Good morning, love.” Jayden greeted me.

I smiled but didn’t say a word. I was savoring the time we have before the coronation and possibly, the war. I bit my lips and closed my eyes while letting out deep breaths.

I wanted to say something to Jayden but I wasn’t sure what was the right words in this kind of situation. We were supposed to be happy and excited for this day, but we were all feeling restless.

I haven’t talked to Kyle ever since we arrived. We haven’t had the time to be alone so I wanted to talk to him before the ceremony.

“Love, can I go and talk to Kyle? I wanted to tell him something.”

Jayden embraced me tighter while kissing me on the shoulders. I turned my face to him to press my lips to his. I know I was trembling when I kissed him. I really don’t want to be intimate with him today as if we are saying goodbye to each other.

“Go. I need to finalize everything with Luke and the others. I’ll see you later.” He said after the kiss.

I nodded and went out of bed. I just covered myself with a robe then walked out of the room.

In Flousia, Jayden and I also have servants who follow us around. It was the thing Emily hated the most but it was necessary. A lot of traditions have been revised and changed, but there are things that even the future queen has no power to control.

My servants followed me when I went out of the bedroom. I know Kyle was maybe still in his chamber so I came there first.

His servants were outside chatting, and they were surprised to see me approaching.

“Princess, what brought you here?” One of the servants asked.

I don’t actually know everyone in the palace. I was staying here for short periods and didn’t have the time to get to know everyone who lives here.

“I’m looking for my brother. Where is he?” I asked casually.

“Yes princess but I’m afraid the crown prince needed to rest before the ceremony. I-I apologize -“

I didn’t let her finish her words and hurriedly walked towards the door. They tried to stop me but I glared at them and no one dared to step closer.

“Brother! Kyle?” I yelled.

I know Emily didn’t sleep here since it’s forbidden for the crown prince and princess to stay the night before the coronation. I looked around his chamber but didn’t see him so I continued to call him.

“Kyle? Kyle!” I shouted.

“Margaret?” He answered.

He just got out of the shower, fresh and half naked. If he was still the Kyle I knew, I may have been embarrassed seeing him like that. But ever since I found out he was my brother, we never hide our affection as siblings to each other.

I pouted and rushed towards him. When I got closer, he pulled me into his arms and kissed me on the forehead.

“Why are you here? What’s wrong?” He asked, worried.

I was quiet for a moment, wrapped my arms around him and leaned my head to his chest. I started sobbing.

“Margaret, tell me what’s wrong?” His voice suddenly changed. He wasn’t just asking, it was an order.

“Everything. I’m sorry brother. I made everything worse. If it wasn’t for my selfishness, this wouldn’t happen. We should be feeling excited and happy. You have been waiting for this day but because of me, this day might be tainted with blood.” I sobbed.

He hugged me tighter, rubbing my back.

“Sshh. Stop blaming yourself. It won’t help us both. Come, let’s sit and chat. I’ve been wanting to talk to you. I missed my little sister.” He said while patting my head.

We walked towards the couch but before he sat down, he took a shirt to put it on. He came back and sat next to me.

“I know you have something to tell me aside from apologizing.” He started

I took a deep breath and looked at him.

“I just wanted to tell you that I love you. I appreciate everything you have done for me as my brother. Kyle, don’t ever bow to anyone. Protect the throne, protect our family. You are the rightful heir to the throne, no one else, even me.” I said in a firm voice.

He smiled and pinched me the cheek

“You really look like our mother. If she’s here, I know she’ll be proud of what you have become. But Margaret, you have a duty as a princess of Flousia. Do you remember? I have never asked you to fulfill your duties. Back then, I was thinking that time will come and you will eventually realize that Flousia needs you. Maybe this is the time. Instead of blaming yourself, why don’t you think of something that could help us overcome this crisis?” He said in a gentle but firm voice.

I was just listening to him. He has a point. As a princess, I should be strong for the people of Flousia, for the royal family, for my friends, for Jayden and for my children.

“Have you never imagined yourself as the queen?” He suddenly asked.

I was surprised to hear him asking me that question. I have never thought of getting the throne to him. I have never been interested in being a royal. Even the title of the princess, I’ve never asked for that.

“Kyle, Flousia is yours to rule. It was yours from the day you were born. Mom gave you to grandpa so you could be the next king. Why are you suddenly asking me that?” I frowned.

He took my hand and smiled at me again.

“I never doubted you. I know you don’t have any intention or even the slightest interest to rule Flousia. I was just asking because it might happen.” 

I pulled my hand away and stood up. I walked away from him, confused. I was confused about what my reaction should be. I felt like I wanted to cry and scream at the same time. I turned again to face him.

“Don’t you dare say that to me. Don’t you dare say goodbye! You are the king! I will never be the queen of this country..” I yelled but tears were filling up my eyes.