A new day has come. The sun is brightly shining. The soft rays of the sun are penetrating her bedroom’s window with glee. Telling the lady, it’s time to get up and start the day. As usual, she started her day with a short prayer. Thanking God and asking for His guidance on whatever she will do that day.

What happened the last night is still fresh in her memory. It was one of the most memorable conversations she ever had in her life. For others, it may be a simple conversation between two people trying to get to know each other. But in that conversation, she met the other side of him, Mico. He is a guy with an extraordinary sense of humor. She really had a great time with him. He never ran out of his funny stories but still she never got to know where he came from neither his past.

The whole night they were together she realized that he is total and perfect gentleman. Everything a girl could wish for in a guy is in him. If only possible, she would think that she’s starting to like him. But she has to know a lot about him first…

A knock was heard…
Anathea: Who is it?
Butler: It’s me.
Anathea: Come in.

The butler entered the room.
Butler: Breakfast is ready.
Anathea: I’ll be ready in a minute. Thank you.
After the butler left, Anathea put on her robe and fix herself before going down on the breakfast area.

She usually eats her breakfast at the open space near her garden. She had always wanted the feeling of the sun’s cool rays on her skin and the sound of the songs that the birds sing while the trees dance.

When she saw that there are two plates prepared, she secretly smiled to herself. It means that she is not alone. She has someone to share breakfast with. She asked excitedly.

Anathea: Who will be joining me for breakfast?
Butler: Your brother, madam.
Anathea: You’re kidding, right?
Butler: He told me he wants to have breakfast with you. You haven’t seen each other in the past few days.
Anathea: Well, it’s not my fault. I wonder if his canvasses talk, I mean I can’t believe he can stay in his studio painting that long. Does he still know what fun and pleasure is?
Christopher: Of course. Good morning.
Anathea: Big Brother.
Christopher: How’s my little sister?
Anathea: What made you go out?
Christopher: Aren’t you glad that I’m here?
Anathea: It’s not that. So, what made you go out?
Christopher: Having a break once in a while is not a crime. And of course, I miss my kid sister.
Anathea: Yeah, right. You’re my brother. I should know you.
Christopher: Well, I can add your visitor in my list.
Anathea: So, you already know about him. Who told you?
Christopher: Who else? Father…
Anathea: I wish I didn’t ask.
Christopher: (to the butler) Put another plate on the table. I want to have breakfast to the most intriguing man in this house. What’s his name again? Michael… Mike…
Anathea: Mico… and please why don’t you just go back to your studio and talk with your paintbrushes and canvasses.
Christopher: But why? Oh, you want to get rid of me so you and your visitor can have a private time. Very interesting…

Why do his father and brother have to tease her about her love life? This had always bothered her. Are they concerned or they’re making fun of her or they have nothing to do.

Mico was little bit shock to find another man in the table.
Christopher: Hi, I’m Christopher, her brother. Nice meeting you, Mico.
Mico: Nice meeting you, too.
Christopher: Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s eat.

The whole meal, Mico and Anathea didn’t say anything. Both are wishing that Christopher would just leave the two of them out there.
Butler: Excuse me. A messenger arrived and gave this letter.
Anathea: From whom?
Butler: The queen.
Anathea: Thank you.

The queen’s letter:
We need to talk. Come to my house after lunch. This is very important.
Christopher: What did the queen say in the letter?
Anathea: the queen told me to go to her house.
Christopher: Why?
Anathea: For some very important reasons.
Christopher didn’t ask any questions anymore. He knows that it is already a private thing between his sister and the queen.

After eating her breakfast, Anathea took a long bath. She changed into casual clothes and walk into the garden. There she found Mico sitting alone in the bench. He was staring blankly at nowhere. She decided not to disturb him. Maybe he was thinking deeply about something.

Soon after, Anathea finished her lunch with Mico and her brother. She got herself ready for her meeting with the queen. She knows that it is too early to leave but she got nothing else to do for that day.
Anathea arrived earlier than the queen expected.
Amadea: You’re early.
Anathea: Did I bother you?
Amadea: No. in fact, I’m impressed as usual.
Anathea: Why?
Amadea: A good leader is always on time as a sign of discipline.
Anathea: Here we go again.
Amadea: Honey, can’t I change your mind?
Anathea: My decision is final.
Amadea: In your age, you have a very strong conviction. Another good quality of a…
Anathea: Please, let’s just stop it. Okay?
Amadea: Okay. Oh, I almost forgot. Tell your brother that his engagement party is all set.
Anathea: I’m really excited about his engagement. It didn’t even crossed before my mind that my brother and my best friend will be engaged and soon afterwards will tie the knot.
Amadea: Are you not envious of them?
Anathea: Why should I envy them?
Amadea: They will soon tie their knots.
Anathea: Why would I? Marrying is not yet on my mind right now.
Amadea: How about Mico?
Anathea: How did you know about him?
Amadea: Your father told me.
Anathea: What!
Amadea: He also told me that he’ll talk to Mico while you’re here.
Anathea: This is torture.

Anathea was about to go home when she heard what her father’s plan.
Amadea: Oopps. Not so fast.
Anathea: But that’s unfair. Father didn’t tell me about that.
Amadea: Why should he? Is he yours exclusively?
Anathea: No. But he is my visitor…
Amadea: Let them talk. He’ll not do any harm to Mico. As far as I can know, he really likes him.
Anathea: Still, that’s unfair.
Amadea: You have to worry if you’re hiding something.
Anathea: I have nothing to hide.
Amadea: So what’s the problem? Calm yourself, okay?
Anathea: I have to go.
Amadea: No. Tell me more about him.

Why does everybody take these as a big deal? Is it bad to help someone? She is so confused.

Chapter 5 »