It was difficult not to overhear conversation in someplace as compact as a moving aircraft. Even with thoughts of the absurdity of the whole fiasco plaguing his mind, he could not help but hear the hushed words being spoken between the two female bodyguards. At first, he thought it nothing more than gossip between women about another woman who they were both acquainted to but was absent that moment. He really shouldn’t mind it. Gossip was common in the royal court. Half of it was rooted on something that might be true, but the other half was fabricated lies and half-truths. Then again, Luke thought he heard his name whispered by one of the ladies who still didn’t notice him walk past them. He paused then took one step back. “Ladies, please. Gossip doesn’t work that way,” he chided softly. Both women were taken by surprise. One nearly jumped off her seat if not for the seatbelt she forgot to unbuckle. “The subject has to be out of earshot when you talk dirt to his sorry self.”
 
“Your hi--” The seatbelt pulled Octavia back to her seat. Lia was already on her feet, bowing from the waist down as if it was necessary, while her friend fumbled with the latch in an attempt to free herself. “Forgive me, your highness. There was no ill intent in mentioning your name in our conversation.” But his back was already on them, making his way back to the cockpit.

He did not hear the whole conversation, but there were snippets he could piece together. Like a certain “he” was looking at a certain “her” differently, which could mean that the former was being suspected of feeling something he supposed was romantic towards the latter, who was unfortunately taken. And then his name came up. The fact that his name was dragged into the conversation made him suspect that the “her” was his fiancee and the “he” was definitely not him. Who could it be then?

The musings about who were the characters in the latest court gossip was cut short when the door slid open and the playful colors of the coming morning greeted him. “Back so soon, my lord?” The co-pilot craned his neck from were he sat. “We still have about thirty minutes before preparing for descent. You may take a nap for the time being.”

Luke frowned. “Do I really look tired, Carter?” He wore his sunglasses and took his place at the pilot’s seat. Ahead was a seemingly endless fluffy sea of clouds inviting any observer to step out of the plane and bounce with the colors of dawn. The sun had poked half of its face above the clouds. Rhiane missed the few minutes when dawn was most beautiful.

“Not particularly, sir. Just -” Carter gestured with his finger under the eyes. “Nothing that the public will notice, I’m sure. Although it will be healthy for you to allow yourself some hours of sleep.” 

The circumstances saved Luke from answering after the door slid open again and they both turned to see that it was the princess elect. Carter cleared his throat then got up form his seat. “Miss Black, please have a seat.” He stepped to the side then gestured for her to take the seat that he just vacated. A sheepish smile curved his lips. He was precisely the type of nobleman who Luke fought to be like – cunning, pretentions, and above all he knows how to play the game of politics. “I just remembered that I need to speak to Ms. Viscomi about the schedule.” With that, the co-pilot hastily left.

As soon as they were granted a semblance of privacy, Luke invited her to make herself comfortable in his co-pilot’s seat. “It is such a beautiful day to debate on trivial matters, princess.” He sighed and it looked like he was going to lift his shoes up the control panel, but the prince contented himself in just leaning against the backrest while he watched her from behind the darkened lens. “How is your stomach feeling today? I have not yet received notification from your doctor that clears you from the dietary restrictions.” She was forced into the exhausting field work as soon as she could get up from the hospital bed. Both Luke and Tobias was on edge that day as they watched after the princess elect, tried to anticipate any weakness in her speech, her posture, or her gestures. But there she was, carrying herself gracefully, articulately, without a hint that she almost did not make it. 

“Are you here to argue on behalf of the peasants about the benefits of having a dialogue with them?” Luke asked out of curiosity.