In another life

Chapter 5 : Alistar

"Mother". "Father" I greeted. I sat in my seat as a maid laid a plate in front of me. "Alister" my mother greeted. "I heard you spoke with some nobles about mine territories" my father quizzed. Looking from my plate I looked at him.

"Yes, Baron Riles and Baron Couplin' were debating on mine land. They both bid the same amount. The land titles also were in another duke's name that didn't authorize the sale. However, everything has been fixed". "Great" Father grinned. He wiped his mouth and stood up. "I will see you all at dinner. I have a meeting".

Mother nodded as Father left. It was always like this. Cold with fake smiles. They hated each other. I could never understand why they were able to have me. But as they always told me. Duty first. As the Empress and Emperor their duty was to continue the line. I finished eating my food bidding my mother goodbye.

Quinton is hot on my tail as I leave the room.
"My prince. I will tell you the schedule for today". I huffed "Can't we put things off for one day". "You have had your off day, Sire. I believe it was two days ago. When you went out" Quinton yammered. "Yeah, yeah. Go ahead " I groaned. "Okay. Papers need to be signed for the tax law. A meeting with the duke. Training with the royal guard and a banquet to attend for Duchess Pennington".

Coming around the corner I paused. There along with other maids stood Sepherine. I pulled Quinton back around the corner hiding. "Is something wrong, Your Majesty" Quinton worried. I felt like my throat was clogged and my skin zinged. I pulled at my clothes and rustled my hair back.

"Do I look alright"? Quinton scanned my body his sharp stance never changing. "You look as handsome as always, my prince". I slapped a hand over my face mumbling to myself. Peeking over I could see Hilda leading the maids this way. My heart pounding louder and louder.

I panicked running down the hall away from Serphaine. I won't stop till I get to my bedroom.
I can feel the mana slipping out of my body and I close my eyes. I let my body calm and control my mana. The door opens and Quinton wheezes. "Hugh. Hgh. What happened"?

I averted my gaze. I couldn't tell him that I lost control and scurried away. From the girl, I brought here and have been dying to see. I wanted to be better prepared. Who could trust what Quinton says? I mean politics and my schedule I can but not my looks. "I forgot something" I lied. I went to my desk grabbing my quill. "My quill" I grinned.

Quinton looked at me quizzically but didn't question. "Alright, let us go". I nodded hoping in no way for now I wouldn't be seeing Serphaine. Throughout the entire day, I had Quinton enter every hallway first. Report if he saw any maids and after he said no. Then only would I enter.

By the end of the day I could tell Quinton was annoyed of me. "Sir," Quinton said dryly. Sitting at my desk I leaned back in my seat. "Yes"? "You have been acting entirely weirder than usual. Is it because of this Serphaine girl"? I leaped up "How did you know" I grilled. "I must know everything about you".

"Was it that obvious"? Quinton gave me a knowing look causing me to scoff. "Why are you hiding from this girl? You are the prince of this kingdom. You shouldn't hide from anyone". I waved my hand to stop Quinton from his speech. "She doesn't know who I am" I mumbled.

Quinton scowled and I sighed. "If things were different your highness...However...You are the prince. She will find out sooner or later" Quinton argued. I smiled standing up "You're right". Quinton shook his head knowing what expression I was making. "My idea look".
"Quinton bring me some stable boy clothes in my size". "Your Highness" Quinton deterred.

I grinned nodding my head. This would work and make it easy for me to see Serphaine. I looked at myself in the mirror grinning. I look like a normal guy. Quinton looked like he was about to pass out from my outfit. "Calm down Quniton. I will be back ready to sign those papers in a couple of hours". I rushed out of the room trying to stick out of site. For some reason, I knew exactly where I needed to go.

I turned the corner and my eye set on her. She hadn't noticed me while she cleaned the windows up on a ladder. She struggled trying to get the last bit of dust. She reached forward and slipped. I ran catching her as she gasped. She slowly opened her eyes. "It's you" she breathed.

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