The sun was blazing and so was the wind blowing. It's just a normal November afternoon down in Azores.
Isaac loved everything about the state except its weather. He would've left, four mouths ago, but the thought of that girl… Bella. He mumbled to himself, staring absently at the swaying grasses. He had gone back to the club in Ghufti countless times over the months, even postponing departing on that day just to hear from her, but, she never called. The club informed him that she's just an on call good-time girl, didn't really work there so they couldn't give much information about her. He had retrieved the coat which she had left behind to be given back to him so there's literally no hope about she contacting him. He had thought about every possible reason why she wouldn't reach out to him but just decided to belive she lost the card even though he believed that that was very unlikely. But he still visits the club hoping to meet her or perhaps miraculously run into her which was why he's still in Azores. Why was he so interested in her? She just captured his mind that night and he had to meet her again to truly understand what it was about her that captivated him. A group of three students approached the tree he's sitting under, having snacks with a lecturer. It's the state's university's social week and a great deal of students gathered at the arena to have fun. Being a party man himself, he couldn't afford to miss it given he's invited. "Uh, hello." One of the students, who seemed to be the leader, said. Isaac didn't respond but rather left the lecturer to deal with them. "Yes?" "Good day to you both, uh, we actually came to seek a favour from the young Sir." He referred to Isaac. "What could it be?" "We are undergrads, there's a play we've been working on for a project, we'd be honoured to have you both at our rehearsals this weekend." "The rehearsals? Not even the event?" "No, uh, both, Sir. We'd appreciate your words of encouragement and corrections, you're a senior lecturer of art and…" Isaac zoned out of their talk as he tried to focus his eyes on a group of students trooping towards a minibus. The night was drawing in and the population was depleting gradually. The lady in a hoodie and jeans who'd caught his attention waited to get on and a sideways glance towards his direction was all it took to pull him from his seat. "Where's the car? Jonas!" He called out and the bodyguard came jogging almost instantly. "The key!" He demanded. "I'll go bring _" "Give me the keys dammit!" He plucked it from Jonas's hand and hurried towards his car. It's been forever since last he drove so it took him a short while to get moving and the bus was already on the road. He sped towards and overhauled it, forcing the bus driver to hit on the brakes as he pulled up in front of it. He got out of his car and so did the bus driver. "Is there a problem?" Asked the driver, obviously irritated. "There's someone in your vehicle whom I'd like to meet." He answered, walking towards the door which swung open as the students wanted to learn what the issue was. Isaac stared at the few faces looking at him. "Can you step down?" They did, and he climbed on, came face to face with the lady whose face, luckily, flashed with recognition. "Found you." He smiled, taking a deep, satisfied breath. "Who are you looking for?" Questioned the driver from outside. "Can I have a word with you, Miss?" Natalie goggled at him, bewildered. "Me?" "Yes, you." "O_okay." She fidgeted, grabbed her bag and followed him down. "It's okay, you can leave." He said to the driver. "Will you be okay, Miss?" Asked the driver, concerned. "Yes, I will." He nodded and set off. Isaac huffed. “Where are you off to?” “How may I help you?” He chuckled. “Care for a quick snack?” “I'm okay, thank you.” “Then… where are you headed? Home? The dorm?” “I can't tell you that.” “Cos you don't know who I am?” She only stared blankly at him. “I'm Isaac, what's your name?” He opted for a second introduction. “I… I'm Bella.” “No, what's your real name?” She sighed, dithered for a brief moment. “Natalie.” He smiled. “Well Natalie, why don't we continue our convo in the car? I didn't park properly.” She hesitated and he urged her towards the car. Jonas popped out of nowhere to get the door and he snapped at him. “Get lost!” He acceded and raiked away. “Hop in, don't mind him.” Reassured Isaac. She sucked in a breath and got in, finding him more appealing and mysterious as time goes by. As he started the car, she couldn't help her curiosity and asked; “Who are you?” Obviously, the question took him by surprise. “Pardon?” “Who are you?” “Uh…” He relaxed in his seat, hands resting on his thighs. “Isaac, I'm Isaac.” “No, I mean, where are you from? What do you do?” “Okay…” He trailed off. “I've never been asked that before so I don't know how to answer it. I'll take a raincheck.” He ignited the engine leaving her to her bewilderment. “Why didn't you contact me?” “Where are you taking me?” “For small chops.” He answered her. Oh. She sighed silently. “Answer me, Natalie.” “I uh, I lost the card.” “I doubt that.” He sucked his teeth. “But I'd be relieved if that's the case.” “What other reason could there be?” “My point exactly! ‘Why didn't she call?’ I asked myself that more than a billion times in the past four months.” “A billion is much.” She mumbled. “Why didn't you call?” She gazed at him but his eyes were focused on the road with a slightly nervous expression on his face even though he tried to play calm. “Answer me, Natalie.” “I just told you_” “No, I want you to be honest with me.” She browsed her mind for an answer to give him, her silence affirming that she really didn't lose the card. “Was I bad in bed?” “Huh?” He glanced at her but failed to pick her exact facial expression. “I've not had sex in forever so perhaps I sucked a big one.” “Are you a virgin?” “Oh shit, there goes my answer.” “No, you weren't bad.” “Don't try to deny it, it'll make me feel pathetic.” “No, I'm serious. That wasn't why I didn't reach out. I'm just surprised you said you haven't had sex in forever.” “Well, God did.” He shrugged, a relieved smile stretching his lips. “I just prefer to keep my body count low. I have an image I need to protect you see.” “An image… hah, don't be ridiculous.” That clearly took him off guard. “What's that supposed to mean?” “You slept with me, the very first day you met me.” “Exactly why I've been losing it ever since. ‘Why? Why couldn't I control myself? Why was she so irresistible? Why did I enjoy my time with her? Why would I sleep with a perfect stranger?’ I may not seem like it but I'm a man with great self-restraint. And then you didn't call me and… OMG! I literally had a runny stomach for days! I practically begged you to call me. My pride… I just couldn't understand you, I don't look poor, and I know I'm breathtaking so… why would you ditch me?!” “So this is all because of your pride?” “Yes, and my curiosity.” “You're unbelievable.” She gruffed. “Do you have any idea how many times I thought about you everyday for the past four months? You literally tormented me.” “Well you're just another client, so don't take it personal.” “No, it is personal. You said it yourself, I didn't call on you, neither did I pay you a dime. So yes it wasn't business.” It amazed her how authoritative he was, and the fact that he's so honest and confident piqued her low self-esteem. He never failed to send his point home. “Well, what do you want from me?” “Be my girlfriend.”“Well, what do you want from me?” “Be my girlfriend.” “I beg your pardon?” “You don't want to?” “Why would I?” Her eyes were popped out. “What's the big deal? Should I have asked for us to be friends?” He parked in front of a restaurant. “I'm not interested in you.” He turned around to face her. “Stop trying to break my heart. Do you have a boyfriend?” “N_ yes, I do.” “No, you don't. Let me give you three reasons to date me. One, I'm rich. Two, I'm good-looking. Three, I'm not bad in bed.” “Is that all you can boast about?” “No, but they're important for boyfriend material.” “If you need a call girl, I can get you a list to choose from. But I'm not one.” “Why aren't you?” Natalie only stared at him. “To be in a relationship isn't a big deal.” He sucked in a breath. “I'm single, and so are you. Moreover, it doesn't need a formal process to begin or end.” “We aren't speaking the same language, Isaac.” “What's your major?” “May I know why you ask?” “Because I have to wi
The HOU hurried out of his office as he was informed of Isaac's arrival to welcome him. “Good morning, Your Highness.” He greeted with a bow. “It's okay. Act natural.” He patted him warmly, glancing to see if anyone noticed that. “The less people who know who I am, the better.” “I apologize for not recognising you yesterday. My sin is unforgivable.” “Don't say that. You'd make me want to punish you.” “I'm sorry.” “Where's the lecture hall?” “This way, please.” He led them to the hall. “For fashion and design freshers?” “Yes, the class started about twenty minutes ago.” They reached, and the HOU headed in to speak with the professor while Isaac searched for her among the students. Gotcha. He smiled contentedly as he spotted her at the last row. The professor stepped down from the podium to pay his respect, but Isaac was quick to stop him. “I don't want to gain too much attention on my first day.” “Uh, o - okay. What do I do now?” The mid-aged man was quite nervous. “Just
“And the third?” “The third, in the classroom, I fell in love with you.” “Love? Don't you know what I do for a living?” She asked incredulously. “What do you do?” He pushed back his shoulders, his eyes not detering from her round face even for a second. “I'm a prostitute.” “And?” “‘And?’ You only get weirder the more I get to know you.” “I believe I've led a more shameful life than you have. But I don't let it bother me.” “Obviously, we're from very different social classes.” “Which is why you should take advantage of my feelings for you.” She drew in a deep breath and sighed. “My entire life, I've never put this much effort in anything, Natalie. All the girls I've been with fell for me first.” His intense gaze made her look away from his eyes, pushing her bob cut behind her ear. “Let me ask you a question. Do you truly have absolutely no interest in me?” She not being able to answer the question was enough response for him. “I'll take it that henceforth, you're my girlf
Natalie couldn't conceal her curiosity and just had to pop the question. Isaac drove past red lights, and there's no signs of him getting pulled over any time soon. “You must be from a royal family.” “Yes, well, obviously.” He chuckled. “You've been skipping red lights.” “I…” He pondered on how to say it to her. “I don't obey traffic rules.” “Why?” She voiced surprisingly. “They don't apply to me, I could be endangered at a stop. It's just like how officials use sirens to clear traffic, but I don't need that.” He grinned at her. “What royal family are you from?” She asked, her heart in her throat hoping it wouldn't be Bardaen. How could a lowlife like her possibly have anything to do with even a cleaner of the Bardaen empire? We're talking about the most powerful kingdom in the world. Isaac's brows furrowed in thought. “You don't know?” “Was I supposed to?” “I thought you'd at least look it up. You don't seem quite interested in me.” He sank in his seat. “I did search on so
Natalie debated all day on whether or not to look Isaac up and decided it's better to assume him to be though a Bardaen prince than to be sure he was. At least she should get to know him a little bit more so that she wouldn't find him too uncomfortable to be around. She looked through the window to the vast blue orange sky, the sun shone brilliantly as it set, and the clouds took on diverse shapes. It was a windy day, but she couldn't appreciate the wind as the car windows were up. She reclined on the plush leather seat, which welcomed her body and promised to ease her exhaustion. But she dared not to close her eyes because the hunk behind the wheel had yet to earn her trust. Jonas kept his eyes on the road, his face straight and body tensed. He made it quite obvious that he disliked her, but thankfully, he never acted it out. Natalie, on the other hand, had no idea how to get on his good side. Was it even worth a try? She honestly had no answer to that. They reached the hotel, a
Natalie couldn't explain how happy she was with the way Isaac held her hand as they walked into the restaurant. It was a fancy eatery and Isaac? Well, he just naturally commanded attention anywhere he set foot in. And she being the woman beside him got her ecstatic. “Are you comfortable here, or would you like to go somewhere less crowded?” He asked as they found a seat. “Here's good.” She pulled her seat, and he did the same. “Good evening. What'd you like to order?” A waiter approached them with a notepad in hand. “Get us the best and most expensive set you have.” “Okay.” He smiled warmly and began to walk away. “Wait! Do you have an allergy?” His face was suddenly clouded with concern. “No, I don't.” “Carry on then.” The waiter complied. “How's your day?” He relaxed on the plastic chair. “Fun.” “Tell me more.” “I filled in for one of the dancers who fell sick, it's salsa, and it's fun!” She cooed. “You can salsa?” She laughed. “Yes, I know a lot of dances. It's part
Isaac stared blankly into space, his mind lost within himself. He kept asking himself why he's overreacting. So what if she's dancing with a man? They weren't kissing each other, so why couldn't he stand it? Why was he so disturbed that she wouldn't go home with him? And why the hell didn't he force her to since she refused? Could she have fallen out of love for him? Or was she already in love with another person? Of course she wasn't! She shouldn't! He'd have whoever it was beheaded if she were! “Then why the fuck is she acting out?!” He hurled his glass of wine on the floor of the balcony making Jonas shudder. “Huh? Why is she being like this?” “I… I believe it's due to the fact that she just found out who you were.” “No, she had her doubts. She asked me and all I did was affirm it. I understand her not recognising who I was earlier but shouldn't she be more careful now that she knows?” “People differ, your Highness.” “As if I care. Get me a cigarette.” Jonas did just that
After a long and quiet drive with Natalie wondering at the back of her head where it was that they're going as the hotel wasn't that far to the best of her memory, they arrived at a wrought-iron gate that swung open automatically. Jonas wheeled into the long, tree-lined, cobblestone driveway that curved in front of the porch. Natalie appreciated the stunning architecture she beheld. The white two-storey building stood gracefully with large pillars and windows that covered almost all its height. The walls and floors had strips of LED that illuminated it as well as the numerous light fixtures that hung on the walls or suspended from the ceiling. A group of about ten uniformed servants, six of whom were females, lined up to welcome Isaac home. He held Natalie's hand, and they walked in together while Jonas carried on to park the car. The interior was sleek and luxurious with polished marble flooring and intricately crafted ceilings. The colour theme was gold and off-white, and the bl
Cold, pain, and exhaustion. That's what Isaac slept and woke up with for over a month. At first, it was bearable and he tried his best to keep himself in check. But with each passing day, especially after his father informed him that he had registered Natalie's death, Isaac found it harder to keep his brain within his head. It was in the clouds one minute, and under the ground the next, most times, it was hovering above his ears, torn, blank, and dark. The days were long, the nights longer, and the more he tried to pick himself up, the harder he fell apart. The king refused to let him leave home, but staying there proved to him to be worse than leaving. He felt suffocated and mad at everything, not just everyone. The air, ground, couches, walls, light… everything made him angry. He wanted so badly to grab a bottle, but he feared that he'd end up collapsing again; moreover, his father surely wouldn't let him access liquor, and his grandmother would wreak havoc if he became a d
Isaac squeezed the paper in his hands to a ball, his heart thumping wildly in his ribcage. “Call my father.” He ordered, his eyes darting to Jonas, who was standing behind him. Jonas did so and handed him the phone. “Where is Natalie?” He asked as soon as the call was answered. “What's that supposed to mean?” The king sought in a disinterested voice. “Don't try me, your Majesty. I'm really not interested in this game you're playing. Bring her back before I lose my mind.” “Speak words I can understand, Arden. What's the matter?” “You had Natalie kidnapped! Don't play dumb!” The king was mute for a long while, and Isaac wondered if he really didn't have a hand in it. “Wait, you didn't do it?” “Hold on. I'll get back to you.” “Wait_” but the king ended the call on him. “Damn it.” He straightened the paper again, and his eyes scanned the words. ‘Worry not, Your Highness. Your woman is safe and shall return when she's fit to be with you.’ “You said you don't know w
Chills fluttered like restless sparrows across the earthen room, the air thick with the heady scents of incense and herbs. Flickering candles cast eerie shadows over the surfaces, their golden light dancing across the walls as if trying to chase away the secrets that lurked within. Ancient shelves and cabinets groaned under the weight of potions, spell books, and mysterious artifacts, their contents spilling out in a riotous display of colour and curiosity. A heavy-footed man lumbered into the labyrinthine space, his footsteps echoing off the walls as he made his way deeper into the room. With a reverence that bordered on fear, he knelt about three feet in, bowed in submission to the rear of a mid-aged woman who's whispering chants to an idol ensconced in a detached cubicle, its presence both captivating and intimidating. “We lost him, my lady.” He declared, his voice heavy with defeat and his failure palpable. She stopped chanting but didn't turn around. “The King's men don't hav
“How has it been with your practice?” Isaac asked. “She's… keeping up.” Mrs Peoni plucked his brows. “Is there a problem?” He faced her, noticing the reluctance in her voice. Mrs Peoni stood straight, putting the tweezer back in the kit. “There's none.” Isaac threw his head over the chair, his eyes hooked on her wizened face. He knew she's hiding something, and he decided not to force it out of her. If she didn't disclose it, then it must be something he wouldn't want to hear. “If I may ask a question, your Highness?” Jonas pitched in from where he stood by the shoe rack. “About?” Isaac sat up, staring at his reflection in the mirror. “I hope you don't plan on marrying her?” Isaac's brows furrowed, and a dark glint pitched in his eyes. “That's supposed to mean?” “She does not fit to be your spouse.” Isaac clenched his jaw, then leaned forward on the dressing table to hide his annoyance. “Why do you think so?” Jonas rocked on his heels. “She's… a hussy, your High
“Then fucking tell me! I can't get into your mind and fucking read it!” Natalie stared pointedly at him as his chest rose and fell with his shallow breaths. She sighed. “Forget it.” And headed out. “Ah fuck!” He threw his head up, exhaling sharp breaths. “Car key.” Jonas handed it to him and as he headed out, he saw Dan standing just by the door. He bowed, and Isaac gave him a dirty look before dashing out. The king must've sent him back, that's the only thing that could explain his instant return when he clearly told him to buzz off. He looked around and spotted Natalie trekking down the road, hugging herself. He rushed after her and held her arm, turning her around. “Isaac please…” She trailed off as he cupped her face, his warm breath defrosting her cold cheeks. “Don't.” Her voice was reduced to a whisper, her eyes on his lips. “Look at me.” His thumb grazed her jawline. “Enough, stop this.” “I'm fucking mad at you, love.” “And so am I.” “Then fucking look
Isaac dragged his feet up to his room, slumped down on the bed when he reached. He wondered how his brother was doing and what those people would do to him. The Queen Mother had him sent to the North as a peace treaty. Vincent had cried and wailed and pleaded for mercy, but she insisted it's the best solution to the issue. He should go there and apologise for his actions. If he's forgiven, fine and good. And if not, they should punish him how they deem fit. The king refused to intervene no matter how much Isaac pestered him to, his excuse was that Isaac had already brought up the issue about his wedding, and that in itself was enough to cause a dispute between he and the Queen Mother. ‘One at a time.’ The king had said to him. ‘Vincent isn't a coward. He'd be alright.’ Isaac had wanted to go along with him, but the king literally had him locked up until they'
The king took a sip of his beverage, then put the cup down, still saying nothing. “My king.” The Queen Mother called, and he faced her. "Yes, mother." "What do you know about this?" He was mute for a beat, and then he sighed. “Were you truly there, Crown Prince?" Isaac scoffed. "You know I was." “Was he with you, Vincent?" He shook his head, gritting his teeth. "No.” “Vincent!" Isaac yelled frustratedly. “What on earth did you say to him?” He faced his father. “I believe they should provide evidence to back their claims." The king said to the Queen Mother, still choosing to ignore Isaac. She trained her eyes on her son, but as always, she couldn't tell what he was thinking. “Vincent," She called, and he raised his eyes to face her. “Can you prove Isaac was not there at that party?" “He was definitely not at the party.” Isaac waited for him to complete the sentence, but he didn't. "I wasn't at the party, but I was there the morning after he died." "Can you prove that?" Th
They had just arrived back home that night when Isaac received Vincent's call.He would have returned the next morning, but he knew his woman must be waiting for him. He promised her he'd be back the day before, but thanks to the ladies that had to be rushed to the hospital, he couldn't until the next evening.But then Vincent's call had Dan turning around in front of the gate and heading back to the airport.‘Father found out!’ He had yelled pensively over the line. ‘What the hell did you do? I told you not to let him know!’If he had let Vincent take care of his mess himself, then he wouldn't have bothered about the king finding out, however.But he had taken him to the academy himself that morning, immediately after Dan headed to the hospital with the ladies and before taking out the corpse.That's because he didn't want any suspicion that'd point at him remain. Since he's planning to resume that day, he should do just that.But now the king found out by whatever means he possibly
“T-that's the truth, I swear _” Isaac slapped him again, and he grabbed his cheek, his whole body shaking as he cried.“Please stop.” He begged.Isaac pulled his arm to hit him again when he noticed the scratches on his shoulder. He held his nape and bent his head to take a better look, and he could swear those were sex scratches.“You had sex last night.” He more of stated than questioned as he released his grip.Vincent stilled, his trembles ceasing abruptly. He raised his head slowly, and the eyes Isaac looked at him with were confused, shocked, and furious.Isaac faced the body on the floor, then back at his brother's red eyes. “Are you gay?!”Vincent shook his head vigorously, looking like a person about to be hung to death. “N-no, shit no. Believe me, please.”“Then will you fucking speak?!”“I told you the truth _”Isaac slapped him again, that time harder than the previous ones and Vincent collapsed on his side, his right cheek red and bruised.He quaked in tears, crying bitte