He pressed his lips against mine, warm and soft. His hands were wrapped around my waist and mine locked around his neck pulling him down slightly.

We were gathered in the meeting room with the elders. King Richard went on about the development of outerparts of Lilaria which had not been going on well for some years due to an unknown reason.

"Henry, you would accompany me to the opening of the new museum."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

I noticed Nolan tense immediately while the queen frowned. Why should they be uncomfortable with such a decision?

"Your Majesty," Nolan voiced out, "I would like to make a request."

Silence ensued as everyone turned to look at him.

"What is your request?"

"I request that the Crown Princess be given some time to visit her parents."

Blink blink. My jaw about fell to the floor.

"Yes. Yes, and you should go along with her." Grandma Penelope stated.

Ehn?

Nolan was stunned as well. He must have planned to get me out of here but not along with him.

"Grandma, I don't think that is necessary." He argued.

"Oh please, it will give us a new outlook. Show the people that we are not all 'that wealthy and too sophisticated' to live like the common man." She sipped her tea. I could tell she was fighting an amused smile.

I looked to Queen Gabrielle who clenched and unclenched her fists. She was clearly not okay with the turns of situation. Nolan blessed me with a discreet glare. I inhaled sharply.

I didn't tell him to bring up such an idea. I- What the hell did I do this time? Or maybe- does he know? Does he know what happened earlier this morning? I glanced at Henry who winked at me. Of course. It's Nolan, it couldn't possibly go unnoticed. Henry and I romantic escapade.

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. I fiddled with the skirt of my dress.

"As you wish, Great Dowager." The Queen said.

"With disregard for all this discussion, happy birthday Crown Princess," the Dowager said.

I can't believe she remembered. A grin spread through my face.
"I'm honoured you remember, Your Majesty."

"Of course I will, you've become my favourite ever since Nolan refused to sing to me."

I fought the urge to laugh out loud. Grandmama Penelope had asked Nolan to sing to her this old rhyme he loved when he was little but he refused. Ever since then, she gave him the cold shoulder.

A ghost of a smile took its place on Nolan's lips.

"So I hope you invited all your friends to the party later today?"

Well, only Vicki could come. The rest of the invitation fell into the hands of Nolan's friends and of course the one and only Aubrey.

She's so not going to ruin my day.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Good, good."

All around the table, everyone gave their wishes. Genevieve made a show of kissing my cheeks. I fought hard against the urge to wipe the lipstick stain off my cheeks.

"Happy birthday, Princess." Vicki yelled as she got down from the car. I hugged her tight squealing and jumping along with her. I think we made a lot of noise. She wore her usual body hugging attire, only it's red this time.

Then came Nolan's friends. I placed​ a smile that wanted to run off my face. I waved and greeted. None but one replied. They shook hands with Nolan while Aubrey hugged​ him. I couldn't help but notice it was slow and calculated. And in my face!

One second I was standing right next to Nolan and the next I was ten steps away. Sheesh.

"Come on." I pulled Vicki with me. 

"Nice reception," She said sarcastically.

"I know right? Total smooth."

"You shouldn't tolerate it. It's your birthday. By the way, you should take a look at my present first before any other person. Oh, and I also brought Kim's and Brie's."

"Okay." I laughed and sit when we got to the courtyard beside the greenhouse. Very few reporters and some popular icons were present. The decorations were on point. It was so me! From the different craft and colors to the food. Oh yeah! Best day ever. I only wish my parents came.

The Nolan entourage finally arrived.

"Happy birthday. I'm Travis" He held out his hand.

I shook it, "Anna."

"I know," he turned to Vicki, "and I know you too."

"You do?" Vicki eyed him.

"Victoria Adams." He drew out.

"Great, Travis Kingston." She gave a fake smile.

He sat himself grinning widely. "So are you single?"

Ooh. Drama is about to happen.

"Seriously? You just asked if I'm single."

"Yes."

"Do I look single to you?"

"No. Not only single but also available and possibly searching."

Oh my God. I slammed my thighs with a 'ha'. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked up to see Henry.

"Hey, you got a minute?"

"Sure. What's up?" I got on my feet.

He brought from behind him a small box. I 'awwed'. Just as I was about to open the box, Vicki yelled "Hey, you promised to open my first. It isn't even time to start opening presents. You are breaking the rules of birthdays. I'm ashamed of you."

Both Henry and I arched an eyebrow.

"Get rid of that look. I'm mad at you, especially you Henry. You stole my bestie." She up and stormed away.

"I love you," I yelled after her. She gave me the finger. "I would love have you fuck me but I don't have a penis." I laughed hard holding my stomach. Travis was still shaking his head laughing while Henry kissed my head.

"I'd better go after her." Travis followed after her.

"You are crazy," Henry smiled at me, "Open my present."

And so I did. In the box was a gold pendant with mine and Henry's picture in it. "It's beautiful"

"Yes it is. Just like you are," He hugged me and whispered, "I love you."

"Love you too." I whispered back.

"Your Highness, the king requests  your presence." A maid came over bowing her head.

"I have to go."

"Sure. No problem."

"Bye." He kissed my cheek and the edge of my lip. I stared at him wide eyed. If someone had seen- He left me waving.

"Anna." I heard Nolan call. His hand wrapped around my waist.

I jumped startled. "Geez, you really need to stop doing that."

Even with the fake smile on his face, it was obvious how furious he was. His lips pursed in a thin line "Come with me." He bobbed his head at a fashion icon still bearing his teeth​.

"Why?"

He answered by dragging me by the elbow away from everyone and the 'party' to a corner I never knew existed.

"Do you have any idea as to what would have happened if you had been caught?" He whispered harshly.

"Caught doing what?"

"Kissing him."

"It was a peck-"

"You don't have to fucking deny it."

He said the f word. He freaking said the f word. He is really angry.

"Whatever is going on between you two has to stop."

I scoffed in disbelief, "What?"

"That affair between you two must stop."

"What?!"

"You heard me!"

"Who are you to freaking tell me what to do? Huh? You are guilty of the same crime. What do you want me to do? Be at your beck and call?! When even you, oh dearest great and mighty, have a girlfriend and I have said nothing about your affair. So maybe you should try doing what you are fucking preaching."

"Aubrey and I- "

"Yes. Yes, Aubrey and you, do you have any freaking idea how it feels to tolerate this sort of nonsense in public, on the media?"

"Keep your voice- "

"Don't you dare. It's my fucking birthday and I don't care what you or anyone has to say."

"Anna," He pressed the bridge of his nose and glared at my neck.

"What?" I looked down frustrated and angry.

He jerked the pendant off my neck. I gasped aloud eyes glazing over.

"How dare you?"

"You are a married woman." He yelled.

"Don't use that term with me. How about you remember that term each time you are with her? Have you forgotten our deal?" I'm pretty sure I look like a mad woman and I don't care because it is so infuriating he is being stupid. How could he just come and ruin everything?

I spat out. "You aren't supposed to interfere with my life. But you did like you always do. You want to know something? Nolan I hate you for coming in my life. I hate- "

What he did next took me by surprise. I was yelling and the next thing I knew, he had slammed his lips to mine and nearly knocked all wind from my lungs. I hardly had a moment to react before he pressed his tongue to the seam of my lips, and at the grant of access, delved inside my mouth. It was a very sloppy kiss with thestrong scent of old wine being exchanged in the intermingling of our billowing.

He held me tight against him grinding against me. Or maybe I was the one doing the grinding I don't know... but the atmosphere was so hot between us, I'm surprised I didn't blow up.

We finally came apart gasping. My brain was mushed and I couldn't process anything that just happened. Okay, seriously. What the hell just happened?

"There were reporters." He said buttoning up his shirt. Hmm, did I do that? He is so muscular. He straightened his clothes and left me to myself.

God, that was awesome.

Wait, did he say reporters? Oh my God. My cheeks flamed in embarrassment. Of course he could only kiss because there were reporters. It's not like he actually cared. And that fucking hurts. I sniffled and wiped the tears that strayed.

I am so stupid. How could I have let him to do that? Why didn't I stop him? So stupid. Slowly, I gathered myself together and made myself more presentable.

I made my way out feeling depressed. There he was with Aubrey holding hands.

He just fucking kissed me!

"Yo princess, come here" Travis said waving enthusiastically. I faked a smile and walked over.

"Hey."

".. I will not date you and never will I do so." Vicki was saying shaking her head furiously and waving her hand around.

"Tell her to date me." Travis begged me.

"She won't." I said.

"Why? What's wrong with dating me? I mean come on I'm rich and handsome."

Vicki snorted, "Who told you that? Your mother?"

"Yes."

"She lied." She flatly said.

Despite my sour mood, I couldn't help laughing.

Travis pouted,"I would make you fall in love with me."

"In your dreams." She sipped her drink.

"Just go out with me before you start judging."

"You are a flirt and besides I'm a lesbian."

Drake and Darrell stopped talking and stared at us.

"Since when?" I asked and received​ a death glare from her. She pulled me to her and placed a kiss on my mouth.

Eww....

Travis gasped​ aloud. "Oh my God that was lit. Do it again."

Seriously?

Why is everyone kissing me today? My birthday is cursed.

"Oh my God!" Vicki shook her head but was laughing at me. "Revenge," she whispered and winked.

Oh, my life.

The unwrapping of presents began. With each gift I unwrapped, my guests cheered. Vickie, typical Vickie, brought me a bottle of red wine no doubt from her dad's cabinet and a dress, that would probably show way too much skin, which she made herself.

Darrell bought a sketchbook which earned him a smile while Drake brought a three inches stilettos. I think that is supposed to be joke because I hate heels. I thanked him anyway. Travis brought me a jar of chocolates (I squealed and hug him), a cosmopolitan magazine (I don't know what I'm going to use it for) and Nike shoes (finally someone with sense).

Kim's is a bracelet and a pair of earrings and Brie's are accessories for the hair. I missed​ having them around.

Nolan bought me a necklace that was really pretty. It had my name written on. I didn't thank him or acknowledge the fact that I liked it. I'm still pissed about that kiss.

Aubrey... well I won't lie, I hoped upon hope, I prayed hard she wouldn't bring a present. But no, she just had to. I slowly unwrapped the gift, the layers after layers of wrapping. I was beginning to feel annoyed. Just when I was beginning to think she was making fun of me for the present she brought me, I see the book.

I held the book up. Whatever giddiness I felt in me shriveled up. Just the title made me want to commit murder.

"How to lose weight. How nice of you, Aubrey." I shoot daggers at her. How dare she?

"Yeah, I knew you would love it." She giggled.

"Oh, yes I do." I continued with the honey-like sarcasm. I would love to off her Barbie head from her body.

Vicki grabs the book from me and scoffed. "Really? You gonna stoop this low, Aubrey?" She drew her name slowly with murder with her eyes.

"Yeah. You never noticed she stops traffic."

I stood up abruptly from the seat not caring about if most the presents that were on my lap fell off.

I saw Queen Gabrielle watching us from afar. If I made just one move and embarrass her, she would let me have it. Instead, I keep on glaring angry that I could nothing.

"Well at least she doesn't look like a cancer patient." Vicki moved menacingly and grabbed a bottle.
Why won't anyone do something? I glanced at the nearest guard who snapped to attention when he saw me staring.

"You, both of you, are thieves." Aubrey cried out.

"At least we ain't husband resistant."

Aubrey coloured and looked like she wanted to kill Vicki.

"Enough please!" I yelled. My guards stepped forward to protect me.

"Not before I take her to school." Vicki broke the bottle and made for Aubrey.

I held her back glaring, "I said enough."

"Yeah listen to her, bitch." Aubrey downed her drink and sat down.

Bubbling with anger, I walked to her. "I appreciate your presence here, Aubrey. Really, I do." Making sure the sarcasm was intoned, I continued, "However if one more insult comes out from your mouth, I'm going to make sure you are disgraced and kicked out of here. Got it?" I finished with a smile.

Her jaw ticked and she looked away in defiance.

"Good." I turn to look at everyone and settled my gaze on Nolan who looked at me as though I was a foreign object.

I struggled​ to calm myself. I couldn't help it. Her words affected me so much, just standing there having everyone look at me made me uncomfortable.

"Excuse me." I stormed away far far away burning with anger and tears. I let out a scream kicking everything and breaking down. My body shook furiously as the torrent of tears fell over and over even when I tried to make it stop. Was it a crime to have a bit of fat more than others? So I'm fat, it's who I am. It's not like I can exactly change that.

It seemed like I cried for hours until when I finally calmed down.

"Finally. I was already worried you wouldn't stop crying"

I whipped my head to my left. Travis sat on the grass beside me letting his hands run through them.

"How long have you been there?" I wiped​ my face.

"Since you left the party, if that's what you want to call it."

"What do you want?"

"You know you shouldn't take her seriously. She is just insecure and scared."

"Scared of what?"

"Scared of you. She feels inferior."

"Yeah right." She doesn't worry about what people say about her body. She has the perfect model body. She is the type you call sexy or smoking hot.

He dug through his pant pocket and held his hand out. In it was an handkerchief.

"Thanks." I took it and wiped my face clean.

"Aubrey is very nice."

"Oh, I see it." I sarcastically said making a face, "and besides you guys were there and did nothing."

"Because we thought you would just ignore her like you always do. Well I at least. That's why I admire you."

I just stare at him and he continued, "You are resilient and caring. I noticed. You never bother yourself about what others say about you; bad or good. It's cool."

"It's me, Anna. I am cool."

"And I like you for it."

"Thanks."

"You are welcome. You know, I could give you a hug but Vicki would have my head."

I laughed inspite of the situation.

"Remember you are pretty just the way you are."

"Aww," I bat my lashes at him, "would you tell Aubrey what a bitch she is?"

"That I can't do, she is as scary as fuck."

"Coward."

"And that's what I get for giving a heartfelt speech. Jeez thanks."

I smiled and gave him a hug, "Thanks really."

"You're welcome."

"You know what would make you get V's attention?"

"Lay it on me babe."