I knew that they were complimenting me only because I was now once again a useful leverage for them to use to further the position of our family. Ever since the prince started to show interest in me, my parents started paying me more attention. They made sure to take care of me and give me what I want all for the sake that I would maintain my relationship with the prince.It suddenly felt like the world around me went dark and suddenly multiple spotlights were shining down on me. Regardless of his intentions, it seemed that the prince had successfully put me right on the spot. “I think now I know why there are so many reporters gathered outside today,” Diana pointed out. I hated to admit it but she was probably right that all the reporters that we thought were gathered outside because of the court case might actually be here because of what the prince had said about me.“This is really amazing! He is so romantic. You need to attend the event with him, and of course, you need to allo
“I suggest you turn up to the event to at least help him save face. It would reflect very poorly on you and also on the prince if you don't turn up. The prince has always been kind to you, so even if you don't like him back, you shouldn't do things that will publicly throw him under the bus. You do know this right?” My sister continued on patiently. I nodded my head a few times solemnly because I couldn't help but agree with her. Desmond had always been kind to me, and I knew that many things that he did were for my sake. Even I knew that I shouldn't throw him under the bus, both in public and in private. “You also need to act a little smarter, my sister dear. You do realize just how our parents have been much kinder and considerate to you ever since you managed to secure the prince’s favor. I'm not saying this to scare you, but if anything were to happen, I am sure that the prince will defend you and keep you safe. Maybe he can defend you much better than I ever could and that trul
My response drew a laugh from the prince as he looked at me with sparkling gray eyes. I could tell that Desmond was very glad to see me because I could feel the life returning to his beautiful gray eyes. To my surprise, it wasn't at all difficult to reunite with the prince and talk to him again.“I guess it's good enough for me that you did actually turn up,” the prince said before grinning my way. The way he looked so thankful for my appearance made me feel slightly guilty inside. “My sister told me that I shouldn't throw you under the bus so publicly, and I had to agree with her,” I replied before I found myself smiling quite naturally. “I guess I have your sister to thank for this,” the prince replied. There were many things that I wanted to ask the prince, but there was one burning question that felt like it could no longer wait until later.“My father's corruption case and its relation to my family businesses, were you the one who stepped in to help us out?” I asked directly.
“Are you two back together now?” One of the reporters asked. Although I knew that these types of questions were bound to be hurled at us, I wasn't quite prepared to answer any of them. I also hated how nosy these reporters were. Clearly they were not here to cover the naming of the school or any topic related to community service. All they were intent on finding out more about was my relationship with the prince. I stared at them as I pursed my lips together while I decided to maintain my silence. “You shouldn't ask me about this. Why don't you ask the lady instead?” The prince said as he threw the ball my way. It took all of my effort not to turn and glare at him. Instead, I plastered a lady-like smile onto my lips as I thought of an appropriate answer. “Who knows?” I replied teasingly without disclosing any other details. Perhaps Desmond could sense that I wasn't in the mood to deal with all the reporters because he quickly signaled to the guards to help us out of the place.…
Desmond seems to consider my words. By that time the desserts had started to taste sour in my mouth instead of sweet because I had lost all of my appetite. The prince’s gray eyes focused on me just as I placed my utensils down.“Don't you feel that something has changed around you?” Desmond asked as he stared directly at my face from across the dining table. I wasn't sure what he was referring to so I replied by shaking my head from side to side. In truth it would be more accurate to say that there were so many changes that had happened around me that I wasn't even sure which change he was exactly referring to. “You’ve caused quite a bit of trouble as of late. I'm sure that your parents aren't so pleased about it, not to talk about a few other people,” the prince commented before grinning wryly my way. I felt my core tightened as a disturbing feeling swirled around in my belly at his words. “I don't know what you're talking about,” I denied although I didn't sound so convincing.
Diana's words and the look of concern in her eyes came back to me along with how powerless and vulnerable she sounded when she told me that she might not be able to cover for me all the time. Some things were definitely getting out of our control. Just like how I couldn't cover for my sister for every single thing, it was becoming impossible for her to do the same. I was certain that just as much as I was worried for her, Diana was worried for me too. I would be lying if I said that the prince’s proposal to protect me didn't sound overwhelmingly tempting. However, I knew that everything came with a price of its own. “And what would I have to do in return for me to receive this proper protection from you?” I asked as I leaned slightly forward over the table. The way Desmond smiled at me told me that he was enjoying our little conversation and that he was glad that I was at least considering his proposal. “In the longer term, there is something that I need to accomplish, and for me
“Wait. I don't want to do this…” I managed to say after he freed my lips and I found my voice again. My heart thumped loudly in my chest, and frankly, I was very surprised at the way that my body was reacting to his advances. Perhaps it was because of my lack of experience at the time, but I had thought that I wouldn't feel this way or react this way if I was with someone other than Anthony.“Are you sure? It looks like you were enjoying it,” the prince said as he kept on staring at my face. The way his gray eyes seemed to bore into me made me feel like he could read my mind. I wasn't sure what I was feeling at the moment, but I was certain that I had ventured into very dangerous territories. “All I need to do is fake being your girlfriend. This shouldn't be part of the deal,” I pointed out as I tried to calm myself down. “You're right, this isn't part of the deal but I am sure that it can help you forget everything that you need to. I told you that you could use me however you w
“The last king?” I repeated blankly after recovering from my initial shock and confusion. It felt like time suddenly came to a stop and all I could hear in the tense silence that surrounded us was the fast beating of my heartbeat. His answer surely caught me off guard, and for a moment, I wasn't sure if I understood what he really meant. I must have looked confused enough for him to give me an explanation. “I'm going to be the next king and I am also going to be the last king of this country,” he said slowly and clearly as if it would help me absorb the true meaning behind his words.Desmond will definitely be the next king and after that his son should take over, at least that was how things were supposed to be, unless he doesn't want things to turn out that way in the future. I felt my jaws loosen as my mouth hung open when I realized what he was trying to say. Desmond nodded his head in affirmation as if he could feel that I was finally taking in the meaning of his words. Many th