooperate' with her.

I'll take the lesson. I'll try to know more about this world as much as I can. For now, all I know is that I am in a different realm and only the queen can bring me back. It's a realm where princes and princesses exist. Okay, I think this much I can handle.

Until I can return home that is.