CHAPTER 1 Fresonia

MILA

I never thought I would develop such intricate ties with the crown prince of Fresonia when I moved to this country.

Fresonia is a beautiful European country nestled in between France and Germany, but I probably had the worst start when I arrived here.

The day before I landed here, I still had my boyfriend Derek. Or at least I thought I had.

I moved to a new country for Derek, thinking I was heading towards a life full of love and new experiences.

But then I lost almost everything.

I met Derek almost a year ago at my hometown. He said he was visiting from Fresonia. How he wound up in my little restaurant ordering a coffee, I’ll never know, but we hit it off right away.

I had never been to Europe. I had never even left my country before.

When Derek asked me to move to his country after we dated mostly long distance for about half a year, I immediately said yes.

I guess I always wanted to explore other possibilities in my life, more than I imagined.

I ended my lease on my rented apartment, sold my restaurant, and packed up my life to move to Fresonia.

But then when I arrived in Fresonia yesterday, everything fell apart.

I went to the address of the house I had spent almost all my money on, expecting to find my lover. There was no house. There was no Derek. The address he had sent me was a cemetery, and our future together was a lie.

I immediately went to the police. Although many people spoke the local Fresonian language to each other, English was also an official language of the country.

At least the police officers could understand me, and they were sympathetic, if unhelpful.

“I’m sorry, miss. I’m sure he gave you a fake name, that’s how all the scammers are doing it. He will be very difficult to track. I can take your name and number and let you know if we find anything.”

That was the last straw. I couldn’t remember how long I cried after I walked out of the police station.

After I gathered my wits, I found myself a cheap, slightly unsavory motel down the street.

Then I knew I need to get drunk.

Really drunk.

—

I drifted in and out of sleep, with sunlight coming in through the big windows to my left. The bed was super soft, way softer than any cheap motel bed should be. I pushed myself up and looked around, then realized I wasn't in my motel at all.

The room had a large set of French doors and the carpet was beautiful and clean. There were also clothes of a clear stranger mixing with mine on the ground.

I finally looked at the guy sleeping next to me, and memories started flooding back.

I guess I slept with a stranger last night.

If I remembered it correctly… he said he was … Felix?

I was in a local bar while I noticed him from across the street last night. He was entering what appeared to be a fancy, high-end restaurant. I had spotted a ridiculously handsome man walking into it earlier, surrounded by people in expensive clothing.

Even from far away, I was struck by his confidence and charisma. He looked important–regal, even.

I remembered when the bartender realized I was a foreigner and tried to charge a crazy prize for my drinks that I couldn’t afford, Felix came to me and saved me.

I didn’t remember why Felix would come all the way across the street to save me. Like I didn’t remember how exactly we ended up here.

I couldn’t help but blushed when other memories came flooding back, too.

Last night had been... wonderful. It was probably the best I have ever had.

Felix was gentle, caring, and... passionate. He liked to whisper sweet things into my ear. At one point, he even murmured something about me being his destiny, which was a very sweet–and unusual–thing to hear.

Now Felix was still sleeping next to me, looking peaceful and content.

When I thought about everything that happened yesterday, I didn't even feel that devastated anymore. It felt almost magical. Even though Derek’s betrayal still stung, the passionate night had made me feel alive again and eased my pain.

I crept out of bed in search of a glass of water. When I walked out of the room, I realized it was clearly penthouse suite occupying the top two floors of a tall, modern, glass building, overlooking all of Fresia, Fresonia’s capital.

“Hello?” When I was amazed by the view, a female voice from behind me startled me.

I whirled around to see a petite older woman wearing a maid’s uniform glaring at me.

“Uh, hi,” I said, trying to not appear self-conscious in my oversized t-shirt and no pants.

“You are guest of Mr.Felix?” The disapproval in her voice was clear.

“I’m Mila,” I managed. She spotted the bra on the ground behind me and snorted.

“I have to warn you that Mr. Felix has many lady friends, so you are no special here.” she said with a plain face. “Don’t expect you can order me around to doing things for you.”

“Oh,” something tightened in my chest. “I was not going to ask for anything anyway.”

“Good enough.” She scanned me up and down.

A cold, slimy feeling settled over me.

Last night had been great, yes, but it was clear that Felix was a man of many flings. I was just the latest in a long line of women.

He may have said sweet things to me last night, but I shouldn't expect anything too serious would develop between us.

And I didn't.

I realized I probably shouldn't stay in his apartment anymore. But should I say something to Felix before that?

“I guess I can leave now?” I still asked. "Do his...umm...dates just..."

“Feel free to leave,” she interrupted my words without even giving me a look, heading to where I guess was the kitchen.

I didn't want to embarrass myself anymore, so I gathered my things as quickly and quietly as I could before sneaking out the door and hailing a taxi.

As the taxi started to drive off, I noticed Felix darting into the street, looking around anxiously.

Despite everything I’d learned that morning, I couldn’t help thinking, Is he looking for me?