The Prince (WMMAP FanFic)

Ch 82 : Arius and Ijekiel

Their breakfast was far from digestible, since there was this awkward tension in the air. Jennette sat beside Athanasia and all her attempts at starting a conversation with Claude were utterly ruined as he only gave curt replies.

Athanasia and Arius shared a few glances before conversing with Jennette. However, Claude's bitterness in that was visible on his face.

Don't ask how they went through the whole meal. What matters, is that it was over.

Ijekiel arrived shortly after the breakfast was over and Arius met him in his Palace library. 

After exchanging greetings, they got straight to the point.

"Is everything okay with the Duke?"

"He did seem frustrated by how the audience went. But other than that, we didn't really talk much after we got back to the mansion."

"I see, let me know if he does something."

"Sure. And how is his Majesty? I didn't think he would accept Jennette that quickly? Is everything okay between her and him?"

"Well. . . he accepted her to reside on Palace grounds, but other than that he still doesn't accept her as his daughter."

"That'll probably take time."

Arius stared at Ijekiel wondering whether he should tell him or not.

"You know. . .I think Jennette really isn't his daughter."

Ijekiel raised his eyebrow in question.

"She could be," Arius looked around before whispering, "the previous emperors daughter. "

Ijekiel placed his index finger on his chin as he began to think of the possibilities of that being true.

"Would you like me to look into this?" Ijekiel asked  and Arius stared at him blankly.

"Can you?"

Ijekiel nodded.

"But if this really is true, I would still like to keep it a secret." Arius stated.

"Yes, I feel the same. If this is true, then it would ruin her life."

"Oh and, do you know what's happening in the north?"

"Duke Lejaris being extremely suspicious is all." Ijekiel replied.

"Hm, I didn't think you'd know. If you know then the Duke probably told you."

"No, the Duke doesn't even know about it." Ijekiel noticed Arius's questioning gaze,"I have my own people who get me information."

Arius smiled, "Dang, you've grown up."

"As if you should be saying that, who was the one dancing with a lover at the debutante?"

Arius almost choked on his saliva.

"Why, Why would you say that!?"

"Because it is currently the top gossip topic for every Obelian."

"What!?"

"Everyone's talking about the mysterious lady in red. How do you not know about the whole rumours by now?"

"Wha, what kind of rumours?"

"Well, since there has currently been no noble lady who resembles the one you danced with, some nobles are saying she was a commoner who you fell in love with and invited to the banquet."

"Thats-" Arius spoke up in protest but Ijekiel signaled for him to hush.

"While some other nobles say that the lady's grace and elegant steps during the dance make it hard to be seen as a commoner. And are saying she was a princess from another country."

"That's crazy." Arius commented.

"Nobles are like that, especially the ladies. They were all so eager to see who your first dance would be and you chose such a mysterious girl too. Many got their heartbroken last night."

"Oh please!"

"Anyhow, I am curious. Who was she?" Ijekiel gave him a smirk.

"If I tell you, it's a secret to the grave."

Ijekiel gave him a nod and a curious smile.

"She's not real." Arius uttered.

There was a short silence in which Ijekiel gathered his thoughts and expressions.

"Magic?"

Arius shook his head.

"I ordered a magician to dress up as a girl and use magic to appear as a girl to the crowd and then be a dance partner."

Ijekiel stared at him with the most bewildered expression Arius had ever seen.

"I don't have a lover, he was just my subordinate. The whole first partner thing is so annoying so I just asked him to do it."

Silence remained.

"If you don't start talking I will hit you." Arius looked at Ijekiel's dazed face.

"Geez! Was it that surprising?!" Arius slammed the library desk. He didn't need to worry about making noise in the library because well, it was his personal library.

When Ijekiel still didn't speak, Arius picked up a random book from the nearest bookshelf and banged it on his head.

Ijekiel rubbed his area of injury and looked at Arius with a still dazed expression.

"Say. something. or. else." Arius rose the book again.

Ijekiel finally began,"Uh, well, the truth is. . . during my study abroad, I came across a handful of couples who were dating the same gender. . .are you like that as well?"

Arius gave Ijekiel a dead stare, before stating, "No."

"It's alright your Highness! Even if you are, I don't care. I was just wondering since a boy tried to kiss me when I was there and my impression of them was ruined."

Arius held him by his shoulders. "What!? A boy-what?!"

Ijekiel smiled, "I accidentally punched him and broke a couple teeth."

"Damn. Well, let's stop this nonsensical conversation."

"Sure. Then I should get going."

"Huh, why so early?"

Ijekiel gave a half-hearted smile, "My father is here. He went to the emperor to discuss Jennette. He'll be done by now and he'll probably want to meet Jennette. I'll come along with him to see Jennette. "

"Meeting Jennette in his presence wouldn't be a good idea? You two are close, so why don't you meet her yourself. The Duke will come to her anyways."

Ijekiel who had gotten up and was wearing his coat back on, didn't answer as he thought about it.

"If the Duke says something, I'll just tell him I asked you to come with me."

Before Ijekiel could decide, a few footsteps were heard from behind a few bookshelves.

Athanasia and Jennette had come to see the two male friends.

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