Fourteen

Fourteen- Danielle

Aside from the drama I had with the Prince's lady, the rest of the day went smoothly. I had an awesome catching up with Lori and turns out that she actually likes the idea of me going out with the prince. Despite the fact that the prince is famous for being a womanizer, she thinks that its the perfect opportunity for me to get on the good side of the royal family. She already knows that my first encounter with the prince was not that fantastic and she suggested to be more open to this new kind of relationship. She actually thinks that it would be better for me to have this kind of distraction after the ordeal I had to face this week. So with those thoughts in mind, I prepared myself for the night i'll be spending with the prince.

Following Mr. Drey's advice, I chose warmer clothes and waited for him to get me. I didn't want to go against their orders plus i didn't want to look so excited by going ahead of them. So just as how my mother taught me, I waited for them like a proper lady. I chose to wear a black fitted long sleeved turtle neck top and a loosely fitted pants, I also found some white sneaker shoes which matches perfectly with what I'm wearing. I didn't bother looking for a jacket or coat because the night air in this country is not that cold and what i'm wearing now is thick enough to warm me up and I didn't want to look stuffed.

My big glasses hung loosely on my face while I read the book I borrowed from the royal library, since waiting and doing nothing is a bit boring I decided to read something just to kill the time. This book is actually an old novel written by someone famous twenty years ago. For some reason the author never revealed his or her true identity and would always go with J as a pen name. I've known his or her collection since I was ten, I loved the stories and its never ending twists and turns. J made a dozen of collection but for some reason, J never got to finish the last series of of the collection. He or she just fade away and no one knew what happened. Right now, all the books J wrote became a priced possession by many and getting a copy costs a fortune. The J novels became this countries pride and the one stored in the royal library are the copies that was distributed first twenty years ago and any literature addict will jump if they see this kind of copies. And I'm a huge fun of old literature that when I saw the first copies, I immediately ask the librarian, Joedy, to let me borrow the books but sadly i'm only allowed to borrow one at a time, since the books are basically antique and not allowed to be borrowed, but because i'm the royals guest, I was given a chance to borrow one at a time. To preserve the books quality, they made me promise to I keep it not more than three days but I can also borrow the other books as long as I keep my promise and do what they told me to do, I can borrow the books anytime.

I was too engrossed with what I was reading that I didn't noticed Mr. Drey coming inside the villa. If he didn't dare poke me I wouldn't have the slightest idea that I wasn't alone inside the room.

"I apologize for cutting your fun short but the prince is currently waiting for you at front" Mr. Drey tells me and I calmly placed the book I was reading on one of the side tables. I grabbed the small bag I prepared earlier so I wont have to hold my phone and other necessities.

I followed Mr. Drey to the driveway and there I saw a car waiting for us. Judging by the color and the size of the car, it looks personal and not the kind the royals would often use. They usually go with black suv cars and you'd always see the royal family crest on each car they use. This one doesn't have one and its a perfect car to a royal who would want to go and not be sighted by any normal individual.

Seeing me and Mr. Drey, Prince Luke comes out of the drivers side and walks towards me. He was wearing his casual clothes. Just like the one he wore during the dinner when we first met and fought. I was slightly glad that he ditched the whole suit and tie look because that would just make me feel intimidated but I also feel embarrass because I feel like he rock the casual look better than I did.

He smiles in front of me and I hate to admit it but he somehow looked so dashing. I had to bite my lip inside to hide the growing embarrassment within me. I can't let him witness me getting affected by his presence. Its not that I'm starting to like him or any sort but he looks really better in casual clothes than in suits.

"I thought you were going to ditch me after making up this morning" Prince Luke looks at me as he talks in his calm voice, not like the one he used when he was faking the whole being nice with me during the last dinner with the royal family. He is sounding different likes he is someone totally new, which is starting to make me think if this whole thing is true or just an act.

"That wouldn't be possible your highness" I lowered my head to show my submission and decided to just go with the flow. Whatever this guy might do, I just need to be ready. It would really be impossible for me to ditch him, my place here is just a few minutes away. Its too easy to track me down.

"You don't have to do that when you are around me and please call me Luke when its just the two of us." He tells me then he goes to the passenger side to open the door and invites me in "so shall we?" He asks me smiling, just like the one he uses when his smiling for the press. I know because I took some time to do some research.

Without saying anything, I smiled and followed, walking straight to where the passengers sit is and went inside, saying a soft thanks for the prince's gesture. He smiled and slowly closed the door then went back to the drivers side. Drey was still standing outside and I was about to ask prince Luke when he suddenly bows his head then leaves without waving or saying anything. Prince Luke didn't say anything and just kept fumbling with his seat belt, when he was finally done he just looked at me for a second then smiled before driving towards the direction of the gates.

"So?" he starts to speaks "This is going to be your first time out of the palace, are you excited?" he curiously opens up a conversation. We easily went pass the inner walls gate and we are still halfway out of the palace, some guards might stop us and make us go back since he is after all the crownprince of the kingdom and his protection is their highest priority. He can't possibly go around without some escort following him around. Him driving alone with me and with no bodyguards is something the chief of security would allow. So I can't really be excited, not until we reach the town and free from the gates that separates us from the whole town.

"You make it sound like I was imprisoned and now being set free, though it did feel that way but I can't be too excited when we are still inside the palace and not outside the gates" I plainly answered not wanting to start any kind of argument if I say too much or show disrespect to his highness.

"If you are worrying that some guard would stop us because i'm going out alone with no guards and no sort of protection, then you should relax." He smiles then turns to another corner leading to the second wall gate. The gates opened without the guards looking who we were and just let us through "The guards know i'm more than enough to protect myself plus, they could never stop me from doing what I want" and there was his narcissistic side. After watching some of his interviews, both local and abroad, I learned that he likes to show off a lot. Like he really wants the people to see his conceited and narcissistic side. But somehow I feel like, he is just using those things as a mask. A cover up.

"What if something really happens to you outside, all I can do is scream, that's it" I know I'm sounding paranoid but I can't help but overthink. I don't have the kind of ability to protect or help him physically when something bad happens. All I've been doing my whole life was read and do great in my studies, I was never the kind to involve myself in some sort of fight.

"Hey relax, nothing bad is going to happen, we'll be fine. Plus no one really knows where we are going, the fact that its a secret place makes it even more safe. So just calm down and enjoy." Prince Luke takes another glance and smiles like nothing could take away the life he is enjoying right now.

I admit I was fine earlier and all this mix emotions I have are suddenly making me paranoid. I'm finally going out after a whole week of being stuck and doing nothing inside the palace. I know a week isn't that long and for someone who practically stays inside her room her whole life, that should be nothing, but since the whole events that happened in my life, being inside the walls and not being able to see what's happening outside makes me curious and scared at the same time. All I've been doing all this time was distract myself from the things that could happen once I'm out. Truth is, I'm not just scared of what may happen when the Prince gets in trouble, I'm also worried that we might encounter the killer who is after my head. He or she is still alive and freely roaming around town, making friends and having relationships with the people I used to hang out with.

The prince may be strong but no one knows how strong the people whose after me can be.

"Hey, we're okay. The town is just up ahead" without noticing, we were already out of the palace and now driving towards the town. The towns street lights reaches my eye and all I could feel was longing. I can't believe I'm finally seeing this again, I've been living in this town for so long but I've never appreciated how much it looked like until now. I almost cried for feeling so overwhelmed for all the emotions hitting me side to side. I can't seem to think clearly and this excitement and satisfaction I'm slowly feeling is making me want to shout a thousand thanks to the Prince.

"I can't believe I'm back" I whispered watching the famous stalls and places pass by as we kept going.

"I know you probably miss coming here but we can't really stop and roam around, but I promise we can do it next time. In exchange, I'm bringing you somewhere private and its breath taking I promise" He must have seen how my reaction changed when we slowly got out of town and going to where the forest is.

I don't really fear roaming around the forest during this hour but its really dark and anything could happen. Though judging by how the prince is looking so relax, I suddenly feel like he knows exactly what and where he is going to.

"I've been leaving my whole life in that very town, missing it today doesn't mean i'll never see it again, so its fine" I answered back "and Prince Luke" he second glanced at me waiting for me to continue "Thanks for bringing me out. A change of scenery after everything that happened is what i needed." I sincerely said. Showing a little honestly could potentially change the things between me and the prince, if i'm going to leave with the royals, I might as well try.

Before talking back, he suddenly laughs.

"If only grandma could see us right now, she might just decide to throw another party for no reason." He smiles then he slows down into some kind of a trail, it was dark but because of the cars lights I was able to see a glimpse of the way. "Don't thank me yet, this place I'm bringing you, surely its the kind of scenery you would love" he turns off the engine taking then goes out walking to my side. He opens my door and offered his hand for me to hold. I was of course, confused.

"The way is a little dark so you should take my hand, but I already asked Drey to prepare the place earlier so we can eat and enjoy the place without tripping and sliding" he explains and it made sense, between the two of us, he has the better eyes to lead so I take his hand and he leads the way.

If my mom sees me doing this, she might just lecture me for being such an easy target. Even if i'm with the Prince, the place we are in and the time we are out, its not something she'd be proud off. Coming in a secluded place with a stranger is definitely not something a mother would be proud off. But here I am, not holding a princes hand, which by the way is not something I should be doing, walking in a dark forest, with no one else around and no way of protection. This is exactly like walking into my own death trap.

The prince guides me and we kept going untiI finally say a glimmer of light coming from somewhere dipper.

"We're near" Prince Luke informs me, helping me up from one path to another. He then stops after a few more then he turns his back from me, covering my eyes with his back with what's in front of us. I took a big step and went beside him, confused of why he suddenly stopped.

In front of us was a small lake filled with little floating flowers, then I saw fireflies dance around the whole lake as if they are the ones lighting the whole place. I was captivated by the place that I didn't notice Prince Luke leaving my side and going to the a little cabin placed just beside the lake. The light I saw earlier came from the cabins front door lights and that's when all the questions clicked in.

"Do you own this place?" I curiously asked while Prince Luke opens the cabin with the key he had around his neck. I'm guessing that this place is important for him if he is carrying the cabins key around his neck.

"I don't own the place but there's only a few of us who knows how to get in this place and the whole town has no idea that this place exists. Plus, Drey went another mile making sure that no one dares to come in this place" Prince Luke explains then I remember a rumor about a loose wild animal roaming around the forest years back. Since then the forest has been under the surveillance of the royal guards. Could it be? I snapped and returned my attention back to the prince who is now trying to hide the smile growing on his face.

"The rumors about the forest was Mr. Drey's idea?" I asked and he just smiled "But that means that..." I paused and the prince just nods and smiled.

"Men are always capable of telling lies, stories, even fake ones, if they put a little effort and some supporting people to back up their stories. People would believe with no questions and doubts. All it takes was a little dime of money to make those hunters spread stories like wildfire" he says like its normal to spread rumors and make false statement to make the people believe and do according to their will. If this was made possible, then there is a big chance that this is not the only rumor they've spread in the past.

They could have made thousands of rumors just to make the people listen and do what they tell them to do. I didn't want to think this way but the look on prince Luke's face makes me wonder. What if all this time they are just making up rumors, scaring the whole subjects and making us all play according to their plans. I hope i'm just being paranoid and imaginative but if its possible that they are using this way to remain in their thrones, then someone has to stop them. Lying and spreading fear is not something to be proud of, Prince Luke has to realize that. So before I could stop myself, I was already facing the prince with a single thought in mind.

"Don't you at least feel sorry for what you all did?" Prince Luke was taking out a blanket and what appears to be boxes of food. He slowed down and looked at me, analyzing as if I was saying nonsense things. "What you did was lying, spreading fear and making your loyal subjects believe in some lie and still follow you like some loyal pet. You are fooling your people your highness." I sighed " I apologize for speaking my mind but I can't be dishonest with you after seeing and hearing all of what you just said." I'm not trying to cause another fight but I just don't like lying after what I went through.

The Prince placed the things he was holding down then he faces me smiling.

"I'm sorry" he suddenly said with a solemn tone "I feel like I've given you the idea that I'm some kind of ignorant who plays with the peoples trust" he looks back to the lake then takes a deep breathe "I didn't want to lie, but this place, this place holds so much that for the first time I just want to be selfish" I wanted to say more but I didn't want to interrupt his moment of reverie. "Don't you at least find all of this odd? Haven't you been wondering why I'd take you here instead of bringing you to some place more convenient and appropriate?" He slowly faced me waiting for my answer or just even a reaction.

I did find it odd but the thought of being out for the first time overwhelmed me. He did say that this place is like a special spot for him and I didn't question him because deep inside, i'm a little grateful that he let me out.

"I chose to bring you here because I actually wanted to see and hear what's so unique about you that my parents and grandmother would go to an extent just to make you my wife" he walks closer to me "I brought you here so I'd know if you'll support me or straighten me up the moment you see something wrong" he smiles "and you did"

"Does that make you mad?" I feared that if his angry, that he might just end me, right here, right now.

"Nope" he laughs "Your reaction made me happy" he confirms without looking at me "Though I can't tell you how much I've lied just to satisfy a lot of people, but I might actually need your presence besides me." He looks dead serious and I was just there, still confuse.

"The King and Queen wants you to become my wife, being my wife also means that you'll become the next crownprincess of this kingdom. They all say that a lady leading a country should always be the one who has a clear mind and a good conscience" he explains further but I am still not getting where he is trying to lead me "You have those qualities. I want to know you more Danielle. I promised myself I'll try and see if I could at least form a connection with you. I told you one of my secrets and lies because there's a part of me that feels like I could tell you everything" he slowly gets close to me so he could take my hand "Now that you know how selfish I am, are you still willing to stay and help me become the best King of this country? Or are you just one of the other people who would take my trust and leave?" He squeezes my hand as if trying to convey all his feeling in the touch of our hands. His eyes were searching mine and I couldn't help but feel a little tingle inside me, its like there's something crawling inside me and I couldn't explain it. It just feels weird and with the Prince eyes fixed on me, everything just becomes awkward.

I slowly take my hand back and took a step backward, just a little space away from the prince. I have to think straight or I might just say something i'd regret in the morning.

Prince Luke looks at me with concern but he didn't say anything else.

The dinner that we were supposed to have are now inside a basket, waiting to be revealed. I feel sorry for those who prepare the food though, I don't really have the appetite for anything right now after what I heard and I just don't feel like shoving anything inside me because I still feel the weird tingling thing inside me. He just showed me how easy it is for him to lie so what's the difference now? He might just be lying to me and telling me all this things so he could get to me or at least get something out of me.

Nevertheless, mother has always taught me to become a person who gives chances to people who needs them. I feel like I can somehow take a little risk and believe in prince Luke a little. He is after all trying his best to show me that he also wants to understand me so I might just do the same. There is no point in resisting when we are both alone in the forest and I cant just randomly call anyone for help if something does happen if I don't give him the right answer he wants to hear.

For now, I can just keep learning and observe what could happen. I still have other things to worry about and its not like this is the first time I've heard of a royal lying to their subordinates. Novels about royalties often depict this kind of outcomes especially when someone is trying to regain power or someone just wants to put a revenge. In the Prince's case, I'm at least positive that its because of his selfishness. One day, I know that he'll somehow learn to not depend on lies but trust on his people.

"If you lead right and show me right, I'll be on your side. But if I see something bad, then you'll hear it from me" my thoughts are clear and I know that I can trust my conviction when it comes to this kind of things. I was brought up with a conscience as clear as the sky, I wont let anything cloud what my mother taught me and what I've learned for the past years of my life. Not even the royal family could change my beliefs. So if the prince does something I'm not happy about in the future he'll definitely hear it from me. "As you already know, I don't back down easily. Are you sure you still want me around?"

The prince just gave me a soft smile before turning his back on me, he went to where he drop the blanket and the picnic basket to get it and place it neatly on the ground. He takes out all the food that was prepared for us and he gazes at me.

"So are you just going to stand there and watch me eat all this food or are you going to join me and listen to the rest of my past lies?" he taps the sit next to him and with every courage that I have left, I let myself go and listen to every little lies Prince Luke made.

Somehow, listening to Prince Luke's stories and his past lies made me understand a little bit about him. I've seen his past interviews and his past delinquent days and comparing them to what he appears to be now, he did changed a lot. Being the second prince of the king and queen, didn't just make him confuse as to where he stands in the royal family, but also it placed a great weight on him, what more for his brother Mark. Prince Luke knew the weight his brother is carrying and he at least wanted to make a little difference, so instead of acting the way how the council of the royals wants him to be, he made them hate him so that things could be easier for his brother. He went against the rules but still would do what his brother would ask him to do, unconsciously too. After his stories it made me realize that he himself doesn't know that his sacrificing too much for the sake of his family. He would go to an extent just to protect them and I now understand why he reacted the way he did back when we first met. He mind led him to thinking that I'm some sort of a threat to his family that's why his reaction was to get rid of me. But now that he at least sees me as someone who couldn't even lie for the sake of it, he knows that he misjudged me.

Seeing prince Luke in a new light led me to thinking that maybe, just maybe, if I do end up getting hitched to him, I might actually learn to like him. Though it is still something I'm not capable of doing now but understanding his trait and personality could be a start. And if by chance we don't end up together, I can be a friend to him. Someone who could help him at least see the real him even if he hates it. The royal regent did ask me to help his grandson, but helping doesn't mean being wed to his highness. I can just become someone who tells him what's good and what's bad he can still marry the daughter of the prime minister and maybe someday, I could also be free and do whatever I want to do.

I may have my plans of revenge before but right now, all I want to do is be free from all the drama and just have a normal life. Somehow the princes stories made me realize how blessed I was to just have a home and a mother who takes care of me. No obligation, no responsibilities, no people to order me around, no one to satisfy, no one to disappoint. I was living the kind of life, Prince Luke would've wanted. Not just him, maybe the rest of the royals too.

-Isabelle-

"My lady, I just heard from master Drey, his highness is taking Lady Danielle outside for a romantic dinner by the lake. He also said that the place was special for the prince. Should I send someone to check it out?" one of the ladies of the palace reports to me. As for the law, she is not supposed to disclose any information of what is happening inside the inner palace, but since I am the prime ministers daughter and practically treated the next in line to the throne, there are ladies of the court that is loyal to me and would tell me if something is going on behind my back.

And of course, that personal assistant of Luke would blabber anything to any lady that lets him in. His a player and total sex craze, he would do anyone who allows him to do it then leaves them like a little trash. With his kind of character, I made sure to use that sick addiction of his to my advantage. This is how I've been gathering information about the princes whereabouts all this years and with everything I learn, I made sure that I'm one step ahead of him. I just can't let him give away what is supposed to be mine.

"Don't, I'll deal with it. Just make sure to call me if something else happens again" the lady bows her head then she goes ahead living me alone in the royal library. This is just one of the places where I meet my spies. I can't let anyone know what I'm doing or I might never get what I want. Now that I'm getting close nothing should ever stop me. They could both have all the happiness they want, I still have a little trust on what Luke told me and I'll just need to sit and watch until he does something opposite to what we both agreed on.

"A special place huh?" I closed the book I was pretending to read, I didn't even know what the title of the book was but I was disguising so I just grabbed whatever it is that's in reach. I walked out of the royal library with all the people bowing their head as they see me walk out. Now that I know something, I also remember that the prince never once took me out or showed any of his special places. Even back when we were seeing each other, he never once took me out, it was all just plain sex. I don't even know if he really has a special place, he might just be pretending. So to deal with this uncalled event, I just need to shut my mouth, I can't act now. But one day, if the tides pave a way, I'll definitely make them all pay.