CHAPTER 24 (BOOK 2)

"Ladies and Gentlement! We are about to witness a history in the making. For the first time, the King of Monaco, the crowned prince and the princess in a private jet is about to land in Philippine soil for a landmark of state visit which would commemorate the good relationship of the Philippine Government and the Kingdom of Monaco." The news anchor paused briefly as the camera turned towards a jet that just landed.

For the following minutes, news anchor from different networks both local and international narrated the succeeding movements that followed from the line up of royal guards and security services to politicians from national governments with the President among them.

Grace, May and Abby were watching the momentous event at their restaurant. "What a grand entrance." May pointed out.

"It's historic event." Grace added. "By the way, what does the King looks like?" Her gaze were fixed on Kate.

"Just like any grandfather." Kate answered.

"What kind of answer is that?" Abby complained.

"Give me a break. You would see him soon." Kate took a bit of the dessert.

"Ha? Is he coming here?" May shockingly asked.

Kate simply pointed at the television. "You would see him there."

"By the way, it's just me or what but I haven't seen any billboards or any welcome sign lately for such grandiose event." Grace pointed out.

"Well, Tobby once told me that the royal family gave a strict instruction to the Philippine government of having no billboards or any welcome sign. Instead, the money intended for such things would be used for a charity." Abby clarified. "It has been one of the many policy of any visit of Jeremy."

"I see. So that was the why I saw one billboard of Jeremy being taking down yesterday." May added.

Minutes later, the passenger's door of jet opened up. Some of the Royal households started decending.

"Where's Tobby? Isn't he supposed to be part of that entourage?" May questioned Abby.

"He's now the Royal Secretary." Abby proudly replied. "He's always beside Jeremy."

"I see." May, who was still curious, asked, "Do you know then their next schedule?"

All eyes were on Abby and they were anxiously waiting for her response.

"Of course not!" Abby denied as she took a sip of her wine.

"You're a bad lier. You've a habit of drinking every time you lie." Grace exposed.

"I don't!" Abby tried to defend herself.

"Yes, you do!"

Abby glanced at May and Kate, and was looking for the confirmation.

The two nodded.

"Okay! Fine! Tobby whispered some but not all since some of the activities of the Royal Family is top secret."

Their eyes suddenly turned towards the television as the news anchor narrates the appearance of the royal family.

"The King of Monaco from the kingly house of Grimaldi is wearing a white... doubled breasted coat while the princess is in stunning sapphire coat with a matching blue and silver linings." Then the news anchor paused as if he was waiting. "I was informed that the crowned prince is not with them." When the camera turned back to the anchor, it was noticeable that he received a piece of paper from one of the staff. "We just received an information that due to security purposes, the royal family has decided to take separate plane. It is still unknown however if the crowned prince has already arrived or still on his way."

"Someone seems disappointed." Abby teased.

Kate acted as if she didn't hear what Abby just said.

"I'm sure his loyal fans would surely be disappointed of not seeing his arrival. And loyal is acting strangely here." Grace seconded.

Suddenly, Kate's phone rang. It was an unknown number so she excused herself and answered the call.

"Who on earth could that be?" May asked Grace and Abby who were staring each other.

"Could it be..." Abby uttered.

Before Abby could finished here statement, Grace interrupted her, "It's impossible."

"Why not?" Abby asked.

"Well... you see... by the reaction of her face upon answering, she seems to be familiar with the caller and it's not the looks you get from a call of your ex."

"You have a point there." May agreed.

"But..." Grace stopped as Kate sat back

Kate knew that they would be curious on the caller and so before they could even ask, she narrated, "It's Gabby."

"Who?"

"I mean Gabriella."

"Who's that?" Grace confusedly asked.

Kate pointed at the television. "The princess."

"What!" May shockingly expressed.

"Since when are you in contact with the princess?" Grace interrupted.

"Is that really the princess or is it the prince?" Abby demanded.

"Woah... hold your horses." Kate tried to calm them. "Let me answer your questions one by one." Yes, it the princess." Kate turned his attention to Grace, "And to answer your question, everything Gabby's back in the Philippines, she always call me and some times, stay at our house. my sister and her actually became close as you know my sister is a big fan of his brother."

Despite the break up of her brother and Kate, Gabriella remained in good communication with Kate. She even stayed for a few days

at Kate's house where she ultimately created a bond with Emily, Kate's sister and parents.

"Stop..." Abby interrupted.

"Why didn't you tell us sbout this before?" May stressly asked.

"Ahhh.. Maybe... Because... you haven't ask about it before?" Kate tried to explain. "Besides, even though we broke up, should we need to cut all even communication with people around like...." Kate turned her gaze to Abby, "Should I tell you then not to talk with Tobby because we broke up?"

"That's not the point here." Abby wanted to redirect the subject. "Are you only in contact with the princess or as well as the prince?"

Kate didn't respond. Instead of answering she diverted the topic, "By the way, Gabby asked me if we could host a party for her friends. It's the same day as the University forum but it will be a dinner."

May suddenly brought out her phone to check something.

"What did you say?'

"Well... I told her that I will give her a reply later and I will still check the schedule."

"The slot is free." May clarified. "How many would be the visitors?"

"Just around 50."

"Wait up! Are you saying that the royal family would be coming over,?" Abby interrupted.

"I'm not sure but Gabby said that she would be with her friends." Kate turned towards May. "I actually has given your number to her for finalizing the details, I hope you don't mind?"

May smiled at her. "No problem at all."

After eating, the ladies finalized the details on their next expedition, a new branch of the restaurant.