38

Chapter 38

-Luke-

The plan was simple, make a scene and go. I didn’t want to face the curious faces of my family nor do I wish to even answer any of their silent questions.

I only planned to tease Danielle into thinking that I’m being bias of her and make the whole nation think that I’m already interested with her. I wanted every attention to go towards her so that I can freely do whatever I want behind the media’s attention and to possibly expose her of her true intentions.

When she looked up to me with embarrassment in her face, I knew that I just gained another step towards freedom. The thought of her being shy and probably falling for me is already making me feel like a winner. Knowing about her weakness helped me a lot and I’m planning to utilize every possible resource that I may possess.

I wasn’t planning to stay during lunch but seeing Danielle’s embarrassment made me think otherwise. I didn’t want to miss the events that is about to occur. I am positive that someone from this curious crowd would approach Danielle and I would want to see how she’ll react. Something about her reactions intrigues me.

“Son?” I heard my father call out to me from their own table and when I look back, he was together with the leaders from the West Kingdom. I immediately stood up and walk to my parents side where I can also face the leaders of the West Kingdom.

“I believe this is the first time we are meeting like this prince Luke” the Lady who I assumed is Lord Samuels wife, smiled to me dearly. “I am Marissa Jovanee Harrington-Deloa, it is my deepest pleasure to meet you in this wonderful event” She didn’t bow like how others would usually greet us but she did give me a slight nod which could pass as a form of respect between leaders.

“Son, Lady Marissa happens to be your brother’s godmother. She’s a westerner who grew up in the North and she used to stay with me. That’s the reason why we’re both so close to each other” My mother introduces while Lady Marissa kept on smiling. I believe that her son is somewhat around my age btu he is much younger that I am and he looks more a lot like his mother than his father.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet the beauty of the West. I’ve heard stories of you from some of my peers and they all say the same thing about you. You truly are, just like my mother, a flower that cannot be picked by anyone.” It is no secret that we were all trained to flatter anyone that we come across, but what I said about Lady Marissa is not a flattery but a fact.

“As per tradition of my family, since my godson could no longer receive the gift I have prepared for him long ago, I would want to present it to you as his second brother and soon to be the next ruler of the north.” Lady Marissa before asking someone to come forward with a rectangular box.

“I asked one of my good old friends to make this rare mineral we found at one of our mines. One of our experts identified it as indestructible and pure. I once wished for your brother to be pure and wise, somewhat indestructible with a heart for his people.” I could see sadness filling in lady Marissa’s face. “But your brother had to face death sooner than anyone could have wished for, this is why I want you to have this gift. This should serve you well during your battles in the future and I hope that you use this in memory of your brother fighting by your side and the west kingdom, supporting you in every step that you make” the servant she once asked to step forward, offered to me the box and waited for me to open it.

This gift was intended for my brother and now I’m the one receiving it. I should feel honored but instead I could feel the rush of sadness circulating at the pit of my stomach. I didn’t want to feel what I felt back when I had to receive the crown and be proclaimed as the next ruler of Estrella. But here I am again, guilty for something I didn’t even do.

I opened the box and saw that it was a sword. It shouldn’t be a news to me since the West Kingdom has been known for their vast wisdom for machinery and weapons. Though we are in an era were guns and bombs are used to destroy and win a war, a sword will always be useful to someone who is of high position, such as me. Princes and kings are not allowed to use a gun except during a war, instead, we are trained to use swords and knives to protect ourselves. It’s a weird custom but we do follow them. Well, some do. I don’t usually.

Receiving a sword from another kingdom would often symbolize that they support each other even in war. It is like a covenant between two kingdoms that when in need or if a war breaks and Estrella would need some help, then the West Kingdom would extend its hand.

Seeing as my parents and the other leaders are in good terms, I don’t think a war would break out.

I took out the sword and raised it high to see the intricate detailed design on the hilt. I admired the edges of the blade and you could see how much time they have invested to make this sword into a fine and one of a kind weapon.

If the crowd wasn’t paying attention, I might have played with the sword to see if it’s really was made with the purest material. I’ve played and fought with tons of swords and weapons before, I think I’ll know when the sword I’m holding is in great form or not. It was in perfect of course, but as long as it is not fought in battles, no one will know how great this sword should become.

“You have presented my son such wonderful gift Marissa, I must extend my gratitude to you, maybe you can spare me a little of your time later in the evening. Would that be alright with you Sam?” My mother said as she watches me admire the sword. She’ll always find a way to make every little scenario into an opportunity to hang out.

“That should be fine, as long as you return her to me in one piece.” Even when Lord Samuel sounded serious with his words, both of my parents laughed it out. Lord Samuel didn’t seem to mind how my parents reacted, even his wife smiled to his words. They all act so normal and comfortable with each other, one would assume that they already have some kind of a pact with each other.

It is already given that I am suspicious by the way they are acting with each other but I am in no position to ask them both about it. Not when everyone is watching.

“Thank you for the gift, I will surely put this sword into good use.” I spoke just so to cut the conversation short. I don’t want others to think that there is some kind of a treaty happening during this event. Though, among the ladies joining the choosing event, none came from the West Kingdom.

A few more chitchats and they finally decided to end their conversation and converse with other people. After all this is just another event where everyone can enjoy and talk to the royals as they please. This is also a rare chance for the ladies to present themselves to these hungry nobles who would give a half of their treasury just to bet on whoever pleases them the most.

Even when betting on these events is prohibited, some would still find a way to make money on these occasions. Merchants would eventually gather on every direction and have their own collectibles to sell. That is how the world works anyway. People bet on humans and those that are in higher position would always have a way to earn their profit

Even at this very moment, some of these vicious nobles are already gathering their money and support to bet on any of the ladies that impresses them. Sick psychos on lose, that is what they are.

“Your highness, there is some matter that needs your attention” Drey whispered in my ear as I watch the others eat and drink to their hearts content. I let Drey lead me to where I am needed while making a few gestures of acknowledgements to the people I encounter along the way. I was lucky enough to stride amongst the people without any of them trying to stop me, or it could also be because they already know that I am not the type of person who enjoys small chitchats. I am always clear with what I want with the people I am talking with, it is always about the kingdom and never personal.

Once we were safe out of anyones attention, Drey gave me his tablet.

“One of our men was able to salvage some footage days before the accident that happened to Lady Danielle’s mother.” Drey played the video in front of me and I attentively watch the scene unfolding.

The quality of the video is bad but you can see that something was not right. A man appears in the frame dress in all black, he appears to be just a normal guy doing his own business but if you keep on watching and observing his body movement, you’ll see exactly what he is up to.

“Where was this video taken?”

“It’s a footage came from one of the cars parked along the alley besides Lady Val’s house. Thing is, this footage has been saved at one of drives. It was locked but our people was able to crack the code without alerting the palace security.” Drey explains after I handed the tablet back to him.

“That could mean that my parents already knows about this, and they didn’t raise any sort of alarm. This could be an act of treason.” Lady Val was no ordinary lady of the palace, she was the head lady maid and she was directly serving the oldest member of the royal family, in simple terms, she’s too close to the royals that attacking her could mean an attack to the royal family. This is why I am a little curious as to why my parents didn’t say anything.

“Treason may be a little too much sire, I have a feeling that this attempt was not entirely meant for Lady Val” Drey was looking a little skeptical. He then taps his tablet for the next video to play.

It’s from one of the surveillance cameras placed all over the town. The video shows the front yard of Lady Vals house days before the accident. The weather was a little foggy that day so the quality of the video I’m watching is a bit blurry. A man got out of the car and went straight to the front door and then minutes after, another man came out looking a little suspicious around the neighbor. His face was blurry but you could see a resemblance from someone very familiar that it made me look back to Drey to confirm my suspicion.

“The clip was short and a little tricky but our team was able to match the face to someone we already know”

Drey gave me a few seconds to digest whats happening here. Somehow, some of the puzzle pieces I have inside my head are starting to line up and match together.

“Keep this information between us, don’t let anyone find out and make sure that both my parents are oblivious with the fact that we already know. I have a feeling that there is a much deeper reason why they had to keep this piece of information.” I don’t want to question my parents about how they are handling the event that occurred with Lady Val, I also don’t want to raise some suspicion especially when things are just starting to get high.

“Have our men follow him and know his every movement, I need to know everything, even the smallest detail. Report to me as soon as you learn something valuable.”

Usually, Drey would already know what to do. My mind runs the same way as him, but I still make my instruction clear and concise. Just so we can avoid any form of wrong turn.

I went back to the garden just so the people won’t get so suspicious of my disappearance. I was about to go to my original place when I saw some of my ladies in waiting, mingling with other nobles, clearly looking for their supposed to be sponsors for the event. It’s obvious that they all have the same idea of what the are supposed to do, all except one. Danielle was awkwardly trying to fake her smiles to the person talking to her, though she is still wearing the mask earlier but even with those, it is not enough to hide the true impression she was feeling.

I would have helped her but I was still enjoying the state she was in. I still have my doubts on her so looking at her being so uncomfortable, just gives me delight.