The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 27 : Poor Luke

"What ??" Dusk asked in surprise.

Rosemary turned and smiled at her and then turned back with a challenging look at everyone else in the room.

"I do not think the university will dare to have an objection to Princess Rosemary. And as far as the Minister is concerned, I do not think he will deny your request either." The General was the first to reply.

Dusk considered raising her concern at this point, but then decided to keep quiet. She would need to find an opportunity to meet with Princess Rosemary later. This was all going too fast and out of her control. She was an ordinary rural girl, but she started to feel like she was being sucked into a whirlpool. She wanted her 4 years at the university to be an exciting adventure compared to her quiet uneventful life in Longburn, but this was at the other extreme.

Drabert abruptly got up. "Ok Luke, I am returning to Regis tonight. You better return with me to report to the Defence Ministry in the morning to process your report and your resignation. Meanwhile, Louis promised to show me some amazing places for a couple of drinks in Ci'gazze."

Crator stood up and said he would come along too. Rosemary decided to go with them.

Luke, on the other hand, waved his hand and continued sitting. "Go ahead, I don't feel like going for a drink, I will meet you directly at the Airport. Let me know when you are planning to leave."

As they all left, the General and the Brigadier saluted and left too. The General was confused with the behaviour of the Princess but he decided to keep his mouth shut.

Only Luke and Dusk were left. She came and sat next to him and put his arms round his neck.

"I am so sorry, Luke. These monsters from the Royal Family are so cruel and unfair. How could they behave like this? You have worked so hard, giving up your friends for the work you were doing, and they just removed you like that!"

Luke had decided to stay back because he wanted to question Dusk about the man she was kissing. But instead, the conversation had taken a different turn. He quickly curbed his emotions and pretended to be sad about being removed from the projects. He allowed her to hug him and he leaned his body into hers, enjoying the feel of her soft body embracing him.

"And they blamed you for not giving me money for my work! It was not your duty, it was Brigadier's. And he offered me. You told me too. I tried to explain but that arrogant brute just shut me up...They are not willing to listen to any explanation!" She continued to rage indignantly.

"It's ok Dusk. I don't really mind. I don't need their money..."

"How can you say that? Isn't your dad just a government officer? He can't send you the kind of money you spend. How will you manage without the Military support?"

"Well, you are managing with just about $1,000 a month. I am sure I can do the same."

"No, you do not understand! Life that way is very difficult. I am used to it since I lived all my life like that. Oh! Now you will not even be allowed to go to the Club, right. I mean you are now just an ordinary student."

"I will manage... I suppose I could concentrate on my studies. My attention was diverted by these projects. Anyway, you have your friends now from your college days. You will spend more time with them, I suppose."

Dusk looked at the sad face Luke had made and felt her heart bleed for him.

"No Luke, I hardly know them. But even if they were my friends, I will never forsake you. I will always be your friend and I will always be with you whenever you are lonely. I promise!" her lips were right next to his ears and she murmured to him.