Royals in Toledo

Chapter 2

IT is already past midnight, but I am wide awake. I am leaving the palace at five o'clock, and I haven't slept a wink. Was it because I'm excited about what Toledo would be like for me? Living on my own is something I have wanted to do for a long time. Ara was given the opportunity, but she didn't take it. I was the stubborn princess between the two of us while she followed every single thing our parents tell her. It didn't make me love her less. I find her life too dull for my liking. 

Ara is three years older than I am. We don't look alike except for our eyes. We both have blue eyes like our mother. She has straight black hair like my father while I got my Mama's wavy, light brown hair. She has thin lips while I have it full. I didn't particularly appreciate it until Mama butted in. She teased me and said that my prince would love it.

When I asked why, she said, "Because your lips look as if it's asking for a kiss."

Well, as long as it is not Jacobo, I'm okay with that. I packed my luggage after I talked to Mama. Ara came to see me when she got home from an outing with her friends. And my father? We are not on speaking terms. I take it that Mama talked to him about me backpacking to Toledo. It's not like he can say no to her. My mother doesn't ask for many things, but she will compromise with my father when it comes to her daughters' welfare. 

Not being able to say goodbye to Papa made me sad. I am close to my family, and now that I will be living on my own for a year. As I was drifting off to sleep, Mama's voice echoed in my head.

"Casta, when you leave at dawn -- you are not to call or write us. You won't be communicating with us at all. If you do, that would mean that you're tapping out. You will be sent back here, and you already know what that means. Just a year away from us, and when you return, you decide what you want to do next."

I am not worried that someone would know my true identity. All our lives in La Rioja, no one was allowed to take our photos. Only the King and Queen are to be photographed, and it has to be approved by the palace before it goes out to the public. I guess I just have to use my middle name in Toledo to make sure no one knows that I am a princess.

My alarm went off at four in the morning. I got up, took a shower, get dressed and came down to meet our driver. He will drop me off at the bus station, and from there, I would travel eight hours to get to Toledo. 

I don't know about you, but I like securing my money, so I split it in half. Half remained in my wallet while the other half -- blame Hollywood for this, but I tucked it under my brassiere. I don't know what to expect in Toledo. It's turning into a busy community faster than the rest of the world.

I could not afford first-class, so I settled for a coach. For someone like me, who stands five feet and nine inches, I can barely fit in the seat as they are so close together. The end of my knees is touching the back of the seat in front of me. But at least the bus is clean and tidy. I just have to endure this for the next eight hours. It's not like I have any choice in the matter. 

Due to lack of sleep last night, I fell asleep right away on the bus as soon as it started moving. After four hours, we would stop at a nearby station for an hour so that people can use the washroom and get a bite to eat. A woman about the same age as me came and sat down beside me. I took the one closer to the window as I am not a fan of aisle seats. 

There was only half-hour left when I woke up. I didn't realize that I haven't had a decent breakfast since I woke up. No wonder my stomach was grumbling like crazy. I only ate a cracker and a cup of coffee. 

"I am glad you're awake. The bus is leaving again in half an hour. You might want to use the washroom before we go," the girl said.

"Thanks."

"I'm Maya, by the way," she extended her hand to me. 

"Zia," I shook her hand. I used my second name. It's a short form of Letizia.  I was practicing last night to make sure I don't blurt out Casta. 

I excused myself and took my bag with me when I got off the bus. My bladder could use the washroom even though I didn't drink much for the last four hours. After that, I bought a sandwich and an apple juice. I inhaled it just like what the North Americans would say. 

When I got back to my seat, Maya smiled at me. I like her already -- she looks friendly. 

"I hope you don't mind me asking, but are you going to Toledo for a job or visit a family member?" asked Maya.

"I wanted to take a vacation."

"In Toledo??" her face looked like she couldn't believe it.

"Yes, what's wrong with Toledo?"

"Nothing. It's just -- it's not really a place to go for vacation. I mean, there's not a lot to do there unless you like nature."

"I like nature." That's a lie. I haven't done camping since I was twelve, and I hated it. There's no toilet! How can they expect me just to squat somewhere and do a number?

"Well, if you like nature -- then Toledo's going to be perfect for you," she said while chuckling.