The Royalties

After more than a month of staying in Manila, Dei and Charmaine flew back to Cebu. They made sure that communication was constant for the four of them. For six months of being away from each other, Richard made sure to fly to Cebu at least twice a month. There were also instances when Athena travels with him to watch Charmaine's swimming competition, and now, to attend Dei's celebration for her promotion.

Richard insisted to push through with the celebration. Though Dei opposes to have a big one, Richard still pushes the event where all her officemates and friends were invited to celebrate with their whole family.

"This is too much, your highness. My promotion is only as the Division Head. I am not even a member of the senior management." Dei said beaming.

"You deserve this, my dear queen, besides this is a double celebration? This is for your promotion and a send off-party as well." Richard said beaming with eyes glowing "Please let me do this, your highness. I am this happy because you and Charmaine will be staying in Manila finally."

"It looks like you are the one celebrating and not me." Dei said laughing.

"Who would not celebrate? I will get to see you every day once you transfer to Manila." Richard replied then took a deep breath. "I don't like a long-distance relationship, because it sucks."

"Why? It is because it is costly?" Dei asked.

Richard hold Dei's hand and said "Nope, because I cannot hold your hand like this." And he whispered "And I can kiss you as passionate as much as I can. You do not know how much your little black dress is affecting me now."

"Shhhh stop flirting, we are not the only people here." Dei said

The party went smoothly and since it is for Dei's promotion and despidida, some friends and colleagues gave their short messages to the queen. Most of them made her laugh so hard. Until it is the princesses turn. It was Athena who spoke first.

"Congratulations on your promotion, Mommy. Please keep in mind that I'm so proud of you, and I will always do. You know, Mom, I am so happy that you and Charmaine are going back home. I am so excited because I will see you every day now. Look Mom, I've got long hair already, you may braid it anytime you want. I can now eat the best carbonara and pesto pasta in the world, every time I want to. Mom, you and my sister can now help me choose a dress that would really fit me without connecting via skype. We can now have a movie marathon with Charmaine anytime we like."

"Am I not invited in that movie marathon sweetie?" Richard kidded and the audience laughs.

"Oppsss, sorry Daddy." Athena said with a peace sign. "My Daddy is also included in that movie marathon." She told the audience.

"I'm just kidding sweetie. Sorry to interrupt, you may continue." Richard said.

"Finally, Mom, you and Charmaine can now attend my school's family day. We will be complete the next family day." Athena excitedly said. "I will no longer be alone. There will be me, Charmaine and you, to take care of Daddy when he gets sick. Also, there will be someone to scold him when he gets stubborn. And lastly, now I don't have to report to you if Daddy is dating other girls." Athena said and the audience laughs.

"That is our little secret sweetie." Dei reacted but smiling.

"Oppsss, sorry po Mommy, I get too excited. But seriously Mom, always remember that I love you and I can't wait to see you back home." Athena said before she gave her Mom a kiss and a hug.

When it was Charmaine's turn, Dei saw both sadness and happiness in her eyes. She also knows that speaking in front of an audience is not Charmaine's turf. Her first princess always prefers to stay home and read her tons and tons of books. "Please don't cry, sweetheart. I don't want to cry, please don't make Mommy cry." Dei whispered.

"Hello Mom." Charmaine said, to start and she is obviously shaking. Shyness is truly evident to her. "I am not really good on this, unlike Athena. Can I just write it down, instead?" Charmaine honestly said, but the audience took it as a joke that's why they laughed. "Ok I'll make this short and quick." She added.

"Relax, sweetheart. You can do it." Richard told Charmaine. She smiles and nods at her Dad before she continues. "Mom, let me congratulate you first on your promotion. I saw how you work hard to get it. And I believe you truly deserve that. I maybe half-hearted on the perks, this promotion has given you, especially on the fact that we need to transfer to Manila. I will definitely miss my friends, my school and everything that I love here in Cebu. But I will support your decision to settle in Manila because more than anything else Mom, having one whole and happy family is what I always prayed for. I love you Mom. Thank you for accepting my Daddy again." Charmaine said she then gave her Mom a kiss and a hug as well.

"I love you, sweetheart. Thank you for understanding." Dei said teary eyed.

When it was Richard's turn, all ears are on him. Everyone feels excited in what he is about to say.

"Congratulations on your promotion, your highness." Richard started.

"Thank you." Dei replied.

"Earlier you asked me, why I throw a big party like this. The answer is very simple, because you deserve only the best my queen. I only want what is best for you as well as for my princesses. The three of you are God's precious gift to me to take care of.

Athena and Charmaine's messages earlier made me realized that for two years, my princesses were deprived of things that would make them feel complete. And now, I guess there is no point of waiting any longer. There is still one thing that I need to do. That is to give them what would make them whole and completely happy. I love you more than my life Nicomaine Dei Capili." Richard said then gets a small box from his pocket and kneels in front of Dei before showing the engagement ring he is holding. "Your highness, please give me this second chance to give happiness to the princesses and have the honour to be your husband again, who promised to love and take care of you for the rest of our lives?" Richard proposes.

Tears are streaming down on Dei's cheeks and as if there is a lump in her throat that she could not speak.

"Is that a No my queen?" Richard kidded to at least lessen the tension.

"Yes." Dei finally replied.

"Yes that it is a No or Yes that you will marry me?" Richards asked again.

"Yes, my king, I will marry you!" Dei replied again, still crying.

Her king puts on the ring on her finger. He then stood up to kiss and hug his queen.

"Are we getting married immediately you highness?" Dei asked.

"Whenever you like my queen, this time it is your call." He declared.