The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Epilogue

Two men stood on the top of a hillock in the Bravadian Armed Forces Training Grounds in Regis Province after a particularly hard and punishing training. There was no one else within visible distance, though both knew there would be hundreds of Soldiers and Imperial Security Guards in rings round them.

"This is what still irritates me... The waste of manpower to protect one person. Who is not as much in danger as some people think!" Julien Lidwig, Crown Prince of Bravadia said with a scowl.

"I can't go anywhere or do anything without so many people knowing about it." he grumbled.

His close friend, confidant and former shadow bodyguard, Rusks standing next to him, smiled. "Perhaps that is why Dusk Hale ran away?"

Julien gave him a dirty look.

"So, what now? You will allow her to walk away? Live her own life, as you said? If you do, there will tomorrow be hundreds at her doorstep to woo her."

"I will destroy any that tries!" Julien replied savagely.

"But now what?"

"You think I will let her go? No. I will force her to come back to me."

"You know forcing her does not work, neither does enticing her with wealth or power. She does not want it." Rusks commented.

He was similar to her – refusing wealth, power and status, but he had given in to Princess Scarlet. He had to accept that he needed to keep up the appearances if he was to accompany her as her husband in future. It was a tough balancing act that was already giving him headaches. Julien had increased his salary to levels far above his normal paygrade.

"Yes, I know. But I will find a way. I cannot let her go." Julien said.

"There are many others who could take her place. You just need to keep an open mind and seek afresh." Rusks suggested with a smile.

"Do you want to die, Rusks?"

"Didn't you tell me so you yourself, Crown Prince Julien? When I was miserable years ago? I remember the words clearly. And you did make me date many others."

"You and I are different. Anyway, you still came back to Scarlet."

There was a silence for some time. Then Julien sighed and said, "I will have to find a way to convince her that I am not a liar like she thinks I am. It was necessary for me to protect some secrets till she was ready for it. I will repeatedly confront her, remind her and..."

"And stalk her?" Rusks said with a laugh. Then he stopped laughing. A middle-aged man, with a military build was striding rapidly towards them.

"Greetings, Your Highness." Rusks bowed to Lord Jules.

Lord Jules Lidwig bowed to Julien and he bowed back.

"Ah! Rusks! Just the man I need to execute!" He thundered, but there was a smile lurking on his face.

Rusks kept quiet and Lord Jules continued, "I have informed my daughter that I have agreed to her engagement with you. I do not know what my father is planning, but for some reason he said your wedding can only take place 6 – 8 months later. I was waiting to welcome you into the family. But if you fail to keep my daring princess happy, remember I have immense power at my disposal."

Rusks dare not tell his future Father-in-Law what he thought of that threat. Because in reality, the man had massive resources at his disposal. Rusks wondered if Lord Jule's son and heir, Drabert, was capable enough to take his place, or it would be his girlfriend (Fiancé?) who would be called back to take over. But it was none of his concern. He wanted to draw a line between him and the Affaires of the Royal Family.

Lord Jules turned to Julien. "So, you messed up? Or my Sister-in-Law did... And now?"

Julien scowled darkly.

"You can't keep your mother imprisoned in her room like that. I am surprised father has not stepped in yet." Jules commented.

"He spoke to me. I told him he just needs to tell me when he wants me to abdicate. That solves all the problems. I get Dusk back too. She will be all over me out of sympathy."

Jules roared with laughter as he pictured his father's reaction. The Emperor would burst a blood vessel if Julien was serious about it.

"I will help you, Julien. We all want her to marry you. That girl is special. She has drawn my daughter out of her shell. Scarlet will get married because of Dusk. Otherwise, she would still be sulking in Romaska. She has also got your sister out of her wayward ways into studying and doing serious work. She hasn't missed one day of classes since they went to Uni-Viva.

"And your cousin Rosemary too has changed. I felt Rosemary had given up on life and no longer cared for anything other than avoiding a marriage. Dusk may feel that she has no achievements, and that you gave her everything on a platter. But that is not true. We all know it. Is she the only one who does not recognise her own worth?

"More than you, I want her in the family. Since she is refusing you, I wonder if she will agree to marry Drabert instead... He didn't lie to her ever!" Jules tried to inject humour into the situation, but Julien almost hit his uncle on hearing of his plan.

"Julien do not worry. I am here to help you. Everyone is. We will get her back. Now let's go back to the palace. You can't spend the entire night here in the open."

The 3 of them turned and headed down the hillock towards the vehicles that were parked at the bottom.

"The story does not end here!" Julien said to himself. "I will get her back! She has no choice in this."