Crown the Princess

" Your Majesty, pursuing a higher education abroad, is my heart's desire.I want to have that life-changing experience that will broaden my perspectives, enhance my skills, and open new career opportunities to me."

King Richard, with his wife queen Ruth listened attentively to the crown princess, Jovita, their only daughter.

Jovita, said King Richard," you know of your betrothal to Lucius, the crown Prince of the powerful kingdom of Allen, right from when you were a child. Your union is meant to strengthen the alliance between our kingdoms and secure a lasting peace. No going back on that."

Jovita wondered about what her future would be like, with the man she was destined to marry.

She was ambitious. She wanted to be a professional chef, combining traditional flavors with modern twists.Her passion for cooking was ignited at a young age, as she watched the royal chefs prepare elaborate feasts for State dinners. On the contrary, her parents encouraged her to pursue royal duties.

She however wanted to convince her father

"Father , it seems you are not listening to me. I am waiting for your response." Jovita tried to persuade the king who was lost in thought, his face showing no expression.

" Give your father some time, he will respond to you." Queen Ruth said to the princess.

" There is no time." King Richard growled. " The prince of Allen is running out of patience. He wants to get married in three weeks. His father, king Donald, wants to hand the kingdom over to him, step aside and watch him rule."

"Three weeks?" Queen Ruth and Princess Jovita repeated simultaneously . "Why so sudden?" Jovita quarried.

" You heard me the first time, daughter." Prince Lucius is taking over from his father soonest." King Richard said to Jovita gently with a wide smile.

" Father, if you insist, I have no option." The princess replied, with a heavy heart and a bowed head.

"That is my princess. The well raised daughter of the great Moore dynasty!" King Richard commended. Queen Ruth simply watched father and daughter without making any comment.

" Tomorrow, I shall be holding a meeting with my kins and wise men to finalize arrangements.

Jovita quietly walked away into the palace garden, full of thoughts to herself. She had really not at any time sat or discussed with Lucius. She knew he was an international business tycoon. He stood tall at around six feet, with a strong built that was athletic. His eyes were blue and piercing. His jawline, sharp. He looked determined and resolved.

His hair was dark and impeccably styled. There was a small scar on his right cheek, which made him more ruggedly and undeniably charming. Prince Lucius had a commanding presence which exuded an aura of confidence and authority that could not be easily ignored. Aside from the physical appearance of Lucius, Jovita had not actually known him.

What kind of a husband would Lucius be to her? Jovita sighed. Was it going to be a happy marriage or a mere formality? Jovita had a lot of questions in her heart, which she could not immediately get answers to. As far as she was concerned, she only agreed to marry the stranger just to please her father.

" Lucius will soon arrive for our formal engagement ceremony before the main event, but not my will," Jovita whispered. She felt nervous, but decided to think of something different.

Jovita's maids were quite fond of her, especially Meg. She knew where to find her mistress. When Meg got to the garden, she called out to her. "My princess, I am here for you. You have not had your breakfast. Common ma'am, it is time to eat." Jovita smiled as Meg took her hand, and she got up to follow her.

" Have you heard the latest?" Jovita asked Meg as they both walked along. "Let me guess, " Meg cut in. "Go ahead," the princess replied

. "My mistress will soon be leaving us to study abroad." The maid said, full of excitement. Jovita's heart sank when she heard that, but managed not to express her feelings.

" Meg, we will discuss it later, right now, I am famished, and want to eat...'' Jovita said, with a forced smile.

As soon as the food was placed before Jovita, she remembered what her father had earlier said in their discussion, about her marriage plans with Prince Lucius. She suddenly lost her appetite.

It was a sumptuous breakfast, fit for royalty. Meg had told the new royal chef, Daniel, that the princess could be leaving soon to study abroad, and that she had a heart for the kitchen. Daniel had outdone himself preparing something quite special that would delight princess Jovita's senses; something truly unforgettable!

The breakfast was served in the grand dinner hall, the table set with fine China crystal glasses, and a fine lace tablecloth.

Jovita was not eating, the maids observed.

The first to speak up was Lucia. "Ma'am, this special breakfast is a reminder that, even in the midst of royal duties and responsibilities, there is always time to appreciate the simple pleasures in life."

Sandy started a song, it was Jovita's favorite. All the maids started singing. Their harmonious voices filled the dining hall, creating an atmosphere of joy. Jovita's eyes sparkled delightfully. She could not help but tap her feet and sway to the rhythm, as her maids' voices weaved a magical spell that transported her to a world of wonder and enchantment.

The song reached a climax, and they broke into a lively chorus. Their voices soared in perfect harmony. Jovita, caught up in the excitement, rose from her seat and joined in, her voice blended with the maids' in a joyful celebration of happiness.

Together they sang and danced, and ate, creating an unforgettable moment of pure joy and elation.

It was not the first time they had had such a time together, but there was something unique about what just transpired. Each of them had a strong feeling that something was about to happen. It was as if they had stumbled upon a hidden doorway that would lead to an unknown terrain.

As if her very destiny was calling her, the princess suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of restlessness. She could not shake off the feeling that her life was about to take a dramatic turn, that would change the course of her future forever.

As the maids began to clear the breakfast table, Jovita rose from her seat, feeling an overwhelming urge to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and clear her thoughts.