I tried to keep my word the next few days after that. I didn't go to any party nor go somewhere with my friends. I tried avoiding them especially that my grandmother and mother have been keeping their eyes on me more than before.

Because I was still grounded, I just stayed inside the palace doing everything that I loved like painting and other stuff. There are some occasions where I had to appear public with my family but went straight home after those events.

"Hmmm. This is new. You woke up early and now, you're painting." I turned my head to the one who spoke behind me and saw my mother. I smiled at her.

"C'mon, mamma. You know how I love painting. Besides, I woke up early because I went jogging." Worry flooded her face.

"Did you go out of the palace again?" I rolled my eyes.

"No, mamma. I just jogged around here at the garden. Yes, I wanted to go out to do my morning jog but I knew that you wouldn't be pleased because I'm still grounded." She looked relieved but I couldn't help but to get irritated.

I've behaving these past few days so was expecting for them to have a little trust in me. Well, I've sneaked out the palace a couple of times before so I couldn't blame them for feeling that way. But still, I couldn't help but to feel kinda annoyed.

I would be lying if I said that I wasn't bored just staying inside the palace but even so, I've been trying my best.

She sat next to me. "You know why we're doing these, right, vita mia?" I sighed and stopped what I was doing.

"Of course, mamma, that's why I've been trying my best to behave. It's just that I can't help but to feel like I'm getting suffocated here. You're not this strict when it comes to my siblings and I can't help but to wonder why." I finally voiced out my sentiment.

Yes, it has been a while since I had these thoughts. My mamma and nonna always have their eyes on me and when I mess up, they would punish me by grounding me which never happened to my siblings before.

She heaved a sigh and then spoke. "Look at mamma, vita mia." I pouted but obliged anyway. She raised her hand and then gently caressed my cheek affectionately.

"Your nonna and I have been very strict towards you because you're too carefree and wild. You always get into trouble and we don't want something bad to happen to you. Antonius and Aris have been very responsible even though they've had their own share of mess. Besides, they're already grown up men and they can take care of themselves physically.

"While Aria and Amelia have always been cautious of their behavior outside. They don't go to parties and don't go out often as well. While you on the other hand is the opposite. Yes, just like your sisters, you're also cautious in some way but you always run into trouble because of your temper.

"You're the most impatient and ill-tempered when it comes to the three of you sisters. You're the girl version of Antonius when it comes to things like these. I know that you're a strong woman and can protect yourself but we women should accept the fact that we're physically weaker than men.

"Bad guys could easily overpower us if they wanted to. You know very well that you belong to the Royal Family and danger and controversy are part of our lives.

"Just a little bit of a trouble and it could turn into a big mess just because of the fact that you're part of the Royal Family. You know how much you're nonna values the reputation of the Romano family. You're one of the princesses of this nation and sometimes, you tend to forget that fact. You always do as you please and it always ends with a big scandal which causes to drag our entire family as well.

"Your nonna is the queen of this country so you can't blame her if she gets mad and become stricter towards you compared to your siblings because you're one pesky princess." I pouted even more, couldn't accept it.

"Am I too hard-headed and careless? I think not. Whatever mess I got involved into wasn't even my fault. Yes, you're right, mamma. I'm a princess that's why I had to defend our family from those kinds of people. I don't want to just let them stomp on me or us just like that that's why I always fight back.

"It's not because I belong to the Royal Family that I fight whoever does me wrong. It's my instinct as a human being. Even if I wasn't a princess, I would still fight back whoever dares to mess with me and bad-mouth our family. Besides, all these issues became big deal because the media sensationalized it. They're exaggerating things to get the attention of the people." I reasoned out and she sighed.

"You never changed, vita mia. Ever since you were young, you were already like that. You were feisty and doesn't let anyone bully or make you cry. Whenever you play with other kids during special occasions, there would always this one kid who goes running to his/her parents because you made him/her cry. But everything has changed now. You're already a grown-up lady so you should learn how to control your temper and be more responsible of your actions. You tend to get out of control and the worst part is; you sneak out of the palace just to attend parties.

"You're a beautiful woman and I know that many guys out there have their eyes on you, especially that you're a princess of this nation. But you need to remember one thing. Not everyone of them has a clean intention towards you that's why you need to be careful everytime. Not just around guys but around everyone you encounter. Remember what happened to the daughter of the ex-president of the USA?" I shook my head as a response with eyebrows creased, couldn't recall about it.

"Someone spiked her drink and kidnapped her. Thankfully, they managed to rescue her before those kidnappers could harm her. We don't want that to happen to you that's why we're trying our best to protect you in anyway." I bit my lower lip. I suddenly felt guilty.

Maybe, I've been selfish after all but I couldn't help it. Ever since I was young, I've been longing to be free and do everything that I please just like any ordinary person out there.

I couldn't even play with the kids at the park when I was young. I only had the opportunity to meet other kids whenever there were parties and special events where the rich and most influential people attend to.

During those occasions, they bring their kids with them but most of them were nothing but brats that's why I always end up having a fight with them.

Thankfully, my siblings were there to play with me, but sometimes, I couldn't help but to wonder how does it feel like playing at the park or any play area outside with a lot of children.

But as I grow up, I learned to accept that I would never have the chance to do that because I live a different life compared to those kids. Instead of playing, I had to attend a lot of lessons like music lesson, painting lesson and many other stuffs. I only got to play with my siblings before bedtime.

But when I reached my university days and got the chance to study at a prestigious school where I had to go out of the palace to attend, that's when I had the chance to experience new things and enjoyed my new found freedom.

Yes, I had body guards back then but it became my habit to escape from them just to go somewhere with my friends.

"I'm sorry for being a handful, mamma. Yes, I admit that I tend to get out of control whenever I'm with my friends but I am always at ease doing those things because I'm surrounded by my friends not to mention that I have bodyguards with me. These things tend to get out of public because of the media that keeps on following me."

"Listen to me carefully, vita vita. Not everyone of your friends are your real friends. Don't trust too much because they could be the reason of your downfall one day. I'm not saying that your friends are like that but you should still be careful so that no one could have the chance to stab you in the back.

"You're a princess and you shouldn't just feel at ease whenever you're in a place like that, especially when you're under the influence of alcohol. Remember to be always responsible and careful in whatever you do. I don't want what happened to the daughter of the ex-president of the USA to happen to you.

"There are people out there who are just waiting for the right moment to ruin the Royal Family so that they could gain power. We can't afford to let this people get us." She sounded very serious this time while saying those things which made me furrow.

"Why, mamma? Are we in danger?" She cupped my face and smiled at me.

"Not really, but it doesn't hurt to be careful, right?" I reluctantly nodded my head. I could tell that something was wrong based on that weird emotion that passed through her eyes.

After that, she changed our topic and inspected the details of my painting. As usual, she pointed out little mistakes and taught me how to fix them.

Because I was enjoying our bonding moment, I momentarily forgot about my questions about our safety which started to bother me just now.

Then, another week has passed. One night, Amelia, Aria, Aris and I went to Antonius' room and forced him to play with us. It has been a while since we last played any game just like when we were still kids because we've been busy.

We decided to play cards and after that, we played Jenga. We laughed and enjoyed each other's company. We were in the middle of playing when I received a call from Daniella.

"Hey, are you busy right now?" She asked. I could tell that something was off with her. She sounded sad.

"Not really. We're just playing Jenga in here. Why?"

She heaved a sigh. "Nothing. I just called to tell you that I need to leave the country tomorrow." My forehead knitted.

"Why? Where are you going? What happened?"

"I'm going home to Monaco. My grandma is sick so I have to go visit her."

"Oh, my God. How's she? Is she okay?" I asked worriedly. I've met Daniella's grandparents a couple of times already and they're kind people.

"She's still in the hospital as of the moment. My grandpa said that she's out of danger now but I still want to see her that's why I decided to go home."

"That's good to hear. Yes, it's a good idea for you to go there to visit them." I agreed.

"Yes, but before that, I have to go to Nuevo Imperio first." My forehead knitted.

"Nuevo Imperio? Why?" I asked curiously and then bit my lower lip as the face of someone from that country popped up on my mind.

"I have to talk to my cousin about something."

"C-Cousin? You mean—"

"—Yes, Ath. It's Maximus." I went silent for a couple of seconds. It has been four months since he disappeared and we haven't seen each other since then.

"Should I tell him that you've been looking for him?" I shook my head as if she could see me.

"No. Don't bother." I groaned inwardly. There was a sudden rush of strange feeling as the kiss that we shared before he left came back to me. I gingerly touched my lips. Strange but I could still feel his warm luscious lips moving against mine until now.

I groaned inwardly when I realized what was on my mind. What the heck I was thinking?! I was only looking for Maximus because of my necklace and that's just it!

I heard Daniella sigh before she spoke. "Okay. See you in a couple of months then."

"A couple of months?! I thought, you're just going to visit your grandma?"

"Well, I think it's better for me to stay there for a couple of months to breath. I mean, I've been so stressed out lately and I feel like I need a break." Worry filled my chest.

"Are you okay? Do you have a problem?" She remained silent for a couple of seconds.

"Don't worry about me, Ath. I'll be okay. The most important thing for me right now is to see my grandma."

"I see. You know that I'll always be here for you, right? You can call me anytime you want if you need someone to talk to." She chuckled mirthlessly.

"I know and I'm grateful for that. Don't worry about me. I'm sure that when I come back, everything's already fine."

"I hope so." I uttered.

"I'm going to sleep now. My flight will be early tomorrow. Goodnight."

"Okay. Goodnight. Bye." After our talk, I went back playing with my siblings.

"Who was that?" Antonius asked with furrowed eyebrows.

"It was Daniella. She informed me that she would be flying to Monaco tomorrow morning and would be coming back after a couple of months." I noticed Aris giving Antonius a weird look after hearing that but the both of them didn't comment.

After about an hour more, we decided to go back to our respective rooms to sleep because it was getting late already but before going to my room, I decided to go the kitchen downstairs to drink a warm milk. I forgot to inform Sita that I already finished drinking all the milk in my room so there's nothing in there anymore.

"Hey, your room is this way. Where do you think you're going?" Aria said with her eyebrows creased. She was about to enter her room when she noticed me going the wrong way. Amelia was already in her room.

"I'll just get a glass of milk downstairs."

"Don't you have milk in your room?" I rolled my eyes.

"I already drank all of it. I forgot to tell them to bring some in my room." Worry filled her face.

"Are you sure you're not planning to—"

"—No, I'm not planning on sneaking out. I just want a glass of warm milk before going to sleep." She sighed.

"Okay. I trust you." I smiled.

"Go to sleep now, sis. I'll be back in a jiffy." She nodded her head and then closed her door. I then turned around and marched my way towards the elevator. When I reached the kitchen downstairs, I fished out the carton of milk and poured into my mug.

I put it in the microwave to warm it up. After that, I stir it and was about to drink it when I heard my phone ring. My forehead knitted when I saw that it was Amara, one of my friends.

"Hello?"

"Athena, come here, please! I need you!" Worry surged within me. Her voice was shaking and sounded so scared.

"Why? What happened?"

"Flavio and I had a fight a while ago. He was ragingly mad. He even hit me. Thankfully, I got to hide here inside my room. Mom and dad aren't home and I'm alone here!"

"Where is he now? You should've called the police!"

"You know that Flavio's family is influential. I don't want to call the police because his family might destroy us if he gets arrested! You're the only one I know who could help me. He's outside my room and—" She screamed and that made me panic.

"What's happening there, Amara?!"

"Flavio is kicking the door! He's forcing his way in! Athena, help me!" I was so worried that I didn't think twice. I went out of the kitchen and called for my two bodyguards.

"Come with me! We need to go somewhere!" I told them in a hurry and then took the car key.

"You're not allowed to go out, Your Royal Highness. It's already late." One of them said. I gritted my teeth.

"This is an urgent matter! My friend is in danger right now! We need to go to her house!" They looked at each other before they finally agreed hesitantly.

Amara lives at least two kilometers from the palace so it wasn't that far. I was confident that we could get there on time.

While on our way there, I texted my mother and informed her what happened. I even called the police to inform what was happening to Amara. But when we arrived at her house, everything that happened next felt like a nightmare.