She stood there, above his wounded body, as she raised her ax to deliver the killing blow.

Coughing and spitting blood he rhasped "death cannot part us, I'll always be with you. Even if you kill me now, I'll be waiting for you on the other side." His grin was pained but smug.

"Then I swear revenge on you in every life to come. You've rightfully earned this fate." Hot tears of rage ran down her face, twisted with anger, as she swung the ax down on his skull.

He was finally gone. But she was determined to make sure his pain hadn't ended yet.

And he was right. His death did not stop what he'd done from haunting her. but still, for the moment after she'd killed him, everything was perfect.

"Ugh," I said, looking in the mirror and running my hands through my hair. "There is only one thing I despise about road trips, Nick. Well, two. If you decide to wear a beanie because they are comfortable and you look sexy in one, your hair gets nasty. If I had time I'd shower before going up on stage… but I think I'll just throw a beanie on again."

"You think you loo--? Nevermind. So, what's the other thing?"

"My butt hurts, of course."

"Oh. I was expecting something else," Nick said.

"Nope. My hair gets all gross, and my butt hurts."

"I think they're all up there."

"Someone told me they're keeping their seats warm up there."

"Was that supposed to be funny?"

"I'll be leaving now," I said, stepping onto the platform. Nick pressed the button, and I began my slow ascent upwards. "You know, the one thing I miss about the school is the wacky entrances."

"No one said couldn't still do them," Nick replied.

"Yeah, well, then this sweet elevator thing wouldn't get used," I said as I disappeared into the ceiling.

I emerged onto stage, all the lights were out, there was no smoke rolling across the stage, no music playing--it was completely dead.

The audience whispered amongst themselves, confused about what was happening. No one could see me on stage as I crept towards the microphone. Quietly grabbing it, I sneaked off of stage and into the audience with the best disguise ever on--sunglasses.

I sat down in an empty seat and said to the person next to me, "Hey, when do you think that lame-wad Caleb is going to come out?"

"Pffft, lame-wad? What are you talking about?" he replied. "Caleb is, like, the coolest dude ever, and I heard he looks pretty sexy in a beanie too."

"Thanks," I said into the microphone. "Wanna repeat that for me?"

I put the microphone up to his mouth, and he just stared at me, mouth agape. The spotlight came down on me, and the audience burst out in cheers as I stood up and walked back down, giving people high-fives and kissing babies' foreheads on the way.

"Has the fame gone to my head?" a videoed version of me said on the four large screens that hung from the ceiling above the stage. "No, I don't think so."

"Of course, I love doing Pen to the Paper."

"Do I what? No, I don't think I'm ugly. No, dude, I'm not ugly. Man, this interview is over," I said, getting up from my chair. The camera followed me. "I said enough!"

The camera fell to the floor and the video ended.

"Pretty cool, right? Yeah, I was interviewed! It was pretty fun. Until he started calling me ugly and egotistical. Anyway, who's ready to hear about the winners?"

The crowd let out a weak cheer. “You know, I knew it would be stupid to hold this at 2 A.M. on a Monday morning, but you guys can make a little more noise, can’t you?”

The crowd cheered a little louder. “Hey, I’m not even late if you pretend I live in California,” I said. “Ah, time zones, such a blessing. Though next time I won’t stay up late playing Minecraft with my best friend… I’ll keep this one shorter, and I’ll be back with a better one next month!

“Anyway, let’s announce third place, shall we? Third place is imcold’s Sea Glass! A great write dissecting her mind, with a great ending.

“In second place, we have A Rainy Day In the Clement Fields of Glasgow by Sanjana_S! Great read, and it left me wanting more.

“And our winner… Our winner is CaraJJaye with Arthur Giddleman’s Ankle! Superbly written, you did an incredible job!

“Normally, this is where I would leave honorable mentions, but for brevity’s sake, I will just say this: this was one of the best Pen to the Paper’s I have had! I liked nearly every post, and I recommend to all of you to go back and read them all! I had my favorites out of the bunch, and it pains me not to mention them, but, alas, it is way late. I will see you next month with a more thoughtful Pen to the Paper!”

THIRD PERSON POV

"You have completed your 2-hour workout." Came the voice of the trainer through Aquilina's wireless earphones.

Sweating and breathing heavily, she drank heavily from her bottle of high PH water and hit the showers.

She turned the tap to hot to relieve her aching bones and allowed her thoughts to wander to the events of the past day.

~

After accepting the offer of Mr. Francis, Aquilina found herself looking forward to the bell ringing for the day. She realised how much she missed drawing and painting.

How much of herself had she had to bury after the incident that changed her whole life?

"Okay so you missed the party last night," Nat said when the teacher was not paying attention. She sounded like she had missed the world's greatest event.

"I am sorry, I could not make it. I had a lot to catch up on."

"Right!" Nat rolled her eyes. "You could pass every subject if you skipped every class."

"Okay, I will make it up to you. How about a Pizza at Uncle Jone's later."

"Puh-lease. Not that Vegan pizza again!" She groaned.

"Hey, you enjoyed it last time."

"I was starving. A hungry man or woman finds EVERYTHING tasty."

"You were asking for more to take home."

Natalie blushed, "My Mum is a vegan."

"So, you did not have more at home?" She cocked an eyebrow.

She gave in, "Maybe, let's say I ate more than 99% of it at home. I'm not saying I ate all. But back to the topic... guess who came to the party?"

"Let me guess... EXO's Do?"

"You wish! Don't tell me that's what you had to 'catch up' on."

"Maybe or maybe not..." Aquilina shrugged, amused at her friend's reaction.

"Aquilina!" Nat whisper-yelled. "You missed the greatest event of history."

"That is what you said about the party last week."

"Exactly. Wait--what?"

She looked confused and Aquilina wanted to burst into laughter looking at her friend's face. But she kept her look neutral.

"No. This week broke the record."

"Oh, dear! Okay fine. Tell me. What happened?"

"Well, as the clock struck 9:30ish..." she beamed entering into storytelling mode. "The big doors of Garret's hall where we were having the party swung open — the Golden Friends appeared."

"Really?" This piqued Aquilina's interest, for Prince Javier rarely attended any such event - to the best of her knowledge.

"And that is not the best part," Natalie went on, basking in the attention Aquilina had finally given her story.

"Guess which other people I saw?" She was clearly delighted. "Drumroll, please... Prince Lu Xia and Prince Lu Feng Mian."

"The twins?" Aquilina stated more than asked.

"Yes, the Chinese Princes!" Natalie was grinning from ear to ear now. "I have been in this school since I was in my diapers but I can count on my fingers how many times I have come across them. "

Aquilina sat back, processing it all.

"Wow," was all she could utter.

"I know, right? They probably all felt the need for some fun. Or Garret struck a big deal." She looked satisfied with herself as she relaxed back as well.

But Aquilina's mind was reeling. She had known the twins for some time, no, a long time. Prince Lu Xia the stern twin, would not have been there for anything.

Something had gone down, and she could sense it.

——————

After stowing her belongings she was not going to need in her little cubicle after lessons —and yes, they had cubicles instead of simple lockers other normal schools had — she excitedly picked up the key she had been given to the Art Studio and headed out.

Hers was simple but sufficient. Others richer than she had even bigger decorated ones, which she had happened to glimpse before.

But she loved hers the same. For she had long since learnt, that joy was not found in the abundance of properties... which she had been blessed with.

None of them gave joy. But being content in that which GOD gives at any given time is truly what makes a man rich.

She got to the Art Studio and strangely found the door unlocked and the lights on.

Was Mr Francis still around?

She slowly opened the door and glanced around cautiously till she met a pair of baby-blue eyes.

Oh.

"I am sorry, I did not know you were here. Mr Francis gave me the key."

"Yeah, he told me he did. Come on in." Francesco said.

I see.

"I do not mean to impose. Maybe I will come back another time." Or never, she wanted to add.

Surprisingly, he chuckled.

"You are no imposition. Come on here. There is room for more than the two of us."

An understatement. A whole community could fit in here.

"Then, I will work over there."

Aquilina quickly moved to the far end — away from Mr. Blue-Eyes and Overconfident. She dropped the key and the few belongings she had carried along on a different stool and settled into work.

She had no idea what to draw. And feeling a pair of eyes watching her every move did not help.

After a few minutes of practicing her strokes, she dove into drawing her favourite — Landscapes.

Funny, how she could immerse herself in landscapes and how it made her feel like she was in her own world. A world in which there was no hate, or abuse... or debauchery or false accusations.

She felt so immersed that she did not hear the footsteps nor hear the sound of breathing so close to her.

"That is so beautiful, and you say you have no talent?"

Startled, she missed a spot she was shading and turned abruptly to face the blonde-haired Prince behind her.

He stood so close, and he reminded her so much of him.

She felt too startled to speak.

"You did not draw these too fastidiously. The feathered lyrical strokes tell me you felt greatly about what you drew..."His gaze moved away from the art behind her and stared point-blank into her eyes.

"What were you thinking of?"

Aquilina turned to look at the simple artwork again. It was not much. But he had read her intentions well.

It was a landscape of a humble cottage; away from the world, away from everyone. And a lake lay just behind it.

To her, it was an escape.

"Just a place I think will be fun to be in." Or run away to.

She quickly explained and pulled to the side, away from him and not towards the easel.

"Oh... would you mind if I include this sketch amongst those that would be painted around the Art-Block?"

"I believe I wouldn't mind."

"Alright. I will get the tripod and capture this."

He walked towards the large shelves at the back and retrieved a tripod. But as he reached towards the camera lenses, a loud crash was heard.

"Are you okay?" She said running to him.

A sharpening blade had been mistakenly left on the lenses and hurt him. It was nothing big. A little cut around his elbows, where his shirt had been folded to.

"I'll be right back." She ran to her bag which had a few emergency medical supplies that she needed and hurried back to him.

She made him take a seat and began to treat his wound.

"It's nothing to worry about. It's only a little scrape."

She did not respond but worked on it diligently. Applying a cream to avoid scarring. It was really effective.

"It was all my fault." She mumbled.

"How was it your fault?" He looked rather amused.

"Hold still." She said putting finishing touches to her work. "If I had not come here today, you would not have needed the lenses and this would not have happened."

"That is a far stretch."

"It is not. It's my fault and I'm sorry."

But he strangely did not reply.

When she was done, she packed the items back and cleared up the mess on the floor. He was still silent. So she decided to turn and leave.

As she moved toward her belongings he reached out to catch her hand, and finally spoke, "If you still think it was your fault, would you do anything to help me as a payback?"

————

Hello, lovely family. I hope you enjoyed this. GOD bless you for making it this far.

And thank you for being faithful readers and for your awesome feedback.

Please let me continue to know what you think. It means a lot to me. Kindly Vote, Comment, and Share.

Much love,

Phela.

3RD PERSON POV

"I guess, I will think about it then," Aquilina said with false cheerfulness.

There is no way I am going to allow myself to get close to them,  she thought.

The warnings from the WACO replayed in her mind.

She was expecting Francesco to get mad, he was probably not used to being turned down. Instead, something flicked in his baby-blue eyes before he smiled.

"The registration for the Art experiment ends on Tuesday next week," he declared, wiping his hands on a piece of cloth. "I believe I will see you before then."

Confident much?

He bid Mr. Francis farewell and glanced her way again, looking a bit amused before turning to walk away.

The rest of the students quickly placed things in order before filing past, whispering as they went.

"Young lady, I believe you know where to find me." Mr. Francis said, before walking out on a confused Aquilina.

What have I gotten myself into?

————

Aquilina sat at the kitchen counter eating a salad when Jason walked in. Nutrition was something that was held in high esteem at the WACO. Always keeping fit.

"Hey, you heard about the party tonight?" Jason laid his face towel on the counter panting heavily.

Her blond-haired cousin, though calm looking actually enjoyed boxing downtown at night. When in his mask, no one identified him as the cool looking kid in Velvet Regent.

He was popular, both in the ring and in class—and extremely handsome. The only person he could not defeat in the ring... was his cousin.

She was said to have been born with an "iron fist." So she rarely engaged in battles except to defend. And with that, she did the minimum she could, not wanting to injure any person.

Having received training in martial arts, she learned to hit certain pressure points on the body that seemed to do the trick.

"I did." She said with a sigh. "But I am not going."

"What do you mean you are not going?"

"I have a lot to do—to think about."

Jason could sense how pensive she was and decided not to push her—only this time. She used to be so fun and bubbly.

But after a few months into her trial, his cousin had changed. She hid from everyone as best as she could. She barely said a word.

And she did her best to hide her beauty. Her golden-brown-like locks were always tied up. She also wore thick-rimmed glasses.

Burying herself in work — surgery after surgery, and mission after mission — had become her habit. Till she joined Velvet Regent anyway.

All she now cared about was school and working hard to stay under the radar.

"Que s'est-il passé, Lina?" (What happened, Lina?) He asked in his rich baritone voice.

And she told him.

"I think you should do it. You can't stay hidden from them forever. You are in the same school."

He gulped a glass of milk he had poured himself from the fridge and then he continued, "The WACO did not mean do not talk with them at all. Just, fait attention." (Be careful.)

He sighed and left when she said nothing.

She did not mean to be rude. But bottling up her feelings had become her forte. She wanted to tell Jason everything. But that part of her that seemed to always get betrayed and hurt made her hold her tongue.

She wanted to say, I am scared. Scared of what might happen if I let go. If I relax and let down my guard... like that night several months back.

————

"... So, I wanted you to know how grateful I am for the opportunity you've given me. But I am sorry, I have a lot to study as I am pursuing law, and cannot accept at the moment."

Aquilina breathed in relief after reciting her thoughtfully crafted speech to Mr. Francis. She forced a tiny smile at the end of it.

They were the only ones in the Art Studio.

She did not want to actually do that to Mr. Francis. He had, after all, given her something most others only dreamt to have.

She held her breath waiting for what he would say.

He took off his glasses and sighed.

"Young lady, I was not expecting this... but I am very fond of you," He folded his palms on his desk.

"How about this? Join the Art Block painting and train after studies each day. Show me your works when done. I am really interested in working with you. I will leave you with the keys."

He sounded so sincere. That caused her heart to melt even as she also remembered the words of her cousin.

"Alright, I'll give it a go." Aqui smiled a little bit at him. She felt excited but tried her best to suppress the feeling.

"Wonderful. Report here after school each day. You can go home and freshen up before returning."

He reached into his desk drawer and the jingle of keys was heard.

"Here is a spare key. I will inform the security of this. Feel free to show me your works during school hours whenever you are done."

He smiled and handed the keys over. She gratefully accepted them. And after a quick farewell, and expression of gratitude, she walked out.

However, Mr. Francis stood and walked to his window, remembering... of course he knew who she was.

Despite her tied-up hair and change in appearance, he would always spot a Jaye when he saw one. She looked just like her mother - a woman he could never forget - with her father's eyes.

Hmmm... This is going to be interesting. He thought.

——————-

Ni hao, lovely people!

GOD bless you once again for reading. Above is a picture of how I sometimes picture Aquilina.

Please vote, share and comment if you enjoyed this.

And did you like the 3rd Person POV? Would you like to see more of it?

And do you think Mr. Francis has her best interests at heart?

Much love,

Phela.

Hello! I am Victoria Bowman. I go by many names. Some of you previously knew me as "TeddyBear9979" or Ted. I am an 18 year old college student and young, aspiring author.

I go by many names including, but not limited to: Pangirl, Vicki, Ted, Daniel, and more.

Pangirl is misleading of a name. So when I started college, I needed a way to cook and didn't think about that till later. So I texted a friend of mine who I'd known through highschool that was also going there and asked if she had a skillet/pan. She said no but had a friend who did. So I walked all the way across campus to her dorm (we lived on opposite sides of campus) and then back just for a skillet. I then boiled water in said skillet/pan for ramen and then washed the skillet and kept forgetting it for 2-3 weeks. Thus earning me the name pangirl. At first it was just the owner of the pan calling me this but soon many of his friends knew me as pangirl as well because they'd picked it up from him due to seeing me and him yelling out "PANGIRL" However, so many people have thought I was pansexual because of this. Basically you can call me almost anything.

So a little bit more about me:

I published a book when I was 17 (April 2021) which many of my followers know about. That book is A Collection Of Short Stories by Victoria Bowman. I am very proud of it.

I graduated May of 2021, a year early.

I'm working on another book right now, that one will be a novel.

I'm trying to start a small business.

Also, if anyone is doing Nanowrimo and wants to add me my name is VictoriaBowman228.

If anyone is hoping for a signed copy of A Collection of Short Stories go to my website and enter my raffle: www.victoriabowman.weebly.com

Hi there.

My name is Sandra.

Some call me WordiGirl.

I'm known here as LexiCon.

Nice to meet you.

God bless!

i give my all.

every inch

of my tell-tale heart,

served

on a silver platter.

an offering

of true devotion,

a willing sacrifice.

i lift my king high,

words of love

and encouragement

meant only for him.

i see no other

for he is

my one,

my only.

i care for him,

nurture

and

feed his body,

his soul.

spoonfuls

of my pure devotion,

a delicacy to savor.

nectar of the gods.

my body craves his,

turning to liquid

at his touch,

his sigh,

his growl.

with cosmic desire,

want becomes

need.

a physical ailment

only he

can cure.

Only.

He.

Can.

water my soul

with love,

attention,

desire.

lift me to his side

and care for me,

his mate.

his love.

his partner.

his

Queen.

pour

pure

molten

love

into

me.

held,

safe.

protected.

supported.

seen.

in our kingdom

together,

hearts

and

hands

entwined,

we will travel

and journey

along this

thing

called

life.

Yo,

If I told you who I was, I'd be ruining my whole point of being here.

I could say a bunch of things I like though.

Books, music (of any and most type), painting, photography, dancing, writing, planning, and...well, that's all I remember right now.

Anyway, hi. I am me. I am here. That's enough. And....

Nice to meet you.

-SJ

There are so many newbies now! I think I'm kinda an OG? I have been on Prose for five or six years. I actually found it because of FastWeb when I was a junior or senior in high school because I wanted to make money from writing which I have literally NEVER learned how to do. Still don't know how to do it honestly? Anywho, I'm AJ. I'm a 22-year-old American that really likes cheese and is attracted to disappointment. I'm in college in my last semester, and I am crawling to the finish line like that poor daddy's long leg that was left a septipelgic when I pulled off 7 of his legs. I promise I'm not still that evil. I'm far too tired to do anything chaotic except shake Monster cans in Giant Eagle and give squirrels political advice.

I honestly am not online much anymore just because this whole adulting shit is exhausting. But, in the event that you peruse through the literal hundreds of entries I've made, you'll see that I like to do experimental work and that I love fantasy, sci-fi, and basically anything that makes you think. My favourite post on here is actually my story "Something for Lilo" (trigger warning: abortion) so, yeah. I think it represents me a lot as a writer. nowadays I'm kinda balancing all these huge ideas like ideas of religion and philosophy and science and politics, and even though it's like a mental marathon (and I do NOT run), I know that once I get time to start writing again, it's going to really shape my writing in ways that I can't wait to see.

What else can be said? I don't like the beach or mountains, both thanks to family reunions. I'm lowkey afraid of elephants and whales because I'm small and they can pretty easily kill me. Belugas are beautiful. I study biology. My favourite colours are lavender, grey, black, rainbow, and yellow in that order, and I was yesterday years old when I found out that you can put sparkles in alcohol (and today years old when I realized that it's just glitter and you will be up at all hours of the night). What's the difference between grey and gray? Only Grammarly knows apparently.

For anyone that read this, thanks for reading and to the person that made this challenge, thanks for making it! It's always fun to reach out to new Prosers and I really love the tradition we have here of getting people to talk to each other and get to know each other.

CHAPTER 1

AQUILINA’S POV

*School bell rings in distance*

"Are you sure there is nothing you want to declare before the screening?" The security man asks me — again.

"No, sir," I respond shyly, though within, my frustration is skyrocketing.

I sigh for the umpteenth time, as I go through the security checkpoints of Velvet Regent.

The security man then ushers me through the machine which lights a bright green and finally allows me into the school.

"You may enter," he finally declares with a curt nod.

He does not know my identity, as many others do not. Only the principal and a few on the school board know about me — and my cousin, Jason.

Tap, tap.

My shoes move across the glass floors as I hurry through the deserted hallways.

I am late. And the thought of other students staring at you whilst you head to your seat is not so enticing.

"Unit A, B, C..." I mutter to myself till I finally locate the unit my class is located at.

I must admit, there is one thing I like about this school. It is just beautiful. With its grandeur and elegance.

"Well, good morning, students," I hear the voice of Miss Nicole as the class settles down to begin.

I half-run into my class just as Miss Nicole begins her lessons.

There are no writing boards here, all is technological. With large screens in every class and tablets on every desk.

"I'm sorry, I'm late," I apologise hurriedly.

Miss Nicole only turns a slight frown at me and nods me to my seat without saying a word.

She has always been my favourite teacher, though I have not been here for long.

I quickly make my way to my seat, waving at the few (and really few) friends I have made here, whilst also ignoring the glares I got from most.

"Okay class, let's take a look at today's lesson."

"Hey, girl," my friend Natalie whispers to me as I finally take my seat.

"Hey," I give her a slight smile.

"Got stuck at Security Checkpoint again?"

"That's an understatement."

"I know, right?" Natalie sighs and tucks a strand of her straight hair behind her ear. "I feel like they designed those as mental torture before roasting us in lessons."

I shake my head, a quiet smile tugging at my lips.

"It is frustrating," I admit, reaching for my school provided-tablet.

I slide across the screen, quickly logging into my account.

So, Velvet Regent — in case you are wondering — has grades from Primary through to Uni.

This school is only for the rich... and royals. They also accept scholarship kids (which people think I am one of).

And why was I screened afore?

The less rich are not allowed to carry in phones or anything which is considered hazardous.

I understand the latter, but phones... that is plain frustrating.

"Well, I hope they change some of those rules one of these days. I mean, we have lives too," Natalie leans close to me to whisper after logging into hers.

The reason why we, "the commoners" cannot use phones in school is because we are not allowed to Tweet or IG about the lives of the royals.

It is not the most thrilling, but this is what I get as my 'punishment' from the WACO.

That causes me to remember why I am back in high school after jumping ahead to study neurosurgery/cardiac surgery (how I ended up a surgeon at this age by God's grace is a story for another day).

~

"Okay Princess, I believe you understand why you have to go through this," Shawn Tyler, my boss at the WACO tells me.

"I understand, Sir," I reply, my face showing a calmness I didn't actually feel.

Within, I will my beating heart to remain calm.

"You will be acquitted once the investigation is over. I know you are innocent, child."

I can see the sincerity within his eyes. He doesn't want to do this. But he has to. And I can understand that.

Yet, the uncertainty of my future causes great sorrow within my heart. What will happen if this is to ever be leaked? What about my family?

Since I was younger, my siblings and I in one way or the other have been working for the WACO (World Anti-Criminal Organisation). And that is alongside whatever careers each pursues whilst going through "the trials".

So whilst working undercover for the WACO alongside practising Medicine, it came to pass one day that a terrorist threat was not realised by the system.

But galavanting on the network, I "mistakingly hacked" an unknown interface.

A threat was underway, and my naive self decided to take action before notifying my superiors. The threat was disabled, but so was my integrity brought to question.

I could have breezed past the protocols, but I am at the age of my trial, and no help can be offered by my family.

"You will be schooling at Velvet Regent like other Royals your age, but you won't be allowed to reveal your identity."

He hands me a school ID card and the reality of what is about to happen finally sinks in.

I had been homeschooled for a major part of my life.

As the youngest in my family, (also being the younger twin), I enjoyed the privilege of being delayed entering my trial years. I always envied watching other kids go to school.

But now, it doesn't seem as thrilling.

~

"Open to page 321 in your ebooks," Miss Nicole says making me snap back to attention.

As we all slide across to the said page on our tablets, I hear the class's door open and feel an aura fill the room.

I glance up and see them, the two most famous Princes in my grade.

I feel like I am talking a lot here, but I just want you to understand. There are Princes, and there are Princes. Some are, I guess minor in the sight of people. But these two, belong to the ruling Kingdoms.

Prince Francesco Ricci Romano, second son of the Italian King. Blond, and blue-eyed. It is said that he is partly French, which I know for a fact. But my source, I can not reveal now.

I hear the girls sit up straight and rearrange their hairstyles, and the boys sitting straighter.

He glances through the room and smiles his charming smile. A sigh escapes some girls sitting close to me. I nearly roll my eyes.

It can not be denied, they were handsome. But looks are not everything.

Girls look at him expectantly, hoping he will notice them. Though they know he is probably already engaged to some Princess.

Rumours have been flying around as to her identity.

"Francesco and Javier," Miss Nicole greets warmly.

Yes, in the name of equality, titles are rarely used, but the line is still glaringly clear.

"You may be seated."

The other Prince, Javier Miguel García de Habsburgo, is known for being cold yet handsome, with his dark hair and rare violet eyes.

He does not spare her or anyone else a glance but simply walks to his seat at the far back. No one ever ventures near it. It's always in the furthest part of the class.

The two are called, the Golden Friends. But it is hard to imagine, with one being so open and the other so cold.

I avoid looking at Francesco as he also walks to his seat. He reminds me too much of that person.

I shake my head reminding myself of the rules I was given before being sent to this school.

Do not get too close to the royals, as it will be easier for them to find out who you really are.

Do not involve yourself with too many people.

And always give vague responses, lest anyone tracks you to the WACO.

There were more, but these were the heart of them all.

Blend in, but don't stand out.

But, is that really going to happen?

CHAPTER 2

"Fais vite(Hurry up), Aquilina!" I hear Jason, my cousin, shout up to me. I can tell he is standing below the stairs.

"J'arrive (I'm coming)!" I holler back at him.

"You wouldn't want to get stuck at the Security Checkpoint, will you?"

Though we are not often seen together at school, Jason has decided to make a habit of 'making sure I arrive there in time'.

"I'm almost done."

I quickly button up my dark red jacket completing my uniform.

At Velvet Regent, the "Royals" get to wear whatever they want, so long as they keep the colours the same.

The "Commoners" wear our navy blue skirts (for the girls and la otra for the boys) and dark red jackets with golden pins.

That is kind of ironic since the motto of the school is, "Ut Omnes Unum Sint", "That All May Be One." Well, one look at our uniforms tells you straightway that all are not one.

Will we ever?

I hurry down the stairs just as I hear Jason's phone ring. After a moment, he turns to me with a curious look on his face and hands the phone over.

"It's for you."

I arch an eyebrow and reach for it.

"Shawn," Jason mouths quietly to me.

What does he want now?

"Hello," I answer walking towards the window.

"Princess, I believe you are fine. Well, I will just cut to the chase. The Organisation is going to be keeping a close eye on you. So do your best to keep a low profile. Alright?"

I swallow hard to hide my hurt. "I hear you, Sir."

"Good. I also want to let you know that I'm working hard on your case. Don't give up, alright?"

"Yes, Sir."

I hear all his promises but have a hard time letting my heart believe them.

"Everything okay?" Jason asks me when the call ends.

I only nod at him.

"Then, get going."

————-

"You will be pairing for this classwork," Mr LeBlanc announces and everyone groans. Of course, except the royals.

We are now in Social Studies and are being assigned groups. The pairing is done by AI(Artificial Intelligence) or so they claim.

But throughout my time here, it has never seemed to pair the right personalities.

"Here comes the art of Artificial Dumbness." The Asian boy in front of me murmurs.

"Last time, I got paired with the daughter of my father's business rival."

Another girl in front of me whispered to her friend. And on, and on they went.

"Funny how the Royals in the class never get paired with someone they don't like?" My close friend, Natalie, whispers to me.

Though she doesn't know the real me, I still consider her a close friend.

"I wonder if the system thinks the rest of us complete losers," she goes on.

I only smile and shake my head at her. I guess one could call me quiet. But not inside my head. My brain knows how talkative I am. It is never silent up there.

"Hey, do you think we might get paired this time around?" She flips through the pages on her tablet.

"I hope so. I can not flunk this class if I am going into law," I sigh and turn to look out the window.

I chose to study law because of my elder brother, Mike, who happens to be one of the best lawyers in the world. I admire him a lot for that.

God gifted me (and my siblings) with a high IQ. I always want to learn something new that will bring Him Glory.

And the law has always intrigued me despite having studied medicine years afore.

Having helped my brother whilst he was still studying helped me have an overview of it.

"I keep telling you. You are too uptight. Loosen up a little. You've got the brains and the looks. Like that party tonight..."

"No," I say immediately, my heart turning stone-cold.

"You see, this is what I mean. At least consider..." She begins and we both hear a throat clearing.

We turn to see Mr LeBlanc staring down at us.

"Are you both done checking on your group info already?" He asks sternly.

I feel a little warmth in my cheeks and quickly unlock my tablet and tap on the notification icon which has "1" on it.

In my peripheral vision, I see Natalie doing the same, then she groans. Mine takes a little longer to load.

It finally displays my partner. Then, I blink. Once, twice, then the third time.

I glance around the class, then toward the back seat. He is staring back at me, no, glaring.

What have I gotten myself into?

I stare at the screen again. Then I reload. It must have been a mistake. No, the results on the screen are the same.

Javier Miguel García de Habsburgo

CHAPTER 3

Students file out of the classroom after the bell rings. Natalie mumbles something about talking to Mr LeBlanc about getting a different partner and runs off.

I quietly grab my few belongings into my bag, including my music-only device which the school provides. And that's something I am grateful for.

As I hang my bag on person, I feel the glare—again.

Calculating the distance because of the sound of the breath I can hear - due to years spent in the WACO - I realise he is just behind me.

Sighing, I turn to face the source of the glare. He is facing me as Francesco stands beside him.

I force a smile and nod politely deciding it best to say nothing for now. I turn to leave when he speaks.

"Ah... I guess I'm stuck with the trash this year," He says sounding cold and condescending.

He looks at me to judge my reaction. I swallow and do what I have done for years when I feel the most overwhelmed. To show no feeling.

His violet eyes turn even darker and he stomps out. Francesco looks at me quietly for a second, a blank look in his eyes before he swaggers out, hands in his pocket.

I wait for a few minutes, and finally decide to visit Mr LeBlanc's office. I cannot allow myself to be close to them.

------

After a moment of pleading and beseeching, I finally leave Mr LeBlanc's office, dejected. He refused to change it.

"You know our policy, we can not change who your partner is for the entire year. Whoever was picked for you, will have to remain your partner in every other subject also."

"But-"

"No buts, Missie."

Thoughts of depression flood my brain and I begin to wander around not bothering which direction I am heading to.

What if I am not able to win the court case due to this association? How will my parents feel? What if all the other secrets get out to the public?

I walk around the art park aimlessly, (yes, the art class has one for outdoor paintings) when I hear a holler.

I look up awkwardly and find all the students looking away from their canvases and staring at me. I sigh inwardly, I guess today is a day of stares.

"I am sorry, I was not watching where I was going," I say quietly to the Art Teacher, Mr. Francis.

He was not my teacher, but I had heard enough about him. He was really hard to please and had only one favourite student - Prince Francesco.

"Well, if you are here, come and explain this piece of art to a student who knows no more than you apparently."

And he glares at the boy standing before him with his head bowed.

I walk slowly to him and study the piece of art. It was a bit quizzical at first. But then, I noticed the patterns.

"I think, Sir, that the Artist seemed to have been going through many lows."

I study it again, "With the use of dark hues, he portrays the body drowning, but his soul is painted in lighter hues which seems to float atop the surface."

I gulp and continue not minding if I am making a fool of myself before Mr. Francis and the rest of the students.

"I think he sees a future hope ahead of him. Though he is drowning now, he believes even the worst of situations can be salvaged."

I feel startled when I hear the sound of clapping.

I am as shocked as the others when I realise it is Mr. Francis clapping.

"That is what I am talking about." He says with a pleasant look on his face.

"Why are you not in Art Class?" He asks me, to the further surprise of everyone. It is well known that not just anyone can enter his class.

"Oh, I do not think I have any special talent." I blush slightly.

"I think you should consider it." A different voice says from behind.

I turn to see Francesco, in his signature pose - hands in pocket.

"Francis knows talent when he sees one. Just give it a try. We are going to be painting the whole Art Block this week, show us what you've got."

Seems like I do not have a choice, Mr Prince.

————————————-—

Title: Princess Undercover

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Age Range: Teen, Young Adult

Word Count: 50,000+

Author Name: Phela Kay

Why: Set in our present time, but with a different world view with kings and monarchs, Princess Undercover sets free the imagination and ignites a fire within, with spy missions and diverse characters. Nonetheless, it is not without the challenges we face in our present time either. We see the evil of debauchery and treachery. Yet, enduring love prevails over it all.

Hook:

What happens when a sheltered Princess is thrown into the outside world to face the trials of life—without any royal backing?

Synopsis:

It's been the Jaye Royal Family's long-standing tradition to hide the identity of their children, and have them go through the trials of life without any Royal backing—till they come of age.

Her siblings are done with theirs—it's left with Aquilina.

Despite the false accusations and the fact that the world's most powerful princes seem keen on winning her heart, can she manage to hide her identity, and save those she loves while guarding her heart?

And working secretly alongside for the World Anti-Criminal Organisation... Can her childlike faith in God stand the test of time?

Which force will finally win? The good or evil? Will her past forever hinder her chances of happiness?

Target Audience: People of all ages, actually, and those who have been abused and are going through pain

Bio: I’m a Christian girl who has been interested in writing since the age of 12/13. This is my first completed novel after taking a break from writing for some years.

Platform: Wattpad

Education: 3rd Level Language Student

Experience: This is my first completed novel, and I hope to write more by God’s Grace, though there have been other short stories

Personality/Writing Style: I‘m a daydreamer who finally decided to start penning them down again. My writing style has changed over the years.

Likes/Hobbies: Reading (esp. my Bible and about God), Listening to music and audiobooks, writing, and learning new things (including languages)

Hometown: I’m an African but have roots from different places

Age: 21 at the completion of the book (and at present)

Thanks so much for this opportunity. I hope this book will be favourably considered.