The Princess and the Soldier

The Future Queen of the Royal Kingdom of Solandia

Alya POV

After breakfast, I went to my office to have an early start on work. Yes, I already do have my own office, just across dad’s. Dad and mom’s offices were, of course, right beside each other. The room given to me used to be Grandpa Jeremiah’s office and I wished at times that it will bring me his wisdom. John has his own office. Smaller than mine but he doesn’t mind. He had another office in the city where he had established a regional office for Grandpa Jericho’s corporate empire.

I didn’t change much of the furniture, which was all made of wood – my desk, the chairs, the drawers, and the bookshelves. I liked them just the way they were. I liked how the things were used by great kings such as my great-grandpa and a few who came before him.

However, I had added one thing that seemed odd when you look at it first. I had it made of wood, but it was a huge sofa, or lounge chair if that is what is it called, with soft cushions where I could take a nap during the day. It stayed on the far side, noticeable only to people who would take a look around the big office.

Usually, I work closely with Dad. Of course, as the future queen, I have to know the ins and outs of running the kingdom. I had to be ready at all times, dad always says to me.

When I was still studying at the university, I took all my lessons seriously. I absorbed everything that I can manage to get in my head. I became fluent in many languages, same with Dad. John studied with me but did not take the sessions seriously. Yes, he can speak and understand, but not much as me. His thinking was he will not be the King anyway. But Dad was telling him that he still has to do what I do because he is the next in line after me.

We did the same training. Almost anyway. We both learned how to fly a plane, a fighter jet, and a helicopter. We learned how to navigate small boats. Warships are much complicated, but we were given a background and hopefully, I would get to go back to learning more soon. We were also training in handling weaponry, be it knives, guns, and explosives. John was more into these things rather than sitting and reading books.

When it came to combat training, I had to beg out of it. Dad was adamant that I should undergo the training. I kept giving him reasons and even had Mom cover up for me.

It was just that every time I think about going into combat training, all I think about was Leo.

Petty, I know. Have not forgiven him yet for hiding and not telling he has a girlfriend? Yes. He hid the fact from everyone, even John!

And so what if he has a girlfriend? I don’t think I could answer that. Get over it, Alya! It had been five years! Move on!

I shook my head and turned on my laptop. I had to take him out of my head.

Why do I still think of him even when I have ignored him for so long? Why did he have to be in my dreams? I couldn’t see his face, but his voice and the way he makes me feel still haunts me.

It was not that I didn’t have my own fair share of suitors. Even when I was in high school, I would get a bunch of gifts from admirers. More so when I was in college up until now. Some famous actor I met had even made a move on flirting with me at one event. I have met politicians, leaders of various countries and organizations, CEOs, and Directors – young and old. I get indecent proposals, too. Yes!

But really, I don’t have time for them!

At the moment, I was trying to establish myself as the next queen of the kingdom. The first queen at that. All throughout the history of Solandia, it was always men who ruled and took the top position. It was not because females were not allowed. It was only because there was no female next to the throne. All kings had males as firstborns. It was only now that a female came to be the heir to the throne. It could have been John, but I was brought out first by Mom’s doctor.

It didn’t matter to them who came out first just as long we come out alive and healthy. That was what they always say. I could not believe that people had the nerve to point out and had asked my parents if they have thought about getting John to go out first so the next to the throne will be a male, following the pattern. Though they didn’t say they wished or hoped that it would be John, I could read between the lines. They wanted a male leader.

How fortunate of me for being the be the first female heir. I will show them though.

I have just checked my schedule and was about to browse my emails when there was a knock on my door. In a second, Dad came in.

“Alya?” He asked and seemed to be hesitant.

“Yes, Dad,” I replied after I clicked on an email.

“Can we have a talk?” He walked towards my table but did not sit down.

“Sure. What about?” I took my eyes off my laptop and looked up at him. In his early fifties, Dad was still gorgeous and fit. I could see why Mom was still very much in love with him. He’s sweet and very attentive to Mom’s needs. How I wish I could be with someone like Dad. He was like my basis on my future husband. If I could not see one like him, then I’d rather stay single. Forever.

“I know…you have been hesitant to take that combat training—”

“Dad. I’m busy right now. I’m following all your projects and Mom’s too.”

“Listen to me first. I will talk to your Mom. I’m sure she will be able to let you go for a few hours three times a week. One day could be Saturday, so it will do no harm to all of us.”

I crossed my arms in front of me and narrowed my eyes at Dad. Stubborn. From whom did I inherit this trait?

“I’m listening.”

“So, it will only be three days a week. At least two hours a day. That includes prepping, the workout, the cooling off. You can do it privately at the gym or out in the back. We have a lot of open space. I even have the perfect trainer for you.”

“You really think I would go to war and fight with my hands?” I said sarcastically. Yes, I do that with Dad.

“No. But it will come in handy in self-defense or helping another person in bad situations.” He too crossed his arms in front of his chest.

It seemed like I couldn’t get out of this anymore. Dad was already glaring at me. That was a look that no one would attempt to cross with. At times, Mom’s charms worked. But mine never did. I unfolded my arms and raised them up in the air.

Can’t believe I just surrendered in one glare.

“Fine. But couldn’t John be my trainer? He has his certification, right?”

“Perfect!” Dad’s smile was so wide. “Yes, John has the certification. But he has his hands full, working with grandpa and still doing his share with his royal duties.”

“Okay.” I thought we were done with the discussion, so I just waited for Dad to say that he will do the arrangements and then go out of my office.

“I would like you to meet your trainer. He’s here.”

My eyebrow went high up.

“He’s here already? I’m going to combat training right now?”

“No. I just said that I want you to meet him.”

“Okay.” Dad looked excited.

“No return, no exchange, Alya.”

“Fine. Fine. Dad, could you be any faster? I was supposed to be working already.”

“Ohh…wait…” He ran out of my office with the door still open. In a couple of seconds, he went back with a person right behind him. I still could not see the face of the trainer as he was wearing his hat low and he was the same height as Dad. I noticed that he was wearing his uniform.

“Here he is.” That was when Dad stepped aside.