As Kayla had expected, there was no cellular service for her carrier in this country. She would have to make do with the laptop she bought over a year ago, grateful that WIFI was a universal thing. Khazkatia even had the best connection speed she ever had.
Kayla called her mother first about being out of the country, and she was hysterical.
"How could you leave without saying goodbye?" her mother yelled over the video call. Her voice was so loud that Kayla's eyes twitched.
Kayla sighed. She had expected this reaction, which was typical of a Filipino mother. She also expected the lengthy lecture her mother gave right after, quietly receiving what she believed was well-deserved.
"I told you, Mama. It was too sudden. Eric's brothers needed him and we had no time to really think." She paused, knowing her mother would go on with her lecture, but she didn't. "Besides, this is work. And they've offered me a great deal. I can be home in just two years and our tailoring company will be up and running again."
"That is good news to us. Really. But you acted without consulting us. We would rather you are here with us, safe and healthy, even with little money, than have you away from us." Her mother's drooping shoulders began to shake. She was barely in her fifties and yet she appeared a decade over.
Kayla nodded. "Eric will take care of me."
"I know that," her mother said quickly, perhaps remembering the reason she was there in the first place. Her mother had met Eric a few times in the past and was quite taken with him. He's a good man, she always said, and so Eric was far too welcomed in their home. "But I still want you to be careful. You do not know their culture. You do not know anyone in their country. Why would Eric's company be paying you that much?" Her mother was a skeptical woman. It was her nature.
"Well, it's not really Eric's company. It's his family. You see…" Kayla paused, unable to find the right words. Since finding out about it this morning, this would be the first time she'd say it aloud, and she couldn't believe it herself. "Eric is… Eric is a prince, Mama. And his eldest brother would be king in 6 months."
Her mother didn't speak right away. "You're kidding."
"No. Not about this one."
She narrowed her eyes and laughed. "You mean you've been best friends with a prince all this time?"
"Yeah, I know. So silly of me not to notice."
"Well, I think it's great. You were yourself and he accepted you for it. I'd bet he's happy that you accepted the kind of man he is beyond his birthright, too," her mother said. There was pride in her voice. "Now that you know, do not change. Be a better best friend to him. I'd bet he needs it."
"Yes, Mama."
"Anyway, your sisters and I will go to the market in an hour to buy more supplies. Thank you for sending us money again."
"I will send more as soon as they pay me," Kayla replied. And they hung up.
As she unpacked her clothes, she wondered what working would be like. It excited her. The fact that she was in a new country, a traditional one that had recently opened its doors to the modern world, with so much to share and so much to learn thrilled her to her bones. She couldn't wait to get started.
She went back out the balcony to admire the palace garden, taking in the sunny and lush green space that evidently belonged to the palace. Whichever corner she turned, she was amazed at the colorful flowers that seemed new to her eyes. She could almost smell them, as she imagined how it would be like if she walked along the garden's stone paths, touching everything she saw with just the tip of her fingers.
She was lucky indeed to have come to this country at such a wonderful season. Here, fountains, topiaries and shrubs that formed the most complicated mazes, looked more alive and fresh. And birds were really singing – chirping happily to fill the air with so much joy. Beyond the garden, quite a hike from the palace, she could see a lovely stream overlooking the nearby mountains, where trees of orange, peach, pink and silver leaves and blooms lined up the horizons and paths.
It was unlike any other place she had been to.
She went back in and continued unpacking her clothes. Distracted, she once again stared at the fully-carpeted room. On one end was a fireplace and on its mantel were pictures of landscapes framed individually in small five-by-seven silverwares. There were glass vases with fresh white roses and lavender flowers on it, too. Elegant chairs, sofas and ottoman allowed people to sit by the fire's heat on cold nights.
Opposite the fireplace and the room's living room area was a well-designed plum canopy bed, with nylon curtains hanging above it. There must have been more than ten pillows of different sizes and shades of purple. The bed sheets were perfectly placed, as if they were ironed and she wondered why there were so many layers. It made her smile, knowing for sure that Eric had everything ready with purple accents.
Her laptop pinged a new message and saw Eric's reminder that dinner was in half an hour. She panicked.
Digging into her luggage, she realized didn't own anything nice enough for a royal meal. She had dresses, but they were too casual. Asking Eric about the dress code would only give him the idea that she had nothing to wear, so she went against it and decided to take a shower.
The bathroom was huge. It might have been as big as her apartment back in Manila and she giggled excitedly. A bathtub, the shape of a teacup and large enough for at least three people, sat in the middle of room. The shower cubicle had five showerheads. Two on each side and a big one at the top.
She found comfort in the cool water flowing through her body. It was the perfect temperature. And the shampoos and oils? They smelled of oranges and strawberries, of roses and champagne, making her feel oddly happier as soon as she stepped out. The aroma did her senses really good.
She decided to go casually formal. She got into her cream satin pants that flowed smoothly down her medium-length legs and a short-sleeved coat to match, covering her white and lilac flowery inner blouse. She tied a lilac belt around her waist and wore a pair of closed lilac shoes to complete her look. As she stared at herself in the mirror, she wondered if this was enough.
She wondered if SHE was enough. Back home, she was Kayla Montejo, the dance teacher. But here, she was Kayla Montejo, the dance teacher that was best friends with one of the princes. Everything she did accounted to Eric's name. And that scared her. For that may only be a speck in Eric's magnificent role in this country, but that was everything she ever would be.
"You can do this," Kayla whispered, still staring at herself.
There was a light knock on the door minutes later. She topped her pink lipstick with a lip gloss and rushed to the door. It was Mr. Frey, informing her that dinner would be ready in half an hour.
"Hello, Mr. Frey," she said shyly, trying to recall if she had done anything stupid in the past that would taint her relations and image while she worked in the country. She couldn't think of any, and it gave her momentary relief.
"Here, I am not Mr. Frey. I am just Frey, personal adviser to Prince Ericson." He gestured his hand to her direction. "May I come in?"
"Of course, Mist—I mean, Frey."
Frey walked in slowly, body straight and hands behind him. "How are you?"
"Fine. I'm still confused, actually. It's like I went along with this all too quickly. All too well," she replied, sitting on the edge of her bed. "I mean, look at this. And look at you. You're a different person, and I haven't felt the gravity of the change until now. I feel like we're just on a vacation and Eric is still Eric and you are still you."
"Because you are still you that you feel that way, my lady," Frey cut in. "And you must keep that. For Prince Eric's sakes."
My lady. The words flowed through her, tickling her senses.
"What do you mean?"
"The Prince is fond of you. You complement him so well just by being you. Keep that," he said. "You both will need it."
Yes, they would. It would be nice if Eric remained Eric for her. That he wouldn't change. That no matter what happened, where this journey would take them, Eric would remain the man who had held her and backed her up through the years.
She nodded and took steps to where Frey was. "So, how do I look?"
"Gorgeous." Frey winked right before leaving.
Moments later, she was fetched by an even younger palace staff. He was wearing a uniform just like Frey's, but his vest wasn't white and red. It was black.
"Hi! I'm Ernest. I'm a trainee assistant. Soon, I will be like Frey. Glad to meet Prince Eric's best friend from the Philippines."
Ernest was about the same age as Kayla, but stood about 5 feet 8 inches tall. He was chirpier than anyone she had met at the palace so far, and while it bothered her that he talked a lot, she found comfort in knowing that someone could be normal.
"Hi, I'm Kayla."
"I am informed, Miss. Frey has already conveyed us about you and Cindy and Roberto. And Mico and Carlito and Judith. We have to familiarize ourselves with all the prince's guests." Ernest, as if remembering, stood straight and waved his hand towards the corridor. "It is lunch. You best not be late. His Highness Prince Leonardo and Lady Madeline will be waiting. Follow me."
"So I heard," Kayla replied, walking out of the room with speed she had to maintain no matter her desires to examine the paintings off the walls of the corridors.
Entering the dining hall, Kayla sucked in a breath. It was real. Places with golden ceilings that seemed so high no one could reach it. Stone pillars that supported the grandeur. Chandeliers of glass and candles that dangled off of them and gold ornaments that decorated the walls. Marble flooring that reflected any movement that grazed it. They were all real.
"Beautiful," Kayla whispered.
Ernest leaned in to whisper something close to her ear, but Kayla would bet all her money that most of the people they passed by heard him. "Tell that to his Highness. He will be glad to see the manner on which you said it."
"I will remember that," she said, careful with her own words. She didn't want people to think she was there to impress anyone, let alone the Crown.
Ernest gave her a smile of satisfaction and victory, and then moved on. He stopped on the other end of the table and pulled a chair, indicating where she was to sit. The length of the table is of twelve men on each side, laden with centerpieces of flowers and fruits. The plates were of matching designs and colors and the spoons and forks were obviously of silver.
Kayla hesitated as she was seated on the second chair to the end, where one special-looking chair was placed. She turned her attention to the other seats, already occupied by about seven people.
She could feel their eyes on her, scrutinizing her, no matter the sweetness of their smiles. Two of them were obviously couples. They sat next to each other, too close to be anything other than married people. The woman raised an eyebrow at her, while the man seemed to regard her with a bit of malice.
About two seats apart from them was a young woman, shyly smiling at Kayla. Kayla took comfort at the fact that the woman was her age and that the woman acknowledged her presence with a light wave of her gloved hand. She also muttered a silent hello, her red lips moving gracefully as she quietly spoke through the distance.
"Hello," Kayla mouthed back.
Opposite them, right at Kayla's side, were a man and his three daughters. Two of the daughters waved at her and smiled, all their teeth showing. The third one looked at her once and rolled her eyes, not having any problem expressing her disapproval.
Kayla thought she best guard herself from these three. They didn't seem to approve of her, as much as their father didn't.
She then turned to the empty seats and blew out soft breaths, calming herself as she waited for the others to come. When Cindy and Roberto were escorted in, she was relieved. The others began to pour soon after.
"This is so cool," Cindy sat at the opposite side of the table, right next to Roberto. "Isn't this cool, Rob?"
Roberto smiled and nodded, careful to reveal the panic that Kayla could detect in his eyes despite his glasses.
Judith, who was never in great terms with Kayla, faked a proud stance. "We deserve this and more. So you better not do anything to ruin it, Cindy."
"Oh, chill out, Judith," Kayla said when she saw how Cindy lowered her head.
"I am not here to chill out. I am here to work. And so are you two." Judith the smiled and shifted on her seat. "I have been given supervising duties by Frey. He spoke to me this morning. You all work under me." Her voice was condescending, demanding attention from even the seven people joining them.
Kayla felt a pang of envy and irritation. She was Eric's best friend. Why was she not given that duty?
A moment later, they heard the loud thud of metal against the hard marble floor. It echoed about the room, followed by the deep voice of a man by the door.
"Presenting. Josh Erickson Marionette Van Laningham, Prince of Khazkathia."
The others stood from their seats to recognize the presence of a royal and she did the same.
Eric emerged from above the staircase at the other end of the hall, opposite to where she had entered. He was more charming now, more vibrant, wearing the same coat that he did hours before, yet it seemed to be new and clean. He smiled and nodded at his friends and rushed down the stairs.
He paused a bit to shake the hands of the people he passed by, now welcoming him for his return home, and then finally walked straight to the seat beside Kayla's.
"You look beautiful," Prince Eric whispered, looking into her eyes.
"Thank you, Your Grace." She bowed lightly as she felt herself blush from his compliment.
"The Royal Couple, His Highness, Crown Prince of Khazkatia, James Leonardo Marionette Van Lamingham and The Lady Madeline Duflei." The man announced next.
They emerged through the balcony and Kayla smiled, as if seeing them for the first time again and feeling so much joy that she was in their presence.
"See, my brother, Prince Leonardo," Prince Eric bent his head towards Kayla as he whispered, yet fixed his eyes on his brother, "he fought our father so I could study modern arts around Asia. I spent a great deal in your country for reasons I cannot still fathom, but it is all for our country. I cannot fail him."
"I am sure, you won't," she whispered back, smiling as he did.
Eric held her gaze long enough to allow the Crown Prince and his fiancée settle into their seats.
The Crown Prince cleared his throat and Kayla broke off the spell, turning her head to his direction, away from Eric. He smiled and announced that lunch would be served. They all sat.
"Ms. Montejo," Prince Leonardo began and Kayla stiffened, although she anticipated this. She gasped and felt Eric's hand on hers, resting on her knee. "I have heard only great things about you. So many great things, I tell you. Had anyone been unaware of your real relations with Prince Eric, you would be mistaken as his betrothed."
Kayla's lips began to quiver. But her years of experience in teaching and being subjected to countless observations during class and school accreditation had given her the ability to hide it behind carefully selected words. "I am sure Prince Eric is very fond of our friendship, Your Highness."
"Indeed, he is." Prince Leonardo nodded. He held his lady's hand, who sat adjacent to him, opposite Eric. "He is very fond of you and your skills. I heard you are a very good writer and dance teacher."
"She is," Prince Eric said, not giving her the chance to defend herself from words meant only to flatter her. "I would not have asked you to come here with me if you were not. The team, as well, of course. But I take special pride in having brought Kayla here."
"I am grateful for the work, Prince Eric," Kayla replied, reminding Eric of the reason she was here. Such a reminder was also meant for the team, now witnessing unwanted attention thrown at her. Judith, who was sitting next to Roberto, was eyeing her disapprovingly, "And I am certain that we are all grateful that you have received us. You have a very beautiful home."
"Ah, yes." Prince Leonardo smiled at the words. " Now, I take more pride at what you are here for. The school for the new arts."
"One of Father's visions that would require special hard work from all three of us. One which we certainly would not fail." Prince Eric added proudly, raising his glass of wine towards the other people at the table. His voice was loud – forced even – and Kayla wondered to whom the short speech he gave was for.
"I'm afraid I must step away from this one, Eric. As we have discussed, I will be personally handling other tasks we deem fit for Father's visions. We cannot delay and, you are correct, we certainly cannot fail," Prince Leonardo said.
The moment he finished speaking, the same loud thud that announced Eric's arrival was heard about the hall and the same voice announced the arrival of the third prince.
"Ivan Sebastiano Marionette Van Laningham, Prince of Khazkatia."
Everyone, except the Crown Prince, stood up.
"He is late." A voice echoed about the room and when Kayla turned it was from the same man being introduced. Sebastiano declared his shortcoming as he walked briskly down the stairs, tailed by a woman whose head was raised in sophisticated pride.
Prince Sebastiano wore the same royal suit as Prince Eric; only his appeared far better worn than Eric's. If it was because he was slightly toner in built and more muscular, as if he had been from a gym than any royal event, or because he appeared more confident and more certain of his station, she couldn't tell. But she could certainly tell that the room sensed how the air was suddenly filled with eminence when he walked in.
While Eric's presence brought the feeling of lightness and Prince Leonardo's commanded the feeling of comfort, Prince Sebastiano's demanded admiration. His far more superior stance and appearance made Kayla and the people in the room turn all their attention to him, despite the fact that he certainly appear to not ask for it.
Prince Sebastiano walked straight to his seat, right beside Lady Madeline, exactly opposite Kayla's, but did not immediately sit. He waited, albeit impatiently, for the woman following him, who was still chatting with the sweet woman beside the couple at the other end of the table. Prince Sebastiano cleared his throat to catch her attention, but to no avail. The Prince sighed and inadvertently turned his eyes to Kayla.
He stopped as their eyes met, and opened his mouth as if caught in a surprise. He narrowed his eyes at her, as if trying to recognize her, but softened as soon as Kayla opened hers to start to speak.
"Your Grace." She bowed her head low and then began to wonder if the words even left her mouth.
She felt her heart throb against her chest, but it was nothing like she had felt when she faced Prince Leonardo and Eric.
Eager to observe the third prince once more, she turned her eyes back to him and saw that he still stared. She felt her cheeks grow hot, reddening at the scrutiny of yet another royal set of eyes.
In the next instant, she felt Eric's hand at the small of her back, as he cleared his throat. She turned to him and he smiled weakly. An indication that whatever it was that transpired between her and the third prince, he had noticed it, too.