He was right. Luke was usually right about most things, yet Ms. Rhian Black was anything but most things.  Nevertheless, he was right about her intentions. That it was not about her breaking away from the poverty-stricken province she was born in, nor was it about her desire to live amongst the most powerful family in all of Europe or marry the most eligible bachelor in the land. No, none of those. It was all about her family, estranged as they were. Luke saw the dread in her eyes when he openly threatened the family she left behind, and the relief that washed over her face after his confession that he would not take that route. He thought of his sister, his family, the most important person in the world, and the very reason why he had not yet renounced his claim to the throne. He would take up the mantle of power so that she could live her life however she wished, and he would be in the position to protect her. It was their father’s mandate, that Luke should always look after little Cally. And so, in that view, the crown prince and the farmer girl found their common ground – in the people they wished to protect.

Luke was still pondering on the things she said, her declaration of loyalty to him, the confession about how she lied her way to victory, as she passed him by to fetch the pain killer she requested. Beautiful, cunning, manipulative, and a liar, Rhiane would truly fit in her mother’s court. There were just some rules that she needed to remember in order to survive the snakes that flocked the capital, like never admit her faults, bury her weaknesses, and above all, do not trust anybody. He stretched his legs and got to his feet, crossing his arms over his chest, with his jacket slung over one shoulder, as he waited for her. 

She talked about the incident with the ambassador, which led them both to where they stood that morning, less than 10 meters apart. It was an interesting theory, though told by a commoner. She could be covering for her ineptness in wearing heels, which she already basically admitted at the waiting room before they entered the ball. “Regardless, I will personally see to it that your stylists will only pick flat shoes for you to wear from now on,” he said before leading her out of the suite. As for Sir Jin, there was hell to pay once proven guilty by Luke. He was authorized to order an air strike and be done with the devious man’s pitiful life, but if the queen would get in his way, the prince was sure that he could find means to open an investigation that would implicate the ambassador to the malicious act against the crown.

Ms. Viscomi was patiently waiting for them outside Rhiane’s door. “Great,” she exclaimed when the couple finally showed their faces. The image manager was a bit worried that either of the two had a change of heart regarding the queen’s request. “Now if you would please follow me, your highness and Ms. Black.” She led them deeper into the building into the space where a number of private hovercrafts were parked, all the while explaining what to expect. “Our staff prepared the Aurst Flux 54 hovercraft for your transport today, your highness. You will find it to be in top condition despite its age. It was selected to help you not stand out too much.”

Hovercrafts were a hybrid between an aircraft and a car. It was faster and had a more efficient engine than cars, but the fastest hovercraft was significantly slower than aircrafts. Its altitude was also limited due to its design. The appointed vehicle was a two-seater craft that was queen’s gift to Luke on his 18th birthday. Its black paint was sleek and shiny as if brand new, but it lacked the latest technologies due to its age. Nevertheless, it would be sufficient to perform its task to carry the couple to the restaurant.

Luke ran his hand along the slick body, feeling the smoothness of the curves of the design and remember the day he learned to fly the thing. With a touch of his thumb at the driver’s door’s latch, the vehicle was unlocked. He knew that it would work that way, but still a silly smile stretched his lips. The prince sat comfortably on the vehicle’s leather seat, feeling nostalgic as he took the wheel. “Get in, Ms. Black,” he invited, forgetting to open the door for her.

Ms. Viscomi bid them goodbye and cheerfully wished them luck as Luke powered the vehicle on and sped through the highway. The inside of the hovercraft was comfortable despite its speed and fast acceleration. Luke hardly felt any hesitation from the eleven-year-old engine. The air conditioning was also well-maintained thanks to the mechanics at the castle. Once safely on the highway, he glanced sideways at his passenger. She was still favoring one foot over the other and her asking for a pain killer meant that the pain bothered her.

“I need to talk to you about what you said back in your room,” he started while the reflection of the restored vehicle glided on the shiny windows of buildings at the business district. “I don’t need your pledge of loyalty,” he paused to think about his next words. “No, I don’t want your loyalty, but I appreciate that you feel that way. Although, if there’s one thing you need to know about me, Ms. Black, it’s that I’m not exactly your friend. In fact, nobody in court is and will ever be your friend. The sooner you grasp that truth, the easier it will be for you. So, next time don’t tell me about the lies you made to win the contest, or the thing you care about the most, because I may use it against you someday.”

They stopped at an intersection when the lights turned red and the opposite lane started to move. “I will break you more than once before this is over. I’m saying this to be fair, to manage your expectations, and because you were too honest with me earlier that I felt obligated to be honest with you as well. If not for the implant, I will not let my mother have her way, but right now we have to keep her happy. When she's happy enough, then maybe I can talk sense to her and have these deactivated
 And when that happens, we can finally get back to the agreement we had last night. Just don't --” He stole a glance only to find her head slumping to the side towards his direction. Luke caught himself smiling in amusement. "Don't fall asleep on me while I'm talking to you," he muttered. With one hand controlling the wheel, he used his other hand to gently support his fiancée’s head, righting it so she can comfortably sleep and not complain neck pain when she woke up.