Three days later.
Sunday, everyone is not too busy. However there is no day off for the guards in the Diamond Kingdom. They all remained standing in their respective places to oversee the area around the kingdom. How strict is the royal environment, because no one can enter the palace.
And today Royce is not going anywhere. The man had just finished drinking tea with his father on the balcony of the second floor of the palace.
While Lucy was busy learning manners. The girl began to obey her mother's wishes. And Lucy had to learn to like all kinds of pretty dresses. Even though she wasn't really comfortable wearing a dress every day.
Athena was also always beside Lucy. But especially for today, Lucy will only be accompanied by Helen.
Helen the main servant in the palace, she has a wider knowledge than Athena. So Victoria let Helen teach Lucy many things.
Since Athena didn't need to be by Lucy's side today, the woman started doing other things. She went into Lucy's bedroom. Of course Athena wanted to tidy up Lucy's bedroom. Inside was a little messy, especially in the cupboards and shelves which contained Lucy's small items.
Athena left the bedroom door open. And it turns out Royce came to her.
The man just walked into Lucy's bedroom and he saw Athena making her sister's bed. Then Royce cleared his throat softly. It made Athena a little surprised because she was not aware of Royce's arrival.
Athena immediately stood up straight and her eyes fell on the floor. "Ah, I'm sorry, Prince Royce. I didn't know you came in here."
"It's okay, take it easy. You don't need to be tense. How about Lucy? Do you mind being her special maid?" Ask Royce.
"I don't mind at all, prince. Princess Lucy never even bothers me. She never gives me any trouble. It's just that lately, Princess Lucy has been complaining about a lot of things. I think she's still trying to adapt. I feel a little sorry for her, because every day she looked bored and studied under compulsion."
Hearing Athena's explanation, Royce chuckled softly. "That's perfectly natural for a twelve year old girl like Lucy. Just let her complain and you'll hear enough of her. I know my sister seems a little troubled now. But that's for the best for her. When she grows up, she won't regret what she's doing now."
Athena nodded, she agreed with Royce's opinion. "That's right, Prince. Then do you need something?"
"No, I did come to you on purpose. I think you already know something about me." Royce said.
Royce's words made Athena immediately raise her head. Her pair of brown eyes met Royce's pair of blue eyes. Of course Athena was a little restless. "Ah, what do you mean, Prince Royce?"
"You must know that I have a special guard accompanying me wherever I go. And he told me that you and Lucy followed me to the diamond village market three days ago. That's true, isn't it?"
Athena immediately swallowed her saliva. And she had to nod her head, because she couldn't hide the truth. "I'm sorry, I was just following Princess Lucy's request. She wanted me to accompany her to find you that afternoon."
Royce smiled. "It's okay, I'm not angry at all, Athena. I already know that Lucy must know my secret."
"Your secret?"
"Yeah. I did keep my relationship with my girlfriend a secret. My mom and dad don't know about Jane. I'm afraid to tell them, because they'll definitely forbid my relationship with Jane."
Athena felt sorry for Royce. "Prince, how do you know if your parents will forbid it? If you introduce Jane to them, they will probably welcome Jane. After all, Jane is a very beautiful woman. How could your father and mother not like her?"
Royce gave a small smile, but his expression was doubtful. "They've warned me before, Athena. That I should marry a noble girl, or a descendant from another kingdom. My mother wouldn't be able to accept Jane either, because Jane is from a village connected to this kingdom. She's an ordinary country girl."
"Do you really love Jane?"
"Of course. I've tried so hard to win her heart, so she wants to have a relationship with me. Actually Jane was very afraid, but I always reassured her. But unfortunately, until now I can't promise to marry her. And I think she's starting to doubt me."
Hearing Royce's outpouring of heart, of course Athena was very sympathetic. She did not expect that Royce had a very soft heart and could love women well.
Then Royce asked Athena again. "What do you think would happen if I introduced Jane to my parents?"
And of course Athena didn't know the answer to that question. The girl smirked a little. "I don't know what to think. The answer to that question is very sensitive, Prince. I'm sorry."
"Ah, you don't need to apologize. Instead I thank you, because you want to listen to my complaints. But if you want, can I ask for help about something?"
"What do you need, prince?"
"Your house is close to Jane's, isn't it? Tomorrow when you come home, can I leave something for Jane? Because the thing I want to give her I can't carry with my own hands. If I had sent a guard, my mother or Helen would have known about it. But if you brought it with you, it would be safe." Royce said.
Athena smiled and nodded. "Of course I will help you, Prince. Tomorrow when you have the things ready, just call me."
"Thank you, Athena. Ah, I also want to ask you one more thing."
"What?"
"Could you accompany me when I meet Jane? You can be an excuse for me. If I went to see Jane with you, my mom and dad wouldn't suspect anything. And I don't have to dress like a commoner."
Hearing that request, Athena hesitated a little. "But what about Princess Lucy? Are you going to see Jane every day?"
"Hahaha, of course not every day. But once a week, every Thursday when you are off from work. How about it?"
*****