Chapter:- 9.
Andrew has prepared his apology speech since this morning.
Andrew:- I apologise.
Eric:- I didn't hear you.
Andrew:- I said. I apologise for my misbehaviour and the mistreatment that my people did to you. It was too much. I admit, nobody should have gone through that treatment.
Eric judging him, thinking that the Prince is apologising to me?
Eric:- It's fine. I would appreciate it more if you stop ordering and your people stop doing that to everybody who comes to your house to visit for any purpose.
Andrew:- I appreciate your apology. I will keep that in mind. But a prince can't order around.
Eric:- A mafia can.
Andrew:- You are telling me to go against my family?
Andrew said, smirking.
Eric:- No, I am telling you to do the right thing.
Andrew:- It is a command. I have no say in this.
Eric:- Even if that means hurting people?
Andrew:- It's always been like this. Besides, people are used to it now.
Secretary:- Sir.
Andrew didn't look behind and said:- What is it?
Secretary:- You have a meeting in about an hour.
Andrew:- Ok.
Jack:- Eric, You have cases to work on. Come on quickly.
Eric:- Ok.
Both looked at each other, and
Andrew said:- You have to come with your invitation. Don't lose it at any cost. Otherwise you can't enter. I will pick you up at 8:00 pm.
Eric, confused, said:- Wait. Why would you pick me up? I have my own car. Besides, are you even allowed to do that?
Andrew:- Only those cars can come which are previously recognised by the security. It's a rule. No taxis and no cars. And you don't even know anyone from the family except me. And, yeah I am allowed. To be precise, I made that decision. You can come by walking. But you will be all sweaty and won't look your best. It's a first meeting with the king. Need to be organised.
Eric furrowed his eyebrows and thought:- What kind of absolute nonsense is this?!
Eric:- I don't have a choice. Do I?
Andrew moved his face from right to left, indicating you don't have a choice.
Eric:- OK. I guess even a police officer can't go against the rule.
Andrew:- Every rule is of great importance and our reputation is connected with it. All the rules are in existence from the past century. Even the king can't change it.
Eric:- You mean, it's permanent?
Andrew nodded and said:- I am here as a Prince not a Mafia or a Billionaire. Though you may see otherwise as you are a Police Officer. You will soon be our guest, so I must show my manners on behalf of the whole family.
Eric:- I find it hard to believe you are behaving well, must be because you have a split personality.
Andrew:- You would be full of manners in front of the king. Then I would find it hard to believe too.
Eric:- Was it the Prince or the Mafia who apologised to me?
Andrew:- You don't know?
Eric intentionally acts like he doesn't know.
Eric:- I knew it at a glance that it was the Mafia who apologised. I just wanted to confirm it.
Andrew:- Content?
Eric:- Very much.
Andrew:- Then—-
Eric:- Wait!
Andrew turned around again seeing Eric's face.
Eric:- Should I bring a gift or something? I also want to show my good manners.
Andrew:- There's no need. You are our guest. You being there would mean a lot.
Eric:- I still want to bring a gift despite knowing that the king has every luxury. I can't go there empty handed.
Andrew:- We,... like efforts on gifts. The king likes that too. If that is all. I will take my leave, Officer Eric.
Eric:- Bye.
Eric mumbled:- Have a nice day.
The bad feeling was that Andrew was arriving without Eric knowing, and now Eric was feeling good not only because he was invited, but because Andrew apologised to him. He finds it hard to believe but couldn't help but feel good.
After Andrew left.
In Eric's office,
Officers Barged in after knowing that Prince Andrew left.
Eric was trying to find a place to put down the huge box.
Joseph:- What is this?
Eric after finally cleaning his messy table in order to put down the huge box, said:- Just a suit and its accessories to go along with it.
Joseph:- Why would he give you?
Eric:- For me to look my best. It's my first time ever meeting the king. Of course, I need to look presentable.
Joseph:- Anything else?
Eric:- Nothing much. Just that he would pick me up from my house.
Jack:- Yeah, unrecognised cars are not allowed.
Joseph:- When did you come?
Jack:- Just now.
Joseph:- What kind of shitty rule is that?
Jack:- An unbreakable rule. More like a protocol to ensure the safety of the guest and reaching on time. As the king, times are fixed by himself.
Eric nodded.
Jack:- Here's the Invitation card. Don't forget it.
Eric:- Sure.
Jack:- Come on everyone. Back to your work. Eric and Joseph. You both also.
Joseph:- I am telling you Eric, Prince Andrew doesn't have good intentions.
Joseph Barged out of the office.
In the office, Eric was there. He can't help but think that there must be another motive behind this gathering.