Princess Undercover

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.