The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 148 : I Won't Lose You

Julien walked into the private garden of the Emperor. The Emperor was sitting in a slanting chair, watching the rose-hued dusky skyline. His three assistants and his personal secretary as well as his Protocol Officer were standing to one side, awaiting his order.

Julien stood before him and bowed. The Emperor waved to him and he straightened. An attendant got another chair for the Crown Prince.

"So, Dusk Hale has returned to Ci'gazze?" He asked Julien.

Julien nodded and looked at the people standing around. Understanding his hesitation, Willian Lidwig asked them to leave.

"Yes, Grandfather, she has returned to Ci'gazze, along with her sister and Catherine."

"And it's almost evening, and you are still here? What time do you need to pick her up for dinner? Or was last night enough to keep you and she satisfied for few days?"

Julien's face remained impassive. It was not surprising that the Emperor knew what happened the previous night. "Grandfather, you married a long time ago, but I don't think you have forgotten that it is never enough. Before marriage and after Grandmother's death, you have done enough. And if the records and stories are to be believed, that you can't really be judging me. I am much more..."

"Controlled? Restrained? Ha!" Willian said with a laugh. "You are a fool to let this linger. You gain nothing and you keep her at a loose end, giving others an opportunity to make a move. And you will find it more and more difficult to protect her this way. I am surprised that she is not upset about you not taking her to meet your parents, and not approaching her parents for permission to court her."

"She is upset about that. She complained to Aunt Crystala last night, which I am sure has been reported to you already." Julien replied drily. "You also know she and her father have cut off their relationship. Why are you baiting me all of a sudden?"

"Because you are a fool. And also, because you flying up and down every day between the two cities is not fooling a lot of people. You are no longer the invisible and ignored 25-year-old." The old man retorted. "You announce it, or I will."

"The time is not yet right. She is getting into the mould, getting used to our society. Give her some more time. She has just taken over a new task that is meant to protect 150,000 jobs. Don't you want to see what she is capable of doing?" Julien asked.

"It's not she but her... director who will achieve that. Or do you want me to fix your marriage up with that Susco girl? Because if you are waiting for someone to prove their worth, then it is Susco who is doing it, not Dusk."

Julien did not have a reply.

"What is happening with her sister?"

"Does it matter Grandfather?" Julien asked.

"It matters. She will stand by Dusk's side all her life, whether you like it or not, want it or not."

"At the moment, she is just doing random work around. But at least she is not idle and lazy. She is trying to keep herself busy, even if the work is menial and unimportant. She is earning her keep, so to say. Shouldn't you be more worried about Catherine?"

"Catherine will live. As long as she follows Dusk Hale, I have no problem. Even if Dusk had achieved nothing else but kept Catherine out of trouble, I would give her anything she wants. Someday I will have to answer Saberania... I had promised her that we will keep her daughter safe and happy. She was special, you know. You probably don't remember her."

Julien did not answer. He would have loved to know what actually happened. Where was this mysterious aunt of his... alive, dead, what was her story...? What circumstances forced his Grandfather to forsake her and still regret it till date?