Pride and Prejudice

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The eastern gardens of the palace are a sight to behold. Blooming flowers of diverse varieties filled the garden with sights and scents that could rival the gardens of Versailles.

Blooms of roses and tulips of all colors, marigolds, and peonies, were among the widely diverse variety. Rare flowers, such as the Rothschilds Slipper Orchid, the Juliet Rose, and Middlemist Red, also made up the otherworldly assortment.

One inhale and you'd be assaulted by the various scents coming from all directions.

Large fountains were scattered around the eastern gardens. With a small, marble bridge that lay across the stream, which flowed to the lake at the south of the palace, and led to a hidden gazebo with birds singing their songs. An Eden of its own.

It was beautiful. A sight to behold. A paradise.

The gazebo, surrounded by a small pond of water, served as the perfect hiding place from prying eyes and nosy royals. Large wisteria trees hid the gazebo from view and provided additional privacy for couples, and readers such as myself, which looked phenomenal when it bloomed.

It was also one of the few places that had no hidden cameras or microphones. Ordered by the late queen who wanted the gardens to be a private place - her own zone where she could find peace.

Only one camera was allowed at least, hidden by a pillar, at the main entrance to the gardens. The sprinklers and lights were fully automated, set to go off at specific times - the only modern machinery allowed on the grounds.

It served the perfect hiding place for me when I needed to clear my head and escape the stifling atmosphere that came with being surrounded by pompous fools.

The gardens were a no-go zone for those who weren't part of the immediate royal family, decreed by the late Queen Rosaveta. Not even other royals could enter unless invited.

I leaned further into the tree, an open book splayed over my lap. The pages were worn, but the words and print were still clear. It was old, one of the first published copies of the book. It seemed my ancestor had an interest in literature, more so than others might have.

"Lillianna!" Surprised, I slam the book shut, wary of the voice and the book crinkling under the force. Stifling the urge to peek, I looked up and waited for the thunder of footsteps I knew would be nearing me. My brother, Prince Killian I, approached and leaned on the tree.

"I see you haven't learned the art of stealth yet, brother dear." I teased, turning my attention towards the horizon.

"You wound me sister dear. Are you saying that I stomp around like some giant with no sense of being stealthy?" He exclaimed, mockingly hurt.

"If the shoe fits, although elephants are also giants and are far more silent and stealthy than you are. Unless of course they blow their trunks." I shot back, grinning. The book now fully ignored.

He laughed then, a full-belly one that I'd always secretly envied. He was a male, and so could laugh with no care. I was unfortunately, a female and a royal which made people expect me to release dainty chuckles now and again - probably expecting a bird's chirp if that was possible.

"Good one sis. I'll have to think of something to get you back." He mumbled the last words to himself, not meaning for me to hear it, but I heard it nonetheless.

"So, what brings you here, Killian? Knowing you, you would never step foot here unless you needed me for a favor, mom sent you or you have a date with some pretentious model." I said, ticking my fingers. I glanced up slightly, seeing his annoying smirk, and shook my head.

"So, which one of the three is it?" Standing up from my perch, I pat down my dress checking for any creases.

Killian chuckled, grabbing my hand. "The second one, now hurry up."

Shaking my head in mild exasperation, I allow my brother to drag me away from my sanctuary and to my mother who was no doubt awaiting me with venomous words coated in honey.

"Lillianna! I hope you haven't forgotten you have a press conference scheduled today?" My mother greeted with that sickeningly sweet smile she reserved only for me, as soon as we entered the large drawing room of the palace.

She was dressed elegantly in a gold-lined, silver, fitted gown with a long cloak covering her shoulders. Her hair was pulled back in her signature chignon, one of her sapphire diadems present.

I had unfortunately forgotten about the press conference, scheduled at 1 o'clock that afternoon. But she didn't need to know that. I deemed not to answer, moving to exit the suddenly tense room.

A hand grasped mine forcefully. I didn't need to look to know who it was, only one dared to manhandle me.

"You better not humiliate me." whispered the king's-consort curtly.

"You don't my help with that. You're doing wonderfully on your own." I whispered, tearing away and heading to my rooms briskly and with my head held high.

"You know you shouldn't agitate our mother like that Lil." said my brother as he trailed after in that suave way of his.

A dry chuckle left me. Finally nearing my rooms, I turn briefly to my Don Juan of a brother. "I'll be down for the interview in an hour."

I spoke a bit loudly, knowing there were ears and eyes of my mother around me. To my brother, I gave a terse nod, signaling that we'd see each other later.

After learning about the numerous spies of our mother, my brother and I turned to codes. Basic codes that only we both knew about secured our privacy more than talking ever could.

Precisely an hour later, I emerged from my rooms, fully dressed in a knee-length, light blue pencil skirt with matching blazer, a darker shade blouse and white heels. My naturally wavy hair was straightened and pulled back into a chignon with a dainty tiara to complete the look.

The press conference was to be held at the palace's meeting room, where I knew without a doubt that there would be numerous cameras, spies, my brother and reporters.

The king was out on official business with Spain, and so we were left under our mother's care.

"Good afternoon." I greeted as I entered the room, the reporters and everyone present standing up and bowing in greeting.

Heading to the table before them, I sat on the plush seat prepared for me. My mother, seated to my left away from the camera, gestured at them to begin. My brother stood to my far right, by the floor to ceiling shelves that lined the wall.

"Princess Lillianna," a reporter I knew as Kristen Ironheart - well-known for her brief stint in Saudi Arabia, she was pulled out after just three months due to her alleged disrespect to the queen of the country during an interview, where she commented on her choice of wardrobe and added insult to injury in a written article that was published that day after - one of my mother's favorite reporters began.

I knew then that it would either be pure bull or a hard question to trap me.

"What brand is your clothing of choice for today?" Pure bull it is then.

A small, cordial smile belied the frost that was sure present in my eyes. "I am sure you will recognize the signature design of one of my favorite fashion designers given that you have asked me one too many times and have interviewed him at his workplace."

A chorus of chuckles followed my statement, and sure enough Ms. Ironheart retracted what would most likely be another line of foolish questions regarding my wardrobe.

"Princess Lillianna you are known to be an advocate for the conservation of animals regardless of species and nativity, you are particularly known to have a special place for the native species of our own country. What can you say are the efforts being done to help conserve the endangered species of our country?" A balding man of forty years asked, Mr. Chris Pan from what I remembered.

"A team of scientists from this country and others, that have been handpicked by me, are now in the process of creating a mating program for the endangered species, focusing on the severely and critically endangered." I began, pausing for a moment.

"The forests and lands that these creatures live in are now decreed to be conservation areas and are protected by the law of the country. Hunting, poaching, deliberate forest fires are thereby banned and punishable by imprisonment and a fine. These are not to be taken lightly as these animals represent the country in more ways than one."

Murmurs of ascent rippled through the room, pens scratching on paper as I spoke, some recording to rewrite later for whatever paper they'd publish it on. Or with luck, I'd make it in the evening news.

Another person asked, I'm guessing it was a correspondent from the local news channel in the country. "Is it true that by your influence, majority if not all of the hospitals of the country will be receiving better salaries for the healthcare personnel and state-of-the-art technology that could rival even that of the US?"

"Yes, but I wouldn't say it would rival that of the US, as it is manufactured there. I believe that it is rather important that we give more thought to our country's healthcare, if possible to even put in the forefront of our efforts. Our fellow citizens health needs rely heavily on our hospitals and personnel." I paused for another moment.

"The health of our citizens is of utmost importance, we of course rely heavily on our citizens in our efforts to make our country a prosperous one. And so, it is our duty to give them the best healthcare we can provide."

The press conference ended promptly at four o'clock, giving ample time to prepare for dinner. After all, I would need a bit of respite after the numerous mix of respectable and bull questions.

After shaking hands and chatting briefly, I excused myself and left the room, hoping to have a bit of time for myself.

"Lillianna." It seems that my rest would have to wait. I turned to face my mother.

"Yes?" I inquired, pausing in my step.

"You are quite an insolent child aren't you?" I didn't even think you knew the word, mother.

"How dare you embarrass Ms. Ironheart!" She hissed, her eyes flashing, as she pulled me towards a wall where we could "talk" privately.

"I did not embarrass her, mother." I told her hotly. "I merely told her the truth. Rather painful, wasn't it?"

She held herself silent, it was already obvious she was trying hard not to hit me and lose her composure, not that she ever was composed in the first place.

"The truth is a rather bitter pill to swallow. Unlike the words of every lie uttered, a sweet venom that kills one slowly inside. And the more lies uttered, the more you kill yourself." Lying is a double-edged sword.

Her eyes turned cold then, a certain viciousness twisting her features grotesquely. "Are you calling me a liar?"

"If the shoe fits, mother." I answered calmly, spotting my brother stood behind my mother a few feet away. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to rest and prepare for dinner."

Turning on my heel, I left my mother glowering behind. It is a strange thing that a mother would hate the daughter she birthed, and loathe the son she brought into the world.

The greed of money does indeed blind then.

Entering my rooms, I turned my attention to the vanity, removing my tiara and placing it into its own bureau.

"You should know better than to agitate the queen like that. Regardless of your status."

I slammed the tiny door shut before turning to face the intruder. "What do you want, Mikhail?"

Mikhail was a handsome fellow, a shame his loyalties lay with my mother instead of the crown.

Golden tan skin, green eyes hidden beneath bushy brows, dark curls shaping a sharp jawed face. Standing at a little over six feet, he towered over my 5'6 frame, a lean body covered in his usual black suit.

His smirk showed he noticed my appraisal, but I remained immovable.

"Nothing from you princess." He replied from his post, leaning on the frame of the doorway.

"But I came to warn you." He slowly stepped inside my room.

Guardedly, I eyed him, arms crossed around my chest. "You forget your place Mikhail."

He chuckled. "Not to worry, princess," a sound similar to a hiss escaped him, his eyes harsh and cold.

"But I'd be careful if I were you. Your title, after all, doesn't secure your life."

"You forget who you are addressing, Mikhail. Unlike you whose status was gained by worming into the chambers of the queen, and said queen hooking herself to a rich heir, I'd say my title as princess secures my life more than my mother's crown ever would."

Clenching and unclenching his jaw, he turned dramatically and stalked out of my rooms, slamming the door in his wake.

I let out a sigh of relief, slumping into the chair and running a brush through my hair. I couldn't deny the stab of fear at his threat disguised as a warning.

But I also knew me and my brother were more valuable than my mother, and let the relief that came with that small fact wash over me.

My eyes strayed over to the vanity, and as I gazed at my reflection, the title of a book laying unbothered caught my eye. 'Pride and Prejudice', oh how the irony of the words reflected my current life.

Author's note:

So... what did you guys think?

Did the queen deserve the sass from her own daughter?

How about the reporter? Did she deserve to be shut down

What about Lillianna? hat do you think about her?

Lastly, what did you think about Mikhail?

Comment down your thoughts! I'd love to read them! 😊

Have a great day or night!

Lots of love

MJ Lee