Luke was too stunned to react or to fight back. Though it was true that he was taller and heavier than his fiancee, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.  That fury saw him outside her bedroom with the door slammed to his face. But what had just happened? For a moment, he was left dumbly staring at the door, wondering what was it that he said that set her off that way. Did he, by any chance, imply that her artworks were shameful? He remembered specifically telling her that it would not embarrass him, because everybody knew he was not a connoisseur of art. Definitely not by a long shot. Was he not supportive enough by offering to bring everything back home and turn her old bedroom into a studio? Did he say anything that might have sounded like he was assuming that she as an ignorant idiot?

Fuck, his headache was getting worse just by mulling over what just happened. 

He raised a fist and knocked. “Rhiane. Open the door, let’s talk.” He repeated the action, repeated her name as well, but no answer came. It was just like their first argument over again, except that she had mustered the courage to push her out of him room instead of keeping him inside as a prisoner. 

The entire household must have heard her outburst. Tobias, who was at the top of the staircase then, certainly heard what she said, how she compared Luke to his cousin. Tobias heard how Rhiane preferred him over the future king. Well, it shouldn’t matter, really. Rhiane was in her position to serve a single purpose, which was to carry his heirs. In her mother’s words, she was a breeding mare that he had to go through in order to satisfy tradition. After her purpose, he had to get rid of her and only then can he marry whoever he pleased – a true queen who would rule by his side until his reign was done. It really shouldn’t matter what she thought about Luke, who she preferred to be with. This was all just a ruse meant to distract the public.

Yet, as his cousin wordlessly slipped past Luke, he stopped the former. “Tobias,” the prince’s voice was formal and stiff. “Make sure she is finished getting dressed in fifteen minutes, then escort her outside.”

He left without waiting for a response. Sebastian was at the base of the stairs looking at him with questions in his eyes. Rhiane’s brother was a different story. Luke decided against uttering a word to either of the men. He was not in the mood for small talk. Barefoot and all, he walked out of the house.

A servant was at the door, waiting for the couple. She seemed surprised to see just one of them, then the surprise escalated to shock when she noticed that his royal highness was barefoot. Yet, she did not dare point out the obvious. “Your highness, breakfast is served in the dining area.”

“I am going to have breakfast in my tent.” It was visible from the doorway of the house. There were two white tents at the drive way outside the estate. One was for Rhiane and the other for him, so that both would not be bothered while doing their preparations for the tour. 

The morning sunlight was too bright. He wished he had sun glasses, but it was too late to ask for that. He braved the distance between the house and the tents. Halfway through, he was met by Anelle in her high heels and perfectly curled locks. Her smile was bright and big as she asked why he was alone and out so soon. A mixture of joy and malice shone in her eyes as she assured him that his meal would be served in the tent. The painkiller he asked for was available as well. All he had to do was wait a bit. And while he was waiting, he should change into something more princely. “This shirt and pants don’t nearly make the cut, no offense to your stylist.”

She briefed him about the itinerary for the day and the roles that each was going to play. The theme would be all about Rhiane. Luke was going to be just a supporting character. He should let her talk as she showed the camera and the people around her hometown. The team picked locations which looked good on the camera, avoiding the poverty-stricken streets and focusing on the more progressive side of the town. The selection, however did not cut off the location of her mother’s and brother’s graves. It was going to be one of the highlights of the day and Anelle hoped to capture a heartfelt scene. “Tears would be good. The viewers love raw emotions and drama.”

Luke resisted the urge to snort or roll his eyes. He was fed-up with all the drama, Anelle included. “I don’t care. I heard enough of the plan. You now may leave.”