William and I chatted by the terrace outside. There was barely any people on the terrace outside so we could have private conversations without any disturbance.
William looked like a good person judging by our conversation. He talked about his studies and his plans about working for Ethiopia as a court official in the future. He had many plans that would probably be beneficial for the people of Ethiopia.
It felt nice talking with him and I was also not left out on my subject. My days in the palace were always with Richard, my younger brother. He was the next heir to the throne and tutors were always there to teach him many things.
My stepmother the queen was always against me getting the need education for a princess, saying that I am of low birth and a simple peasant's education would suffice.
What she didn't know was that I would always sneak into my brother Richard's room to spend my days with him. When the personal tutors would come by to teach Richard I would be seeming in no interest but I used to learn in secret.
My knowledge in history, politics and running the country was as good as my brother's or maybe even better. I may not have learn etiquette and the grace of a royal princess but I still gained the knowledge of a crowned prince.
As William and I were deep in our conversation. I could suddenly feel someone glaring at me with hatred. This sent chills all over my body.
"Is something wrong princess Alicia?" William asked. "Am I too boring to discuss this topic with?" he further asked.
"Oh no, not at all. And please call me Alicia." I smiled. "What you just said were great plans. I am sure that you would be a great official when you inherit the title of duke." I said.
"Really? Then you can call me Will." he said enthusiastically. "Thank you so much Alicia. What you just said has gave me additional confidence in myself." he said as he gently held my hand. I blushed by his gesture.
"Of course he will become a great official." a young lady's voice said. This voice sounded very familiar to me. I turned to see that this was none other then my second oldest sister Lucy.
William and I both looked at the two young ladies walking towards us. They were my two elder sisters, Lisa and Lucy.
My stepsisters both inherited the features of my stepmother. They both had strawberry red hair and light yellow hazel eyes. They both were wearing beautiful gowns and their makeup was gorgeous. I thought that I would never match up to them now.
"He is the future grand Duke of Jonathan and will be a great court official in our kingdom." Lucy said.
"Your highnesses" William said as he bowed in front of them as a greeting.
Lucy clenched her fists in irritation and hatred towards me but her face put up a fake smile.
"It's good to see you again Sir William." Lisa said as she did a courtesy as Lucy followed.
"The last time we met was in your birthday celebration Sir William." Lucy said.
"Yes, it's been a while." William replied with a neutral smile.
"Your father the Duke is looking for you." Lisa said.
"Oh is that so?" William replied "Alicia I'll take my leave. I'll see you after I talk with my father. Until then!" William said as he left.
"Sure Will. Go ahead." I replied with a smile. Just then, I could feel that hateful stare again. That moment I saw where the hateful stare was coming from, it was Lucy. She was staring daggers at me as Lisa went to William.
"Come Sir William. I'll take you to him. He is with your father the Duke chatting with a few other nobles." Lucy said as she hooked her arm around William's.
William was taken by surprise. "O-Okay princess Lucy." William said awkwardly.
"Aww how many times will I tell you to call me by my nickname Liz?" Lucy said as she was flirting with him.
"I'm sorry princess but it's not that easy." William said as they were awkwardly walking with each other.
Lisa was looking at the two as they entered the ballroom. Suddenly, she looked at me with fierce eyes. It gave me the creeps.
"Know your place, Alicia." Lisa said. "Your just an adoptive daughter. Your no match for a future Duke such as William. You are not qualified to be his wife." She further said to me.
I was shocked and rooted in place. "Lisa, I have never thought of becoming William's wife. I am just happy to be friends with him." I explained.
"Liar!" Lisa shouted. "You are a slut just like your mother. She tempted my father. I won't let you to do the same with Liz. I won't let you of all people to steal William from her!" she further told me.
"But I didn't..." I tried telling Lisa that I would never do this but she just turned her back towards me and walked away to William and Lucy.
I could hear the music playing in the ballroom. When I looked at the dance floor I could see William and Lucy dancing together hand in hand. My heart ached a bit while looking at them.