Chapter 7

|| ELINDA'S POV ||

" I AM NOT LEAVING YOU, ALBERT! NO FUCKING WAY!"

I couldn't believe my own ears. Albert had decided to send me away for a few months. He refused to explain why it was necessary for me to hide.

Alexis and Albert had been talking secretly ever since Alexis brought me here. He had managed to escape the group that was aiming bullets at us. I was pretty sure that it was all because of Alexis. Albert was never a man who attracted troubles or had any dark business like Alexis. I just couldn't understand how they became friends.

Albert spoke in a firm voice, looking at me stressfully,

" You..Listen to me, Elinda. Whatever I am doing, it's for your own good. Trust me, no one in the family cares for you more than me. Be a good girl and join me in the family dinner tomorrow."

I opened my mouth to say something but Alexis cut off between, shooting me a longing look,

" I hope, you remember the gunshots, Princess."

A chill went down to my spine at the mention of gunshots. I decided to stay silent until the family dinner tomorrow. Everyone around me always said that it was Albert whose life was at risk as he was next to the throne. Then why did I have to suffer? Why did they want to harm me too?

________

|| ALEXIS'S POV ||

" Everyone is here, Don. Not a single person left here!"

Matteo came to report to me, his head hanging down. I returned from Albert's mansion an hour ago. I wanted a complete list of those people who were shooting at Elinda. Albert just wanted me to send these men away to him but I wanted them myself. Whenever I remembered how she was shaking and shivering in fire, all I wanted was to burn them alive.

I spotted the guy, Hector tied against the chair. He directed two of the local gangster groups in the area. But I was sure that he wasn't the mastermind behind this. Someone was playing the shit from darkness.

I smirked, grabbing the shovel from Matteo's hand,

" Long time no see Hector. How unfortunate our meeting is! "

Hector finally looked up at me, his expression turning white. He didn't expect me to see here since his network was weak and he barely knew the exact information of the underworld. He remained silent as I put down the shovel aside, asking him calmly,

" Now tell me like a good boy. Why are you attacking the Royals, Hector? You know,you aren't even worthy of their feet."

Hector replied with a sneer,

" Says the man who is the dog of the Royals."

I chuckled at his response, leaning down to match his height. My words came out as low and threatening,

" I am not their dog. I am a beast. Do you know what a beast can do, Hector?"

_________

|| ELINDA'S POV ||

As I sat at the ornate dinner table, surrounded by the opulence of the royal palace, my brother Albert's words hung heavy in the air. His declaration that I should go into hiding for a few months sent shockwaves through the room, and I felt the weight of everyone's gaze upon me.

"Albert, you can't be serious," the king protested, his voice laced with disbelief. " Elinda is perfectly safe here. There's no need for such drastic measures."

But Albert remained steadfast, his expression unyielding as he met our father's gaze. "With all due respect, Father, I must insist," he replied, his tone tinged with authority. "It's not up for debate."

I watched in astonishment as Albert, usually so reserved in the presence of our parents, stood his ground with an unwavering resolve. It was clear that he was not going to back down.

The queen glanced between Albert and me, her brow furrowed in concern. "But why, Albert? What prompted this sudden decision?" she asked, her voice soft with worry.

Albert hesitated for a moment, as if deliberating how much to reveal. But then, with a determined set to his jaw, he spoke. "There are threats to Elinda's safety, ones that cannot be ignored," he explained cryptically.

I felt a chill run down my spine at his words, a sense of unease settling in the pit of my stomach. What could possibly pose a threat to me, within the confines of our own palace?

The king narrowed his eyes at Albert, a hint of suspicion in his voice. "And what threats would those be, exactly?" he pressed, his tone tinged with skepticism.

But before Albert could respond, I interjected, my voice shaking with uncertainty. "Please, Albert, I need to know what's going on," I pleaded, my eyes imploring him to confide in me.

Albert met my gaze, his expression softening with sympathy. "Elinda, trust me when I say that it's for your own safety," he replied gently. "I can't risk anything happening to you."

I nodded in understanding, though my heart still raced with unanswered questions. It was clear that Albert had made up his mind, and arguing further would be futile.

Just then, Albert's demeanor shifted, his voice taking on a steely edge as he addressed the king and queen once more. "I am the crown prince, and as such, my decisions are final," he declared, his words carrying an implicit threat.

The king and queen exchanged a wary glance, clearly taken aback by Albert's sudden assertiveness. But ultimately, they seemed to realize that arguing with him would be futile.

"Very well, Albert," the king conceded, his voice resigned. "But I expect regular updates on Elinda's whereabouts and safety."

Albert nodded in agreement, his expression grim. "Of course, Father," he replied, though I could sense the tension that lingered beneath his composed facade.

Turning to the rest of the gathered guests, Albert cleared his throat, his voice carrying across the room. "It has been decided that Elinda will be staying at Alexis's house for the time being," he announced, his tone brooking no argument.

I felt a mixture of relief and apprehension washed over me at the news. While I was grateful for Albert's protection, the thought of leaving the safety of the palace filled me with a sense of trepidation.

But as I glanced at Albert, his gaze unwavering and determined, I knew that he would do whatever it took to keep me safe. And with that reassurance, I resolved to trust in his judgment, no matter what lay ahead.