Chapter Sixty-Five: Sneaking in

"If you don't wait up, you'll miss the good part," James whispered in Clair's ear.

Clair slowly opened her eyes and covered her mouth to yawn.

"Did we arrive?" She asked.

"Look." He pointed outside.

"Wow." Clair was left speechless. Even from their height, she could see the details that went into the palace itself.

It was dark, but the lights and the guards were still visible. She looked down at the forest surrounding the palace and it made her expression change.

"What's wrong?" James asked, noticing the change in her expression.

"Nothing. I think it's really beautiful."

"Then it's settled. I'll schedule another visit during the daytime." He smiled, watching her amused expression.

"I'm sneaking it so we have to keep this as quiet as possible." He added when they finally made their landing.

"Does a prince need to sneak in his own palace?"

"Yes, if not everyone would ask many questions," James replied, offering his hand and then helping her out of the helicopter by carrying her down, by the waist.

When her feet touched the ground and she looked down, a gasp left her lips. "Did we just land on the roof of the palace?"

"Yes, we did." He laughed, holding her hand and leading her down a set of stairs.

"I suppose a tour is out of the question, so what exactly are we going to do here?" She asked.

"Just for fun." James kept his answer lacking in details, raising her curiosity even more.

James left Dagon and all the guards outside. Walking down the stairs, they reached a scenery full of dark hallways with only candles on each corner to light up the way.

"Why is it exactly like in the movies?" Clair chuckled.

"Well, we provide full movie quality here," James remarked humorously, and when they reached the last step of the stairs, he walked her down one hall.

"Why do you think the Queen left the palace so suddenly?"

"I don't know, her leave was scheduled for next week."

"Gossiping servants incoming," James whispered, grabbing her arm and pushing her against a dark corner of the hallway.

His back covered her body, and they waited until the two servants walked past them.

Thankfully, it was too dark for them to notice.

"This is the oldest part of the palace. It used to be the chambers of my youngest cousin-sister. It's the smallest part of the palace but it's maintained just like it did in the old days." James suddenly revealed as they continued to sneak in.

"Really?"

"Yeah, they renovated the main palace with modern decor, so it's just like any other mansion well...a bit more royalty here and there but you get the gist."

"What is it with royal palaces and bright red decor these days?"

"Right? Can't they choose more calming colors that actually suit the taste of the setting and the eyes of the guests? Red might be trending, but it's not Christmas day!" James agreed.

"Exactly! They feel the need to add red into everything. The poor color is being overused."

"Hmm, anyway. How was she? If you don't mind me asking." Clair asked with a laugh.

"My cousin?"

"Yes, I heard many stories. They named her a rare diamond among the ladies when she debuted."

"Yeah, she was elegant and very lady-like to everyone, but at home, she was just a tomboy. She had the special hobby to beat up my little brother every time she saw him." He told her, looking into his memories as he carelessly exposed his cousin.

"She sounds like fun. Thank you for telling me about her."

"Don't worry, I always enjoy talking about her with my close friends. Just like she would have wanted while she was alive. A lively lady like her would not accept it if we forgot her."

When they finally reached the end of the hall, James walked towards the first door they met and took out an old key from his pocket.

"I can't believe we are really sneaking into the most secured place in the country."

"I do this now and then, I assure you with my experience we won't be caught."

Clair smiled and leaned against the brick wall as she waited for him to open the lock, which he was struggling with.

"That's some experience you got there." She teased.

"Just a moment."

"They changed the lock just last night. Your highness."

James froze.

Clair bit her lip when she saw a woman with red hair and, dressed in a neat white gown, light up a lantern in front of her.

"I knew you were sneaking in the palace in the middle of the night, but now you have fallen low enough to bring a woman inside." She scolded him.

"Did I not teach you well? Should we go over your manners again?"

'Yikes...who knew the crown prince could be scolded like this.' She scratched the corner of her forehead nervously.

"Lady Weld." James turned around, standing stiffly.

"Who may this lady be? Tell me girl whose family are you from? And did this beast force you here? Or maybe he seduced you?"

"Uh…" Clair glanced at James for help.

"Lady Weld-"

"Hush, I'm not speaking with you." The lady glared at him and then smiled warmly at Clair.

"House uh, Yves. I was not forced here, Ma'am just passing by…."

'Way to go, Clair, what an awesome excuse.'

"House Yves? Really, I did not know they had a daughter. Let me take you to the main Palace, where we shall get you a ride home."

"Lady Weld, she's with me-"

"Shhh."

James rolled his eyes and once again Lady well snapped at him. "Manners!"

"She's my wife…."

"How bold of you to declare her your wife without her permission! What is going on with you, boy?" She glared at him.

"...to be?"

Clair facepalmed internally.

'I'll handle it.' She signaled James.

"Lady Weld, how come I've never heard of you either?"

"Well, I don't attend social gatherings anymore. I entertain myself with the crown prince's failure to gain any love interests." Lady well chuckled, taking Clair's hands and walked along with her.

"Is that so? Is his handsome face not of use then? What lady would not want him?"

"Oh ho ho, his handsome face is a complete waste when he can't even maintain a proper conversation." Lady Weld continued.

"Are you perhaps the crown prince's nanny?"

"Yes, the very one. He was such a quiet kid, so they assigned me to him. To this day, it still is one of my deepest regrets. I should have attended the second prince instead."

"Really?"

"Lady Weld-"

"Shhh." She once again hushed James and continued her conversation with Clair.

"Tell me more."

"My lady, are perhaps interested in our useless prince?"

'Whoa, how can she curse the prince so freely? Not that I haven't done that either, but still!'

James tilted his head, waiting for her answer.

"Not at all, it's such a pity I had to marry- I mean have to, it's a pity I have to marry him."

"Oh yes. So the rumors are true. My Lady and his highness really will be engaged soon?"

"Right...It was bold of me to ask for a tour of the palace, wasn't it? I'm very sorry to disturb your night Ma'am."

"Don't fret, I shall handle everything. If he puts your stay into any discomfort, I shall handle him." Lady Weld gave her a bright smile.