Lana's POV:

After letting mom know we returned home safetly we had dinner without Zale and I went to bed early. Wanting to get extra hours of sleep.

The next morning I was lying in bed still sleeping when I heard a voice interrupting my dream.

"Lana... Lana... Wakey wakey..."

"Hrm?" I groan, my eyes still close. I felt a hand on my shoulder, shaking me lightly.

"Its time for you to get up... Got to get ready for your birthday party..." The light voice said and I realize it was my mom.

"Can't I just stay in bed the whole day? That will be the best gift ever..." I groan turning to my side so my back was facing her. I then pull the blankets over my head.

"But then you wouldn't see the beautiful dress I had made for you. If you don't get up I'm taking the dress for myself..."

I rip the blankets off my head and glared at mom. "How dare you threaten me like that. Don't touch my dress. My dress."

She smiles, "Why how else will I get you out of bed? Get up and take a bath while I go get your dress." She says as she pulls the covers off me. "We have to get you ready for the party."

Slowly I climb out of bed and went to my bathroom. After taking a long good shower I came out to the bathroom to see a rose pink shoulder length dress drape over my bed.

I touch the skirt, feeling the silk and tulle rub against my finger tips. Lace sew into a pattern of thick vines grew thinner as they lead to the bodice.

"Do you like it?" Mom asks from next to me. Holding my brush in her hand.

I touch the lace vines that felt ruff against my skin. "I love it," I breathe with a smile. "Thank you mom."

She smiles, "Im glad you do. Now sit down so I can do your hair while you eat your breakfast. How about and updo to show your beautiful face?"

I nod as I sit myself comfortably on my bench in front of my vainity mirror. Where a plate of sunny side up eggs and two toasted bread sat with a glass of orange juice.

"You are going to look magnificent this evening." She says while I stuff my face with breakfast. I've been starving all morning and was so grateful that mom brought me food.

I wonder why Zale didn't come to dinner last night. I think to myself. He was probably too exhausted from playing with the kids too much.

I smile at the memory of the look on Zale's face as he let Gwen ride on his back.

"Are you excited?" She asks as she brush my hair in her hands.

I nod, "Alittle nervous," I answer truthfully.

"Nervous? Why? We do this every year. I don't ever remember you saying you were nervous."

"I don't know maybe because Zale will be there."

"Oh..." Was all she said with a hint of sadness in her voice.

"What?"

"Lana..." She starts but then her voice trails off.

"Yes mom? Is something wrong?"

She shakes her head and plaster a fake smile on her face. "No. Nevermind. Forget I said anything. Now do you want to wear your tiara this year?"

I turn around and grab her hand to stop her from brushing my hair. "Mom, I can handle it. What's going on?"

She sighs and rest her hand on my cheek. "Zale is not a prince."

I frown, "I know that. Why does that matter?"

"The rule is for a princess to marry a prince. Not a low class citizen. Its best if you push those feelings for him aside. You have suitors coming to introduce themselves to you at your party.

"And before you argue its best to keep an open mind. There are other fish in the sea and I hear they're really good gentlemen. Lana its for your own good. For you and the kingdom. You have to forget about Zale and socialize with your class."

I look into mom's eyes, stun. Completely surprise by her words. She takes my silence as agreement and turns me back around in my chair; continues brushing my hair like she didn't just tell me to shut off my feelings for a guy who is below me.

How bad I wanted to argue. How bad I wanted to defend Zale. But I told her I could handle it. Handling things is by being able to deal with it without fighting it.

Its best to keep an open mind. Mom's words ring in my ears.

I sigh, shoulders slipping in defeat. Maybe she's right... Besides Im sure theres a prince out there for me. Its just not Zale.

******
Prince Gabe of Seis gap at me silently with mouth open. Making me feel uncomfortable. He wore thick frames glasses and curly blonde hair with a dark blue suit.

"Hello? Anyone in there?" I tease with an awkward laugh.

He shake himself out of his daze. "Sorry princess, its just you look s-so beau-tiful," he stammers.

I laugh half heartily, "Thank you. You look handsome as well."

We stand there silent. I gazed around the ship as it fill with people from all around the seas for this party. All in fancy attires in a variety of colors. Carrying gifts they brought to offer.

Kings brought their sons to court me. Princesses whisper to each other as they watch me like a hawk. Queens gossip to one and another.

A long dinning table was stack with gifts on the right side while another table sat on the left offering food Chef Louis had made. In the center of the table was a six tier rose pink cake with seashells at the bottom.

I lick my lips, wanting to try the beautiful cake. But it wasn't time to eat until the boat set off.

Where is he? I need to talk to him. I think to myself. Turning my gaze to the entrance of the ship as people still walk up the board. None of them were Zale.

Hurry up Zale. We'll be leaving soon.

"... And our kingdom is best known for bread and mooses."

I snap my gaze back to Prince Gabe. "Im sorry what?" I ask confuse.

He frowns, "Oh, you weren't listening?"

I shake my head, "Im sorry I was distracted. Im looking for a friend. He should be here by now."

I turn my gaze back to the entrance and I feel my face light up when I see him walking up the board and onto the ship. Looking so handsome in his red suit that was tailor for him the other day.

His eyes roam the ship before they land on me. He looks at me up and down and I feel myself blush and feeling hot.

"Uh Im sorry Prince Gabe but will you excuse me? I have to go talk to someone. Im sorry please enjoy the party." I said before I walk past him and made my way to Zale.

"Excuse me," a young man steps in front of me. I halt to a stop before I could run into him. He was pretty big dress in a dark forest green suit. "Hello Princess Lana, Im Prince Nathan of Femos. You were going to visit my kingdom but you were in a ship wreck. And my do you look beautiful this evening."

I pause, "Oh thank you," was all I said as I look over his shoulder to see Zale still waiting, leaning against the ship's rails.

"Im so sorry to hear about the ship wreak you encounter while traveling to my kingdom." He continues, "I was so relieve to hear that you were able to make it back home alive."

I nod, "Thank you very much. I very lucky to survive. If you excuse I have to speak to someone. Please enjoy the party." I stated before dodging around him and made my way to Zale.

He had his hands behind his back when I finally reached him. "Hey," I said.

"Hey," he says with a small smile. "You look amazing."

I smile, "Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself."

He says thank you and we stand there awkwardly. He look anxious. His gaze was adverted and alert. Foot was tapping rapidly. I thought about mother's conversation. Knowing I should be talking to the suitors and not Zale.

I sigh, "Can we talk?"