Diamond Empire

Chapter 13

(This is in the Prince’s Perspective)

I wake up to the sound of banging. I wake, groaning, and look around. I quickly jolt as I realize where I am.
“Your highness, it’s time to prepare for breakfast.” I look down at the sleeping beauty next to me. I shake her lightly.
“Jewel. Jewel!” She wakes with a start, but I cover her mouth to avoid any excess noise. She looks at me as I remove my hand from her mouth. She signs, but her relief is short lived when another knock sounds through the room.
“Your highness, I’m coming in.” Jewel and I scramble around trying to find something to do when she suddenly pushes me off the bed. I crawl under the bed just as the door opens. “Good morning your highness. I see a pair of shoes walk towards Jewels dresser. I remain quiet as I hear Jewel clear her throat.
“Good morning Jane. What’s going on?”
“Your highness, did you forget about the morning breakfast?”
“Oh of course not. I simply didn’t think any one would want to have breakfast together after such an intense ball.”
“Well the royal family most likely wants to make a good impression on his highness Prince Johnathon. And I feel the princess would like to do the same.” I smirk to myself, thinking of last night. It wouldn’t take much for Jewel to make a good impression on me.
“W-why would I need to impress him?”
“Well her highness was talking about him all yesterday morning. And you also said you wouldn’t mind getting marr-“
“Let’s get ready for the day, Jane.” I try to conceal my laughter as I hear Jewel scramble out of bed. I hear Jane chuckle.
“Yes, your highness. Please undress.” I nearly choke.
“W-w-what?”
“You have to get ready. Please undress.” I scramble under the bed and try to stay calm.
“D-do I have to change now?”
“Yes.”
“Wait Jane, can you go tell the tailor something? It’s urgent. Please tell her I need a red dress.”
“Red? But her highness never wears red.”
“I’m trying new things, Jane. Please go. Now.”
“Yes your highness.” Jane leaves as Jewel rushes over to the bed as I crawl from my hiding place. She helps me up and quickly rushes me over to the secret entrance.
“Go now, before she comes back.” She begins to turn around when I pull her into a kiss. I can feel her smile into the kiss, before she pulls away. “Go. I will see you at breakfast.”
“I will count the seconds until then, my queen.” I take her hand in mine and give it a slight squeeze and head down the tunnel hallway. I walk for about five minutes before I end up in the room provided for me. No one is here because I don’t need help getting dressed. I change out of my clothes and take a shower. I then prepare for breakfast. I can’t help thinking about Jewel the entire time. I wonder what she is doing. My thoughts are interrupted by a knocking on the door. I smile as my mind wonders to the scene in Jewels room this morning.
“Come in.” Julian enters with a bow.
“Its time for breakfast with the royal family, your highness.”
“Was that this morning?” I stand. “I had no idea.” I straighten the sleeves of my coat and begin to walk out of the door.  I begin walking down the hall. I soon arrive at the dining room. When I enter, I am announced, then greeted by the king and queen. I try to pay attention to them, but I have no interest in these people. My attention is soon directed towards the opening of the dining room door. I look to see Dorian standing at the entrance. I try to conceal my disgust. He walks towards, greets the king and queen. I stand politely as he greets me. He bows.
“Your highness, how did you sleep?” he glares at me as he speaks.
“It was wonderful. It felt like all of the exhaustion was dragged out of me.” Dorian face turns into a rotten snarl as I try to contain my laughter. Dorian opens his mouth to speak, but is interrupted by the voice of the announcer. I turn towards the door as Jewel walks in the dining room. She looks absolutely gorgeous. I can’t help but to stare. Jewel walks up to her Dorian's side, and sinks into a low curtsy. Jewel and I meet eyes, and she smiles at me. I laugh at I try to conceal my smile as she nods at me in a formal manner. I nod in return and glance at the necklace I got her. It sparkles, but not as brightly as she does. We are lead to the dining room. We take our seats. The seating arrangement is the same as the welcoming dinner. I look up at Jewel every once in a while.
“So,” the king speaks, “how did everyone enjoy the ball?” I smile and answer first.
“I really enjoyed the ball. May I ask how did his lordship enjoy the ball?” I look over at Dorian and sip my wine. I see Jewel glance up at me and smirk. “I hope the night didn’t drag the energy out of you.” I hear Jewel try to hold back laughter and conceal it with a cough. She also takes a sip of wine as Dorian turns bright red.
“I enjoyed myself. I wonder why Jewel and his highness retired so early.”
“Well I was feeling tired and I’m sure her highness wasn’t getting a crack out of the night.” Dorian grows even more red.
“I see.”
“Mhm I’m sure you do.” I smile and take another sip of my wine. This was going to be an interesting breakfast.