Chapter 16. New Projects 4

I smiled as well and answered her, "You got it, Mom," avoiding telling her that her husband's client was one of them.

"I see. Always be a good boy. Obey and respect your bosses and customers. Did you get me?"

"I got you, Mom."

I left her room and returned to mine. As usual, Milo tagged along. After changing my clothes, I went for my breakfast. Milo was admiring me as I was eating and I felt bad. I have not celebrated my new job with him.

"My bad, Milo. I will get some delicacies for you," I promised him.

In appreciation, he elongated his neck towards me and I rubbed his head. Afterward, I went to my room to sleep. I woke up for lunch, but my father was not back. 

Westminster 

The King was happy with the projects and he did not hide it. After our discussion the previous day, I overheard him boasting to someone over the phone that his kingdom would be the most powerful and the richest.

I laughed within myself and pretended not to hear him. He sent for me before lunch and I knew his reasons for that. As I was walking towards the throne room from my chamber,  I saw a strange face at the gate and stopped in my tracks and focused on him.

One of the guards walked out of the gatehouse and interrogated him. When I heard him say that he was seeking employment, I walked on. Shortly after, I joined my father in the throne room.

"Good day, Dad," I greeted him cheerfully.

"Good day, Son," he responded and said to me, "I'm famished and I don't want to keep the queen waiting."

I did not know what to say but only looked on. Then, he proposed to me, "Do you mind having lunch with us?"

The proposal was not a coincidence. It was his way of compensating me for my contribution to the kingdom and probably inquiring about my infamous female janitors.

"I don't mind," I accepted and he was delightful.

"Let me inform my workers or they will be waiting for me," I said and tried to swipe my phone.

He thought I was referring to my female workers and said, "She may be upset. Just go ..."

He paused when Philip picked up my call and greeted me, "Hello, My prince."

I looked at my father's face and responded, "Hello, Philip. I just want to let you know that I will have my lunch with the king. You don't have to wait for me."

"It's okay, My prince," he responded and the call ended.

"Let's go, Dad," I said and got up.

He swallowed hard,  got up as well, and led the way.

Like I knew, the lunch was not a coincidence. I noticed from the queen's face that she was pleased with her husband for being able to convince me. I am not bothered about their secrets but I was resolute. None of their tricks will change my sexual identity.

"Good day to you, My queen," I greeted my mother.

"Good day, Son. It is nice to have you," she responded happily. 

Soon, we were at the dining table and began to eat. After a while, my father spoke, "Your trip to France is eight days from today. Am I right?"

"Yes, My King," I answered him and searched his eyes.

Thinking that he forgot the trip to my high school, which was first on the list, I reminded him, "After I have gone to my school. Right?"

To my dismay, it was not an oversight. Calmly, he said to me, "We are taking them one after the other. You will embark on that project when you return from your training."

Every word from him at that point was like a dagger stabbing my chest without mercy. I could not imagine how I would survive for six months without Julius. 

Without my response, he continued, "You will go with two of your janitors. You can't be away from women for too long."

I almost got choked by the statement. My mother worsened the matter by adding, "Your father is right, Son. Six months is a long time to be without the women who are feeding you."

My instinct told me that the right thing to do was to be quiet and play along. Although my truncated plans to see Julius affected my appetite, I forced myself to continue eating.

"Your proposals are quite good, Mom and Dad," I concealed my worries and said.

They were delighted to hear that. After our meal, I appreciated them and tried to get up but my father stopped me.

"I have not given you the details of the bookings," he announced.

"Oh! I completely forgot," I said and sat back.

He shared the details of the bookings and our contact person in France. I perused it and showed delight.

"I am grateful for this, Dad. I will contact our guide and let him know that the training is not for public hearing. He should make it as secretive as possible."

My father furrowed his brow and asked me, "Why?"

"The other kingdoms would steal our idea and do the same thing. They may even set up the factories before us."

"You have a good point, Son. I completely forgot to do that."

"It is not late yet. I will continue from where you stopped," I informed him and calmed his fear.

Instantly, I contacted our guide and he picked up the call immediately. 

"Hello. I'm Mr. Brian How may I help you?" He greeted me while my parents focused on me.

"Hello, Mr. Brian. I'm Hendrick Wilberforce. My father had been communicating with you concerning a training schedule for the coming week."

"Oh! Are you from Westminster?"

"You got it. From now I will be communicating with you. My father has handed over everything to me."

"I got it, Mr. Wilberforce."

"Kindly note that we would not like any form of publicity. Okay?"

"That is serious. Thank you for informing me. We wished to start the jingle tomorrow."