The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 152 : An End and A Beginning

Dusk heard Luke's voice behind her and turned around.

Luke Jones was sitting lazily on one of the soft leather sofas, glass of spirit in his hand. A Butler was standing beside him, albite 2 steps behind, head bowed slightly so as to not stare at the visitor. Dusk could see a faint smile on his lips even though he was trying to maintain a stony expression she had seen on every butler so far.

He bent down and asked in a soft voice, "May I get something for Lady Hale, Your Majesty?"

"I think she will appreciate a glass of Spirit, or Alcohol, perhaps? See what you have but not very strong. I think a dash of Spicy Orange in the Spirit will be a good idea. And see if you can get some sandwiches. And oh, yes, get cheese and pineapples in the meanwhile. I have a feeling my Guest has not had dinner and she can have something before the sandwiches can reach us." Luke told him... eyes not leaving Dusk.

"Yes, Your Majesty, At Once!" The Butler said and left. Dusk could hear instructions being given in the pantry, doors opening and someone running, obviously to get whatever ingredient is missing. What the Crown Prince wanted, he would get, even in the middle of the night.

The reply of the Butler broke Dusk's reverie. Sitting casually in one of the most luxurious and beautifully decorated room she had ever seen, dressed in a silk Dressing Gown and soft cotton pyjamas, was definitely not Luke Jones. Not in reality, at least. Because he was clearly Crown Prince Julien Lidwig. The way the Butler addressed him was a very clear and irrefutable proof.

For the first time, she had seen Julien Lidwig without a beard. His eyes were blue like Luke's not green as the Crown Prince's. If he walked out in the open, without his guards, no one would recognise him since they were so used to seeing a particular image of his. Even Dusk, who knew Luke so intimately, had been misled.

She was trying to decide what to say, but her mind stopped working. She had rushed from her dorm in Uni-Viva to the Emperor's palace 2,000 km away in the heat of her anger and anguish over her betrayal... But now that she was here, she did not know what to say.

The fact that she was coming, was obviously known to Luke... No, to Julien. He must have known immediately after she ended the call with Scarlet. He knew and had given instructions to Imperial Security to allow her to come unhindered, assisted at every step. Why would, for example (she realised belatedly) Pilot of EPAC be in the plane, ready for her (not in the airport on stand-by)? Why would the gate of the Imperial Palace be open in the middle of the night...? Why was someone waiting with her Pink car? Not just any car, her car...

Julien knew and he was waiting for her, fully prepared. He had even kept the staff on standby to provide her with food, because (she realised just then), she was really hungry. Luke cared for her... no, Luke did not exist. Julien Lidwig cared for her, he always had.

"Sit down Dusk. Surely you will not remain standing like this all night."

Dusk for a moment, felt like defying him and refusing to sit. But she knew that it would be petty and childish... Opposite of what she wanted him to think. She could not let him think of her as a child, as it was easy to manipulate a child.

She came forward and sat on a chair opposite to him. The Butler came with some attendants. Each of them impeccably dressed in spotless clothes, even though it was almost 2:30 am. This was the life of the rich, the vast resources dedicated to their comfort. She remembered Susco once showing her budget figures of the Imperial Government. The Royal Family spend close to $24 billion a year...

She could, if she wanted, be a part of that luxury and comfort...

The attendants kept cream crackers covered with duck pate, thin cheese slices, sliced pineapples and cherries, Lemon-Stuffed Olives, Red Caviar, Figs and an orange-coloured Spirit Cocktail on the table. Dusk gingerly picked up one of the crackers and put it in her mouth and sipped the cocktail. The food entering her mouth made her feel even more hungry, forcing her to pick up more of the snacks and eat. But the spirit gave her courage.