Athena was still watching Lucy who started interacting with some village kids who were the same age as Lucy. Of course the topic of their conversation is very continuous.
And Athena was very happy to see Lucy who was very cheerful today. The girl is able to interact with the children in the diamond village.
"Princess Lucy, I have to fulfill your brother's request. And I have to go to someone's house for a while. Can you play alone with them?" Athena asked softly.
Of course Lucy immediately nodded her head. "Yeah, you can go anywhere, Athena. I'm so happy to be here." The girl said in a cheerful tone of voice.
Athena chuckled softly. Then she glanced at the two bodyguards standing by the horse-drawn carriage. She only gave the code of gaze to the two bodyguards. To tell them that she had to go away for a while and that they had to keep an eye on Lucy from there.
Some of the village children also agreed with Athena's words, when Athena said that she would leave Lucy with them for a while. Athena also advised the children to treat Lucy well.
Finally, Athena left with a simple bag made of woven plastic. She had brought the bag with her on purpose, to make people think she was going to the big market in the village.
Athena walked past Jane's house. And it turns out that Jane is standing in front of the house. The woman is watering some beautiful plants.
Of course Jane saw Athena passing by. Then the woman immediately rebuked Athena.
"Hey Athena, where are you going?" Jane asked. Her pink lips smiled sweetly.
Athena returned a smile from Jane. "Ah, I'm going to the market."
"Shouldn't you be working at the palace today?"
"My work is loose, and Prince Royce has sent me home. I shall return to the palace in the afternoon." Athena said.
Jane nodded in understanding. Then she snorted softly. "You already knew that I was Royce's lover. But when you walked past me, you didn't greet me. Did you do that on purpose?"
Hearing that prejudice, Athena gave a small smile. Now Jane's true nature began to show, even though Athena was only fishing with small things.
Athena didn't say hello to Jane on purpose. Because she wanted to know how Jane would react. It turned out that Jane was quite boastful that she was the lover of a crown prince. The woman's tone was also unfriendly, like the tone of an arrogant person's voice.
"Sorry if I didn't say hi, Jane. I walk with my mind focused on other things. So I don't see who I'm missing while walking." Obviously Athena.
Jane immediately crossed her arms after putting down a container she used to water plants. The woman looked at Athena. "Has Royce been very busy this week? He doesn't see me anymore. And he doesn't send me letters or gifts either. Do you know anything about him? Is he sick?"
"No, Prince Royce is very well. He is very busy indeed, because he does have a lot of things to do."
"But still, is he starting to care less about me? Can I leave my message for Royce?" Jane asked.
Of course Athena nodded her head. "Yes, you can leave your message to me. I will pass your message on to Prince Royce."
Jane immediately smiled happily. "Tell Royce that I'll be waiting for him by the beach every Thursday. And he has to come see me. I'll be mad if he can't come. That's all I have to say."
"All right, I'll pass on your message when I return to the palace this afternoon. But Jane, why are you forcing Prince Royce?"
"I didn't force him. That's perfectly normal in a romantic relationship. Lovers do have to see each other once a week. And I want Royce to see me regularly on Thursdays." Jane said.
Athena nodded in understanding. "I understand, but for now I can tell you frankly. That Prince Royce is very busy. He has many demands of work that he must complete. Prince Royce has also told me that if he wants to go to see you, he need requires special preparation. He's a crown prince. He can't go out that often to see you. If I may give you a suggestion, you'd better not get Prince Royce to see you too often."
"Athena, Royce and I are currently in a romantic relationship. Then what right do you have to give me such advice? Your job is only to convey that message to him!!"
"Are you mad when I try to give you advice?" Athena asked patiently.
"Of course I'm angry!! I feel offended. It's as if I am very guilty. Royce loves me very much, and I love him too. I have also had a long relationship with him. And now, I want to get Royce to marry me. So don't get in the way of our plans!!"
Athena smiled a little. "The plan of the two of you?Wasn't that your own plan?"
Jane frowned. "That was our plan!! Of course I will marry Royce. And I will be a queen that you will serve in the palace!!"
"Huh, really? Why are you so confident? Did you ever think that Royce's parents would like you?"
"Why would I even think about that!! I'm famous for being beautiful in this country. They'll definitely like me too!!" said the very confident Jane.
"If you manage to marry Prince Royce, what will you do?" Athena asked. Her tone was always friendly and patient. So that Jane did not suspect that Athena was trying to interrogate her.
Jane smiled and tossed her hair. "Of course I will raise the status of my family. My parents will also live in the palace. Then I will be side by side with Queen Victoria. I will have an important throne there, because I become the wife of a crown prince!!"
"Jane, being the wife of a crown prince is not easy. It's not as easy as you think. You will face many trials from king and queen. You will be tested whether you are a good daughter-in-law or not. And in there, You will have a lot of demands and pressures on you. So I want to tell you a thing."
"What?"
"Beauty is not an acceptable standard in the royal family. Apart from beauty, you must also have talent and master a lot of knowledge. Inside the palace is not as beautiful as you think. If your goal is only thrones and treasures, then you will only fall into a deep hole." Athena said trying to give advice to Jane.
Hearing that, Jane immediately clenched her right fist. Her jaw hardened and her gaze fixed on Athena.
It turned out to be true what Victoria said. Then Athena would pass on information about Jane to Royce. It turns out that the main goal of Jane is only the throne and treasure. The woman is just beautiful, but does not have extensive knowledge. No kingdom would be able to accept a foolish empress. If beauty is judged, then there are many beautiful women out there.
*****