BMP: Chapter 4

Chapter 4

“I know you.”

POV: Candice Regerett

I spent the entire time, either reading a book from the Royal Library, or going halfway insane when I look back at the conversation I had with the Queen. I grew up with my Father always in control. When he speaks, I must listen. When he listens, I must not only speak, but speak wisely. When he walks, I walk behind him. When he stops, I stop after him. When he asks, I must answer. When he orders, I must oblige.

That has been mandatory for me to survive as a Regerett. And perhaps it was the same mechanism I am rolling out today.

***

It wasn’t long before I was called to prepare for dinner. I was brought to a room back at Lautsen Assembly, where guests are provided a place to stay.

The room was of course, bigger than mine back at my Father’s estate. It has a living space big enough to be treated as another room. Then it opens to another room where the actual bedroom lies. The room was brightly lit, and the wallpapers added to that. There’s a balcony from the living space and I’m happy to admit that such petty thing made me relaxed. The bathroom is connected to a walk-in closet full of shoes and beautiful gowns. And in fact, I am wearing one of those dresses right now - black V-neck, knee length, satin dress that symbolizes mourning.

At a vanity of the bedroom, the three servants from before were fixing my hair, braiding it to perfection. And I look at myself from the mirror, admiring the reflection of somebody I don’t know.

I caught eyes with the tallest girl from before, at that she looked away.

“What is your name?” I asked.

“Savannah, my Lady,” the tallest girl replied, “And this is Alicia,” she pointed to her right, to the girl youngest I assume. “I greet you my Lady,” said Alicia, and then she introduced the third servant, “This is my sister, Alice.”

Alice took a bow, and said, “Happy to serve you, my Lady.”

***

I made my way to the Royal Dining Hall at Thorssen Assembly with a pounding heart. I am about to have dinner with the Royal Family.

I reached the end of the hallway, when Jackson approached me, “Good evening, my Lady.”

I returned the greeting, and then he announced me. “Lady Regerett has arrived!”

When I came to view, I saw how grandeur the Royal Dining Hall was. The ceiling was high, with four chandeliers lighting the room. From the top, I made my way down the stairs and saw the view of the window just across the actual rectangular dining table. I can see the Thorssen Garden that holds the fountain and the swimming pool within reach from where we all stood.

The Queen sat at the head of the table, the Prince Consort on her right, and the Crown Princess taking the place of the late Crown Prince on the Queen’s left. Beside her is Prince Adam. And across Adam sat Prince James, and beside him is a girl I assumed to be his fiancé.

Everyone stood up when I reached the table, besides Prince James who looked frozen staring down on his empty plate.

“Please, Candice. Make yourself comfortable,” the Queen reached for a hug, and by that the Prince Consort nodded. The Crown Princess hugged me next, and Adam patted the chair beside him, “Sit beside me Candy.”

I smiled upon hearing Prince Adam call me Candy, which I always do each time. He had been calling me Candy since the beginning, saying that he adores Candy as must as he adores me.

I sat on the chair Prince Adam has offered me.

“Well, since everyone is here, let us enjoy the night!” The Queen sounded cheerful, “By the way, Candice,” she pointed to the girl seated Prince James, “This is Olivia.”

“My fiancé,” Prince James added.

“Not yet,” the Queen returned.

I glanced at Olivia, who flashed me a smile. She looked really pale. When I glanced next to her, I caught Prince James staring at me, with wide eyes. It was as if he was saying I know you.

“You seem to have this habit of watching me.”

POV: Candice Regerett

I couldn’t sleep, that’s obvious enough. After dinner, I hurried back to my room on the west side of Lautsen Assembly, hopeful to call it day. And after my three servants, whom I learned before were named Savannah, and siblings Alice and Alicia, had helped me with my bath, I found myself shifting positions in bed, wide awake after hours of unfortunate attempts. I was leaning on my right, and I saw in between curtain sheets, the lights of the grounds from the outside. It was as if they were calling me to keep them company. I closed my eyes briefly, brushing the thought.

Like a whisper, I began hearing the hum of the old lady back at my Father’s estate. Somehow, I grew up with it, the tune, letting it overcome the night as a lullaby to my ears. But when I opened my eyes, I realized I was only imagining it. And that’s when I’ve decided.

I made my way out of Lautsen towards Lorentzen, hoping that perhaps a book would do me good for the night. The night breeze was cool as I cross the bridge that connects the two Assemblies. The path was open on both sides, so it was easy to admire the Thorssen Garden from my point, with the sound of water rushing out from the top of the fountain, like waves of the ocean splashing towards the rocks on the shore. I glanced at Kofoed Assembly, whose front doors were open wide, welcoming the breeze from the Garden.

I reached Lorentzen, and by the time I was about to turn the knob of the Royal Library, I heard a very distant sound. At first I thought it was the same tune from the old lady from my Father’s estate. I thought maybe I was going delusional. I shook it off, but it seems to go on. It seems real. And it sounded like piano.

I leaned out from the corridors, and listened intently to where the tune was coming from.

And I ran. I exited the doors of Lorentzen, and looked around. Few men in suits were roaming around, giving me small bows as I journey to reveal the source of the piano. With the sound of the splashing water from the fountain, it’s hard to distinguish. So I circled around.

I realized then that it was coming from Kofoed Assembly, opposite Lorentzen.

I stepped in, not knowing what I will find. Kofoed Assembly is where the Royalty would welcome international guests. Maybe, I thought, someone from Germany or Switzerland has landed in Wolland. And maybe I just didn’t know about it. Perhaps I’ll find a musician inside after all.

But before I was able to entirely bring myself in, I found myself surprised to see Prince James playing the grand piano of the Assembly’s lobby. The lobby was huge, bigger than the one at Thorssen. Chandeliers light the room, and a grand piano stands in the farthest corner on the left. Prince James seemed too converged to notice me stumble at the door step. I hid myself quickly, hoping he wouldn’t see me from the side of the wall. I was about to retreat when I realized I was too captivated by the music. I couldn’t move my feet.

Instead, I stayed, listening to the music that is both so sad and beautiful at the same time. Somehow it reminded me of the tune back at my Father’s estate, which held the same mixed emotions to me. Every note was like a swing of the knife on my skin. And I feel the pain hidden in every pause. But all at once, that same tragedy is what makes it beautiful. It was the melody itself being able to give itself an interpretation that I find very beautiful.

I glanced at Prince James, his body dancing swiftly at every touch of his finger. He had his eyes closed, and from afar I saw his vulnerability, synchronized in the music he produces.

My first impression of Prince James was brave, but that was before I actually met him in person. He was brave because he had the courage to leave the Palace. He had the guts to do things I never would have done. And I admired him for that.

And then I met him personally for the first time, at the Royal Library. And I realized he wasn’t only brave, but in control. He knew where he stands. He knew he is the Prince. He had the jurisdiction over his life. And I admired him even more.

But when the Queen speaks of him being blind and misguided, I saw the exact opposite of my assumptions. Yet the Queen has told me of my Father speaking highly of me, and I didn’t want to disappoint him, so perhaps not disappointing him means not disappointing the Queen either.

“You seem to have this habit of watching me,” he spoke loudly. His playing stopped, but he didn’t stand up. He remained seated, his eyes on his fingers, gliding on the keys.

I jumped.

“Show yourself,” he paused, “Candy, is it?”

Candy? When Prince Adam would say it, it sounded cute. But when Prince James said it, it sounded like mockery from his mouth.

He knew it. He knew it was me, so there’s obviously no point in hiding anymore. Besides, I thought if I should help the Prince, I must be friends with him first. I only got one problem, how does one gain a friend?

I stepped out of my comfort zone, and bowed on his presence.

Finally, he stood up, leaning on the grand piano, watching me.

So he claims that I have been watching him? But now he is watching me. Ironic.

“You’re the girl from the Royal Library, are you not?”

I nodded hesitantly.

“Funny, sweet thing,” he said, still watching me, “I had this feeling then that there was something special about you. Though I pictured you higher than a Queen’s puppet.”

His voice was bold. And I feel like it was the perfect time to run, hide, and weep.

“I wasn’t watching you, Prince,” I tried approaching him. By then he stood straight. “The circumstance at the library was a mere coincidence, and tonight was one as well.”

I reached for him. And for a split second, it felt like forever in slow motion. I was staring directly at his eyes.

“If I might argue, Prince, that it was your fate that seems to have this habit of interjecting mine," I added.

He was expressionless, as all the Royalties seem to pretend to be. He still wore day clothes - polo shirt tucked underneath his pants.

“So,” he replied, “You coming all the way here at Kofoed was a coincidence? Tell me, did the Queen grant you permission to walk these halls as well? Then you must indeed be higher than a Queen’s puppet, but a pawn.”

He laughed.

“I wouldn’t say a puppet, Prince, especially not a pawn. I guess you can call me the Queen’s confidant. That’s all.”

I sounded confident, but all my insides were shaking. I couldn’t help it. He called me a puppet! And worse, a pawn!

“Besides, I only came through your music. If you don’t expect people to show up, I’d rather you not play anything at all. It was too beautiful to miss, so I came. It was painful, but beautiful. I would have heard it from anyone who plays it, even for everyday for the rest of my life.”

I waited for him to make another remark, but he was silent. He was just looking at me, but it was impossible to read his face. Instead, I made another bow, and went straight back to my room. This time I didn’t care if I was restless, for I am not leaving my room for the second time.

“Today is the day, my Love.”

POV: James Bret Nikolai Ravn Østergaard

I made my way swiftly to Lautsen, the guest quarters. I try to recall Candice. She was wearing her night gown, wandering around the Palace at such late hour. I always have this keen sense of people. I know when someone is watching. And she had been hiding herself at the side of the wall of the lobby in Kofoed for a long time. At first, I thought I could just pretend she wasn’t there. But minutes went by and she wasn’t leaving.

When I finally revealed her, I expected her shivering. But she maintained her poise. Instead there was something mystifying in her eyes. If ever I frightened her, or intimated her, she’s been taught how to hide it well. It reminded me of the same when I caught her at the Royal Library with a book in hand. She was confident, like a while ago. Even though I called her a puppet and a pawn, she maintained her composure.

And she called the tune beautiful, something I’ve never heard anyone call it. I saw the spark in her eyes when she walked out from her hiding place, without tears. I can’t help but compare that same look to Olivia’s when she heard the same tune for the first time. It was different. Olivia had tears in her eyes, but Candice held admiration.

I knew from the library incident that she wasn’t just ordinary. Why else would she be allowed in the Royal Library? I thought perhaps the Queen just favors her, a guest from a neighboring country, but then I found her to be the Prime Minister’s daughter. I have seen Carsten Regerett before. He was a part of the Parliament, Minister of whatever office, so was his Father before him. But he must have been promoted, and the Queen must really trust him, for she’s the only one with the power to appoint the Prime Minister.

But then again, her Father is the Prime Minister, close to the Queen. I should have known what the Queen meant by appointing herself a contender. I wouldn’t have been surprised then when she showed up at the Royal Dining Hall, with an embrace from the Queen and the Crown Princess, a nod from the Prince Consort, and a joke from Prince Adam. She is indeed special, or trying too hard to be.

I reached the doors of one of the guest rooms in Lautsen and found Olivia deep asleep in the bed the Queen has provided for her.

Ever since she saw me break down when I lost my Father, I couldn’t help but feel ashamed of myself. How could I ever let her see me that way? She fell in love with a cool and well composed man, not someone who shed tears like a child. For the times we're together, she had seen me as her backbone, someone to depend on. If that’s why she fell in love, I couldn’t stop being that person. I looked back at her words with humiliation, “I always admired you for that sense of obligation, and responsibility, how protective you are. It is in your blood, James, to lead. And if you are going to escape responsibility once more, I wonder why I fell for you in the first place.”

So, she must have seen me a coward for running away. And I must remain to redeem myself.

I laid beside her, careful not to make any noise. I pulled the sheets closer to our chests, and shared cold feet. She was breathing calmly, as she always does whenever she sleeps. I brushed away the hair blocking her face, and stared at her in admiration as sleep starts to knock in.

The next thing I knew, I woke up with Olivia, watching me.

I glanced at the slit between the massive draperies and saw the new day ahead, sunlight making its way through.

When I looked back at Olivia next to me, I saw the pain in her eyes, desperate to hide it.

She forced a smile.

“Hey,” I hushed, cupping her face, “Today is the day, my Love.”

She nodded, pulling away from me.

 “Sit right next to James.”

POV: Candice Regerett

“Your hair looks amazing today, my Lady,” Alicia remarked as she adds hair spray to keep it steady for the day, “Not to mention your dark almond eyes that seems to be sparkling this morning.”

I smiled, as I did from time to time for the past hour or so, patiently waiting to get it over with.

The moment Alicia put the brush down, I can’t help but admire the girl who seem to be wearing the same black dress at the mirror of my porcelain vanity. Still looking at the mirror, my sight shifted to Alice in the corner, Alicia’s sister, with Savannah, making the bed.

It’s customary that when a member of the Royal Family passes away, the living will have to wear black for the next forty days, until the actual burial at Thelordain Cathedral, where the Royal remains are kept. Today is the third Saturday of the month of July, so I was told of our agenda for this morning. We are going to attend mass as Christians at St. Agatha’s Church, luckily inside the Palace Grounds, where Royalties also host private wakes, and in this case, for the late Crown Prince.

St. Agatha’s Church is located far back Lautsen Assembly. On the path includes the Lautsen Garden, the late Queen Analissa’s favorite Garden, where blooms different flowers of different colors, and a pond sits in the middle of it all. A tennis court is also found in this part of the Palace Grounds.

Ever since Father was appointed Prime Minister, I’ve had opportunities to visit the Palace. But I have never once stepped in inside St. Agatha’s Church that is so huge it has become the trademark of the Palace, which can be viewed even from afar.

After having breakfast delivered to my room, I made my way to St. Agatha’s Church escorted by a Royal guard. Ahead of me, I saw Prince James walking by himself, his blonde wavy hair dancing in the wind, as he reached the steps of the Church. I wonder where Olivia is, and why she wasn’t with him. There are men stationed outside, and they all took a synchronized bow as Prince James came into view.

I was almost at the step of the Church when I saw a familiar shadow at the corner of my eye. It was Henri. I assumed my Father is nearby.

“Miss,” he took a bow.

“Henri!” I exclaimed, my tone slightly excited, “Father?”

“He is inside, waiting just for you. How was the night, Miss?” He asked, walking alongside me.

“Quite disturbing actually,” I grinned.

“Candy!” Someone called from afar, and I knew exactly who it was.

“Prince Adam!” I looked back and knelt. He approached me with a tight hug.

Following him was the Crown Princess, smiling before us. I stood up quickly, and bowed.

“Good Morning, Your Highness!” Henri and I greeted in chorus.

“Why have a good one yourselves…” She took Adam’s hand, “Come Adam…” And together, they walked in.

“You go on ahead, Miss,” Henri gestured to the main door of the Church, as I turned back to him.

The moment I stepped in, I was greeted by enormous light from left to right, and paintings of angels scattered the interior, and statues of Jesus and various Saints on each corner filled the room. There are a few benches properly aligned just in front of the Altar. And from their backs, I saw on the front seat is the Prince Consort seated right next to the Queen who was whispering something to a woman in black right next to her. The woman was holding the Queen’s hand, like she was comforting the Queen. When I took a few steps closer, I saw her face. And I realized it was Princess Danielle, wife of Prince Hendrick, younger brother of the late Crown Prince. And from the side of the Church, on the west wing, I saw the spotlight directed to a golden coffin, which I assume keeps the body of the late Crown Prince. Standing right next to it, is Prince Hendrick, looking like an exact replica of his brother, surprisingly with my Father right next to him. They seemed engaged in a conversation. A young boy was standing just behind Prince Hendrick. It must be Prince Luke, his son, about the same age as Prince Adam. When Prince Luke saw Prince Adam come in, he rushed towards his cousin and they went to sit at one of the benches. I glanced around looking for a trace of Prince James. I was pretty sure I just saw him come in.

And then finally he came out from nowhere, approaching his Mother, the Crown Princess.

I didn’t know where to go, for everyone seemed to have found a partner for them. So I decided to hit the easy target, the kids. I walked up to them seated at one of the benches.

“Hello Prince Adam!” Prince Adam’s eyes widened, and he jumped out of his seat.

“Candy!” He grabbed my hand, “This is Luke, my cousin…”

Luke stood up as well, and smirked at me. “Are you a Princess?” he asked.

Someone answered for me, “Not yet, Prince Luke.” It was my Father. I recognized his voice. He was standing with Prince Hendrick. Prince Luke ran to his Father and clung to his leg.

“Prince Hendrick, this is my daughter, Candice Regerett.”

I bowed, “Your Highness, it is such great honor of mine to be in your presence.”

“Same as I,” he replied, nodding at my Father.

“Candice, my dear!” It was the Queen, leaning back for a wave.

I looked at my Father who had his usual glare, and I excused myself from the Prince.

I walked towards the Queen as she introduces me next to the Princess.

“Daniella, this is the special girl I was telling you about, Candice.” I took another bow, repeating the same words as before, “Your Highness, it is such great honor of mine to be in your presence.”

She smiled and nodded.

“Take a seat now, Candice. The mass is about to start,” the Queen instructed.

I glanced at my Father, but he wasn’t returning my desperate expression.

Where am I supposed to sit?

The Queen and the Prince Consort was seated in the front row, and everyone else settled just behind them.

Except for Prince James, for he seems to be on his way beside the Prince Consort.

Thank God, the Queen has called my attention.

“Come along, Candice. Sit right next to James.”

Prince James gave me a stern look, but he didn’t say anything.

I sat beside the Prince, and for the next hour I wonder if Olivia is ever going to show up. She didn’t.

“Remember, the Queen is on our side.”

POV: Candice Regerett

“What do you mean by not yet a Princess, Father?” I asked, while following his steps to the Summoning Room he requested from the Queen right after the mass. Of course he didn’t reply. I glanced back at Henri, who was ignoring my stare.

When we reached the Summoning Room, tea is already prepared. I sat down across him, trying to catch his eye.

I looked around and didn’t see Henri. He must have stayed outside.

“Did the Queen talk to you, dear darling?” he asked, shaking his teacup playfully.

“Yes. She said she needed my help.”

I thought of touching my tea, but it won’t help now. Whatever my Father will say will be very important not to miss.

“What kind of help would that be?”

I mumbled, and I saw his green eyes contract.

“He said he needed me to show the Prince that love doesn’t matter. In exchange, I couldn’t really understand what she meant when she said she’s giving me the crown.”

There was silence.

“And how do you plan to proceed?” He asked me, sounding serious.

I didn’t answer. Not just because I can’t, but I couldn’t. I never really thought about it. Everything happened so quickly I didn’t have time to actually strategize. Besides, nothing was clear to me since yesterday. I guess I expected this talk from my Father.

“Do you want my help?” My Father asked me. I can say I’m quite surprised he made such an offer.

I nodded, “Of course, Father. The Queen says she will reward us both.”

“Then do as I say!” He commanded, “Make the Prince fall in love with you, and you will be a Princess!”

I staggered back, half-surprised to hear it from him directly, and half-not.

“But,” I reasoned out, “He’s in love with someone else.”

“And you say love doesn’t matter. To prove it to the Queen, you have to prove it to him. But first before all, you must prove it to yourself.”

And I wonder if I should do it, if ever I could. It seemed so wrong, to break two hearts apart. To come in between them, I am sure the Prince will never forgive me. But the Queen trusted me, and my Father spoke highly of me. Will I take all of that only to please Prince James, who never once treated me accordingly? And how will I, my mere self, be able to make him fall for me? It seems impossible.

But as much as I wanted to say no, all I did was nod, like I always do in front of my Father. He always brings out my weaknesses. Whenever I’m in his presence, I lose all my courage. I feel vulnerable, and broken.

I grew up with my Father always in control. When he speaks, I must listen. When he listens, I must not only speak, but speak wisely. When he walks, I walk behind him. When he stops, I stop after him. When he asks, I must answer. When he orders, I must oblige.

“Don’t worry if you fear that the Prince will never notice you. Remember, the Queen is on our side.” He stood up, brushed his suit and motioned for the door, but stopped.

“Oh and remember, if you are able to accomplish this, it will make me very proud,” he says, his voice dropping, “But if the otherwise, then you’d be too much shame for me to live with, I’d rather not see you, forever.”

And it didn’t end there, before he actually left the room, he added, “You have three months.”

I never wanted to be the Princess, nor do I want to live in the Palace. I don’t want Prince James, nor do I intend to hurt anybody. But what gave me the guts to leave the Summoning Room with hope, was the chance to make my Father proud, in however I think is possible.

“You’re welcome, Olivia.”

POV: Olivia Reynolds

I wasn’t anything religious. So it’s fairly inappropriate for me to force myself down St. Agatha’s Church for the morning. Instead, I spent the next hour at the Grand Library, where I was lectured on Wolland History. I wasn’t anything near good at school, and was only lucky to have been qualified to graduate. My grades are average for the most part, and I didn’t think it mattered since I never thought I’d be doing this all over again. When I was young, I wanted to be a broadcast journalist. But unfortunately, I have two younger siblings my parents needed to prioritize. I stopped midway College and found a job here and there. For the past six years, I’ve helped them financially, until I met James, who has supported our youngest until he graduated two years ago. And now I’m free from any kind of obligation whatsoever from my family. James has asked me just on the start of this year if I wanted to pursue mine, but that was before his Aunt, Princess Veronika, has received a call from the Palace asking James to tend to his Father.

Before noon, I was dismissed to do my own homework on post World War II. And my tutor, an old man who never once smiled, told me to visit the Royal Library for easy reference, since all the worthwhile books are kept there. And since the Queen has allowed me to stay, he thought I was allowed to use the library as well.

I asked one of the servants where exactly to find the library, and brought myself there.

“Hello?” I asked, checking to see if anyone else was inside. Nobody answered, so I walked in.

I had to admire the interior of the Royal Library. Unlike the Grand Library at Thorssen Assembly, this one is slightly smaller, making it seems friendlier.

I went to check every bookshelf, hopeful to find anything that could help me impress the old man. He looked furious when he asked me of what I know about World War II, and I couldn’t give him a concrete answer.

Just so I thought no body was inside, I felt a presence from behind me. And when I turned around, I saw Candice, the girl James has told me about. She was the girl the Queen brought in to break us apart. I eyed her carefully, but she had calmness in her. Her hair was slightly tangled, and her eyes were a little swollen. She must have sleeping here before I came.

“Hello,” she spoke.

I didn’t know if that was meant to be sarcastic or sincere. I intentionally resorted to playing with my engagement ring. I meant it to be a slap in her face, but she didn’t seem to care anyway.

She continued, “Do you need help looking for something?”

I shook my head, “No, I can very well handle myself.” No matter what she has planned to ruin us, James and I are unbreakable.

I expected her to raise an argument, but she didn’t. From my back, I felt her walk away. And somehow I felt guilty. What if all she was doing was help? Besides, I don’t see the trouble of helping me for a book.

“Wait!” She looked back as I called. “Actually, I wanted something that I can read, about World War II.”

She smiled, and I saw her sincerity. What is she doing? Isn’t she supposed to be my enemy? That’s how James had described her anyway, vicious and unworthy.

She walked towards the last bookshelf, and handed me an old book. It looked like a hundred years old. She blew off the dust, and spoke, “There are thousands of World War books in this library, but this one is mostly summarized.”

I took it, and I can’t help but thank her for saving me from hours of browsing. “Thank you,” I said.

And then she replied, “You’re welcome, Olivia.”

***

“Hey,” a familiar voice surprised me. It was James. I’ve spent the whole afternoon reading about the World War. And Candice was right, this book was greatly summarized. Most of the information were bulleted, so it was easier to remember. “I didn’t know war is your specialty.”

I didn’t bother standing up from where I was seated, for he leaned over for a kiss at my forehead, and pulled a chair beside me.

He was staring at the book on my hand.

“So you came to the Royal Library then?”

Of course, he must have known the book, and most probably had read it a couple times himself.

“Nice choice of material, Livy!” He laughed and playfully pushed my elbow with his, “That’s the best book you can find on the topic of war indeed.”

He seemed proud, but I couldn’t take the credit just like that.

“Actually,” I started, “Candice recommended it.”

His blue eyes widened. “Candice?”

I nodded.

“Of course,” his voice was calm, “So she’s at library, again…”

I was about to ask what he meant with again but one of the Royal guards escorted him out for whatever purpose. He must be needed somewhere, again.

“Allow me to help you help the Prince.”

POV: Margarett Katherine Ravn-Østergaard

“Take a seat, my dear.”

Candice looked curious, but kept her poise on the line, as she obliged. Her Father has indeed raised her well. I have always admired Candice, of her heritage and natural brightness. Ever since I met her, I knew her to be of greatness, and I always wanted to help her. With James challenging me, I saw the best opportunity for both. To have James take the title that is rightfully his, and to develop Candice’s full potential.

I knew she had a talk with her Father this morning, therefore, I must know the progress if she’s made any.

I motioned for everyone to leave us by ourselves, and quickly just like that, everyone disappeared, except of course to the Prince Consort who resides in his own desk across mine at Agerskov Office, indulged in his own business. Jackson was the last to leave.

“I assume your Father has already talked to you regarding your role in the Palace, my dear Candice?”

She nodded.

“Are you certain to succeed?”

She looked away for a brief second, glancing at my husband’s direction.

“I am certain to try my best, Your Majesty…” She finally responded. “Though I haven’t entirely weighed my Father’s stand, I will do my best not to fail your original request.”

Original request?

I arched my brows in confusion as I repeated loudly, “And may you repeat the terms of my original request, my dear?”

“To help the Prince. And by your word, I shall.” She held a straight face.

“And how are you to help James?”

She was silent, and I saw in her eyes that she was thinking of something. Perhaps she had already answered my question, only she refuses to say it loudly.

“Let me help you then, Candice. Allow me to help you help the Prince. All you needed to do, is be your already self.”

“My Queen?”

I have to laugh at her naivety, sometimes showing at the cracks of her personality.

“Just be ready for this week, for you might be going somewhere with the Prince.”

***

As soon as she left, Nikolai spoke.

“I don’t understand what you need her for, my Queen,” he said, putting away the papers in his desk.

“Of course you don’t, Nikolai,” I glanced at the door of Agerskov Office, where not too long ago, Candice walked out of, “You don’t know her like I do. She will make me proud, as she was raised to do so.”