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My forehead crinkled when I saw that very familiar woman discreetly entering the house. Looked like Aria and Onyx didn't notice her because their attention was on me. Even though my consciousness was slowly fading away, I still managed to see her through my half-hooded eyes.

"Ath! Wake up! Oh, God!" I heard Aria panicking but my attention was on that woman. She was looking at our direction with so much worry and longing on her face. I couldn't be mistaken. She was crying and obviously torn between approaching us or hide. Then, someone came out of the door. It was him.

He said something to her while looking at our direction. I tried my best to raise my hand to get their attention but I couldn't.

"A-Aria...Mamm—" I tried to tell her what I was seeing but my body gave in and darkened consumed my senses...

I gasped as I opened my eyes, feeling like I was still in that same place and then I slowly looked around me, looking for them but they weren't there anymore. I was confused for a couple of seconds of where I was but when I saw Maximus sleeping beside me, I realized that I was inside my room in the palace.

I tried fathoming what I just saw before I lose consciousness and tears automatically fell from my eyes. I couldn't believe it. Even though I was on the verge of losing my consciousness, I knew what I saw. But somehow, I couldn't help but to doubt. What if it was just my imagination that she was with him?

"Oh, God. I hope, I wasn't just seeing things." I whispered to myself. I carefully faced Maximus who was still sleeping soundly. He looked so tired yet happy and relieved at the same time. I could tell that everything's finally okay.

But deep inside of me, there were many unanswered questions that I need to find answers to. I slowly raised my hand and gently caressed his cheek as a bitter smile appeared on my face. What Warren told me about Maximus came back to me.

Suddenly, tears ran down my cheeks. I just woke up but I felt like my emotions were in haywire. I was happy yet sad at the same time.

"I love you, dolce metà. Tell me that you're not keeping things from me. You've been honest the whole time that we're together, right?" I asked as if he was hearing me. Somehow, I couldn't get what Warren told me off my head.

One part of my brain was telling me that Warren was lying while the other part was telling me that he was telling the truth.

"I love you too, mi hermosa. You don't know how much." I gasped in surprise, realizing that he actually heard what I just said. He opened his eyes and then looked at me full of love but I saw a strange emotion that passed through his eyes at the same time.

"I'm glad you're finally awake. You're been sleeping since this morning." He was about to plant a kiss on my lips when I spoke.

"You heard what I've said just now?" He nodded his head reluctantly.

"Then, answer me because I can't get what Warren told me off my mind. I refuse to accept that you're hiding something from me. You've been honest with me from the beginning, right?" He was left speechless for a couple of seconds and I thought, he wouldn't answer, but he did.

"To tell you the truth, I've been dreading this day to come; when you finally ask me these questions and I need to answer and tell you the truth." He released a harsh breath and then sat up but didn't face me. He seemed tensed as he raked his fingers through hair.

My heart pounded like a drum for some reason. I suddenly wanted to get out of that room so that I wouldn't hear what he would say but I knew that I should be strong and face the truth.

"What...truth?"

He took a deep breath. "Our first meeting wasn't destined by fate, mi hermosa. I was there because I planned to be there knowing that you'd be there." The beating of my heart became faster than a while ago.

"What do you mean?" My voice was slightly shaking. There was a gnawing feeling inside of me that he was about to say something that I wouldn't like.

He finally turned around and face me. I saw the sadness, fear and guilt on his handsome face. I caught his Adam's apple move as he swallowed hard before holding my hand, caressing with his thumbs. Even his hands were slightly cold as if he was nervous over something.

"After everything that has happened, I realized that I should be fair and tell you everything. But before that, I just want you to know that you mean so much to me. You're my one and only woman and I love you so much to the point that I can't explain how much." He took a deep breath before continuing.

"When I first came here to Costavia, all I wanted was to find the truth and give justice to what happened to my mother. I was a different person back then, mi hermosa. I was willing to do whatever it takes just to get what I wanted." I shook my head, confused.

"Justice of what happened to your mother? It was Giuseppe who killed her, right? What does it got to do with me? I don't understand." A sad smile appeared on his face.

"What you're about to hear is nothing but the truth, mi hermosa. I don't want to hide whatever in the past from you anymore. I just hope that you won't hate me after this." He answered and then proceeded on telling me what really happened in the past...

When Daniella and I arrived at the party, her friends were already there. I looked around but I couldn't see that particular woman anywhere. I've searched on the internet about the Romano family even before I arrived here in Costavia but there weren't that much pictures of the Romano siblings.

All that were circulating on the internet were selected photos that they're willing to share to the public. The Queen is the face of the Royal family so her pictures are everywhere.

Daniella introduced her friends to me one by one but she didn't mention about the princess.

"So, who's the princess among them?" She raised an eyebrow at me.

"Why so interested?" I shrugged my shoulders, feigning nonchalance.

"Nothing really. I'm just curious."

"Is that so?" She answered, sounded like she didn't believe me at all. "Well, she hasn't arrived yet. I'm not sure if she could make it though." I abruptly stood up from my seat.

"What?! She can't make it?!" I asked with a loud voice. Her eyebrows furrowed.

"What's happening to you? Are you really that interested with Athena that you're even mad now that she might not make it?" She was looking at me like a hawk, trying to read what was on my mind. I groaned inwardly.

I've been waiting for two hours already and I wanted nothing but to go home. I hate parties like this but I've been enduring since a while ago because I wanted to meet the princess. I quickly gathered myself together.

"Of course, not. I'm just pissed off because you looked so happy earlier that your friends would all be here to celebrate your birthday." She raised an eyebrow at me, didn't believe me at all. She's really not the type that could easily be led on.

"I'm fine. If Athena can't make it, I understand because her situation is not easy. She just can't wander around like normal people. You should know that because you're on the same boat." I clenched my jaw as I took my drink and drank it in one gulp.

"Have you forgotten that I no longer belong to the Royal family?" She heaved a sigh.

"Relax. You don't have to get mad. I know that you hate talking about stuff like this but all I'm saying is that, we should understand her. That's all." She answered and then heaved a sigh. Daniella's mother and my mother are half siblings. She's my only cousin and she knows everything that happened to me.

I was about to answer when she suddenly squealed.

"Ath! You made it!" She stood up and happily hugged the lady who just arrived. I lifted up my gaze to look at her and our gazes met. I didn't know what happened because the moment our eyes met, everything suddenly became quiet and it felt like the world stopped revolving.

I've never expected to see such beautiful woman and she literally took my breath away. I momentarily forgot about my plan. Then, that magic-like moment broke when I heard Daniella clear her throat.

"Max, this is my best friend, Athena Romano, one of the princesses of Costavia. Ath, he's Maximus Vázquez, my cousin. He's from N—" Before she could say whatever she wanted to say, I interrupted her.

"—It's nice meeting you, Princess Athena." I bowed my head and made sure to flash my best seductive smile, deliberately getting her attention. "I am from Spain and I'm glad that I came here for vacation because I met such a beautiful woman like you." I gently took her hand and kissed it which made her gasp softly.

Her long, upturned eyelashes accentuated her sapphire blue eyes and they were stunning. My gaze went to her pinkish lips and I groaned inwardly when it affected my senses. How does it feel like tasting those...What the fùck are you thinking, Z?! You're here because of your plan so don't mess up!

"It's nice meeting you too, Mr. Vázquez." She answered politely even though I could tell that she was annoyed. Damn. I really thought, I could get her attention by doing that but she looked displeased. I once heard some rumors that she's the black sheep of the Royal family of Costavia.

After that, she pulled Daniella away and started partying with their friends. I flexed my jaw. Looked like this princess is not what I expected her to be, I thought. Even though I hate partying, I joined them, willing to play my cards right.

As the hours go by, I've tried starting a conversation with her but she just answers with monosyllables and then turns to her friends and talk with them.

Even though my patience is fast running out, I remained calm. She was the first woman who ignored me like this and it challenged me.

"May I dance with you, Princess Athena?" She raised an eyebrow at me and then looked at Daniella who looked so shock while staring at me. She probably didn't expect me to show any interest in Athena let alone ask her to dance with me.

"Oh, God. This is the first time that I've seen you asking a girl to dance with you." Daniella uttered in disbelief and then looked at her best friend, silently telling her to accept my offer. Athena sighed.

"Okay." We went to the dance floor and was about to dance when the music suddenly changed into a sweet music. She suddenly looked hesitant. I gave her a lopsided grin.

"Shall we?" I asked as I held out my hand. She looked at it for a couple of seconds before gingerly accepting it.

"I don't want to sound creepy but I like your smell." I blurted out while dancing and I suddenly wanted to hit myself. Who says something like that to someone you barely know? Well, it was the truth. I really like her perfume.

Her eyebrow cocked up. "Really?"

While staring at her lovely face like that, there was one word that popped up in my mind. 'Hermosa'. Si. Ella es muy hermosa...

I smiled. "Yeah. I really like it. It suits you." She just shrugged her shoulders and didn't comment any further.

"Are you really like this?" Her eyebrows creased of my question.

"What do you mean by 'like this'?"

"Well, you don't talk that much and whenever I tell you something, you just answer with monosyllables. Why's that?"

"Because I don't have anything more to say. Is that a bad thing?" I chuckled amusedly of her answer.

"Not really. I'm just surprised."

"Were you expecting that I was the talkative, bratty and bitchy type of a person?" She questioned.

"Well, I won't deny that." I said truthfully. "I didn't expect this and now, you got my interest." She stopped dancing upon hearing that.

"What do you mean by that?" I stared into her eyes.

"Sorry for being so fast but I think, I like you."

She huffed. "I don't have time for this." Her voice became cold as she walked away without waiting for my answer.

"But I'm telling the truth, mi hermosa! I like you!" I intentionally said it out loud for everyone to hear and I succeeded because everyone turned their attention at us. Her steps came to a halt and then turned her head to look at me. Her cheeks were as red as tomatoes as her friends began teasing and cheering for us.

She was so pissed off at me that she had those glares until the party was over. From that day on, I made sure to be there whenever I could to pursue her. She was obviously trying to avoid me but I didn't give up. All I wanted back then was to get her attention so that I could finally start executing my plans.

But then, a day after that, the call that I was waiting finally came. The Queen's Private Secretary was the one who set a meeting at the palace.

I really thought, her private secretary was the one who would talk to me about the job offer but I was surprised when they ushered me to the Queen's study room.

"So, tell me about yourself, Mr. Vázquez." She started formally after I greeted her.

"Just like I told you before, Your Majesty. I graduated from the Royal Army Academy and now, I'm looking for a job. I'm just a normal guy who no longer have a family and struggling to have a better life." I answered casually and her eyebrows arched.

"Why are you in Costavia, Mr. Vázquez?" That took me by surprise but I didn't let her notice that. I shrugged my shoulders.

"Looking for a better opportunity." I tried reading what was going through her mind but I was really difficult doing so. She's such an enigma.

"Opportunity, huh? Am I going to take that as a threat, Mr. Vázquez?" I scowled at her.

"What do you mean, Your Majesty?" She smiled but I could tell that there was something behind that smile.

"You don't have to play that card in front of me, Prince Maximus Zorion Santana Vázquez of Nuevo Imperio." I felt like my body frozen up. I wanted to deny but that look on her face told me that it was futile doing so.

"How did you know about me this much?" The smile on her face widened as she stood up from her highbacked chair and then took the bottle of champagne that was already open and poured some into her champagne glass.

She then held the glass of fine before her face and stared at it while gently shaking it in a circular motion. "I know everything about you, Prince Maximus." I clenched my fists tightly as I flexed my jaw.

"Then, why did you call me here?"

"You said that you needed a job, right? I have one for you and I hope that you accept it."

"Why? Aren't you afraid that I might harm anyone from your family?" I dared her and she chuckled before drinking the content of her glass. I gritted my teeth. I wasn't expecting this and I felt like I've been played.

"If you don't want to answer and tell me what you really want from me, then I'm going." I was about to walked towards the door when she finally spoke.

"My family didn't do anything to you and your family so whatever you're planning to do is very unfair for us. Besides, the job that I'm asking you to do is not really a job but it is your responsibility; a responsibility that you need to fulfill." That caught my attention.

"What do you mean?" She opened the drawer at her desk and took out a brown envelope.

"Read what's inside." I gingerly took it and opened it. I took out its content and read them one by one. It was a pact between Nuevo Imperio and Costavia which shocked me.

"What is this? How come nobody told me about this?"

"Your mother couldn't tell you about this because she was killed. Now listen to me carefully. The enemies know about this and will surely use this against us. Because you abandoned your role as the heir to the throne of Nuevo Imperio, that person would take advantage of this pact sooner or later."

"I didn't abandon my right." I answered firmly through gritted teeth. "Even if Giuseppe would take advantage of this pact against you, I don't care. All I want to do for now is to find who killed my mother and I'm sure that he's from your family." It was useless denying everything now but she didn't even get shocked.

"I knew it. You came here because you're planning to look for my son and take your revenge on him. You wanted to work here in the palace because you expected that we know where Antonio is. I'm telling you now, my grandchildren don't know where their father is. Besides, Antonio wasn't the one who killed your mother. You want to take your revenge on the wrong person."

"If he wasn't the one who killed my mother then why did he disappear when my mother died?! He was the last person she was with before that happened. You can't take me for a fool! I will do everything to achieve the justice that my mother deserves!" I marched towards the door and opened it. I was about to go out when I heard her spoke.

"The pact between Nuevo Imperio and Costavia is absolute. If you still want to get back your throne, you know what to do." My jaw clenched before I went out of there without commenting about what she said.

When I got in my car, I touched the pendant of my necklace and looked at my reflection in the rearview mirror for I didn't know how long. I couldn't believe what I just discovered but I wasn't fully convinced that the Queen's son was innocent. After that, I drove off.

The next day, Daniella told me that she would be going to the club with her friends. When it was already 11 pm, I tried calling her to tell her to go home already but she wasn't answering.

I decided to just pick her up but when I arrived there, I saw Athena running out of the club as if someone was chasing after her.

My body moved on their own and stopped my car for her.

"Get in." She got in without even looking who the driver was. When she finally saw me, she was obviously surprised. I shouldn't let myself get distracted. I should do everything that I need to do in order to achieve my goals.

I don't know what the Queen is planning but I should play my card wisely. I should find the truth first before I face Giuseppe and put an end to his façade.