The next day started as planned for Ella until it crashed in between.
"What are they saying?"
"They are demanding better strong relations with the throne, Mistress." She nodded to Mr. Bailey who had contacted with the suppliers.
"There is no plan of deviating our relations from them, there never was. Did you say that?" Roy inquired.
"Indeed Mr. Knight. I tried to convince them for which they are seeking a personal visit in London with the Mistress to discuss further. Until then they have denied any more access to the oil."
"How long can the remaining oil be fared Mr. Bailey?"
"Ten more days Mistress. Or to the extreme twenty-five if managed strictly."
"Granted. Pass a personal invitation from the Kings'."
The meeting shifted to other topics taking up some time until it was concluded to a break for lunch. The hall was left empty sparing the both of them seated side by side. After last night Ella had managed to be scooped in some or the other work since the morning. Earlier it was mere tease here and there but now with him openly claiming her was only making things difficult for her, like the glances she gave to her side occasionally during the times he propped in between to give out his ideas and support for helping her. She hoped every one of them was too busy in the matter to notice that.
"What are you thinking Elle?"
"Nothing, why?"
"You are thinking that is why I asked what." He stated relaxed in his seat, stretching his legs on either side. One of his legs sliding dangerously close to her legs, as if expecting them to be touching hers, she moved her chair back slightly. Wandering over the hall to keep her eyes from going back to his she distracted her mind in thinking something else and not about this man. While being at that she frowned her brows, "Why did they do this now? I mean there was no such demand for the past two years-"
She sucked her breath at the realization uttering, "They have been waiting for me. They knew I was back. And now they are throwing tantrums."
"Like this we will have to keep up with monologues if we know every detail of every matter," he said sadly.
"We can't undo our knowledge." She said quietly while going through the things going around her since she was here. "They were keeping tracks of me the moment I landed London."
"It isn't like we can stop all of them from entering the city. Too much crowd leaves out spare ones here and there," he said while relaxing one leg on the other.
"It could be someone from within. Among us. This invitation wouldn't have been passed without me in attendance. They demanded an invitation from their side which meant they knew about the legacy and how it worked. It could be Papa who had shared that information but it could also be someone else we are missing out." She explained.
"True! We cannot blame the dead only."
"Are you going to keep on with the snide remarks or do something about it?"
"Of course darling, anything to ease your mind." He spoke gently while moving his chair closer to her side and kissed her head. Ella ignored the strange sensation from that kiss, they have kissed more passionately before then why was she thinking so much about this one.
Fast footsteps were heard while the both of them were engaged in their world, "Mistress, Mr. Knight. The prince has accepted the invitation. Um..."
"What, Smith?"
"The prince is demanding a personal tour with Mistress."
"This ain't a tourist invitation, but a business matter. Do I have to specify that in your head?" Roy spoke irritated.
"As you say sir," Mr. Smith bowed to them to take leave and relay the information.
"Wait! Accept it. Whatever they need." Ella interrupted.
"You won't go anywhere alone with that man."
"He just wants a tour, I will talk about the issue during that time," she insisted.
"That's not happening. The Mistress is very busy with a lot of work on her plate. Relay that message." Roy ordered Mr. Smith who was standing in the middle of a conversation wondering whose order to pick upon.
"I am the Mistress. I will say when I'm busy and when I'm not." Ella cleared out and turned to Mr. Smith saying, "Approve their requests. The city will welcome our guests."
Discreetly glancing over to Mr. Knight who was having a scowl on his face facing his Mistress, he gulped and bowed without voicing out anything afraid that his Master's attention would direct back on him. Slowly and silently the man exited the room carrying himself away from them as soon as possible.
"Stop being so hard Roy. We need the oil in a few days."
"Remember how you have to follow by my rules?"
She sighed, "What are you suggesting?"
"You'll know soon. Currently we have a more important matter, Governor Bischoff is wanting to talk to you."
"I'll call-"
"In person." He interjected continuing, "He's joining us for dinner. Be prepared."
"Okay."
With the break over, the meeting resumed in the hall and there was a vote conducted to favor or deny the requests of the oil suppliers.
"We have gathered for the votes to be performed either in person or by the appointed proxies to make a decision. The decision is to either accept the orders of the Saudis or reject them. Best wishes gentlemen," he turned to his side, "and ladies."
"Why are we listening to them? There is no point in accepting all their demands!"
"Yeah. Tomorrow they will demand the city to be theirs!"
It might already be theirs; you fool thought Ella. Roy seemed to have similar thoughts when he explained their concerns.
"They are asking for a tour for now. Let's keep on with that. With no oil in the city, it'll be as doomed as people travelling in cycles. Maybe you can introduce new carriages with horses?" His words shut up the two members while some cleared their throat.
"We know you are all in distress. But the best way for facing this situation would be to accept their conditions and study the benefits to the city. The corporation has still not finalized the deal with them, this tour may be an opportunity to convince the prince in maintaining the relations with us and the city. Every detail of the situation will be shared to you all benevolently."
"Huh? It isn't a charitable fund to be 'benevolent' to all, Mistress. Pardon me but your words seem odd in the context." It was Mr. Park.
"In that case, I grant you the right to detect any flaws in our judgement, Mr. Parker." She addressed him deliberately incorrect, which brought the required reaction from him.
"It's Mr. Park!"
"Means the same buddy. Don't you worry," Roy commented. Mr. Park grunted at that and looked away.