As time went by, the bond between Nicholas and Lilyanna grew stronger. It’s not just a moment of attraction to one another, it’s love. You could see it in their eyes, so pure and true. They both knew that they wouldn’t have no future, a commoner and royalty? Not to say it was not allowed, it was also against tradition for an heir of a kingdom to associate with peasants.

“Go and bring Nicholas, I would like to have a word with him.” King Alexander ordered. Within seconds, Nicholas was in front of his father.

“Nicholas, my child, I bring good news. Your engagement with the Princess of Spain is no longer an engagement.”

“Was the canceled?” Nicholas interrupted, trying to hide the happiness in his eyes.

“No, it is now a wedding!” Nicholas stood there, dumbfounded which King Alexander mistaken as being overwhelmed by joy.

“When is it?” Nicholas asked boldly.

“Why, in three months!”

“May I be excused then?”

“Yes you may.” King Alexander replied. Looking at his son strangely as he walked out the door.

“Mother?” Nicholas whispered.

“Yes? What’s wrong?” Queen Elizabeth exclaimed when she saw the exhausted look on Nicholas’ face.

“Mother, I have a confession to make...”

Nicholas told Queen Elizabeth everything about Lilyanna. How they met, got to know each other and fell in love, everything except for the small scar on Lilyanna’s shoulder.

“Good heaven! I pray that you’re joking! Where is this girl? Does she not know that you’re royalty?” Queen Elizabeth questioned. The word royalty was like a knife, stabbing her repeatedly as she told herself that Nicholas ‘was’ her son.

“She knows, and she also know that there is no future for us. She even told me herself that she would leave my life when it’s time for the wedding! But Mother, can’t you see? I love her! I can’t survive without Lilyanna in my life! If only you met her, you would know.” Nicholas pleaded.