Zachary's POV

I was relieved that all of our efforts had paid off. Our guests seemed pleased, they did not say it of course but we could easily tell because they didn't fuss over trifling things as they used to and they settled in easily and looked forward to business. We all agreed on that one commitment.

I slept well last night as my mind was at peace and I had awoken early and went for a morning run while listening to music through my ear plugs. I returned feeling invigorated and ready to begin my day. As I turned at the corridor, I saw Phoebe. She looked like she just woke up and was coming from the opposite end of the corridor. Her hair was up in a messy bun, she wore an orange see-through sleeping polo and cute white sleeping shorts. She looked happy as her eyes sparkled but exhausted at the same time. She trudged along and did not notice I was there until she looked up. So much for being hyper aware of her surroundings. She paused and stepped back.

"Why do I never sense you?" She muttered as she looked away turning red. I grinned and stepped closer but she moved back and shielded her face with her elbows.

"What are you doing?" I asked, somewhat amused.

"I've not brushed, nor washed my face. I have not even looked into a mirror and have no idea how bad I look." her words were muffled as she lowered her head but I heard anyway.

I smirked. "In case you have forgotten, I have seen how you look in the morning before and it's completely beautiful. I want to see it everyday." I said in a cheery tone and her blush deepened as she moved a bit away.

"Your flattery is uncalled for. I bet that wins all of the girls over." she muttered again.

"No. It's just you." I confessed and I could see her swoon but she put up an indifferent expression and cleared her throat.

"Whatever you say. Excuse me, I gotta go now, have to baby sit. See you around." she cautiously went around me and fled into the solitary of her bedroom where I heard the door click shut. I chuckled. At least I could get reactions of that sort from her. I recalled how breathtaking she looked the day before in that red gown as though she was dressed to kill. I had inwardly growled at Xavier's friendly gesture towards her especially when he placed his hand on the small of her back. However, I was impressed at how well she took Luke and Estelle despite such short notice and our over exaggeration. I knew we made the whole situation bigger than it actually was. It was quite silly now that I look back but it was hilarious too. Just hope the hilarious part outweighs the silly part.

Saturday went by in a blur as there were activities and loads of things that needed attention. I had to oversee the preparation of brunch for the following morning. It was going to be huge and it had to be properly seen to. Luckily, Xavier was around to help and I think the cooks preferred him to me. They are all smiled at him and offered him treats but they did none of that for me. Xavier said it was because I was too hard on them but am sure that I wasn't that hard.

Alvina, Elaine and Michaela assisted mother in calling guests and sending out invitations. The brunch was impromptu. They also overlooked putting the hall to be used in order. Phoebe was babysitting and that was our status quo through most of the day.

I did catch a glimpse of Phoebe behind the guest house where she was being taught how to skate by Luke and Estelle who obviously were great figure skaters judging by their flipping and other cool moves they pulled. Phoebe wasn't doing so good, her knees shook and she was prone to fall and wasn't holding up so well. I sighted Rachael and her mother's affenpinscher beside her. I was surprised she was smiling widely almost laughing as she watched Phoebe and her siblings. She looked better when she smiled than that awful scowl she always chose to wear. Rachael, contrary to what most people believe, wasn't bad at all just often misunderstood and had maintain an image.

"Phoebe, what is so hard?" Estelle grumbled.

"Everything." Phoebe yelled and I chuckled. " How do you people maintain any balance on this thing? I can't even stand." She complained.

"Just try harder. You see us doing it, it's easy." Luke said as he skated around Phoebe and twirled in the air. Phoebe rolled her eyes.

"Show off." She murmured.

" Okay, since this is not working and we want you to have fun with us, I have something in mind." Estelle said. She just stared at the wheels of Phoebe's skaters and with movement from her hands steered them where she wanted them to go. Phoebe was off-balance at first and struggled to be steady but soon enough, she shrieked and hooted.

"Am doing it. Am skating." she said happily. Estelle rolled her eyes.

"Are you now?" She muttered sarcastically but Phoebe was too busy having fun to notice. i watched them for a while as they glided the tarred open space. Estelle occasionally stopped  to let Phoebe catch her breath or say something to the dog or reply him when he asked something. The dog looked very happy as he wagged his tail. Having someone understand what he was saying was obviously a rare occurrence. Rachael stroked his back and he really seemed to like it. I understood him. Been there myself.

Forcing myself to tear my gaze away and move on, I moved away from the wall I leaned on and took a step forward before turning to look ahead but meeting Michaela's eyes from a distance. The smile I didn't know had been there dimmed. She had been watching me, just as I have been watching Phoebe. I tipped an imaginary hat her way and moved on.

While we were doing these chores and activities, dad was settling business with the prime minister. None of us saw one another again except those we were working with and as the day came to an end, I realized that I was exhausted.

I later learned from Xavier that Phoebe had gone to Church with dad and mom. I wondered how that was not awkward for her.

"Can't wait for brunch tomorrow." Xavier declared as he put his hands behind his head and rested on his favorite seat.

"It should be fun." I said absent minded as I worked on my system. I probably sounded languid.

"I cannot wait to see Vincent, Eleanora and Daniel of course. It's been a while and we'll get to hang out with Jaden. These days, we have not much quality time with the guys." he said thoughtfully ignoring how I sounded.

"Yes. We have all been so busy and we will be busier in the coming week. It's double A week the week after." I reminded as I worked.

"That almost escaped my mind. So much work to be done but that week is also Phoebe's birthday." My heart skipped a bit but I replied him as casually as I could.

"Why does every thing lead back to Phoebe with you?" I asked almost irritably.

"Isn't it obvious? Am crazy about her, I think. Am still not sure if it's a crush or mere curiosity but one thing I have observed about being around her is that feeling to keep her safe and protected and happy. Not really kiss her or do that kind of stuff with her. It's funny because that is the normal thing that would come to our minds as teenage boys but I like that I think differently around her. She is someone I would always want to have around." He admitted.

"So, you. won't date her again?" I asked still looking at my system but attentive to Xavier.

"Oh, I want to. Just that it is not a priority any longer. Am content I can hold her hand and just play or goof around. It's actually quite nicer that way. For now." he paused. "And besides, with everything going on with her, she needs supportive friends rather than a boyfriend." he wise;y answered. I was glad. Of course I wouldn't make a move either, at least not for a while.

"So Zach, found anyone who interests you? I noticed you weren't antagonist with Rachael, you guys patch things up?" Xavier asks raising a brow suggestively. I stared at him in disgust.

"Why is your mind so dirty?" I hissed. "We are both eighteen and mature, we can be civil and Rachael, not minding her looks, is just not my type." I informed.

"I get it." He said nodding as he stroked his chin thoughtfully. "So, what's your type now? Phoebe?" he joked. I cast him a playful glare hand he tore up in laughter. "I was joking. You looked murderous and nothing is wrong with Phoebe except the part where I like her too and
most people assume you are cousins." He said.

I frowned. "What people?"

"Staff, the guests... and they say she resembles Daniel." he said.

"How does she look like Daniel?" I asked in disbelief.

"They kinda have the same eye color and facial features." he said with gestures.

"Now that you've said it, I think so too." I said thoughtfully. "But she is prettier." I added.

"Definitely. What do you think of her skills? She is quite impressive. Too darn good for her level if you ask me." he said.

"Maybe. She will stay through this week. We'll observe her and see." I said. He nodded. He talked about us surfing to blow some steam and I agreed.

Sunday morning came too quickly. I was happy it did, because we 'd finally have the brunch and get it over with plus I'd see all of my favorite people in the world again. Dressed in a blue gray purple button down shirt and a pair of cream pants, I went down the stairs to the multi-purpose hall where the brunch was holding. As I stepped into the polish hall, I beamed on a job well done. The room itself was painted in chocolate brown and all of the tapestry and furniture was selected to match this color. The round tables were set for four per table and from where I could easily see all of our guests.

"Zach, there you are." Xavier said as he walked toward me while holding a glass of wine. The first thing I registered was that he wore the exact kind of shirt I wore save his sleeves were  to the elbow while mine were to my cuffs. He soon noticed as well as he looked down at his shirt and then at mine, down again and at mine. "Dude, am still asking, do you love me that much?" He said feigning exasperation. I scoffed and then we laughed halfheartedly.

"But seriously? Why are we wearing the same shirt?" Xavier asked. I quirked a brow and went around him ignoring him but he followed behind and made sure I was aware by sighing and huffing until I stopped and looked at him.

"What are you doing right now?" I asked.

"Walking. Oh, don't think am following you, we are just headed the same direction." He looked away from me and sighted Daniel. He waved at him and started toward him leaving me
behind. I shook my head and followed because I had to say hello to my cousin at least. Daniel is my cousin from my paternal side, he is the second child of my father's sister, aunt Rebecca and he is younger than me by a year and a few months.

"Hey Danny boy. Glad you made it." I said clasping his hands and leaning in for a half-embrace before stepping back.

"Yeah am glad too. These pies are heavenly," he said as he pointed to the pies in a plate he held.

"I bet they are" I replied with a small smile. Daniel has always been one who loved food. He could take three full meals for breakfast and still feel hungry. We often jokingly called his belly bottomless. He never took offense though.

"Mmhh," he murmured as he took down the pie in big bites. "What have you been up to cousin?" He managed to say as the three of us settled around a table.

"Gosh, slow down boy. You will get indigestion at this rate." Xavier cautioned but Daniel didn't seem to hear.

"We are getting ready to face off against your school next week." I said naturally.

"Double A week?" he asked as he used a napkin to wipe his hands. I nodded. "I bet you are. Seradon isn't taking chances this semester, Pris Tine lost last semester by a narrow margin." he said. "Hold on." His eyes darted from me to Xavier. "Why are you wearing the same kind of shirt." I and Xavier stared at each other and then at him. We shrugged.

"It just kinda happened." Xavier replied.

"Weird." Daniel mused.

"About Seradon, you talk about it as though you don't attend there." I said.

"You very well know why I go there Zach." He said grimly and I nodded. Daniel attended Seradon for two major reasons. One, his father's side of the family sort of had an unspoken rule that they all attended Seradon for high school and two, he saw it as an opportunity to spy. We've always had the vibes about Seradon but we had no proof to confirm the vibes. Daniel had seen his 'sentence' as an opportunity to obtain the evidence we needed but Seradon was too careful and up till now, nothing had turned up.

"Anyway, who is that girl? She is unfamiliar." He said as he looked to a direction, both Zach and I followed his eyes and saw Phoebe.

"The girl that looks like you?" Xavier asked.

"Am not sure. But I think she does resemble an aunt of mine from my father's side but the aunt is a blonde." He informed.

"Is that so?" Xavier asked. Daniel nodded. Xavier, Daniel and myself watched Phoebe for a while as she conversed with Rachael, Luke and Estelle with whom she sat. She was dressed in an off-shoulder lacy white gown with the sleeves to the elbow, she wore no jewellery around her slender beautiful neck. Her hair was styled up in a loose bun as curly tendrils framed her face. She wore light make-up and her lovely emerald eyes shone. She laughed easily as she conversed with her companions. Funny how after all those threats and trepidation, things had fallen in place somehow. I don't know how long the three of us stared but Daniel spoke first.

"Guys, what are we doing? Why are we staring at her?" he asked no one in particular and we were forced to tear our gaze away from her.

"She really does bear a semblance to you." Xavier muttered.

"Maybe I should go over and talk to her." Daniel said.

"No!" I and Xavier blurted before we even knew it was out. We side glanced at each other.

"What we mean is..." Xavier started smiling diplomatically, "There is no need to. Why should you?" He reasoned and looked at me for support and I nodded.

"O-kay" Daniel said slowly. "I don't know what's going on between you two but if you want her, she is all yours."

"Of course not." We blurted again and looked at each other. "That didn't come out right..." we said at the same time and winced.

"You can go talk to her if you want." I finally conceded.

"Sure," Daniel rose from his seat and went towards her as our eyes followed him in disbelief.

"He did not hesitate at all." Xavier said.

"I know." I acquiesced. We both watched him approach her and she turned to him civilly. They chatted a bit and Phoebe was smiling already.

"Why do they look like they are getting along?" Xavier asked.

"Because they are." I answered.

"That is not so good. Do you think we should kidnap Daniel and lock him up in a warehouse until Phoebe finally gone?" Xavier asked and I met his eyes in astonishment. "Forget I said that. Let's go meet more people." I didn't look away. He looked past me. "There are Eleanora and Vincent." he announced rising to his feet and making away. I shook my head. Why that guy was my best friend still amazes me very often.

As I stood to my feet and turned to leave, I collided with a person, a woman and she held a glass of wine which was empty with its content spilled on me. I looked down on my beautiful shirt as it soaked up wine. I cussed under my breath. I looked at the face of the perpetrator and it was stunned.

"Oh my gosh! Zach, am so sorry. I didn't know. I just..." Michaela gulped. "Let me wash it please. I didn't mean to. Oh my, am such a klutz." she fussed as she took a handkerchief and dapped onto my shirt. I held her hand and she looked at me, terrified. I managed a small smile.

"It's fine Michaela. It's just a shirt and it was an accident." I hoped it was. "I'll just go change into another one." I said and she shook her head.

"Let me do it for you. I don't mean change your shirt but I could help you wash this one. Please? I feel so bad and I want to assist." She gushed. I wanted to turn her away but she looked like she would persist still and so I let her. "Thank you." She said in relief.

She trailed behind me as I went up to my bedroom and into my room. My room was my private space, I only let Xavier and my sister in there, and Phoebe if she would but no one else. Denise had invaded my privacy the last time she showed up and I was still thinking of the perfect punishment. And now, my little sister's best friend since childhood was here too. I guess my private space ain't so private anymore.

Michaela shyly asked where my closet was, I pointed it out and she sauntered towards it in her usual elegant gait. As she went through my shirts, obviously trying to find one she felt I could use, I unbuttoned my shirt and was bare chested. She turned around then holding up two shirts and went awestruck as she looked upon me. I often got that reaction. I found a dressing robe and pulled it on.

"Better?" I asked. She bopped her head and tried to recollect herself.

"Which of the two shirts do you like better?" She asked. The first was a crisp blue shirt while the other was a polka dotted white and black shirt.

"They both look good. You pick." I said.

"I don't quite like any of them very much but let me look more." She said and turned back to the closet. I noticed she was taking her time and sat on the bed while I waited. "Zach," she started nervously still going through my closet. "Do you think often about your future?" she asked.

"No. Not really. As royals, that has been worked out for us. You should know." I said.

"I completely get it but ordinary people wouldn't of course which is why we can never settle for anything long-term with them. Royals should stick to Royals and ordinary people should stick to one another too. Things are best that way." She said and I wondered why we were having this conversation, if I could call it that.

"Okay. Where are we heading with this?" I asked quietly. She took a deep breath and turned to me.

"Zach I... I need you to know. I can't keep it in anymore." She effused. "I like you a lot. I don't know for how long but I have idolized you all my life and worked really hard so that you could be proud of me and also see me for me once."

"But I see you for you." I said calmly.

"You don't get it Zach. You see me as a little girl, Elaine's playmate who became a sister to you as Elaine is. I feel differently about you despite I know you could break my heart or not feel the same way. I just want you to know." she finished with a sigh.

I wasn't in the least bit surprised at Michaela's confession. I have always known that the beautiful, shy and yet confident Michaela Snedaker crushed on me but I merely saw it as a passing phase. I was a big brother figure and it could be gratitude and mere admiration. I believed it 'd pass by soon but now I saw I was so wrong. I searched for words to say but nothing felt right.

"It's fine. Please you mustn't say anything. I only told you so you know and give me a chance at least. As low as it sounds, I don't mind being one of your dalliances. Please just don't shove me into a corner." She pleaded. In that single moment, I realized that this whole scene was staged. The wine, the bumping, my room, everything. I was never one to underestimate others but Michaela was good, I gave it to her. Her sweet innocent facade could get anyone reeled in. I had to be careful.

I nodded. "I've heard all you said and I promise to get back to you. And it's just between both of us." My last statement relaxed her. She thanked me profusely before handing me a shirt and dashing out. The shirt was not bad. It was purple with red and white streaks. I liked it. She had a good eye.

Returning to the brunch that was half-way through and had become much livelier with the low music and people chatting amiably. I sighted Michaela beside her older sister the ever lovely Eleanora, whom we all adored and who was a law student. She was beside Vincent, Jaden's older brother and our long-time friend. We had grown up together and despite Vincent and Nora often squabbled as teenagers, we all knew they 'd become an item at a point and there they were. I decided to talk to them later as they conversed with some judge and dignitaries.

I sighted Jaden with Alvina, Xavier and Elaine and they all looked like they were having a good time. Daniel, much to my displeasure was still talking to Phoebe as they were seated beside each other and talking as old buddies. I felt glad at the whole comely sight. I decided to stroll the garden briefly before returning to make more conversation.

Rachael fell in step beside me as I walked. I glanced at her and she grinned widely.

"I won't bite." she said and I looked ahead. Rachael was my friend, has not always been but since the day on their last visit when she snuck into my bedroom and tried to seduce me, a job she had done so poorly, we became friends.

I had spoken to her that night, heart-to-heart and she had appreciated it. We had conversed as colleagues, buddies and she had bared her heart open to me. This was a girl who had come to seduce me. I had taught her that because no one seemed to care including her biological dad didn't mean she could waste her life away. She was beautiful, darn talented and wealthy. She could work towards a future now and later when the time was right, the right person could come along. All she needed was a little faith in herself. We bonded as friends that night but kept it a secret for our different reasons. Truthfully, I was glad to see her again despite the fuss we made when they were announced to be coming. But the men were horrible and it took so much not to lunge at them.

"I like Phoebe for you." She said suddenly and I commend myself for doing a good job of keeping my face straight. "I thought the worst of her when we first arrived but speaking to her and bonding, I realized we are not different and she is not much different from you. If anything, you complement each other. I also know you are not blood-related in any way. Anyone would know that given the way you stare at her. It's too obvious, you should work on it." she said and I grimaced. g

"Why are you intervening?" I asked.

"Because you are my friend and she is my friend and friends want their friends to be happy. Also because people are stupid and often let go of those who make them happy. I know Xavier seems to have a thing for her but he seems pretty cool. He won't fall apart if he doesn't have her. He will accept it and move on because that is who he is." Rachael said.

"When did you get so wise," I teased and she laughed and punched me on the arm playfully.

"I've always been but it was hidden until a certain someone dug it up." she said as she stared at me. I embraced her, she hugged me back before we both stepped away. I sighted Phoebe dripping wet as a hose was pointed at her and held by a guilty looking Luke. I pointed the scene out and Rachael and I had a good laugh. Xavier came out soon and using his ability, dried her on the spot. I might have been a little jealous.

The brunch ended a while ago but with going around and acknowledging guests and making small conversation, I didn't leave until the early hours of the evening. I saw that every other person had changed and Alvina and Xavier were ready to leave with their parents. I bid them farewell and hoped I would see them on Monday if I made it to school. Michaela left with her family much to my relief, Daniel was gone and Elaine just went up to her room. Phoebe was the only one I was yet to see. I wondered where she was.

I sighted Luke and Estelle going to play and asked if they saw Phoebe.

"About an hour ago was when we saw her last." Estelle replied.

"Yeah, she said she was going to change and meet up with us in a few minutes but we are yet to see her." Luke backed up. They weren't lying and that made me get worried for some reason.

I thanked them and dashed up to her room which I found empty. Her dress from earlier was neatly laid on the bed. I tried calling her phone but it rang and I saw it was left behind. Where could she be? Her things were intact but one thing seemed off in the bathroom. There were faint signs of struggle and a streak of blood was on the white marbled floor. The medicine cabinet was open and some were knocked over and had even fallen to the floor. Something happened and Phoebe was now nowhere to be found. She was missing.

Finally, I completed this chapter. As I said, there will be no more updates for a while because of my exams but please, read, comment and vote. It means so much to me.

And, what do you think might have happened to Phoebe? I want to hear it.

And just last night, I was going through an old work of mine I wrote while I was about eleven or twelve and it was so not good. I cringe at how bad I was back then and thought I was good and how much I have grown now. Am so thankful. Either ways, I'll keep practicing until am acknowledged by those that matter. Good evening everyone, I gotta go study. Wish me luck!