Never Forget You

Stefan's POV:

I have never been fond of the palace life. I mean it can be something that some people might look forward to, considering the fact that they only see the riches and the lavish lifestyle following the title of a prince or princess. But palace life is just more than that. It looks more into the responsibilities as an individual and how much you can fulfill those responsibilities, since you may be the 'first in line' to become the prince.

Even though i have always despised the palace life, my father on the other hand wants to give this position to me and no one else which is weird because... Louis is also there with me! And he seems like the perfect candidate! Well not exactly perfect considering he is a dimwit but still! I would rather give him my position instead of having to sit in a stupid royal box and give out orders.

But even through my countless protests going into complete and utter waste, my father decides to do something completely outrageous... Meet me up with the princess for a marriage date. You know.. King's stuff. I still doubt my decision of living with my dad because now this is getting on my nerves ALOT. And now you're wondering what am i possibly trying to say.... Well the funny thing is that i don't know myself

I am then snapped out of my riverie of thoughts when i am called by my father in our carriage as we head to the other kingdom, led by the beautiful Victoria Jones.

"Now Stefan. i would like to remind you to be on your best behavior today when meeting with the princess and Queen Victoria. They can be quite put off by your actions if you don't decide to treat them with respect." he explains, while i just lower my head and nod in agreement. I suddenly hear Louis' scoff. What's up with that brute?

"Dad honestly you didn't have to explain all of that to him. He's a grown man not a child. i mean if he was supposed to be told all of this then why didn't you just assign me as the next in line for the throne? I would have definitely loved to marry Princess Anabelle." he says, ending his sentence with a brute smirk on his face. One thing I forgot to mention was that Louie was my cousin, meaning he was related to my dad's brother, who was another case of his own and i would rather not talk about it.

"Louis you know that your father and I talked about this and decided that Stefan is the perfect choice for this. Now if you talk too much about this matter i would have no choice but to tell your father to remove you from all royal duties." he finished with finality, making it my turn to smirk in amusement at the brute's red face. Hah! That should teach him...

We stopped talking once the coachman announced that we have finally arrived at the castle. I know myself that i have never been to another emperor's castle so once i saw the astonishing monument.. i must say that it aged well and it must be there for a good amount of time. We stepped out of the carriage when all of a sudden i felt Louis bump me a little.

"You just watch little brat. I will be the one who will lead this kingdom." He says with a courage that i have found quite amusing. Chuckling i asked, "Really? And what makes you think that you will lead this kingdom properly and i won't?" He stomped his foot like a little child before saying,

"Because my intelligence and interest in these royal duties exceeds yours. You are just a pawn. I could easily flick you away like a little fly." He says threateningly but i know that his words mean nothing to me because the next thing i knew, i leaned towards him a little bit as i said my next words,

"Oh really? Then why didn't you show your power way before? To show that you are as intelligent and interested as you say you are. Think about it. Because if you would've shown me that i would've gladly stepped down. But it is my intelligence and my strategies towards my kingdom that got me the prestige that i asked for. So stay out of my way brute." I finished as i walked behind my dad and into the palace doors. Here goes nothing....

Anabelle's POV:

Honestly I have never been against the palace life...

Oh who am I trying to kid, its absolutely horrendous living in a space with four walls that will try to suffocate you but at the same time, I can be able to read and do my artwork at my art station in peace.

Of course, without my dearest mother always nagging over my head to marry some rich bode and live in a small royal box, waving your hand to millions of people with zero interactions, I know sounds very unpleasant to the general public and even me.

And now I have been informed that a possible new suitor is coming to visit the palace grounds. How delightful... Note the satiric tone in my voice.

Honestly, I sometimes question why my mother would always try to set me up with a guy when I do not want that. But here we are, a timer in my head that will indicate when the spoilt royal highness will arrive and will cue the entrance of our dear maid, Rebecca and my dearest mum, whilst I read my favourite classic Shakespeare story. 3... 2.... 1.... And.....

The door opens to reveal the two people I had expected to come at the right moment. Just like I said...

"Princess Anabelle. The royal highness and his two sons are here and are requesting your presence." Rebecca informed me, while my mum stood there, expecting me to drop off the couch and go down to the spoilt brats.

"Isn't it just funny how the seasons can change but our behaviours and perceptions can't? Are we just stuck in this time line of never ending events that will lead to our undimely dimise?" I asked, acting very dramatically might I add. Yes I have read too much Shakespeare...

"Darling, stop this nonsense and show some respect. The Royal Highnesses are waiting for you." my mum finally spoke up, sounding very authoritative as I groaned in exasperation before sitting up.

"But mum, we already know about these people AND the fact that their son, also known as the 'perfect suitor' in your eyes, is a spoilt brat." I retorted, my attitude highlighting the essence of my said sentence.

"Look I know we had our disagreements but Stefan is a really good man. He has been controlling his father's kingdom more than his own father. Most of the kingdom's advances are in fact planned by him! So what if he doesn't take interest in these kingdom affairs, he still is a smart boy and he is a good match for your trained mind." Now that she says it, I realised that maybe this Stefan guy isn't as bad as I thought of him to be. He can also be my perfect match!

Now I do have the brains to every one of my kingdom's strategies and my mum is the one who executes them, which is why we are the most powerful and empactful kingdom in the world. So this Stefan has the brains and the execution which will make us the perfect couple. Okay then! I'm ready to meet this brute! I sighed deeply before closing my book and slowly getting up, brushing off any visible creases on my dress, before saying

"Okay mum. I agree to go and meet the Prince." My mum looked ecstatic as she jumped in the air, and ran off with Rebecca downstairs to the Royal Highnesses, as I made my way slowly behind them, taking deep breathes as I do so. Here goes nothing...

Stefan's POV:

"What is she up to that is taking her so long? A princess must never be so late!" the brute replied exasperatedly as if he was her father, making me scowl.

"Louis calm down. She must not be feeling well! That's why she's taking her time. Or maybe she's a shy one.." My dad replied, letting his last sentence come out in a whisper, as if he was in thought. Well to me I just think that she thinks I'm a brat.

"Oh that's no excuse, Uncle Charles. She must be stalling!" he exclaims.

"Your Royal Highnesses! May I present to you, the Royal Queen and Princess of the Kingdom of Wales!" the maid announced before I heard loud footsteps going down the stairs.

As I looked towards the stairs, first came Queen Victoria, with her maroon gown adjourning her beauty and fine excellence. Her waist complimented in a fine corset and her hair in a proper up do. Her makeup is very minimal except for the dark lipstick, to signify her old age. Although she has aged gracefully, I can easily say that she doesn't look a day over 30.

As she slowly walked down the stairs, I see another silhouette walking down the stairs and to say I was hypnotised was an understatement.

First came in her pink gown with delicate flower details on it, as her hands glided down the stairs. Then came her waist adjourned by the delicate corset to sinch in her waist. As she finally reached the mid staircase, I finally got to see her face and I was stunned as my mouth opened a few inches and my eyes stuck to her figure. Her face was the definition of a delicate flower that blossomed and must be protected at all costs. It also held the entrancing passion of a wild flower, showing that she has authority. Her eyes, brown as the Earth's mud, glowed with curiosity as she looked at us before she bowed her down, and bent for a curtsy. Her hair was left open in beautiful waves to show her everlasting beauty which left many men admiring her for years, including myself.

I was broken out of my thoughts when she finally came right in front of me, as Queen Victoria introduced me to her,

"Your Highness. Please meet my lovely daughter, Princess Anabelle Elizabeth Jones."