Jennifer/Jenny is a bright college student in the university of Edinburgh , masters in architecture

Living in a small apartment, a rich girl from. Moldovia. has,befriended her

Her european friend has a poor english vocabulary often takes her in writing speeches and Posts. Frequently throws parties in her large rented house..

Today Jennifer is sitting on a couch, holding a glass of punch and watching the couples dancing in the middle of the hall. On the side of hall , stood a very tall handsome young man holding a glass. Jennifer couldn't tear her eyes from him .The tall Man knew it, he looked at her and their eyes locked, slowly He raised his glass to her. She blushed and averted her eyes, hoping he would come and ask her to dance with him. Jennifer got tired of waiting for him to walk across the hall, he didn't ask her or any other girl looking at her all the time. Jennifer quietly moved to the dinner buffet, being a foodie, piled her plate high and took a corner. Seat.

Unknown to her, the tall handsome young man had followed her , watching her with amused eyes, she stored the chocolate cakes in a small box in her bag, chicken legs rolled up in napkins.

After eating her heart full, she walked out of the party , towards her battered Green Datsun, only to stop dead to see the tall handsome young man standing in her way. He bowed and introduced himself, "Alex , l couldn't meet you in the party, l didn't want to loose you,"

Jennifer nodded politely, she didn't shake hands, simply replied, lm Jennifer OBrien, nice meeting you, actually I have to go, Bye. Suddenly She was scared of the tall Man , he had been following her. Jennifer quickly got in her car and drove to her apartment.

The tall handsome young man looked concerned, he shook his head, " She is frightened, thinks lm a stalker" . He turned to the man standing in the shadows, " Follow her. Find all about her , all history"

The tall Man goes back to the party, after an hour the secretary returns with all the information about Jennifer.

Jennifer is the daughter of Headmaster Henry OBrien of Ayr ,Scotland . She has been a brilliant student throughout her life. Winning a scholarship to the university. Last semester, she was the top rung student, in the final semester maybe the topper.

Jennifer has been friends with people from her batch, but this semester she has been tagging along with Creole, the fashion icon who has suddenly been spouting intelligent speeches, quotes and Posts. Most likely as a result of the friendship with the brilliant blonde , the college topper, who has been seen in the lavish parties she gave often.

Jennifer has not been dating anyone, Boys generally prefer brainless beauties. Jennifer was a foodie,he had already observed.She's a teetoller too.

AleksandarThe crown prince of Moldovia , decided to court Jennifer , " Deliver her the largest box of Chocolate cup cakes with a bouquet of our national flowers Peonies, first thing in morning"

The secretary nodded happily, he was also a close friend of the Prince.

Jennifer had mixed feelings after her encounter with Alex . The tall handsome young man was stalking her , maybe he was interested in her. She went to bed, restless and tired, switched off her light. A car was on the road below room', drove of when the room became dark.

The morning brought a surprise for Jennifer, a breakfast hamper , omelettes of different types , porridge, breads, cup cakes and juices . A bouquet of peony flowers . A card with a simple message " Good morning. Jennifer --Alex"

Jennifer questioned her janitor, he simply told her that it was delivered by a boy on the bicycle.She decided to eat breakfast,why waste good food.

She had class so didn't give much thought. Drove straight to the university where Creole was nowhere in sight . Most likely catching up with her sleep after partying late night. Jennifer being a studious person,got busy with assignments.

Anyways Aleksandar didn't waste time either, he called her on the apartment phone , requesting her for a date in the same evening.

Jennifer stuttured and stammered , quite lost. Aleksandar cajoled her in meeting him out side her apartment .

Finally the blue eyed blonde agreed, after 15 minutes, a blue Honda car parked below and blew the horn.

Jennifer came out of the building, slowly, Aleksandar got out the car and bowed to her. Shyly she stood, the tall handsome young man noticed her nervousness.

"Let's walk to the nearest pizzario ,"

Jennifer nodded politely and began to walk across the street with him.

Aleksandar had a glib tongue, told her that he was her fratinity friend as he had studied in the same university.He was working in the Moldovia consulate. He didn't know Creole, someone from the consulate had brought him. Naturally he had not approached her in the house.

Soon they were sitting and eating pizza , Jennifer had overcome her initial fears and was chatting with him .

" How did you get my address ? She enquired

" Followed you," he replied straight face.

What! 😲

" Well it was rather late, just wanted to make sure you were home safe "

Jennifer shrugged, " You are a strange guy "

Aleksandar made a poker face, " what wrong in protecting your girl"

Jennifer looked stumped, " Aren't you going fast!"

Aleksandar 's glib tongue , "I fell for you when I looked in your blue eyes! Yesterday right then."

Jennifer bursts into giggles , " You are impossible! You expect me to believe you?

Aleksandar looked crestfallen, " You are hurting my feelings , My dear!"

Making Jennifer double with laughter, infact caught the attention of other young customers.

Aleksandar pays the bill and saunters out of the pizzario, walks her through the same block back to the apartment.

They stand chatting a bit more and part as she has to study.

Aleksandar waited until the light shone in her window, then drove away to the consulate.

" She is intelligent and innocent, still she is not an easy catch," pondered Aleksandar.

And concluded that he has not wasted his time .

Late night, he was thinking,. how her blue eyes looked pretty when amused , infact he remembered all the emotions mirrored in her eyes.

Nervousness, confusion , interest and mischief.

Aleksandar was not ashamed of his glib tongue rather pleased with his date with the brilliant blonde.

Jennifer had Olaf 's stamp of approval Aleksandar had ordered him to send Jennifer every morning a bouquet and box of chocolates , "She is likely to forget me, a real bookworm who is not in the dating game "

Olaf. had a brainwave, substituted the bouquet with a small nosegay to fix on her dress . Every day sent a different lunch box she could carry to college and munch inbetween classes.

Aleksandar himself was a civil engineer along with Masters in business management , through out the week he was busy with official work .

Friday evening, he called Jennifer for a date, she agreed. Aleksandar told Olaf to cancel all appointments for saturday

Saturday evening Aleksandar along with Olaf drove to Jennifer's apartment. Aleksandar got out of the car , walked into the building. He asked the Janitor, to connect him to her room.

Janitor, ". Sorry she has to come down to answer the phone, no extension "

" What every time I call, she talks to me while standing in the lobby.," growled Aleksandar.

"Well go and inform her," He ordered , handing him a tip.

Jennifer came down, Olaf bowed to her.

Aleksandar nodded,his eyes full of mischief , " Can you lend Olaf your car for this weekend. You can use my car for the time being."

Jennifer looked undecided

" Don't worry He will fillup the tank with gas and take good care !

Reculantly Jennifer handed over the keys to Olaf.

" Come you drive my car, let's see... Where should we go , some restaurant? You decide !

Jennifer got into the driver seat, Aleksandar sat next to The car rolled smoothly without any noise .

Jennifer was enjoying the drive, the gears changed without jerk. She had decided to go to the. Lotus Mall, where there were games , movie theatres and food court .

She parked the car in parking down in the basement.

They walked together to the gaming section , played some car racing games .

Aleksandar let Jennifer win , later watched an action movie, chomping pop corn . Aleksandar asked ," Does Creole know about us ?"

Jennifer shook her head ," She has been bunking college as usual "

" Well keep it that way , or she will steal me from you, she is a scheming woman" That was the first truth he had spoken.

Later when they were eating chinese food , Aleksandar asked Jennifer, " How about a picnic on Sunday and was pleasantly surprised , when she said, " I go to church on Sunday"

". Great! Which Church ?, I will join you !

"Episcopal Church near the Edinburgh zoo "

". Alright l will take a cab , you drive down to Church ."

After eating Jennifer drove the car back, Olaf was sitting in the battered Green Datsun , patiently waiting for Aleksandar .

After bidding each other farewell, Aleksandar got into the car, adjusting the seat to fit in his long legs.

"Take the car right now to the garage,

give a new paint job. ,fix everything"

As the car made it's noisy journey to the consulate.

"What's the budget ? Olaf asked

". What Budget !, ":growled Aleksandar

Olaf nodded happily .

"Also get the Janitor working on to getting a telephone extension for her room , " ordered Aleksandar.

Sunday morning dawned bright and fresh. Jennifer wore a blue frock with a belt around her waist, brushed her hair down her shoulders. She was a tall young woman, had been wearing the ill fitting short shinning golden dress lent by Creole , she had looked uncomfortable in the party.

She happily drove to church, the blue Honda didn't give any trouble.

She found Aleksandar waiting outside the Church, his punctuality surprised her.

Aleksandar had many good qualities, he woke up early to hit the gym. He was never late for appointments. Unlike other Young royals, he was not a party animal.

Aleksandar thought a true english beauty.most likely her mother is english Blue dress matches her eyes. She bowls me over every time.

They attended Church service,Aleksandars ears were inclined towards Jennifer's voice singing the hymns.

Outside the Church a picnic hamper was waiting, courtesy Olaf, they went to the zoo to see the famous penguins of Edinburgh.

Penguins parade is an attraction of the zoo, The penguins take a walk around the zoo. Aleksandar had loved watching them and had come often as a student.

Jennifer had seen them for the first time, she was behaving like a excited little girl .

Once again' Aleksandar was pleased, the reason they liked the same things.

Lunch hamper contained plenty of meat pies , sandwiches,fried fish even a chocolate cake.. Aleksandar ate well , encouraged. Jennifer to eat the food .

Jennifer told him that she used to play tennis back home, and swim in summer holidays. Her Mom met her dad in college, now' they are both teachers.

Aleksandar reminded her once again to keep their relationship a secret from Creole and her crowd. Moldovian royals are vindictive , he might lose his job.

Jennifer nodded obediently, believeing. his glib tongue. After an enjoyable day in the zoo. They packed and returned home.

Jennifer reached the apartment and found a. telephone extension in her room fixed in her absence.

Janitor also carried up the lunch hamper with the uneaten chocolate cake and fruits, Olaf had stowed in the Honda when Jennifer was busy with Aleksandar.

The new week kept. both of them busy, but Aleksandar made good use of the telephone. They chatted every night.

Jennifer advised him not to spend on the flowers and lunch boxes . He must not waste his salary on her.

Aleksandar reminded her that she was his girlfriend and he likes to make her happy.

Aleksandar calmly informed her that Olaf had run the car into a wall,as the brakes had failed and was getting it repaired . The Honda was her car till the job is done.

Jennifer was not happy with Olaf's driving.

The next Sunday after church they went to the club house to play tennis. Jennifer didn't know that Aleksandar had special membership as a visiting royal. She played reasonably well.

Aleksandar was enjoying her company, she was an intelligent young woman .

He himself an intelligent young man ,unfortunately he had met only brainless beauties.

Jennifer sometimes smelled like freshly baked cake other times like cherry blossoms, her hair always tousled, her cheeks and lips pink without makeup .

She blushed when he told her that she was pretty. Her freshness was appealing to his eyes.

Olaf was already head over heels in brotherly love , he told his wife about Jennifer and prepared her of the imment consequences. His wife Leila. wanted to warned the prince to go slow obviously she was not aware of the his background.

After two weeks, on Saturday, Olaf returned the Datsun with apologies. Jennifer came down to go for a date and could not believe her eyes, her car was a shining green, it' had been polished and serviced.

She got inside the car and switched on the engine ., it started without any noise.

She was upset with Olaf's spending on her car. Before Olaf could explain, Aleksandar lied that the consulate has footed the bill afterall he was an employee.

Aleksandar got into the seat next to her

Jennifer looked at him straight in the eyes,"l don't believe you that the car was hit, you took the car on purpose to get the painting done".

" Well give me the bill, l don't like it, l will pay back the money!

l don't care if I am not up to your standard !

I'm what I am , I came here to study!

I'm not looking for handouts!

I don't want to go on the date"

Aleksandar sat quietly, taking in the scolding.

Olaf stood near the Honda car, couldn't help over hearing the scolding. He was grinning ear to ear.

Aleksandar had met his match. The Cunning man had put on his sad look .

Jennifer stopped now looking at the bent head of the crestfallen man beside her.

This was their first quarrel.

Aleksandar looked up and turned towards her .

Still angry Jennifer was pursing her lips .

For the last four weeks, Aleksandar had been staring at her red lips and pink cheeks. Unknown to her , The pursing lips were inviting him for a kiss.

Without delay, he made best of the opportunity and kissed her on the red lips .

She looked surprised, then glared at him, but Aleksandar unashamed, kissed her cheeks and lips again.

Murmuring in her ear ," My darling " so far he had not called her by name., always using the endearment My dear or my girl.

Jennifer drove the car again to Lotus Mall, this time she paid for the games and food.

Olaf was not waiting for him near the apartment, he was parked on the corner out of sight. A wise man , he knew the Prince's need for privacy .

Jennifer was not in a romantic mood, Aleksandar didn't push his luck to far, didn't try kissing her again, so they parted with the promise of meeting in Church.

He walked down to the car after waiting for the light to go up in her room.

Olaf looked at him, eyes twinkling

Aleksandar, " A proud woman " under his breath said, "l was saved by a kiss "

Olaf nodded in agreement.

Sunday morning, Aleksandar was waiting outside side the Church. Jennifer didn't look particularly pleased to see him.

Aleksandar demeanour had changed, he looked more like an excited puppy when he saw her,

"He is looking stunning in his casual clothes." thought Jennifer .

Without losing a moment, he kissed her cheeks, would have kissed her lips but she shyly pulled away.

During the Church service , Jennifer prayed for guidance due to the unexpected arrival of the foreigner in her life.

After church they proceeded to the club house where Aleksandar decided to try out the heated swimming pool.

Aleksandar had missed the gym this morning as he had some important phone calls to make to Moldovia.

Club provided them with swimwear.

Jennifer looked at him, admiring the perfect athletic body , almost like a sculpture , a flat abdomen and long legs. From the corner of his eyes, he could see her looking at him.

Aleksandar sauntered along, hoping her feminine spirits was awakened.

Jennifer was not wearing a bikini but a swimsuit only exposing her bare arms and legs.

They jumped in the heated pool together. Swam around a little, there some horse play, like shooting water at each other and playing tag.

Suddenly the straps of Jennifer swimsuit broke and being some synthetic material didn't stay but slipped down exposing her large round breasts.

He saw the horrified look on her face, Aleksandar ducked under water to avoid embarrassing her.

Jennifer was swimming towards the edge of the pool,

Naturally she was not holding up the swimsuit which was stuck on her thighs.

He saw a pair of round full breasts with pink nipples, a narrow waist , a golden triangle. A mermaid in distress.

He saw all , but with terrified eyes, hoping she was not going to scream,"molester"

Somehow at the end, Jennifer pulled up her suit, covering her self with a towel. She ran to the changing room , Aleksandar followed her, his fists ready to punch any man who got in her way.

Still in swimming trunks, He stood out side the changing room, while all the women devoured him with their eyes.

Jennifer came out with a downcast, tearful face and didn't look at him, but he pulled her in his arms and hugged her tightly ,murmuring, " My darling! I'm here for you , always! "

She was still trembling, her head pressed against his bare chest, her fingers digging into his shoulders .

Women looked at her with jealous eyes as they came out of the room. Aleksandar black eyes looked sinster and he slowly walked her to the lounge where he put her on the sofa .

"Stay here l will order you coffee " and called the waiter .

He quickly changed , showering with hot water and came out to find her quietly drinking coffee.

He sat next to her on the sofa, throwing his arm on the back so she was inside his side, without publicly hugging her.

Jennifer leaned against his chest, somehow it felt she was meant to be there near his heart . The normal way to sit.

They sat together for a long time, reculantly getting up to eat lunch, for the first time Jennifer was not hungry, Aleksandar kept urging her to eat, reminded her that she had to study so must eat.

He, Aleksandar so far had met only women who exposed themselves to men, proud of the female charms.

Never A modest young woman !

They went to a " Charlie Chaplin " movie, Jennifer sat quietly with Aleksandar holding her tightly in the dark.

They came out of the theatre, Aleksandar now placed a hand on her waist to guide her. Olaf was waiting outside for them with the car .

The three went for some pizza and ice-cream Jennifer had sweet tooth so gladly ate the ice cream. The two men enjoyed the pizza . Olaf was properly introduced as a cousin from his maternal side.

Olaf made sure a large pepperoni pizza was packed to carry out.

On reaching the apartment, Olaf took the pizza box to the Janitor to carry up to the room , leaving the the two alone.

Aleksandar kissed Jennifer several times,looked down at her upturned face ,

" My darling! go and sleep, rest tonight , Tomorrow attack your books "

Reculantly released her, watching her go up.

Olaf drove quietly, Aleksandar was lost in his thoughts.

After the quarrel on Saturday , he had been worried about the relationship, but now he was worried for her. He wanted to protect her always.

Moldovian royals may not accept a foreigner as well as a commoner bride .

Who will the Crown prince choose ?.

King. Leo.lV , Aleksandar's father was assassinated in Paris.

King. Leo. IV. tried to reconcile political parties by unveiling a liberal constitution of his own initiative in 1901, introducing for the first time in the constitutional history of the country , system of two chambers., a council of Moldovian royals and commoners.

This reconciled the political parties, but did not placate the council of Moldovian royals and the army which, was already dissatisfied with the king's policy, became still more so at the rumours that one of the two unpopular brothers of the king, Prince Nikodije, was to be proclaimed heir presumptive to the throne.

King. Leo.lV embarked on a state visit to France in order to secure support for the country against their neighbour's imperialist designs. During a stop in Marseille, he was assassinated by a member of the Revolutionary Organization, which received assistance from council of Moldovian royals .

While King. Leo.lV was being slowly driven in a car through the streets along with French Foreign Minister Zacchary, the assassin, stepped into the street and shot the King twice and the chauffeur with semiautomatic pistol.

Leo lV died in the car and was slumped backwards in the seat with his eyes open. Zacchary was also killed by a stray bullet fired by French police during the scuffle following the attack. Lieutenant of the Police struck the assailant with his sword.

Ten people in the procession were wounded, including General Olaf who was hit by two bullets as he tried to intervene.

Nine people in the crowd that came to see the king were wounded, four of them fatally.The body of the chauffeur Isaac , who had been mortally wounded, slumped and jammed against the brakes of the car,

Among them was Yola, barely 20 years old, on Place Castellane, who came to the Palais de la Bourse to see the king. She was hit by a stray bullet and died at the Hôtel-Dieu later. Grean and Durbol, who also came to see the king, also died.

********************

Following the assassination of , King. Leo.lV in Marseille , the oldest son, aged only 11, became Aleksandar. of Moldovia after the last reigning king. The son, being a minor, was placed under the regency of his uncle, Prince Nikodije.

The regent gave Queen. Sophia an allowance of six million dollars for herself and her sons: she kept a quarter of the amount, and spend the rest on charity.

Queen Sophia initially kept participating in royal representation as a widow. Her first assignment as a widow was a campaign against tuberculosis.

Queen established good relations with the Orthodox clergy and engaged in charity. At the country estate, Queen participated in the work of the local peasantry at the royal estate, and could be seen working in the field dressed in traditional folk costume.

She founded schools for the children of the local farmers, scholarships for the benefit of poor students and cooperated with the church to help poor families. Her first son was given a traditional royal name, her second son was given a common name Louis. and her third son was given the name Paul to create unity in the state of Moldovia.. Her two younger sons played with the children of the workers on the estate.

The simple life of Queen Sophia a gave her a great deal of favourable publicity, and her popularity also benefitted Alexander, when she and two sons accompanied him on his trips around Moldovia

Queen Sophia was well educated. She spoke several languages fluently and enjoyed painting and sculpting under the guidance of local artists.

She also drove a car by herself, which was very unusual for royalty at the time.

Aleksandar was reminded every day of his legacy , he excelled in studies as well as sports.

Due to his superior height , he towered above his competitors. Aleksandar was excellent marksman .

Aleksandar studied in University of Edinburgh in Scotland away from the eyes of the press also from possible danger of assault on his life.

Aleksandar grew up to be an intelligent young man with an unsmiling face, dark sinister eyes and an vicious temper.

He was now the crown prince and his uncle, The Regent. The council of Moldovian royals may decide the ascension to the throne and his future.

His mother has passed away to her heavenly abode, now he has to rely on his own intelligence and experience.

Aleksandar had started a. Civil engineering firm after completing his university education and gave employment to many High school pass outs who handled most of the government projects of building roads connected the villages to the city other young men worked as labourers.

Aleksandar had a good network, he had also started large building projects of entertainment Mall and hospital.The council of Moldovian royals gave him a free hand, each man planning to catch him for his daughter in marriage. Each member dreaming of the crown Princess title. Even his uncle "The Regent". Knew of his limits he was plotting secretly to do away with Aleksandar. Fearing. Aleksandar's growing popularity and the council of Moldovian royals power he dared not to oppose him openly.

People called him Alex the Good. Often called him to settle disputes and give his judgement on crimes . No-one disobeyed him, accepting the punishment he was metting on the criminals, which were often brutal but acted as a detergent to criminal activities.

Aleksandar was both loved and feared .

After his mother death, Aleksandar never smiled, joked or laughed a loud. Only his sinister eyes were mirrors for his emotions.

Since the. last. four weeks when Jennifer entered into his life , his eyes were showing excitement and mischief.

Olaf was his cousin, friend and secretary, who was aware of the turmoil he was going through but he was sure Jennifer was the right choice.

Her enchanting innocent personality had already won Aleksandar's protection.

Only Aleksandar knew that he was playing with fire , endangering Jennifer's life.

Jennifer's life had been uncomplicated before the party . A simple college student with a bright career ahead of her.

Aleksandar had many worries on his mind but talked to Jennifer every evening, encouraged her to study and eat the lunch hamper. His Glib tongue as usual told her that he looking after the consulate canteen.

Aleksandar at no cost wanted to disturb Jennifer's life unless it was necessary.

Jennifer busy with her studies, totally unaware of the. approaching. dangers .