*TWO DAYS LATER*
ROE'S POV
I stood with several of my bodyguards at the large clearing of the jetport awaiting the arrival of princess Arianna's private jet, as paparazzi and newscasters and the media crowded the vast land, some trying to interview me. Good thing my guards were here, I was leaning on one of my escort cars while they shielded me from the annoying reporters. This was a live broadcast, the world is watching this now...
Prince Roe what's your relationship with Princess Arianna of Ireland?
Your highness what do you have to say about this rumour that you are engaged to Princess Arianna Jonas?
Is she really your betrothed?
Is it true you that you dislike the princess?
When are you getting married to her?
Is she really your first love?
How long have you two been dating?
This and so many more annoying questions but I uttered not a single word. How I wish the boys were here with me, but this is my personal cross I have to bear it alone.
I rolled my eyes to the other side of the field, I noticed three black escort cars were parked few meters away from mine, with guards on black suits standing at attention beside the car in the middle whose occupant wasn't out yet.
Who else is welcoming the princess aside me? Or is the runaway Princess in America too? Is she here to welcome her sister?
Just then the jet arrived and landed. And just as they opened the jet door, I noticed the escort guards of the convoy beside mine opened the door of the middle car for whoever was in to step out. I watched carefully, first a high-heeled foot stepped on the ground and then the owner came out completely. It's a young wealthy looking lady, expensively dressed and putting on a dark shade. Cameras were clicking tremendously now at every angle.
Is this the runaway crown princess Emerald of Ireland? Wait, why do I feel like I know this lady? I watched as she pulled out her shades and my jaw dropped completely.
Penny?? Why's Penny here does she know Arianna? because they are from the same country.
"Emerald!!" A female voice shrieked and I turned my attention to the owner. Princess Arianna was now running towards a smiling Penny as she also ran to her.
What the heck is going on? Penny is Emerald?? Arianna called her Emerald just now. So does this mean.
Oh my God!!!
Penelope is the runaway Princess of Ireland??? My eyes widened in shock as I watched the two engaged in such a passionate embrace.
The media guys tried to crowd them at this moment as they drew closer and began asking questions but Arianna's bodyguards and Penny's own were quick to protect them from their reach.
Are you really Crown princess Emerald?
The crown princess of Ireland were have you been hiding?
This is a shocking revelation. Her Royal Highness was in America all this while. Has she been disguising?
Princess Arianna how are you feeling right now?
Runaway princess why do you choose to reveal yourself today? The reporters continued with their endless questions.
The girls finally disengaged from their hug as they both laughed and wiped their eyes. My mouth was still agape, I haven't recovered from this shock. Paparazzi were taking photos, and some reporters were shouting boring questions to me. They both turned to my direction and Penny's eyes widened in shock.
She doesn't know I was her sister's betrothed? She wasn't expecting me to know about her background this way? Her sister's fiance is the guy she's been talking to for a while now? That's what I thought I could read from her shocked expression. Arianna stared at us both in surprise and the news guys did what they were best at doing..
Prince Roe it seems like you are familiar with the runaway Princess?
Your highness is looking so shocked right now, can you tell us the reason?
Crown princess Emerald is also looking shocked, do you know each other?
Princess Arianna how are you feeling now?
Is this a love triangle your highness?
Jeezzz!!! Somebody wake me up from this dream...
DANIEL'S POV
"What in the world!" I muttered as I stared at the television, the girl Roe likes, one of Lucia's friend turned out to be the runaway crown princess Emerald.
Goodness gracious! Roe looks like he'll pass out soon. His guards were smart enough to help him in the car. The sisters had a costly expression on their faces, Penny especially. She looks visibly shaken so much and Arianna was just surprised.
'Tell us crown princess Emerald, is the third member of the DJR idols_who happens to be prince Roe, your boyfriend?' one of the reporters stupidly asked and I noticed Arianna's eyes widened at that. I watched as their guards quickly walked them to the cars, Penny continued to stare behind after Roe's convoy which was already leaving.
This might spell trouble. Jay, I need to get Jay, this is just too much of a shocker.
I picked up my car key and ran out of the room...
CILIA'S POV
I was just stepping into Diva's room with Kim, since everyone was there. I mean, Nia, Diva and the two youngsters. We both paused instantly on seeing the priceless expression on their faces, they were both staring at the direction of the TV while Alex and Candy busied themselves with a photo album on the bed.
It's mid afternoon and we had returned from church three hours earlier. Yeah it's a Sunday today.
Nia was supposed to be dressing Alex's hair like she promised and Elle was about going to take a shower, so what are they doing?
"What's going on girls?" Kim said as we stepped in fully.
"Roe's engaged to Princess Arianna of Ireland and it turns out that Penny, same Penny we all know is the runaway crown princess of Ireland, Arianna's elder sister." Tania explained and I turned my attention to the TV, a life broadcast was going on at the jetport.
"Shave my beard! Penny's Princess Emerald of Ireland? Same runaway Princess, how did we not know?" I gasped.
"OMG!" Kim said in surprise as well. "But why's she staring at Roe that way, his expression too is so priceless. Or is she the?" She added.
"That's the problem guys, it seems she's the girl Roe likes but he also just found out about her identity, see how shocked he looks." Elle said. "The reporters are even asking if it's a love triangle." She added.
"This is really serious guys! I don't think Penny knows he was her sister's betrothed too. Both of them are completely unaware from their looks." I said observingly.
"No wonder Roe's been looking so disturbed since Friday. What's gonna happen now? He likes her and she likes him but he is betrothed to her younger sister who may like Roe now too." Kim said while sittng down on the bed.
"That's gonna be a serious love triangle then. What's Roe gonna do now?" I asked worriedly.
"Hmm let's just hope the boys can come up with a perfect solution because the expression on Arianna's face right now? Hmm." Elle said and I chuckled.
"This is such a shocker! I can't believe Penny hid her identity perfectly from everyone on campus. I know if it were Lucia the whole school won't hear the end of it." Tania said and Elle smiled, does she know about Penny before now? It's possible, though she's someone who's always prepared for anything.
"Penny is a nice girl, I told you guys she came and apologized to me right? even when she clearly did no wrong, her only problem was bad company." Elle said.
"Yeah, she's so humble. I think she and Roe will make a perfect couple." Tania said with a smile.
"Let's just hope her sister truly doesn't like Roe like he doesn't like her, if not? This will be a tough war between sisters and we don't want that." Kim said as she stared at Alex and Candy on the bed. She definitely must've been aware of this betrothal story before now. He is her brother's second bestfriend so she must have been aware. Except of course, the fact that Roe likes Penny. We are all finding out just now.
"True." I said thoughtfully while looking at the two little friends on the bed, reminds me of when the girls and I were that age. It would have made complete sense if Ariel didn't die, they would've been great friends. I'm not surprised Candy liked Alex on first sight, Alex's just so lovable.
Just then my eyes caught a childhood photo of Elle, the two friends were staring at it and whispering to themselves. I furrowed my brows and walked closer.
Is it me or does that photo of young Elle looks so much like Alexis? The only difference was the eye color, I'm probably seeing things. I shrugged and turned away my eyes to Tania, she was looking at me.
LUCIA'S POV
I was about stepping out of my room all dressed up thinking of going to Penny's place, I just saw the news and I know she'll be heartbroken right now but someone knocked on my door. I walked to it and opened it.
"Dad?" What's he doing here? I thought he was preparing for his business trip.
"May I?" He asked with a smile. Dad's smiling at me this afternoon, what's the cause of this mood? Am I safe?
"Sure." I opened the door wider and stepped aside for him to walk in. He did and sat on my bed, I stared at him nonplussed. When was the last time dad walked in my room?
"Laurel come sit with me." He said. Okay dad, what's going on? I can't remember the last time he called that name, it's been many years...
"You think I'm being weird right?" He asked with a smile, looking at me. I nodded slowly as I walked to the bed and sat down beside him.
"For the past few weeks, I might have been too hard on you but I just want you to know that whatever I did or will do, It's because I love you and want you to be better and happy." He said, taking my hand in his.
"I know Dad, I totally understand." I smiled.
"I'm sorry my beautiful baby."
"I'm very sorry for everything too Dad, I've been very stubborn I know. I'm trying to change now, I just want you to support me." I said lowly.
"I noticed and I'm very impressed dear. Do you still wanna go ahead with Dan or should I call his dad?" He asked calmly.
"Let's call Mr Roberts Dad, I'm not interested anymore." I smiled.
"Now that's my daughter." Dad said and I laughed and hugged him.
"Thanks dad," I said.
"Thanks for making me proud Laurel. I know your mom right now is very proud of you for making the right decision." He said and I smiled.
"There's something I'll like you to have." He said and I watched curiously as he brought out a beautiful diamond necklace.
"Wow! It's really beautiful." I said in admiration of the necklace.
"It belonged to your late mom before but now it's yours." Dad said as he wore it on my neck.
"Thanks for giving me this dad, I'll treasure it forever." I said beaming with smiles, at least I have something very valuable from my late mom now.
"You should dear, it looks very pretty on you." He smiled and I touched the necklace happily. "Also from now on, you'll be attending all board meetings of the campus as my representative each time you're less busy with your career and studies that is." He said and I couldn't believe my ears. Being good is extremely rewarding, I need to give Johnny a kiss.
"Really?" He nodded smilingly and I threw my arms around him happily. "Thanks so much dad, I won't disappoint you again I promise." I said sincerely.
"I know you won't. Now come with me Laurel, let's go talk to my old friend Edward." He said as he stood up, I smiled happily and stood up too.
FAST FORWARD>>>
We were now in dad's office and dad was on a call with Mr Edward.
"...that's what I'm saying Edward, the kids don't love each other so it's better we don't force them." The phone was on speaker so I was hearing Mr Roberts too.
"Oh thanks for your understanding John, you know Daniel told me few weeks back that he isn't interested in your daughter but I just didn't know how to say that to you after making promises. I heard he likes someone else now."
"It's fine Edward, I think my daughter likes someone else too," what?! how did he know? I stared at him wide eyes and he threw me a teasing wink. I smiled shyly and looked away.
"Its settled then, I'll see you soon at the business conference John. Do take care." Mr Roberts said.
"Alright Edward, till then." Dad said and hung up. He looked at me and playfully whispered.
"It's settled Miss, go have fun. But I won't be here when you get back. Ah.. congratulations on your career dear." I chuckled and we hugged once more.
"Thanks so much dad. Safe trip, I love you." I said and pulled away. Dad smiled and kissed my forehead.
"I love you too my baby, go on now don't keep him waiting." I chuckled and walked away from his office. He must think I'm going to see John, well maybe later but Penny needs me now....
I walked down the stairs to the living room and met Katie on her way up to my room.
"Hey girlie." I said as we hugged.
"You totally forgot about me, didn't you?" She said poutingly.
"Of course not Katie, you know I've been busy with my career that's why, I'm sorry dear."
"I know, congrats best, that movie was a big hit." She said smilingly.
"Thanks darling." I smiled.
"You're going out?" She asked looking at my outfit.
"Yeah, I was about heading to Penny's you saw the news right?" I said.
"Yeah I did that's the reason I'm here. I was planning on dragging you to her if you tried to object but I'm glad I don't have to." She said and I chuckled.
"Shall we then?" I asked smilingly and she smiled and we both headed to the door.
"Emma prepare my usual evening snack before my return, also take care of the house. I'll be back soon." I shouted to Emma as she walked by and Katie looked at me in surprise at the calm way in which I spoke to her.
"Yes Miss Lucia, goodbye." Emma replied as she smiled and walked away. Katie gave me a questioning look and I chuckled as we walked out of the Mansion.
JAY'S POV
I was busy practicing for my upcoming audition in my music studio, while Ferdinand my manager sat down on a couch munching pizza as he watched me. But then the door bursted open and I turned around sharply.
A distraught looking Roe lazily walked in with Dan closely at his heels. He sank onto a nearby couch and I dropped my guitar and ran to them immediately.
"What happened?" I asked looking from one to the other.
"Water, give me water first." Roe said hoarsely. Ferdinand was quick to throw a water bottle to him, he caught it with ease, opened it and drank hastily. I stared at Dan in surprise.
"Why's he like this?" I asked.
"You seriously need a TV in here." He replied instead and I became alarmed immediately.
"Why? What's that got to do with his situation?" I asked in confusion before he could reply, Roe spoke up.
"Penny is Crown Princess Emerald." He said and my eyes widened.
"You say what!!!" I exclaimed in shock.
LUCIA'S POV
"it's okay, Penny you have to stop crying. Arianna doesn't love him so that shouldn't be an issue." I said as I hugged her.

We arrived few minutes ago only to meet a crying Penny, while her sister and foster Mom tried comforting her to no avail.
"That's what I've been trying to get her to understand since but she just won't stop crying. Please talk to her, I didn't expect to meet her like this after so many years of not seeing each other." Arianna said sadly as she paced around the room.
"Madame Barbara, didn't I explained it all to her? I told her I'm in love with darling Thompson who isn't of royal blood but father won't agree to get married to him. But if she'll agree to come back home or even talk to His Majesty, he'll listen to her." Arianna said to Mrs Barbara, Penny's foster mom as she walked in with a tray containing a cup of tea. She dropped it on the little stool beside us on the bed. Her sister's such a talker...
"Penny it's alright okay? This tea will refresh you a little, make sure to take it. I'll leave you girls to talk to her." Mrs Barbara said with a small smile and walked out.
"Here Penny, have a sip." Katie said, picking up the cup and raising it to Penny's mouth. She opened her mouth and slowly took a sip before turning away and crying more.
"You girls just don't understand. I wasn't expecting my sister's betrothed to be the same guy I like, and even though they don't like each other, they've already been betrothed and would be getting mar.... married in a year's time. Kings don't go back on their words easily." She cried.
"Emerald," Arianna called softly, squatting down beside her. "You're my only sister and my elder sister. You're the crown princess even before you left home and till now you still are. You have the power to do many things I can't do, in the future you'll be the Queen of Ireland and there's nothing you can do about it. Before I left home, I overheard father planning to bring you back, he's ageing sis. Why don't you just calm down and listen to reason? I was ten years old when I was betrothed to prince Roe and that was after a year you left home. Mother told me it was supposed to be you but since you left and refused to return it fell on me. Now is the opportunity to go back and reclaim what's yours, I know Prince Roe likes you, the look I saw in his eyes when he saw you at the airport is no denying that. Please Emerald, our reunion after eleven years shouldn't be like this okay?" I watched as she wiped tears from the now calm Penny's eyes and I couldn't help but admire this. This is what blood can do, I wish I have a sibling too but I don't. Well I've got the girls, I'm sure Penny's forgiven me already but we'll talk about that after this.
"Will you do that for me sis? Will you free me from this burden I've carried for eleven years now? Will you do that for little sis?" She asked tearily and Penelope nodded with teary smiles. And soon they were wrapped tightly in each other's arms.
I looked at Katie and we smiled.
TANIA'S POV
I hummed softly as I combed through Alex's hair gently. After the TV drama everyone returned to their initial positions, Elle was just stepping out of the bathroom, Kim was in her room probably chatting with her boyfriend or best friend, Lia was searching out simple evening wears for the girls. And me, I'm trying to style Alex's hair. I've been feeling like something was off with Alex since the first day I saw her but I just can't place it and I think Lia is too. Earlier I saw her staring at Elle's childhood photo while looking at Alex, seems like she's feeling something's off like me.
I noticed Alex never holds her hair up, it's always falling down her shoulders. Even this two days, she's been here, she's been the one dressing her hair herself but I decided to do it for her today. I don't understand why she doesn't style it or pack it up in a ponytail like most kids her age would prefer, even Candy loves her hair on ponytails. So why doesn't she style hers that way? I'm curious.
"Alex dear," I said looking at her from the mirror, she stared back at me.
"Yes Rosy," she said sweetly.
"Why do you leave your hair down always? Do you really like it that way?" I asked.
"Not really but aunt Hanna insists I always leave it down." She said with a cute pout. Why will her aunt insist on that?
"But why?" I asked using my hands to gather it up still staring at her from the mirror.
"I don't know." She shrugged.
"See, ponytails looks good on..." I paused as I stared down at her hair, my eyes caught something which made me pause. Just behind her left ear was a beautiful birth-mark, staring at it made me feel like I have seen it before but where? I closed my eyes and opened it back, trying to think about it. Why can't I remember? My eyes wandered around the room and landed on Elle, she was still on her towel as she dried her wet hair. I immediately remembered where I had seen it, it was on Elle's back.
I trailed my eyes to her back and my eyes widened as I saw the exact same birth mark on her back. I was shocked and I quickly looked back at the spot on Alex's ear again. The same oval pale black mark was there. How is this possible?
"Why is that there?" I looked up and Elle was coming closer already.