Chapter 223

The final course was served, and as the dinner plates were cleared away, Liam discreetly reappeared through the entrance doors.

He stood with a confident demeanor in the presence of the King. "Hello, Your Highness."

"Liam," the King regarded him. "I'm sorry that you couldn't join us for dinner."

"That's kind of you, sir. However, I've come to inform you that your presence is needed elsewhere." Liam kept his hands clasped in front of him professionally.

"Oh, but we were all just starting to warm up to one another," the King said with a slight pout to his lips. "Come join us, Liam."

"I don't think that's such an excellent idea," Liam cautioned.

"Let loose, Liam. We have company."

"Liam hasn't let loose since he escaped his mother's womb," Prince Alexander teased, leaning back in his chair as if he was lounging on a comfortable couch.

"I'll have you know that I let loose more often than not," Liam retorted, his ears turning a light shade of pink.

"Oh, really?" Prince Alexander asks, clearly egging him on. "Give me an example."

"Well, there was that one time where—"

"That doesn't count," Prince Alexander cut him off before he could finish with a smirk.

"How did you even know what I was going to say?" Liam quipped back smartly, crossing his arms over his chest. "You didn't let me finish."

"Don't you know that I can read minds," Prince Alexander said smartly, only joking with him. "I know what you're thinking right now, too."

"I don't think you want to know what I'm thinking right now," Liam said with a warning.

"Gentlemen, please," the King said holding the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger. "I'm starting to get a migraine from all of this arguing."

"He started it, Your Highness," Liam defended himself, attempting to hide his guilt.

"Oh, that's very mature of you, Liam." Prince Alexander smiled that same smile. "You're twice my age."

"Okay, fine! I'll go if you insist," the King said, standing from his spot at the head of the table. "As long as both of you promise not to disturb my peace any longer."

Liam's interaction with the Prince struck me as different from his usual professional conduct. Liam seemed to treat the prince more like a friend or annoying brother than a boss.

Liam whispers something in the King's ear once he reaches him, and the King's expression turns into something more serious. "I apologize. This is not how I wanted to end the night. It seems that there is an unforeseen matter that I must attend to."

I stole a glance of Prince Alexander out of the corner of my eye and he appeared incredibly bored. He didn't seem too concerned with whatever his father had to suddenly deal with.

"I'll make it up to you tomorrow at dawn," the King promised, looking at me directly in the eye. "We can share a private breakfast. Prince Alex, you will join us?"

"Must we wake up so early?" Prince Alexander lets out a groan of disappointment. "You know how much I detest waking up when the sun rises."

"Fine. How about an hour after dawn?"

I sat silently, surprised at the ease with which the King conceded, negotiating breakfast times with his son. If this was Kendrick and Lucas, there would be no room for arguing or trying to change the terms.

"Make it two, and I'll be there. Besides, Shana probably needs more sleep after her long journey," Prince Alexander added, his bright green eyes meeting mine.

I have to fight the urge to tell him not to include me in whatever schemes he has. I'm not a pawn for him to use to get what he wants.

The King turned toward me, offering a smile.

"I'm afraid the duties of a king never rest," he said, his eyes lingering on me for a moment. "If you need anything, please don't be afraid to let us know."

As the grand doors closed behind the departing monarch, Prince Alexander leaned back in his chair, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well, it seems I'm your tour guide for the evening."

"Me?" I looked around, half-expecting Lucas or Kendrick to join us for the tour, but Prince Alexander caught my gaze and shook his head.

"It's just you and me, Shana."

Why can't Lucas or Kendrick join us?" I questioned, a subtle unease settling in as I preferred not to be left alone with the Prince.

"They already have a tour scheduled tomorrow morning, and some things we need to discuss don't involve them."

The Prince was talking as if Lucas and Kendrick weren't sitting right across from us. I started to feel increasingly uncomfortable.

Prince Alexander looked at Kendrick, pinning him with his stare. "You don't mind, do you?" Shifting his gaze to Lucas, he continued, "I promise to keep her safe."

I could tell Lucas wanted to bite back and say something, but Kendrick shot him a glare. We weren't allowed to disobey royalty. We had to listen to whatever they said, even if we didn't agree.

"That's fine by us. We need to retire to our rooms anyway and prepare for the long day tomorrow. Thank you again for everything you and your father have done for us," Kendrick smoothly replied, ingratiating himself with the Prince to secure favor.

Seeing him like this made me think that he was an entirely different person.

Observing Kendrick's behavior, it became apparent that he was putting on a facade, presenting a version of himself that prioritized his own interests. It also showed me how two-faced Kendrick could be. He was thinking about himself first, as always.

He would do anything he could if it benefitted him in some way. And right now, getting on the royal family's good side was his goal.

"So, Shana, are you ready for a grand tour of the Ethereal Palace from the best tour guide the palace could ever provide?"

"You speak highly of your abilities," I said cautiously.

Prince Alexander shrugged. "I'm only telling the truth."

I nodded, trying to push aside the discomfort that settled in the pit of my stomach. Lucas and I made eye contact and he gave me a subtle nod of goodbye.

It hurt that we couldn't share a moment like this, and the distance between us felt palpable within the palace. I wanted to go up to give and give him a hug or a kiss.

"Goodnight, Shana." Kendrick stared at me like he was trying to tell me something. "My security will still be with you. I have two guards stationed outside of your door."

"Thank you," I said in a low voice, not sure what else I should say.

I watched as both Lucas and Kendrick left the dining hall, leaving me alone with the Prince. With Kendrick and Lucas excusing themselves, the grand hall now felt eerie in its emptiness

"Shall we?" Prince Alexander asked, extending his arm in a gesture for me to take it.

Hesitant but with no other option, I placed my hand on his arm, and together, we embarked on a tour through the sprawling corridors of the magnificent Ethereal Palace.