Four more hours.

It's almost hilarious to think that those three words would be on repeat in my mind again. The last time I thought of that was when I was on my way to New York. Now, I'm on my way back.

Four more hours and I'm back again to my homeland.

Great. Just great!

Most people would be glad to be home and finally breathe the air of the place they have known their whole lives. Most people will have their families waiting for them to arrive at the airport. They're excited to reunite with their loved ones. Unfortunately, coming back home without fulfilling any of the things I wanted to do is not something that I will be glad about.

Me? Well, I'm nervous. But I think anxious is the perfect description to what I am feeling right now because I feel like I'm about to get executed. And maybe I was. Or maybe I was to face far worse than that.

Thank God, Nate decided to use his private plane or else I would immediately be recognized the moment I got out of the plane. My people would immediately recognize me.

I've been exposed to people since I was fourteen, helping out others, doing charity works, volunteering, or even going to every formal events. Dyeing my hair brown will not deceive anyone in my country. That's why I have to change everything in me before flying out of here. I had to wear contact lenses, and tan my whole body to look different, but even so, on my way to the airport some people still told me that I look so much like Princess Laura, if it wasn't for the hair, eyes, and complexion.

I am also grateful for learning English because it helped me throughout that whole ordeal. I had to make sure that an accent will not slip past my lips because I have to be an American citizen who just took a vacation in Switzerland, or so that's what my brothers told me. Honestly, it wasn't that hard. I mean, I learned 5 different languages when I was a child, and learning English is not really a big deal. Besides, when you have a friend living in the States, it would be very easy. Talking constantly with Jessica helped a lot. Added also to the fact that she made watch all the American TV shows that she loved.

I never thought that those would be very useful to me now.

"Do you speak French?"

I choked on my mango juice after hearing that. I put the glass down as I smack my chest to stop coughing. To say that the question took me off guard was an understatement. I was beyond mortified upon hearing him ask that.

Of course, I can. French is just one of the basics. German is the most complicated one, but I still pulled it off just fine. Oh, and because of that, I managed to learn two more languages. But of course, I won't say that out loud. So, let me just say a little lie.

"No." cough "I actually flunked French in high school." Cough. I suddenly felt relieved that I choked on my drink because the only true about the two statements is my cough.

"But you must have learned something, even just a little bit, right?"

Come on, Nate. Just buy that lie already.

"Oui?"

"That's it?"

"Yeah, that's it." I said, avoiding eye contact. I really suck at lying. "Why?"

Why aren't you accepting that answer?

"I told you, I'm planning on extending my business in Switzerland. The land I bought there will be turned to business centers, hotels, shopping centers, etc. So, you should've researched about them"

"If I remember correctly, I already gave you the full report on the Winzenrieds."

"Yes, you did," he said as he relaxed on his seat. "Apparently, I didn't get any trouble getting the land I need."

I looked at him suspiciously. "What do you mean?"

"I bought a land there, and I decided to develop it and make it useful for the people."

I gaped at him. "What?"

"According to the people I have spoken with, the princess owned that land. Apparently, it has a lake near the fields, which are of course green and is surrounded by the alps. So, I'm guessing most companies would be interested in building hotels there, considering the comfort it would give to the future clients." He stared at the window. "I'm surprised that the princess gave that land up because it has a really nice view."

Oh my god! What land is he talking about?

I shook my head. "I'm confused. What land are you talking about?"

I heard the warning in my own voice.

He raised an eyebrow. "Have you been to Switzerland before?" he asked, ignoring my question.

Is that even a question?

"Yes."

His eyes glinted at the response and turned his head to face me. He tilted his head as if seeing right through my soul. A smirk appearing on his lips. "How long have you stayed in the country?"

Born and raised.

"I just went there for a brief vacation," I said, following the initial plan my brothers formulated trying to sound confident and trying to maintain eye contact. Did I say I suck at lying?

"So, have you been to the palace?" He asked again, that stupid smirk still plastered on his face.

Only every day of my life.

"No, I never had a chance to visit. I was so busy admiring other places there, though."

He shook his head. "Shame. It would have been an experience."

I gulped. "Have you been there?"

"No, I never had the pleasure," he said, the glint is still present in his eyes. "Though if I had, I would really like to meet the princess."

My eyes widen. Shit, he knows!

"Since I would really like thank her for letting me buy that piece of land. Unfortunately, I was told by the palace that her stay in Australia is indefinite."

I narrowed my eyes at him. Is he playing dumb with me? Does he know my secret? Is he trying to trap me to challenge me?

I refrained from shaking my head at such ridiculous thoughts

I tried to shrug it off, but Jessica's words still hang in the air. What if he does know about me being a princess? What am I going to do? But more importantly, what will he do?

I guess I'm going to find out about it soon.

"So, I guess no princess to meet," he said as he closed his eyes.

"Why are you asking me?" I immediately realized how wrong of a question that is the moment the words left my lips.

When he opened his eyes, they showed the same glint they had earlier. The I know you're hiding something, but I'll play with you look is very much showing behind those playful green eyes.

"That wasn't actually a question. It is just merely a statement that surmised my thoughts about the whereabouts of the princess."

I stayed silent and thought of the possibilities. If he knows I'm a princess, then he should've turned me in already. Maybe, he wants something too? But if he does, he would've already told me his plans on using my identity as leverage just like what Alexander did.

As I was thinking of the possible reasons why he would keep my secret, my mind drifted back to our previous conversation. He said something about a land that he bought that belonged to me.

"Wait." I said, his eyes opening to look at me, slightly annoyed. "You said you bought a land that was I once... I mean owned by Princess Laura."

"Princess Laura?" he questioned.

Oh crap. "The name of the princess?"

"How did you know that?"

I rolled my eyes. Because we are talking about me. "You made me research about them, remember?"

"Oh, right. Right." He grinned.

"So how did you get the land?"

"She signed it."

I what?

"Excuse me?"

I did what?

"And the deed of the land was already delivered to me this morning."

Unbelievable. My brothers forged my signature. But the real question is "What land are you talking about?" By now my brain is working overdrive. "Surely, the Winzenrieds own a vast amount of land."

It better not be what I think it is!

"Why are you asking?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow. "I thought you said you haven't had the chance to visit the palace. It's not like you would know any of their properties."

Will just answer the damn question!

"I'm just curious. And besides, you made me research about them after all. I found out that there is a certain place near the palace that I would like to visit someday, if I would ever be allowed to, that is." I said through gritted teeth. I am losing my patience.

He looked at me then at the window.

Is this some sort of a test?

The silence and waiting are killing me. I counted to sixty before he finally answered.

"The Greenfields."