Brock Zaza
After Simon dropped the Smith family off at the ball, he found his way to the banquet hall where he was supposed to have brought Jess.
Brock was sitting leisurely, talking to his ministers and Walker Lane about the meeting with the Northern Elders.
Simon entered the banquet hall to make his report known to the prince as was customary.
Brock scanned the room, waiting for the girl to appear or come out from behind Simon, but she did not.
Simon's legs shook when his eyes fell upon him.
My prince, Jess Smith, said she had made arrangements with her fiancé and would be joining the family later, Simon stammered, not daring to look at him.
His lips twitched on hearing this, and his eyes gazed piercingly at Simon, who still had his head bowed, his knuckles whitened as he gripped the handle of the blade his hands had been itching to use for some time now.
What did you say?
I gave you the order to bring the Smith family to the ball and instructed you to usher the lady to the banquet hall once she arrived at the palace.
Instead, you did the opposite and let her persuade you to leave without her because she had arranged with one so-called James, Brock quizzed, his nostrils flaring up in anger.
Forgive me, Your Highness, Simon stammered.
Beads of sweat formed on his face, and his hands shook from nervousness.
Simon tried to maintain his composure and calm his nerves so he did not provoke the crown prince further.
A servant walked in at that moment to serve the prince and his guests’ wine as instructed by Walker Lane.
She could feel the tension in the room and did not dare raise her head to look at the crown prince, who was enraged.
Walker Lane, who was standing behind Brock, intervened.
She picked up two glasses and waved her hands for the servant to leave, and the servant sprinted out of the room.
She handed Brock a glass and said-
I am sure she will come eventually as both her parents and sister are here. If you want, we could have her sister accompany you to the meeting with the Northern Traders so that you could keep a close eye on when she arrives.
That will not be necessary.
Allow them to enjoy good food, wine, and music. Just watch over them, and inform me when the girl arrives.
Simon, Brock called.
Simon, who still had not raised his head to look at the prince, lifted his head to gaze into his eyes.
You said that Jess Smith had a younger sister, right? Brock quizzed.
Yes, Your Highness, shall I have her brought here? Simon asked.
Yes, I would like to speak to her about what she told you. Scare her a little so that she dare not lie to my face. You know how that irks me, do you not, Simon? Brock asked.
I shall bring her to you, my prince, stated Simon, leaving the room.
I want a background check on James. Find out if anything is going on between him and Jess, Brock instructed Walker Lane.
As you wish, my prince, Walker Lane, replied.
Just then, a maid walked into the room to inform the prince that the traders from the north had arrived and were at the back of the castle where there was less crowd.
Is everything prepared? Brock asked as he took his mask and covered his face.
Yes, Your Highness, these are the names of the traders that would be in attendance at the meeting, she said, handing Brock a list that contained the names of the traders.
Since this is a costume party and the king has mandated all guests to dress accordingly, it is the perfect opportunity to cosplay as James without raising suspicion, Walker Lane explained.
That is good, but how do we confirm the identities of these men without being fooled just as we are planning to fool them? Brock quizzed.
The traders had met James in the afternoon before we apprehended him, and we managed to get the secret code for the meeting.
To recognize him amid a sea of color, he had informed them of his plans to dress up in blue pants and shirts with a golden mask.
Walker Lane whispered something in his ear, which made him smile. James overestimated himself. Brock said, chuckling softly.
So, all I have to do to confirm my identity is to badmouth myself and mention the arrangement at Magros Epic after the meeting? Brock furrowed his brows as he could not imagine how stupid James and his cohorts were.
Yes, Your Highness, Walker Lane agreed.
Where is Elder James now? Brock asked.
I instructed Daniel to lock him up in the dungeon until we get clear evidence against him.
His lips twitched as he tilted his head to look at Walker Lane.
And Daniel agreed to this task willingly? Brock asked in surprise.
He hesitated initially and made a fuse, but I do not know what made him change his mind, so he decided to go at the end.
I was surprised at his change of heart, Walker Lane said. Remembering how Daniel had his nose scrunched up in disgust when she told him to handle Elder James.
Daniel had been born on a starlit night amid the warmth of late summer. Some say it became part of him, that brilliant light from above and cozy feelings remaining from sunshine.
Daniel was always sure of one thing. That there was a sparkle in every darkness, behind every cloud.
It was as if, when coldness came, he was the warmth, as if his baby skin took it all in and kept it safe. Yet in all that gentle spirit, there was a warrior. He was someone who would make any sacrifice to save others, to guard them, and pay any price.
I am sure Elder James will appreciate his company and the care we have to offer him in the dungeon.
Make sure to give him food and wine. I want him healthy when he faces the music for crimes committed against the Royal family, said Brock.