Lucilline felt as if his whole body was doused in frigid cold lake water.
Why is the Crown Prince here at the residence right now? It has only been one day or two since our last meeting. What makes him come here all of a sudden?
His thoughts raced deliriously.
Duke Rubius was still ill in bed. He had ordered for nobody to know about his sickness. Lucilline had always upheld his orders seriously—but what should he do now? His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is now at the Duke Rubius manor! There is now a high chance that he'll find out about Duke Rubius' illness!
"Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince, you can't enter." Lucilline rudely blocked the entrance of the door.
Dimitri was stunned. He didn't expect to have this sort of treatment.
Lucilline's face wore an expression that made it seem like he was the victim.
All of a sudden, a hand patted him on the shoulder. A headful of mahogany red hair popped up behind him, with a gentle smiling face. Zephyratt leaned weight on his younger brother, "Come on now, Lucy. You shouldn't make things difficult for our important guest."
Important guest? Lucilline's delicate golden eyes widened.
"Actually, I was the one who invited His Royal Highness the Crown Prince over." Zephyratt smiled. "Do not worry. Your big brother wouldn't invite guests over without a reason."
Lucilline's cold body felt a slimmer of warmth return.
It has almost been half a decade since they've invited guests over to Duke Rubius' manor. That was when Duke Rubius' illness had set in, and he ordered for nobody to know of him being bedridden. Perhaps it was his shame from getting sick that made him decide such a thing.
Lucilline wondered what made his older brother decide to invite guests over. After all, that was against the rule that Duke Rubius set in their household.
"Why don't you come inside, Crown Prince?" Scarletta waved from behind. "I'm sure that there are many things you'd like to discover."
Dimitri's eyes thinned from caution. Many things that I'd like to discover?
He didn't question it however. He was lead inside the manor by Willow, who had also lead him the way past the many traps in the gateway.
Inside the manor, Dimitri sat comfortably in front of the dining table.
Willow had set up a tea set before him, pouring a cupful of hot tea for him. She then left swiftly, leaving behind her Masters to greet the guest.
"What is it that you'd like to discuss with me?" Dimitri arched an eyebrow.
Both Scarletta and Zephyratt sipped their tea at the same time, making them seem more like twins than anything else. Their demeanour and mannerisms at the dining table reflected the peace of a tranquil and still lake.
Only Lucilline knew what kind of menacing danger hid beneath their disguise.
"I have always been meaning to get in contact with House Rubius, but the Eldest and Second Eldest Young Masters' busy schedule and absence had left me no choice but to find Lucilline." Dimitri sighed. "However, I never expected for you two to purposely seek me out. It is indeed a rare opportunity for me, so I would like to hear what made you two go out of your way to gain an audience with me."
Scarletta placed her cup of tea gently down. Her silver grey eyes imposed a sharp and threatening glare, as she glanced at Zephyratt from the corner of her vision.
Her gaze meant "you say it".
Instead, Zephyratt just gave her the same imposing glare, as if saying "you tell him. I won't do it".
Lightning seemed to spark amidst the two's heated glares. The Crown Prince—Dimitri was clueless about the silent argument that the two siblings had shared. Only the two arguing siblings and Lucilline knew the inner turmoil that was going on.
"Ahem," Zephyratt straightened his tie, "I shall say it."
The heated glare in Scarletta's silver eyes had faded, melting into satisfaction of her younger brother's defeat.
"Actually, we've invited Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince over for a favour." Zephyratt explained. His shoulder-length mahogany red hair was keenly brushed, despite his true self being a messy and uninhabited child.
Dimitri was interested. "Oh? What kind of favour?"
"I'm sure that the Crown Prince have heard of our dearest father—Duke Rubius—being absent in society's presence during the past few years." Zephyratt added. The Crown Prince nodded. "In fact, five years ago, our dearest father have caught an illness and remained bedridden till this day."
"Scarletta and I have been away from home; not just for business but also to scout out the best doctors. However, we still did not find any suitable prescriptions for our dearest father. Therefore, we came back to the Capital City to ask the Crown Prince a favour."
He cleared his throat. "Could the Crown Prince please borrow us your best doctor?"
An empty silence filled the dining room.
Dimitri was once in a relaxed posture. However, after listening to the entire situation, his slacking and indifferent position had turned into a keen and thoughtful expression.
Meanwhile, Lucilline was grabbing onto the armrest of his chair. He shot his older sister and brother an accusatory glance. Why would you guys reveal everything? I thought that we were ordered to keep everything low key and under control?
"But naturally, I would like the Crown Prince to keep this entire situation a secret." Scarletta added, her face as cold as ice. "Pride and reputation is extremely important to our dearest father. Additionally, I am sure that this is for the betterment of society. We wouldn't want anyone to panic over our dearest father's sickness."
Dimitri begun to think to himself.
He found his skin feeling a small prick... then multiple pricks. The Crown Prince felt like his entire body was itching... When he heightened his gaze, he noticed both the two eldest Rubius siblings glaring daggers at him...!
Scary. He couldn't help but think of such a word.
Dimitri coughed, "I agree to your conditions. I will arrange for the Royal family's personal doctor. When I find a suitable time for him to visit the patient, I will send a letter over on the date."
"Thank you." Scarletta sighed in relief. "We are very grateful for your help."
The Crown Prince just waved a hand nonchalantly, flaunting his princely white suit, which was rid of any specks of dirt.
"I will be on my way now." He got up from his chair.
Both Scarletta and Zephyratt were alarmed. "Already? Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay over any longer?"
Dimitri shook his head. "Since Duke Rubius' condition sounds terrible, I will be sure to arrange the Royal Doctor to come over for an appointment... as soon as possible." All of a sudden, a sly smile bloomed on his handsomely sharp face. "However, I would like for the Third Young Master to send me out personally. There are some things I'd like to discuss with him individually."
The look on the Crown Prince's face seemed to be sensible and endearing. However, Scarletta and Zephyratt were able to sense the aura of a mighty lion underneath.
This made them feel as if they could not refuse.
"...Lucy, send our important guest out then." Zephyratt's lips twitched.
"Yes, Lucy." Scarletta added on the sidelines, "Make sure that our important guest gets past the gates... mhm, don't let him step in any traps."
Lucilline obediently agreed. He got up from his chair, then noticed Dimitri holding out a white gloved hand towards him, "Well then, shall we go?" The Crown Prince wore a dazzling smile, capable of softening hearts into mushy flesh. The gaze lingering in his hazel brown eyes were especially soft and gentle.
*****
Lucilline led the way past the traps.
Although he often had Willow carry him across the land of traps, he himself had already memorized the positions of each and every one.
Dimitri followed his and every movement, making sure to follow through. "I have always been wondering why there are such little servants in the manor. It is to hide Duke Rubius' illness, right?"
Upon hearing that, Lucilline winced, "...not exactly."
Dimitri was stunned. "Then what is it?"
Lucilline pressed his hands together. The copper bell strung across his wrist had rung weakly. His delicate facial features seemed to be in conflict.
"Well, if you don't want to tell me, then so be it." Dimitri added elegantly.
His golden locks of curly hair seemed to shine underneath the sun's glare, as if an angel's halo was floating just above his head. He was a Crown Prince; with his status, forcing Lucilline to tell the answer would be simple. However, he just set it aside as if his curiosity did not bother him.
Lucilline pursed his lips. This man... isn't just a Prince in title. His every action is elegant, noble, handsome, and princely.
He was befitting to be Lydia Kingdom's Crown Prince.
"Wait," Lucilline blurted out. "Actually, I can tell you some bits of the reason." His heart seemed to grow stronger than before.
Dimitri stopped in his tracks, despondent to the sudden response. "...really?"
His golden locks of hair had brushed past his eyebrows, with a few strands blocking his eyes. It gave the Crown Prince the look of a child who was too stunned to speak.
"Mhm, really." Lucilline thought that his appearance was funny.
He subconsciously rubbed the copper bell around his wrist, "Actually, my dearest father had lost someone important to him five years ago. Duchess Rubius, she have passed away unfortunately. I've always theorized that her passing may have influenced my father into becoming bedridden. However, it is hard to prove."
"After Duchess Rubius' death, our father had made this news a strict secret. He was afraid of other servants revealing the news, so he just fired them all—except for Willow."
Finally, he'd revealed everything. Lucilline's tense body seemed to relax, and his slender figure regained its composure.
He gave a small smile, "Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince, you must keep this a secret, alright-"
All of a sudden, Lucilline was wrapped in a tight hug. He was stunned—almost speechless to find himself in the arms of the Crown Prince. Dimitri was masculine and full of muscle in general. His taut figure permeated warmth, and burned the black-haired nobleman's clothes from it.
"Don't call me the Crown Prince," Dimitri faced the back of the black-haired nobleman, hiding his face from his sight. His eyes were downcast, with a faint soft light visible in them, "Call me by my name."
He rested his chin on Lucilline's shoulder, "I will for sure keep this a secret. You can trust me."
Having gained an answer, Lucilline's pursed lips relaxed. His chest was pressed against the Crown Prince's, "...thank you, D... Dimitri."
Dimitri was satisfied with the answer. He let go of the black-haired nobleman, unfurling the hug.
They continued to walk past the traps, as if nothing happened.
"I'm going to assume that Duke Rubius' illness is the reason why you cannot give me the Staff of Curses." Dimitri suddenly added.
Lucilline laughed awkwardly, "Yes."
Dimitri hummed, "Well, I guess there is nothing you can do about it." His boots were prim and proper, even the heels were of white material. When he stepped unto the grass, none of the stalks could even get near or brush upon him.
"Then, could Lucy do me a favour?" He smiled, revealing his white teeth.
Lucilline instantly got a shudder of goose bumps. Lucy?
"Yes, Lucy." Dimitri answered as if he could read his mind, "I overheard your older siblings calling you that. If we're by ourselves, then it would be nice to call each other by casual names." His sharp facial features were even handsome when softened.
He seemed to have a soft and gentle glow, "I have asked Lucy for the Staff of Curses, but you refused. Then isn't it only natural for you to compensate me?"
Lucilline nodded. This seems about right.
"What kind of favour would you like?" He asked.
Dimitri smiled elegantly, but the words coming out of his mouth were not in the slightest. "Just recently, the Holy Church have received multiple threats. However, the worst have just begun. Yesterday, I received intel that a family of three commoners were brutally massacred. They lived near the Holy Church, and the entire house was soaked in black mucus. Using their blood, the words 'the demons will get back what the church have stolen" on the wooden floorboards."
Upon hearing the description, Lucilline's eyebrows furrowed.
"Is this the doing of demons?" He pondered.
Dimitri explained, "It could be, or it could just be a murderer pretending to be demons, trying to rile things up and make everyone anxious." His expression turned firm, "However, the black mucus is a sign of demonic activity. Only demons have such a thing. I doubt that ordinary humans have the capability to get such a thing."
Lucilline added, "One thing for sure, this culprit holds a grudge against the Holy Church."
The focused and hardened expression on Dimitri's face seemed to fade away, vanishing like a mist. He broke into a smile, "I'm glad that you understood so quickly."
Lucilline nodded weakly.
"What would you like me to do?" He asked sceptically. He only had limited power—he wasn't good at politics, he didn't have as much money as the Crown Prince... well, he was almost useless. The only thing he was good at was picking jewelry.
Dimitri tightened his white gloves.
They were nearing the gates.
"I would like Lucy to help me and the Royal Knights in defending the Holy Church base. I admire Lucy's skill, and if possible, Lucy can also invite a few friends to help defend." The tone that Dimitri used was as if he was merely telling the black-haired nobleman to bring friends over to a party.
Lucilline, "..." Aren't you way too nonchalant about this?
"I agree." He subjected to the request. "When would you like me to come over?"
"Tonight."
Dimitri fiddled with his gloves, "We cannot afford to be lax."
Lucilline agreed, "I will inform my elder sister and brother on this matter. Perhaps, they should be able to help."
Dimitri's eyes lowered at his own feet. "Thank you."
A while later, they arrived before at the gates. Lucilline pushed them open, nudging the Crown Prince before to the exit. "This is where I shall see you off then."
Dimitri smiled. "Yes."
He took a step outside of the black steel gate, then stopped abruptly. Lucilline was confused at what made the Crown Prince stop in his tracks. He tilted his head, and was about to ask, when—
Dimitri spun around, cleanly grabbing Lucilline's left hand with a gentle touch.
He bowed in a gentlemanly position, his back bending straight and prim. His white suit had accentuated his bold and husky figure, and his locks of golden blonde hair fell before his forehead. Bending down, Dimitri gently pressed his lips onto the black-haired nobleman's left hand.
He smiled contentedly, "Well, farewell."
Lucilline squirmed nervously. When his hand was let go, he couldn't help but feel all jittery, with his legs running weak.
"...what's wrong?" Dimitri turned back, his handsome face showing a cheery smile.
"...Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince..." Lucilline felt his soul being whisked away from his body. He could hope that the Crown Prince doesn't kill him, "You have makeup powder on your lips..."
Dimitri: ...
Dimitri: !!! (ꐦ°᷄д°᷅)
The Crown Prince was instantaneously agitated, like an irritated cat with his fur jumping into the air. "You should've told me!" He quickly pulled out his white handkerchief, wiping his lips at the speed of lightning. Although he wiped off the makeup powder, the taste of it was still on his mouth.
Dimitri felt like crying. "You...!"
He was as aggrieved as a bullied child. The Crown Prince almost had tears streaming down his cheeks, as he blurted, "I'm going back home!" He ran away with his tail between his legs.
Lucilline watched Dimitri's figure disappear past the horizon, "..." He felt like such a bully for no reason.
Author's Note:
OMG! I'm so sorry for publishing this so late. I just finished writing this chapter, didn't even edit it—come on, who even edits their chapters...? Okay, maybe just me.
I was experiencing some writer's block. I had no motivation to write, even though I knew what kind of plot I wanted this chapter to be about. For some odd reason, I couldn't find the right words to use, regardless of the ideas I had in my head. Ever experienced such a thing?
Welp, it's not the nicest thing to go through when you're an author and haven't updated for a week.
(;'༎ຶД༎ຶ') I now ruined my streak of publishing once every four days—
However, I somehow regained my motivation to write after watching nine episodes of To Your Eternity. I cried my eyeballs out, and for some odd reason, decided that writing a chapter would be a nice change of pace. I don't want to give up on this book...! Probably never will.
But if I suddenly stop posting, then that means I probably got writer's block again (｡ŏ﹏ŏ)
( ˘͈ ᵕ ˘͈♡) Thank you for your patience!