A Royal Rebirth

Patricia descended the cobweb-strewn, moldy staircase to the basement library of their ancient castle. It was a forgotten corner of the estate—untouched, unbothered, and left to gather dust. She was surprised to see the lights still worked.

Rows upon rows of old books were neatly packed into hundreds of shelves. Since she was on a short mid-semester break from her boring university life, Patricia had been bored out of her wits. She didn’t have many friends at the university or within the kingdom. Only part-time associates—more like lackeys—who wanted to hang around her simply because she was royalty and rich. Patricia knew they were using her, but she used them too—and she always had the upper hand.

Coughing as she wiped dust and cobwebs from the books, many of which looked untouched for centuries, she wondered why the castle even had a library if no one used it. Wandering aimlessly, she kept her scarf wrapped over her nose and mouth to avoid inhaling the dust, scanning shelves in hopes of finding something that might kill her boredom.

She was just about to give up and call for the maids to clean the place when a particular section caught her eye—“Ancient Decrees.”

Intrigued, she pulled out a dusty, leather-bound brownish book, and headed back upstairs. She tossed the book onto her reading desk, washed her hands and face, and curled into her favorite couch, legs tucked beneath her. With reading glasses perched on her nose, she flipped open a random page.

As if fate guided her, her eyes fell on a sentence that read:

“As part of our treaty and alliance, the royal house of the Northern Pride Kingdom has signed a permanent decree with the Western Kingdom, that all princesses of the Northern royal family are to be betrothed to the princes of the Western Kingdom as long as this treaty stands, unless broken through a blood oath.”

Patricia gasped.

“Now that’s interesting,” she whispered, snapping the book closed.

Why had her parents never told her she might have a royal match waiting somewhere? Were they hiding it until she turned twenty-one?

When she confronted them, they claimed they hadn’t wanted to tell her “until the right time.” But the truth was—they knew nothing about the decree. They hadn’t come from the ancient bloodline. Her parents had become royalty through unscrupulous means, something their children had never been told.

Determined, Patricia began researching the prince of the Western Kingdom. She discovered he was the same age as her—nineteen—and studying at a university in the Southern region. Her curiosity turned into a burning desire. She wanted to know everything about him and get close to him. She wanted to fall in love with him before they were officially declared betrothed.

Patricia considered herself lucky to know she had a destined mate out there. She had to make sure she claimed what was hers. She begged her parents to let her transfer to the Southern University, using the excuse that she wanted independence and personal growth. They agreed, pulled some strings, and her transfer went through.

She acted sweet and innocent when she got there. She made a few “genuine” friends—one of whom unknowingly led her straight to her target.

The game begun.

“My prince, the Queen seeks your presence,” one of the maids announced while batting her eyelashes.

I rolled my eyes. These wannabes never tired of trying their luck with someone in a higher rank. I nodded and dismissed her with a wave of my hand.

I am Prince Kenneth Paige Junior—soon to be King Kenneth Paige the Twelfth. Son of the current ruler of the Western Kingdom. In a few days, I’ll be returning to university. I study at a science and technology university located in the southern part of our beautiful African country.

The South is metropolitan—diverse, fast-paced, and filled with people from all races and cultures. But it’s not the best place for my kind. Here, we feel... restricted. Like we must suppress who we really are.

I’ve lived in the South for over a year, yet I still haven’t gotten used to it. My childhood friends, Tom and Mal, attend the same university. I miss home constantly—the West—with its tranquil savannas, rolling cliffs, and the breathtaking colors that paint the horizon during sunset. Crimson, gold, bluish purple, and greenish hues dance over the hills, especially after the wet monsoons. No amount of luxury or technology can match that serenity.

I walked toward my mother’s chambers. At nineteen and already in my second year, she had grown increasingly persistent about “the right one.” I knew that being summoned this late in the afternoon meant another lecture.

I bowed slightly as I entered her chambers. She pulled me into a warm hug. She never cared much for royal formalities when it came to family.

“Nkem, how are you, my son?” she asked.

“I’m doing good, Mom. How are you this beautiful afternoon?” I replied.

“Sad, son. You’re leaving again. It’s boring when you’re not around. Sigh. I wish I had a daughter.”

“Mom! Aren’t you happy you have two very handsome boys?” I teased, pouting.

She smiled wistfully. “Oh, Ken. You and Dev are my pride and joy. But still, I always dreamed of having a girl too.”

Despite her luxury and power, I could sense her quiet longing. I now understood why she always brought up the topic of my future mate. It annoyed me, honestly. Discussing girls and sexual interests with my mother? Cringe.

After our short chat, I strolled out of the castle for a walk. The building itself dated back centuries—medieval and majestic, with its stone-carved structure and clay tile roofing. But the interior had been renovated with each new king. I’ll do the same when it’s my time—with help from my queen, of course.

But love... that was a subject I had avoided. I had never experienced infatuation, let alone love. I focused on training, honing my physique, and preparing to be a worthy king. After a year in the South, no one had caught my eye. My mother had tried arranging introductions with other princesses, but I wasn’t interested.

I want to fall in love on my own terms.

Down in the South, I live like a commoner. I keep my identity hidden. If girls knew who I really was, they’d swarm—and I might make the wrong choice. Still, I looked forward to the day love would find me.

A week later, I was back at the university dorms with Tom and Mal when an odd urge pulled me to the student mall. I followed it.

And then—I saw her.

The most stunning girl I’d ever laid eyes on. Light-skinned. A perfect contrast to my dark tone, I thought. I couldn’t tear my gaze away. Her dreamy brown eyes, shoulder-length curly black hair, curvaceous figure, and kissable lips had me entranced. I didn’t even care until Tom nudged me, whispering, “Man, stop ogling—you’re making her shy.”

I ignored him.

My feet moved before I could think. I approached her with all the confidence of a prince, determined to make a move.

This girl had awakened something no one else had, ever.

“Hi,” I said.