XVIII

My meeting with my parents is refreshing. Mom wanted to stay a bit longer but she needs to handle household matters, and dad has to work. I heard they brought Mercie but she's not feeling well and wanted to get some fresh air in the garden.

I bet she couldn't accept the reality that I became the Crown Prince's consort.

I smirked at the thought.

Ah, I missed Esma. When I meet Lucean I have to ask him that I want Esma to be my attendant, instead of this quiet girl. She's too professional, I can't be with someone so serious in the same room.

I think her name is Edsel.

I awkwardly grab my cup of tea from the desk and put it near my lips with my eyes glued on her.

She didn't respond. She's like a robot honestly.

"Um, when can I meet Prince Lucean?" I asked.

The silence is too suffocating.

"During dinner, Your Majesty. That means about five more hours,"

"Five hours?!" I almost choked on my tea. I furrowed my eyebrows and lean back to my chair while shutting my eyes.

How can I kill time for five hours in this boring room?

Boring luxurious room.

I sighed.

Lucean won't allow me to go out, he insisted that I should rest. If only Esma is here I could chat with her all day. Should I try chatting with this robot maid?

"Um, Edsel?"

The maid met my eyes. Her brown eyes are sharp. Her entire expression is so serious.

"Is there anything you need, Your Majesty?"

"Err, not really, uh," I mumbled. "I'm bored,"

"..."

"..."

"... Would you like me to perform a magic trick?"

I stared at her sarcastically.

She must've thought that I'm just a child.

I'm technically seventeen, I understand why she offered that kind of entertainment. I prefer chatting but, a magic trick is fine.

.

.

.

Since his father has fallen ill, Lucean took over his duties. Currently, he's busy writing letters, sorting out documents, hearing complaints, etc. Just typical King's duty. Technically he's still a Crown Prince, but everyone isn't against it at all.

But right now the usually calm, cool-headed Crown Prince is in trouble.

He couldn't focus on his work.

"He's fine, Luce," Ridley said in a dry tone.

Lucean let out an exaggerated sigh and put his pen beside the paper.

"I can't help it. Is this how it felt when you fell in love with someone?"

Ridley stared at his friend strangely.

"When he fainted, I feel like dying. And seeing him sleeping so peacefully makes me happy..., I just wanted to see him,"

"And you will, but later. Sheesh. I still find it hard to believe that you'd fall in love with someone in a short amount of time,"

Lucean smiled innocently. "Me too. I think that thing is strange, but, when I met him at that time at the weaponry, his eyes are sparkling. It's filled with mystery, and I can't stop thinking about him ever since,"

"Maybe he's putting a spell?"

"Yes, I think he did," Lucean breathed out with a smile.

"No, I mean a real spell," Ridley said. "Black magic?"

"Hmm, if it's black magic I would've detected it, Ridley. Stop suspecting him,"

Ridley stared at Lucean with disbelief.

"Wow, love really changed you,"