17 Seventeen

-DANIELLE-

I was busy reading some book about planting and orchids, which is entirely not my usual kind of lit-to-read, but I can't just turn down this book since it all came from the Royal Regent and denying her gift is like denying her myself. That or this could potentially result, me being tossed outside or fed to hungry animals. Anyways back to what I was saying, I was reading this hobby books when I noticed the ladies of the court whispering and talking. Well I wouldn't have given them any attention if it wasn't for their constant surprise faces and loud whispering. Ironic, I know. I was curious but i'm trying my best not to be because I really didn't want to be the kind that gets curious because of gossips, but here I am peeking my interest on things that are probably .

"So you are a lady after all?!" I heard a familiar voice behind me so I slowly turn around, embarrass that I was caught in this kind of situation. "Though I must admit, it was quite entertaining watching you pretend not to care"

I bit my lips while I lower my head in the presence of his highness, the Crownprince. I mean of all the people who could possibly witness my weakness, why did it have to be him? I could feel his eyes on me, not just that but I can also feel how much he is trying to hide the smiles that's been forming his lips since awhile ago.

"I apologize for what you have witnessed your highness" I bowed my head again as a form of sincerity. He might think of me as someone who do this kind of things all the time. Not that I care of whatever he thinks of me but I am still under their care and I hate to be involve in some kind of drama with the royals. I'd rather become an invisible parasite. That's right, a parasite is just the right term to describe my situation with the royals right now, just minus the part where I hurt them after benefiting something from them.

"You don't have to apologize for being curious, I mean if it was me. I'd be curious too" I raise my head a little, just enough for me to talk to him properly. But now that I'm looking at him, I can't help but feel admiration to this fine specimen in front of me. He was wearing his formal suit but his buttons are undone so i'm assuming that whatever business he was in, its over.

Now don't mix my admiration with something else, I just admire how he cleaned up since I am still a lady and I have eyes. Plus, I'm not that petty to just ignore good things coming my way. I am simply accepting what pops in the air.

If Lori was here and hearing my thoughts, she'd be proud. Proud enough that I'm slowly opening my eyes to possibilities but also she'll be furious because I kept forgetting the important things I should remember when I'm in front of any royal. I should never be caught eavesdropping.

"You are the the next ruler of this Kingdom, you have every right to be curious. Whilst, I'm just a common loyal subject of his highness. Me being curious may just cause me my own life, so I don't really think its fine for me. So tell me your highness, do I need to write my last will and prepare for my death?" I know I was being stupid for even reminding the prince what should happen to me but I was hoping that if I do this, he might just let me pass and forget everything that he just saw.

"You don't have to worry about that. I won't punish you for something that's common inside the palace." He smiles then he suddenly offered his hand in front of me and I was startled to whether he is asking something from me or that he wants me to somehow hold it. The latter sounds crazy, since he is the Prince and no common people is allowed to just hold his hands unless he lets them. "Why don't I take you somewhere, I still have time before my next schedule. So if you're not so busy my lady, would you like to accompany me?"

Now here's the tricky part, whether I go with his highness or not, I'd still be punished. The most logical thing for me to do now is not to run away but to avoid offending his highness. So instead of excusing myself, I simply smiled and nod to his invitation. Prince Luke retracted his hand when he realized I wasn't going to hold it and then he simply smile. He instead tilted his head to his right to show me which way we are going and then he started walking to which I obediently followed.

I was beginning to think that we were off to nowhere, since we kept on walking in silence. Some of the maids and guard we encountered kept on looking our way as we move forward to whichever direction his highness brings me. I kept my head low as well just so I won't attract too much attention on me. Its enough if they just talk about the Prince but if they talk about me, that's just another trouble waiting.

We walked for awhile since the places inside the second wall is a little farther to each other than the ones located inside the inner wall. I know its quite confusing and I understand if anybody gets lost inside, this kingdom itself is huge, its only natural that the offices and buildings are much further to each other than the ones located in the inner wall. I honestly feel running out of breathe since we've been walking for awhile and I am amazed that when I look at the Prince, he seem unbothered.

"Your highness, I was wondering. Is it okay if I ask you something?" My voice was little low that even I was confused.

"You are already asking but please don't be so guarded" Prince Luke teases me then he shows me his devious smile when he saw that I was getting embarrass.

"Don't you get tired?" I was confident that I was asking something so irrelevant but still I wanted to know. "I mean with all your duties and responsibilities, you're practically needed everywhere. Don't you get tired from walking from places to places. I do understand that you grew up here but don't you feel tired from all the walk? So I'm basically asking if you're tired...and I'm ranting. Great"

After what I said, Prince Luke halted momentarily to look at me before he gave out this huge smile.

"First, yes I do get tired and second we do actually have cars that can deliver us anywhere we want. But when I do have extra time, I do like wandering around" He honestly answered but I was still unsatisfied. Not because he's the prince but because I was getting tired. I haven't have a proper workout this past few years and I'm not really proud of it.

"But why walk when you can just use bicycles or skates, or anything that has wheels and does not include feet"

I was surprised when Prince Luke laughed at what I said then he shakes his head before pointing at somewhere I can't really see since my eyesight only reaches a certain length and with what I see, I'm confident it is not where the Prince meant. I squint my eyes a little more and that only made the prince laugh even more.

“Excuse me for laughing but for a second there I thought you were trying to melt the road with your squinting. Your eyesight is that bad?" He covers his mouth with his fist so he can hide the evidence of his still present smile. Its not like he can he hide it from me. His smile is too wide to conceal anyways.

"Its bad until it reaches a certain length, especially during the evening. I'm extra useless during those hours so if anyone would ask me to look for something during the evening, I'd wish them good luck myself." I pointed out and I know I shouldn't because i'm literally telling his highness my weakness. I must be stupid but its already out there and he did see me having a hard time looking to where he was pointing, any genius person can point it out.

"Should I be worried?"

For a moment I really thought I just heard Prince Luke worried about me but when I looked at him, he only had a teasing look on me. Every hope rising inside me, faded and replaced with disdain. Is this how he shows his compassion to his loyal citizen?

I only shake my head in response, biting my lip to hide any form of negative retort to his highness and I just let him laugh to his heart content when he witnessed my little dissatisfaction. Don't blame me for being honest, I may not speak about it but I can't really control the muscles on my face or my eyes. They have a mind of their own anyways.

Instead of furthermore entertaining his highness, I just decided to leave him behind and went on. Which is by the way very stupid thing to do since I don't know where we are going and Prince Luke was the one leading awhile ago so my little dramatic stunt halted immediately while I wait for his highness to finish his little merry glee and catch up to me so he can again lead the way.

The place Prince Luke brought me was like a garden maze, which by the way is a little cliche because I feel like I've read this kind of garden in every royalty stories I've encountered. I would have laughed but seeing as Prince Luke seemed to be attached with the place, I dare not to do so. I guess royals really love their maze gardens.

"At every corner of this maze, resides my forefathers ashes. Back when I was still studying the royal decrees of the Kingdom, one of my professors told me that this garden is somehow magical. Since its a maze, some people believed that if its your first time coming in here and you happen to find any of the forefathers burial grounds. You'll be blessed for life and if by some point you're of royal blood, you'll probably rule and have the same fate with that of the forefather" Prince Luke kept walking inside the maze and I honestly felt a little afraid we might get lost. Well I probably will because I doubt that Prince Luke would ever be lose in this place since he grew up within the walls and probably memorized every corner of this place.

And this is not the first time I'm hearing about this kind of hearsay. There's this old literature I read about the places inside the palace. Just like any classics about the royalty, every royal family have their own burial ground for every royal family that passed away or that anyone thats been born with noble blood and somehow ended up dead. This is not to show how they separate the hierarchy of nobility amongst people but to also keep their family secrets or the secrets of the palace. The author once stated in that book that building a different burial ground for the the royal family or the noble bloods is just another way for them to keep their monstrous secrets and trouble the curious minds.

This literature also stated that because the people of old age believed in superstitions and stuff that would make any subjects fear and respect those of power, they kept on practicing this unproven beliefs and they kept on passing this idea to their children and their children's, children. Thus what I'm hearing now from Prince Luke. Though he did say that he only learned about the maze gardens fairytale from his professor so I can't really count him as someone whose been blinded by the believes of the old aged.

Yes I do believe that people who are entangled to the believes of the past and the practices of old age are the kinds that are blinded by superficial things. They don't see the reality of what they believe in and they relay too much on what's in the past that they forget that they still have the present or the future. I do love the things in the past, but there are certain things and happenings in the past that I would rather not encounter during my days in the present.

I don't believe in acquiring luck from some burial that I just encounter. I want to believe in my own luck and in what I can do to achieve success in life.

I watch as his highness walk in front of me with a question lingering my mind. I am afraid that if I ask him about his opinion, I might get disappointed and fear for the future of this kingdom. The Royal Regent wanted me to become the Prince's other half. Someone who would rule beside him. How can I even do that if we both have different views on things.

"Mark and I used to hang out in this place" I look at Prince Luke's back as he mentions the late crownprinces' name. "One because no maid would dare look for us in this areas, they all just end up screaming from fear and unknown reasons" He shrugs " Second is because we would always explore this place so we can memorize the whole maze. This is after all the best place to hide if the palace do end up in the hands of its enemies. Back then, we didn't really care about the stories of this place. We only see this place as something that will most likely keep us safe. Then politics happened and we both became busy with our own studies that we don't come here as often as we used to" I may just be a viewer but I know how to judge emotions and right now I know and I can feel the prince's sadness. "During those days, I finally understood that only you can decide the kind of fate you want to follow. No past memory or beliefs can change the way you handle things. Plus Mark saw for first time the first Kings burial ground and now he is gone. The first King was able to lived for years and Mark didn't even reach half of those years" Prince Luke released a soft chuckle, an obvious behavior to hide his sadness.

What happened to the teasing Prince awhile ago? I'm not really equipped to consoling a prince so I'm really not sure what I'm supposed to say in this kind of situations. Do I just listen to him or does he need me to say something? I'm too honest for this kind of events, I'm afraid I might just say things that could offend him and of course we don't want that. Especially when we are talking about his late brother.

I was still having a lot of internal battle in my mind that when Prince Luke inhaled sharply, I grew even more confuse.

"I can still sense that you're being wary around me or any of the royals. I understand its just natural but I brought you here to make you understand something" Prince Luke turned around to face me looking sincere, unlike the first time we met "You hold your own destiny whether you are inside or outside of the palace. Don't be so stiff around us, we are not so petty as others may think. I'm not going to order your head just because you spoke of your own opinion and you are a guest of the royal family. No one will dare accuse you of something you are obviously not responsible of" He genuinely smiled. "Plus its really obvious how you try so hard to hide who you are and what you really are. You obviously enjoy just being in one corner and doing your own thing but you also tend to adjust just for the sake of others. Or maybe its just because I'm a royal that you agreed to walk around with me."

I was surprised he even noticed my discomfort awhile ago and yes, he was spot on his observation.

"Can I really be comfortable your highness? I'm pretty sure that whatever is fine with you, won't really be case to someone else" I remembered the lady who just randomly attacked me just because she thought I was hitting on Prince Luke. I don't even have the confidence to walk besides him, how else would I have the courage to flirt with him. And just to be very specific, I don't even know how to flirt or date.

"We don't need to satisfy everyone. We only need to satisfy ourselves" Prince Luke answered with a smirk on his face and a playful tone lacing to each of his words. It left me speechless not because I didn't really know what to say but because I finally understand how the prince thinks. All those stunts he pulled back when he was just still the Prince and not the Crownprince, they are all connected to what he just said.

I didn't dwell much after that, only that I now understand where he stands. I admit I have questions but when he asked me to just keep walking and admire the rest of the view, that's exactly what I did. Its not like this is the last time we'll ever have a time to meet. There'd be plenty of time for my questions.

I never imagined Prince Luke to be someone that's deep, his actions would always show a different side of him but once he spoke of his beliefs and his understanding, he actually has some sense.

No we are both seated at the very center of the maze, well I'm only guessing. I'm not really sure where we are only that I was led here by his highness. I only thought that its the very center because of its architecture and all the beautiful flowers. At first glance I thought I was in heaven, good thing that I felt his highness nudge on my arm that I was able to wake up from my short but sweet reverie.

I'm not really sure if its a crime for me to even be seated next to his highness but nevertheless we are both sitting in one bench and we're just silently admiring the the scene before us. If this was just a romantic date, I would have given points to his highness for bringing me to such a sight but this is just a normal walk in the park and I'm just here to accompany his highness. Not that I'm hoping this was a date but this location is just too nice for that sort of occasions.

"Do you also think of me as someone who's impulsive?"

I was confused at the same time surprised that Prince Luke would ask me about my opinion of him. I'm still not sure if he's being real with me here and I am still very aware that he is the Prince and next in line so the chances of me ending up dead because of my mouth is still at a hundred. But he did tell me earlier to be myself and to only thrive to satisfy myself and not the other people. And aside from that he did say he wasn't so petty so there's a part of me that hopes that he'll be open enough to accept criticisms from other people.

I inhaled deeply before looking to my side only to be welcomed by his highness stare. I lean my head to the side so I can clearly watch his reaction as I answer his question. I've know in the past that he is some what a troublemaker. Most of the news that I heard about his stunts are results of his lack of judgement. So maybe yes, he is a little impulsive but I haven't really known him that long for me to just decide and say Yes. That's just another example of being impulsive. Plus I don't really know anything about his highness so I don't think I'm the right person to answer his question.

"Shouldn't you be asking someone who knows you best? I'm just a stranger to you as you are to me, I don't think my opinion matter" I honestly answered but his highness doesn't seem to agree with me.

"Actually, your opinion matter. You hardly know me, but you already have an idea of who and what I am. This is an opportunity for me as well because I don't really have the liberty or opportunities to hang-out or even mingle with the people of the kingdom. You are the closest person I can ask so...?" He tried smiling like a kid but as far as I could tell, he is only flashing me this perfect set of teeth. "You know I wont stop doing this smile until you say yes and I know it looks awkward or even flirty but I don't really care as long you as you give in." he continued.

I look at him and all I could see was his too out-of-character smile, which made me a little scared because if his smile goes any wider, he might just look like a clown and I really hate clowns. They give me the creeps and that's what pushed me.

"Fine, just to be clear. I won't get in trouble for speaking my mind because you're asking for it. Right?!" I had to confirm, its for my sanity and of course my safety. I don't want to be questioned from something the Prince asked for.

"There is literary no one else here but us, and maybe a few souls of my forefathers but nevertheless, no one will else will know expect me. So whatever it is, you are free to speak your mind." Just to assure me, he even rise his hand to show me a scout sign.

I shake my head before thinking hard of how I'm going to address his question.

"Before meeting you, I've always had this picture in my mind that royals are somewhat a little out of their sane minds. That they always have to be extra. May is be bad or good, it just have to be extra" I bit my lip as I play with pages of the book I'm holding "Before you were crowned, you always have this issues circulating all over the kingdom and they are all quite atrocious. Your stunts and misfortunes are things that I may classify as results of your misjudgments." I tried to be gentle with my words but facts are facts. " Before, if you would ask me if you're impulsive, I wouldn't think twice and say YES YOU ARE" I said is a sassy voice and I honestly would have added 'Bro' at the end if I didn't know I was talking to a Prince, but I am full aware so no 'Bro'-ing for me.

"But now, I'm not really sure." I slowly added " I mean I still see you as someone who would jump into conclusions, with my experience with you and all." I released a small chuckle and so did a smile came up from his highness. "But you are also reasonable. I feel like that's just how you would deal with things that are unknown. You strike before anyone does and sometimes that's a good things. There are things that will only be possible if you just simply move without thinking and do what you feel must be done." I finally exhaled and when I look at the Prince he was only nodding like he's absorbing every word I was saying.

I may have spoken too much since it took him awhile before he finally looked at me to smile. We both fell into another silence and I swear I would have said something just to ease the growing awkwardness if it wasn't for his ringing phone that spook the both of us.

He slowly reach out inside his pockets to look who was calling to him and I was about to excuse myself when he raise his hand to stop me.

"Yeah?" He answered to his phone while looking at me "Yeah, I'll be there is a sec" He then turns off his phone then he looked at me.

"Thank you for what you said. You at least made sense to me than the people trying to pin me down." He gave me a soft chuckle before he stood up only to offer me his hand. "Lets go? I was afraid you might get lost if I didn't go with you that's why I stopped you earlier." he explained.

Without saying another word, I took his hand for a brief second, just so I could stand, then I completely let go. I didn't want to appear like I was really willing to hold his majesties hand, only that I was being polite since he offered.

"Well I guess if you need someone to make sense with you, you just found your girl. As long as you allow me, i'd gladly slam you with facts and unfiltered words" well, i'll try anyways. The Prince only laughed at my words but nevertheless he openly accepted what I said. That's what I want to believe anyways.

After coming back to my place from my awkward stroll with the prince, I immediately went to take a bath because I felt that I was too flushed from embarrassment when half of the inner palace maids and staff witness Prince Luke accompanying me until we reached the place I was in. Now I'm a hundred percent sure that everyone is talking about what happened now and I'm afraid that they might get the wrong idea about everything. Worst, this news might even excite the Royal Regent or the King and Queen. Getting them excited and happy for nothing is definitely the last thing I want them to experience with me. Plus, I also didn't want a certain lady attacking this place again and accusing me of things I'm not even doing.

Somehow, I felt that today was a little different for me and the Prince. He just showed me another side that I never really imagined. When he said that I at least made sense to him than the people who wanted him down, I was curious and itching to ask, but I saw the look of regret in his eyes that I chose to keep my mouth shut.

I have this theory in my mind that maybe Prince Luke is someone adopted by the royal family, that's why a lot people wants to put him down. Of course that's not my only theory, I also have this idea that maybe Prince Luke is the reason why a lot of nobles are reluctant to support the royal family. Not just that, I also think that there's a slight chance that Prince Luke is gay. That one is pushing too much but nevertheless, those crazy ideas served its purpose.

You see when I was walking with the Prince, just so I can avoid feeling the stares around me, I distracted myself by letting my mind wander around. One of the perks of being addicted to literature is that your imaginations gets so wider and more creative as time passes by. Plus with the Prince being so slightly emotional earlier, I just can't help but assume a whole lot of ideas.

Weird but I have a feeling that's how I'm ever going to be for as long as I am here.

-LUKE-

"So how did your little stroll with Lady Danielle go? Was it eventful? The ladies of the courts are buzzing about it so I'm going to bet everything went oh so well" Drey welcomed me with a glass of rum and a smile that's deeply bothering.

"Are you drunk?" I took the glass that he offered but I didn't drink any of it.

"I am not. I am hyped." He corrected and he even raised his finger just to add.

I'm not really sure what's making him this happy. Yes what we planned was a success but we are still steps away from success. We still have other things to worry about so I can’t really celebrate because of one success.

"So what are you so happy about? I have a feeling its not just about the stroll I had with Lady Danielle?" I sat on my couch waiting that for him to start talking.

“You my Prince are the talk of the town! PR reports came in and everyone is still in funky town because of what you did. Your popularity rose up from being the worse Prince of the century to the Prince who liberated Six” Drey whisper-screamed like the one you hear in crowds cheering for a game. “Now our greatest enemy is in no choice but to halt his movements against us giving us every opportunity to proceed with our own plans” Drey made a crazy looking dancing, I guess he really is happy. So am I, but this is just the beginning. We can’t be too relax or we might just get our asses handed to us.

“I get that you are happy but lets not be too excited. We are just starting and we still have a long way to go. You know what to do next. Proceed with the rest”

Though Drey was a little reluctant, he still nods and agreed to what I said. He sat next to me then he smiled teasingly before shooting me with tons of ridiculous question.

“So which base did you cover today?” He wiggled his eyebrows indicating perverted ideas.

“I’m no longer like you Drey. Thought there was some moments but they were all weird, even for me.”

As I told Drey what exactly happened between me and Lady Danielle, I can’t help but think of the things that she told me. Though i may have led her on with those crappy stories and my not so obvious “Depressing” situation, she did give me answers that are unexpected.

Earlier when I first saw her reading a book about plants I was a little curious because I didn’t really imagine her being that kind of person. Though I did know that she's into books, I just didn’t think it would be those kinds of book. But what really got me going was when she suddenly perked up and curiously went closer to the maids working in the corridors. They must be talking about any screw up thing to any of the royal family and that must’ve gotten Lady Danielle’s attention. Just another scandalous secret she'll be willing to gather so she can threaten my family until she gets what she wants.

Thats why I went to her, not really intending to make it look like a date but just to take her away and distract her from gathering anymore damaging detail of my family.

I did say things were a little unsatisfactory. Its because I was expecting to get something dirty from Danielle but all her answers were unbelievably true. I felt her sincerity and I do feel that she's no simple minded being who'll just laugh or sympathize. I admit i almost believed everything that she said. But no matter how brilliant she was, my mind will always be clear with something and thats she is trouble. She's a dangerous and a genius, unfortunately, I'm a very wise person myself so I've already planned ahead of her and I won't lose. Not when everything I have is in the line.