"Every duty is a charge, but the charge of oneself is the root of all others." -Mencius

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Looking out to the city view through the floor-to-ceiling windows, I watched the heavy rain creating havoc outside accompanied with the heavy wind. I heard the news that there was a storm coming heading towards England bringing sustained winds of a hundred-seventy-five mile per hour. It would hit land in about three hours but my need to go to the office didn't stop me.

I was not planning on coming to the office since it was stated in the news warning all people to evacuate and not come to work. But I had to bring in paperwork to work on for the Australian deal regarding the National Animal Committee.

I knew I could have someone to get it for me, but I didn't want to ask and risk the safety of my people.

My bodyguard Luke did not follow my request to not come with me. He just shook his head and said, "Princess, it is my duty to come, follow and protect you wherever and wherever you go. A single storm would not stop me in doing so." He was my childhood friend and the son of father's trusted bodyguard for thirty-six years, Thomas.

I never saw Luke as more than a friend. He was not bad to look at with built muscles, strong jaw, and hazel eyes. I knew he could choose anyone he wanted. My best friend Kate kept asking me if there was going on between Luke and me. There was nothing to answer but a simple word, "No."

My best friend, Elizabeth Kate Worton was the Princess of York. We were at the same age of twenty-three. With all her questioning, you would think she had something for Luke but no. She was merely concerned for me.

Princesses were only allowed to have a relationship or to be married to men with the same status as we do or were considered as "wealthy." I hated all rules because it made us tied to our seats. Our marriage was often made as a business deal. I wanted to experience love and be loved by someone before getting into marriage. Unfortunately, that came with the package of being a royal princess. As much as possible, I always put that thought aside.

I didn't know how long I was lost in my thoughts that were broken when I heard a knock on my door.

"Princess, are you ready?" Luke opened the door and entered.

"Luke how many times do I have to tell you, stop calling me princess and just Ana?" I said while putting all the files in my suitcase.

"Well, I always forgot, princess." He said the word "princess" deliberately while I just rolled my eyes at him with a smile appearing on my lips.

"Alrighty let's go." I closed all the clips of the case and grabbed my bag on the side of my mahogany desk. I walked away from my office with Luke walking beside me. He talked to someone on the phone, telling them to get the car ready.

The office was deserted and dark. This was not unusual to me since most of the time, I spent more time in the office than in my home. When I finished my work for the day and left my office, I realized that I was the only one except Luke and other bodyguards were in the building.

Luke advised me to use the stairs instead of the elevator because the electricity might go off any minute and we would be stuck in there.

Walking towards the awaiting car, my phone rang.

"Hello."

"Hi honey. How are you?" My mom said. I didn't think she knew I went to the office with the incoming storm.

"Hey mom. I'm alright. How are you and dad?" Luke opened the car door, and I went in.

"We're all good. I thought maybe you could come to the castle and have dinner with us? It has been too long since we've seen each other honey. We miss you."

"I'm sorry mom if I don't visit you more often." It seemed like I was failing to be the perfect daughter everyone expected me to be.

"But I promise, I'll be coming over tomorrow night. There's a storm coming, and I don't think it'll be safe to drive over there." I said.

"Of course honey. I'll see you tomorrow. Take care of yourself. Goodbye" My mom said with her voice laced with excitement for my visit and worry for my well-being with the storm and all.

"Bye mom," I said and ended the call. I couldn't wait to see my mom and dad and my excitement must've shown on my face because Luke laughed.

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"Hey mom. Hey dad." I said while walking towards the front of the house where my mom and dad was waiting for me. I couldn't contain my smile, and so was my mother and father.

I was engulfed by my mom's arms and then my dad's.

"Hey kiddo," my dad said with warm affectionate in his eyes.

"Come in, come in. I cooked your favorites. Do you want wine? Juice?Water?" My mom said hurriedly while walking ahead of us. My dad wrapped his arms around my shoulder and was laughing quietly to my mom's energized actions.

"Carla slow down."

Guards stood beside the door, and they opened it for my fast approaching mom.

I entered and saw that nothing had changed in the castle except for some new pieces of furniture displayed. Two long exquisite staircases on both sides of the room. The ceiling went for miles, and the windows were so gigantic that it brought out the light needed in the room during daylights. The floor was a light oak with a light grey hue blended with light browns and cremes that brought out the lightness and softness of the room. It went along to the white painted wall with hanging life-size paintings of the previous royalties. The massive elegant chandelier stood in the middle, lighting the room with warm light. Maids were standing on the side bowing their heads.

Even though I was a princess for a very long time, I was not comfortable around people bowing and calling me by my title.

When they looked up, I smiled and gave them a little wave. My father directed me to the dining table of twenty seats. The table was filled with tons of delicious foods. There were assortments of food from different kinds of seafood, roasted chicken, pasta and much more. I didn't think we could be finished all this by ourselves.

"You outdid yourself, mom. This looks delicious." I said in awe. I couldn't help my stomach to growl.

"Thanks honey. Go have a seat, and I'll call Luke and everyone to have dinner with us." Mom said and walked out of the room.

Not five minutes later, the room was starting to fill with people and mom came and sat on her chair opposites from mine. Dad was seating at the head.

When all seats were already occupied, my mom announced that we could start eating before thanking everyone who helped and protected our family every second of every day and also welcoming me to their house, our house.

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Dinner ended with waves of laughter and chatter late at night. Though in the middle of dinner, guards had to excuse themselves and left to continue patrolling.

Many people might think that me and my parents were being soft to our employees, but this was the twenty-first century.

Mom and dad asked me to go to their studies because they said they had something to tell me. Walking towards their office, it brought out memories from my childhood days when I did something wrong and the first thought that came to my mind after was that I had to come to their office and when I came, they would sit on their designated desk chairs waiting for me.

Those memories weren't fun. At all

I entered their joint studies and saw them sitting on a sofa talking to each other in hushed voices that I didn't hear what they were saying.

I cleared my throat, and both of them looked up at me. My mom asked me to take a seat. I sat in front of them reminiscing those times when I had to wait for their lecture as a child.

"Honey we have something to tell you." My mom started. "We know how hard you work that you don't do anything for yourself but work. But we want you to know that we are so proud of you."

"It is always my duty as the princess to make you and this country proud. Thank you for appreciating everything I've done." I said gratefully. I would do anything and everything for my parents.

"Not everyone can do what you do Ana. So you're heading to America for a business trip." Dad said carefully while looking for my reaction.

I was used to this kind of trips so it wasn't that big of a deal. I just didn't get why my mom and dad had to look so serious like they feared I was going to say no.

What was it stored for me in America?

"Okay…?" I said questioningly.

"You'll be leaving in four days. Your assistant Ella will give you more information. But for now, let's just talk about Prince Jose." Something I didn't want to talk about, ever.

Hey my beautiful, sexy, and wonderful readers! Wacha doin? :)

I know this chapter is a bit boring. Well...it is boring. I found it boring myself so I know what you feel.

Have you guys seen the trailer? What are your thoughts about it?

Thanks for reading!

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