Chapter eleven

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The next day, the task began. Dominic and the lady sat at the palace bush bar. Secluded amidst lush greenery. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, the lady excitement couldn't be contained. Her eyes sparkled.

Dominic's polite question broke the ice. "So, what's your name?" he asked.

Her cheeks flushed. "My name is Vanessa Johnson," she replied Blushing.

Dominic's smile warmed.

"Nice, you have a beautiful name, and you are beautiful too," he complimented.

Vanessa's face glowed. "Thank you, you're handsome too," she said.

Dominic's eyes crinkled Amused. "So, tell me more about yourself," he encouraged.

Vanessa's words poured out. Eager to share. Dominic listened intently. Engaged.

Their conversation danced. Laughter and smiles filled the air. As the sun dipped.

Their time together drew to a close. Vanessa beamed. Delighted as Dominic walked her out.

Vanessa rushed to share. Her excitement with the other ladies. Giggles erupted.

Envy sparkled In the eyes of those yet to meet Dominic.

Katherine stood apart. Uninterested and observing.

Her expression unreadable. As Vanessa recounted.

Her magical time with Dominic. Eager whispers spread.

"it's my turn, next!" Stella exclaimed.

"I can't wait!" Diana chimed.

katherine's gaze drifted. Her thoughts elsewhere.

Number 10 weighed heavily. On her mind.

The next day, Dominic stepped out. Dressed to impress.

His mother's voice halted him From the balcony.

"Are you going out, son?" Queen Charlotte asked.

Dominic's gaze lifted To his mother. A hint of patience.

"Yes, Mom, I want to pick something from the mall," he replied.

Ruby and Riley rushed to their mother's side. Excitement radiated.

"Can I come with you?" Ruby asked.

"Me too... I want something for myself," Riley chimed.

Dominic smiled Indulgent.

"Sure, why not?" he said. His sisters rushed down Excitedly To the waiting car.

Queen Charlotte's gaze returned to Dominic. Inquiring. "Are you going with the maids?" she asked.

Meanwhile, Katherine approached Unaware of Dominic's presence. She spotted him and the maids. Quickly turned back Hiding from view. But Dominic caught a glimpse Of her fleeing form and a smirk curved his lips Amused.

He turned to reply to his mother. Though his attention lingered. On Katherine's escaped.

"Yes, Mom, I will be going with two guards and one maid," Dominic said.

His mother nodded. "Ok, son," she replied.

Dominic strode towards Katherine's hiding spot. The maids exchanged curious glances.

His mother's brow furrowed. Wondering where he was headed. Dominic appeared before Katherine, Surprising her.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

Katherine flinched and Fear flashed. "Geez!" she gasped. Composing herself. "Um, nothing, I was just about leaving," she tried to escape.

Dominic blocked her path.

"Where do you think you're going... You owe me, remember?" he asked.

Katherine's confusion deepened. "Owe you? How?"

Dominic's smirk grew. "You want me to refresh your memory or should I go to the king and tell him how you intentionally spilled wash water on me and refused to apologize?" he threatened.

Katherine's eyes widened. Surprise turned to defiance.

"I didn't intentionally spill wash water on you, besides, the water didn't touch you, and I remember I apologized," she blurted.

Dominic chuckled. "Only because you thought someone was coming and you pretended to be sorry," he said.

Katherine rolled her eyes. Exasperated. "What do you want?"

Dominic's gaze lingered.

"You're accompanying me to the mall to get things... and I might need your help as an assistant," he said.

Katherine's face contorted. "What?... Do I look like a maid to you?"

Dominic stared down at her. Her maid's attire evident.

"Obviously!" he smirked.

Katherine's cheeks flushed. Anger sparked. "I'm not going anywhere with you!" she declared. Turning to leave.

Dominic grasped her arm.

She struggled to break free.

"Don't push me, little cat!" he warned.

Katherine's eyes widened. Taken aback by the pet name.

Dominic continued. "You don't want trouble with the king. You know what will happen if I tell him how you humiliated me... Believe me, it won't be good. Your punishment might be added up, and believe me when I say what your next punishment might be – as a security guard... You don't want that, do you?" He released her arm. A sly smile spread. "You have five seconds to come out and meet me by the car, or you'll be sorry," he warned and walked away.

Katherine grunted frustratedly. Her eyes blazed.

Trapped. Cornered. No escape. Then she emerged from her hiding place.Head bowed. Defeat etched on her face.

Dominic's smirk widened. Triumphant. "She will be coming with me," he said to his mother.

Queen Charlotte's lips curved. Amusement danced in her eyes."Alright, son, stay safe," she said.

Dominic joined his sisters In the backseat.

Ruby and Riley exchanged surprised glances At Katherine's presence.

"Hey, Katherine, you're coming with us too?" Riley asked. Innocent curiosity.

Dominic's smirk lingered. "She is, She will be an helping hand," he said.

Ruby's smile grew. Mischievous spark."Oh," Ruby said.

Katherine's expression remained. Subdued Reluctance radiated.

As she sat in the front seat. Dominic's eyes met hers In the rearview mirror.

A hint of superiority.

"Let's go," he said to the driver. The car glided forward.

Another car followed. A protective escort.

Dominic's sisters chattered.Excitement filled the air.

Katherine's silence. Contrasted their joy. Her thoughts hidden Behind a mask of resignation.

As the royal convoy Moved through the city streets.

Some minutes later, they arrived at the bustling shopping mall. The guards swiftly exited the car. Opening doors for the royal family.

Dominic, Ruby, and Riley stepped out. All eyes locked onto them.

Admiration and curiosity sparkled In the onlookers' faces. Camera shutters clicked Flashes illuminated.

The guards formed a barrier.

Protecting the royals from the enthusiastic crowd.

Katherine trailed behind. Expression stoic.

As they entered the mall. Staff scurried to attend to them. Eager to serve.

Dominic and his sisters strolled through. Selecting items with ease.

Katherine followed. Laden with shopping bags. Her frown deepened.

shoulders sagging under the weight. Riley noticed.

Concern etched on her face.

"Let me help you with some of the bags," she offered.

Dominic intervened. Firm.

"Don't, it's her job, let her do it," he said.

Riley's eyes met Katherine's. Sympathy flickered.

"Oh, okay," she said. Resigned.

Dominic's gaze remained. Unyielding Katherine's discontent. Ignored.

The royal family exited.The mall, surrounded by guards.

Katherine struggled. With the loaded bags. Dominic walked ahead Unfazed.

As they approached their car. The guards opened doors Ushering them in.

She loaded the bags Into the trunk. Her frustration simmered. Unvoiced As they drove away From the mall.