Chapter 3;

    

    *Princess Ana Mae's Pov*

    

     I stayed in my room all day to avoid Amira. It's not like I'm afraid of her, I just want our family to have peace. I love her because she's my cousin and I don't want to see her living a miserable life. Father will surely punish her for bullying me and I don't want that to happen. So I will do everything to avoid her for her own sake.

    

         "Your Highness, dinner is ready," Lean said as soon as she entered my room. I felt sad, no matter how much I tried to avoid my cousin it is still way too impossible to avoid her during dinner. Dinner in the palace is considered our family time. No one is allowed to skip dinner because it is considered as our bonding. And the only time where we get to talk about what we did during the day and some family affairs.

    

       I sighed before I slowly stood up and fix my skirt. As princess I need to be prim and proper in any situation and time. I walked slowly and Lean is following me from behind. 

    

       "Your Highness, are you okay?" I stopped walking when I heard her speak. I turn around to face her and gave her a warm smile.

    

      "I'm fine Lean, don't worry about me," I assured her. She slightly nod and then she gave me a half smile. Based on her facial expression I know she's really worried about me. She knows how much I wanted to avoid Amira, but sadly I can't avoid her all the time. 

    

       After a long walk we finally reached the dining hall. I slowly walk towards the direction of the dining table with a smile on my face.

    

       "Good evening mom and dad!" I greeted my parents and kissed them both on their cheeks.

      

        "Good evening our beautiful moonlight," dad said lovingly. I automatically smiled with what he said. And when I looked at mom she's smiling as well. My heart felt a different kind of warmth and fulfillment. Seeing both my parents happy made me happy as well.

    

      I turned my gaze to my cousin Amira and her mom Aunt Anatalia.  They stood up from their seats to pay respect. They are that respectful infront of my parents, but when I'm all alone they treat me like a disease they want to disappear.

    

      "Good evening your highness," they greeted in unison.

        "Good evening aunt Anatalia and Amira," I greeted them back before I took the seat beside my mom.

    

         We started eating silently. No one wished to start a conversation so  all we did was to eat and savor the delicious taste of the food. 

       After a few minutes, father decided to break the silence. He cleared his throat first before he spoke, "Amira and Ana Mae are growing up so fast. Home schooling is no longer beneficial to them. They have to meet new friends and be vulnerable to the life outside this palace walls."

    

         I was totally shocked with what he said. I'm going to study in a university now? That's awesome! But the fact that I'm going there with my cousin made me worried.

    

         

I diverted my gaze to my cousin Amira and her mom. They are both happy with father's announcement. And when I looked at mom, I could tell that she's worried. And I understand because this is going to be the first time that I will be away from them. Maybe she's worried about how will I be living outside the walls of the palace and without her care.

    "Mom, I will be fine," I assured her. She smiled and held my hand.

 

    "Just tell me if you need anything, and if you're struggling because I will automatically bring you back here," she said that made my father laugh.

     "Maurice, our daughter is a lady now. She's no longer the child you used to carry in your arms. She needs to feel independent even just for a while. She will be the ruler of Citrine and in order to do that she must establish a strong connection with the people she's going to rule. And staying inside the palace is not a good idea. Don't worry too much, Amira is there to take good care of her younger cousin," dad promised mom.

    "Your husband's right your highness, my daughter will look after the crown princess. Right sweety?" Aunt Anatalia turned to look at her daughter who's now smiling from ear-to-ear and probably planning something in her mind.

    "Ofcourse mom, my cousin is safe with me," she answered before she gave me a mischievous smile.

    "Thank you so much Amira. I entrust her to you, so promise me that you will do whatever it takes to keep her safe," mom said worriedly.

    "I promise your highness,"

    

    

          The next morning we left the palace without even saying goodbye to my mom. Dad said she does not want to see me leave because she might end up stopping me and putting back all my things to it's proper places inside my room.  

   "Stop acting like you're about to die! We will just study there it's not like we are about to get killed," Amira said mocking me.

    We are riding the same carriage and already on our way to the west side of Citrine where the University is located.

   

    "I'm just worried about mom," I answered with a hint of sadness.

    "Oh come on Ana Mae! You're worried about the queen or you're worried because you might end up failing them. We all know how weak you are and without your parent's guidance you will be a complete failure." She laughed so hard trying to insult me.

     I wanted to cry but tears won't fall from my eyes for some unknown reason.

    "Princess Amira, if you're not going to say something good please shut your mouth!" Lean suddenly spoke. She's sitting beside me and was probably annoyed by my cousin's words. She's with us because she's going to study in the university as well as ordered by my parents.

    "How dare you tell a princess like me to shut up! You are just a lowly servant so you must know your place!" Amira shouted at her.

    "Amira please stop!" I tried to stop my cousin but she just laughed at me.

    "What if I don't? What will you do weak princess?" she asked obviously insulting me. I was taken a back with what she said. She calls me weak? Does avoiding conflicts makes a person weak?

     "You are being disrespectful Princess Amira! Yes, you are a princess but you are talking to the crown princess the future queen of this land. And obviously someone higher than you!" Lean reminded her that made her angry. She's now like a lion willing to kill anytime.

   "Lean," I spoke as if trying to make her stop from provoking my cousin.

    "Your highness I'm here to protect you. And I will fulfill that mission no matter what it costs me," she answered that made my heart melt. I'm really blessed that I have a servant like her.

    

     "Very well then, let's see if how long will you be able to protect your princess," Amira challenged Lean, she's not really going to give us peace!