“Should I, um ...?” He points to the door awkwardly.

“Katya, girls, please leave us.” I wait until the door is closed behind them before addressing Raul, “What, I found out your grandfather killed my parents and you’re just going to walk out of my life?”

“No!” Raul cries, as he closes the distance in a hurry, eyes pleading. “No, J. Haven’t I said enough that I’m at your disposal? If it’s up to me, I’d hug all your pain away. I just ... I can’t make up any excuses for the cruel thing my pops did.”

“Then don’t.” Raul looks visibly relieved hearing my affirmation.

“I’m sorry.” He pulls me in his embrace. “I just want to give you space. And if you need time as well, I perfectly understand.”

“I just need you on my side.”

“Always.” He answers, without hesitation.

“I’m fine, Raul. Truly. It traumatizes me, apparently, but I can’t say it hurts me as much. My parents left me at a very young age, and honestly, even before then they were away most of the time.” I sigh as bittersweet memories start flooding my mind. “I’ve only had Anne and my nanny Naomi for as long as I remember.” And later, my uncle Isaac and Raphael. “Not that I complain. I’m a fairly happy orphan, all things considered.”

“It’s been me and my mum, too, growing up. My father’s often away for royal duties.” He squeezes my arms one last time before letting go. “And I don’t want to make it sound like a competition, but please know that I understand—I also witnessed my mother being killed in front of me.”

I smirk, determined not to get sappy. “What’s the secret?”

“Time.” Raul turns to look at me. “And thanks for not throwing us a pity party.”

“You know—because I understand.” I grin. “Hey, can I call Royce? He’s the closest to Sherry; he might want to attend her funeral tomorrow.”

“Of course, princess.” He moves to stand up, but hesitates halfway. “Do you need me here or ...?”

I chuckle as I put my phone to my ear with one hand, the other reaches to grab his. “Always.”

^^^

After I cried my heart out with Royce, my mind becomes clearer than ever. I won’t stop mourning Sherry any time soon, but I won’t let her murderer win over me. I am the future queen of Primavara; I am no slave to my emotions. This case, I will see to it that no one else faces the same fate as Sherry.

But first thing first.

That night, I ask Raul to accompany me meeting my uncle. Not only because he’s my Thursday, but also because I trust him.

Well, that, and he’s also in for a surprise.

“Princess Jennifer and Prince Raul, Your Majesty.”

“Bring them in. And leave my study, you lot.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

I watch his entourage shuffles about as they exit the room.

“Hey, you two. What can I do for you?” He pinches the bridge of his nose, his face looks a bit strained as he maintains a friendly face.

“Uncle, you okay? Should I come back at another time? This can wait.” Instead of sitting in front of him, I walk around his desk to hug him.

“Ah, this is nice.” He takes his time in my embrace. “I’m just tired. Raul, come sit.”

“You know you can still confide in me, right? I may no longer be the heir—”

“Actually, can you just be? I am the king—I shall have every right to choose my heir apparent. It’s just hard, you know—watching all my hard work go down in flame and there’s nothing I can do about it. Wait, no, forget it. This is not what you want, I must appreciate you—damn, Jenny, what do I do? I’m such a mess.”

“Oh, Uncle ....” I squeeze him reassuringly.

“If I may, Your Majesty, she came for the same thing.”

Uncle lets go of me immediately. “You did??”

“No!” I glare at Raul. “Raul, you have to play your cards right!”

“Okay, okay.” Uncle laughs, beyond relieved. “You have your condition. Name it.”

“Seriously, though. Uncle, have you at least tried with Brandon? I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes.”

“I have. You don’t. We have a deal?” He offers his hand to me, all the while beaming brightly.

I swat his hand playfully. “Now about the conditions. Plural.”

“Consider them done.” He looks so satisfied with himself I’m considering going back on my own word.

“First of all, Brandon is to keep up with his educations; I want him involved in the future.”

Uncle nods. “You’ll find him in your council.” He looks unfazed as he assures me.

“Give me until I graduate. I mean, of course you can keep the crown for as long as you want, but at least—”

“Nope, all yours.”

I roll my eyes. He didn’t even need to consider it. “And from now on, no bachelors are to compete for my hand. None of this open relationships nonsense anymore. I’ve made my choice already.” I say, unwavering, as I look straight into Raul’s eyes.

Raul stares back at me, mouth agape.

“Wait, what??” Uncle raises his voice. “You can’t decide this without discussing with Raul first! And, God, you’re still twenty! What’s the rush? Don’t be hasty, Jenny!”

“I’m not. I’ve thought it through, and I don’t want anyone else. It’s either Raul, or I’ll reign as a single queen. That’s my last condition.” I slowly smirk at the king. “Now, do we have a deal?”

Uncle’s hand wraps around mine immediately. “I take it you have a coup d’état plan of some sorts ready?”

I smile mischievously. “Who do you take me for?”

^^^

“I can’t believe you, J.” Raul shakes his head, baffled but with the biggest grin. “We’ve known each other for a week.”

“Anne said when you found the one, you’d know.”

“But to just cut everyone off for me? I haven’t even said yes!”

“Hey, I never said I’d marry you, much less right away.”

“...Huh, true.” Raul looks thoughtful. “Damn, I knew it’s too good to be true. What’s the catch?”

I laugh. “No catch, dork. Anne said when you found the one, you’d know. Yet she spent eight years dating Raphael before eventually tying the knot. I really want to see where this thing goes, in no rush. I’ve found my one, that’s all. And I think continuing my open relationships would be unfair, to them and to you.” I take a second before getting to the serious part. “So you go on with your life plan. If you asked me, I’d love it if we could have a future together, but I won’t make that decision for you.”

Raul stops short as he looks me in the eyes. “Princess, what do you say we make us exclusive? Put a label on it, perhaps a status ....”

I look at him funny. “That’s what I was just talking about, no?”

“It’s you making you exclusive. I said us.”

I beam. “Yes! You will do it for me?”

“Princess, stop selling yourself short! Seriously.” Is he scolding me right now? Such a dork. “Let’s properly be lovers for now. I promise I’ll make a decision before your graduation.”

I wink. “Works for me, boyfriend.”

His eyes flash dangerously in my direction. Uh oh, did I trigger a button? “Can I kiss you? Right now.” His lips have already found mine before I could even answer.

“Remember what uncle said, though?” It takes everything in me to pull back almost immediately. He agreed on everything as long as we’re keeping our relationship low key just until the case’s solved. He said he’s so close, he just needed the last missing piece.

“I’m sorry.” Raul smirks. Well, he doesn’t look sorry at all. “I couldn’t help it. Let’s just say I harassed you?”

“You silly prince. You’d risk your reputation for a kiss?”

“A kiss, with my girlfriend? In a heartbeat.” He stops in front of my chamber and kisses my hand. “Well, this is you. I’ll find my way out myself. Randall, keep her safe for me, will you?” He shouts out his last sentence to my entourage a few steps behind.

Randall steps forward. “Certainly, sir.”

Looking back at me, Raul sighs happily. “My Jenny. All mine.” He steals another peck before eventually walks away.