The Florist And The Prince

~ 34 ~

Apologies for the late update, but here it is. 😁

Alex

In the morning, straight after breakfast, Alex spent it in the study as it was more private  than the library, which the eligibles were allowed to use. Looking through the layout of the contest one final time, he felt sorry for the eligibles because it wasn't going to be easy for them, especially since they didn't come from royalty and only knew the tip of the iceberg. They weren't prepared for the rest that lay under for them. It was definitely going to be a make or break situation for them.

"Alex?"

He looked up from the files to the doorway. "Hmm, you're back."

"Yes, I just got in. Are you busy?" Lucas replied.

He had accompanied his younger brothers back home to Bulgaria a few days ago.

"Nope."

"Alright, Edward said to meet in the amphitheatre in ten minutes."

Alex nodded his head. "I'll be there."

With a nod, Lucas left Alex in the study before he stood up and put all the files away securely from any prying eyes then he went over to the southern wing to get changed into his fencing uniform before joining his cousin and trainers in the amphitheatre while he securely strapped on his gloves and sabre cuffs.

"Your highness." The trainers bowed in respect and he acknowledged them with a polite nod, then walked over to Lucas.

"So, how is Bulgaria?"

Lucas shrugged his shoulders. "Same, but there is this new resort that we must visit in Nessebar. It looks amazing."

Alex pursed his lips and nodded his head. "That would be great, but I'll be married by then, so you'd be a third wheel if you think about it."

Lucas screwed up his face in annoyance and wore his mask, prompting Alex to laugh.

"There is no way on this earth, that I will ever be a third wheeler."

"Never say never, Lucas."

"Your highnesses."

"Let's begin. Come on." Alex nodded at the head fencing master before patting his cousin on the back.

"Positions everybody!" Edward, the fencing master called.

Alex and Lucas got into position, standing opposite from one another.

"En garde!"

They all raised their sabre.

"Pret! Allez!"

Everyone began fight; attacking and defending themselves from one another. Alex and Lucas were very good at fencing and competitive too, so it took a while for them to actually finish fighting with Alex being the victorious one of the two of them after he tricked Lucas with a maneuver move.

"Okay," Lucas panted, removing his mask from his sweaty head. "You cheated."

"What?" Alex chuckled, knowing that his cousin hated loosing.

"What was that move?" He said, pointing to where they fought with his sabre.

"Me maneuvering your lunge."

"Well done your highnesses." The fencing master walked up to them with a smile.

"Thank you Edward and when you guys are done from here, my mother has asked the chef to prepare lunch for you in the back parlour."

"Thank you. I'll let the others know."

With a nod both Alex and Lucas walked out of the amphitheatre to change out of their fencing uniforms and freshening up before joining they would travel down to the town to witness the opening of the newly renovated orphanage, along with the eligibles. Walking up the staircase to his bedroom ahead of Lucas who was speaking with his father on the main floor, Alex heard murmuring of multiple voices above him and looked up to see Raquel with a group of girls whom he came to learn always hung out together, standing on the landing a few meters from him. They were deep in conversation with irritated and annoyed expressions etched to their faces as they walked.

"Why have them in the first place, if you are not going to take care of them?" Raquel scoffed then flicked her long, dark hair behind one shoulder.

Michelle, daughter of a Politician and Lawyer grumbled. "I'm never going to have any."

"I know, they are just too much work." Graciella scrunched up her nose.

Alex didn't know what they were talking about, but he had a feeling that it was good so he cleared his throat, capturing their attention.

"Alex." Raquel gasped, her eyes widening in shock while the rest called him by his title and looked down in embarrassment that answered Alex nonverbal question.

They were definitely speaking negatively about something.

"Ladies, we will be leaving soon for the town so I suggest that you all should start getting ready." He spoke in a respectful but authoritative voice.

He was not a fan of gossiping, especially since he was born into the limelight and grew up in it, and nearly everything that people said about him and his family was always taken out of context and given to the media.

While the rest of the girls listened and walked to their rooms, Raquel remained behind.

"Aren't you going to get ready?" Alex looked at her.

She inhaled through her nose and walked closer to him. "I will, but I just want to tell you something...Look, its about some of the contestants."

"Madam Eunice and the royal committee, including both my parents made certain to thoroughly look into each girls background to make sure that you were all cleared to take part in this contest, Raquel." Alex replied in a firm tone. Not liking where this was heading.

"I know and I'm not saying that they have some sort of history, I'm just warning you as a close friend of your family and your ex girlfriend that you should be careful in choosing your bride. You don't know what wealth and fame can make people do...what lengths they'll go to, to obtain them." Raquel said with a serious face then turned on her heels and walked down the hallway to her bedroom.

What did she mean, were some of the contestants planning to do something. He didn't want to believe her but he couldn't help it because unfortunately it was a big possible. People did anything for wealth and for fame, it wasn't a new thing.

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