Grounded. Who grounds a princess? Excuse me. Future princess? Oh well. At least now, I won't do anything stupid, like believing Art I won't get in trouble. Bet he didn't even think about Max. At least now I have some time to read my Bible. I sighed. It was morning. Most of everyone was at breakfast, but I decided not to go with them. Max went home last night, only calling me back a few minutes later making sure I was still in my room, and Karina went to run a few errands. Zack of course, was, and still is guarding my door. My phone buzzed. I looked at the screen, and saw it was mom. I gulped. Did she find out about the princess thing already?

"Hey Mom!" I answered.

"Hello sweetheart, how are you?" She sounded quite calm.

"I'm great!" I lied.

"Thats good to hear. I just decided to call you, because I haven't seen you in a while. Is Ashley feeding you alright?"

Right. She thinks I'm at Max's house, Max, you clever brother. "Yes, she is! Cooks amazing!"

Mom laughed, "Better than me?"

"No." I said slowly, "Yours is still better than anyone else's."

"I see. Well listen, do you think you can come home later today, it's Jamie's birthday. He really wants you here."

I totally forgot about his birthday! He'll be six. "I don't know mom. I'm pretty busy today."

"Sweetheart, he's your brother, please come." She pleaded.

"If plans change, I'll text you. But I'm planning on it."

"Alright sweety, tell Max and Ashley I said hey, and if you see Max's friend, telling him the same thing."

"Okay mom." I smiled and hung up. I actually missed her voice. With dad always being on the road or something, she was always the face I saw when I got home. Don't get me wrong, I still love my dad. He never forgot any of our birthdays, and got home on holidays or whenever he could.

I decided to call Max.

Dialing his number, it rang twice, until he picked up.

"You didn't leave your room last night, right?" He asked, before I could say anything.

I rolled my eyes, "A simple 'good morning' would have been nice."

He sighed on the other end. "Good Morning."

"And you forgot the 'Your Highness.'" I told him. I Visualized him rolling his eyes.

"I thought you hated being called that. Now state your cause for calling."

Someones angry today.

"Um. Mom called."

"What did she say?" He asked.

"Its Jamie's birthday, she wants me to be there."

"Why don't you go?" Hello. I'm grounded. And I probably have a lot of princess stuff to do today. I'm busy.

"Max." I groaned. "You grounded me, remember? And I probably have some stuff to do today."

There was silence. I almost thought he hung up, until he said, "I'll take care of it, but I can't leave my job right now. Maybe Zack can escourt you."

I forgot about Zack. Mom would find it freaky if I brought a total stranger to our house. Who's a male, and twice my age.

"But, mom won't like it "

"You worry to much..."

"Isn't that your job?" I interrupted him. He chuckled.

"Always the bright one. He won't follow you inside, unless you tell him to."

"Fine. But when can I go?"

"Talk to Karina about it." He suggested.

"I don't think she wants to hear me this early in the morning."

"She kinda has to now, doesn't she? She's your secretary, she'll be up at your room in a few seconds. Tell her then, listen, I have to go. I'm still at work, remember? Tell Jamie happy birthday if you get the chance, and that me and Ashley will stop by around sixish."

"Will do." I mumbled. We both hung up, and I continued to lay on my bed. Arg. Must get up. I got out of bed, and walked over to my walk-in closet. I didn't know if I should wear a dress, like Mrs. Talor told me to, more like ordered me to. Or I should put on jeans, and make it my lazy day. To make Mrs. Taylor happy, and possibly Karina, I put on a grey/black print skater dress. It reached to exactly my knees. I was surprised to find pockets in the dress as well. And it was modest.

Going to the bathroom, I fixed myself up, with a loose braid, and headed out. Putting on some cute flats.

Zack still hadn't left his spot from yesterday.

"Good Morning Zack!" I tried to sound excited to see him.

He looked down at me, and replied, "Good Morning, Princess." Why do people hate we all of a sudden? I guess I better start with an apology.

"Zack, I'm sorry."

He looked slightly startled, "For what princess?"

I was confused. What does he mean, for what? Me going out without telling him, that's what!

"Not telling you where I went..."

He smiled, "Don't worry about it Princess. I knew you went out."

My thoughts were clouded with confusion. Knew? How?

"You saw me?"

He shook his head, "No, I heard you talking to someone, and assumed it was the prince." That made sense.

"Oh. I'm still sorry though."

"No need to apologize, princess."

I'm getting a little squeamish about the 'princess' part.

"Question, why do you keep calling me princess, when I'm still not?"

He shrugged, "Soon-to-be, it's better than the 'princess-in-traing'."

I just looked at him skeptically, "When is Coronation anyway?"

He thought for a moment. "In three weeks, I assume."

My eyes grew big, "Three weeks? Why so soon?"

"I don't have an answer to that, I'm sorry Princess."

I shifted my weight to my other foot. "That's okay, do you know where Karina is?"

He shook his head again, "I'm afraid not."

I thought a moment, "Very well. I just need to get home...er...my actual home. I promised my little brother I'd come to his birthday today."

He smiled, "I'm sure she'll agree. You have nothing major today, except more history lessons and an interview that she can reschedule if you'd like."

I groaned. More interviews? I wonder if a royal has ever gone crazy with this stuff.

"I vote for rescheduling."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Very well, I'll tell her. Would you like to leave now, princess?"

I thought for a moment, "You know, that woukd be lovely." He led me downstairs and through the exit. Opening up the limos door for me. Boy would mom be confused. Zack got into the drivers side, and started tomhe engine. Calling Karina, I assume.

I told him the directions to my house, and told him not to park too close. Who knows what the neighbors might think. Listening, he did as I told him.

"Would you like me to lead youbto the door?" He asked.

I shook my head. "No, that's alright. But I'll warn you that Jamie has very observant eyes. Don't be surprised if you see a six year old climbing in here."

Zack shrugged, "Thats mighty fine, princess. Not a problem."

Does he ever have the slightest fear? Or any other emotion other than calmness? Although, I do like that he's easy to talk to.

I walked to my house, and opened the door. Balloons were everywhere. Strings and confetti were on the floor, and I don't want to know what that gooey green stuff is on the dresser.

"Lily...? Lily! You came!" Jamie said excitedly, jumping up into my arm, already a few of his friends were here.

Mom came through the kitchen, "Darling, didn't expect you here around this time!"

I smiled, "Anything for my little brother." Jamie gazed up at me, showing his perfectly white teeth. He would grow up to be handsome one day.

"Can you help me set the table? Two more girls are supposed to come."

"Girls?" I asked her. "Already playing with the ladies I see." Jamie looked down at the floor.

"No I'm not." He mumbled, "They like robots and cars too."

Mom swatted me with a towel, "Lil'! Be nice!"

I laughed, "I was kidding, Squirt! Come on, I'll help you build a house out of couch pillows after I help mom." He shrugged, but agreed, walking away to his friends.

"You didn't forget his present, did you?" Mom whispered. I mentally face palmed myself. How could I forget?!

"Oops." I whispered.

"Lily! He's going to be upset."

"Don't worry," I reassured her, "I'll think of something, after all," I pointed at my head, "I have never gone wrong!"

Mom sighed, and headed to the kitchen. "Just don't think of anything dumb, like last year."

Last year, when we still lived in Springfeilds, Dakota, I decided to hire a clown for Jamie's birthday. Don't ask why. Long story short, turns out, Jamie is afraid of clowns, and I didn't know that, so the kids started throwing food at him, and yea. He left without a goodbye, but not before demanding double. I had to literally give him half of my savings from my summer job. I sighed. I'll laugh about that someday. When I'm old and grey. Sitting on the porch with that special someone. My thoughts shifted over to Art. I shuddered. Let's hope they won't make me marry the prince after coronation. I gave up on love a long time ago. I should start falling in love with God. I never realized how hard this was until I realized this was hard. If that makes sense. I'll drop out of the dump contest soon.

I headed towards the kitchen to help mom set up the table.

♔♔♔

The party dragged on. We played twister, and hide-and-seak. We even played picnic, how you play it? Good question.

Step 1: bring a blanket outside and unfold it on the grassy ground.
Step 2: Bring out food.
Step 3: Enjoy.

That easy. I know it's not a game, but the kids enjoyed it. Max and Ashley came just like they said they would, and gave him their gift. I still hadn't thought of anything.

I went outside into the dark starry night, and laid down on the blanket that I set out earlier. A breeze blew through my straight blonde hair. The stars always made the sky look mysterious and amazing. They never failed to amaze me. For the first time, I took out my phone. I actually forgot I was still the Princess-in-training until I saw that I got eight missed calls, two from Zack, one from Art, and five from Karina. I groaned. Three weeks. And it still won't be over. I'll be the princess. The actual Princess Liliana Marie Meadows. Unless I get married to the prince, it would be Princess Liliana Mariene Adeliene Beaumont. I have to stop. I took a deep breath, and closed my eyes. Cluching the phone between my fingers. Okay. I have everything under control.

"Lily?" I almost jumped up, hearing that someone was here.

"Jamie?" I asked, sitting, seeing that it was in fact Jamie. He smiled that bright smile of his.

"Are you okay?"

I nodded, "Couldn't be better!"

He grinned. "Max said that it's getting late."

"It is." I agreed. Looking around, I noticed a small but perfectly shaped Daisy, I ripped it from the ground, and gave it to Jamie. "Sorry I couldn't get you anything better." I smiled sadly.

He took it and gasped, for a boy, he can get excited over something little. "I love it!" He exclaimed.

"You do?" I asked.

He fiercely nodded. I laughed, getting up on my feet. "I'm glad you did, well, I have to go now, I have some other place I have to be at."

"Will you come back?" He looked at me hopeful.

"I'm afraid not."

He huffed, "You're NEVER home!"

I studied his face. It hurt my heart seeing him so upset, but I can't let Zack wait another minute. I bent down to his height and said, "You are absolutely right. But you know what? When the time comes, I'll tell you why, until then, it's a secret."

He furrowed his eyebrows. "Secret?"

I nodded, standing back up, and walking him back to the house.

Everyone looked up when the slide door opened.

"Thank you mom for everything, food was really good, but I must go."

"Leaving?" She asked.

I nodded. Taking off my shoes, and carrying my them to the front door.

"Lily, I'm concerned on why you're staying at Max's again."

"I have...to...um..." I thought fast, "do research on the royal family."

"You can do it from home." She suggested.

"Max helps with it."

"You can ride your bike over to his house everyday, it won't hurt."

Crap. She cornered me. I looked over at Ashley and Max, who have both been quiet. I gave them a pleading look.

Max spoke up, "I agree with Lily. Its better if she stays at our house for a couple weeks."

"A couple weeks?" Mom protested, "Max, honey, I don't think it's a great idea. Its your life. Your house. Lily lives here."

"Exactly mom, my house, Lily can stay if she wants to. She needs help preparing for college next month."

Mom shook her head.

Ashley who was picking at her food, got up and went over to me. "I think you better go. Your secretary is probably getting angry." She whispered so only I could hear.

"You got that right." I whispered back. I looked over at Max and mom who were still arguing. "I better go. Need to...um...stop by the store and get supplies to Max's house." Lame.

Mom sighed, "I don't know what you three are keeping from me, but I don't like it. Soon, I better get a whole explanation." I agreed, and quickly went out the door. Running over to the limo. I got in, and almost startled Zack, who was on his phone, talking to someone.

"Sorry." I mouthed.

He smiled, and waved it off, starting the car, and driving off. I took out my phone, I called Karina.

♔♔♔

"Lily! We have three weeks before coronation! If you don't cooperate, they will find another girl to take your place!" Karina threatens.

I groaned. We have been practicing walking and keeping a good posture for an hour and half now. What more does she want? Me on the other hand, I'm exhausted. My feet ache. My head is pounding. I've been up from dawn till who knows when.

"Can we take a break?" I whined.

Karina sighed for the tenth time this morning, "You know the answer to that. You need to look presentable. Sophisticated." Then she added with a smile smile, "In case you do end up ruling a kingdom of your own."

Unless I don't quit before then. I thought. I prefer my simple life before this. I think the only reason I got picked was because of Art. I wrinkled my nose. Why do these thing happen to me? I haven't had the chance to properly read my Bible without constant interruptions.

Do everything without complaining....
Philippians 2:14

I got up from this comfortable hard chair, and started from the very beginning.

I flinched from the pain in my ankle. I'll definitely need crutches tomorrow.

"Okay, now take baby steps. Pretend you are being crowned and there are a thousand people watching you." Karina instructed.

I paused, and looked at her. "Are you serious? A thousand?" That's worse than my high school graduation.

Karina rolled her eyes, placing her hand on her hip. She's been doing that a lot lately. Probably frustrated at my indisposition. "Yes sweetheart, it's called coronation for a reason. The whole kingdom is invited."

Ouch. Sarcasm really hurts, doesn't it? Well what can say when I never went to a coronation before.

Just then the doors opened, and Adrianna sashayed inside. "Karina! Darling!" She spoke.

I rolled my eyes. I wonder what she's planning. Karina also seamed annoyed by her presence, but forced a smile on her face.

"Please don't call be darling, Ria."

Adrianna huffed, then switched her gaze on me. "Why are even bothering to even work with this..." she seamed to think of the right words to say to describe me, "girl, who lives who knows where. Take a girl who has some experience in the castle."

Karina cleared her throat, "I'm sorry, but she's been the first picked, and it's my job."

"She can't even get her posture right." She noticed that I was slouching. Better work on that. I straightened my back, and grimaced.

Karina shook her head, "Ria, thank you for checking up us, but we must get back to work."

Adrianna scowled, and headed back towards the door. Purposefully walking past me and muttering "Loser." As she slammed the doors.

"Okay, Lily, let's take it from the top again..."

I frowned and looked away. "Maybe she's right." I said.

"About what?" She asked.

"Everything. You should pick a girl who's more experienced. Adriana is the next girl in line. The next runner up. I'm not cut out to be princess."

Karina smiled, and walked over to a nearby couch and sat down, motioning for me to sit down too.

"Let me tell you a secret. You are the first girl I have met who is not crazy to become princess. You were actually close to being disqualified until you told them about the animal shelter, and your family. Art actually told them to pass you through."

"He did?" I asked, bewildered.

She nodded, "He really hates it when girls talk on and on about their lives and the castle. He loves girls that have a passion for something. You don't have to be an experienced princess. Otherwise, it would be a very boring world." She grinned, "Thats one reason why Queen Sapphire and King Andrew, Arts grandparents, decided to change up the tradition. There aren't many other well known monarchs around here, so they made the contest. The princess-search."

That makes sense. But why would Art do that? He knows that I don't like this whole idea. I put my hand into the pocket of my jeans, and clutched the key that he had given me. Maybe I should go to the garden today.

"I just still don't know about this." I started.

"I would advise you not to feed on Adrianna's words. Sure she knows her way around the castle, but she strongly lacks on the love and passion a true princess needs. Therefore, it is my goal to make you that princess."

I still had a lot of questions in head, but decided not to ask. I knew she didn't have half of the answer. I guess dropping out of this went out the door. But then I cleared my throat.

"Why do you continue to work with me? Why are you and Zack so dedicated to this work. With me?"

The smile disappeared off her face, and for a minute I wondered if I said something wrong.

There was a deadly silense, until Karina finally took a deep breath, and answered, "There was an accident about seven years ago, I think you should ask Art to tell you the story."

I sighed. I didn't feel like asking him anything. But I guess I'll have to start talking to him one day or another.

"Okay."

Karina stood up. Putting on a face like nothing happened. "Alright then. I think we are done for today. You may go and rest for a while. You are to have supper with the king and queen. You can't continue skipping, otherwise they'll get suspicious, just do what you've learned." She winked.

I gave a weak smile and left, closing the door behind me.

I walked down the empty hallway. It looked almost abandoned. I smiled, why do I read to much?

Some noise caught my attention, I turned around and saw Adrianma walking towards me. Did she like wait till I finished?

"Well, of it isn't our soon-to-be miss princess." She smirked.

I crossed my arms, "What do you want Adrianna?"

She smirked again, "You know what I want."

I shook my head. She walked closer, until I could smell the expensive perfume on her dress. "Its about Art, dear."

I kinda stiffens, "And?"

"I would advise for you to stay away from him."

"And what happens if I don't?" I looked into her ice blue eyes.

"Then you lose your place."

I shook my head, "Listen, I don't want any trouble. I'm still unsure if I want to be the princess."

Her eyes lit up, oh boy. I can see those gears turning. I shouldn't have said that. Me and my dumb mouth.

"What ever you say, just know one thing," she got even closer to my face, "I always get what I want. Even becoming princess."

"What does Art have to do with it?" I blurted.

"Art? My, aren't you from the country," she cackled, I just wanted to punch her in the face, but as always, that's not what a Christian does. "A princess needs a prince, doesn't she?" She finished, turned and left.

I stood there, just watching her dispear around the corner. Don't read on her words, eh? Well that does it. I turned back around and headed towards the storage closet. Using the key Art gave me to open the door to the garden.

The aroma of flowers filled the air. Roses and lilacs, there was even the same flowers that are growing on my balcony.

I went over to the swing that I saw the first time I came in here. And relaxed my muscles, gently pushing myself with my feet. He was right, it is the best place to escape life problems. The best thing is, is that not any know about this place. Maybe Adriana won't find me here. Unless Art gave her a key too. I rolled my eyes, and tried to think about something else. A breeze picked up in the evening summer heat. Trees were shading the area I was in, so it felt great.

"I see you finally decided to show up." Art gently laughed.

He was sitting not too far away from me. I can't believe I didn't see him. I felt the urge to roll my eyes and look away, but Sam's words rang in my ears, give him a chance. So instead I smiled.

"What do you mean?"

He got up, and sat beside me on the swing.

"I expected you yesterday, but I guess you were busy." He explained.

"Oh yea," I face palmed my face, "Sorry I didn't tell you, my little brother had a birthday party yesterday, and I already promised I'd to be there for him."

"Oh," an unknown look crossed his face, but then quickly disappeared, "did you have fun?"

"Yes, I did." I said slowly,

"That's good." We sat in silence. I thought about what Karina had said about the accident. But I didn't know if I should ask Art about it. He seemed a little lost in his thoughts.

"Hey," I shoved him playfully, "what's wrong."

He blinked twice, and looked at me, his eyes softend a bit, "Nothing."

Knowing those looks from my brother, I knew something was going on.

"I know it's not nothing, somethings going on."

"Very observant, I see." He grinned.

"Future princess, hello. I need to know."

"Very well, Your Highness," he winked, "I was just thinking about my family."

"That's it?" I asked.

"Yea."

But then my dumb mouth blurted, "Is it the accident?"

His back stiffened. "How do you know about that?"

"Um, I just know that there was an accident." I hesitated, figuring he'll gey angry and walk away. I was surprised to see him put his head in his hands, as his whole body went limp.

He picked his head up and turned to look at me, "I guess I better tell you. You see, I had a younger brother, who was at least two years younger."

I listened as he told me the whole accident, about the dance, about who can swim across the lake. He didn't leave out a single detail, not even the part where he drowned. "After I told my parents, they kept his death away from the media, and slowly, everyone forgot about him. Before all this, we told Karina and Zack not to tell our parents, that we're going to the lake. Now, I wish they did. Karina still blames herself, and Zack, well, he's still trying to revive himself by working long hours. But truly, all this is my fault. I loved him. He was only nine." His body trimbled again. I didn't know if I should hug him, or rub his back like mom does when we feel upset.

"I'm...sorry." I said. "I didn't know."

"Its not your fault, you didnt even know I had a younger brother did you?"

I shook my head, he just laughed. "After I met you, I also felt the urge to hide it from you. So it was just me and my older brother Peter. Sorry about that."

I just shrugged. "Its in the past, right? We can't change anything, sometimes we just have to move forward."

He took my hands in his, "And that's why I want you to be the princess."

I was surprised, but then I remembered Adriana. She would hate this. I looked down. Art's smile disappeared, "What's wrong?"

I took my hands out of his hands, "Its nothing."

"Okay, tell me your problem."

I debated if I should tell him about Ria, but thought better of it, I don't want him to worry. So I put a convincing smile on my face and said, "Its really nothing!"

He looked confused for a minute, but bought it.

"If you say so." We continued to talk about life and how our day went, I even told his that Adriana made an appearance during my lesson, and how she called Karina Darling. Art laughed. But I obviously left out the ending.

After the sun set, Art walked me to my room, and told me good night, and that he'd hopefully see me tomorrow.

I guess now I really was slowly falling for him, but I can't. What if they disqualify me before coronation begins? I would probably vow myself to never talk to guys again. That would even erase the thought of marriage.

I closed the door, and went to get ready for bed, hopefully my schedule tomorrow won't be as busy.

♔♔♔

"Are you ready, miss?" A lady with headphones and an ear piece said.

So much for a relaxed schedule.

I nodded, and she led me through a dark room, and into the talk show spot light.

Art was already there, seated on the same couch I saw on TV back home.

"Welcome Your future Highness!" The host said, he seemed to be a different guy. Not the one I saw on TV.

I nodded, and took a seat beside Art.

"Hi." He smiled.

"Hey." I exchanged the same smile.

"Okay, let's begin! How are you today Your Highness's?"

"Very good." Art replied with ease. He looked so relaxed under all these cameras.

"And you?" The host asked me, I felt the camera facing me. I just smiled.

"Great." Photogenic? Yea right.

"So I have a couple questions for you two. I have a hard question, and an easy question. Which one do you choose?"

I shrugged, and looked at Art. He just waited for me to answer.

"Hard." I said.

"Very well! Hard it is." He looked onto his clipboard, "How do feel about becoming the next princess in a couple weeks, and you, Prince Artem, what are your thoughts on it?"

I thought for a minute Art of course answered first, "I love the idea." The crowd clapped. Once it calmed down i took a deep breath and answered.

"I feel a little nervous."

"Awe theres nothing to worry about!" The host said, "Right Liz?" The women beside him nodded.

"Aboslutly!"

The host continued, "Now for the easy question," he grinned, "What are your feelings one to one another? Slowly falling in Love?" He held that word out a little longer.

Thats not not an easy question. Someone needs to go back to school.

I sighed. Truth? Yes, I'm falling in love with Art, but I'm afraid to say so. Who knows what Adrianna can do to me.

"I know I am." Art looked at me. The crowd clapped and screamed.

And soon, everyone waited for by answer. I didn't know what to say. So I ahead I said, "I guess only time will tell." I winked at Art. Hoping he wouldn't have any hard feeling towards me. Thankfully he just grinned. The crowd clapped.

"Princess, won't you tell us?" Liz, the hostess asked.

"Find out on the coronation." I smiled.

"What a twist!" The host said, "Well I guess that's all the time we have for you today. Until next time you two love birds." The lights on stage dimmed, signaling for me and Art to go. We followed back towards the door that said exit. Once we were out of the cameras observant eyes Art shoved me playfully, "So whats your answer, princess?" His eyes met mine. I tried to keep my emotions under control.

"My answer?"

He nodded.

"Find out on coronation." I laughed.

"But that's two weeks away." He whined, "I deserve to know first."

"And you will!" I smiled. But I knew that sooner or later Adrianna would think of something to keep me from the crown.

"Very well. Your wishes are my command." He led me into the lighting, where Karina was waiting for us both.

"Okay you two, let's see..." She looked on her clipboard. Art and I exchanged glances, and sent a telepathic message that only we understood.

Art quickly took her clipboard, and put it behind his back.

"Hey! Art! We are still not done with the schedule for today!"

"We've been up till dawn."

"And?" Karina said, trying to get her clipboard back.

"Lets go do something fun for a change." Art said, grinning at her.

"You already know the answer, give me the clipboard!"

"Not unless you agree."

I tried to contain my laughter.

"Artem Robertson Alexander Beaumont, give me that clipboard now!"

"Ooo, she used your full name, better listen to her." I laughed.

Art grinned, "Unless she agrees."

Karina groaned, "Because I love you, and I want my clipboard back, pick a place and let's go!"

Art handed her the clipboard. "See, that was easy."

Karina punched him on the shoulder, he grunted, "Ow, for a lady, you hit hard."

"My pleasure, Your rude Highness." She turned around, and headed to the limo.

"You got her angry." I whispered.

"She'll get over it," Art whispered back, "plus, no one can resist me."

"You're about to recieve two punches instead of one." I replied. Following behind Karina. Art chuckled, and headed our way too.

♔♔♔

We ended up going to a small ice cream shop, that was literally two blocks away from my house. So hopefully mom won't take Jamie out for ice cream today.

"What flavor?" Art asked.

"Vanilla." I replied.

He wrinkled his nose, "Why something so plain and ordinary?"

"Because I'm plain and ordinary, your turn to pick."

He chuckled, and turned to the cashier, "Two Vanillas and two chocolates."

"Why so many?" I asked, confused.

"For Zack and Karina. I think we gave them a hard time."

I smiled.

Soon, we took our ice creams, and sat in a booth away from everyone after we gave Zack and Karina their share.

"So, I guess we should get to know each other again." Art grinned.

I smiled, "Oh, so you think this is a date, right?"

"If that's what you want it to be." He winked. "What do you say? Is it official?"

"Let me think, Max doesn't know, mom doesn't know. I'll tell you your answer after Max ungrounds me."

"For what?"

"The woods, remember?" I tried to refresh his memory.

"Oh!" He said, "Sorry, I didn't think you'd get in trouble."

"Thats alright."

Silence followed.

"Till when can you be ungrounded?" Art spoke up.

"After coronation, but knowing Max, I'm sure he forgave me."

"I hope so, don't want my princess to be grounded."

"Your princess is about to leave you."

Art chuckled, "I was kidding. So how's your boring ice cream?"

"My boring ice cream tastes amazing, how's your amusing ice cream."

"My amusing ice cream tastes incredible."

I laughed, then looked out the window, and saw what looks like to be Adriana, with police behind her. Shoot. They're heading towards the ice cream shop.

I gasped. Art looked confused, "Is everything alright?"

"We gotta go!" I grabbed his hand, and led him through the employees door.

"Whats happening? Do you know where you are going?"

"I used to work here, so yes I know where I'm going going." I went out the exit door and into the sunshine. I jogged, literally dragging Art behind me. There was a nearby store, so we went in there. I stopped, and looked out the window, I saw the police talking to Karina. Adriana looked as if shes crying. That Girl! The nerves she has!

"So what's happening?" Art also looked out the window.

"Nothing." I whispered.

"Nothing!" Art exclaimed, "You mean I left my chocolate ice cream for nothing!"

I sighed. "Adianna is at the ice cream shop with police."

"What?" His face grew serious again. "Why?"

"I don't know. But I have a feeling it was for me."

"For you? You mean I'm dating a criminal?!"

"Hush, we are not dating, and I'm not a criminal. I'm still not sure why the police are there. Adrianna hates me you know."

"Figures." He muttered. We continued to look out the window, I didn't notice that a small crowd has gathered, and were taking pictures, until Art tapped my shoulder.

"A lady requested for a kiss." He whispered in my ear. I turned around and saw a couple girls, with their cellphones, two older ladies, and one reporter. All were with their cameras or cellphone.

"You've got to be kidding me." I said in a low voice.

"So what about that kiss?" Art said.

I glared at him. "You know that won't happen." I hissed. I grabbed his hand and left the shop.

"You know that would be in the newspaper tomorrow, right?"

I did a wave motion. "Starring Lily. The princess Criminal.

Art chuckled. "If you put it that way."

By now the police left, because the whole shop was empty except for Karina.

She didn't look happy.

"Where were you." She looked at me.

"Um...."

"At the book store next door." Art said.

"Lets go back to the palace. I think I'm getting a headache."

Karina got in the passenger side beside Zack, while me and Art sat in the back.

"I think we should stop disappearing." Art whispered.

"Good idea, until I find out why the police were looking for me, until then, I'm gonna wear camouflage."

Art laughed, "You're not serious, are you?"

"Depends on how you put it."

"Whatever that means." Art chuckled, "But I had fun. Its been a while."

"I didn't do anything."

"I know, that's what made it fun. I'm still waiting for the kiss."

I looked at him. "After the wedding Mister."

"So you do love me!"

I groaned. "I mean't, my kiss will happen after I get married. Until then, you're single."

"Ouch." Art smirked, "Await for my proposal then."

"If I'll still be here."

Karina turned around and glared at us, "Can you two be any quieter? I'm about to have a major migraine!"

"Will do!" I replied.

The rest of the ride was in silence, and it actually suit me well.

I guess y'all still got the extra long chapter! Hope you enjoyed! Sorry it took so long! Please vote and comment!!