HIS FUTURE QUEEN

MISS K

CHAPTER 7

ELIK

She was the same lady in New York who called me a nerd and told me to go to hell.

So, her name was K. McLennon. I wondered what the K stands for…I wished not – klutzy. I noticed her movements were severely coordinated, or she needed a good pair of shoes so she wouldn't slip.

I smiled to myself when I remembered our first encounter. Ms. K bumped into my back but blamed me when she tripped over, and at that time, there was a fire in her set of amber eyes wishing to turn me to ashes if only she could. So funny, she dared to express how mad she was at me.

I had better codename her SPITFIRE, giving credit to her quick-tempered personality. Tsk! A hot-tempered teenager with a woman’s body, she was very sexy, hot even. When did I learn to refer to women as HOT? Damnit Elik!

How old was she? 17 or 18? But she had completed the first round of medical school; she couldn’t be less than 20.

However, today I couldn’t sense the fierce lady. She was withdrawn, guilt-stricken even.

Did she recognize who I was? Did she discern the real me undercover?

Much that I didn’t want her to change upon knowing who I was. I couldn’t blame her. That was how people conducted themselves before me when they learned who I was. The freaking title and crown leave no one with options. A Prince was almost accorded with respect. What more about the next in line who would likely inherit the throne?

I sounded so overladen at times, I know. It was not that I detested the throne and everything that goes with it. The title and the throne were part of me, my birthright. It has been mine from the moment I was born. I heard the elders say it was the gift of the almighty…nevertheless, deep inside me…I yearned to experience being normal and live a life normal people do—freedom, recklessness, foolishness, and living without rules and protocols to follow and tons of obligations and responsibilities to fulfill daily.

I yearned for some easy life, but I know it was wishful thinking. The life of a prince and the future king would never be easy.

I glanced at mom, who was elegantly standing next to me. I didn't know how she could sit on the throne for many years without complaining, but my father was always there to support her, which may be why she could enjoy the ride.

However, when it was my turn to sit on the throne, I would be alone. I wouldn’t have my father’s support as he and mom would hand me down everything. I guess that was my fate. The one that should support me would be my Queen.

“I will excuse myself after I escort you to the tea room, mom,” I leaned forward, bent down, and whispered into the Queen’s ear. It was alright to do away with formalities as long as no one could hear us.

“Absolutely fine, son. Any important matter you cannot delay?” She asked while we walked towards the tea room.

“Some mining concerns,” I revealed.

“Anything serious? I thought mining had been well managed for years.”

Everything was well managed for years, but just like everywhere else, s**t happens when you least expect it. I wondered what could be the concern this time. Mining remains the highest source of income for the kingdom, but dad’s and Tito Luke’s projects were harvesting income too. We might shut down all mining activities soon to let nature heal itself. Too much mining could be harmful to the environment. A few years' rest from the activity could be more beneficial for everybody.

“I will know later,” Shutting down mining would have strong opposition, so I decided not to concern mom yet, and change the subject. “Will dad join you later with the students?”

“Even if he can't. I’ll manage. It's what the Queen does best, taking pleasure in welcoming people.” She giggled. “Go, son, take care of more challenging things. Socials are for ladies.”

“The twins will be here next week. They better help out as payback for the lavish lifestyle they enjoyed so much.”

Mom laughed, “No wonder they didn’t want to go home. It was always duties, duties, and duties in their supposed free time, and you were the one who imposed it on them.”

I was at a loss for words, floored by her bluntness and sincerity. and I was feeling guilty. I did that to the twins on purpose, but who would do that but me? The twins could easily beguile mom and dad and our grandparents too.

I could almost hear the twins complaining using the words mom just said, but even I--I couldn’t fault them; with a Queen as a mother and a billionaire for a father, they were entitled to extravagance while enjoying their youth, and most of all, they didn’t have to worry about the kingdom. The twins could enjoy the royal title with all its merits without worrying about the complexities surrounding them. Their role and mine were so different.

Before I left the tea room, I again glanced at the lady who at least made me feel like a normal person, even for a few minutes. Miss K was lovely, with those big hazel eyes and long thick eyelashes. But, it takes more than good looks to bag the scholarship, and tomorrow, Ms. K had to give us a sneak peek of her brain. She had to prove to the panel that she was worthy...I pray she wouldn't disappoint me.

We locked gazes for a few seconds, but she looked down at her feet after she blushed.

With a smile, I turned around, left all the students and the Queen, and made my way to perform...a duty.

But before the duty call, I firmly ordered Frio, “I want the file of McLennon on my desk when I arrive from the Mining office.”

“McLennon who?” Frio asked, confused.

I wasn’t fond of explaining myself, but I understood that he wouldn’t have the least idea of who I was referring to, so I explained, “Remember the lady who bumped herself into me and landed on the floor in New York?”

“The wild cat? The bold lady with a sharp tongue?” his confusion dripping through his voice. He might be wondering how he could acquire Ms. Klaud's file.

I did not respond and gave him a sidelong glance. I saw how puzzled he looked. He still couldn’t figure it out.

Upon reaching the driveway, the car was already waiting for us. The porter had opened the door. I slid in while Frio circled the car and did the same on the other side.

“How can I get hold of the file of the wildcat when we didn’t even get her full name?”

I chuckled and did not give him a hard time, “McLennon is one of the medical students aiming for the scholarship.”

“Oh, effin co-incidence. Did she see you?”

I smirked but did not say a word.

I quickly stared outside the window to avoid further discussion about the topic. I didn’t want Frio to make an impression, right or wrong.

Each time I visited the city, I couldn’t help but feel proud and fascinated by the developments made by my father’s company in the kingdom. The commercial buildings, such as hotels, malls, retail stores, residential and banks, were all on one side, like a commercial strip, following a design pattern matching the old structures in the kingdom. Old and new buildings follow Victorian architecture, preserving the Kingdom's cultural heritage... Dad and Uncle Luke made an impressive City Development Plan.

Frio’s comment took me back to what we were discussing earlier.

“Karma is a b***h! Will you take her off of the list to punish her?”

Punish her? Me? Was I that ruthless in his eyes?

I glanced at him briefly and shook my head.

“Nah– the scholarship is fair to everyone who has the brain, wants it badly, and knows the value of such an opportunity.”

Qualification was never impartial. It was always fair. Favoritism has no place in awarding the scholarship, which was why I couldn't give up this role. It was always based on students' qualifications, among other considerations, but never because someone backed them up or offered a favor. And definitely, disqualification would not be due to avenging oneself.

“Why do you need her file?” Frio’s eyes shone with curiosity.

I shrugged my shoulders. Honestly, it wasn't clear in my mind at this point as to why I wanted to look at her file, but, just the same, I must have it.

“Is there something unclear about my instructions? Should I repeat it?” I threw a question to Frio to stop him from probing. I never fancy explaining myself.

Frio cleared his throat, “Um…No. No sir…you’ll have it on your desk.” But, Frio had been more than an assistant and a friend. He was like a brother, the same as Saul.

“Any interest in the lady?”

Interest in the lady? I just asked for her file, for god's sake. Was he effing kidding me right now?

“Do I owe you an explanation?"

I heard the sound of his chuckle.

And for me–any interest I have in anyone could be a disaster. A prince like me wouldn’t be given a chance to marry someone without a noble bloodline.

Was it me thinking about marriage? Marriage to someone I barely knew. Was I insane?