I looked at her, she was unreal. Her grey eyes stared right through my heart. Those silky brown hair fell perfectly before her eyes. I moved my hands to resettle it. She smiled. My heart. My poor heart couldn't take it. She already owned it.

And as i was ready to give my all just to be with her, I realized, she wasn't just ruling my heart. She was the ruler-of this whole nation.

"Your highness please try to understand. Your highness is the future of this nation, please restrain from her decision."

"Well that's not possible...Samuel"- princess stated.

Samuel is her royal bodyguard and adviser.

Princess Evelyn has never been the one to change her words. Last time she demanded all the royal guards to dress like maids for a day because she felt like it. And next is when she challenged a prominent prince for a sword fighting and even won. That's how she is-erratic.

But this time, it became quite a scene in the palace when she suddenly wanted to go to a normal school. Everything she did was inside the palace till now. But going out in public was a worrying matter.

"Princess, what is this that i hear?" -shouted the king.

"Father, i want to study in a normal school. That's all. Please let me go."

"That is not happening Evelyn...you're a royal."

"But no one will know that"-she said smiling.

"Father please, i will go there as a commoner and return as i finish my highschool. It's only for a year. Pleasee."

As always the king had no say over his daughter whom he loved more than anything.

"Alright, i agree"

Evelyn hugged her father.

"But-" he added.

"I am only agreeing since you are to understand the life of your citizens and-"

Evelyn kissed him and ran away.

"You little I've not finished yet-- Ugh when will this girl be serious about her duties"

Prime minister rushed in

"Your majesty, why did you agree to such request? You know it can expose her highness to alot of dangers. We certainly don't want that."

"I believe in my daughter. She may be unpredictable but she knows her way."

"Your majesty but-"

"Prime minister, take it as an opportunity. She will get to know her citizens better. Indeed I'm agitated but she is just like her mother. Curious. Let her be."

"Samuel, why do you worry so much. I'll be alright"-princess told assuringly.

"You certainly will be my princess. But-- you have never been out alone before. Please take me along."

Samuel, a 6 foot tall guy, black hair, shiny eyes and a chiseled face. He looked all professional in his black suit. Samuel was taken in by the royal family when he was young. He and princess have been friends since. Despite the friendship, he respects her deeply. And would do anything for her sake.

"Oh come on Sam, why are you acting like a baby? Come here and help me pack my stuff."

The princess cares for him too. He and the king are her most precious people after all.

It was a summer morning. The sky was painted in orangey blue. The birds were singing and the cool fresh air brushed my face. I enjoyed the moment as i stood by my balcony. I wished for the moment to stay forever. But only if life were that simple.

"I don't want to live with you anymore...I want a divorce"-dad shouted at mom.

"How could you say that George? we have a son."-mom cried. "After all these years, we can't just end it like this."

"There is no ending when there was nothing between us. Besides, it was a living hell for me being with you."-dad replied.

"You jerk, i always did everything for you. And you never returned anything. How silly of me to think it was love "- mom stuttered while she shouted. "Go away, i don't wanna see you anymore."

"Whatever Julica, sign these papers and I'll leave right away."

My mom kneeled to the ground crying. I ran and supported her.

"Dad, stop it..why are you saying such things?"- i said.

"Jack, I'll come to take your custody. You should decide who you want to stay with. "

They fought everyday. It had become a usual thing. But i never thought my own parents would end up separating. And- I'll have to choose between one of them.

And that's it. My enjoyment ended right there. The day when my mom and dad ended their relationship. Also the day when i understood there is nothing called love. My mom gave her all to dad but he didn't even hesitate to end it at once.

It's been 4 years since that day. Things were pretty hard for me and mom after he left. Thankfully, i got to stay with mom. She tries hard to remain happy but i know deep down she's hurting. She keeps the mask on so that i don't feel troubled. She's the most precious person in my life.

"Mom, why are you working. You go and rest. I'll do it."-Jack started cooking himself.

"Jack, do you think I'm old now?"-Julica asked.

"No mom...you're just 40. Who called you old?"

"Well i assumed since my son doesn't let me work."

"You work at office and you work here too...i can't let you do everything. You never ask for help too. Just tell me when you need."

"Alright, alright go ahead young man. I sure am lucky to have a son like you."- Julica said with a big smile.

They sat at the table to have their breakfast.

"Now I just wish for a lovely girl for my son. That would be so wonderful."- Julica said excitedly

"Mom, not again. That won't happen."- Jack answered as he got annoyed.

"Why? You're tall, handsome and skilled at everything. Who wouldn't want a guy like my son?"- Julica replied proudly.

"Ok mom that's it. I'm off to school. See you later."

"Alright honey, have fun."

Later at school-

"Dude, you won't believe it. There's a gorgeous new lady in our school. I heard she's studying with us. I'm so excited."- Niko told Jack impatiently.

"You don't need to be so excited. It's just a girl."

They chatted while walking to class.

"Let's see how long you can keep the long face after you see her."-Niko said teasingly.

They reached their class. There was a tall brown haired girl standing. Looked like she was struggling with her seat.

Niko pushed Jack towards her. They bumped with eachother.

"Hi!" -Evelyn said.

Jack stayed quiet.

"Hello, I'm Niko..nice to meet you."- Niko barged in.

"Nice to meet you too...I'm Eillen"- Evelyn replied with a smile.

She faced toward this tall, dark haired guy with the glasses on to ask what his name was.

"Uh-I'm Jack"-he kept it short.

"Jack" she smiled.

~Evelyn's View~

I left from palace yesterday. They bought me a new house to live. The school I'm about to go to is also closer from here.

As i sit here all alone, it feels strange. Maybe cause I'm always surrounded by people in palace. But this is what i always wanted. Solitude followed by no rules and obligations.

Father has always been the defensive type. It is totally understandable as i am his only family after we lost mother. He did everything to protect me till now and still does. He thinks keeping me guarded inside will insure my safety but that did nothing but grow my curiosity.

This is the reason why no one in Alvenia recognizes me, except for palace members. It is the king's order to keep my identity secret. Everyone must obey it at all cost.

Why do i need to stay in? How can i stay put when there's a whole world to explore outside? This is why i have decided to live on my own and experience everything a normal citizen would. Even if it's for a year.

Thinking of which, Sam was acting pretty strange yesterday. Even father agreed to let me out but he kept on denying. God knows what happens to that guy sometimes.

But that's not what's important right now, I'm going to school today. A normal school. I am so excited.

I peeked from my window and saw one of the royal guards waiting outside. "I knew father would send people to escort me. Too bad I plan on doing this on my own"

I sneaked out from the back door, climed the walls and took a different route. I finally reached my school.

"So what do i do now?"- i stood there clueless.

Suddenly- "Hey girl....you look Suweet. Wanna go out with me?"-Someone was too close to my ears.

"I'm sorry but do I know you?"-i asked.

"You don't need to know me. A pretty girl like you should only belong to me"- he said as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

I wanted to respond more humbly but before i opened my mouth, his intentions felt wrong so I threw him to the ground. He fell on his chest and i bent his arm behind his back.

" You don't get to choose for me. Also, watch your hands, or they won't be able to touch anyone again. Understand?"- i warned the guy lying on the floor and walked away.

Gladly, no one saw me in the scene. Or father would definitely call me back. I walked to the class which i finally managed to find but there were so many seats i got confused. "Which one should i choose? The one in the front looks good. I'll sit here."

Just then a guy came stumbling at me. Clumsy guy i thought. I introduced myself to him but he didn't respond. How rude. People in palace never ignored me.

And then another guy came. His name was Niko. He seemed quite fervent totally opposite of Samuel. How i wished he showed such enthusiasm sometimes. I thought as i looked at the guy who bumped at me. His name was Jack.

"They are the first people i introduced myself to. I should get to know them more."- i thought to myself and took the seat next to me.

"This is our seat."- Jack said.

Totally confused, I asked - "Your seat?"

"That's alright Eillen. You can sit with Jack. I'll sit here"- Niko said as he took the seat behind me.

Jack came and sat next to me but didn't even look at me once. Does he despise me?

Just then 3 more boys entered the class. Among them a guy in the middle looked familiar. "That's the guy i beat up earlier."- I was reminded.

Niko whispered to my ears- "They are the bad guys of our school. Even the principal can't punish them. You should avoid them at all cost Especially Kevin. The guy in the middle."

"Kevin, I see."