Chapter Sixteen

Queen mother just nodded. She was enjoying the little drama. King Zedekiel also watched with great interest. This was the guy that convinced him to court his sister, stole berries, got chased by guards, sought refuge in his room, and then got lost. What else was he going to do now?

"You see, I told you I'm a prince," Ron said but when he saw the two boys looking conflicted, he sighed and swallowed his food. "Still, don't go around using your title as the prince to bully people. If you had spoken to me nicely, I would have left the seat so you can stay next to mother but since you didn't, you'll have to sit somewhere else today"

The one who shouted first pouted slightly. The chair has always been his own. He sits next to his mother every single day and now, this guy just came from nowhere and took it but seeing as no one in the family supported him, he didn't know what to do.

"But..." Ron continued. "If you apologize to me, I might reconsider..."

Everyone waited to see what the twins would do. Right when they all thought nothing would happen, Tariel stepped forward. "I'm sorry"

They all gasped.

Sariel also stepped forward. "I'm sorry too"

Ron beamed then stood up and sat next to Princess Mariel. "It's okay. Let's not fight anymore"

Tariel and Sariel were happy and they felt that this Prince was very good as well as handsome. Tariel sat next to his mum while Sariel sat next to Ludiciel and once again, breakfast resumed.

Queen's mother was elated and very satisfied with Ron. She could read people very well so she knew Ron had a good spirit.

King Zedekiel was surprised at the outcome. Tariel and Sariel were spoilt brats that always had their way. He couldn't believe Ron got them to apologize so easily. Maybe the guy isn't as bad as he thought.

Ludiciel already liked Ron. The guy might be a bit weird but he has a good heart. He started to think, why was Ron behaving more like a would-be daughter-in-law than his sister?

Mariel just liked Ron the more. She kept chatting with him and giggling at even the most stupid things he said.

Rose on the other hand wasn't expecting things to go that smoothly. She thought Ron would fight the boy for the seat. Maybe she had misjudged her brother too soon.

"So how was the journey?" Queen mother asked. "Ludiciel said it takes a week to get here"

Ron's mouth opened. "Ah, it was quite fun at the beginning. There were so many things to see. We passed by many villages and mountains. I've never traveled outside Ashenmore so it was exciting until the sun ruined everything. At first, it wasn't that hot and I could endure but after a while, I started to sweat so much that my clothes clung to my body like a second skin. In fact, it started to damage my skin. Leo said I looked a shade darker so I joined my sister in the carriage"

Queen mother felt sympathetic towards Ron. "Wow. I can imagine. I hate traveling honestly. That's why I hardly leave the castle"

"I don't advice you to travel mother," he said. "Especially long distances. It's not that great. I was bored to death in the carriage and Rose refused to play any games with me"

The queen mother looked glanced at Rose who gave a nervous smile. "I-I didn't want to play because I was busy making something for His Majesty". Her voice was soft and sweet.

Zedekiel looked at Rose. "What were you making? Why didn't you give it to me?"

"I wanted to gift it to you in private but since it has already been mentioned, I'll give it to you now," she said and beckoned on a servant to get it from her room.

Jealousy sprouted within Ron's heart. Didn't Zedekiel say he didn't love Rose? Why was he asking for the gift now?

The servant came back holding a golden box which she gave to Rose who in turn, gave it to Zedekiel with both hands.

The King accepted it and opened the lid. He took out a pure white handkerchief embroidered with golden and red threads to form a rose in the middle. It was so neat and beautiful.

"Wow," Princess Mariel exclaimed. "It's so pretty. You made it yourself?"

Rose nodded proudly. "Of course. I made a rose so that his Majesty can keep me with him at all times"

"Awww that's so romantic" Mariel gushed. "Brother, what do you think?"

Zedekiel looked at Rose and smiled though it didn't reach his eyes. "It's beautiful. Thank you"

She blushed under his gaze and Ron rolled his eyes. What's so special about an embroidered handkerchief? Once he wipes his sweat with it or cleans his nose and it's soiled, that's it. All her hard work, ruined.

Queen mother also smiled then turned back to Ron. "What kind of games did you want to play with your sister? I like to play games too. Chess is my favorite"

Ron was happy that someone's attention was back on him. "I love to play chess too!"

"Then we should play sometime"

"Of course. I'm already looking forward to it"

The queen mother and Ron continued their conversation, laughing and eating. Princess Mariel and Rose occasionally said a few things. Zedekiel only spoke when he was asked a question while Ludiciel and the twins said nothing at all.

Ron noticed that Ludiciel wasn't talking so clinked Ludiciel's plate with his spoon to get his attention. "Hey hey, why are you so quiet? You've been sulking all morning"

Ludiciel scoffed. "So it's now you noticed"

"Nope. I noticed the minute you called us for breakfast. I just didn't ask until now"

"Well, someone broke into my garden yesterday and stole some golden berries"

Ron tensed instantly. King Zedekiel smiled, wanting to see how things would play out.

"The guards informed me this morning" Ludiciel continued. "They said the thief was quick on his feet. They chased and chased but they couldn't catch him. I can't believe it. This has never happened before. And there are so many things in this Kingdom. Why steal my precious golden berries?"

Sweat dripped down Ron's face with every word. His eyes darted between Ludiciel and Zedekiel. He was hoping Zedekiel wouldn't rat him out. "P-Prince Ludiciel, don't be sad. You have many of those berries, don't you? They'll grow back"

"But what about the thief?" Zedekiel asked, intensifying Ron's fear. "We should do something. We can't have someone snooping around the castle,can we Prince Ron?"

Ron shook his head. This King wants to get him in trouble. "I agree but to err is human and to forgive is divine. Let's forget about this matter. Perhaps that person will never steal berries again"

"But how are we sure?" Princess Mariel asked. "If the person stole once, he might steal again"

"Or do something worse," Ludiciel said.

"I agree" Queen mother put in. "Ludiciel, hire an artist and ask the guards to describe him in detail. Once he is drawn, circulate his pictures around the entire kingdom. This berry thief needs to be found"

For the very first time, Prince Ron lost his appetite.