Love & Duty

Chapter 17

The next day came, and Rowen woke up with determination. He decided today would be the day he would tell Sophia of his feelings. He will tell her that was what he struggled with before. The decision he had to make when he asked for her advice.

Nothing will stop him.

He gets dressed and fixes his hair as usual, but this time making sure it looks perfect. Then he heads to Ren's office to start his workday. He was sure that Sophia would be there, and he will ask her to talk privately.

He might be ready to tell her, but he wasn't prepared for everyone else to know. After all, not everyone will be as open-minded about it as his close friends.

Eric and his team, including Prince Julien, left very early morning. Julien, in particular, was in a hurry to go, no one really knew why, but no one stopped him or argued with him. Eric had other urgent manners back home and couldn't stay any longer.

He and his team spent all night talking to everyone and getting to know them. Eric made sure that Rowen wasn't a threat to his precious sister and left her in his care if ever needed.

Eric felt at ease when Tyler and Valerie told him about Rowen's heroic act back in Oleander. Eric thanked him and patted him on the shoulder with a wink. 

He also doesn't know the reason behind that.

"Good morning Ren." he enters the office, being on time. A few seconds pass before Nikki, and everyone else starts flooding in. He looks over and, as always, finds her as beautiful as ever.

"What are you smiling at, Rowen?" Nikki asks with a smirk. 

"N-Nothing, I just thought of something." he defends. Seeing as her conversation with Ren is over, he heads over to talk to her.

"Princess Sophia, may I-"

"Rowen! Guess what? We are going to another city. This one is a bit further, but Ren says it's a perfect one to check out." she says excitedly, unknowingly interrupting him.

"I'll tell her once we get there."

~~~~~~

After breakfast, everyone packed up and was ready to head out. The town is a day ride away; they stopped in between to rest overnight. Even though Rowen wanted to speak to Sophia, his duties kept getting in the way.

He had no choice but to tell her once they got into town, and they were left to roam around. He would tell Tyler the honest truth about his need to talk to her, and he should allow him to stay with her privately.

The plan was set; he just needed to wait for the right moment!

~~~~~~

"You are late!" the Captain shouts, making the man flinch. "What's your name, boy?"

"C-Curtis, Sir!" he responds, trying to keep his brave face on.

"It's been a week. I still don't have the merchandise you promised." the Captain seethed in anger.

"I-I know. I've been tracking it. This time for sure, I got it. According to my informant, they are heading into a town close by. I have prepared a few men to take with me and ambush them." he lays out his plan.

"And if you don't get it? What will I do with you?" he threatens.

"I'm willing to accept any punishment you esteem. However, I will make sure to get all the information you need. I will keep trying till I get it."

The Captain scuffs at his words and waves with his hand to get out. Curtis exits, call the men he needs and heads to town. He has been two steps behind them all week; he will not slip again.