Return Of The Crown Prince [1]

The next morning, as usual, the workers began to do their work. The head of the servants kept directing the workers every now and then, and the servants tried their best to not offend the man, who was already steaming red.

"There are a lot of things to do, and yet you little peasants slack on wiping off the windows."

"Time's precious!"

"Keep rubbing them clean until you're able to see your ugly faces on them!'' yelled the man as he twirled the silver rod sideways.

"He says it as if he's got the angelic look," muttered a young maid as she continued to scrub the invisible dirt on the French window glasses.

The employees carried out their responsibilities attentively while the head servant kept a close eye on them. They did their best to stay focused and finish their work quickly despite the man's critical remarks.

Meanwhile, the Gardners at the front garden were trimming the shrubs decoratively when a loud, shrill scream was heard from behind.

Soon the servants and the maids stopped doing their work as their focus turned toward the opened gate.

A Mclaren in black and white shade entered through it, making them all gawk at it and drop their jaws at its beauty.

Even the guards at the gates were surprised to see the sudden appearance of the crown prince, who had been missing for years.

What made him show up all of a sudden?

All the way through the long path toward the grand palace, servants that had their hands and their eyes on their work ogled at the sight that beheld them with its presence.

The head butler of the castle dashed out to welcome the prince with warmth, though he was still finding it hard to believe what was in front of him.

He had one of the servants run to the king's page to inform him about it.

The butler took a deep breath before he walked forward toward the crown prince.

"Welcome home, Crown Prince Adrien," he bowed and greeted as he followed the crown prince, who didn't bother to leave a response.

Clad in white suit, ornate in gold little embroidery on his white coat, Adrien held a stoic look as he gave a brief glance over the old butler trying to fathom his presence.

Delbert, who followed Adrien closely, glared at the maids and the servants, who were yet to get back to their work.

As the message was relayed to the king's page, the young page walked into the grand room, not knowing how to take in the news. He wondered if it would help him bloom more flowers or split the cloud apart, only to bring a thunderous bolt to the castle.

He waited for the king to come out of his bath rather than interrupting his peaceful shower. It was the words given to him on the very first day of his work. He had dashed into the bath to give in the message he had gotten, only to be threatened with a warning, for there should be no second chance.

"What is it, Irvin?" Questioned the King as he came to stand in front of the dresser. The Valets had already started to dress him up like a doll, with the finest clothes and jewels.

"The Crown Pri-"

"Hello, Father!" The door to the room opened all of a sudden, startling them all at the arrival of the intruder.

"Who dares - Adrien?"

The King's eyes turned wide as he turned around and looked toward the entrance. He glanced at his page to confirm what he was seeing. On seeing him nodding his head the King stood rooted on the floor with disbelief.

Adrien chuckled at his father's dramatic expression.

"Miss me, Father?"

King Alfonzo came out of his reverie of shock before he approached his son.

"Irvin." The page nodded his head and had all of them leave the room along with him, giving the King and the Crown Prince their privacy.

"Adrien. Adrien. What brings the man of pride come back to the palace all of a sudden?" There was a hint of mockery in his question.

"I wonder so too, Father," Adrien replied, his tone tinged with a mixture of amusement and sarcasm. "Perhaps I missed the grandeur of the palace and couldn't resist returning to bask in its glory."

King Alfonzo's eyebrows furrowed as he studied his son's face. "There is more to it, isn't there? Your sudden appearance after all these years... I can't help but wonder what has brought you back."

A loud chuckle left Adrien's lips as he inspected his father's look of suspicion. "Good that you are vigilant of it." He smirked challengingly.

"Adrien, whatever that is that you're playing won't last long," warned the King furiously at his son's mockery. The very reason why he didn't like him. He was always challenging, no matter what. So challenging that at some point he felt intimidated by him that he hated him.

Adrien's smirk died down as it turned into a cold expression. "I wonder how much your wife misses me, your majesty? How about we plan a beautiful surprise party for her?"

King Alfonzo turned red at the thought of his wife coming to know about the return of his.

"Anyways, I feel tired already and can't wait to get to my room. See you soon, my King." He winked at him before he left the King alone.

"IRVIN!"

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Upon hearing his name being called, Irvin, the page, hurriedly entered the room, slightly out of breath. He bowed respectfully to King Alfonzo.

"Not a single word about the elf should reach Adrien."

"Yes, Your Highness," Irvin replied with a solemn expression. "I understand the importance of keeping the matter of the elf discreet from Prince Adrien. I will ensure that no word about the elf's presence or any related information reaches him."

King Alfonzo nodded, his gaze focused and determined. "It is of utmost importance that the truth remains hidden for now. Not only him but none should know about it. İt would cost the kingdom's safety."

"Your Majesty is right. I'll make sure nothing goes out."

As Irvin left to fulfill his task, King Alfonzo took a deep breath.

"Your sudden presence brings no good Adrien. I wonder what brought you back after all these years."

The valet who once left came back. King Alfonzo cleared his throat as he tried to regain his composure.

"How long is it till the beginning of the council?"

His right-hander had him updated about the day's events. But his sole focus was on the crown prince's return. He realized that the return of his son would bring about challenges, both personally and for the kingdom.

With a heavy heart, he prepared himself for the conversations and decisions that lay ahead. Very soon the Elders would pay the palace a visit.