Royal Heartstrings

Chapter 21- A secret passageway

Lord Alexander's POV:

I walked steadily through the hallway, my boots echoing off the stone floors. I caught a girl staring at me, but I ignored her. I was used to the attention, but it didn't mean I had to acknowledge it.

I reached the door and knocked once before entering. Nova looked up from his desk, a smile spreading across his face. I smiled back, but mine was a wicked smile. I knew he thought he was clever, but I was always one step ahead.

"Alex, how was your trip?" Nova asked, his tone dripping with false concern.

I felt a surge of annoyance. "It was good, Your Highness," I said sweetly, my voice laced with sarcasm. "Was that what you were expecting me to say? Oh please, we don't get along, so stop trying."

Nova's smile never wavered. "I'm not the one who barged into my office."

I chuckled and took a seat opposite him. "I heard you're handling the Nordania project. Congratulations, bro." My voice was heavy with sarcasm.

Nova rolled his eyes. "If you're here to rile me up, it's not working."

I grinned. "Oh, it might not be working now, but I'll find a sure way. Mark my words, Nova."

Nova sighed and picked up his phone, pressing something on the screen before dropping it in front of me. "How's Uncle Charles?"

I raised an eyebrow. "He's doing just fine. I wonder why he sent me here to this prison."

My eyes strayed to Nova's phone, and I was surprised to see a girl's picture as his home screen. I recognized her immediately, thanks to my sharp memory.

Nova was saying, "You can leave, you know," his voice dripping with sarcasm.

I ignored him and stood up, a smirk spreading across my face. "I think I just found a way."

Nova raised an eyebrow, but I just turned and left, knowing I had hit the jackpot.

By the next day, I had uncovered more information. Nova's infatuation with the girl in the picture was no secret. I had witnessed him gazing at her with a goofy grin on his face. I wasn't blind to the obvious.

My eyes scanned the west wing, and I spotted her descending the stairs. A smile graced her lips, and I positioned myself in her path. She halted abruptly, her eyes widening in surprise. A quick curtsy followed, her gaze cast downward.

I studied her. She was taller than I expected, with a lean physique and long, messy dark brown hair that cascaded down her back. Her dark eyes seemed timid, and her features were unremarkable - a round nose and heart-shaped lips. Nothing about her stood out, making me wonder what Nova saw in her.

"What's your favorite coffee type?" I asked.

Her eyes flickered up, confusion etched on her face.

"I asked you a question," I said, my patience wearing thin.

She stuttered, "H-hazel nut flavored brew with a hint of Vanilla."

Irritation crept up my spine. "Make it for me."

Her eyes widened. "What?"

I sighed, my tone laced with annoyance. "Do you want me to always repeat myself?"

She swallowed hard, her gaze dropping. Pathetic.

"Do you know my room?" I asked, already knowing the answer. She shook her head, and I provided the information. "Second floor of this wing, third room to your right."

She nodded hastily, curtsied again, and scurried off. I watched her retreat, a smirk spreading across my face. My plan was unfolding nicely.

When I got to my room, I sat down cross-legged on the bed, waiting for Valerie to arrive with my coffee. A knock at the door brought a grin to my face. "Come in."