Grinnnnng!!!
The piercing sound of my alarm snaps me out of sleep. I groan, forcing my eyes open as the morning light spills through my windows. It takes me a moment to register where I am - my bed, my room, my new reality.
Then it hits me.
Today is my first day at law school.
Adrenaline surges through me. I jump out of bed, rushing to the bathroom. No time to waste. The water is cold against my skin, but it jolts me awake. By the time I step out, my mind is already racing through my schedule for the day.
As I fasten my watch, Esther walks in, balancing a tray of food.
"Good morning, Princess!" Her voice is laced with mischief.
I know that tone.
I glance at her, pretending not to notice the smirk on her face.
"How was your night?" she asks, setting the tray down. "Memorable, wasn't it?"
I freeze for a second, my fingers pausing on my blouse buttons. My mind flashes back to last night's dance - the way Cassian held me, how his eyes never left mine, the strange… familiarity between us.
I clear my throat. "It was."
Esther grins knowingly. "Ah-ha! And?"
I sigh. "And… I don't trust him."
Her smile falters. "What do you mean?"
I turn to face her. "Cassian was a completely different person last night. The opposite of the snobbish, arrogant, self-centered prince I got married to. He was charming, attentive - too perfect."
Esther raises a brow. "So, what are you saying?"
"I think he's playing a game." I grab my bag. "Maybe he's trying to send a message to someone. Or maybe he's just testing me. Either way, I'm not letting my guard down."
Esther sighs. "You always overthink things, Princess."
I smile. "That's why I'll make a great lawyer."
Her eyes light up again. "Oh! That's right; your first class!"
I nod, grabbing my books. "Wish me luck."
Esther clasps her hands together. "Good luck, Princess!" But there's a flicker of sadness in her eyes.
I don't dwell on it.
With a final glance at the mirror, I rush out, ready to face the world.
***
Three days after the queen's birthday, I had settled into a steady study routine. Law school was demanding, so I put my work on hold for the time being.
But I had one problem - mobility.
Rushing to classes every day was a battle, and I hated being at the mercy of palace drivers. Solution? Buy my own car.
I had more than enough saved after paying for my tuition. So today, I finally did it; I bought a sleek, used Mercedes-Benz Jeep now belonged to me.
And the first place I wanted to go? Home.
I pulled into my parents' driveway, the engine purring like a satisfied cat.
The front door flew open.
My mother froze at the entrance, eyes widening as she took in the car. Then, as if the shock finally registered, her face broke into a broad smile.
"My God!" she exclaimed, rushing towards me.
I barely had time to step out before she wrapped me in a tight hug.
"Mama, breathe," I laughed.
Before she could say anything else, a blur of energy comes barreling toward me - Ray.
"Mummy, no way! A car?!" he yelled, practically jumping into my arms.
I ruffled his hair. "Yes, little man. Your mum is moving up in life."
Just then, my father stepped out, his hands in his pockets, eyes scanning the vehicle like a military general inspecting a new recruit.
"You did this?" he finally asked, his voice calm but filled with something I couldn't quite place.
I nodded. "Yes, Papa. I bought it myself."
His gaze snapped to mine. "Cassian didn't buy this for you?"
I sighed. Why does everything have to be about Cassian?
"No, Papa. I've been working and saving for a long time. This is all me."
Silence. Then, my father's face softened.
He placed a hand on my shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Celeste."
A slow warmth spread through me.
"Now," I clapped my hands together, "there's something in the boot for you guys."
Ray whooped as I popped open the trunk, revealing bags of groceries and gifts. My parents beamed as they carried the stuff inside.
Inside, over warm tea, they prayed over me, my father's deep voice anchoring me in a way I didn't realize I needed.
Back at the palace, I pulled in through the grand gates.
The guards stared. Their shock was almost comical, but I ignored them, found a good spot, parked, locked, and strode in.
Cassian hadn't spoken to me since the queen's party.
Not that I cared.
But as soon as I stepped inside, Esther comes running.
She practically screams when she sees the car. "Princess, you're officially a boss!"
I laughed at her excitement. "It's just a car, Esther."
She grabs my hands. "No, it's a statement."
I smile, then pulls out a small box. "Speaking of statements, I have something for you."
She gasps when she opens it.
"A smartphone?!"
"Consider it a small 'thank you' for being you."
Tears filles her eyes. "Oh, Princess…!" She hugs me tightly before muttering a prayer, her words laced with so much genuine gratitude that it made my chest tighten.
After dinner, Esther spills palace gossip.
"The queen and Liliana are furious," she whispered dramatically, her eyes flicking around the room as if the walls could hear.
I lean back, sipping my tea. "About what?"
"About how you and Cassian were so… close at the party."
I roll my eyes. "We danced. It wasn't that deep."
Esther snorts. "Not to them. Liliana threw a fit. She said she felt neglected. Complained that she's the mother of the prince's heir, so she should get more attention."
I arch a brow. "And?"
"And the queen agreed with her. She's probably plotting something."
I sigh, setting my cup down. "Let them plot. I have bigger things to worry about."
Esther studies me for a moment, then smirks.
"You may not care about them… but you do care about Cassian."
I scoff. "I don't."
She tilts her head. "Then why are you asking what he's up to?"
I freeze.
Damn it. She got me there.