Sensing Danger

I will be willing to fulfill your request, Your Highness, if I am allowed to see James before the ceremonial opening and if you promise to help him join the military. Jess said nervously.

Jess turned to look at the crown prince, who was still in disguise, and wondered what he looked like without the mask and the beard.

Brock let out a hearty laugh before saying-

Good choice.

I promise to treat him fairly and not stand in the way of his dream. Brock promised with a satisfied smile.

Brock meant it, but he was not offering his assistance out of goodwill but for his selfish interest. James would be busy with his military career while he would be busy wooing Jess.

As for your second request, it can only be made possible during the ceremonial opening as we have to prepare for it in the five days leading up to the event. Brock added.
Jess wanted to protest, but considering her options, she had no choice but to accept the deal.

An invitation would be extended to James Morris and your family so that you can see them after being apart for eight days. Brock said, and her heart flipped out in joy.

She could not explain it, but it seemed the crown prince was a mind reader to know what she was thinking without her voicing it out.

Deal, he asked.

Deal, Jess replied.

Daniel called out to Rydal, who was at the door waiting for the crown prince's decision so he could know his fate.

Yes, Your Highness. Rydal replied.

I am transferring you to the border for your conduct, and you are to report there in three days. Brock said after a long pause.

Rydal was shocked when the crown prince informed him of his transfer to the border rather than being dismissed in shame. He was beyond excited and knelt with his hands joined to show appreciation to the crown prince and the lady.

I will forever be in your debt and service, Your Highness. Rydal said, grateful.
Brock nodded as he waved his hands to dismiss Rydal.

Brock sent a messenger with a horse to the Hospital estate to fetch a carriage for him to use as he was tired and could not ride a horse. It had taken the man thirty minutes to return with a golden carriage.

The snorting of the horse from a distance caught her attention, and she stood up to peep through the window when she saw a carriage entering the training center.

Not quite long, Jess heard a knock at the door, and one of the guards entered to inform them that the coachman had arrived. Jess heaved a sigh of relief as she wanted to return to the safety of the Royal Hospital and avoid the crown prince if possible.

For someone who almost lost her neck for coming to see her fiancé, you seem rather eager to return to the Hospital. Brock said tauntingly.

She was excited at hearing the sound of the chariot, had forgotten that the crown prince was seated in one of the chairs at the far corner of the room, and was surprised to see him standing behind her.

Your-your Highness, Jess stammered, placing her hand on her chest to calm her heart.
Brock, he corrected her. Jess nodded, not wanting to argue with him.

Jess had been jumpy since her encounter with the crown prince and had to wait for two hours for the guard that had gone to fetch the carriage to return. It was a treacherous wait, and she would have gone crazy had the guard not returned sooner.

The sky had turned dark an hour ago, and the fading rays of the sun gave a warm orange tinge to the sky, which made it easy for Brock to slip away without drawing attention to himself.

The crown prince walked briskly with his long legs while Jess had to jog to keep up with him. Noticing her panting and running with her skirts held up by both hands, Brock slowed down for Jess to catch up to him.

After you, Brock said, motioning with his hands for Jess to walk in front of him as he could sense the danger lurking in the dark corners of the alleys.

Brock knew they were safe within the military training center, but he could not afford to spend the night as they lacked the necessary facilities to repel an attack.

Jess could see the dark circles under his eyes and his dropping eyes fighting to stay wide open. She felt tense as she felt an aura surrounding them like pairs of eyes watching her every move. She turned around to scan the environment but saw nothing but vast trees lined on the sidewalk.

Jess gathered the hem of her dress with one hand while the other hand held onto the side of the carriage for support as she climbed onto the carriage.

Jess heard whisperings between Brock and the coachman and leaned closer to the window to listen to what they were saying, but their voices were so low that Jess could not pick up on anything. She was surprised when the door opened, and Brock entered, looking tense.

What is wrong? Jess asked nervously.

Brock smiled at her before taking her hands in his big palm and kissing them, which made Jess withdraw her hands.

What are you doing? She asked, annoyed.

You look so charming when angry. What did you think I wanted to do?

I should be the one asking you that. Do you go around kissing random ladies' hands? She queried in a loud voice.

You are doing well, Brock replied, giving her a thumbs up.

What? Jess asked, puzzled.

She had never met someone as confusing as the crown prince; one minute, he was kissing the back of her hands, and after pushing him away, he gave her a thumbs-up.

Brock stared at Jess and signaled for her to be still with his hands; Jess was skeptical about his behavior but obliged to see what he would do.

Brock brought his lips close to her collarbone, and Jess was about to kick him in his nether region if he tried anything funny.

Jess was ready to face the consequences that she might face for kicking him, but her dignity was worth fighting for.

Jess inhaled, thinking that Brock wanted to kiss her, and began to wriggle in his hands before she heard a terrifying news that sent shivers down her spine.