JAYDEN ALEXANDER.
I pull down my window going slow through the lane in order to find the diner. My eye catches a small brown board that has THE MIDTOWN GRUB in old english font.
The lane had many other diners and shops lined one besides the other, most of them crowded with customers. This one is a cosy looking, almost empty diner from what I can see through its glass doors. Obviously he would choose something like this where there are no more than a couple of visitors. Pulling over, I turn into the diner.
The bell dingled with an awakening chime indicating my arrival as I walked in. The old man sitting behind the counter smiled and gestured at Ralph who was seated in the middle, his face half-hidden with the menu card as he feigned interest in it. The casual clothes on him wasn't giving away the absolute contrast image I had of him in his professional black suit.
I settled on the seat across him while he hinted a bow, silently acknowledging my title. I was followed by the only waiter who appeared no younger than 17, his ombre eyes observing me. I knew that look, the look most of the people gave me as if they could feel the Regality radiating from me. Ralph paid him no attention while he gave our order of two coffee with a regular pizza for himself.
Apparently the best part he loved about accompanying me to America is, pizza. Back at home, Royals are forced to eat healthy food according to Mormor's Health Code of practice.
Being the Royal Security Head he isn't allowed to ingest too much junk and according to him it's his third pizza in the same week. Looks like someone has either to stop eating this junk or quit being the Royal Security Head.
We sat quietly until the waiter was back with our orders. As soon as the waiter left our side, Ralph looked around ensuring that no one is in earshot before speaking in a whisper.
"Edward- the second, has got a whiff of you not being in Falcovia. He may have sent out men to find where exactly you are."
Now that had me alarmed. Not that Dad did send out letters to our subjects about the renouncement of my duties as a Royal till my 23rd birthday. That way no one would question me being out of sight as clicking photos of a Royal during his private hours is breaching the Royal law of Privacy.
According to what I was informed the people of Falcovia think I am somewhere in the palace pursuing my degrees by distance learning.
"We need to release an official photo that proves you currently are on a vacation." Ralph's voice pulled me back to the present as I nodded, wanting him to continue.
"You need to leave for French Riviera within two days." Ralph forwarded a white envelope that had been hiding in his pocket.
"Everything is planned, its a two weeks stay. Our team in France is going to click as many pictures to run for you in the long race." He added before taking a bite from the cheese loaded pizza. I peeked inside the partially opened envelope at the ticket as well as my original passport.
"I don't want to leave traces behind." I said after a sip of coffee, my tone clipped.
My eyes travelled at the old lady, who had graced the diner with her luminating personality since the last few minutes. The old man sitting at the counter beamed at her arrival earlier, she happens to be his wife. They make such a lovely couple.
I hope someday I can have something similar to them with Rosaleigh. - My heart twitched at the thought.
"And your cousin is going to accompany you." Ralph informed, withdrawing my attention from the elderly couple.
"Who?" I asked, almost immediately.
I dont have many cousins to lose track of. Though one of them being here is a great support, I was still very curious which cousin is going to accompany me, hoping it's not Gracelyn.
"Victor"
I let out the breath I didn't realise I was holding.
Victor - The Crown Prince Of Edenway. He has been like an elder brother to me. My dad and his mom are siblings which makes us first cousin. Though the past years didn't prove to be good for him, he's been the strong rock I can always rely on.
I walked out of the diner after a last glance at the old couple behind the glassed doors.
The car came to life as the trees began to turn into greens and buildings into blur with the speed as I descended my way down the lane.
This trip away from Rosaleigh will give me ample of time to think of ideas of reconciliation. It'll also provide her the space she requires. I plan to have patience with Rosaleigh and dish out every wish of her whether it's to stay away from me.
A small smile appeared on my lips as I remembered the first time I saw her, more than a decade ago.
Flashback.
I pranced through the garden to reach the stables as our Horse keeper Follin swept the floor clean from its previous horse dung.
My excited gait caught his attention as he bowed before.
"My Prince, her Highness Queen Rachel has ordered that you can't go for horse riding." He addressed, rushing towards me.
"Follin, I am here to see my new horse." I replied, turning left into the cabin where the palace usually kept newly arrived horses till they can find their permanent place in stable. There it was my new horse standing tall among others.
The horse was not above medium size, infact it was a bit smaller than the normal which hinted that he still was in his growing years. All my horses were small considering I was just a seven year old. Black was always my preferred colour but his gorgeous chestnut coat had me falling in love with him in the first sight. The dark mane flowing down his slender neck as fluid as water. His musled limbs promised me adventurous rides.
"Vulcan, I'll name my horse Vulcan." I exclaimed, patting his mane as he noshed his grass.
Vulcan was a roman name for the lord of fire. And this horse appread as ferocious as fire.
"Chester, his name is Chester. And you can't claim him." said a girlish voice before feets rushed towards me crumbling the hay cladded floor in the process.
Ignoring the voice behind me, I kept patting my horse trying to grab his attention from the damn grass.
"Vulcan, look at me my dear." I tried once again but in vain.
"Chester dont act rude to our host." said the the blue eyed girl carressing his neck. As if on queue, the horse gazed up from his bucket of food. His attention on me. I patted his mane while he snickered in response.
"I am Rosaleigh Isabellé. You can call me Bellé." The blue eyed girl introduced, forwarding her hand for a handshake. Ignoring her hand, I ran out of the stable to the only person who could bring me the world if I asked for.
***
That day I had strided into Mormor's bedchambers but to no avail. Mormor had declined to help me cause allegedly Chester was a birthday gift from her to Rosaleigh. And no one takes back a birthday gift.
The blarring sounds of car horns brought me back to the reality as I regarded the traffic light that was signaling me to go. Starting the car, I took a left for home. Nearing the street I notice that Grace's car was in the front hinting that Rosaleigh was home.