"Loki? I'm sorry I don't know anyone named Loki"
"I know, you don't know me, but I know you."
"This guy is creepy, is he a stalker?" Aila muttered, still confused and wondering who could this guy be, she did not dare reply to the guy anymore.
"I'll go straight to the point, I like you."
"…" Aila has had so many confessions from guys before, but this one is the most straightforward one she's ever met.
"You might find my method of contacting you uncanny, but I assure I'm not a bad guy; I'm just desperate."
"Why are you feeling desperate?"
"Because I've wanted to talk to you since the first time I saw you at school; we have graduated yet I did not have enough courage to talk to you… This is my last card."
Aila did not know how to respond to the sudden confession of an unknown man; he did not want to dismiss and judge him easily but she does not want a text mate.
"I'm sorry; I'm not comfortable talking to strangers like this."
"I appreciate your sincerity; I will meet you some other time, Goodnight."
Aila kept her phone and fixed her things, she will be leaving early in the morning to spend her vacation with her parents in the palace.
Five o'clock in the morning the following day.
Aila dropped her casual style for a classy one since she will be arriving at their Royal airport near their private hangar she's expected to dress up appropriately for a princess.
She wore a white tank top and paired it with coffee-colored silk pants and blazer; she wore black wedges to make it a comfortable flight for her. She let her long wavy brown hair down and kept hair make up simple, she truly embodies simple elegance; fitting for a princess.
The journey went smoothly; Aila slept almost all throughout the flight. As the private jet landed, a red carpet was rolled out exclusively for Aila, and a Bentley state limousine was waiting for her arrival.
Aila gracefully stepped out of the private jet, to her surprise, her mom and dad were there waiting for her with a bunch of fresh flowers.
"Mom! Dad!" Aila exclaimed, and hugged them to her heart's content.
"Let's go, my dear, we have a lot to talk about" her mom held her hand as they both boarded the limousine.
"Don't worry my lovies, we have the whole month to spend together." Her dad chimed as he kissed Aila's forehead.
Aila entered her room, took a deep breath, and looked around.
"Wow, nothing's changed, same scent same arrangements… God, I miss this room!" Aila rejoiced as she jumped on her bed.
Her mom entered her room; she instantly giggled seeing her daughter jumping like a child.
"You missed your room, my dear?"
"I missed you more mom!" She stopped jumping and embraced her tightly while kissing her.
"I miss you most my princess." Her mom whispered and kissed her back.
"I wished you were there in my graduation mom…" Aila whined to her mom like a little child.
"I know how I wish I was there too… I wouldn't miss it for the world if it was that easy."
"I understand mom, besides, who would listen to my speech if you were there." Aila chuckled hiding the hurt she felt.
"Don't be sad my dear, I watched you live via the net, and would you believe it your dad and I bawled out in pride."
"Awwww… I love you, mom."
"Take a rest, tomorrow we will be meeting the king, he said he has some very important thing to discuss with you."
"Okay, I miss grandpa anyway. Goodnight mom."
Aila was close to his grandpa since she was young; their closeness was never hindered by their distance. His grandfather is strict, venerable but definitely adorable, most especially when he is around his grandchildren.
"Good morning Princess Aila, the king is waiting for you to join him for breakfast."
Her butler woke her up reminding her of her schedule for the day.
"Good morning, I will just freshen up, I will be done before you know it." Aila sneered at her butler who appeared stressed because of her.
"Don't worry grandpa loves me so much he would wait for me patiently."
It took Aila just ten minutes to freshen up and change in her daily palace attire.
"Good morning grandpa." Aila gave her grandfather a bear hug.
"You've gotten stronger my princess." The old man chuckled as he kissed Aila on the forehead.
"I missed you so much my grandpa bear."
"I missed you as much my dear."
"Mom told me you have to tell me something important, what is it, grandpa?"
"Let's eat first, I will tell you about it later."
The two enjoyed their breakfast as the king inquired about her experiences as a regular teen.
After their meal, they went directly to the king's study room. The room was vastly luxurious for a simple study. The furniture's trimmings were real gold plated most of the ornaments are medieval, originally from that time.
Aila sat near her grandfather, "You can tell me now grandpa…"
"When you come of age, you will have to marry someone we chose for you."
"…" Aila can't utter a single word because of shock, "Is this really happening?" she pondered.
"It is a hard decision my dear, but it is something beneficial not only for us, but for the whole kingdom."
"That act is so ancient grandpa, how can you make me do this? How can you force me to marry someone I don't love?" Aila sobbed.
"Oh my princess, I will not let you marry someone against your will, we will let you get to know each other and see if you're compatible, besides this commitment will not happen until you turn twenty-eight years old."
The king explained to her with such empathic eyes. He stroked her hair gently and wiped her tears.
"I love you so much my princess, please don't make me feel bad about this, I am old and frail I only want what's best for you and the kingdom."
Aila understood what her grandfather meant, but the news of having an arranged marriage at this point in her life is barely acceptable.
"I can't promise you anything grandpa, but you know I will always do my best for you and our land."
"That's my girl!" the king kissed her forehead.
Aila went up to her room after she finished talking with the king. She was lying face down on the bed, sobbing still overwhelmed with her predicament.
"knock, knock"
"Aila, it's me." It was her father's voice, calm and compassionate.
"Come in dad." Her dad went directly to her and tapped her back.
"Aila, you know how much our family treasure you and respect your decisions. But can you at least try this one first before you totally reject the idea?"
"Okay dad, but I still can't promise you anything." She stammered while trying to appear strong in front of her father.
Her father kissed her and left her, she continued to cry her heart out.
"Gosh, how can I enjoy dating if this marriage is at the back of my mind? Grrrr!"
Aila grunted and drowned herself with her pillows.