Chapter 16

“Is she awake?” A soft voice asks. I frown, snuggling closer to the pillow underneath me and praying that whoever is ruining my sleep leaves. A chuckle from beside me answers the question before a hand slowly plays with my hair.

“I think she is Elisa. Can you bring us some food?” I sigh, realizing that my slumber is now over and slowly open my eyes to an amused-looking Alekai.

“Hi.” He chuckles, leaning forward and kissing my forehead.

“Hi.” I yawn, snuggling closer to the pillow and pulling the blanket closer to me.

“How long was I asleep for?” I ask, closing my eyes as Alekai continues to play with my hair.

“About an hour. You fell asleep just as we arrived at the study. So, I decided to let you rest even though you were hungry and figured we could eat when you woke up.” I smile at his thoughtfulness, feeling his hand stop as I am scooped up again in his arms before settling in his lap.

“So, what have you been doing while I sleep?” I ask, snuggling close to the Prince and scanning the table beside us. I realize that he must have moved the small dining table closer to the couch where I slept. My heart skips a beat knowing that Alekai moved it to be closer to me.

“I have a charity ball tomorrow night. Duke Roland and I have been collaborating to create a new high school where the students can learn real-life skills such as a trade or artistic talent. It will be part-school, part-business, where the students can sell their work to help build their brand and find a job once they graduate. A way to help the economy grow.” Something in my mind clicks, and I think back to three months ago, back at Uncle Elyse’s estate. Aime, Jaida and I were called into Uncle Elyse’s study, where the Duke explained that he would be busy for the next few weeks as he finalized a project that we were told would bring many children a better future. I remember being curious about this project, wanting to know more and see if I could help. But Uncle Elyse shooed me out with the other two, saying we would know more when the time was right. I guess the time is right now.

Elisa returns, pushing a cart of food into the room. Another maid quickly gathers Alekai’s paperwork and piles it neatly onto the empty chair I should be sitting in. Still, Alekai tightens his hold on me, and I give in, staying in his lap as two plates are set before us, each with a simple chicken bacon sandwich and french fries that smell heavenly to my protesting stomach. I quickly dig in, feeding Alekai a fry from my plate while I enjoy the sandwich, the crispy lettuce and hot, grilled chicken. This is just what I need after a long day.

“When did you and Uncle Elyse come up with this project?” I ask, taking the time to finally learn about this important project that piqued my interest months ago.

“Two years ago. As you know, I have created many businesses over the years, some being restaurants.” I nod, taking a sip of the milkshake that Alekai hands me, my attention solely on him.

“Well, Duke Roland is a partner in one of my businesses, a construction business. We both agreed we needed to find a way to hire talented individuals,” Alekai answers. From there, he explains that the school was originally a trade school for high schoolers. In this place, kids who worked better with physical learning over academic learning could enroll and gain experience that would land them a career in construction upon graduation. But then it evolved because Uncle Elyse mentioned that construction was not the only business the two men owned. Of course, each year would offer the traditional courses in mathematics, English and so forth, but would also include a variety of classes from construction to baking and even fashion and arts.

“When Duke Roland mentioned a girl his daughter was friends with and her dream of becoming a baker, I agreed right away to make the school encompass other trades and fields.”

“I’m that girl,” I whisper in awe, realizing why Uncle Elyse kept this project a surprise.

“You’re that girl. It wasn’t until the ball last week and piecing together what I have learned about you that I realized you were the talented girl he gushed about as if you were his own daughter,” Alekai confirms, smiling as he brushes away a few crumbs from my lips with his fingers.

“So the party for the school is tomorrow?” I continue, excited to see this project that is partially inspired by my own childhood.

“Yes, and it will be held at the school. I already have your gown picked out.” My lips form a broad smile, excitement at a new environment other than the Palace and a chance to see Uncle Elyse again. Elisa returned to clear our empty plates as Alekai accepted the paperwork from earlier, handing me the pile to look through. I am quickly absorbed into the words, the plan of action laid out over the last few years from the school's location, if it would be a boarding school or not, and how many buildings would be there. I can’t help but admire Alekai and Uncle Elyse more, smiling when I realize there are specific buildings for specific trades. My favourite is the culinary building.

“Have you named the halls yet?” I ask, finding the school's blueprint and wishing this had been my own.

“Each one will be named after trees. Apple Orchard is for culinary, Weeping Willow for construction, which includes electrician and woodworking trades, and Sakura for the arts. We are thinking of Spruce Forest for the student housing but feel we should have separate names for the female and male dorms.” Alekai answers, his fingers pointing out each building on the sheet. I stay silent, wondering what a good name would be before pointing to the male dorms.

“Keep this one as Spruce Forest.” I say before pointing towards the female dorms.

“And this one Plum Orchard.”

“Why Plum?” I giggle at his question before pointing at the wall closest to the female dorms.

“If I am not mistaken, this school is close to the largest fruit farm, and the plum orchard is right by the female dorms. Why not talk with the owner of the farms to allow collaboration with the school where students can learn about farming? We need more of that in this kingdom, with the lands charred from the war slowly being recultivated. You could even waive land tax for the first five years if the graduates become farmers and cultivate their own fields.” I continue, voicing the suggestion I believe would help strengthen the country and reduce food costs.

“That’s an amazing idea, Lyra! How did I not think about this!” Alekai exclaims before his lips capture mine in a quick kiss that ends too soon as the door to his study bursts open, and an irate man stalks towards us with guards on his trail trying to stop him. His piercing gaze is like daggers as he focuses solely on Alekai.

“Alekai, you bastard! Why haven’t you been spending time with your fiancée?!” The man screams, his fists swinging towards Alekai and subsequently me. But luckily, a guard tackles this man to the ground, apologizing profusely to Alekai and me as another comes to help detain this stranger.

“Nole, I do not have a fiancée.” Alekai’s voice is as cold as ice as he sends Nole a glare that would kill if possible.

“Liar! Linnate is your fiancée, she said so herself!” The man named Nole screams like a rabid animal, trying his best to fight off the two guards pulling him back.

“I never agreed to that arrangement. In fact, I despise your sister. I wish someone would marry that whore already so I can be rid of her,” Alekai spews in disgust, pulling me closer to his body and kissing my forehead. I could feel the glares of hatred from Nole, and I already despise the man who thinks he can just burst into Alekai’s study without permission. He is nothing compared to my Prince, and if it weren’t for political reasons, I have a feeling Nole would have been killed by now.

“If anyone is the whore, it's that slut on your lap,” Nole spits out, only to be slapped by a guard.

“Get this straight, Nole. Lyra is no whore. If anything, she belongs to me and only me because I was her first and will be her one and only.” I blush at Alekai’s words, motioning for the guards to take Nole away. With a guard on either side, dragging the dishevelled man out the door kicking and screaming, I sigh in exasperation, now realizing that I have to guard myself against Linnate and her brother Nole. The door is left open, the screams of Nole’s complaints echoing down the halls until silence.

“The first thing I will do as King is strip that whole family of their titles,” Alekai mumbles, his arms shaking as he pulls me closer once more. My hand wraps around his back, slowly drawing circles to help calm him down.

“Prince Alekai, Miss Lyra.” Elisa’s voice calls out as the sound of a door closing catches my attention. I turn my head slightly to see Elisa waiting patiently by the door for Alekai to respond.

“Can you tell Nick to ready the car for us, Elisa? Lyra has been trapped here for two weeks, and after Nole’s unwanted visit, we both need some fresh air.” Alekai orders. Elisa bows, leaving just as quickly as she came once again as Alekai loosens his hold on me. His eyes hold fury, one I know is directed at the siblings who keep causing trouble for us. The stress is evident on his face. I smile reassuringly at Alekai, pulling his head closer to mine and kissing him gently.

“Everything will be fine, Alekai,” I whisper once we pull away.

“I know, Songbird.” He answers back, kissing the top of my head. Elisa enters once again, informing us that the car is ready. Alekai thanks her before leading me out of his study and down the halls. This would be my first outing since being sold as a slave, and I cannot wait. Maybe I can use this time to convince Alekai to set me free and get to know each other on more equal footing.