(PICTURE OF TARQUIN ABOVE)

"Okay, so now Velvet's at a tie with Oro. Tonight's match will finalise everything," Rosa mused to the two Princes.

Javier's attention was diverted from his phone as he glanced at her and Francesco—but it was just for a moment.

He had earlier received a call from Demetrius, who had gotten the final marriage certificate.

He had asked him to send it to him through the fastest means possible. And as he thought of a way to break the news to his father, he received a text from AngelicEagle, his new wife.

That brought a smile to his face, though he had never even seen her.

"Hey, I had to leave yesterday. I'll be gone for a few days. I have something quick to do in France. Maybe we'll meet when I return? :)"

"I'm in France at the moment," he had texted back.

"Oh..."

"What about I meet you here?"

"Sure. :)"

He smiled as he texted her the details of the location where he wanted them to meet. He didn't want it to be too open, like a restaurant—he couldn't afford to expose her so soon.

He asked to meet her at the rarely visited lake near his apartment at the resort. His was one of the most set apart and had a secluded lake behind it.

It was the perfect spot.

I can't believe I finally get to meet her, he smiled yet again. If only she were Aquilina, then all would have been perfect.

That soured his mood a little. But what was done, was done.

"Ehi(Hey), Francesco," a deep voice called out as it neared them in their lounge.

They all turned to see the icy but handsome face of Tarquinius Brando Romano (Tarquin), the Crown Prince of Italy.

"Tarquin," Francesco half embraced his elder brother.

Tarquin shook Javier's hand firmly and barely nodded at Rosa.

"I didn't know you would be coming," Francesco sat down after his brother did.

"Neither did I," he said without the slightest hint of feeling in his voice.

"This year's competition is rather special. Most Kings would be attending too, so I had no choice."

Rosa gasped and Francesco frowned. Javier was not so surprised, as he had overheard a bit of the conversation between his father and step-brother, Lu Xia.

"But, why?"

"Well, looking at the security threats in different nations, it would be a good idea to join forces. And what better place than where all you youngsters are meeting?"

Javier studied Tarquin as he spoke. Tarquin hadn't been as cold before, and neither was he much older. There was only a three-year difference between he and his brother.

But over the past months, he had changed. He no longer smiled. And it was said often now that he hated the company of others—especially females.

No wonder his indifference towards Rosa.

After, a moment of slight conversation, Francesco and Rosa stood up.

"Well, we will have to leave now," Francesco and Rosa turned to face them after standing.

"I have to practice my singing for later," Rosa chimed in joyfully.

"Why, is Francesco your backup singer?" Tarquin asked.

Javier almost chuckled at the look on Rosa's face. Francesco only gave his brother a look, and led Rosa away.

Tarquin only rolled his eyes at them and turned to face the window. He felt Javier's gaze and turned to look at him.

"What is it?"

He had his way of intimidating people with his looks, but Javier didn't fall for it. He had known him long enough.

"Just wondering what's eating up the mighty Tarquin?"

"And what makes you think something is eating me up?" He looked more amused rather than angry.

"Well, it must be something huge that makes you put up such a bigs front."

He stared at Javier for a moment and turned back to the window. For the longest moment, he didn't say a word.

Javier went back to his phone.

There's still a bit of time before I meet her.

"Well, as you can see, I'm not mighty but rather... most defeated." He sighed.

"Want to talk about it?" Javier's brows were furrowed. He was surprised he had opened up that much about it though.

"No..." his piercing blue eyes met Javier's as he also stood to leave. "Not yet, anyway. Maybe another time. But... thanks. You're the only one who's had the courage to ask."

He smiled a tiny bit before turning around to leave.

That's my cue to leave, I guess.

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"Are you sure you won't be needing anything else, Mademoiselle?" The owner of the resort queried politely.

"I'm sure, thank you."

"Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need anything."

"I will."

He turned around to leave with his assistant who had stood quietly behind him during the exchange.

Aqui sighed and looked around her when they had left. She had gone there without any intention of hiding her identity. Regardless, she had been clandestine about her arrival.

She didn't want to face everyone else—not yet anyway. She knew she would have to sooner or later.

The owner himself, knowing her identity had visited her on her arrival and the following day as well.

She walked into her large room.

I guess I'll practice a little for the tournament before I meet Angelo.

She took out her laptop and set it on her desk. She had been given her own apartment, as they knew who she really was.

Those other than the Royals and really rich shared apartments, though they were also huge and nice.

She trained her speed with a game and was glad she was still up for competition.

She glanced at the clock and realised she had to leave to meet Angelo, her husband. It was funny how he chose to meet so close to the resort.

And it's strange how Mike still hasn't called about the matter, she wondered as she grabbed her phone to leave.

I might have to tell him myself then.

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Hi, fam! How are y'all doing? GOD bless you all so much.

I hope you've already made the connection... or maybe you haven't? Well, see ya!

Love,
Phelita ❤️