Xo Novel
35
” It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Lambert. I was wondering that a woman to capture the heart of our crown prince should be special and special you are.” Nikolai said with a gentle smile extending his hand to Miranda for a handshake. Instead of taking her hand, he kissed her knuckles, maintaining eye contact with her. Someone watching from the sidelines could mistake it as an intimate act between lovers. Miranda scrutinised the man before her and knew that beyond that gentle smile laid the real him. She could tell that he was hiding something behind that mask of gentleness. She didn’t need someone to tell her that the man was bad news and the far she stayed from him the better.
Looking at the second Prince act so blatantly, the King knew that something was cooking in his mind. He was familiar with the conflict between the two brothers. While Justin preferred to be silent, Nikolai was good at pushing people to their limits and poking them. Nikolai was always mischievous and loved seeking trouble just like he was doing right now. Looking at his elder son’s face that had turned black in anger, the king couldn’t do anything but shake his head at his helplessness. He of course did not forget to send a warning glare to the second Prince. Sophia, who was watching the interaction between her son and Justin’s woman, narrowed her eyes suspiciously. She knew Nikolai very well and could tell when something intrigued him or amused him but although he was still wearing his mischievousness face, another emotion was well hidden, interest! That’s what she interpreted it to be. No, she had to warn her son From having any designs on Justin’s woman.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
It was time to concentrate on their mission to overthrow the Royal family and she wouldn’t let anything come in their way. She knew that for their plan to succeed, Nikolai had to have zero commitment to anything much less a woman. The rebels had already started to mobilise their army, awaiting for the perfect chance to attack and that time was soon approaching. The king’s health was worsening each day and soon enough, he wouldn’t be able to hold power and that would leave the clueless Justin to handle State affairs. That would then be the perfect time to strike.
Justin who was gritting his teeth in hate and annoyance fought to keep in his emotions. He still remembered how Ronald warned him about reacting every time Nikolai attacked him. He couldn’t let the bastard have the satisfaction of seeing him riled up but it was taking all the self control not to match go that idiot and punch some senses in his brain.
After the introduction and catching up, the four people proceeded to the table to have their lunch. Justin was just pulling a seat for his Miranda to sit besides him when the king spoke,” Pumpkin, how about you come sit besides me, I hope Justin wouldn’t mind?” The King said his eyes wandered between Justin and Miranda. ” Of course, I don’t mind dad.” Justin replied but his voice was strained. Everybody could feel how displeased he was with the arrangement but could only agree to it, it was a request from the king afterall.
The meal was taken in a peaceful atmosphere. Everybody had different thoughts going through their mind. The queen of course was unhappy about the differential treatment Miranda was getting from the King. She could count the number of times with one hand fingers when she sat next to the king. She couldn’t help but get angry at how a certain someone was allowed to break rules after rules and receive no punishment. Justin on the other hand was wondering if bringing Miranda to meet his family had been a bad move on his side. Ever since they arrived here, she totally forgot about him. She was happy by his father’s side. He even got angrier when his bastard brother tried to flirt with his woman in front of his eyes. He wished he could just match to him and beat the shit out his dumb mind but he couldn’t do that, for now.
The king was happy to have Miranda by his side. She was like the daughter he never had. He also knew of her identity as Justin’s shadow guard. That was a matter he wanted to discuss privately with her, something he’ll do after the visit is over. Nikolai on the other hand was admiring Miranda’s beauty. He had met countless women but no one was like the lady sitting across him. Her beauty was unparalleled. She was exuding an Aura of mystery. Looking at her, he knew that there was much more to her. She was no regular CEO. Nothing caught Nikolai’s interest like a mystery. He liked the challenge and he was hellbent on uncovering the mystery behind Justin’s woman. He couldn’t deny that he felt attracted to her but he would never do something despicable like eye the woman his brother was in Love with. Yes, he was an asshole. That he knew very well but he’ll never do anything to hurt his brother. If anything, he was forever his guardian angel, always removing troubles in his way but nobody knew that, not even Justin himself, not even his mother. To him, Justin was like an idol, he admired his courage and beliefs. He had sworn to protect him as long as he lives but that was a secret he’ll take to his grave. He will always remain the asshole in everyone’s eyes. As long as he could protect him, people’s judgements did not matter. They may not be related by blood, they may come from opposite sides but that will never be a stumbling block to him. He could not let danger befall him nor the people of this kingdom just because his mother and her accomplices were greedy for power.
After they finished having lunch, the queen and Nikolai excused themselves. The king also went back to his study room but after instructing Miranda to see him alone before she could leave.