24

24- Danielle

I am still bewildered that Prince Luke is here and eating ice cream while watching Harry Potter I admit I was intrigued when he just randomly showed up at the door and alone. He is the Prince so he should at least be accompanied by one of his servants but he came alone and he knocks, I’m probably just not used to a Royal knocking on their own place, he practically owns this villa I’m staying but he knocked and respected my privacy. So that’s another something to be shocked about. Over all, I had to talk myself into believing what was in front of me, that’s why even though I didn’t need on, I excused myself to get myself a jacket but I just really needed the time to catch up and to wire my mind with facts that the prince is here and he brought me ice cream.

As I got down and saw him looking for something, I decided that I won’t be so awkward in his presence since we did become friends days ago so its only fair that I at least treat him just like one when we are alone. If he doesn’t like it then he can just suck it up or go. As if I’d tell him that, but assuming he doesn’t like how I treat him when we are alone, he can just always reprimand me as long as he doensn’t feed me to the lions, I’m sure I’ll be fine.

I kept licking my spoonful of ice cream as we both comfortably watch Harry Potter do his things with his wand. I used to read Harry Potter so when the movie finally came out, I remember dragging Lori to the theaters to watch it even when she deliberately kept on telling me not to. I’m a literary fan so I’d say, I’m glad I read the book and watch the movie for comparison.

“You know, if Hermoine wasn’t so hard ass, I would definitely date her” Prince Luke commented along the movie while I was already halfway done with my own pint of ice cream. Don’t ask me why I just love savoring coffee crumble.

“And you really think she’d like to date you?” I released a small chuckle.

“Ah, yeah! I’m totally her type” Prince Luke bragged as always. Such narcissist person truly exists.

“If that’s the case then I truly feel sorry for Hermione. She’ll be missed!” I laughed when Prince Luke looked surprise with what I said.

“You are one rude woman!” He shakes his head in disbelief while he keeps stabbing his ice cream with spoon. I hope he’s not thinking of my face while he kept on doing it.

“Please your highness, spare the poor chocolate, he didn’t mean to be the sweetest thing you could ever taste. It promises to do better next time, would being bitter suffice?” I acted using the accent Hermoine had hoping humor would save me from Prince Luke’s wrath.

Fortunately, he bought it and laughed after awhile so I was able to breathe.

“Have you heard any rumors about the upcoming choosing ceremony?” Prince Luke asks me seriously but I don’t think he’s really asking. More like insinuating. Of course I know about the choosing ceremony, there’s a chance I’ll be part of it. Don’t tell me he’s also here to tell me I’d be part of it because if that’s the case, I’m more than willing to storm out of the palace and straight out tell them all that I GET IT.

For awhile I didn’t say anything, I was waiting for him to continue before I do say something. Patience wins the game. Or something. So they all say. I know for a fact that if I just randomly answer his question and say something that’s possibly different from what he really wanted to hear then I might just look like I’m assuming into things.

I looked at Prince Luke and he was also waiting for me to answer, so without saying anything I just gave him a nod so he could continue. He adjusted his position so he could face me and I had no other choice but to do the same, because I didn’t want to look rude. We may be acting friends right now but he is still the Prince. THAT! I need to keep reminding myself.

“Well, ladies whom I haven’t mt or maybe I did, but the case is I still don’t know who they are” He rumbles but then he breathes in to maybe settle his nerve “Well they are coming to the palace in a few days so they could settle in before the choosing ceremony and you might find this funny but even with my reputation, I also know fear. What if the ladies who enter the palace becomes a bomb that destroys the whole kingdom. What do I then?”

I’m not really sure what I’m hearing and seeing here. One minute he was okay and the next thing he is not. I maybe imagining things but I feel like he’s playing with me. Though he looks serious with his dilemma, I am still doubtful. I’m pretty sure someone already told him I might be one of the ladies, I mean that’s one of the reason why I’m still here and why both the Queen and the Regent kept lecturing about the things I don’t really need if I’m to become, just a normal person.

Heck, I’ve been studying about the kingdom so I could at least prepare myself for what about to happen with my life. Note the fact that I am already accepting my fate and that I am atleast trying and now he’s here telling me that he’s scared. Like what kind of a joke is this? Should I even believe him?

“Are you serious right now? You really don’t know anything? Like you’re completely clueless about everything and who you’ll be choosing from?” I asked and Prince Luke just nods. I shake my head in disbelief but before I could even tell him about my thoughts. I also instantly realized that if I say anything and it turns out that I’m not even one of the girls they’ll be choosing from then I’ll just appear assuming again and desperate. This could be a chance for me. I mean maybe the regent and the Queen might have realized I’m really not suited for the job so they decided not to push it and just keep me here for awhile until the hunter gets caught. Like that’s also possible. And less of a hassle too.

That’s right Dani, something must have change with the original plans. You just need to play it cool, don’t rush and rant, be cool. Plans change all the time. Maybe they finally realize I’m not someone whose worthy of calling princess. I also don’t have any idea about ruling a country so a day will definitely come where I’ll fail, worst I might even cause destruction within the peaceful living of Estrella.

“Lady Danielle? Hello… Danielle to Earth now!” Prince Luke waves his hand in front of me, I didn’t realize I was stuck inside my head that I completely forgot that I am still talking Prince Luke.

“Sorry I was thinking of the perfect thing to say to you. I needed to chase my train of thought so I got distracted.” I reasoned out, which by the way was stupid but anyways he laughed at it so I guess I was out of the hook, AGAIN! “Look, the ladies are coming in a few days, you are bound to meet them so when that time comes, with your reputation, I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to read their personalities. Please excuse me for saying this, but you went out and hook up with lots of girls, I’m quite sure it won’t be so hard on you to distinguish which one of them are the good ones and not.” I explained but I wasn’t finished.

“Plus I once read on books that choosing ceremony are like one of the hardest tests any lady would go through. Those who prepared the challenges and tests are always specific to finding out the capacity of the ladies. May it be to leading a country or to simply taking care of the royal family. This way you’ll see what the ladies are really hoping and fighting for.” I pointed out. I did study the books and I read some of the old files relating to the choosing ceremony. In the older days, its quite brutal but as generations pass, things have lighten up.

“But what if they are so good at hiding their true intentions?”

“Then you must start training your senses to be keen at finding the ones that’s fakes. It may be a needle in a stack of hay but with keen observation, you might just avoid being pricked” I sincerely smiled, not because what I said was true but because I sounded so genius and I’m proud of it.

I felt him smile but he was so fast cover it with a nod.

“See you really know how to talk me out of my shit” Prince Luke admitted “Though I am not allowed to say ‘shit’ and I’m practically breaking a lot of laws right now as I’m here with you and disclosing something so important to the kingdom, if the council finds out they might just impeach me” He continued to which I did laugh. Because the idea of him being impeached is really something.

“Then I must do my best not to tell anyone about our little soiree. Not that anyone would even believe I had this kind of talk with you”

Its would sound a joke if I did say something about it to someone, though its possible someone would but still I don’t like attention so I won’t even dare earn one.

“But if you do say something, I’m pretty sure both my mom and grandma would believe you. In fact I am willing to bet they’d throw a party just for this” I laughed at what he said, well, we both did.

Prince Luke then looked at me and his eyes were a little different. I don’t what it was but something was there. Its like he had this pull that I couldn’t resist and before I could even try to stop it, he was already leaning into me. I knew something was wrong and I knew that I shouldn’t even be doing it but I responded. I didn’t fight back and I responded.

Now the only thought playing inside my head is ‘What the hell?’. I pushed him away after the continuous nagging inside my head and when I finally got the strength to do so. I didn’t know kissing would take up too much of my energy since, this is my first time! Shit.

“I’m sorry” Prince Luke whispered but I had my head down because I didn’t have enough courage to look at him after what just happened. I know he’s the one who initiated he kiss and I should probably slap him for what he did, he took my first and that should be a crime, but I can’t really slap him, I want to, but I just can’t. No strength. Remember.

I was speechless and at the same time curious why he did that. We were okay with just talking, does talking always lead to kissing.

“I’m really sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you like this… I just…”

Before Prince Luke could even finish his sentence I tried to look up so I could see him clearly and tell him to just leave. I just need to clear my mind and well gather all my strength back.

“Go….” I whispered, hoping that he’d know what I meant and that he understands that I just really need him gone. With him still in my line of sight, I obviously can’t think clearly and I am still shaking from the shock. “Please” I sounded weak but I begged.

“I’m really sorry, I promise, I’ll make things clear” He said before standing up and leaving me on my own. He at least understood that I needed this time.

My heart was beating, and my mind is still shocked, I don’t really know how am I going to understand this now. I’ve read books that has romantic scenes that always starts with this kind of situation, and as cliché as it is, they always end up being together and it is always the ladies that’s get to experience the confusion. I don’t even like the idea and it is always not my favorite genre but here I am experiencing all of it.

I don’t even know if I like Prince Luke! We were just starting to get along and I am still waiting for my freedom or my execution as a matter of fact, and also I am still not equipped to harbor this kind of feelings. I have so many things to worry about and this, whatever it is that’s happening, is definitely not helping the situation. Whether its an accident or something he meant to do, I still didn’t like it to happen now.

Did I even like the kiss?

Wait I did respond, so I did like it. How long was it? Why can’t I remember anything. I’m not even drunk and here I am forgetting the details of my first kiss. If Lori learns about this she’ll kill me. What kind of a lady forgets their first kiss? Better yet what kind of lady gives it to some kind of a playboy?!

God this is frustrating.

Now I truly salute those ladies who were once in my place and would still have the energy to do something. Because I truly don’t have any left. My minds worst because this brain of mine would usually have something to say but right now, its just sham.

So I instead decided to sleep and just end this day. Forget everything and simply start another day. A normal and drama less day.

-Luke-

As soon as I got out of the villa, I couldn’t help but smile for I know I won. I won and things are going to follow my way now. Soon enough, I’ll have Danielle working for my plans. Amber is right on one thing, she is someone I need on my side, but that doesn’t mean I have to be good to her. I am just using her as she still poses a threat to the kingdom. I still don’t trust her, and I don’t think I will ever be.

I did ask her some fishing questions earlier and she did, just like the last time, answered diligently. If she wasn’t so suspicious, I would definitely commend her for that.

Though I must say, while I was kissing her, I almost forgot my goal. It even lasted longer than it should. I only intended to give her a peck, but when she moved and I felt her lips full, I had to take a little taste. Her lips were sweet, I guess it’s because of the ice cream but they were really soft too. A perfect mixture of a dangerous trap. If I wasn’t so conscious as I was, I might have gotten more than what we did.

I walked back to my place where I know, Drey would be waiting and probably dying to hear what just happened. Not that I’m even going to tell him any detail, I don’t really kiss and tell so he’s waiting for nothing. He’ll only see me smile and say success but that’s it.

“Hold on there my proud and devious big brother!”

My walk was interrupted by an annoying voice behind me so I had no other choice but to stop and looked back. I said annoying but really I’m not, I just like saying it because its my sisters voice and I don’t really enjoy hearing her call me devious.

“What are you doing out my, surprisingly, sober, sister?”

She gave me an innocent smile before walking up to me and inviting me to walk.

“Well brother, I did want to drink and was about to go and get a drink. But then I saw your perky little butt coming out of lady Danielle’s place and told myself. ‘Ah this is more interesting than vomiting tomorrow.’ And that led me here.” She perks up, obviously enjoying this little information she witnessed “So tell me big brother, what kind of scandalous drama are you baking this time? Must I prepare myself for some constant nagging and flashes at my every corner? Not that its new but I could atleast wear something great when that day comes” She acts innocent but her words are betraying her. She even looks at me with malice dancing in her smile. She pretty much just wants to tease me.

“Its none of your business”

I trust Adi, but I didn’t want to involve her. I also don’t need her constant nagging behind my back every time she gets a chance. Despite of the fact that she’ll help me no matter what, I still don’t wish for her to get in any sort of trouble.

“Oh come on now, its not like I’m going to tell anyone, plus, I did see this coming. The first and last time I saw her, she was really something and hot. If I wasn’t so into guys, I would totally go for her. So you don’t have to deny anything brother. I will always understand that you have needs and that you will always go for the ones that make you beg” She smirks at me, while I halted at my step and gave her a warning look.

Adi knows a lot of things about me, especially things that are not supposed to be spoken of outside our personal chambers. She already knows this and she’s still doing the exact opposite.

“We agreed never to speak of things that might cause problems. Someone might hear you and think theres a story here” I looked around us and fortunately we were the only ones in here.

“Stop being so paranoid. There’s no story if we don’t make one. Chill.” She only giggled at my reaction, then she hops on the bridges connecting the pavements towards our place while she hums the music I haven’t heard in awhile. I kept still and watch her go on. She sounded exactly like the one who owns that song. I blinked maybe once or twice before finally waking up from the nostalgia I was feeling. “Don’t make another reason for the public to hate you.”

“What you saw means nothing. Stop overthinking” I sincerely told her since it’s the truth. Danielle means nothing to me so whatever it is that really happened between us, it means nothing.

“Careful brother, I don’t want to see you suffer from your own games.”

Its always unusual for Adi to be this serious. She always hides her thoughts and feelings with humor. Ever since we taught her how to fight to practically stand on her on, she became this whole new person. Despite the fact that she’s always seen as a lady who’s not to be followed and admired, she’s still a model to many young girls. She’s strong and wise. I just wish the council sees her the same way I do.

“I know what you mean but you worry for nothing. Let it pass Adi, nothings happening. I swear!” I placed my hand on her head and smiled at her to assure her.

I know I am lying, but all of this will be worth it in the end. If not, she can just always bat her eyes on me and pretend that I don’t exist.

Adi smiled but then after she rolls her eyes at me and pushed me before storming away from me , just like when we were kids. I laughed at her childishness but nevertheless I still chase her off and just like whem we were kids, we laughed and teased each other to our hearts content.