23

My head aches with the thoughts of ladies coming in the palace in a few days. Aaron was able to find out the number of ladies my mother chose, fortunately, she only chose five ladies to compete. I thought she’ll go extra and choose every lady that’s suitable in every kingdom.

Knowing mom, she’s meticulous with the ladies she chooses but she’s also open. She values chances and she believes that if someone is given a fair chance on something that he or she will do everything so they could get what they want. But that only applies to those people who she sees passionate and willing.

As promised to get my mind off the choosing ceremony, Dad made me in-charge of overseeing the case between Minister Orlins and Lord Brucillos.

He only made me in-charge but not the main person to question the two Lords. He made me swear not to reveal to any of the Lords what my assignment is just so we could avoid any of the Lord from meddling. Dad gave me full authority to order the guards but only through General Gustaviano. Aside from him no one else can know that I’m the one pulling all the strings. And I intend to do just that.

I also don’t wish for anyone to just randomly bother and persuade me with things I don’t exactly need or even try to threaten me just so they could get the favorable decision. With the Prime Minister guarded all the time, things will be a little tricky. Though I may have earned an advantage but this would also mean that my plan will have to move a little faster.

“How is my prince doing? I very much appreciated the time you gave me to relax and recuperate.” Drey enters my office like he literally owns the place. I raise a brow with how loudly he said those words, there’s no one else inside my office so there’s really no need for him to say those things.

He took a piece of paper and pen from my desk, scribbling something on it. He then showed me what he wrote.

‘Blockers are on system update, go with the flow’ he wrote in the nastiest form of penmanship, it’s a surprise I was able to read it. I already know it’s not his usual writing but he had to make it like that so no one would be so interested at looking into it. When I nod recognizing what he meant, he then took the glass on my table with half-filled water to sub-merged the paper he was holding and fully destroying it. Knowing my dear friend, he doesn’t like loose ends so of course he’ll do something like this.

“Well I’m glad you’re back, we need to go somewhere. But before that, send half of my guards to Lord Sybulus, he can use them however he wants with them. Lord Sybulus is the person in charge of making sure that every lady chosen by my mother gets here safe so it is only right that I also give half of my guards to assist his goal”

Drey looks at me wondering, maybe even confuse why I dared say things that are important. Yes, someone might be listening and the risk of our plans spreading is at its highest. However, the things I said are facts that can both be a warning and knowledge to someone wishing to find out about my whereabouts. If anyone is planning to sabotage lord Sybulus plans then they’ll be alarmed knowing that my own guards are joining the protection details. Second, this could be a diversion. My enemies would think I’d be busy assisting Lord Sybulus while juggling between my duties to the kingdom and my other responsibilities to my family and to my people. So I don’t feel wary, in fact I feel liberated.

I didn’t let Drey make another comment but instead I drag him with me so that we can both go and talk privately. Drey finally realized my motives and so he eventually walked at the same pace as me. Soon after my own car arrives at front but instead of going to my usual back sit, I went around the car and opened the drivers sit, surprising the guards and the driver.

“Your majesty…” The driver tried to stop me but I’m already getting inside with or without them. Drey followed after, taking the passenger side while waving to the guards to follow us behind.

“Its fine” Drey told the driver when he kept watching the car and my door like he really expects me to still change my mind after situating myself comfortably at his supposed to be place. I feel like driving, it will help me focus.

As soon as Drey was able to put his seatbelt on. I drove the car out of the gates and going towards the town. I didn’t really lie about needing to go somewhere. But that somewhere just happens to be all around the kingdom. I wanted to see the growth of some of the ongoing construction withing the kingdom.

As soon as we were out of anyone’s prying ears and eyes. Meaning as soon as we got out of the palace gates and the guards going the other way just so not to rise any suspicion from the public.

“Dash.” I whispered, but Drey understood and turned off every camera and recorder within and around the car. We didn’t need anyone to hear what we will be talking about.

“So?” I asked him.

“In a few days that you gave me a break, which, by the way, is still barely enough. I deserve a proper vacation and my muscles are still strained from all…”

“Get to the point Drey” I cut off his whining even when he looked at me murderously.

“You were right, he knows something. Right after the raid he immediately contacted one of the suspects. I already tasked one of our men to follow the suspect and to report to me everything that he is doing” Drey reported while I keep driving straight and fast.

“Keep watching his actions, I’m pretty sure he’ll show little of his plans as day gets by.” I still have my suspicions, but as long as I don’t have the evidence that I need then I can’t say anything about the other matters I have in mind. “And the other task?”

“Which one? The pervert one or the serious one?” Drey laughs at his own words but I really didn’t like it. Drey saw through me so he stops laughing before sighing. “I wasn’t able to find out what’s the relationship between Lady Danielle and the west but I did find out how we can make her trust you. In fact earlier today, I was with her best friend. You know that Lori girl, the one she came with the first time she arrived within the palace?”

I moved a little to properly glanced at Drey to see for myself if he was being serious right now and he looks exactly that, so I wasn’t able to hide my true reaction and made a disgusted look. Drey saw my reaction and for awhile he only questioned my look but I eventually look up front, letting Drey wonder why I looked at him that way.

“You think of my tasks to you as something perverted but you’re the one that’s perverted” I shake my head as soon as the street lights turned red. I slowly pressed break and waited for Drey to realize why I said those things as well. However quick Drey at catching loop holes and bad guys, he also tends to be naïve with how he acts.

As we both waited for the street light to go green, Drey kept looking at my side thinking what I meant. I could just go and drive pass the blinking red light since I’m the prince and I did use the palace cars which has the family insignia, a symbol that makes a free pass ticket to everywhere within the kingdom. But as the Prince of this kingdom I must also set an example. I already have a negative reputation, I might as well do something so basic to keep up.

“Wait!!! Did your just think that I…” Drey finally realized after an awful amount of time “You seriously think I would sleep with her just to get information?!” Drey points at me, forgetting that he is basically crossing too many laws right now.

“Not really, but I know you would especially when the lady is basically someone who’s extra hard. You might even go down there without her begging you to do so” I won’t be his friend if I didn’t know him better than anyone else. He might deny everything I just said but we both know he always had it best with hard girls.

“Well, you might think that I did but I definitely did now. I just made her think that I would be able to take care of her friend if I did know a little more about her likes and dislikes. That must have made her think its possible to help Lady Danielle so she did share some information that’s helpful to you” he sounded confident so it must be something good. I nod to make him continue; I may not use what he says today but it might be useful for me someday. “Apparently, our little lady has a thing for kids and ice cream. Her friend said that if by some days Lady Danielle becomes rather gloomy or disoriented, the only cure you could give her is some old trick like a pint of coffee crumble ice cream or a gallon of mint chocolates. Otherwise, make her spend a day with a kid and she might just get pass her gloomy day. Also if you really want to understand what Lady Danielle wishes to happen, you must at least spend a whole week with her just so you could understand her language. She likes to be alone so that should be something that’s challenging to anyone who wants to get to know her.”

We already know how much of a challenge making Danielle closer to our side would be but I’m willing to do anything because I might just have another plan and place for her.

“Dad made me in charge of finding out the truth about Lord Brucillos accusations, he wants me to be discreet so meaning no investigation unless no one is watching. General Gustaviano already knows so every order and questions will go through him first. Up until we discover something that’s useful with the case are we only allowed to reveal everything.” I instructed Drey since he wasn’t around when my dad told me of the tasked he wanted me to do. “Instruct one of our spies to act as a messenger. There’d be days where will have to act outside the palace so to shake any of suspicion on us. Some of the Lord are already taking action, they want to know who’s going to investigate this case so they could do something about it. We can’t let them do that of course so we’ll have to do something to make them think its not me”

I’ve been thinking of a way to make the Lord think its not me and that its someone else. I might need to hire another person for the job, someone who would be deceptive and cunning, someone who would be able to fool the Lords.

“How about you spend some time with Lady Danielle this week, your schedule’s not that hectic this coming week since the choosing ceremony is fast approaching, you’ll be needed on some of the events so the number of visits and meetings declined, orders of the Queen so we have her to thank for your free time. This is also killing two birds with one stone. The Lords will think your busy flirting and Lady Danielle will finally be close to you. As for the investigation, while you keep the publics eye on you, I’ll mobilized our people and work on the case. I’ll of course keep reporting to you at the end of the day.” Drey presented and he has a solid plan. He may be a nuts from time to time but he s also quick to find solution.

“You have a good plan but I don’t really need the publics eye. Remember that Lady Danielle hates the attention. I might spook her off it people starts noticing her. I might need to use another lady for that one” I of course already thought of someone who’s perfect for the job.

“Wait you can’t be with Lady Isabelle on this one… she’s too involved” Drey was right but I wasn’t talking about Isabelle.

“Relax, I don’t mean her, I have someone else in mind so prepare your cameras and your perverted side because you’ll need every creative and colorful words you can get to make every eyes interested and wanting more. Make a scandal if you have to, I don’t care.” I paused then I remember someone “Better yet, lead that Lady Lori to me and make her the one who writes the story. If its her, I’m pretty sure it would be as scandalous and mind blowing as the Prime Minister being arrested.”

I smiled as trace dots of success and plans in my mind. I know this is going to be one hell of a risk but its worth it. Its like opportunities are all lining up in front of me, just waiting for me to pick and put into good use.

I went back to the palace after, having one purpose in mind and that’s visiting Danielle. I maybe rushing but I needed to do this soon or I might actually change my mind and regret not pushing it through to the end. It maybe absurd but I might just need her so even if its against any rights and I might get slap for what I’ll do, but my resort is bigger than my fears.

I admit I’m a little nervous but its not like this is the first time I’ll be doing this stuff. In fact I can be counted as one of the pros, I’m not bragging but I might still be one of the best in the game. I just need to think of her as someone who’s the same as the other girls I’ve been with. I just hope this doesn’t blow up, though I have complete confidence at what I do, it is still nerve-wrecking when you have ulterior motives.

I grabbed the things that I bought earlier to give to Danielle, thinking it might make her loose a little. Plus I have a feeling she actually misses the things that I bought since it is hardly available inside the palace. Yes I bought ice cream, and yeas they are usually not available in the palace. Reasons are unknown but it’s a fact. The only time we do have ice cream is when we have guests or when requested by the queen, otherwise we don’t usually store one.

Before going to Danielle’s place, I of couse had to prepare myself first. I wore my comfiest clothes and I even brushed my hair to perfection. I need to make it look like I just came to her place to have fun and of course to see how she is doing inside the palace. But just like a snake, I’ll have to slither my way and attack her at a second she doesn’t expect. Easy right. Its definitely just like me, so there’s really nothing I should be worrying about.

So why am I just standing outside her door and not fricking knocking on it so I could get in?

She’s the guess and I’m practically the owner of the place she’s living is so why am I even bothered?

Drey would be laughing by now if he sees me acting like a teenage wuss. What’s even wrong with me?!

I know I had to knock soon enough or I’ll look like a creep to some who passes. I made three knocks and turned around so I could wait for her to open the door. It’s a surprise that there’s no maid announcing my presence since my mother did assign her one, just so someone could help her with her daily needs. But it really looks like she’s alone and that’s just perfect.

“Prince Luke?” I heard her confused voice as soon as her door opens. I slowly turned around slowly, like the ones you see in movies, hoping it would have an effect but when I saw her even more confused look, I take it that this things doesn’t work on her.

“Hi?” I greeted. I sounded way nicer than I usually do.

“Your highness…” She instantly bows her head when she realized it was really me, but shes still standing in between a slightly ajar door and in front of me, so when she did bow, her butt awkwardly bumps to the side of the door, making it open wider. I would have laughed when she rose up embarrass of what just happened but I tried not to or she might be offended. Instead I bit my lip and looked at her acting shy in front of me. I thought by biting I could stop myself from smiling at her embarrassment but when she kept on acting shy of what she did, I couldn’t help but release a small grin. She saw that and blood rushed to her cheeks so she immediately looked down to cover her face.

I shake my head to erase the smile on my face and also so I could talk normally with Danielle.

“I apologize for coming unannounced, I just wanted to check up on you and see if how your doing? I brought some ice cream” I raised the bag that contains a pint of her favorite ice cream and well mine. I have to make it natural as possible to I also brought my type of ice cream so it won’t look like I really know what’s her favorite. “They only have two flavors left in the kitchen so I hope you don’t mind. Its in coffee and dark chocolate, feel free to choose between the two…”

She perked up a little as I mentioned the word ice cream, but as soon as she did that she was also quick to masked it out. She then clears her throat before speaking to me.

“Then it would be rude of me to not welcome you inside” She tried saying like she doesn’t really mean it but for the sake of the ice cream, she’ll do anything. “So…?” she awkwardly smiled after out little exchange of awkward smiles.

I stood in the living room waiting for Danielle to get back from her room. She said she just needed to get her jacket and that to make myself comfortable since its I own the place. Her words, not mine. I did what she said but after awhile of waiting I stood up to look for the remote controller so I could we could watch something while we ‘comfortably’ chill.

I’m obviously trying to set up the vibe, a perfect vibe makes a huge difference. I always practice that thought, just like the one I did when we visited the hidden lake. I don’t want her to feel like she’s talking to a Prince. I need her to comfortably talk to me so I could move my way. I she’s too guarded, I would never be able to achieve something.

“If you’re looking for the remote, its not there, it’s here” Danielle speaks up and she took me by surprise. I didn’t even hear her going down from the stairs. As I turned around to face her she was already holding the remote and walking towards me. She hands me the remote and I gently took it from her hands.

“Thanks” I smiled, she then sits on the couch while waiting for me to sit as well. I guess she already decided to be comfortable since she didn’t wait for me to sit first before I did. I joined her on the couch and of course I left a few inches of gap between the both of us. I want her to feel at ease not the way around.

I turned on the tv and scanned through the movies available until I played something that’s suitable for the both of us.

“Really, out of all the movies. You chose Harry Potter” she laughs at my choice but whats wrong with Harry Potter? Adi and I used to binge watch the whole parts when we had the time.

“What I feel like chillin’?” I relax myself as I grab the pints of ice cream inside the bag and offered both of it to Danielle allowing her to choose first. She was adamant but she still did grab the pint of coffee crumble, then she had this little excited look in her eyes she cannot hide.

“I take it somethings up and your looking for a place to hide?” Danielle asked me in a teasing but also serious manner. I raise a brow at her but she also did the same, like she’ll match every expression I make so just to make me speak. “Come on, tell me now. Bringing me my favorite ice cream and hanging out here like we two best-friends visiting each other. So while I’m in such a good mood, thanks to this ice cream, tell me what you want?”

She takes the free spoon that came with the pints and takes spoonful our of her own ice cream while she waits for to speak up. She’s trying her best to act as respectful as she could be, she’s still guarded but at the same time she didn’t give off a vibe that she’s making me go away.

“Can’t I just come and visit you, remember you did say that if I ever needed someone to straight out talk me out of my shit, I can freely stride in front of you?” I remember the talk we had in the maze garden, she did tell me to treat her this way so she can’t really start denying me now.

“Yes I did say that and yes you are welcome to come here anytime but I’m also asking you what kind of shit are we talking about that you had to come and see me?” she then adjusted her glasses to look at me.

“I’ll tell you once we are done with our ice cream. Now shut up and watch.” I felt her weird stare at my side but nevertheless she followed my words and we both fell into a comfortable silence while we both enjoy the ice cream and movie playing before us. Not knowing that I’m pulling her into a trap like snake wrapping its body to its prey.