I'm unable to do my assignment since I'm concerned about Prince at the moment. I set the paper on the study table and shifted to the bed next to the intercom, not hesitating to push the intercom's talk button.
"My mother was the one who taught me how to play the piano. She was so into music that every time I passed by her room, I could hear her playing not just the piano, but a variety of other instruments as well. Then, one day, the sound of her instrument was abruptly silenced, and in an instant, a deafening silence could be heard all around her room." Prince Augustus clenched his fist in frustration. "They banished my mother to the palace, and they wouldn't even let me see her for the last time. She had to go through it all by herself! For years, I've been trying to figure out how to find her; up until now, I'd had no clue where she was. Through this thing you handed me, I'm certain that I'll be able to track her down. "
I rose to my feet. "I'm here. Don't worry. I'll help you find her." I extended my hand, and he did the same.
"Uhm... P-Prince Augustus, I- if you need anything, feel free to call me, and by the way, thank... thank you for putting your faith in me," I stuttered over my words.
After that day, he's been a completely different person. If his brow was usually frowning back then, now I see a grin on his face rather often. Prince Augustus has managed to change. He isn't the same as he used to be. Although this isn't anything I should despise, I'm annoyed because I'm starting to see something odd about myself and my body. The tickling on me got more intense, especially whenever the prince looked at me with a glint in his eyes, which was often.
In the middle of my meal, Prince Augustus appeared in the cafeteria and took a seat beside me, much to the astonishment of some other students, since it was the first time he had come out of his private room to dine in the public cafeteria.
"How come you're here?" I asked with astonishment.
With a little taunting grin on his lips, he said, "Aside from eating, what else do you think people doing in the cafeteria?
This was the first time the two of us had sat at the same table together in the cafeteria, so I wasn't sure how to respond. Nothing came out of our mouths, and the awkwardness of being silent was palpable. Other students' talks and the clanking of spoons can only be heard in the surrounding area.
What was he thinking, and why was he eating here? He isn't used to having a lot of people around him.
I watched him glancing around the overcrowded cafeteria, and then, all of a sudden, Prince Augustus burst out laughing, as if something humorous had occurred to him. "What are you laughing about?"
"Nothing," he responded with a much louder chuckle.
I want to laugh with him, yet something about his chuckle makes me feel uncomfortable. "You're not used to being in the crowd, so what's gotten into you why did you suddenly decide to eat here?"
That mischievous laugh was quickly replaced by a solemn one. It seemed as though what I said had offended him in some way. "I- I'm sorry, Prince Augustus. I didn't intend to be disrespectful." I apologized.
He put his hand on top of my head. "What's up with that expression? I didn't utter a word."
"I apologize for spoiling your mood."
"You didn't ruin my mood; it's just that whenever you make that look, I can't help but chuckle." He added.
He's talking about me as if I'm some sort of clown. Do I seem like a clown in the circus? I'm not sure whether I'll be pleased with what he said or insulted by it. But it's not too bad. At least I've learned how to make him laugh.
As soon as we finished eating, I went with Prince to his training site. I sat on one of the benches and watched him play. The group of scholars caught my attention, who were standing on the side, attentively observing the football game, as if they were interested in participating.
They were granted some time off. A tumbler filled with water and a face towel were the first things I grabbed. After finishing his drink, he handed over the tumbler once again. "Do you want to drink?" he asked.
"Huh? N- No, not at all." I politely declined.
After looking away for a while, he returned his glance to my direction again. "Go ahead, do whatever you like. Go roam about the campus, or have a word with your friend. I don't mind," he said, gesturing to one of the royal guards. "Since Mr. Chad is with me, you don't need to spend your time keeping an eye on me."
"It's OK; watching you play football is fun," I replied, with a grin on my face.
On my return from school, I immediately make my way to the view deck, after I change into my regular shirt. Walden was seated with his gaze fixed on the sky when I came upon him. He wasn't with us earlier this afternoon since King Lucien had scheduled a meeting today.
"How's the appointment going?"
"Well, you know, the non-stop political discussion that goes on all the time? What's the situation at Borstal? Were you having any trouble?"
I shook my head. "Except for the media and the hordes of Prince fanatics, there is none."
"I'm sure he'll adjust."
"I'm not sure. Maybe yes but it will take a long time. All I know is that Prince Augustus was not pleased with the situation."
"I'm intrigued as to why you're so concerned about him. Do you... do you like him... do you feel like you're falling for him?"
I couldn't help but laugh. "Does the fact that I'm concerned about him imply that I like him? Can't I be concerned because I'm his personal maid? "
"It's only that..."
"Only that?" I repeated.
"Nothing." He flashed a smile.
When I heard the chime on my phone, our discussion came to a halt.
Mishelley Alvez sent an attachment.
When I opened Mishelley's email to me, I almost dropped my phone in disbelief when I saw that the media interview with me had been published.
"T- they're already aware," I muttered under my breath.
"Gemma, are you feeling alright?"
When I showed Walden what Mishelley had sent me, he seemed a little perplexed. "Is this the interview you had with the media?"
I gave a nod.
"I don't know about your situation you can tell me, but if you don't feel like telling me, that's alright; I understand."
I chuckled. "Your tone indicated that you were curious to learn what had happened. But even if you don't tell me, I'm going to tell you anyway."
I started by explaining the reason behind all of this. My father is accused of something that he is completely incapable of doing. How I met the King and ended up as Prince Augustus' personal maid. Once I told him the story, I didn't leave out any details since I had plenty of time to tell him the whole thing.
"I was bothered for a short period, but this was something I expected. Perhaps my biggest concern right now is that the students at Borstal will have a different impression of me, but shouldn't I be used to it by now? Because this is something similar that happened to me when I was still in Amarillo."
Walden put his hand on my shoulder. "If they are true to you, they will understand you and will not try to push you out of their lives. But if they don't, I'll still be here."
I responded by touching his hand. "Walden, I appreciate your being by my side at this difficult time. It means a lot."