This story is based on a fictional world system, but set in the 21st Century.

All places, persons and constitutions are based on the writer's imagination.

Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

P. S. I write in British English, hence you'll find words such as, favOURite, coloUR, and such... ☺️

~ ~ ~ ~

Princess Violet has a rare gift; she is able to see beyond the natural eye. It has been so since her parents died. Her worldview crumbles when an injury sets her back from the future she had always thought was set in stone.

When GOD decides it is time to send her to the Ferrari household, she does not fully comprehend its purpose yet. Will her childlike faith remain unwavering under the weight of living under the roof of Prince Vincenzo Klaus Ferrari, the Ice Prince?

Will the Fire of GOD'S Love break through his barrier? Or, will it cause her to become like as he is? Cold and distant?

Find out in, "The Ice Prince".

• • • • • • • •

THE KING-MAKERS

The King Makers are a group from certain Royal Bloods of different Kingdoms. Describing them all would prove rather tedious.

But simply put, they wield enough power to enthrone or dethrone any other Royal in any Kingdom.

There were three at the top of the group; Tal Levine, of mixed-but-powerful Royal Blood, Klaus Ferrari, of German-Italian Royal Blood, often called the Ice Prince or Rudest Prince, and finally, Salvian Luke Jaye, brother of Aquilina.

By GOD'S Grace, below are the list of characters. Once again, it's our book. Feel free to make any suggestions. More might be added or changed at any point in time.

Kindly imagine them as you would have them.

• • • • • • • •

Princess Violet Lauryn Levine

17, Christian, traumatic past, sister of Prince Tal, a King Maker

Prince Tal Jediael Levine

Christian, kind and soft, cares especially for his sister; one of the Top Three of the King Makers

Prince Vincenzo Klaus Ferrari

Aka, the Ice Prince/Rude Prince, Tall, Dark Haired; also a King-Maker

Queen Giulia Sofia Ferrari

Queen; Widowed mother of Prince Klaus

Princess Ginevra Ferrari

21, stern on the outside, feisty, hotheaded—sister of Prince Klaus, a King Maker

Prince Alessandro Ferrari

17, indifferent on the outside, Prince Klaus' brother

Princess Isabella Ferrari

16, cheerful and friendly, youngest child of the Ferraris

(Song for the Chapter: GOD Will Work It Out)

• • • • • • •

"En garde. Prêtes. Allez."

Violet launched forward, her heart racing. She willed her beating heart to be calm. She focused on her movements as she advanced. This was a game of strategy. Her mind needed to be focused.

Dear GOD, please help me, she prayed quietly within. She tried to also focus on the beings that always radiated light.

She held her sword and tried to defend against her opponent's attacks to corner her. This was her last match in the championship.

But, something felt different—not wrong, just different.

She glanced around at where they always positioned themselves during her matches—the angels. They only stood there quietly. She had seen that stance before.

But, when?

In the heat of the game, she could not recall.

Violet spun around in a circle. There were hostile spirits around, but no, there was no attack—

"En garde." the referee called out.

Okay, Violet. She pulled her helmet back on.

One more point to win.

They were at a tie—she and her opponent. After a moment of trying to get back to the mid-point, she finally saw her advantage, launched forward at tough speed, and reaching out beyond her limits, she struck. The light went on. It had been a simultaneous attack.

Violet's heart beat rapidly as she waited for the announcement. Her heart beat even faster.

Who would get the point? Did I fail?

The referee stretched his right arm out extensively, then the left, and finally, the right palm up, to finally announce her victory as a point was added to her name.

"Attaque. Touche. Point."

She screamed as the crowd also erupted in raucous applause.

"Attention, please," the referee announced trying to still the cheering crowd. "Attention. Salut."

She went to her starting point and taking off her helmet, she saluted, then she went forth to greet her opponent.

She couldn't believe it. Another gold medal. She looked for her brother, Prince Tal, amongst those who were trying to get close to her.

He beamed brightly and went forth to meet her, not realising he had walked through the midst of the Heavenly Guardians. And, as she approached him, she felt the agonising pain in her shoulder.

Agh! She screamed in agony.

"Violet?!" Her brother called out.

As her vision blurred from the intensity of the pain, she remembered. The Heavenly beings always took that stance whenever they had to give way for something to occur—for THE FATHER'S GLORY.

———————-

"I would advise that she takes a period to have some rest. The simultaneous touch has deeply affected her shoulder," the doctor said his warm grey eyes soft with sympathy. "I think she should give fencing a break for now till she heals completely."

"No! Tal, tell them. I have to train for the next season," Violet interjected, her voice trembling with fear as she lay on the hospital bed."I'm only seventeen and have to..." her voice quaked and she broke into sobs.

"Doctor," Tal turned to him, "thank you very much. We will see to that."

The doctor nodded understandably and left the room.

Tal slowly advanced to his sister and sat by her, placing an arm around her uninjured shoulder.

"Hey," he said in his soothing and loving voice. It had always calmed her. But at that moment, she felt bereft of the joy and comfort it often gave her.

He had been the only one she had since their parents had died.

He gently touched her cheek and turned her face to himself. Gently using his fingers, he wiped her tears away.

"It's going to be okay. This is just temporary. I know it means a lot to you. But remember, GOD works everything out for our good even if we realise it or not. So, Vee, take a break as you have been told."

He pulled her into his arms in an embrace as he had often done since she was a kid, patting her back. And he softly hummed her favourite song before voicing it out, "GOD will work it out."

Other angelic voices joined in chorus and her attention was drawn to them. In her desperation, she had forgotten they were present.

That brought her comfort, even in that trying moment when she felt depressed and that all hope was lost and the world was collapsing around her.

One of the angels named Abdiel, smiled at her. The smile so familiar, which reflected that of her Loving LORD. It reminded her of many times since her childhood when all had seemed murky and dark.

Her LORD JESUS had been her ever-present Companion. She remembered when she had received her first vision of HIM.

After the death of her parents, she had been in a haze. Everything had felt overwhelming, and she had wondered if she would ever see her parents again—and she encountered HIM.

Her mind snapped back to the present; to the song they sang. They were right. Though she was in pain and felt shattered, The LORD was going to work it all out. She willed her aching heart to resign to her fate, though it seemed slow in obeying the order.

She felt her body relax as they continued to sing the song.

"Okay," she finally said, emotion filling her voice. She wiped off the rest of her tears. "Alright, I will do that. Things are going to be fine, right?"

She pulled away from his embrace and looked up at him, desperately seeking his affirmation. He smiled and nodded in his gentle manner and drew her closer again.

"And my little Vee," he went on to say, his voice thickening and expression turning grave, "I know this is not the right moment, but there is something we must discuss."

———————————

Violet felt discombobulated, the dark evening matched her feelings as she stood at the front entrance to the Villa of the Ferraris with her brother—and her suitcase.

Well, they were not exactly alone. The angels were around, swords drawn out.

Her palms felt sweaty around the handle of the suitcase, her mind and heart feeling unsettled about the future. They would soon be ushered in.

Violet couldn't believe how things had turned out. She recalled the conversation she had had with her brother after her injury.

~

"Things are going awry in terms of security," he tried to tell her as calmly as he could despite the gravity of the situation.

Because he knew it was going to be a big blow to his sister with the ordeal she was going through.

She had pulled away once more to stare him in the face, alarm and concern etched deeply on her already saddened countenance.

"Do you remember me telling you about Vladimir?" She nodded in response.

"Yes?" She replied, her tone rising slightly in question and a confused frown on her face.

"The Mafia leader they finally arrested, right? What about him?" She turned to fully look at him.

Though he tried to make his voice sound soft, she could sense the weightiness in his tone about what he was going to tell her.

Tal sighed and ran his hand through his blonde, beautiful hair. He often did that when he was going to say something he did not relish revealing.

"He has escaped, Vee. And we can't seem to find him. Our intel tells us he is targeting the King Makers. And it won't be safe for us to live together anymore. You are likely one of his targets."

"That's no problem. GOD is with me. And, you've taught me all about self-defence. All will be fine." She tried to sound cheerful, despite the deep concern engraved on her brother's face.

"It's more complex than that, Vee. So, for the sake of your safety, we have to live apart for a moment."

"What?" She was exasperated. She needed her brother more than ever before. Especially, in her present predicament.

"Being with you is the best option! We have been through a lot together and..." her voice wobbled again, the feeling of depression weighing heavily on her chest.

She remembered all they had gone through, the loss of their parents being the greatest of all.

"Vee, listen to me," he finally said to her sternly.

She knew that tone. It was a tone of finality. Her heart raced knowing she could not defy what he was going to say.

~

So, as she stood before the mansion of the Ferraris, Violet knew she had no other option.

She had to stay there for at least a year, or so her brother had said.

She had to stay in the home of the coldest member of the King Makers, Prince Vincenzo Klaus Ferrari, aka, the Ice Prince, aka the Rudest Prince, and his mother and siblings—none of whom she had ever met.

And, the swords drawn by the angels confirmed what else she saw—there would be forces of darkness at work.

Being there was going to be a battle.

——————————

Hola, wonderful family! It's been a long while. I hope you are all well. By GOD'S Grace, the second book is finally here!

It is now in the form of a series; with Princess Undercover being #1. I had initially wanted to take this "Spiritual" stance with the first.

Please, please, please, let me know your thoughts on it. This book covers areas and fields unbeknownst to me

Song for the Chapter: Lead Me Back by Morgan Harper Nichols

••••••••••

No matter how grey the sky seems, remember; the sun always shines at the end of the storm.

••••••••••

THIRD PERSON POV

Violet felt a sense of loneliness as she stood in her new bedroom. It was comfortable, yes. But, it could never be what she once had.

She still couldn't push away the feeling of being denuded of her old home—and most especially, her brother.

She recalled the conversation she had with her brother before they had left for the Ferrari's Villa.

~

"Vee, everything is going to be okay, alright?" Her brother had said in his ever-soothing tone. "This is just but for a moment. Soon, God willing, we will be together again."

He had patted the top of her head and ruffled her dark hair playfully.

That brought a smile to her face. She knew her brother didn't want to let her go. But under the circumstances, he had no other option.

"Alright," she responded softly.

"Promise me you will try your best to be cheerful every day. And don't forget, they only know we are somehow related, but, not directly as siblings."

He looked her directly in the eyes, his brown eyes ever so tender and soft.

"I know, who would think we are siblings? The beauty gap is huge," she tried to joke.

"And who is at the bottom?" he joined in.

She sobered and swallowed, giving a faint nod, "I promise."

"And also remember, even if I'm not there—GOD is with you wherever you go."

~

"So, this is will be room for now. You will be expected to help out here and there in the kitchen and with house maintenance when you return from school," the main housekeeper pointed out.

She was a stout middle-aged woman with olive skin and a name tag that read, Clarice.

The room was smaller than she was used to and much simpler, but, she felt grateful nonetheless.

As Clarice showed her around her room, she strengthened her resolve.

I have to be strong. This isn't going to last forever. The Lord will see me through.

"Breakfast preparations start at 5 AM. And, dinner preparations at 4:00 PM. I believe you will be back by then. Kindly make sure to be here on time... Violet, is it?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"I don't know if the family will want you to join them," Clarice's brows knit together as she tried to think it through. "Either way, I will let you know. Rest for today, and, I will reserve dinner for you in the kitchen till this is cleared up."

The lines on her face suggested she might have had a hard life, but, she was pleasant at least.

She was the only person she had met since entering the household—besides the security, of course—having been told she would finally get to meet the members of the family later on.

Now that, was something Violet didn't feel so confident about. But she had to face it, either way.

After Clarice left her to unpack her things and settle in, Violet felt the need to speak to her HEAVENLY FATHER. For she felt deep within her that her time there was going to be quite a journey.

She knelt to pray and felt HIS Presence light up the room, permeating every corner darkness seemed to have occupied in times past.

But, the rest of the house was going to require more than one moment of prayer.

GOD is with me.

—————————

Darkness was approaching, and Violet decided to take a walk and acquaint herself further with her surroundings before going in for her dinner.

I might as well practice before I go.

She grabbed her fencing bag and set off. As she walked, the events of her life played over and over in her mind.

She paid no heed to her environment as she allowed her mind to wander even further.

Why does this place seem so gloomy?

Her mind then drifted to the Prince she had heard so much about, the Silent Ice Prince.

Is he really as everyone else claims?

She felt like she had stepped into uncharted territory. Right from her first day in the beautiful Villa, she could feel a sort of loneliness and gloominess hovering around—and secrets.

The splendour and glamour appeared to be impotent to mask that emotion.

She decided to walk to the garden Clarice had shown her whilst giving her a tour of the place earlier on.

She had made it clear to her that some places were off-limits.

But her sense of direction had somehow deluded her that night.

She took many turns till she thought she had found it.

Is this the one? Oh, well.

Stretching a bit in the cool night air and engulfed by the fragrance of the flowers surrounding her, she finally unzipped her fencing bag and took out her sword.

She began to practice her rhythmic movements despite the sting in her shoulder when a chilly voice halted her.

"Did no one tell you this place is off-limits?"

————————

Violet failed to register the exquisite kitchen she found herself in and almost forgot how to eat for a moment as she sat at the table.

"What is it? Is the food not to your liking?" Clarice asked.

"Oh no," she snapped back to attention. "It is wonderful. Thank you."

Clarice might have smiled a tad bit, but one couldn't tell.

"You are a polite one, aren't you?" She went back to setting the dishes away.

Violet thought she heard her add, "Heaven knows no one here is as polite."

She tried her best to focus on her meal, mentally reminding herself of the process of eating.

Scoop some food with a spoon. Direct it to my mouth... masticate and swallow.

There, she could do it. But it wasn't her fault she had lost her ability to reason after the encounter in the garden. Where she had met... Prince Vincenzo aka The Ice Prince.

He had to be the one.

There wasn't anything strange about him, yet, there was. She could not place nor describe it. As his icy eyes had looked at her, she seemed to have forgotten how to talk—and the effect still protracted.

As she eventually grasped the process of getting most of her food into her mouth and cleaning out the plate, Clarice shooed her to her room saying she was already done with the day's tasks.

She thanked her once more and walked to her room—secretly glad it was on the down floor of the villa, hence reducing the chances of having any other surprise encounters.

Shutting her door, she headed straight for the shower.

I do not know why they call him the Ice Prince, but, I know I need a hot shower.

————————

Hi, everyone!

Please, please, please, do comment and let me know if you find this interesting or not. I don't know if I should continue.

Song for the chapter above.

And, (come closer for a little secret) I have trouble pronouncing some of their names myself.

Song for the Chapter: The Only Thing That Matters by Kevin Levar

••••••••••

Sometimes, we all need a little push—bump—to get us in the right direction. No matter how uncanny it might seem.

••••••••••

"So, this is your schedule," the Vice Principal smiled at Violet as she sat behind her opulent desk.

"We know of your injury and would not force you to involve yourself in any physical activities unless you feel well enough to,"

She was a genteel woman who seemed to be in her early 50s, grey streaks highlighting her hair. She appeared to be the kind who didn't flaunt her position as most others in such positions would.

Despite her understanding smile, Violet felt overwhelmed by the many classes she had to take. Due to her fencing, she had always been exempted from classes whenever she needed to.

But this... felt different. She felt like she was going to suffocate under the load of the abrupt changes in her life.

Having already had a trying day, which involved waking up earlier than usual to help prepare breakfast for the family—a rather large one which could probably feed all of Afghanistan.

Violet gathered her equilibrium and willed herself to smile back. She took her tablet which had been loaded with her schedule and everything she needed for her classes and walked out.

This is my fate... God's plan for my life now.

She took in a deep breath, closing her eyes for the briefest moment as she reflected on her elder brother's words.

Everything is going to be alright, she thought to herself. Would it not?

She recalled the previous night's encounter and immediately shook her head. No, she wasn't going to dwell on her encounter with the Ice Prince.

Violet pulled up the school map on her tablet and tried to locate her first class for the day, when the premonition of a presence surrounded by evil hit her like an avalanche.

Since she had first received the Gift of THE SPIRIT, she often had visions and a keen sense of the presence of the spiritual realm wherever she went—and she felt it at that moment.

This time, it was a feeling of someone approaching. And that person had a tormented soul plagued by something she could not quite point out.

Violet always tried to ignore such feelings as much as possible.

Think of something else, Violet.

She was still lost in her musings when someone bumped into her from behind. Swiftly regaining her balance, she felt the sting in her shoulder.

"Ouch," she muttered.

"Don't you know your way around yet, Blue?" A sardonic voice called from behind her.

She whirled around.

Do I know him?

He looked vaguely familiar. Violet then realised where the feeling of the demonic infliction had come from. And, it registered into her spirit all too quickly—to her discomfort.

Turning to fully face the person, she met the mocking glare of a tall green-eyed boy.

You bumped into me and my name is not Blue, her heart screamed out. Where did that nickname even come from?

But from somewhere deep within, a quiet Voice willed her to remain calm. She looked into his eyes and saw a hurting soul behind the mask of indifference.

Violet drew in another breath—it was a habit she had cultivated during her training whilst fencing.

She knew she was going to be using it in this place more often than not.

She gave a brief smile and stepped out of his way, still trying to remember why he looked familiar. She stretched out an arm.

Move on, her gesture implied.

He huffed and moved past her into the main hall. It was only then that Violet noticed the two other boys trailing behind him.

They swaggered with an air of ownership.

"So, that is one posse around here. I see," she muttered to herself after they had passed and she glanced at her watch.

Oh no. I am going to be late for my first class if I don't hurry.

She sped up, trying to recall the location she had read from the map and glancing ever so frequently at her watch.

She soon neared the door which read "R-AP HISTORY",

What-ever is R-AP History?

She slowed down and glanced at her schedule to make sure she was at the right place when she bumped her head into something rock solid—or rather, someone.

Did I miss something? Did someone neglect to inform me today is the World's Bumping Day?

"Ouch," she touched her forehead slightly. She expected the person she had bumped into to give another snarky remark or to berate her.

Gradually with her palm still on her stinging forehead, she raised her eyes to the tall figure in front of her and froze at the icy gaze.

Though she had met him the night before, she hadn't seen his face too clearly. But, the feeling of temperatures beginning to lower was still intact—and that was without exaggeration.

~

The Night Before:

"Did no one tell you this place is off-limits?"

Violet's eyes widened in horror as she jumped, not as much from fright as the iciness that permeated her being from the voice that spoke.

She turned and saw a figure with broad shoulders barely illuminated by the garden lights, sitting with his back turned toward her.

Is that an easel? She noticed despite her fright. She couldn't quite make it out.

The figure turned his face ever so slightly towards her, but the shadows made his features hard to read.

"Or do you lack a sense of direction?"

"I'm... I—," she didn't complete her words when he stood up with—yes, it was an easel—and spoke turning his back towards her again.

"Just watch out next time."

And he was gone before she knew it.

"I'm sorry," she whispered to the wind, finally finding her voice.

Despite not seeing him clearly, she could tell who he was—Prince Vincenzo.

Once more, she felt that feeling of gloom surrounding her. And she knew she had stepped into uncharted territory—again.

Was it ever going to end?

~

She finally saw him clearly in the daylight. His hair was dark brown and his blue eyes were as icy as his voice.

He looks like a sculpture from the Grecian era.

Blame it on my infatuation with Greek history.

Which one will he pass for?

It finally hit Violet like an epiphany.

She knew the boy she had first bumped into had looked familiar!

With features akin to the one who stood before her—except for their different eye colours, of course—he was the youngest son of the Ferraris.

She had seen him in the family painting hanging in their home.

"If you will excuse me, I have a class to get to."

"And here I thought noblesse oblige allowed the lady to enter first," her eyes widened and she clasped a hand over her mouth when the words slipped out without forethought.

The corner of his eyes twitched the slightest bit—a gesture she could not decipher as positive or negative with the rest of his demeanour being so indifferent.

She immediately stepped out the way of this Ferrari—again.

The bell rang just as he walked to the front of the class. Vincenzo gently rolled his sleeves as he took his seat at the teacher's desk, unlocking the tablet set before him.

She felt her body grow numb as she followed through the same entryway and her brain tried to compute it all.

Wait... was he a teacher here and for that matter—hers?

————————

Hola muchachos! I hope by God's Grace you are all well. What did you think of this chapter? I find myself thinking of cars when I see Ferrari.

Song for Chapter: GOD With Us, Terrian

••••••••••••••••••

There is no shadow HIS Light can't permeate...

••••••••••••••••••

THIRD PERSON POV

~~~

"He completed his law degree at a young age," Clarice arranged the family's dinner on a meal cart. Her meals are always top-notch—probably would give Remy in Ratatouille competition.

"So, he often steps in to train Royals into becoming potential leaders and one day, perhaps, King Makers."

Finally set, Clarice got ready to push the cart. She was going to wheel it into the dining area.

"Really?"

"I guess you were allowed into R-AP History because you are related to Prince Tal and live in this house, I guess," she shrugged.

Violet had learned that the R in R-AP History stood for Royal. And she had learned it not soon enough.

"I see," she had wondered why she had been placed there with no one knowing she was the sister of Tal.

"And, the Signora (Madam) asked that you join them for dinner tonight. They might ask you to do so often, but, let's wait and see."

Great, just great.

"Oh, and, Prince Vincenzo often likes his meals delivered in his living quarters. You are assigned that task now," Clarice's voice made no room for argument.

Can things get much worse than this?

She felt her heartbeat speed rapidly beyond normal and her palms become sweaty. But, she took in a deep breath and willed her heart to slow its pace.

It can't be that hard, right?

~~~

After quickly changing out of her apron, Violet changed into a suitable dress—a floral print tan high waist dress. It was not fancy, but at least, it was presentable; after all, she was going to be dining with royals.

Well, they probably wouldn't care if I wore a bean bag. I guess will save that one for later, she mused with a smile.

~~~

Spying the people at the table as she neared the opulent dining hall, she felt like the young David about to face her Goliath, no, that was an exaggeration. But, it came close.

She could not deny—the dining area was exquisite. Clarice had mentioned they had two dining halls, one intimate and the other larger and grandiose.

I presume this is the intimate one, but it sure is fancy.

Feeling the presence of her LORD with her, she once again strengthened her resolve to be brave and cheerful—despite her circumstances.

She gradually inched forward and was met with new faces. One was stern, and the other seemed as hostile as when he had bumped into her earlier that day.

There was also a younger girl who looked at her with earnest curiosity and a twinkle in her beautiful eyes.

"You're late," The stern-faced lady asked, her tone serious and a glass of wine in her hand. "Didn't the maid tell you the rules for eating here?"

"Oh, Uhm..." Violet started, but a voice interrupted her.

"Now, Ginevra," a woman entered through another entry point. She was regal enough to not need a crown on her head before one could tell her status—she was the mother of the younger royals. And she was stunning.

"This is her first day here. And besides, I'm also late, am I not?"

She turned to face Violet, a warmth in her eyes—and something else right underneath that one would easily miss.

"You must be Violet," she went over to greet her, surprising her by shaking her hand and exchanging three kisses on her cheeks.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry I couldn't meet and greet you properly when you arrived. I was out of town attending to certain affairs."

So, this is Queen Giulia Sofia Ferrari.

"No worries, ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you too," Violet beamed.

The kindness in the woman's eyes and the warmth in her gestures made her feel slightly at ease despite the comment she had been greeted with and what she had felt in her spirit about her environment.

But, she could not help but wonder how hard Queen Giulia had to try to show such warmth.

When Violet had walked in, she had felt the sense of pain and despondency present in their midst. If not for the Presence of her LORD beside her, she knew the forces of darkness at work in the Villa would have swallowed her whole.

"May we eat now?" Alessandro's hostile voice interrupted their introduction.

"Come on now, Alessandro. You talk like you've been starving for ages," Giulia chuckled slightly and gestured Violet to her seat.

"Maybe, I have," he replied with nonchalance, a phone in his hand.

"I think we should introduce ourselves beforehand, don't you think Mom?" The younger girl suggested gleefully whilst her brother, Alessandro sighed and murmured something under his breath tapping away on his phone.

"I'll go first," she grinned eagerly and began by first pointing to herself. "I'm Isabella. This is my Mom, who just greeted you. And this is Ginevra, my older sister."

Isabella turned to face her brother who was seated in between her and Ginevra.

"And this," she paused with a dramatic effect. "Is Alessandro—the grumpy one."

"Hey!" Her brother gave her a side glare.

"Don't mind him," she said teasingly. "He always acts that way."

Violet noticed they had sat in order, according to their ages—from the look of things. She also became aware that one seat at the head of the table was empty.

That has to be Vincenzo's.

Putting a check on her thoughts, she went on to introduce herself.

"It is wonderful to meet you all. I am Violet," she managed a smile.

Alessandro muttered another statement she couldn't decipher.

This is going to be hard.

She decided to put it all away and made sure her smile was still intact.

Be cheerful Violet, as Tal has said.

"Thanks for having me," she concluded.

"Of course!" Isabella exclaimed in her cheerful voice. "I'm glad to have another person around."

"What are the rest of us? Aliens?" Alessandro countered.

"You know I did not mean it that way. I—"

"I think we can start eating now?" Ginevra uttered in a tone of indifference, the glass of wine still in her hand, twirling it around in a circle. She had remained silent after her first comment and looked like she was used to the bickering of younger siblings—and bored.

"Starting early with the wine, Ginevra?," Queen Giulia sighed. "Let's just begin."

As the others readily dug into their meals, Queen Giulia noticed that Violet looked puzzled and hadn't touched her plate.

"Everything alright, dear?"

"Oh, so sorry..." Violet straightened and turned to face her, giving a little smile. "I just thought we would say a word of Prayer before commencing..."

"Oh!" Isabella said dropping her fork, her pretty lips forming a little round 'o'. Her bright eyes filled with an unknown emotion. "We haven't done that since..."

"That's a good idea," her mother interrupted setting her cutlery aside. "Let us pray."

She smiled at Violet, but Violet could detect a slight difference between that smile and her afore welcoming smile.

Ginevra turned her face away, whilst Alessandro stared at her blankly.

What family drama have I walked into?

-----------------------

Hi, fam!!!

By GOD'S Grace, another chapter is up! Kindly drop your thoughts on it. It will be much appreciated.

And kindly do listen to the song mentioned above... if you want... or not... or... anyway.

Song for the Chapter: Tongues of Fire by JayMikee

Kindly feel free to listen to it throughout this chapter.

••••••••••••••••••

The entrance of thy words giveth light...

~Psalm 119:130;

••••••••••••••••••

THIRD PERSON POV

~~~~~~~~~~

For all that could have gone wrong, Violet concluded the dinner had ended better than she had supposed.

But, as she approached the living quarters of Vincenzo with a tray in hand, her nerves were far from calm.

The walls leading to his living quarters were covered with paintings, and she did not need to be a Leonardo Da Vinci to tell all the paintings carried a dark theme.

And, what remained even darker was the presence of evil permeating every corner. It was the kind she had once seen in a little boy she had met some time afore.

She had gone to visit her brother in a psych ward, as he was a renowned psychiatrist despite being a King Maker.

Violet's senses had cautioned her to flee when she saw the child. For, she could see the demons digging their talons into his very being, filling him with delusions, violence and depressive thoughts. He was bound to them and they had lived inside of him.

But, the whisper to her heart had urged her to approach the little boy. And laying a gentle hand on his shoulder as she muttered a prayer in her mind, the forces had fled. If even it had been for just a moment.

And now, standing before the gilded door of Vincenzo, she knew and saw that there were even greater powers ahead—the highest grade of dangerous spirits at work.

And, she knew not if she had the courage or strength to face this.

Dear LORD, as I enter this room, be with me, she whispered silently with her eyes shut. For I know, no principality can stand against YOU, Matchless One.

YOUR WORD says HE that lives in me is greater than he that lives in the world. FATHER, LORD JESUS, Name above every other name, I bind and cast them out right now in YOUR HOLY NAME, JESUS CHRIST!

She felt the presence of darkness diminish and struck immobile under the light of her LORD.

When she opened her eyes, she saw the door was slightly ajar.

Has it always been so? She wondered.

She gently tapped the door with the knocker—no response.

She tried it again and again and still got no response.

"You can leave it inside if you don't get any response," Clarice had told her earlier on. "Sometimes, he goes for a stroll in his garden or might be away."

She finally entered, glad the Presence of her LORD'S Light had propelled the forces of darkness away. Even though they had not distanced too far; for the owner of the room did not have THE LIGHT.

"Prince Vincenzo?" She called out, her voice barely above a whisper. It was dark outside, and only soft lights illumined the place.

So it took Violet some time to adjust to the darkness. And there, silhouetted by one soft light, stood the Ice Prince.

~~~~~

Vincenzo had not been unaware of the girl he saw in the garden. He had in fact, seen her when she first arrived with his fellow King Maker, Tal.

And, as soon as he had seen her, he knew she was the kind he hated—always seeming cheerful, wanting to inch their way close to him. Thinking they could fix him.

But, he did not need fixing and had always tried to distance himself from those with such notions.

Yet, he could not deny the mixed emotions that filled his heart—a place deep within which seemed to have died long ago quickened a tad bit when it felt the light she radiated.

For, even from a distance, he could feel a warmth emitting from her to his icy heart.

But, the greater part of himself, the part which always dominated felt a strong detestation and loathing. Hers was the kind of warmth he had grown to hate.

When she had entered his part of the garden holding her fencing equipment, he could feel the hate within him surge to its peak.

It was then he resolved to avoid her at all costs—he had made it thus far without need for any intrusion.

But, yet again, there she stood with his meal in her hands, calling his name softly—invading his space.

———————-

Hi there! *pokes her head through the door*

How are we all faring today?

And... what do you think of Vincenzo so far?

Kindly drop your thoughts and comments.

Love,

Phela

Song for the Chapter: Even When You're Running, by Casting Crowns

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THIRD PERSON POV

~~~~~

"Did you do anything to offend him?" Clarice demanded with a hint of suspicion in her tone. "He has asked that I should be the only one to serve his meals—again."

That took Violet by surprise, but thinking of it, it was not so surprising. For she had seen the demons, though driven afar, screech into his ears not to allow her near him.

"No, I just delivered it as you instructed."

Clarice frowned, drawing her eyebrows together in concentration.

"Never mind, he has always wanted nothing to do with anyone else except for work reasons," she then dropped her tone a notch. "Sometimes, he even refuses to be close to his own family."

All this new information made Violet wonder if THE LORD could really touch someone as distant as him. For, HE had opened her eyes to see several scars on his heart when she had entered the room—doubtless from the demons that had been present.

The scars had looked too deep, and his soul too shattered.

Yet, when she had prayed that night, she had heard her LORD whisper into her ears, "Pray for him."

Violet had been partly glad when she learnt she did not have to serve him anymore.

Yet, she had an inkling her SAVIOUR had other plans in mind.

How?

She knew not.

"Aren't you going to be late for school?" Clarice brought her back to reality. "Away with you now, go and get ready. The driver will be looking for you soon."

Violet smiled. Being her third day in the Villa, she had quickly realised that under the mask of sternness, Clarice had a warm heart and a kind spirit—just as her mother's had been.

No, Violet. Don't go down that road as well.

~~~~

Violet was still trying to grasp the ropes of her new routine. She had visited the library, hoping to get as many books as possible to catch up with the rest of her peers.

So engrossed was she in hauling her books across the main hall, that she did not realise someone had gone up behind her. That is, till she heard a venom-laced voice whisper into her ears.

"What are you doing near my locker?" It was Alessandro.

He did not give her a chance to reply before he added, "Don't try to act close to me or let anyone know we are somehow connected. Got it?"

And with that, he shoved her out of his way with his shoulder resulting in her stack of books falling to the ground.

Violet had not noticed she was close to the lockers of the Royals—and for that matter his locker—as she had walked through the luxuriant hallway.

And, without giving her a chance to explain herself, he walked away... the ever-present entourage closely behind him.

She bent down to pick up her books hoping they were still in perfect shape when a figure she had not noticed standing nearby bent to help her gather them.

Where have my instincts run off to? I keep losing my focus and forgetting those around me.

"Don't give him any thought," a male voice calmly said to her.

She looked up and was met with warm brown eyes, filled with a Light she recognised and resonated with her spirit.

~~~~

"So, it's concluded then. I know it is too much to ask of you, but please, do us this favour."

Then, with a bow to the head, the Principal left Vincenzo's office situated on the school grounds.

Vincenzo had always looked up to the man. He had stepped in for him during trying times when he had also been a student at Oro trying to balance his studies with being a King Maker after his father's demise.

But, that was before he brought up the most preposterous request in his thinking—to tutor Violet.

She needed help catching up with her studies, he had said.

Why does she keep popping up everywhere I go?

She was everything his spirit told him to run away from.

Mulling it over, he absentmindedly spun his pen between his fingers. Gradually, a sinister plan formed in his mind, causing a slow smirk to lift at the corner of his lips.

He owed it to Tal to take on and care for this overly bright relative of his. But, what better way is there to be rid of her... than to get her to leave herself?

—————————-

Hi lovelies!

How are we all doing? So sorry for the short chapter today.

Have you noticed a change in the character playing Vincenzo? I will substitute them as much as is necessary. Kindly feel free to picture him as you would.

What do you think of the new character too?

And, please, please, let me know what you think of this chapter and the book as a whole.

Warmest Hugs,

Phela

Song for the Chapter: He Shall Be Like A Tree, JayMikee

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THIRD PERSON POV

"You have nine siblings!?" Violet asked, incredulous. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Yep. Story of my life. I'm surprised another isn't on the way yet," Alex remarked in a jovial tone.

Violet was presently having lunch with Alex, her newfound friend, at the field bleachers. He had helped her in the hallway when Alessandro had shoved her.

They both agreed it was way better than the caste arrangement in the main cafeteria. Apart from sharing the same faith, they were kindred spirits, they had soon discovered.

"You should visit us sometime," Alex concluded.

"Are you sure there will be room for me at the table?" she replied teasingly.

He laughed.

"We have had to expand our home more times than I can count. But sure, my parents always want more company. As though ten children aren't enough."

It was Violet's turn to chuckle. As their lunch break was almost over, they disposed of what they couldn't finish and entered the hallway.

"So, you transferred here after that?" Alex asked.

She had told him of her fencing being brought to a halt due to her injury. She had seen the sincerity in his eyes when he heard about it.

As they parted ways to get to their various classes, Violet noticed Fiona, the class president, approaching her.

She was tall and slender, a pretty brunette with the softest voice Violet had ever heard—though she had only heard her speak a few times.

Nonetheless, she was known for having a temper when irritated.

It must be quite a sight if I have heard of it this quickly.

Violet made a mental note to try not to inflame that trait.

"Hey, Violet," she said softly when she got closer. "Prince Vincenzo asked to see you when classes are over."

Violet froze; eyes widened.

Fire and lighting! What have I done wrong to the Ice Prince this time around?

~~~

"What do you mean you want me to grade all these?" Violet asked in exasperation, eyeing the voluminous pages of essays that were stacked on the table before her.

She was presently in Vincenzo's office. And it looked like his understanding of the word tutoring was giving her a stack of essays the height of Everest to grade. Of course, they belonged to those in a lower grade than her.

But, this was overwhelming.

She eyed the stack once more and turned to look at him.

"And you want them completed by tomorrow?"

He only tilted his head slightly downward and narrowed his eyes a tad bit.

Too much to handle? His eyes seemed to convey.

Oh, so we are down to telepathy now, Violet arched an eyebrow.

"If you can't grade those lower than you, how can you handle the rest of your classes?" His words and tone had a slight edge of condescension to it.

"Shouldn't this be the job of the Top Student or something?"

"So, you can't handle it, then?"

Violet took that as a challenge and straightened her shoulders and raised her chin with resolve.

Challenge accepted Mr Icy, and she reached out to the stack.

"Oh, and one thing, you must complete them right here, in my office."

Violet felt alarmed at those words, for she always felt the forces that strove in his heart whenever she was near him. But, suddenly, a LIGHT settled in her being and her surroundings, silencing the screeching beasts once more.

"I will be back in 4 hours. You should be done by then." And with that, he grabbed his coat which was draped over his seat and left.

LORD, help me, Violet groaned. I think even Job would not have enough patience for this man.

School hours were already over.

How in the world am I going to get all this done in four hours?

Then, a Voice whispered into her ears, reminding her, "I can do all things through CHRIST who gives me Strength..."

~~~

Vincenzo knew he had taken way longer than he had told the girl he would. But, it had been on purpose.

He returned to his office and found her resting and asleep with her head on his desk, the pile of essays beside her.

She looked—peaceful. How long had it been since he had seen or experienced such?

Grabbing the pile, he quickly went over them and saw little need for any corrections to be done.

She had done a neat job, though he noticed the numerous books she had probably consulted in order to grade the essays.

And, that was not the only thing she had accomplished. She had managed to sort out the mess of documents on his desk. They were sorted just right—as he would have done.

He glanced over at her again. A light seemed to radiate from her.

What is she? And how does she do it? A locked part of his heart pondered.

Vincenzo had once seen that light... it had once been in his father before he was no more. And he had seen it in his own reflection whenever he looked into the mirror—before that catastrophic day.

But, that Light in him had died. A part of him wanted to dim hers cause he no longer had it. Yet, somewhere deep within, he felt it will be difficult to vanquish it.

But, I must.

Sensing movements around her, Violet's eyes slowly fluttered open. And stretching whilst stifling a yawn, she glanced around and was met with blue eyes gazing intently at her.

~~~~

Here is another chapter by GOD'S Grace, though short. Kindly feel free to let me know your thoughts. I greatly appreciate every single one of them.

Love,

Phela

Song for the Chapter: Yet, Maverick City Music

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THIRD PERSON POV

~~~~~

Everything was moving in a fast blur, and Violet was not sure she had worked so much in her entire life.

Sure, she had been raised as a Princess, but, she had been trained to like the mundane.

But this was on a different level. Ginevra's fiancé was coming for a visit, and, "Presto" (Quick) was the theme for the evening.

Even the guards were hard at work. Queen Guilia wanted everything bright and sparkling—with meals enough to feed a century.

She, of course, was to take part in all the preparations. But, her back ached from all the efforts they had put in to get everything to perfezione (perfection).

She could not wait till the day was over and curl up under her warm covers.

But, as everything was as ready as it could possibly be, she noticed a slight change in Clarice's gait. She had noticed her moving slower than usual earlier that day and it seemed to have magnified.

She had questioned her severally to find out if she was okay. The woman was tough, but, she was not invincible.

"Violet, dear..." she noted the weakness in her voice. "I think I have to take a break after all this is over. Can you serve il Principi (the Prince) for me when he arrives? I fear I can only go this far."

Violet almost groaned. The housework and meal preparations had been quite an ordeal. And she did not mind helping Clarice. But, she found herself loathing another encounter with Mr Icy.

At this moment, I think I would rather face a firing squad. Why doesn't a household this large have more people to serve?

Remember Whom you actually serve, an Inner Voice gently reminded her.

So, despite the weariness and lack of confidence in facing Vincenzo, she mustered the brightest smile she could afford.

"Sure, I will take over from here. Rest up, Clarice."

After all, she was doing it all for her HEAVENLY FATHER.

~~~

Vincenzo always found the squabbles between the King Makers a nuisance.

Sure, he was a part of the board of the seven highest in rank, but, having to put up with younger protégés was a task he never relished.

He was especially wary of one young protégé, Giuseppe.

And it was not only his quickly growing influence that troubled him, but, that part of Vincenzo that had once seen the LIGHT felt vexed within his soul whenever he was around him.

He was charismatic and a pretty good charmer, yet, he could not fool him. Most of the elite seven were fond of him.

But, something about this fellow Italian made him feel a shiver up his spine whenever he saw him feign humility and sincerity—traits Vincenzo knew he did not possess.

"And, I think we need to step in to stop the crisis at hand. This plan of peace is my humble suggestion to end all the violence we are experiencing," Giuseppe concluded.

Vincenzo noticed most of the others nod in agreement, except one other—Aquilina, who was still standing in for her brother, and a King Maker on her own by right and heritage.

"Why don't we take some time to think this through? Many nations will not be eager to enter into this agreement of peace. Let's see how it all plays out," Aquilina said, bringing the meeting to a close.

Vincenzo noticed a flash of irritation in Giuseppe's countenance before he quickly masked it with his ever-so-overly perfect smile.

~~~

Sighing, a disgruntled Vincenzo sat at his desk in his quarters, glancing through some files. He had quickly refreshed himself after the rather arduous and irritating meeting.

He glanced at his watch.

Good.

He would soon be served and get to have some rest. His thoughts were thus preoccupied that he didn't realise a faint knock on the door or the person that walked in after hearing no response.

"Principi Vincenzo?"

To say Vincenzo was not startled by the person who stood before him, a tray in hand—again—was like saying the Great Wall of China is not long.

"Clarice is sick and requested I deliver your meal today, Principi."

"Oh DIO (GOD)," he groaned within and it finally hit him. How long had it been since he called on the Infinite One?

A battle wages within his soul. A longing to call on HIM once more. But, will that part which has long resisted give in?

He looks at the young girl before him. He looks into her eyes and realises—she could see the battle in his soul.

—————————————

Fun fact: Italian is one of my favourite languages. Though, I did not learn it as much.

But, phew, how nice and challenging it will be to write in it.

So sorry for the long wait. Kindly let me know your thoughts on this chapter.

Where do you think this is headed?

And, what do you think of Giuseppe? (Now that name is a challenge in itself.