Thank the technology because he could hold a conversation alone with a non-licensed pilot inside the cockpit and not worry about the thing crashing into the sea. Despite the long night and a rather unpleasant news, the view of the sky and the peace that only an altitude of 35,000 feet could bring made the day feel a little less cruel. It was proof that flying had such a positive effect on him even though he would rather be flying a fighter jet than a private aircraft. 

“Not quite,” the prince mused. His head turned away from the blanket of white clouds and lingered on the princess elect’s profile. The sun had made it out of the sea of clouds, effectively chasing away the shadows of the night. It bathed the two occupants of the cockpit with a gentle light, illuminating every beautiful feature on the princess’ face. Luke refrained from answering right away. Had they met under different circumstances, one where she was not a farmer’s daughter, he wondered if he would have made a move to get to know her the way he knew Sophia. Would they get along better if they had shared a common experience? If she was adequately schooled in whatever field she chose, would her ideas earn more merit? Because more than the pleasant appearance, Rhiane was charismatic, insightful, smart, and apparently good at flattery – characteristics of a woman that would have caught his attention.

“How odd is it that to me, it sounded like you did come to persuade me?” He leaned away from her with an elbow resting at the captain seat’s armrest. It had been decided that he did not want to sit in a room full of farmers only to waste his time listening to each person lament over his unfortunate situation. That conversation was over. She should take the spotlight and address the less fortunate citizens, because they relate to her so easily. It was her job. It was why she was chosen in the first place. While the masses adored the freshness of an unknown woman rising to one day become a queen, he would just be the same old intimidating crown prince no matter how he presented himself. Although actually, he knew no other way how to present himself. “If your argument is founded on the assumption that I too desires to share to the whole kingdom the burdens that I carry and how I work day and night – in sickness and in health – to give my people a chance to live a happy life, then it is a weak argument. Unlike you, I enjoy suffering in silence.” But he was not annoyed at her for being correct in her observations. In fact, he was smiling as he watched her watch the day unfold one second at a time. 

Eighteen more minutes, the timer on the dashboard said. He followed her gaze into the sky. “Besides, if I do hold a discussion with these farmers, then it will be just as you say – hearing without listening. A false hope that the queen’s own son will represent them when they demand to limit the importation of some crops or transfer the ownership of the land into their names. I will not. At least not because I was swayed by the condition of the people who are feeding the kingdom, I will not because I cannot put an order without exhaustive study about its implication to the economy and to the noble houses.” His brows furrowed into a frown. “Therefore, it is better for you to address the peasants. My mother will not be made happier by the uncharismatic way I speak to people.”

When he heard her think aloud about the possibility of being allowed time for sightseeing, it got her fiance’s attention more than her perceived repercussions for not adhering to the plans of Ms. Viscomi. “She might not allow it. I need to attend a summit in the far east at the end of the month, which I think is why she is cramming as much activities in a day as she could. Still, we don’t need her permission.” As the crown prince, he rarely asked for anybody’s permission. It would be nice to take a break after three very tiring days on the road. 

Luke cocked his head to one side, regarding her with an unreadable expression. “What about I consider talking to the farmers if you come with me somewhere relaxing and peaceful? I heard that there are hot springs and my family relatives own a couple. Or even better.” His eyes widened in amusement behind the dark shade of his glasses. A sly smile was playing on his lips. “Hold my hand and kiss me on the lips in public. I mean in front of the camera during a random shoot. Both you and Luce believes that I should improve the perceived relationship I have with the grassroot workers. However, it is not fair that only I would improve my image. You have to do something about the ‘lacking in romance’ comments from the internet community as well. If you did, then I will speak to the farmers myself and then bring you with me somewhere relaxing and safe.”