CHAPTER 12 :

“Are you planning to leave tonight Sir?” Albik who was packing his bags asked him busily.

“No Albik. I don’t want anyone to suspect that we are planning to escape.” That stopped Albik from doing his master’s packing.

“But wasn’t your plan to do it …” Albik had to stop when he saw his master shaking his head.

“No Albik. Not here. She might get into trouble because of me. Let them transfer us to the other city for the treatment then I will escape from there. Just make sure that we reach there before my birthday.”

“Sure Sir.” He bowed his head and started packing the bags again.

“Albik. Thank you.” Albik turned to him, his brows knitted questioningly.

“For being there for me. For staying with me and not giving up on me.” Albik knew something was bothering his master. And that something was ‘the girl’.

“Well I guess, I was not the only one who stayed beside you.” There was mischief in Albik’s voice which made him smile.

“I know. That’s why I need a favor from you.”

Albik was the only one who not only knew his escape plan but was also ready to accompany him. Though He did not want to put him in danger. But Albik was adamant.

He did not want to leave his master. They both were together since childhood and Albik could not bear to even imagine staying away from him at any cost.

Not even at the cost of his life.

“Anything for you master.” He bowed his head a little.

“Follow her Albik.”

Albik understood. He knew what he was talking about. “Today she would resign and go home. Follow her and make sure that she reaches safely.”

“Your wish is my command, Sir.”

Albik looked at his master with admiration. He had learned a lot from him. Courage, empathy, bravery. Albik being the elder one had stayed with him throughout his life. And after such condition of his master, he could not let him disappear from his eyes.

But it seemed fate had other plans for both of them. They both might have stayed together throughout their lives but what they did not know was, this was the last conversation they were having, and one of them was about to become a memory for the other…

…

It was Sunday which meant no school. She wanted to meet Mr. Jacob and hand over him, her resignation letter.

She wanted to get away from the palace. Though she wanted to visit the rooftop one last time. But now that was out of the question.

She had given Zek, her word. She was already missing him.

“Ms. Hazel. Prince Noah is calling you in his office. Also, bring your phone.” The man turned around without waiting for her reply.

She started fishing in her room, for her phone. It was under the pillow. Taking it with her she adjusted her wig.

 Lately, it had been slipping a little from her head because of the baby hair she was getting on her scalp.

Noah was sitting behind the desk. His face lit up when he saw her entering his office.

“Sit down Hazel.” He gestured towards the chair.

She just sat there quietly waiting for him to speak. He seemed happy.

“Hazel … Congratulations!”

“What … ?” She could not understand a thing. Why was he congratulating her?

He stood from his seat and when she started to rise from her chair, he raised his hand to stop her.

Looking at her bland expression he asked her, “When was the last time you checked your phone, Hazel?”

As expected she shook her head, clearing her throat she tried to speak, “No Prince. I did not check my phone since morning. I am not a social person, I am sorry. So usually I don’t receive calls or messages from anyone.”

When he raised an eyebrow she unlocked her phone and saw the bank notification.

She opened the message to find that, 15 million dollars were credited to her account, this morning. Her jaw dropped open.

“This …” she swallowed audibly and looked up. Noah was smiling nodding his head at her.

“Prince Noah. Did you do it? I mean I don’t understand …”

Noah came near her and sat on the chair beside her, “You have done the job, Hazel. He is ready for treatment.”  

Oh. Now she understood. He was talking about Zek.

“But Prince. I already told you. With due respect, I did not do it for money.”

“I know Hazel.” Prince Noah seemed a bit hesitant. “The money is not only for convincing him successfully but also for one more task.”

“One more task? May I know what that task would be?” Hazel was not getting a good feeling about it.

“That would be revealed to you later. At a suitable time. I promise.” She did not want to take the money. She was already planning to leave the job and it would sound quite thankless. Taking such a big chunk of money and then leave the palace.

But she had to do it. If Prince Noah would demand his money back, she would happily oblige.

Right now anything important for her was her word to Zek. He had asked her to leave the palace at once. She needed to get out. She needed to do something to keep herself busy. That was the only solution to spend the time quickly. She wanted to be with him, to stay with him.

“Hazel.” She shuddered a little coming back to reality.

“Sorry, Prince Noah. My apologies.”

He misunderstood her absent-mindedness. “You are worrying for nothing Apple pie. Trust me. I would tell you about this task at the right time. Right now you need to do one thing.” There was concern on his face. For her.

“Yes, Prince.” She bowed her head to see his perfectly manicured hand placed on his lap. Her own hands were ruined by nail-biting.

“Hazel.” He brushed his hand through his hair as if trying to choose his words sensibly.

“Hazel, I need you to resign.”

“What?” Now she did not know what was going on. The palace was proving to be such a complex thing for her life. And the Royals seemed used to it.

See Zek! I told you. Being a Luna is easier than owning a palace.

In a way, her problem was solved. She was hesitant enough to resign, but now Prince Noah had made it easier for her.

“Oh.” was her only answer.

But Prince Noah again misunderstood it.  

“Don’t worry Hazel. You haven’t done anything wrong. But there are things I can’t explain to you, but I need to do it because of your safety.”

Safety? Umm, why everyone is so worried about my safety?

“You have got enough in your bank account. Trust me. That should be enough for a long time. But if you need anything. Or any kind of favor, just done hesitate to tell me. You have got my number. Right?”

She just nodded. She did not know much about Prince Noah. He had always kept a distance from commoners like her. She did not know he was so friendly, sweet, and understanding.

“It’s ok Prince Noah. You have the best interests in your heart for me. I understand.” She tried to smile.

He held her hand gently, “Do not share anything related to the palace outside.”

What the ….! Here we go again! Palace is a crazy place dude.

She rolled her eyes inwardly but outwardly giving him her brightest smile.

“Sue Prince. Please feel free to contact me if you need any kind of favor. I will be honored. Really.”

She felt it was her duty to offer him as he had been doing it for quite some time.

Strange. But she was feeling happy about leaving the place.

Lifting her hand Noah placed a peck on it before leaving it. He was staring at her face, she realized. Her lips form a thin line trying to smile for him. But she felt confused. He was royalty, and she was a ‘no one’. She did not know, why sometimes he made her feel like she was someone significant, maybe a little precious in his eyes.

But she knew she was just imagining it. She knew her place … and now she had Zeki. She smiled to herself.

With his crippled condition and blindness, he was too smart.

She still remembered, last night when he asked her real name making her shocked, he had started shaking with mirth, making her grin.

She had left the rooftop last night feeling light-hearted and pleased. Zek had managed to make her smile before leaving.

She met all the staff members, as it was her last day at the palace.

Now she just needed to plan her future. Before Zek’s arrival, she needed to find a way to sustain her income.