I have no idea if that’s true, but I let the rumor fuel me as soon as my legs protest the strenuous pace. The possibility that the formidable, fit agents that comprise the Royal Guard may struggle to keep up with me is a source of immense pride.

Once I’ve warmed up, I quicken my pace to a more arduous one, and smile to myself when I hear a couple of grunts behind me, suggesting this morning’s agents would have preferred to stick with the slower speed.

I return to the palace almost an hour later as a sweaty, red-faced mess. My mind is blank and my muscles already ache. The hint of warmth I felt this morning has risen to a humid heat, despite the fact it’s still early in the day.

I head inside and up the stairs. The chilly blast of air conditioning causes goosebumps to form on my damp skin. Back in my room, I swap out my sweaty shorts and tank top for a black bikini and then head back outside, clutching an oversized hat, sunglasses, and my laptop. I step out onto the terrace and follow the gravel path through the gardens and over to the patio that surrounds the pool.

Dropping everything onto one of the chaises, I immediately jump into the chilly, clear water, letting it wash away the coat of perspiration and cool my flushed skin. I emerge from the water a few minutes later, dripping and refreshed. One of the maids stands waiting by the edge of the patio, watching as I snag a folded towel and wrap it around my torso.

“Can I get you anything, Princess?” she inquires.

“I’ll take my breakfast out here this morning.”

She curtsies and leaves.

I flop down onto the cushioned chaise next to the one where I tossed my things and tilt my face back to soak up the sun. Rivulets of chlorinated water stream down my face as I bask under its warm glow.

I remain lying there until I hear footsteps approaching. Opening my eyes, I see a different maid approaching, carrying a tray that contains my usual breakfast of eggs, toast, fruit, and coffee. I sit up and put on my hat and sunglasses as she approaches. She sets the tray down on the table closest to me and then curtsies.

“Anything else I can get you, Your Highness?”

“I’m all set, thank you,” I reply, already beginning to eat the delicious food.

She nods and curtsies before heading back inside the palace.

After I’ve finished eating breakfast, I open my laptop back up. The website for the last school I looked at is still displayed. It’s one of the universities in the United States. A large white building with a red earthen roof is visible, surrounded by smaller structures designed similarly. Rather than the abundance of greenery showcased on most of the other campuses I looked at, a cement courtyard sits in front of the main building with an elaborate fountain as its centerpiece.