The sky was very clear and blue.It looked like a transparent glass that could shatter at the very touch.The atmosphere was very quiet. Katherine was looking outside the window,her chin resting on her

You may think she is in deep thoughts but No! she is just zoning out.She still couldn't accept the fact even after two days.

She was wearing a off shoulder crop and wide pants with a pair of white angle strap high heels.She was again lost in her thoughts.

How did I end up here?I remember celebrating my 18 th birthday with my family and friends two days ago.I am travelling in an luxurious private jet now and these eyes.ugrhhh!!These people in black suits are staring at me without a blink which is making me extremely uncomfortable.I feel like a mass murderer under their eyes.

How did this all started?Well for that I should start by introducing myself.I am Katherine White.A normal.....no,a prodigy that was born in one of the richest family in my city.Atleast that was what I was until my birthday.Now I am the sole heir of the Shades family which is one of the royals and one of most powerful and richest family,Katherine Shades.

She was remembering what happened two days ago on her birthday.

Katherine's POV

The sun was blazing and chirping sound of birds were like a soft tune of music.The weather was warm.Kate sat up on her bed stretching her hands and leg.She got freshen up and went downstairs to the kitchen.She was wearing a extra large hoody that ended up on her thighs.She madecoffee for herself and saw the time and it was 6.30 am in the morning.An another just day it is then.

She is living alone in her apartment because she likes being alone and no one to disturb her.She started living alone since she was 16.She took her ipad in her hand and started seeing importand news.She heard the door bell ring and got up to check.She walked to the door and opened it after seeing the person outside.As soon as the door was opened two big hands wrapped around her shoulders giving her a big warm hug.It was none other than her father.

"What are you doing here?"Kate asked as she led him to the couch in the hall. "Can't I visit my own daughter? You are not coming home so I came to find you".

"Huh,I'm sorry dad I was planning on visiting you both today but you were fast.Btw where is mom,dad?"Kate asked giving her father a questioning look.

"She is preparing for your birthday party tonight".

"Party?Dad how many times did I told you not to prepare anything for my birthday.Why are you doing it again?".

"You,you always make some excuses but this time a very important guest is gonna visit so you should definitely come and it is not that big just a small one with only important people present".Mr.White told her as he took a sip of the tea that Kate brought earlier.

She rubbed her temples.After a few seconds of silence she spoke."Okay fine.I'll come but I'll go earlier and you shouldn't make it long.Okay?".

Mr.white let out a sigh.He was glad that she atleast agreed to come.She would always make an excuse and escape such social gatherings.Kate hated these kind of banquets as it is only for the gossips and usual waste of time matters.

"Fine I'll do as you say now come with me".

"Where dad?"she asked."To home.You need to prepare for tonight's banquet right?".

"What?Dad,it's just 7.What am I going to do?Arrange chairs and stage or what?".

"As I said an important guest is coming tonight and you should be at your best when meeting them".

Kate face palmed.She didn't know whether it is her dad or mom.Asking her to get ready for hours.But she can't retaliate against her father so she just agreed.They both had their breakfast since neither she nor her dad had breakfasts yet.After having their breakfast Kate went upstairs to dress up.She came down at 8.30.

Both of them went to the White's mansion.It was much bigger than her apartment.She like spacious places and her apartment is very big eventhough it don't have many things to fill up those spaces.She went inside her home.There are not many servents in her house because her parents know she don't like many people around her.So there are only three servents and a butler.

As she came inside the maidservents bow and greeted her,"Welcome home,young miss".

Then the old butler of the came to her and greeted her,"Good morning young miss".Kate smiled and said,"Morning Uncle Baron".She keeps going inside searching a person and suddenly a hand catched her ears,"Oww aw mom,it hurts",she said as she kept her hand on her mother's hand which is holding her ears.

"You finally remember to come home or did you really forget that you have a family and parents here waiting for you"her mother said taking her hand from her ear.

Kate said while rubbing her ears though it didn't hurt much,"No,mom how can I forget you I was just busy with my project.I'm really sorry".

Mrs.White sighed seeing her daughter always being far away from them but what can she do?If Kate takes a decision no one can make her back off from that.They are used to it but still they want to spent their last moments together.

"okay, leave it.I guess your father has said everything about tonight's banquet for your birthday.So go and get ready.There are stylists in your room waiting for you"her mom said.

"What?Mom it's still early and I came home after a long time so lemme just take a walk aroung the house".

"But...Mrs.White's words were cut of by her father"Yes,you can go dear but don't take much time and get lost in thought like last time".Mr.White giggled as he said that.Kate and her mother too giggled remembering the last she went to the garden in the morning to get fresh air but she got lost in thoughts and she came back only in the evening.

Kate smiled at them and went to the backyard where there is a huge garden.It has a breathtaking view.It has many type of flowers from different countries and places.Those are all her mother's collections.She liked to collect different types of flowers and she collected many by herself from mountains,

valleys and even many large forests.

Kate used to come to this garden when she is feeling disturbed or confused but after she went to live on her own she rarely visits her home and comes to the garden.She walked through the bunch of plants planted on either sides as she was tracing the fragrance of these flowers.She suddenly stops at one flower.Her name was written on it.

It was a pink carnation.A pink carnation symbolizes the love of a mother.Kate and her mother planted this flower together when she was 7 years old.As long as she remembers her mother used to water this plant herself.

Kate smiled and sat on a bench near her.She looked up at the sky.The weather was a little cloudy and gentle breeze were touching her fair skin.Her silver hair was flowing like a river in the air.A little strand of black hair came across her face.She pulled them behind her ears.She has silver white hair with strands of black hair on either side of her hairline and lowlights at the back of her hair.

It is her natural hair colour.She had always wondered why she has such unique hair colour.Her aqua blue eyes shined brightly under the blazing sun.She decided to go back but a single plant and it's flower caught her attention.

Every plants in the garden is usually in a bunch.There are rarely any single plants like this.She stopped near the plant.She sat infront of it and touched it's flower.Her eyes were soulless.

It was a protea.She bought this flower when she was 13 years old.It held a special place in her heart.It has both good and bad place in her heart.She stood up and decided to leave the place.She doesn't want to be in that garden anymore.She pluck a white rose from a plant nearby and went inside.

*--------------------*

Hello everyone.This is my first novel so please don't mind my amateur wrting.Please don't judge the whole novel just by the first few chapters.

As for the meaning of the flower protea,I will tell in later chapters or you can search it in google too *winks*.Thank you so much for reading my novel and comment if it has any mistakes or if you want any changes and don't mind me I'm a blabbermouth.

*_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _*

Kate went in and she walked upstairs to her room.She opened her room.Kate was startled seeing many strangers in her room.She knew that they were the stylists her mother was talking about but why these much?

There were atleast six to seven people there.

Kate don't like people touching her skin or her hair but she can't argue with her mother.She massaged her temples.

"Can you all please stay in the hall for a moment.I'll take a shower and call you back".They all nodded at her and went out.

She closed and locked the door of her room.

She looked around her room.It was same as before.The room was painted light blue with dark blue shades.It had a big bed at the center and a lamb at the side.Her walk in closet was big but it doesn't have many clothes since she won't stay there long.

She went to the locker near her hair dresser.She took a key from the top of the hair dresser and opened the locker.There was a book placed in it with a letter on top.She took the book and saw the last page.It had a signature with lots of hearts at the end.She caressed the signature and closed the book.She took the letter.It was a letter she wrote to her favorite author but she never got a chance to post it.She kept the letter back and closed the locker.

She saw a box on her bed.It is the dress she will be wearing tonight.She went to take a shower and came back after 30 minutes.She called the stylists who were in the hall.She dressed up and left the work of hair dressing to the stylists.After 2 hours the whole work was finished.

She was dressed in a off shoulder midnight blue gown with glitters and a navy blue stripped heels.She was looking like a goddes in that dress.She wore a big piece of diamond necklace.She was wearing little makeup which included a medium shade of red lipstick and navy blue eye shade glitters.Her hair was done in a fishtail bride style.She was looking like a fairy in total.

The stylists were super satisfied.They looked at her like she was a masterpiece.They took some photos of her and her mom came inside her room.Mrs.White gasped seeing her daughter.She looked totally stunning.

"Is this really my daughter?I think you are some mermaids from the ocean."Her aqua blue eyes and silver hair along with the blue dress made her look like a mermaid.

"Enough of flattering my beauty which I've always known and tell me if I can go downstairs now"she said in a narcissistic way.Mrs.White rolled her eyes seeing her daughter being narcissist.

"It's 6.30 now.Come down when it is 7 sharp".

Mrs.White left her alone and went downstairs to welcome the guests.

"Welcome everyone who are present here and thank you for attending my daughter's birthday party.Now please welcome the lead of the show,my daughter Katherine White".as Mr.White said in the mic,Kate came down step by step.Everyone's eyes were fixed on her.She looked like a goddess decending from heavens.Many were blushing at her mere sight while others were observing her carefully.

Kate came to the stage and took the mic from her father."Good evening for everyone present here and thank you for attending my birthday party.It is a special day since it's been years since the White's had held a party.As you all know I'm Katherine White.So as the host of tonight's celebration I hope you all enjoy yourself and we all get to know eachother.

Please enjoy yourself".

Kate came down the stage to her father's side.He introduced her to many business partners.They talked about business sometimes and toasted together.It was 9.30 at night and the party got over.One by one people started leaving bidding their farewell to the Whites.After everyone left Kate went inside her home.She was very tired since she standing for almost 3 hours.

As she was going to enter her father stopped her."Sweetie come and meet the special guest I told you before".There was a tinge of sadness in his voice which he covered immediately.Kate frowned seeing her father's behavior.She followed him to the living room area.When she entered she saw a tall handsome man with dark brown hair and green eyes.He was wearing a pitch black shawl lapel suit.He had a perfect jawline with broad shoulders making him look more masculine.

Is dad planning on marrying me off?Well if that is the case,this handsome man infront of me is gonna be dead tomorrow morning.

*sigh* it's such a pity that a man this handsome is going to die.Let's hope for the best.Kate thought shaking her head in her mind and giving a bright 'fake' smile infront of them.

Her mother asked her to sit.She did as her mother said.She saw the same sadness in her mother's eyes but this time it was obvious unlike her father.Just what are they planning. There was another man standing beside Mr.Handsome.He was handsome too but not as much as the man sitting infront of her.He kept a poker face all this times.From his behaviors he must be a subordinate of Mr.Handsome.

"Hello,I'm Ryan".Ryan said standing and extending his hands for a shake from her.

Kate took his hand and said,"Hello Mr.Ryan.

I'm Katherine.Nice to meet you."They shook their hand and sat on their seats.

"Well we need to talk privately.Is that okay with you Mr.&Mrs.White?"he said as he looked at them.

"Yeah sure.You both continue we will be waiting in the main hall.I'll ask the maid to prepare some night snacks and bring it in".

Kate's mother said as she stood and signaled her husband to stand too.After they left Ryan signaled his subordinate,David to leave too.After everyone left Ryan started to speak.

At that time Kate didn't know what was happening around her.She was confused.

"Hi Kate.What I'm going to say now may sound unreal, shocking, suprising and hard to swallow but it is the truth.The truth that was hidden from you and this whole world for 17 years".Ryan said as he stood and went near the window.

Through his words Kate understood it is not a marriage proposal but something more serious than that.She narrowed her eyes and looked at him coldly."Cut the crap and come straight to the point."

"You are straight forward which makes it easier for me to say what I want to.Okay, as your wish I'll not beat around the bush".Ryan said as he gave a small smirk and turned his head towards her which was looking out of the window till now.

"You are not the daughter of the Whites.They are not your biological parents."Katherine's eyes widened in shock hearing his words.

"You are the daughter of the Shades.The one only daughter of the current head of the Shades family.I'm sure you know about Shades which is a royal and one of the most powerful family in the whole country and among the five families".

Kate's eyes started to get wet.Tears started to fall from her eyes without her knowledge.

"You can ask your foster parents about it if you don't believe me".Ryan said as he came and sit before her.

Her hands started to tremble and her legs started to give up.Tears kept coming from her eyes.She was sitting motionlessly.She raised her head and intended to ask him something.

"I know what you are thinking to ask.They didn't abandon you instead they hide you.They hide from this whole world.So they left you to their friends, your foster parents, for 17 years.They did it for your safety as they didn't have a choice.The Shades family have many enemies and that is not a 2 days old child can face".

Hah so they left me when I was just born.I've been living in a bunch of lies till now.What a show it is.I didn't even know who my parents are and they didn't bother to too.What a joke my life has been.

"I'm your cousin and you have other cousins too"said Ryan."Since there are other cousins too why don't they take over the family"Kate said wiping her tears which was pouring till now.

"The Shades is a big family and not all can become the heir of it just because of blood relation.A heir is chosen.Eventhough the choosing ceremony is not held everyone knows that you are the real heir."

As time passed Ryan told her about the whole family.Her relatives and her parents, about her company and about the five royal families too.He said that since she turned 18 she should come with him to her real family and take over her title as the heiress.

"I've informed Mr.&Mrs.White.You should leave to the Shades mansion within two days.

I'll leave now since I have a important thing to handle there.Your things will be packed and sent by my subordinates.A car will be waiting for you after two days and they will escort to the Shades manor.You can bid your goodbyes in these two days."

Kate was sitting without uttering a single word.He was not ordering her but more like instructing her.He is saying that as if she have no choice.After he left she stood from her seat and walked toward the stairs.

Mr.&Mrs.White were waiting for her there.

There was a guilty expression on their face.

Kate smiled seeing them and said,"I'm tired.

Let me rest for a while.Good night"she said with a bitter smile.

The tears that they were suppressing till now breaked out.They knew that it was a bad decision to hide this truth from her but they didn't have any choices.Next two days went the same.Kate didn't have that much friends so she just said good bye to some of her acquaintances.Before getting on the car she smiled warmly at her 'parents' but didn't say anything.

So the flashback of what happened before two days is completed.

*-------------------*

Hello everyone.I'm your author.Many of you may have thought that the handsome man is our ml but it is her cousin.So please tell me if there is any that displeased you guys.Bye for now take care everyone and be safe.

*_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _*

Katherine's pov

Kate's thoughts were disturbed by the announcement of the captain."Everyone please tighten your seat belts.We are going to land in fifteen minutes".Everyone prepared for their landing.The guards were extra cautious.

The plane landed sharply after fifteen minutes.The guards started to gather and went down standing on either sides of the gate.Kate put on her shades.She stood up and walked down the jet.The guards were alert of the surrounding.Since it was the VIP passage no one was around.

She walked as the guards followed her.

Everyone outside the airport thought that she was some celebrity or some second generation rich kid.A black limousine was waiting for them.She sat in the car and two guard were in the same car as her.The others took someother cars and followed the limo.

They were travelling for atleast fifty minutes and finally reached their destination.They entered the main gate of the big villa that was located there.Katherine frowned at the site."It is not the main house of Shades,is it?".Kate narrowed her eyes at the guards who were with her in the limo.

Those two were a little started seeing her like that but they didn't show that."Yes,young miss.It is the private villa of the first young master.Master and madame thought that it would not be safe for you to go to the main house till they announce your identity".One of the guard said to her.

Kate get down the car and started to walk in the house since the gate was opened.As she took a step inside all the maid that were present there said in a chorus,"Welcome home young miss" and bowed to her.The butler came near her and bowed," Welcome home young miss".

Home heh.yeah home. A smirk appeared on her face.

"Master,madame and young masters are waiting for you in the living room.Please allow me to show you the way".Kate just nooded at him.

She was led to a big room by the butler.It was bigger than her previous house.The house was well designed and decorated in a elegant manner.Though it was not the main house it still gave her the royal vibes.

As she entered the living room the first face she saw was very much familiar to her.It was Ryan,her first cousin and the first young master of the Shades house.

"Welcome back Kate"he said as he smiled warmly at her.She nodded with a small smile.

Cecilia and Florida smiled at each other seeing her.They were her aunts.She recognized them at first sight since Ryan showed her pictured of everyone in their house.They both went to hug her.Kate hugged them back.

"You look just like your mother",Cecilia whispered in her ears.When they break their hug.Thomas came forward to see her.It was her uncle,her father's elder brother.He is also Cecilia's husband.Florida's husband,Richard died before 4 years because of an accident,who is also Kate's father's younger brother.Ryan is Cecilia and Thomas's son.

"Welcome back home,Katherine",said Mr.Thomas and patted her head.Kate gave him a small smile and bowed slightly.

"Come sit with us",Florida said and dragged her to sit with them."So now you all forgot me as your niece came.", a voice came from the door way.Everyone looked up at where the voice was coming.Katherine's eyes widened in shock.The familiar voice and the familiar face,she can't be wrong.

It was her senior also a friend of her.One of the person she is close with,Micheal.

Micheal pouted.Everyone chuckled at his childish behavior.Mic is a cheerful person unlike his brother.He is also Kate's senior and a good friend.He is Florida and Richard's son.

"Hey Ms.Icyy,Missed me?".Mic asked looking at Kate."Senior Mic? So you are my second cousin.Did you know this from the beginning?".Kate asked glaring at him

Her stares send chills down his spine."No no, Even I didn't know about it till yesterday.If I really know why would I hide it from you" he said as he smiled nervously at her.

He is still bad at lying. Kate sighed seeing him looking around nervously.

"Okay since everyone is here let's go eat lunch.It's been long since we all ate together and now the family reunited again",Cecilia said.

Kate's eyes searched something around her.

Ryan who understand her actions said,"Uncle and Aunt had an emergency meeting at the main castle.It was at the last moment and it was inevitable so they couldn't come today.But you know they were the one who was the most excited at your arrival.They even..." his words were cut by Katherine.

"I see.No need to explain further.Now let's go and eat",she said.The temperature of the place started to fall down.Everyone who was present in the room can sense it.Kate's aura was gloomy and dark.Mic who understood what is going to happen if he doesn't stop her said, "yeah,let's go and eat.I'm so hungry and Kate must be too because of the long journey".

Katherine came back to her senses and the surrounding came back to normal.They went to the dining room and had their lunch.It was more like a feast.Cecilia and Florida kept telling her to eat more and asked the maids to serve her more food.The three men were feeling like they were being neglected.They shook their head at the same time.

Why do these mothers always spoils and take special care of girl childs. The three thought at the same time.

After finishing their lunch Mic aske Kate to take some rest and in the evening he will tour her around the house.Her aunts and uncle went back to their work.Ryan said he has some emergency and left from there too.The maid showed Kate her room and left her alone since she asked them to go.

This is really big.It is bigger that both of my previous rooms but it lacks comfyness.It looks like a royal bedroom.Of course it would be since they are royals.

She looked at the whole room and lied down in the bed.She slept within a few minutes since she was tired from the journey too.It was 2pm in the afternoon.She thought of taking a short nap since she still has some unfinished business to attend too.

After a long nap Kate woke up.It was 6 in the evening.Sh went downstairs and looked around the house.It was built in a simple and elegent way though it's not the best but Kate liked simple and spacious houses a lot.It suited her taste.

"Does it suit your taste?".A voice came from behind.Kate looked at Mic and gave a nod in approval."Okay then let me tell you your schedule for the next few days".

"Schedule?"Kate wondered out loud."Yeah. Since your new here you need to transfer to a new school and all stuffs.You will be joining your new school in a week right after the press meet to announce your identity".

"School? But you know very well that I've done two Phd.Why would I need to go to schools now?"she asked giving a offended look at him.

It's true.Katherine has done two Phd in business management and finance.She has also done many courses in different fields.Now you can understand why She is a prodigy.

"I know that but the high school you're going to study is the top high school in this country not only here but also many other countries.

The people there are either Royals or heirs of some big industries and of course there are students who came through management with exceptional scores too but they are very rare."

"Everyone thought that it may help you to get to know others and the heirs of other four families who study there too.You should get to know each others well since you all are going to work together in the near future.Also the heirs of some big companies are there too.You should know how those people are since they can either be your friends or foe in future.So this the reason you should go to that high school".

Yeah that's true.They are either going to be her friend or foe so she didn't argue back and kept silent.Mic took her silence as a chance amd gave her the schedules of her new school.This school is more like a headquarters of the five heirs.

These five families are not like other royal families that fights for the throne.Any heir of the five families can become the King/Queen if they are eligible to be the next ruler.But to become the ruler of a country is not that simple.They have to under go special trainings and tests to sit on the throne.The five families should not betray each other and work together to maintain peace.

The five families are Diaz, Shades, Harvey, Jones and Knight.The current ruling family is the Diaz nad the people are expecting that the Diaz will be the ruler again since the heir of the Diaz is the most eligible person from the other four heirs.As for the Shades,it's heir is dead so everyone was 100 percent sure about the outcome but they didn't know that soon many changes are going to happen.It is the peace before the storm.

Even if the familes don't have internal conflicts some external casualties will happen so the five families took seperate jobs and do it well like military affairs,

financial crisis,natural casualties,internal security and so on.But still many people try to covet the throne which is why the heirs work together.They keep eyes on every single students there because every big family's heirs and other children only study there so they can identify the traiters.

So there are more people whom I have to take care of.It started getting lively now.The five heirs huh? seems interesting.

Kate made her way to the balcony of her room and looked at the lake that is behind the house.It was already dark and she had her dinner already.It was only her since Mic left in the evening too.The night was very lovely.

Yes,It was lovely because Kate loved night time more than day time.

The dark and silent night gave her peace.The night breeze brushed through her hair and it was getting chilly.She was still standing in the

balcony admiring the night sky.She took a deep breath.Chill air filled her nostrils.Her body temperature started to fall.After few minutes of admiring the sky she went back inside her room and locked the balcony door which was made of glasses.She turned off the night lamb beside and closed her eyes to get some sleep.

*------------------------*

Hello everyone.First of all sorry for the late update.I was becoming lazy day by day.But I'll update correctly from now on.Though I can't update daily I'll update two days once.Thank you so much for reading my story and please leave a comment and rate it.Bye bye guys have a very good day.

*_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _*