That One Trouble Maker

Gwen sat down and drank a glass of water. She was sure she just made a dangerous enemy. She always had very thin patience for arrogant people, and Harvey Bennington was the worst kind. He badmouthed Rainier right in front of her! Did she have to be quiet about it and pretend that she didn't hear?

She knew it's irrational. She was a detective before, she had to think based on facts. But her emotions said, "I bet all the dark rumors about Harvey Bennington were true!"

"Gwen, are you alright?" Rainier asked, entering the sitting room next to the gala hall with long, urgent strides.

Seeing his concerned face, Gwen wondered whether she was overreacting.

"I'm alright, just a little angry."

"I heard you scolded Harvey Bennington. Is that true?"

She shrugged, "I guess I did. He was being an arrogant bastard."

Rainier, who, for those who hated him was labeled as "The Ice King," chuckled.

"No one has ever dared to do that. Even I had to control my emotion in front of that bastard. And yet, you, someone who has been a queen for only five months, has done that. Perhaps it's about time."

"He was mocking the law you created in front of me. Was I supposed to just pretend I didn't hear it???"

She was sitting on a couch, and he was towering over her, so she was the only one who saw his eyes widened in shock, before he slowly beamed at her. That sudden, bold show of affection was a huge surprise for him. He felt like he was poured with warm honey all over him.

He touched her cheek and ran his fingertips on it. "I'm grateful," he said in a low tone, meant only for her to hear, as his guards and hers were there. "After the gala, I'll show you how much."

She swallowed, and he ran his thumb on her lower lip once, before he turned around and walked back to the gala.

"Bennington will--" Jake started as he followed Rainier.

"--make Gwen's safety in jeopardy, I know. Strengthen the security around her."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

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When Gwen returned to the gala and sat down, Mark announced that the king would deliver his speech.

"My ancestors build this kingdom because they wanted to bring the people of Galsbourg into a better life. Now, we are the country with the fifth highest GDP in the world. We are advancing in so many aspects of life. However, there is a gap between the wealthiest people with the public. These public is our workforce, our people and our future. I wish for a kingdom where this gap is lessened. Therefore, I pushed for this Equal Trade Law, where the five wealthiest people in the kingdom take part in strengthening 25 middle and small companies who run the same business as theirs. I know it takes some sacrifice, but you will fulfill your Corporate Social Responsibilities with this, and it is tax free."

"Let it be known that The Kingdom of Galsbourg is for all its people, not only for the wealthiest. May this be a good example for the rest of the world. I lift my glass tonight to thank Mr. Harvey Bennington, Mr. Julius Torrace, Mr. Alexander Thorpe, Mr. Harry Whitfield and Mrs. Hyacinth Nelson who have supported this law. For the 25 owners of middle and small businesses that were chosen for this program, may you all grow bigger, and strengthen our economy further. To Equality!!!"

"To Equality!!!"

Rainier's speech was live streamed all over the world, and was praised as a utopian solution to eradicate the social economic gap of a country. If Galsbourg could do it, other countries should be able to do the same.

His movement would cause demonstrations on many countries in the world, who asked for their leader to do the same.

Gwen was proud of him, as she raised her glass high and sipped her champagne. Yet she could feel that the five conglomerates were simply acting as loyal subjects. At least one of them must be hating this situation and planning to attack back.

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Duchess Samantha Hansen felt that the gala's atmosphere was really stuffy, so she stepped out to a balcony, wearing her fur coat over her dress, a champagne glass on her hand. It's peaceful and quiet over there, and she felt that she finally could take a deep breath.

"Why are you hiding here, all alone?" Harvey Bennington asked, walking toward Samantha's side with his own glass of champagne.

"I've had enough of the tense atmosphere," she said bluntly, sipping the gold-colored drink. "How Rainier could handle all of these for the past 25 years, I have no idea."

"How would it be, if you were the reigning queen?"

Samantha turned to him.

She, Harvey, Julius and Hyacinth all went to school together. You could say they were even friends once, when they were younger.

"Your mother was a princess. You could've been the queen. And if the king and current queen have an accident...."

"What are you trying to say, Harvey?"

"I'm just playing some different scenarios. If all of these could be yours....The throne, the palace, the diamond mountain, and the kingdom, what would you do?"

Samantha was silent.

"I am getting tired of the king's unconventional ideas. If you'd like to be queen, maybe I could help you make it happen."

She stared at him.

Harvey and her had a short fling in the past, but it was around 20 years ago. They met each other on events, but never really communicated in their adult years. She heard bad rumors about him, and had hoped that they were untrue.

Perhaps all those rumors were correct after all.

"You might even be a better leader than him."

".....someone who'd be easier to control, you mean?" she retaliated.

"Have I been unclear these past few years?" she continued. "There are rumors that I wanted the throne, and I have ignored it. Is that why you're spewing this nonsense?"

"You don't need to pretend with me--"

"I AM NOT PRETENDING, HARVEY BENNINGTON!!!" Samantha screamed. "Rainier supported me when I insisted to my parents to study psychiatry. They wanted me to just be a pretty princess in a gold cage. They kicked me out of my own house, but Rainier was the one who backed me up! He told my parents he'd imprison them if they take away my basic human rights for the education that I chose!!! And you, you offered me help in taking over HIS throne???"

"Harvey, Rainier is my king. He's more than my cousin. He's my brother!!! His wife is my sister!!! Don't you dare offer me the throne!!! Rainier is meant for it!!! I never wanted any of it!!! I'm going to report you for treason, you son of a bitch!!! I AM A DUCHESS OF HANSEN, AND I AM LOYAL TO THE THRONE!!!!"

Angrier than she had ever been in her entire life, Samantha marched off the balcony, but Harvey caught her hand.

"Why are you so emotional? It was just a joke between friends," he tried, flashing his suave smile.

"Don't you dare touch me!!! You offered to support me as a new queen and said that you'll arrange something to happen to the king and the queen!!! GET OFF ME!!!"

"Is everything alright, Your Grace?" Walter, the prime minister, heard Samantha yelling, and went to the balcony.

"Prime Minister," Samantha replied quickly, "I'd like to report an act of treason to the throne!"

"Who are you reporting?"

"This bastard, Harvey Bennington."

For a second, the three of them stood on a standstill.

"I'll request a private audience with the king. When do you want to conduct this private hearing, Your Grace?"

"Now," Samantha replied decisively.

"Please follow me, Your Grace. We'll go to the king immediately. And Mr. Bennington, you're to stay here until further notice."

Harvey laughed cynically, not believing what's happening that night. Walter spoke with Jake, and Jake ordered Steve to guard the balcony, not allowing Harvey to return to the gala hall until after Walter finished speaking with the king.

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