Part 33

In the stairwell, the two princes met. Prince Emmanuel came to a halt and rested his hand on Prince Augustus' shoulder. "How's the game going? Did you win?" Prince Augustus let go of Prince Emmanuel's hand and continued to ascend. "I guess they lose." Prince Emmanuel shrugged his shoulders.

I was going to walk directly to the king's office when Prince Emmanuel stopped me and informed me that the king had left for an urgent meeting. He offered me to eat, but I politely declined.

"Please accept my sincere apology, Prince Emmanuel." I lowered my head several times.

"Gemma, please stop. What are you doing? I'm not used to your formality. Your behavior makes me uncomfortable." He stated this as though irritated with me. "I can't believe you turned me down."

"I don't think it's appropriate to refer to you as kuya. Because of your kindness, I've become much too at ease." I said.

"Enough!" Prince Emmanuel exclaimed. "You know how I get irritated when people act like that in front of me!"

"I-I