31

The Queen agreed with my plan and informed me of what I would be facing in the days to come. She’s in charge with the whole thing so she can’t help me if something does happen during the events but she did tell me that there can be ways for me to get help and those ways will be discussed during the actual ceremony. Since she agreed with my plans she also gave me a heads up about Prince Luke meeting and talking with the other ladies just before the actual ceremony. I don’t know the reason why but I’ll take that as an opportunity to finally talk to him without interruption. The Queen did say we will be live during the whole process of choosing and the only time we can talk in private and without any of the media getting involve is during the time where Prince Luke wishes to talk to us. We all have that equal opportunity but I have to secure a place and make sure that Luke chose me at the end.

The ceremonies will start tomorrow and today has been hectic, though I’m just stuck inside the room, maids and designers came at my place early in the morning to prepare me for todays little date with the Prince and also they needed me to try on the dresses and some gowns so the designers could figure out the right clothes for me. They actually gave me a set already, like a week ago, they are all casual to formal wears, just waiting for me to wear them so this new set of clothes they are preparing for me would most likely end up the same as the first batch.

Lalita told me that each ladies that will be joining the events will have an equal amount of time with the prince, Drey, or what the maid call as Master Drey, will fetch us himself, once the Prince is ready. I don’t really know who will go first or even how many of us he’ll have to face but I was positive that my every piece is jittering. Now that everything is finally settling inside my head, I feel like I’m about to embark on something that will completely sink me down.

I still have a score to settle with the prince, since the last encounter we had, this is the first time we will be seeing each other. Though the maids told me that our identities were kept hidden from the prince up until today, I have a feeling that he already knows I’m included. Would he even ask me about what happened that night? I still have a lot of questions but none of them weighs more than what I want to sort out with him.

“My lady, Master Drey has come to get you” Lalita informs me as I sat waiting for my turn inside my own room. Lalita smiled at me the moment I stood up and fixed my strapped silver dress and my hair that was hang lose. I was in heels so I didn’t walk fast or I might embarrass myself by tripping and I don’t want Drey to see me make a fool of myself.

Dreys back was facing me as soon as the doors opened and when he finally turns around to greet me, he paused for a second to smile at me before bowing to show me his little respect towards me. Well the little part is just an exaggeration, he did bow the same way he does when he is the presence of the royals, so I guess he was being sincere with all of this.

“My lady, I am here to escort you to the Prince and might I say you look beautiful” Drey smiled from ear to ear, though I notice that he wasn’t surprise when he saw me and that he actually looks like he just won on something. His smile was starting to creep me out so I raise my brow at him before walking out and following him behind.

“You look like you won a lottery, whats the smile about?” I whispered to him as we walk side by side.

“I’ll tell once we get in the car. But to give you a little hint, its because I did won on something” Drey winks at me and that just made me want to barf. Lalita silently walks behind us while Drey flaunts his ridiculous flirty side. I just wish Lalita doesn’t think something’s up between me and this person.

As soon as we reach the car, Drey opens the door to let me in and Lalita bowed to the sides as she was waited for us to go on so she could go back to her chores. She can’t come with us due to privacy reasons and I didn’t want to drag her in a place that could make her uncomfortable.

Instead of getting inside the passenger side, Drey circled around to join me instead at the back seat. Well he did say he´ll talk to me once we are alone and I guess that time is now.

“Just to inform you, you’re the last lady his highness will be meeting, the rest are done and now being sent to their respective places. Lets just say you’re the main event of the evening” Drey sounded more like teasing rather than informing. I rolled my eyes and that just made him laugh. He really does find this whole situation funny and its not helping.

“Does he already know?”

“Nope. Though he did think its possible but nothings sure until he see’s you all face to face. So you better do your best during the events because now that you are one of those who’ll compete, my bet is on you.” Drey tried acting normal but he was more of trying his best not to show how much he wanted to laugh but couldn’t.

I only gave him a disgusted look since I can’t really stop him from he whatever he wishes to do, as long as it doesn’t hurt me, then I don’t really care. Knowing his personality, if I say anything else, he’ll just use every question to satisfy his flirty side. Fortunately, Drey didn’t say anything else after that and kept quiet while he scrolls things on his tab. I left him to do his thing while I kept minding mine. I still need to calm my nerves and practice my confidence because that part of me needs a lot of work.

I took a sharp breathe when Drey announced that we’re finally reaching our destination and when I look outside and what I saw was a tall building located at the third district. I’m not quite familiar with the place but by the looks of the place, it seems to be a hotel and a grand one. Estrella is a big kingdom and even in my twenty one years of existence, I honestly admit that there are a lot of places in Estrella that I haven’t seen. Lori once told me that I should atleast make an effort at knowing my map in Estrella so that I would know exactly where I am just in case someone tries to kidnap me but that sounded so ridiculous before, now, I finally see that I should have followed Lori’s advice, otherwise I wouldn’t be this oblivious.

Instead of going in the lobby, the car proceeded to driving inside the basement and there, I saw some royal guards waiting besides the elevator.

“We can’t let anyone see you getting out of this car and going up. Her highness strictly instructed that the guard be on high alert so were using this lift instead of the one in the lobby” Drey explained to me as soon as we entered the elevator with two other guards. The elevator was leading straight to four floors, one was to the lobby, then the recreational rooms, then on the third floor was the dinning space then the last floor was the roof deck. The floor buttons were labeled and I have the feeling that only those who are important guest are allowed to used the lift.

Drey pushed the roof deck button and I’m already picturing in my mind the things that might surprise my eyes. I have read this kinds of events before and I have a feeling that it will be another of those cliché set up you see in books and in movies. I just hope the place is not decorated with flowers like the ones you see in movies, or the rest of the night will be filled with snot and whizzing.

The elevator door opens and I gathered every courage I could get before walking out and following Drey. The hallway was long so I was able to ease up my uptight nerves and I was able to comfortably move around. At the end of the hallway, another door waiting for us and two guards were standing on each side.

¨Up to this point you are on your own, Prince Luke is on the other side. Smile and good luck¨ Drey sincerely smiled then he open the door so I could move on and finally face the person I´ve been seeking for the last few days.

As soon as I walk out, I was welcomed by the sight of this fire pit that could possibly be mistaken by someone as jacuzzi. If it wasn´t for the smoke and the little sparks, I would have thought of it as some kind of a jacuzzi or mini pool. The roof deck was not big and it feels a little cozy, like its someone elses private deck, a place where you can simply relax and hang out with your friends. There was a small set up of chairs and tables next to the glass fence, little lights were surrounding the fence and it looked like an extension of the stars present this evening. I guess the universe is on prince Luke’s side right now, everything looks a little cozy, but it was perfect. A soft gush of wind made my hair fly all over the place making me turn around so to avoid its growing violent attacks. Then as I kept avoiding the wind, I felt an arm circle around my waist, pulling me in the process and then I felt my back bump onto something hard.

“I should probably apologize for ruining your hair but even so, you still look good. Gorgeous even.” Prince Luke whispered in my ear and the amount of effect it has on me is making me question whether the goosebumps I’m feeling are because of the cold air or the low voice I’m hearing from Prince Luke.

I froze for eternity before realizing that I was still standing in between Prince Luke's arms. I slowly turned around to face him and there he was in all his princely look and dashing smile. I almost forgot how he looked during the past weeks we didn’t see each other.

“Its been awhile Danielle, or should I call you my lady now?” Prince Luke smiled and gave me this look that invites a conversation. His hand was still on my waist and so I stepped back to separate myself from him and also so I could think clearer rather than be distracted by the space between us.

As I regained my control over my mind and my body, I immediately bowed to give his highness the proper greeting he should be getting from me.

“Please excuse my behavior your highness, the wind just caught me of guard” I feel like my statement was meant for myself and not for the prince. I’m still finding reasons to justify the fast beating of my heart and the effects of everything that the Prince has on me.

“Relax, I don’t expect you to even be nice to me after what happened” Prince Luke made me look at him but I was too embarrass to fully look at his face. What a way to start the evening right… “Why don’t we talk over there, I’ll ask Drey to get you a coat, for the mean time…” He pauses before he unbuttons his suit and takes it off “wear mine, the wind tonight would only get harsher. You might catch a cold and tomorrows the actual start of ceremonies” I would have mistaken his kindness for worry but its him and he had thousands of experience. This might be one of them and I don’t want to fall if his not on the same boat. Nevertheless, I accepted his offer and I let him place his coat around my shoulder.

We walked towards the table and he helped me with my the chair before going to his side. The sight we had up in the roof deck was captivating. Lights from all over the towns and districts are all shining to were we sat. I unknowingly smiled, forgetting that I actually have an agenda this evening. I already decided to win so I at least have to start now.

“I didn’t want to ask you but starting tomorrow I’m about to compete on something that I never imagined I’d be part of. Before I even start making myself ready on something that I have no idea about, I want to clarify some things” I started in a low tone but I was seriously looking at the prince and hoping that he would have the same amount of honesty as I have so I could at least assure myself in the coming days that I am fighting for something that’s good. I just don’t need clarification, his answer will and could influence how I’ll act from now on. I take feelings seriously and if what happened between us was just something random and has no merit or feelings, then I would move on and start a new beginning tomorrow. But, if it meant something, then we’ll have another conversation.

Prince Luke was about to say something but we were interrupted when the door opened and revealed one of the hotel staff with a trolley and a ladies coat in his other hand. We both kept quiet as the staff approaches our table. He then gives me the ladies coat that he was holding awhile ago then he returned his attention to both me and the prince.

“Good evening your highness, my lady” The staff smiled and bowed “Tonight’s menu is based on the miss’ favorite dishes as per instruction of the her highness, the Queen. Our esteemed and talented chefs gave their best in each dish, we hope that this meals will give you the satisfaction and memory that will serve you for years” He smiled at both me and prince Luke before placing each dish in front of us. I almost smiled when I saw the look on prince Luke's face when he say the presence of mussels in front of us. Since the menu was based on what I like, it was not served to us in a single plate. They gave us two separate plates where we could fill it with the dishes place at the center of the table.

The staff left us and then I looked at each dish and I was already feeling the hunger since awhile ago. I didn’t get the chance to eat anything before I the designer strictly told me I can’t appear bloated while wearing the dress they chose for me so to prevent that from happening, I have to wait until the time I have with the prince is done. Fortunately, my time with Prince Luke is during dinner so everything should be just fine. No one would see me after we both ate and I’ll be in a coat so that could help hide satisfied tummy I’ll have after this scrumptious dinner.

“So you like eating pizza with chips on top and mussels with cheese and garlic? Then a dried squid dipped in chocolate? Are this really edible?” Prince Luke asks me as he looks at the weird combination of foods in front of us, but in my eyes they were never weird, in fact I highly believe that this dishes could be graded five stars. They’re delicious and they are the game changers of todays nutritious dishes.

“They are edible and you should try them first before you even judge it, they look weird but they honestly taste great” He should know at least the rule about never to judge the books by its cover. Every single day is chance to discover something great, you can’t miss this kinds of opportunities just because you feel as if the things presented to you are out of this world, its this kind of moments where you need to take a step forward and experience life first hand.

“The sole purpose of this little date to get to know each other and knowing your weird taste in culinary should be a start. Though I must inform you, I do have a high standards when its comes to food¨ I only gave him a nod and urged him to take a bite first.

He hesitated for a second but then he took one piece of the dried squid with chocolate and looked at me before taking a bite. I excitedly waited for his reaction and soon enough I could see delight in his face and not just that, he looks rather fascinated by it.

“I guess liking you has its other perks” Prince Luke comments and the he takes another bite like he didn’t just say anything striking.

“What did you just say?” I didn’t want to look like a retard for making him repeat what he clearly just said but I also didn’t want to simply assume that I heard him right when there could be a thousand meaning to what he just said.

The prince only looked at me before dropping the dried squid on his plate. He smiled and extended his hand so he could take mine and held on it with this look that I’m still not sure how to read.

“The last time we were together, I did tell you I needed to clear some things and that I’ll soon get back to you. But being the Prince of a country that obviously doesn’t favor him, I had to work a hundred times than usual and with the sudden changes in plans and schedule, I hardly had the time for my own thoughts” He explains to me in this tone that was new and kind of seductive, I fear that if he keeps using that voice that I might get use to it and forget that he is the crownprince of Estrella. “But I did think about what happened and it wasn’t just a spur of the moment. I mean with my history and our little difference in opinion, its easy to assume that what happened between was nothing but…. Its not. So to clarify your doubts, I do feel something towards you and I’m glad that you are joining the choosing ceremony. I wish I could hope that you win, but that would be unfair for the others. Though I do want you to be careful, I may not be able to show it during the events, but i’ll be worried if I see you hurt” Prince Luke squeezed my hand and for awhile I also felt like my heart was being squeezed to pour out its true feelings.

I did wish for an answer and here I am getting one, but now that i’m hearing the Princes thoughts, it just gave me another thoughts to think over. I just didn’t really see him liking me, in fact I would have thought he is just soemone who would play with my feelings but right now, at this very moment, all I could see was him being sincere to everything he just said.

“What happens now then? I compete while you get the chance to choose. What assurance do I even have that at the end of everything, i’m not just wasting time?” I pulled my hand away from him, not because I was being a brat but because I needed assurance, I did say I’d win the event but the decision will be solely his, so anything he says goes. He could simply fall in love to someone and choose to toss me around, which is not something i’d wish to happen because he is my ticket to salvation. Well not entirely since I do have God for that, but you guys get what I mean. After all, I am just a nobody who suddenly became eligible whilst every lady i’ll be competing with comes from families with deep connection to nobility and royalty. All I can hold onto right now is his word.

“I can’t promise you anything right now, I just can assure you that of all the ladies I met today, you still weigh more to me than they do. Its too early for me to decide and I can’t be bias. I know that this is asking for too much but I need you to trust me just like I trusted you when I took a bite of your favorite, I know its just a little thing compared to what I’m asking, but…I’m asking anyway.” He again extended his hand towards me, waiting for me to place my own on top of his. Though he did come up to me like he really meant every word that he said, I still feel guarded but I did give him my hand. I plan to survive, so i’ll do whatever I can. Even if that means trusting the Princes words and doing what he told me to do.