CHAPTER 3

LUKE

I stared at the king as he lean back on the table, his teeth

glistening as he continues to smile at me. "Son, you're just in

time."

I dismiss the idea on my head of just pushing this king down

the stairs . Instead, I gave him a curt nod, "Just in time for what

exactly, Grandpa?" I emphasize the words as I took a seat beside the

counter.

"We're heading off to France tonight," He pressed

a button on his chair and I watch as it whizzed nearer, "We'll have the

ball tomorrow at Paris. I've sent off the invitations to the other royalties

and known people Tomorrow will be the official day that you will be presented

as the crown prince. In addition to that, you will choose your bride during the

party seeing as you didn't have any girlfriend or lover..." I groan internally

as I listen to his speech.

In a matter of minutes, I was already dismissed and was sent

back to my room. Indeed, I have my own room inside the so called 'castle'. I do

not know why it mattered to them so much that I have to find a bride soon. I

can rule alone for all I care.

With that thought running inside my mind, I grab the phone

again and dial the same number.

'Luke?'

"Elle?" I pulled my luggage off the dresser before

putting it on top of my bed, 'Oh, thank goodness. You are still alive'

"Yes, yes. I am still alive. Are you still open for my

offer?"

There was a pause and I take this as an opportunity to pack

my things. I was about to head inside the bathroom to get my shaving cream when

she suddenly spoke, 'Luke, I am so sorry but I can't. I am already married to

Gabriel. I can't just go there and pretend. I hated to destroy the happiness we

have achieved after all the sacrifices we made.'

"I understand," I sigh and stare back at the

mirror, "I'll just choose someone from the ball, then. I'm sorry if I

bothered you but I hope you understand my desperation". I ended the call,

running my fingers on my hair as I gaze back at my reflection.

"Ugh, I guess shit really happens..."

•

The plane landed down on Paris at exactly five in the

evening, in accordance to their so called 'schedule'. A limo pulled up from the

airport and headed towards another hangar where we were fetch by a helicopter.

The skyline is beautiful as the setting sun cast a shadow

over the buildings around the Eiffel tower. I gaze at the window to see couples

kissing, bunch of people laughing; having fun.

We flew for quite a while and reach the beautiful province

of Normandy. The horizon shows the mountain and on the other side is the vast

ocean. It was majestic.

We arrive at the royal castle, not too far from the m. A

couple of women came bouncing beside the helicopter, anxious to meet the king.

I was surprise when a woman appeared beside me, " Luca..." she

whispered making me remember the last time she groom me back there in London.

"Genova." I nod at her direction before guiding my

Grandpa to his wheelchair.

"No, I can do this by myself..." He push my hands

off as the wheelchair whirred, descending down.

A couple of picture frames containing unfamiliar faces

dotted the hallway as I follow my grandpa, "These are our ancestors. As

you can see, this monarchy have reigned for the past century or so. I can even

remember my grandpa, passing the throne to my father. It was very momentous,

and I can't believe that I'll be doing the same to you and not your

father." The wheelchair whirred as he turn around, his face is mask in a

different facade as we proceed to my room.

I open it and momentarily stop as I see three ladies

standing beside my bed, holding out a different varieties of suits. I am about

to ask my grandfather when one of the women bowed in front of me. "Bon

jour, monsieur." I gave her a smile before I turn towards my grandfather.

"What is this for, grandpa?" I ask, examining the

suit with my hand. It looks very regal.

"It's for you to choose from," he muttered, his

face still unreadable.

"But Grandpa, this is all too much!" I stared down

at the suits the three ladies prepared for me. "I cannot accept this.

These are all expensive and not suited for me, I-"

"Son," he lays a hand on mine and continued,

"this is all I can do for you to make up with the things you didn't savor

from the moment you were born. Please, just for tonight...let me introduce you

to our world." He smiled glancing down on the suit before looking back at

me again. "Now, dress up. We don't have all night to prepare you to your

destiny, majesty..." I watch him walk out of my room on his wheelchair,

shutting the door behind him.

I look down again and let out a groan, "Okay, maybe I

can bear this." I gave a smile to the lady before I enter the bathroom and

took my bath.

After countless times of trying out the suits, I chose the

white suit lined with blue on the collar and wrist. It looks simple and elegant

at the same time. Perfect for this night. The three ladies gave me a thumbs-up

and nodded before pushing the smallest of them towards me, "Our lord, the

ball would be a masquerade. The King ordered us to hand you this..." She

provided a white mask behind her back and give it to me.

It was simple, with only a blue lining on the sides. It

reminds me of my past, the simple life I'd had about two weeks ago. But now it

felt like it was from a different lifeline, a life I almost forgot to live.

I put it on, took a deep breath then we flew back to Paris

for the grand ball.

•

"I would like to present, the crown prince of

Rose...Lucas Jonathan Hansel." The band came alive as I walk through the

gold carpet with escorts by my side.

I stand beside my grandfather and watch him as he took his

place in front, his crown glistening as he says. "Ladies and gentlemen,

good evening. Thirty years ago, I was standing right here in front of the

different royalties and aristocrats all over the world to pass the throne to my

son, Jacob ...may he rest in peace. Unfortunately he pass away and now I'm here

again, standing beside my heir." He smiled at me before turning back on

the crowd. "I'd never imagined that I'll be able to have a flesh of my own

as my successor. I thought that this bloodline will end but I am wrong. Now,

may I present to you, the heir to my throne, my one and only grandson...Lucas

Jonathan Hansel." And once again I was presented to the crowd of masked

people.

The king descended down the platform with me in tow, heading

on the royal table as he greet every royalty from all over the world before

introducing me as the crown prince. I sat down on the table beside my grandpa

as the dinner began.

I silently start with my soup and the first course, sniffing

the savory tenderloin presented to me. I was about to start with my desert when

the ladies bounded on me as soon as I grab my spoon.

"Oh Prince Luke, I just wanna lick that lips of yours

and-"

"Stop it, Anesa." I am glad to be able to remember

her name, their names to be exact. Letting out a deep breath I look around the

table and realize that it's impossible for me to escape this hellhole.

I currently have forty-eight princesses dining on the table

with me; Forty-eight girls to dance with; forty-eight bride-to-be's.

Forty-eight girls on which I would choose my future wife.

I push Anesa off me yet another girl pulled at my arm,

again. "Prince Luke, oh...I'm dizzy." She raise her hands unto her

eyes as she leaned on my shoulder, "Mia, stop it-I"

"Son," I stared back at my grandfather as he

stares at me, his eyes full of warning. "I'm sorry grandpa, I just-"

"Don't, " He held out his hand before giving me a

tight smile. " You might want to bond with the princes from the east. I

guess they need a companion..." He pointed out his finger to the three

guys sharing a drink on the bar before offering me a smile. I nodded in

response and was glad to escape the vicious girls of America.

I am making my way across the room when the door on my left,

open. Out came a lady in red; a lady that just captured my interest.

I wonder where she's been hiding for the past three hours?

My body must have known that this particular woman will attend my party. I am

clearly excited by her appearance. "M'lady..." The blonde beauty

didn't stop as I address her. She continue to run across the room, staring left

and right like she was lost in some kind of a maze.

"Mademoiselle!" The girl stop running and stared

at me; her red mask covering half of her face; concealing the true color of her

eyes as it cast a shadow on them. "Where were you headed to? You are

ruining the party by running around here like a child. Are you out of your

mind? " She looked down on her shoes to avoid eye contact from me though her

actions only made me develop an interest to this beautiful distraction...

"That door," I pointed at the Oakwood door on the

far side of the room and gave her an exasperated sigh. " Is locked. It

will be impossible for you to open that for the royal guards have put a special

passcode on it. Specifically, a biometric passcode that could be access by the

highest guard. Haven't you thought about it?"

She shook her head, no, before answering "I'm so sorry.

I do not know." Her accent thrilled me, she sounds like someone I know.

"Do you have a company? Your parents, or friends, colleagues,

maybe?" I ask, grateful with the little bother from this particular lady.

She shook her head again from my question and let out a little sigh. I pulled

her beside me and lead her to the bar, "Well then, I might as well

proclaim myself as your company." I gave her a grin and she smiled a

little.

Her smile was contagious that I can't help but smile back.

We reach the boys and I greet them as she curtsy. She sat beside me and was

shaking slightly. I whispered, "It's okay dear. You are safe as long as I

am with you." I notice the slight blush that peppered her freckled cheeks.

I was astounded. My mind went blank as I remember the girl

that made my heart stop. It was like that night again. Could it be possible-oh.

It is not possible. She was in New York. I am in Paris. There's a huge chance

that she hated me for leaving. She would probably wring my neck if she ever

sees me.

I watch as the girl smiled back at the lads as they offered

her drink after drink.

I never wanted to say this but, I think she will do just

great pretending as my bride.

•

I stared back at the blonde woman as she groggily spoke

between gulps of beer. It was only the two of us now, sharing drinks. The three

lads have retired to their room with their girls while I'm here spending time

with this mysterious blonde girl named, Lou.

"Now, Lou. Tell me where you came from?"

"nowhere..." she smirked before letting out a

laugh. It sounded like a dying seal making me laugh out loud. "Seriously,

Lou, how come you're here on this party, alone? Are you a royal or do you

belong to some kind of a--" My rambling stopped as soon as her lips landed

on mine. "You talk to much, monsieur..." She whispered as she grabs

my chin, kissing my ear. I pull her off the stool and carried her up on the flight

of the stairs.

I am so high. It felt like I am floating away from this

world. I do not care where my grandfather had gone to. After he place the crown

on my head, he disappeared on the crowd of people and I am not sure where he

was, seeing that he have so much things too prepare for the next

"dynasty".

I opened the door to my room and laid her down on the bed,

" Oh, Lou.. you are so beautiful even with that mask. I just want to rip

it out off your face and see the beauty behind--"

"Non!" She pulled away as my body shivered from

the sudden lost of contact to her skin, "Luca..." She pulled my face

before kissing my lips, "Let's just say that I would want to keep my

identity a secret, until tomorrow. All I want to do now is to have you in

me..." With that she pounce on me. I came into a realization that I should

make her pretend as my bride.

This is a benefit I wouldn't dare to turn my back unto. Even

though all of this might just be a dream, at least, it's worth the shot.

I'm getting laid tonight!

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