CHAPTER 9

As planned the following morning, they went to the port. It was time for island cruise adventure. All of them joined the tour except the bodyguards of Gabriella. They were left at the suite to avoid people's attention.

The port caters to both recreational and commercial vessels. There were many tourists who just arrived, mixtures of local and foreign. There were many small boats awaiting tourists to be transported to the different small islands nearby. From a distance, Mahal (love) could be seen instantly since it is the biggest among the vessels present.

When they reached the port, unwanted faces appeared. Francis, Shaine and some of their friends were there getting ready for their tour as well. "Oh guys! You're here. I though you would be somewhere else." Francis gestured to them. "Anyway, are you staying at the Ambassador Resort as usual? Actually if you heard about the Monaco Suite, we're supposed to stay there, a luxurious hotel but they said the owner has VIP guests, so we are staying at the Hennan Resort. It's more classy than Ambassador though." Francis boasted.

Jeremy and Kate's group were just smiling as Francis was speaking. They predicted what he said. Every time they meet him, he always compares and boasts. This time, he was on his own trap of teasing. He will not know what will hit him.

"Actually, we're not staying at Ambassador." Grace said.

"We're the VIP guests of the Monaco suites." Abby bragged in addition.

Francis was shocked of what he heard. He couldn't believe that they were the VIP guests. He was so sure that they would be staying at Ambassador as they usually do but he was wrong. He needed to quickly show off. As always he doesn't want to be outrun in boasting so he asked, "That's nice. So… will you rent Mahal (Love) today?" he smiled, "I'm sorry we have rented it."

Francis looked at the rest of the small ships available, "Maybe you could just rent one of these boats," pointing at the boats near to them. Mahal (Love) is the yacht that the group of Kate annually rent whenever they take a vacation at Boracay. Francis learned all of which when Kate and him where still in a relationship.

Jeremy, Kate and the rest were still smiling at him knowing pretty well again that was coming. They tried to control their irritation. Francis believed that he won a race. He thought that this time they couldn't respond back.

Kate raised her eyebrows, took a couple of steps toward Jeremy and turned to Francis, "We tried to rent it out but we were informed that you're the one who asked it first. Still it's okay we have found a better yacht." Kate defended.

"There is no better cruising yacht than Mahal here in Boracay," Shaine objected and threw her arms around Francis. She knew that there is a tension arising between the two groups from the moment that Francis opened his lips. It was not something new. They used to be in one group going to Boracay but since Francis and Kate broke up because of Shaine, things got messy.

"The thing is, our yacht is not registered here in Boracay… The yacht came all the way from Manila," Jeremy gave a lovely, unguarded smile and pointed at the bigger and better yacht named 'Monaco' that has just arrived, "That's the yacht."

Francis, Shaine and their companions were just speechless in amazement when they saw the yacht of Kate's group. Not only was it bigger and better, it was a luxurious 61-meter super yacht compared to theirs, a 42 feet cruising yacht. It could be considered as the most luxurious yacht near the port that time since even other tourists took a picture of it.

Before Francis could say anything, "Let's go to our beautiful yacht," Grace said and immediately walked away.

"Have a great tour." May added.

Since Monaco yacht was too big to be able to dock at the port, they had to sail first with a small boat before they can board the Monaco. When they finally reached the yacht, a familiar face appeared with several other groups of men and women.

"Good morning ma'am, sir and little princess!" Spes saluted.

"Mr. Spes!" Gabriella immediately hugged him. Mr. Spes was like their second father. He taught them many things growing up. He taught Gabriella how to walk, talk and act like a princess. Although he was given the task of teaching them, he went beyond the normal protocol. He cared for them and treated Jeremy and Gabriella like a family since Spes served under their father as his helper. Spes, actually almost quit his job as the Lord Steward when their parents died. He blamed himself of not being able to take care of them. However, the Prince and both Jeremy and Gabriella asked him to stay. He saw the need of Jeremy and Gabriella of a person to lean on. He vowed to himself that from that time on, he would dedicate his life to both of them.

"I miss you!" Gabriella exclaimed.

"Me too. It seems you have grown into a fine princess." Spes noticed since when Gabriella came back to the Philippines the other day, he was not able to talk to her casually. Due to the fact that the consulate was with him when she arrived at the embassy. Their father, actually before he died, instructed him that if they are away from the embassy, he should treat his children as his nephews or nieces so that they can also feel common.

Gabriella laughed at the comment and expressed her gratitude.

When all have boarded the yacht, Spes introduced the maids and chefs who were lined up at the corner. They will be serving them for the day as per instruction of Jeremy. He also introduced the other crew of the yacht and lastly the captain.

Before sailing, he toured them first around the facilities of the yacht. The Monaco has six elegant and spacious staterooms that include two master suite, two double suites and two twin suites aside from the quarters of the crew. One of the most important features of the yacht is her elevated pool area with imposing stone steps and plenty of lavish seating and lounging. This area also features a full bar filled with refreshing drinks and nibbles. The bridge deck also features another full bar and a fantastic dining filled with ornate chairs and sculptures to create a lavish and luxurious atmosphere, which is carried throughout the entire yacht.

The adjacent bridge deck salon offers yet another bar, a smaller dining table and a popular media room for kids and young- at- heart. Another sunbathing platform is situated forward of the bridge. It also has a spacious swimming platform easily accessible from the main deck, boasting a gymnasium as well as a garage hosting a tender and a great selection of water toys. These include two jet skis, an inflatable slide as well as additional inflatable and towable toys.

They were all in awe from the moment they boarded the yacht. As they do deeper into the different areas of the yacht, all the more their smiles become wider and brighter. It was really more lavishly set-up compared to Mahal. Every corner, every area is up to the beat of time and modernization from wide screen televisions to the different equipment that could be found in an international yacht magazine.

As they began to sail, Kate and Jeremy were at the sundeck. They were looking at the small islands that they passed by while the rest of the group were at the main deck enjoying the snacks and drinks prepared for them by the chefs.

Looking at Kate, Jeremy asked, "Are you okay?"

After taking off her sunglasses, Kate looked at him and said, "I'm fine. Is there something wrong?" Her voice was unmistakably at a loss of energy.

"You seem to be silent since we bumped into Francis at the port… Not a single word came out from you since we boarded the yacht." Kate seems to be at a loss. She was with them but her mind was in somewhere else. Her gaze was focused on something far beyond the islands that they passed by.

"I was just thinking of something," Kate explained as she continued to fiddle her sunglasses.

"What were you thinking?"

"Actually, I was wondering if I haven't met you, we wouldn't be able to enjoy this vacation."

"Are you really enjoying it?" Jeremy sarcastically asked.

"Yeah!" Kate snorted.

"Hey lovebirds, would you like to join us inside?" Grace yelled.

Kate and Jeremy went inside and joined the group. They were having fun eating, drinking fresh juices, and singing. Gabriella sat near Kate, offered her a plate of fries. Out of the blue, she asked, "Do you like my brother?" When Kate didn't respond, Gabriella moved closer. "Do you like him?" she reiterated softly.

Everyone at the deck heard her and was frozen by the question. Kate thought about it, scanned the room quickly trying to find an answer to Gabriella's question. She answered, "We're friends." Her voice was so low that they barely heard it. For a moment, she looked exactly guilty. She cleared her throat and finally said, "We're getting to know each other."

With her answer, Gabriella laughed under her breath. "That's acceptable," she said.

Everyone else followed laughing at the moment. Kate didn't need to answer. Her friends knew her from head to toe. They all know the answer. It was written all over her face.

"Hey! You're asking too much," Jeremy butted in.

"It's okay," Kate defended before squeezing Gabriella's arm in support. "She's just curious," she added.

For a while they sat in companionable silence, then Gabriella bombarded Kate with more questions but this time it was not anymore related with his brother. She sensed that they were uneasy with the topic. Then out of nowhere, she said, "I like you!" Showed a smile. "Can I propose to you on behalf of my brother?" She asked.

Everyone laughed except Kate and Jeremy since they were the people in hot seat. "Hey Gabriella, that's enough. Just eat your fries." Jeremy instructed. He was never nervous of what will come out next from his sister's mouth. He knew that she is straightforward when she thought of something. They were raised as such since they are part of a royalty, whose voices are respected.

"I'm just suggesting. She's gorgeous, friendly, and seems to be perfect as your girlfriend and my sister-to-be, right Spes?" She pointed at Spes who was standing at the bar not far from them. He just smiled in answer to Gabriella's question. Yet, such smile says it all.

"Not you too Spes." Jeremy complained and the rest cackled.

"It's almost lunch time, where would you like us to prepare it?" Spes asked.

"Why not at the upper deck." Gabriella suggested instantly. She was used to eating lunch at the upper deck together with their parents whenever they go fishing before. She knows that it was the best place to savor the food and the surrounding at the same time.

"Good idea," Abby agreed, "Let's go up."

"That would be great." May supported.

Since the maids are still preparing their lunch and they were near the crystal cove island, they have decided to visit the island by a small boat. It wasn't their first time to visit the place but just to pass the time, they walked along the white sand, took some pictures of themselves and the island especially at the view deck and spot some new adventures offered in the island. However, they didn't enter the caves since they were thinking of Gabriella's safety.

After thirty minutes of sightseeing, they went back to the yacht. They just opted to do some different activities they could find at the yacht. Grace and Mark enjoyed swimming and relaxing at the pool and Jacuzzi. May, Abby and Gabriella went sunbathing while Kate and Jeremy stayed at the main saloon.

"Sorry!" Jeremy apologized.

Kate turned. "About what."

"On what Gabriella asked awhile ago."

"It was nothing. She loves you that's why."

"But still, it was inappropriate for her."

"She's still a kid."

"Can I ask something personal then?" Jeremy sat beside her.

Kate's reaction was somewhat uneasy on what Jeremy was about to ask. "What is it?" She tried to anticipate what he was about to ask. Many questions entered her mind like the question of Gabriella and some follow-ups of it.

"Ah… What happened with you and Francis?" Jeremy asked, looking attentively on her reaction as she tried to compose herself. She narrated to him what happened to them, the good and the bad, the memories they had created at Ambassador and the break-up as well. Finally, she said, "Now, everything is behind me." She reached out for her glass and sipped some shakes.

Jeremy just showed a comforting smile but was not able to say a word. He knew that there was still a bit of tension between her and Francis. Although, he felt that it was mainly sadness and anger, he didn't try to dig deeper on the issue.

She looked at him. "How about you? You never tell me about your girlfriend." She complained. It was a safe question to know if he has or none. She never bothered to ask him about it since it was not her habit to ask. She is the type of woman who waits for the man to reveal himself

.

"I don't have any." He explained.

"But you had before right?" She tried to confirm.

"Yeah."

"So what happened? It's okay if you don't want to tell though."

Jeremy stared at her, clearly wondering whether to change the topic or plunge into a sensitive territory he tried to forget. He has before but when his former girlfriend found out that he belonged to a royalty, everything seems to crumble. She became demanding on many things and then he caught her having a third party.

Jeremy opened his mouth to say something, but when nothing came out, Kate knew he's not comfortable with the question. Whatever story he was going through, whatever Jeremy's fear, he was still Jeremy, she thought.

"I guess…" She conceded, before shaking her head. "No, I know you're not ready."

"I'm sorry."

"Maybe it's difficult to have a relationship when you are a celebrity." She tried to lift the mood.

When Jeremy laughed, Kate frowned. "It's not funny. I'm serious."

"It's kind of funny." He reached for his glass of juice.

When the buffet was ready and it was time to eat, Spes approached them, "Ma'am, sir, your lunch has been prepared," Spes interrupted.

"Thank you Spes!" Jeremy said, "Kindly inform the others as well."

"I already have. They are waiting for you."

"Okay then."

The rest of the day was filled with laughter and wonderful memories. They explored from one island to another, enjoying the great weather and beautiful sceneries. As the sun was retiring, they went back to the port. When they were about to go back to the resort, they said goodbye to Spes.

"Thank you Spes!" They all said.

"It's my pleasure." He replied.

"By the way sir, Sophie asked me to remind you to call the Prince." Spes whispered at Jeremy's ear while the rest of them started walking back to the car.

"Yes I will. Thanks again."