A lost love

17

Caitlin collapsed into her bed, exhausted. Who knew that being a princess would be so tiring? She was constantly having to fly to different countries, constantly being called upon to open some new building. Now that the media had gotten hold of the story, that she was a princess who had spent most of her life in exile, her phone was constantly ringing and she was constantly being invited to different events, dinners, interviews, photo shoots, etc. Her whole life had changed beyond recognition. But she had realised how phoney and fake this world was. She was so glad that her dad had protected her from this. She didn't know how these people did it, but if this was all they knew, they learnt how to survive. She realised that this, royalty, was a cut throat world, and you had to fight to survive. Caitlin knew that all eyes were on her, as everyone was always watching her, just waiting for her to trip up

"Your highness", said a voice knocking on her door 

"Come in"

Caitlin put on her dressing gown, over her pyjamas as she waited for her servant to enter

"Sorry to bother you. I know that you are tired after getting back late, but their is a young lady downstairs, waiting for you"

"Okay. Please sit her down and make her comfortable. Please give her something to eat and drink. I'll be down soon"

"As you wish", he said bowing, before leaving the room

Caitlin smiled. She would never get used to this. Caitlin got up and got ready. She ran downstairs to see who was here for her.  She ran down the stairs, and paused in front of the person 

"Your highness", said her friend, bowing in front of her

Caitlin ran up to her friend 

"Stop. You don't need to bow in front of me. Your my best friend. We've grown up together. So don't treat me any differently"

They hugged each other tightly, as they had been apart for a while 

"So Caitlin, a princess. Who would have thought?"

"I'll be honest with you. I've known that I was someone special for a while now. But my dad always protected me and my mum from this life. He wanted us to have a normal life, and learn how to survive in this world, on your own, and not be pampered like them"

"Well now that you are royalty, you can change things like you said"

"I will. Definitely. I've seen how these royals operate. Most of them have no idea what is going on outside  beyond their four walls. Most don't know how people in the real world live and survive. I fear that how they would cope, without their families money or backing"

"So what are you going to do?"

"I don't know, but something has to change. Anyway, enough about me. How is your married life?"

"Brilliant. Much better then I thought"

"Good. May you always be happy and smiling like this"

Caitlin got up, and rooted through one of her cupboards 

"Here. This is my gift to you", she said, handing her a diamond jewellery set

"I can't accept this"

"Of course you can. Your my best friend. Just don't treat me any differently just because I'm royalty. I'm still the same old Caitlin for you"

Caitlin sat in front of her dresser, getting ready. She had servants to help her get ready, but she wasn't used to this, and didn't feel comfortable with this. Tonight was another drink and dinner and dance party, held in her honour. She enjoyed going to them, but some of the people were snooty and stuck up. Plus, all eyes were on her, waiting for her to trip up, to make one mistake, to put one foot wrong

"Are you ready, my lady?"

"Do I look alright?"

"Beautifull. All the princess there will not be able to keep their eyes off you"

"I'm not going for that"

"You might not be, but they definitely will"

"Is that what all these dinners and parties and events are for? Matchmaking in the name of a dinner or an event, or a party"

"You are still new to this your highness, but every event is an opportunity at matchmaking"

"Well I'm not going there to find myself a suitor"

"Do you have someone?"

"I did, but then it all fell apart. I want someone to love me for me, not for my title"

"I hope that you get that your highness", said her servant squeezing her shoulder 

"Anyway, I hope that I'm a good employer. Any concerns come straight to me"

"Definitely your highness. Because you have spent some time with normal people, you are more aware of everything. You treat us better then they could ever could. Your father did you a massive favour by getting you out of here. Now, you know what it's like for normal people"

"Did you ever work with my dad?"

"Our paths crossed a few times. He was a real gentleman. You don't find many nowadays"

"Well I'd better be going, otherwise I'll be late. But afterwards we will sit down and talk about my dad"

"Have a nice time"

"I'll try"

Caitlin got into the limo, and they drove off

Duff, duff, duff. As always, feedback appreciated