My Wonderful Second Life

Chapter 21- A first look into Prince Francis

"My sister invited me last minute, besides your excellency know better than me that she is a hard person to refuse." The duke said nothing but nodded slightly, while his two aides showed some discomfort. So the hell bitch princess had a reputation already. No wonder. "I was now going to bring them to you so you could show them the carriage. Allow me to accompany you and your lovely daughters out." Asked the prince with the brightest smile he could muster.

The Duke looked conflicted, and for a long pause stayed quiet. Only when one of his aides pushed him into answering, did he agree. But before they went, the Duke asked the question he so much wanted an answer for.

"So my daughters, how was tea with princess Odette?" He asked smiling like a proud father, waiting for the good news.

None of his daughters answered initially. Jenni didn't, because the prince gave her a silent pressure through a stronger grasp in her arm. I didn't either, because I caught his deadly silencing look, that rivaled the Duke's angry cold look.

"I cannot answer for your daughter Duke, but I can tell you both me and my sister were happy to see them for tea. We enjoyed their company tremendously and we hope to see them again." The prince again returned to his polite smile and posture. While both, me and Jenni continued silent.

She probably scared to counter a royal prince and I thought of the nightmare it would be to repeat this experience again.

Before the Duke could pressure us for an answer, the prince gave Jenni's arm to the Duke and took mine. I could see the Duke's face grow paler by the minute. Again he had to be pressured into moving by his aides.

There was not much he could say, the oldest daughter always took her father's arm unless she was married or engaged. The younger took the gentleman's arm, going always by ranking. If not for Prince Francis being there, I would have been led by one of the aides. Or just switched with Jenni, since the Duke cared shit over those customs.

But no, prince Francis "had" to take us to our carriage. Because it seemed polite and nice of him, yet that was not the real reason for taking my arm.

While the aides and father, with Jenni at his arm, moved forward away, never too far and always with the Duke giving a glance back, me and a prince Francis walked behind and a slower pace.

"I hope you have the heart to forgive my sister princess Odette. Since she is the only princess, my mother dotes her a little too much which can lead to being somewhat spoiled. Because of that her etiquette may be lacking in some areas and some innocent pranks may happen." He whispered, close to my neck with the sweetest voice and a very soothing grab on my arm. "Can I also hope that the spider incident is kept just between the tea invitees?" Now the grip turned stronger and his voice no longer carried sweetness, just a commanding sound.

And here was the real reason for the polite walk back to the carriage. The assurance I wouldn't run to tell the Duke what happened. Wasn't going to before, since I didn't want to be responsible for a confrontation between the royal family and the Duke of Mountnero. But right now I just wanted to spill the beans. I hated being "forced" into hiding the Hell Bitch shit. Truly hated it, yet I still wouldn't spill anyway, too risky. Nonetheless, my mouth was filled with a bad taste after this exchange.

"Your Majesty, please don't worry, as a Sun Empire follower nothing fills more my heart than being in the company of the morning sun of the Empire and the royal princess. What happened is of no consequence and shall be forgotten." I gave a bright smile, but each word hurt deep down, as I knew full well they were all lies, except the secrecy part.

The prince laughed softly away now from my neck. And for the first time, I thought I saw the real smile from the prince. He looked at me and stopped his walk, his golden eyes shining.

"It was an honor to meet both daughters of the Grand Duke of Mountnero. Especially the infamous Lulu." He gave a warm smile and then continued the walk, as the Duke was giving us very angry looks and something told me if we didn't walk he would come for us.

The rest of the way to the carriage was made in silence. At least on the outside, inside I was having a screaming contest about how infamous was I already to have the Royal Prince know my nickname!

Still, on the outside I was calm and lady-like, wishing that each step was the last till the carriage.

When we finally arrived, I was ready to leave this damned prince and this damned place. But before I could seek refuge on the carriage, the prince grabbed my hand and kissed it, prompting a horrified Duke to almost yell at the prince. Luckily he was stopped by the helpful aides.

"I hope to see you again Lady Lucreatia. Have a safe journey infamous Lulu." He whispered the last part and gave a cheeky smile before going to Jenni and repeat his goodbyes at her.

While I recoiled into the carriage, I saw the angry look the Duke was given to the prince as he kissed Jenni's hand as well. If looks could kill...

As I watched them, I thought of the prince's last words, reaching a logical conclusion. To avoid him at all costs. True, princess bitch was indeed a bitch but she was kind of easy to deal with as she was very open in relation to her feelings. She was spoiled and not as bright as she thought. He, however, was much more deadly and hard to read. Not a good combination.

Yes, avoidance was the key to my survival. Problem was that the writer seemed to have a sick pleasure in creating death traps for me.
With a heavy breath, I gave a silent scream while spewing bad words to a really bad writer.

Screw you, writer!!!!

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