After a long and quiet drive with Natalie wondering at the back of her head where it was that they're going as the hotel wasn't that far to the best of her memory, they arrived at a wrought-iron gate that swung open automatically.Jonas wheeled into the long, tree-lined, cobblestone driveway that curved in front of the porch.Natalie appreciated the stunning architecture she beheld. The white two-storey building stood gracefully with large pillars and windows that covered almost all its height. The walls and floors had strips of LED that illuminated it as well as the numerous light fixtures that hung on the walls or suspended from the ceiling.A group of about ten uniformed servants, six of whom were females, lined up to welcome Isaac home.He held Natalie's hand, and they walked in together while Jonas carried on to park the car.The interior was sleek and luxurious with polished marble flooring and intricately crafted ceilings. The colour theme was gold and off-white, and the blinds

Natalie woke up the next morning to the sounds of people going on and about. She sat up and stretched, feeling like she's never had such a peaceful sleep before. The bed was so warm and silky, and knowing she had no class that morning added to her tranquillity.Isaac's watch on the nightstand caught her attention, and she wondered if he'd come in while she's asleep.She slipped out of bed and strolled barefoot towards the walk-in closet, which led to the bathroom.Two maids stood still waiting by the dresser, looking like mannequins. She greeted them, and they greeted back simultaneously and continued staring at the wall, their hands crossed on their bellies.She scrunched her face slightly, finding them really bizarre. She continued to the bathroom and allowed herself in after putting on a pair of slippers by the door.Poo was steaming Isaac's hair carefully, and Dan stood by the wall waiting with a bathrobe hanging on his arm. Jonas was reading a fancy scroll to him but stopped when

[[BARDAEN]]The king was in his private cabinet having a midnight cup of tea by the fireplace while going through the government reports.His page permitted himself into the room and bowed before him. “The Prince's cook has been taken care of. Your assumption was correct.”“Filter out every of the queen's people around the prince.”“There's only one now remaining, and I believe the Prince knows about him. He must have a reason for letting him be.”“Sure, but keep a close look on him.”“Yes. The prince seems to be romantically engaged with this lady. She currently lives with him.” He kept a sealed black file on the table.The king gave it a glance. “Do you think he's willing to settle with her?”“She is of lowly birth, your Majesty.”The king gave the burly, bald, bearded man a scrutinising look. “For how long?”“She moved in five days ago, but it seems they've been together for a week or two. I believe she's the reason he went to the school.”The king thought over it for a minute and

Natalie stepped out of the bathroom to meet Isaac having a cup of tea in the bedroom. They had gone in together, but he only had a quick shower and let her take her time.“Feeling better?”He smiled, a gesture that eased the tension in her. “Hmm.”She removed the towel on her head and threw it on the chaise, sat beside him on the bed. “Can I ask you a question?”“Sure.” He sipped his tea.“Who was that?”“My brother.”“You have a brother?!” She exclaimed.“Yes, a stepbrother.”“But you don't seem close, or are you?”“I'm afraid not. He has enough reasons to hate me, and I totally understand him.”“Why is that?”Isaac stared at her briefly. “Love?”“Yes.” She answered, clueless of his sudden seriousness.“How good are you at keeping secrets?”She wobbled her brows and pondered over it for a fleeting minute. “I'm not quite sure.”“I can be downright honest with you about everything concerning me, but it could put you in danger if you don't keep it to yourself.”“What sort of danger?” Sh

As if having to deal with winning Natalie's heart over completely was not enough, now he had to earn her unwaving trust as well.He stared at Dan, who had his eyes on the carpet, with a frown on his face. “Explain, Dan.”He's been on his toes for the past two days ever since Natalie left because she ‘wanted space’. He's been calling and texting her nonstop, making him seem like a young obsessive boyfriend, but what could he do?He found peace with her. He could laugh and joke with her. She made his heart lighten up and race again. He couldn't afford to lose her.But now…The coldness of the living room did nothing to stop the heat that's building up inside of him. His eyes were trained on Dan, who looked like he'd rather disappear than say what he had to.“Six people were found dead earlier this morning. They've been missing for three days, and they all have a connection to the lady.”“How did that happen?!” He demanded, his patience wearing thin.“We are yet to know, Your Highness. A