Next morning,

Drishti wakes up just 15 mins before the trumpets are blown and gets ready in about 1 hour. She is wearing a comfortable outfit because she is going to spend the day with Ava. She was wearing a white woollen jumpsuit with a blue belt around the waist. In accessories, she had just worn silver rings and a ring in her hand. She put on her white high heel sandal. 

She just went into her balcony to admire the view and saw Rakshit jogging in the backyard and doing stretching, she just remembered the kiss. She just shook her head to get rid of the shameless thoughts. It had snowed last night so only the walking path was visible. It was as if the clouds had descended in the form of snow covering everything white in its path.

She went down and greeted Emilia with a smile, which she returned smilingly. 

"Good to see that you're early, dear," Emilia said

"Maman, this is my usual time yesterday it was just my fatigue from travel. And I promised princess Ava to spend the day with her" Drishti said

"That's nice. Her mind will be diverted, yesterday I got a call from her school teacher that she was declined the role of the lead. I couldn't muster up the courage to tell her. So I'm waiting for Rakshit who will tell that to her " Emilia said with a sad smile

"Hmm, that's sad. What does she like the most in doing or eating?" Drishti said

"She likes to bake cupcakes with her brother the most. That's what they'll do when Rakshit drops the bomb. She likes to play board games and write some poems" Emilia said 

"I also know how to bake so I guess we will do that after breakfast," Drishti said and continued " By the is she awake and ready?"

"No, dear, she is awake but in the bath," Emilia said

"Can I pick a dress for her today? please" Drishti said with puppy dog eyes which Emilia couldn't refuse. Both of them went to Ava room which was on the ground floor beside her mother's.

Ava's room

"We decided to change the room but keep the closet and other things the same when Rakhit and Ava were small"Emilia said

"It's just..so pretty, perfect and I don't know what to say Maman," She said looking around

"You're also one interior designer. And you have to design 2 rooms for children in our palace in Seattle" Emilia said

"It would be my first time to design a child's room. So let's pick Ava dress for today " Drishti said with a smile. And went towards the closet and began searching there 

Ava's Dress 

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Drishti asked Emilia

"Yeah, everything looks beautiful on my daughters," Emilia said 

"Mom, I know that evelything looks good on me," She said from behind wrapped in a cute bathrobe.

"So, I chose an outfit for you, see if you like it, O.K.," Drishti said bending down and kissing her cheek.

"we'll be outside, change fast," Emilia said

"ok, mother," Ava said

"Maman you go down, I'll make Ava ready," Drishti said

"ok, dear," Emilia said and left downstairs. On her way, she saw Rakshit going up fixing his suit.

"Son" Emilia called out

"Yes, mother," Rakshit said

"Drishti is there with Ava but when you tell her about the play just take care of her" She sighed "Her Christmas should not be spent in sadness O.K.?" As soon as she said this Rakshit came to her and held her hands

"Mother, trust me, I will try everything in my will to keep her happy this Christmas" and he hugged her. 

"Haww, youl having a family hug without me," Ava said dramatically 

" Me too, Ava, They forgot us." She whispered in her ear-bending down

"Leave that see mothel plincess Dlishti braided my hair. It looks good, right? " Ava said spinning around

"Wow, My baby princess looks so pretty in that hairstyle," Emilia said 

"Yeah, my sisy can rock any look, right?" Rakshit said collided his fist with her

"So, now for the important part, O.K.?" Rakshit murmured to himself "So sisy come with me, princess you too," Rakshit said loudly 

"yeah," Drishti said understandingly what he wanted to talk

They went to the music room it had a piano. It had a vintage interior. The room looked somewhat like this

Rakshit sat on the stool and both princesses sat on the couch. Rakshit took Ava's hand in his and sighed. Somehow Ava got to know that it was something serious and was related to her. She didn't remember it was the day on which the results of the audition for the town play came out. She forgot all about it when Drishti came.

"So, last night I got a mail .." Rakshit said softly "..from the town council" he heard her sigh and she spoke before he could " and they did not choose me again because I'm bound to this wheelchair" " Yeah" It barely came out as whisper but Ava and Drishti heard it. 

Tears were forming in her eyes they started to leak down her eyes, she started sobbing lightly and started hiccuping. Drishti beat Rakshit for wiping her tears and side hugged her. 

"Hey, don't cry. Think if you were chosen how would we have spent time today and who would have made your favourite yummy cupcakes with colourful icing🧁 on them and who would eat it. Haww😱 I thought we would go on the hillside and do tobogganing. I had the whole day planned out." Drishti said in hushed voices and dramatically. Hearing this Ava chuckled 

" No, I want to spend time with you we all will go," Ava said wiping her tears and putting her hands up for Rakshit to make her sit on her wheelchair.

"Not everyone. Just me and you. This useless brother of yours is not coming" Drishti said narrowing her eyes and pointing at him 

"Hey, I'm not useless at least not like you are. I'm very useful and I bet I can make better cupcakes than you" Rakshit defended himself

"Quiet!" Ava shouted "Let's make them and I and mothel will judge who makes the best ones"

"Challenge accepted," Drishti said and smirked

"Yeah, get ready to lose princess." Rakshit mocked her

"We'll see who loses prince," Drishti said 

"Let's go," Ava said 

They all go down and explain everything to Emilia. Emilia accepted. They all went to the kitchen. As instructed by the queen all the ingredients asked by the contestants had been brought and kept at their respective counters. 

"So both will have 1 hour to make 6 cupcakes more than 2 cannot be the same flavour, so choose your flavours and 5 min after you decide the competition will commence," Emilia announced the instructions to both of them. 

"Yes understood," both said in unison

"I will choose vanilla, strawberry and truffle," Rakshit said

"I will choose s'mores, cookies and cream, and  chocolate mint," Drishti said

"Hey, I have taken chocolate," Rakshit said

"It is chocolate mint, price, go ahead and get yourself a hearing aid" Drishti mocked him

"She's right, Rakshit," Emilia said and continued loudly "So let the competition commence begin," 

Rakshit was first making batter once for all without flavouring whereas Drishti was making frosting for the cupcakes. She was done making the frosting in 10 mins (she made them without eggs cuz that's how she likes cupcakes and frosting) Rakshit's cupcakes were in the oven and were about to be ready soon. But Drishti had taken the chill pill. 

"Princess, lagging" Rakshit mocked her but Drishti had turned deaf but Emilia heard and scolded him. 

Drishti was fast in her work and within 15mins her cupcakes were in the different oven and till they were baked she flavoured the icing and made her plates ready for presentation. Rakshit was going to use readymade frosting.

After 15 min add or take both were done and their plates were ready. The only difference was Rakshit's side was a mess and Drishti's side was clean as it was before the competition 

They presented their cupcake within 45 min

These are Drishti's cupcakes just appearance, not plating

These are Rakshit's cupcakes just appearance, not plating

"I see 1 hour was more than enough for both of you," Emilia said

"Mother, let's eat the cupcakes," Ava said licking her lips 

"Yeah till that time both of you go clean up yourselves"Emilia ordered

"Yes," both said 

They both had one of every flavour and they were just enjoying the cupcake forgetting about the competition or so as Drishti and Rakshit thought.

"So, result-time," Emilia said

"So, Princess Drishti won," Emilia said. Rakshit's mouth hung down hearing that's. He was looking like a fish opening and closing the mouth

"Prince, close your mouth, We don't want you eating any flies," Drishti told smirkingly

"But why did she won"

"First of all, she made different flavours. Second, the flavour is good and the sweetness is perfect not too much not too low. And appearance is also appealing" She said and took 1 bite and moaned from the taste of it

"Then let me also taste," He said and took 1 of each flavour which was remaining, as he took a bite his eyes widened and said "..these are really good"

"Mother I will leave now I have to go get a dress for the ball for me and Drishti"

Rakshit's POV

This girl is really something else. So, down to earth, kind, cute pretty, and anything but too good to be true

Yeah her charms are a thing that has captured you and won over you. You kissed her so passionately like she was your last supper.

Shut up, will you? It's nothing like that O.K. Now, don't disturb me I have to go find a dress for her 

for your wedding?

 Shut up. It's for tonight's ball in which I have invited 

 Yeah I forgot

That's why your my conscience and not my actual brain 

Hey! I'm in your brain

Yeah, but you don't think! So get lost I have work

Yeah yeah now say like that. Boys indeed leave their bros when they get girls. Goodbye Bro

 Yeah get lost and don't disturb and my thoughts. I drove off to the store from which I usually buy suits and gowns for Ava. Buying for me was not a problem but it was Drishti's dress that was a problem. I didn't know her choices and her likings. 

I chose a Greyish three-piece suit with a lavender tie. I had to buy something that matched my suit now for Drishti as she would be my date. It only took 15 mins

After looking for 1/2 hour a very beautiful gown caught my eye. I just imagined Drishti in it and knew this was going to be it. I also bought some accessories and footwear with it for her. She was going to be the centre of attraction. I just made sure of it

It was already afternoon so I headed back to the castle. The location was a 1-hour drive so I had to tell Drishti to get ready early

I reached home and got the news that Drishti and Ava were out and we're gonna eat out so I had my food with my mother. We were talking about my coronation which was on 1st January as per the customs and all other arrangements

Drishti and Ava returned at 3 or 4. Drishti was having 2-3 paper bags in her hand. And they were giggling. It made my day better hearing their giggles.

"Umm. princess Drishti?" I called her

"Yeah," She said and turned around

"Can I talk to you for a sec?" I said

"Yeah, sure," She said and told Ava to go in her room she will be there soon "Yeah, now tell" and turned around

"Can you get ready around 6 because it will take 1 hour to reach because there is snow and the place is a bit far," I said explaining her 

"You know, you didn't need to explain," She said putting her hair behind her hair and continued "What should I wear? I don't have anything"

"I have kept the dress in your room. One of the staff members will help you with your dress and take extra pair of casual clothes. It's going to snow heavily so if we reach then it's fine but if we don't then we will have to stay in the cottage down the hill" I said helping her with her bags which she bought

"Umm... Can I take my Night shorts? I can't sleep without them" I just nodded "Thank you," She said. I could feel the genuineness in her voice.

"Yeah, that's it. I'll take your leave" I said and left

After 2 hours

I was waiting for Drishti in my three-piece suit which fit me like my second skin. It was 5.30 so I was not in a hurry and was chatting with Ava and mother. My mother is just praising Drishti a lot. Not that I was jealous but it's just that she hardly praises anyone and here she was singing her praises. 

We looked towards the staircase cause of the sound of her heels. And there was she looking like a goddess descended from heaven. My mouth was zipped. I was dumbfounded. She was Gorgeous, beautiful and perfect. The dress I bought for her was complimenting her. She did her hair perfectly and wore a broach that I guess Ava or Mom gave her to match her dress.

"Dear you look wonderful" Mother praised her and she blushed a bit

"Where is Ava?" I cleared my throat and asked

"She was helping me get ready later went to her own room as she was tired by all the fun we had today," She said and a maid came with a bag in which she had her casual clothes. I told her to keep it in the car trunk and mother told the maid to bring her overcoat for Drishti. 

"Hmm," I replied "So, let's go"

"Yeah, sure," She said walking towards the door of me handling her dress

"See you later, mother" I kissed her on the cheek and left. Since I was driving Drishti was adjusting my mother's overcoat which looked fantastic on her.

"You look beautiful," I said 

"Yeah, I know, I was born beautiful." She answers wittily and I just chuckled and shook my head and opened the door for her.

"Thank you," She said and adjusted herself properly before  I closed the door, went to my side and started the car engine. 

"So, when we reach there I will introduce you to some of my friends who will attend and  I will go meet some of the members of parliament and royalty as my date," I said

"Umm... Rakshit am I supposed to address you as prince over there." Drishti asked 

"Not really needed cuz you are my date, After all the intro we have a waltz dance to do and then all the donations take place," I said explaining to her the whole thing

"Umm...I don't know how to do the waltz" She said and hid her face in her hands. I let out a small chuckle. 

"Don't worry I'm a nice professor for dance. The steps are very simple. You will remember them easily. And before the dances, there will be an opera by the children and some instrumental music. So, I will have enough time to teach you " I said

"You know, somehow you removed all my nervousness," She said looking a bit surprised "Except my father no one was able to do that"

"So, now I'm your father?" I looked at her with a "like really man" face but continued when something strikes my mind "Actually I don't mind being your father but I prefer being called something else" I said and chewed inside of my mouth and giving my smirk 

"What?" she asked still being confused. My luck was up and the signal strikes red so I stopped. I when near her ears and whispered "Daddy" As soon as I said that she gasped & turned face to face with me her mouth forming a little 'o'. Our faces were just inches away. We were about to kiss but the signal turned green. The air around us didn't turn awkward, it was actually funny.

"You have such a dirty mind Rakshit," She said 

"We men can't help but think like this when such pretty women sit near us," I said and winked at her and concentrated on the road. Her cheeks were tinted pink to change the atmosphere she played the music and "Treat You Better" played and she started humming along. I had heard it but it seemed different with her humming along.

It gave my mind peace while being with her, listening to her speaking to her. Something happens to me but I have no idea what the hell it is. But I'm not avoiding her like my other girlfriends, whom I ran away from, made excuses for and broke up after a fortnight. I was attracted to her and wanted to be with her always. I didn't realize when we reached I was in my thought but I was also paying attention to the road. I cleared my throat to have her attention

"We have reached, Poupée" I winked at her came out opened her door. She held my hand and came out looking beautiful than most caked faced ladies. [ Poupée - doll ]

"'Poupée', impressive, Mi Amor"[Mi Amor - my love] she said in the French accent and smirked at me

"Shall we, Milady?" I said in a British accent and giggles "We shall, Mi Amor" and we entered the hall hand in hand. The person near the entrance collected our coats. But I saw someone who ruined my whole mood but I smartly went out of her eyesight to the place where my friends were assembled. 

"Hey, Man" Nick one of my college friends and we hugged

"Who might this beautiful lady by your side prince?" Jacqlin asked 

"My date for tonight's party and a new addition to our group. She is Drishti Mclver" I said "Drishti, she is Jacqlin, he is Nick her fiancee, he is Liam, she is Scarlet, he there is Iosif, Scarlet's brother, and he is Carlos, He owns this place" 

"Hello," she said to everyone and became friends with everyone immediately. 

"Anyone, Drinks?" Liam asked, he is always interested in drinks more than girls and job

"Champagne for me," I said

"Yeah Me too," Nick, Drishti and Iosif said

"I'll take bourbon," Jacqlin said and Nick glared at her. She just kissed him on the cheek and he was flustered. Liam also took bourbon.

When we're done catching up, someone just hugged me out of nowhere. I just pushed that person not checking who the hell it was. Turns out it was my bitch of ex-fiancee

"Hey, Baby" Selene, whom I broke my engagement with 1 & 1/2 years ago.

"There's no baby over here, bitch, try somewhere else," Carlos scoffed

"Oh just shut the fuck up, I'm not talking to you, I'm talking to my fiancee who is angry with me," She said in a bitchy tone and turned towards me "Rakshit, Baby, I'm sorry darling, Please forgive me "

"I'm here with my date so please leave us alone Selene," I said coldly to her and got hold of Drishti's waist.

She just eyed Drishti and scoffed "This gold-digging whore over me. She's got no-body or looks" before I or any of us could say anything Drishti spoke "oh please, Fuck off slut, no one's in the mood for fucking you. So go away or go to some road corner to find some customers" and took a sip of her champagne 

"How dare you? You whore say that to me" Selene said loudly and was about to hit her but she got hold of her hand and a tight slap was served on Selene's cheek. Four fingerprints were clearly visible on Selene's cheek

"Ouch..." Scarlet mocked her

She was embarrassed badly, So she left. 

"Girl you got some moves there," Jacqlin said and praised her

"No one gets away insulting me" she just said

"Whatever, It was a hella entertaining," Nick said 

"I need some air, " Drishti said 

"You are O.K., right?" I asked her softly

"Yeah, I need to get normal or I'll beat the shit out of that bitch if I'm gonna see her again," She said gave out a dry chuckle and she whispered to me"I'm Ok really, hmm?" and went out to the lawn 

"Hmm" but I was not convinced "Guyz, I'll go see her"

"Yeah, that bitch has to ruin everything every time. Go see if she's fine, dude" Scarlet said worriedly

I finished my glass and went out in the law. There she sat on the bench and there was a small lake connected to the property. It looked beautiful girl who sat on the bench looking at it. When I reached behind her, she sensed me.

"It's rare to find a beauty gazing another beauty," I said and sat beside her on the bench

"You didn't tell me that you had a fiancee," She said

"It was not necessary, I had already moved on that whore" I said. I turned towards her and saw some pearls in her eyes so I took her face in my hands and cupped it. She was trying to blink them away so I couldn't see them. But I had already seen them

"I'm sorry for what happened today," I said softly and hugged her.

"Do I really look like a gold-digging bitch to you?" She whispered from my chest and looked at me

"Absolutely Not, me your the most beautiful woman I have ever met. Your kind, lovely, smart, strong and beautiful " I said and wiped her tears away. "I'm sorry for today," I said again

"It wasn't your fault" she whispered

"I should have known if I brought you her this would happen," I said and went on apologizing to her again and again until I felt her soft lips moving on mine. She moves her lips against mine as I just got hold of her nape and waist and kissed her back on the lips. she had sealed my lips with hers so gently. Passion overwhelmed and I crashed our mouths together in a kiss, worthy to be remembered forever.

I wanted to savour every moment, take in every sensation and fill it away in my brain for safekeeping. My mouth brushed back and forth, exploring and seeking her permission. She gave it, opening up to me with a soft sigh that robbed me of all restraint.

My hands dug into her hair and my tongue became intimate with her's in a heated dance. Her hands, on my chest, rose with my wild breathing. My heart pounded beneath her palms and I could feel hers beating as fast.

Finally, we both pulled away breathing hard, I pressed my lips on her forehead. Pulling her into my chest, I wrapped my hands around her to stay in that moment a little longer.

After some time when I pulled back and looked at her. Her cheeks were red from blushing, her lip swollen and her eyes closed and breathing heavily. 

"You are special to me but not a gold-digging bitch, do you understand, love?" I whispered to her and she just nodded

"Let's go I need to teach you how to dance? Come." I got up and forwarded my hand to her and she took it smiling a bit.

I kept her hand on my shoulder and another hand to hold her gown. We started swaying as I taught her. We were lost in each other's eyes. Not even blinking for a damn second. But the cold wind broke our eye-lock and Drishti shivered. 

"Let's go in or you'll catch a cold," I told her and took her inside, it was warmer inside the hall there. 

"Are you ok, Drishti?" Carlos asked and others also started asking her and I was happy that it was not even a day and they had taken liking her

"Yaa, I'm totally fine" She assured everyone

"Guyz, now it's time for a dance," Liam said and everyone in our group went to the ballroom for Waltz.

We were swaying not realizing we were the only ones left. The music ended so did our dance.

"Are you sure that you are not dating?" Nick asking

"No, We are not," Drishti said

"Ok, my eyes must be damaged then cause I literally saw 2 people kissing each other. " Nick teased them. I rubbed my neck and Drishti managed to hide her blush

"Ok, Ok, Topic change, Rakshit when is your coronation?" Scarlet asked

"Yeah I need to buy a suit to outstand you that day," Iosif said

"It's on 29th December and all of you have to come no excuses will be accepted," I said

________________________________________________________________________________

We were sitting in the car on our way to the outhouse cause it had already snowed too much. Going to the palace was way too risky. The outhouse was the place where dad used to take us every holiday. He said before my coronation he will tell me something but instead, he just told a poem or some riddle that I have to crack to find the truth. I don't even know if the truth will affect our lives.

We reached in 45 mins since there was no traffic and it was 4 days to Christmas and 4 days to her departure but I'll make her stay at least until my coronation or till new year's eve. It was a small cabin where Mother used to live. Yeah, she was not a royal. She met my father during 1 of his visits here. So, we kept the cottage as the outhouse for us.

"Drishti, we have reached, come," I said knocking on her window

"Yeah, man I am so tired but still not sleepy," She said and I chuckled and said"we can talk if you want till you feel sleepy" she pointed a finger at me and said "Only If you make me good coffee" I wanted to laugh but I didn't want to die "Yeah, I can make coffee. You see a man of talents" "Yeah, whatever I'll go change" 

We went inside. I showed her the room and I went to the kitchen area to make coffee. After 15 mins, She came out wearing shorts and adjusting her hair that was now open and free.

"I know, I'm hot, just don't look at me like that, you look like a pervert," she said and sat on the couch

"I was not staring you know" I defended myself, obviously lying

"Yeah, Yeah, whatever you say your majesty," She said rolling her eyes cutely at me

"So, what can we talk about?" I asked

"We played 20 questions that day, so now let's talk about something else," she said taking a sip of her coffee

"Actually I want to show you something, that I have to crack before my coronation that is in like in a week," I said getting up and going to the bookshelf near the desk where my diary was kept 

"My father had given me a letter in Hindi, specifically told not to trust anyone except some people with this," I said as I took out a letter. It was brownish and almost burnt at the edges and had the royal stamp on it. "I was trying to learn Hindi but it was a difficult language to learn for me."

"I can try. I know how to read and write basic Hindi" she said and set her cup aside but was still sitting and I was standing

"Yeah, you can try." I handed her the letter she carefully examined the whole letter before reading it. In the end, she gasped loudly. It was like she had read something shocking and was recovering from it. 

"What's it Drishti?" I kneeled down before her and asked softly

"I need to talk to maman b...before I tell you" This was all she could say and tried to get up. Tried because I pulled her down and made her sit

"I want to know what it is. Don't try to run away" I said a bit irritatedly

"I don't want to be the person to tell you this. I'm not the person who's supposed to tell you this" She whispered with tears

"Please, I beg of you, please tell me," I asked 

"Ok, But you will listen first, understand whatever I'm telling then react, O.K.?" she said and cupped my face with one of her hands, the other still holding the letter. I just nodded leaning into her hand and held it.

________________________________________________________________________________

Hey readers,

I'm sorry for the late update actually I was busy. I will try to update the next chapter faster. Cannot promise. Big bear hugs from me to you all for not complaining about my late updates.

Ohh an update but with the first !! cliffhanger !! of the story. Don't worry it isn't the last. Press the star icon at the top or bottom. And leave feedback in the comment section. Do tell me what do you think will happen in the next chappy.

Question of the day. Not related to the story

What is your favourite book on Wattpad? Which character is your favourite in it?

Do answer. 

See you Guyz in the next update. Until then. BYE!!