20 Twenty

20-Luke

I greeted every noble and official present, Tony also invited foreign people from all over the globe so I also have to greet them as a polite gesture and of course as a public figure of this country I have to show them hospitality. Lady Isabelle was also at my side the whole time so some people really thinks that something is up between us but every chance I get to deny the rumors, I would take. I just don't want to make an expression to anyone that Isabelle is someone I would consider as my crownprincess. I still haven't seen anyone worthy to be my other half, so until then, if I can control any rumors, I would.

"Your highness, I’d like you to meet Lord Christian Vintianno. The only son of late Lord Marius” A gentlemen approached me when Lord Lametti introduced him.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you your highness” He lowers his head in respect to my presence then he suddenly extends his hand right when he faced me. “In our country we show our respect to our leaders by shaking their hands. So if his highness approves…?” He awaits my response as well did his hand. Its not a trivial matter to me or to any of the royals. Shaking hands is like one of our talents but we don’t just shake anyone’s hand especially when they are someone of high noble blood and a leader to their own country. I know that Lord Marius Lametti used to lead the East kingdom, even with the clans ruling on each side of East, he was the one who they all respect and follow. So, I assume, now that he’s dead, his son will inherit everything.

So, if someone takes a photo of us shaking each other’s hand, it will only looked like we’re making progress an each kingdoms negotiations. Which is totally not the case here. Both kingdoms never liked each other, well to be clear, they don’t like how both kingdoms run their businesses.

The East, or now known as Seyania, believes that in order for the kingdom to rise, its rulers should be hard. They should show no compassion to those who commit crime and usually they go with death penalty with no care whatsoever. Which is entirely different on how we view things here in Estrella. For the leader of Seyania, the monarchy of todays generation should just abdicate and make Estrella a democratic country since we give people “too much freedom”. If it wasn’t for my mother and the ladies of Seyania, peace between East and North would have long been gone.

I even remember Dad would say that it is always the ladies that gets the job done, even if it’s really against his pride, he admits defeat as long as he’s up against mom. Dad didn’t really like the idea of going to war with Seyania even without my Mom’s disapproval, its just that, the leaders of Seyania would always suggest one, just so they could prove which is the better kingdom and also to tick-off dad.

“I apologize but I already have enough issues pushing my back, I don’t want to tag you in. I would shake your hand but that might just bring you trouble and we both don’t like to happen so how about we just drink and enjoy the party?” I smiled at both Lord Vintianno and Lametti.

“A shake won’t do you so much harm your highness, plus we’re in a secluded place. No one in their right would dare and take a photo of us doing a simple gesture of meeting for the first time”

Lord Vintianno suggested while he keep his hand waiting for me reach. Lord Lametti grimly smiled, clearly, he’s entertained by this situation. Lord Lametti owns a lot of businesses in Seyania, he is a loyal subject of Estrella and we don’t impose barriers when it comes to businesses and merchants who just wished to expand. Lord Lametti is one of those businessman who just happened to be blessed in the field of commerce so all of his businesses are not only for the people Estrella but also for the different parts of the world.

I’m beginning to think there’s another reason why they’re cornering me like this.

“What exactly is it that you want from me Lord Vintianno?” I raised my glass just enough for me to sip and see for anyone that could be lingering and watching my interaction with the young Lord. Any form of violent reaction might just lead me to an even bigger problem. I lightly scanned the area looking for Isabelle, now is the right time for her to show up and cling to my side.

“Come on, I simply just want to become your friend!” Lord Vintianno fakely smiles, I could tell because hie eyes says otherwise.

“and what would I benefit from you? War? Famine?” I leaned forward to whisper the last word that might just make this lad go away “Your life?!” I raised my tone just for him to realize that I’m no longer in the mood to entertain his little game.

Lord Lametti’s been fidgeting on his side, maybe even thinking if he should pull back his guy away from me or continue taunting me so they could have something to laugh about when they’re alone. I’m still not sure what they are planning but I’m not liking the looks and behavior they are displaying in front of me.

This young Lord should know his place. He may be a leader to his country but here, to where he is standing, I am his highness. He dared look me in the eye and acted like he’s just trying to make friend when all his action says otherwise. His eyes kept glistening with mischief and something I’m always familiar with, a motive.

If I wasn’t so guarded I would have missed every indication that’s this person in front of me is trouble. I would have played along and let him do what he intended to do. But he caught me in such a wrong time. Fortunately we’re at a party and he is someone with diplomatic immunity, I’ll just have to deal with him once my other operation is done.

“Live a little your highness. You’re too uptight” Lord Vintianno gave me this smirk that I really wished he didn’t because it will forever stick in my mind, which is bad for him because that would only mean that I won’t also forget punishing him for his attitude.

I’m about to say something when something or someone pulled my arm away from trouble causing me to look away and snap my attention to the person who dared hold me.

“I believe you overstepped your boundary Lord Vintianno!” Amber squeezes my arm as she kept looking mad and aggravated to the two gentlemen in front of us. “ You’re in Estrella, to which will soon be ruled by Prince Luke, the person you are disrespecting and taunting like some kid you are. I don’t think your diplomatic immunity would be able to save you once your intentions are questioned in court.” Amber glared at Vintianno before she snaps her attention to Lord Lametti, probably to scold him for what he caused. “I am deeply discouraged by your actions this evening Lord Lametti. Is this how you would handle any sort of quarrels in the future?” She exasperated but nevertheless she said those words with such gentleness in her voice.

“Princess Amber, I had hopes i’d see you here and have a different kind of conversation…”

“Conversation like what, Lord Vintianno? Its not enough that you taunt the crownprince of Estrella you also want to taunt me? I guess you haven’t heard the rumors about my indecent behavior in front of childish people?! I don’t like talking to boys whose body of a man. I’d rather dedicate that time talking to my son instead.” Amber smiled still after saying those words and here I am trying so hard to hide my amusement.

Both Lords didn’t expect to hear something so unlikely from Amber, but if you really know her, you would know that one she cross your name out of her circle list, your done for. She won’t likely talk to you the way you want her to but she’ll at least do it like how a lady should.

“Please, lets not trouble ourselves and just pretend this thing here never happened” she makes a circle between the four us before she giggled “Otherwise, you two will have an embarrassing evening ahead of you.” Amber made a suggestive sound before she nudges my arm “Shall we leave this people? I believe your date is also looking for you” She has this look on her face that I can’t figure out. She’s either telling me to go and run or she’s really indicating that we go now and find Isabelle. Either way, as long as we get this two prick out of my sight,

Without saying anything, I nod to her suggestion and left the two lords, looking a little pissed. Well at least Lord Vintianno did, Lord Lametti looked like he was about to leave the whole party because of embarrassment. As far as business is concern, passes and paperworks always goes through the fourth sects offices, and those offices are led by Lord Sybulus, aka., Ambers dad. Lord Lametti might be thinking they screwed up every chance they have to expand more of their businesses but Ambers not that cruel, she might cross your name out of her list but she won’t do anything that might cause a bad impact on the kingdom. The expansion of Lord Lametti’s businesses also means an expansion to the kingdoms influences.

Amber and I kept walking while looking at every painting placed on the walls. Since we are both present and together, some of the nobles kept their distance while they watch us walk around, though I could pretty much sense two people following us around and I’m quite sure its Ambers body-guards. Dad did require us to always have atleast two guards following us around in cases that we’re out and doing this kind of events. I do have my own set of guard but I just don’t like them following me around all the time since I could pretty much protect myself.

“So where’s Isabelle? She might suddenly show up and stab me for clinging to you?” Amber then starts talking while we settled to looking at Tony’s main painting for the night. He titled it burn but all I could see was a woman. She’s not in nude, and she’s not on fire, so I still don’t get why its titled ‘Burn’. I know that’s not the case here but I’m just bothered by it.

“I’m not really sure where she is… maybe she’s somewhere flaunting herself….” I slowly said in monotone before saying what really bothers me “Hey, why is this thing titled burn? I don’t see boobs, no offense” I slightly looked at her to make a point “ I don’t see fire, and I definitely don’t see anything that’s hot or smokey, so please, enlighten me” I seriously pointed out but all I could hear from Amber was her soft chuckle and when I looked at her, she was trying her best to cover every bit of entertainment in her face.

It’s not my fault I was never brought up to like or even understand this things. The only art I grew u to understand is the art of war and negotiations. Though I’m not entirely illiterate, I atleast know some famous artists and their famous works but as for the new ones, well, I’m a noob.

“Burn doesn’t always mean fire, or ladies and their bodies. Sometimes, its how the painter feels or the atmosphere he wants to set.” Amber starts to talk again after her episode of silent laughing, while I look around, a little embarrass that I’m even curious about this things when I should be worried about something more important. “Sometime the title placed by painter on their artwork would totally mean nothing to their piece or other times it would mean everything.” Amber studies the piece, obviously she’s more inclined to look at this things than me, she’s more connected to the art department so I’ll trust that she has some good points to share. Things I’d probably be using in the future if by some point I encounter someone whose equally interested in this sort of things.

“This piece is marvelous, its too almost heartbreaking that it represents something so deep” Amber almost whispered her last words but I heard everything. This is why I am again looking at her, studying er reaction and her every word. Its like I’m trying to absorb every detail shes showing right now. Its creepy but this is the real Amber. She’s not hiding her true feelings every time she’s in front of something to her. And paintings and art happens to be very close to her.

She smiles on her own like she’s trap in her own little world. Now that I she’s minding other things I get to see a side I rarely encounter, I didn’t even notice how time moved fast for her. I now see maturity and a lady, not like the one I used to laugh and play with. The smile she has now would have been a perfect picture to paint, sadly I don’t have that kind of talent. I can only save this picture in my head together with the ones I used to have in the past with her, the past where everything was a little clearer.

Amber then looked at me with that familiar smile she used to have before she completely hid it with her usual poker face. I admit I was a little disappointed it only lasted this long but a part of me also knows the reason why. We’re royals, no atter how free we may look like, we still have a system we need to follow.

We were both in daze but we were also quick to get pass that. There are things I wished we could both do in times like this but reality always had its way to bring us back. We’re both royalty and we can’t let anyone see us vulnerable.

“My prince, I thought you left, I was looking for you everywhere” Lady Isabelle talks behind me with a little suspicion lacing her words, while Amber lowers her head so she could inhale and calm herself. “I didn’t know you were with her highness all along. Good evening your highness” I turned around to face Isabelle only to see her slightly bowing in both mine and Ambers presence.

“I shall go ahead of you, its seems like I have other things to attend to back at the palace. Do keep burning your highness.” Amber didn’t miss teasing me which only made the suddenly heavy air around us, disappear. “Have a good night, lady Isabelle.” I looked at Amber to see why she’s suddenly abandoning me but when she was on a clean sight away from Isabelle, she only grinned at me mothing ‘sorry’. Traitor.

I look back to Isabelle and she was now smiling with a raised eyebrow, showing that she’s curious of something.

“Must I be worried?” She whispers.

“Worried of what?”

“You know what I’m saying” I could hear Isabelle gritting her teeth while holding herself from full out rage.

“And you know my answer” I plainly answered without any indication that I even care if she suddenly decided to throw one of her tantrum in this event and probable make another scene for her own. Her shits are not something I should be worried about right now. I’ve been distracted for too long that I think its finally the right time to check in and ask Drey hows the plan going. But first I’ll need to deal with Isabelles behavior fast.

“You can’t keep doing this to me. Stop making me look like some lady who keeps following you around”

“Is that how you see yourself Isabelle? I don’t think that’s something you should be blaming me because I’m here. I entered this place with you and you’re the one who left my side. Why? Because you wanted to flaunt your make believe relationship with me to others. I’m not the one who’s playing here Isabelle. You are” I looked at her with no evidence of care or pity. I only have one emotion for her right now, and that’s nothing.

I left her after that and decided to leave after saying my praises to the host of the event and saying my farewells to important people in this event. I know I’m a little harsh on Isabelle but I needed to do that. After all everything I do has its meaning. As for Amber, she’s something that real in my life right now. I won’t dare and do something to destroy that. Isabelle can keep thinking whatever she wants, for all I care, she’ll keep acting jealous to anyone, particularly in ladies, that are close to me. I could swear she’s even jealous of the relationship I have with my sister. Isabelle can just find herself someone who could understand and put up to her crazy mind set.

“Call Aaron and tell him I’ll be home earlier than planned” I instructed to one of my guards before I went inside the car.

I took out my phone and texted Drey for updates. But all I got was his stupid smile emoji and a thumbs up. He at least gave an awesome news for the night even if he did that only by using emoji and not with proper words. I settled in my sit and waited for the views of the night take me to another height.

As my car inner palace’ gates, Aaron was already waiting up front to welcome my arrival. Some of the maids were also there, it was getting late so half of them should be back resting by now. One of the guards opens my door and I immediately got out so I could remove my coat and talk to Aaron comfortably.

“Welcome back your highness. How was the event?” Aaron greeted while taking my coat as I handed it to him.

“Boring, but packed. Anyways, is everyone home?” I move pass the guards and walk the path towards my place.

“Not all of them, Both your parents are in their chambers, Princess Amber is also back just a moment ago. Your sister is still not home, so is your brother. Prince Matthew is back in his chamber and little David..” Aaron pauses to look at my reaction while the two lady maids kept their heads low as they follow.

“And David?” I continued as we both halted

“Well, he seemed to have gotten your grandma’s skill. He slipped through his maid awhile ago so the whole inner palace maids are looking for him” Aaron finishes up.

I sighed and looked at Aaron. I swear that kid is my grandmothers younger self. How do they even manage to escape tons of guards and maids tailing them all the time. Though I know I also have the same talent but I’m different from them. One’s the eldest royal and the other one the youngest. If any one of them gets kidnapped it’s a danger to the whole family.

I massaged my nape and was about to redirect my way to Ambers place instead of mine when I heard another car entering the inner gates. Its must be my sister since Aaron din inform me that she hasn’t gone back yet. This is not new to all of us, its even a miracle that she even manages to get home at this hour. There are days that she would be so drunk that she would just go to one of the kingdoms hotel and book a room for the night or she would go to some of her friends house and stay there. Both of those accommodations, are of course, not suitable for any royal but with my sisters attitude, mom and dad made an exception with conditions that Adi is guarded all the time without question and resisting.

I watched at her bodyguard, Rosie, try her best to make my sister stand up and walk straight out of the car. Adi’s hair were tossed allover her face and she was mumbling incoherent things while her servant try their best to help her get to her place. Rosie saw me and immediately bowed her head when I walked back to face my sister. The other servants the welcomed my sister did the same.

My sister noticed that there was a eerie silence around her so she finally looks up to see what’s going on and when she saw me looking at her, mad and disappointed, she stumbled back. She tries to fix herself but it was of no use since she looks like a wreck.

I know that even if I scold her, it would be nonsense. She’s drunk and even if she’s awake, I am sure that she’ll just forget everything tomorrow. So as a brother all I could do is protect her.

“Go back to the place where she got drunk, make sure that you sweep anyone that has a picture or any proof of what happened today. I don’t want to see my sisters face on tomorrows newspaper front page. I don’t care what method you use just make sure you do your job. Understood?” I said to Rosie while I kept my sight on Adi. Rosie got my messaged to she bows again before going back to the car and telling the driver what I just said. As the guards followed Rosie, I grabbed my sisters arm and slowly carried her on my back. Aaron’s eyes grew wide in panic while the maids and other guards looked uncertain whether they should offer help or turn their back to give us privacy.

Yes, I could just ask someone to take care of my sister and bring her to her chambers but she’s my sister and as long as I’m alive, I can’t let other man touch or even hold her like I’m holding her. For me she’s still my four year old baby sister, drunk or not.

“Your highness…if his majesty sees you and the princess…”

“Aaron, I’m okay. Right now, I am not the Prince and Adi is not the princess, we’re sibling and I’m just doing what any brother would do. Tell the maids to prepare something warm for her and also something to change into once we get there.”

Without waiting for Aaron’s response I went ahead and brought my sister back to her chamber. Eventually they all followed behind and assisted me as I take care of Adi. I also instructed Aaron to tell the maids to keep their mouth shut, nothing happened this evening and they didn’t see anything. I don’t want the inner court troubling the Queen and my sister about something so petty.

Don’t get me wrong, I am really disappointed with my sister and what she done. She’s a lady and she should at least know her limits. What if someone took advantage of her drunken stated? What then? Yes she could throw a punch but what if he attacks first and knocks her out? Nevermind the controversies and scandals, she’ll be broken for life. As a brother I can’t let her have that kind of future. I might not be able to protect her then.

Moments like this that I would think of Mark and what he’ll do? He always know what to do next and sometime I wish I also had that talent, but we can’t always have everything that we want.