Chapter Seventeen

Prince Ron was restless all day. After breakfast, Tariel, Sariel and Princess Mariel went for their daily studies while Ludiciel went with King Zedekiel to attend to court matters. Queen mother went back to her room. So did Rose while Ron decided to take a stroll with Leo.

As he walked, he kept wondering what to do about the berry stealing situation. If any of the guards that saw him could describe him enough, then he would be done for. He needed to do something.

And that King!

Instead of covering up for him, he added fuel to the fire. Ron felt like strangling him. After walking for about half an hour, he decided to rest and think of something later.

While sitting in the courtyard, Ron was unusually quiet which made Leo worry. The prince normally likes to talk even if it was about utter rubbish so seeing him so silent was quite scary. He endured and endured and when he couldn't endure any longer, he asked; "Prince Ron? Is something the matter?"

Ron just sighed but didn't answer.

Leo thought this situation was really serious. He has never seen Ron looking so dejected. "Prince Ron-"

"Get me something to drink. I'm thirsty" Ron said cutting him off. Leo nodded and left. He relaxed against the chair and gazed at the flowers neatly arranged in the courtyard. Their sweet scent wafted through the air. Normally, he would excitedly examine them but the investigation that was about to be carried out had already squeezed away all his enthusiasm.

At that point, Ron sighted something from the corner of his eye. Or better yet, someone. It was Zedekiel who was standing beside a pillar, coldly gazing at him. Those violet eyes exuded nothing but pure hatred. Ron wondered, was this hatred directed at him?

He watched as the King took out a white handkerchief from his pocket. It was the one his sister gave him. Zedekiel held it out and ripped it into two with his hands.

Ron's eyes widened in shock. His sister had made that with so much love!

The King then threw it on the floor, stepped on it and walked away. Ron wondered, what message was he trying to send?

Leo returned with a cup of fresh orange juice but Ron didn't want to drink it anymore. He walked over to where Zedekiel threw the ripped handkerchief and picked up the dirty pieces. He handed them to Leo. "Throw this where no one can find it and do not mention a thing to my sister"

The bodyguard nodded and stuffed them into his pocket. Ron decided to go back to his room. He really needed to sit and think. Just why does Zedekiel hate them?

Ron paced about in his room, wondering why Zedekiel tore the token of love his sister had painstakingly made. Was it that he didn't like it? But why ask for it? He even said it was beautiful.

He then recalled what Zedekiel has said about Ashemores. Calling them filthy, dirty, greedy and other things. Why does he hate Ashenmores? He almost choked him to death and the more he thought about it, the more he realized that Zedekiel had never looked at him nicely. Even when he smiled, it didn't reach his eyes. He was just so cold.

A sudden knock interrupted his thoughts. Angry, he threw open the door and glared at the person knocking. Ludiciel took a few steps back out of caution. "Woah Prince Ron, are you okay?"

The matter of the berries resurfaced in Ron's mind so he instantly calmed down. How could he afford to get angry at a person he had offended? If he plays nice now, Ludiciel might forgive him after finding out the truth. "I'm fine" he said with a smile. "Please, come in"

He stepped to the side and let Ludiciel in. "What brings you to my chamber? Am I needed for anything?"

'More importantly, did you find out I stole your berries?'

Ludiciel gazed at Ron who's hair looked like a bird's nest and whose clothes were thoroughly disheveled. Still, he looked cute. "The King was worried that you didn't come out for lunch. He wanted to know if you're alright"

Ron's heart skipped a beat. Lunch time had passed?! He didn't even realize. And what's this about Zedekiel being worried? It created a strand of fear in his heart. The action of ripping his sister's handkerchief and then stepping on it meant what then?

"I'm fine. I just wasn't hungry" he said.

Ludiciel nodded. "Okay. He also said that if you're fine, you should come out now. We're going to meet the royal couturier. Since you're going to be here for three months, your sister and you will need clothes suitable for the northern weather. Also, there'll be a feast tomorrow night to properly welcome you both"

Ron didn't know if he should be happy or sad. So many things were going through his mind. He couldn't help but ask; "Will the King accompany us?"

Ludiciel looked at him like he had grown two heads. "Of course not! You're just going to get your measurements taken. Why will the King waste his time there?"

A bead of sweat rolled down Ron's forehead. He let out a nervous laughter. "I know I know. I was just kidding".

And so they went off to the royal couturier's workshop. While walking, Prince Ron asked; "Prince Ludiciel, is there a reason the King hates the people of my Kingdom? Particularly me? I've thought hard about it but I can't remember doing anything to him or this Kingdom"

"Ah Prince Ron, why are you worried about that? I told you the King has mood swings. Terrible terrible mood swings. Sometimes I don't understand him even though he's my own brother so don't wast your time thinking about that" Ludiciel said. "Instead, think about the feast! I'm actually excited because the people of Netheridge are invited so we'll be using the large hall. There'll come with all sorts of food, snacks and wines. There'll be plenty of women to dine and dance with. You and Princes Rose will be introduced to everyone and then the talent show will begin. And that's what I am particularly excited about"

Ron started to get excited too. "Talent show?" he asked, green eyes gleaming with his returning enthusiasm.

"Yes Prince Ron! A talent show!" Ludiciel answered. "Where anyone can showcase their talents to make the night more entertaining. At the end, mother will announce the winner and the King will grant them a single wish"

A single wish...

Would Ron let go of this opportunity? Of course not! He'd be complete fool to let it go. He had been trying to think of ways to win his beloved's heart. If he didn't seize this chance, he didn't know when next he'll get another.

A talent show. Now, what talent does this humble prince of Ashenmore possess? Ron thought and thought and thought but nothing came to mind. "Prince Ludiciel, what talent do I possess?"

"Eh? You're asking me?" Ludiciel exclaimed, surprised.

Ron nodded. "I don't know if I have any talent worthy enough. Don't get me wrong, there are many things I can do. I'm a man of many many talents. It's just that they're all hidden so I need help knowing what they are"

Ludiciel "...."

This sounded like utter nonsense. This prince must possess none!