Butterfly Effect

63. Darkest Truth, "Part 2"

Getting her attention was the easy part for the soon-to-be King, as he had complete knowledge of her whereabouts throughout the day.

His maids were loyal to him, and him only. Francine, the head maid, was a woman who knew many secrets, all of which she would tell him.

He knew where the princess frequented, when she was scheduled to meet his brother, and the secret place they shared in private.

However, what began as a mere strategy to secure the throne soon led to his downfall. It became the reason he burdened his own brother with unnecessary tasks that could not be declined.

And what was this downfall?

It was the Egyptian beauty, whom he had swiftly fallen in love with. He understood why his brother had concealed her, for he knew her captivating essence would inevitably become irresistible to him.

Julian's casual feigned interest in her didn't take long to turn into infatuation.

There was something about the princess that he found hard to not adore.

Princess Jana was his perfect match. His. No one else's.

In the beginning, they indulged in extravagant outings, and as the nights unfolded, he sensed her mind wandering towards his younger brother.

Initially, it didn't perturb him greatly. However, as he began to ponder over her delightful smile and the captivating fragrance that enveloped any space she occupied, Julian gradually comprehended that he not only desired her exclusively for himself, but he couldn't allow his brother to snatch away what rightfully belonged to him.

"Fais attention où tu mets les pieds, mon ange." His accented voice said, watching the way the long gown was lifted slightly.

Her emerald eyes held a spark within them as she took his outstretched hand in her own, letting him pull her up into the boat. "I don't know how I feel about eating dinner on a boat. Why could we not have eaten at the palace again?" She asked softly, a frown etched onto her made up face.

"Because then we'd be eating dinner with the other fifty guests and it would not be a romantic dinner for two."

"Romantic? Why would you want a romantic dinner when your girlfriend is still inside?" Clueless to his true intentions, the anxiety ridden young princess situated herself onto the rocky boat and quickly snatched her hand back to her side.

"She's not my girlfriend, Jana."

"Another argument?" Jana sighed, seemingly not very surprised. Towering over her even in her highest heels, she peered up at him, those eyes making contact again. "Ah, crap! I'm such an idiot. Is that why you were looking around the room tonight? Did you want me to grab her attention so you could whisk her onto this boat? Okay, wait here, I'll go and get her."

Julian let out a guttural noise, his hands landing onto her slim waist causing her to snap her head down to look at them. Before she could ask him what he was doing, he began steering her around and bringing her back flush against his suited chest.

Her breath hitched as she felt his hands rest on her hips. His lips were right by her ear, speaking in hushed tones. "For such a smart woman, you sure are oblivious to a lot of things."

Oblivious?

The twenty one year swallowed harshly, not quite understanding his close proximity. He walked them into the outside of the boat until the cool air hit her exposed arms and she saw the candle lit dinner table in the very middle of the boat.

"I haven't been interested in the Princess of Luxembourg for the longest time. My focus has very much shifted to another, more suitable princess if you hadn't noticed."