The Problematic Prince - Side Story 2 - Trendy

On the departure’s day, Schuber Port was busier than usual, as people flocked to the sea front to see the Grand Ducal couple set off on their cruise.

The clamour for a prime spot only came to an end when the carriage carrying the Grand Duke and Duchess arrived. The Royal Guard, resplendent in their uniform, put everything to order and opened up a clear passage for the carriage. When the door swung open, the people let out exuberant cheers.

Lisa beamed at Erna, overflowing with pride in how beautiful her mistress was. Erna wore a new, light pink, spring dress and was breathtakingly beautiful. No matter what anyone said, that was how Lisa saw her.

Lisa fought back the urge to shout her admiration for the whole world to see, just as the gathered masses were doing. The crowd cheered with such fervour that none would have guessed at the hateful words they once spoke about the Grand Duchess. It would not be an exaggeration to say the Grand Duke and Duchess Schuber were the most beloved couple in all the land.

Even amongst the servants, all seemed to have forgotten the rumours and gossip they indulged in. Lisa kept her distance from them, she didn’t want their fickle cunning rubbing off on her, but at the same time, she could see it as a positive outcome.

Lisa had even suggested to Erna that she cut ties with them and get new staff, but Erna heartily disagreed. Erna did not place blame on them and said it was purely because they did not understand the truth about Princess Gladys. Besides, she didn’t want to get rid of staff that had faithfully served Bjorn all these years.

Even if it was the wrong choice, Lisa would support her mistress in every decision she made. Right or wrong, something that stood out as true ever since Lisa held Erna’s hand when she was picked up from Hardy House so long ago. Lisa was certain that Erna would remain a kind hearted soul right up past when she was grey and old.

Lisa’s eyes narrowed as she caught sight of Karen, the head maid, walking ahead of them. Lisa plotted her revenge against that two faced woman, but it was difficult without going against Erna’s wishes. In the end, Lisa resolved herself to climb the ladder of ambition and she would get her revenge by taking Karen’s place, that she did promise.

Karen looked over her shoulder like she felt Lisa’s fiery stare on her. Lisa averted her eyes, like a predator biding its time for the right moment to pounce. She held onto the vision of being the head maid of the Grand Duke’s residence.

Once aboard the ship, the Grand Duke went to talk to the captain, while Erna stayed on the deck and waved to all the people that had come to see them off. Erna waved and flashed a warm smile, making eye contact with all those she could. When Bjorn returned, he leaned in close to Erna and said something Lisa could not make out. When Erna smiled, Lisa felt confident that Bjorn was keeping his promise to be a good husband.

With a sense of liberation, Lisa allowed herself to enjoy the moment and smiled broadly. The Prince looked over his shoulder at her, giving her a look as if he spotted a crazed, madwoman, but Lisa did not let that dampen her mood. The Prince was treating her mistress like the world’s most precious treasure and that was enough for her.

Lisa trailed behind the Grand Duke and Duchess as they made their way to their cabin. She exuded confidence and composure as she caught sight of the Prince’s wand, glistening in the sunlight.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Could it be because of love?” Erna ruminated. “There’s no other way to explain it,”

Bjorn furrowed as he sat at the table opposite her. The servants continued to unpack their luggage and left them to their solitude once finished. The midday sun poured in through the small porthole window, the sunlight the same vibrant colour as Bjorn’s platinum hair.

“Leonid backed out of this tour because of love?” Bjorn chuckled, closing the lid of the cigar box, when he habitually opened it.

He was referring to Leonid’s impromptu visit the night before. He wanted to come and wish them well on their tour, as he would not be able to make it to the docks in person to see them off. Bjorn couldn’t shake the feeling that Leonid was acting rather strangely.

This was the only conclusion he and Erna could think of, after witnessing Leonid’s rather strange behaviour. Bjorn knew the officials’ worry after the Crown Prince’s health was unfounded, but…love?

Bjorn shook the absurd notion from his mind and folded his arms loosely. It was unimaginable that his sensible brother would turn to idiocracy because of love.

“I don’t think its love, Erna, I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is definitely something going on with him,” Bjorn asserted in a calm tone.

Erna relented and rose from her seat, making a solemn vow to uncover the truth, even if she had to resort to extreme methods when she got back home. For now, she was busy with all the activities she wanted to do on the cruise ship.

“Bjorn, come get some rest. You were at the bank until late last night,” Erna said as she checked her watch.

“How about you?”

“I want to go to the luncheon.”

“Lunch?”

“Yes, the Rocher’s are aboard and the Countess asked me to join her. I promised in advance, so I got to go.” There wasn’t a hint of regret in Erna’s manner.

“Ah, Rocher,” Bjorn nodded.

With each passing day, Erna grew more and more confident in her position as the hostess of Schuber Palace, venturing further into the social realm.

Erna had come a long way from the shy country girl who had relied on outdated etiquette books and although she had not become a social queen overnight, her introverted nature still coming through, her achievements were remarkable.

Her closest friend was Clara Rocher, one of the most distinguished young ladies of the Rocher household. Even Mrs Fitz held Clara in high regard.

“I’ll be back in an hour or so,” Erna said, giving Bjorn a gentle peck on the cheek, before hurrying from the cabin.

When the door closed, Bjorn took off his jacket and tossed it onto the lounger. A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he laid out on the sofa. He was a little taken aback, but he got a nice little break and concluding that this was a pretty decent start to the trip, he closed his eyes.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Erna certainly seemed to be enjoying her new found confidence and independence, no longer having to rely on her husband to safeguard her against all the imposing social norms.

The newfound autonomy allowed Bjorn the chance to enjoy a leisurely journey at sea, immersing himself in his work. At times, he even found himself feeling bored, just as he did on that particular day.

“Where’s Erna?” he asked his attendant, after returning from a meeting with the delegation.

“Her Highness is in the bedroom,” the servant answered.

It was an unexpected answer, as Bjorn half expected the servant to announce that Erna was yet again spending the evening with a certain member of the Rocher family, who’s name was starting to grate his nerves.

Bjorn made his way to the bedroom. There was still another hour before he was required for the next meeting, introducing some gentlemen to the business moguls of Felia, allowing him ample time to stroll the deck with his wife. It wouldn’t hurt to engage in something more enjoyable.

“Bjorn,” Erna said in delightful tones, as Bjorn entered their room. Erna was sitting at her dresser and looked as if she had just dressed up.

As the maids that were fussing about her backed away, Bjorn strode across the room to her. The splendid evening gown she wore, which exposed an ample amount of bosom and shoulders, was far from Erna’s usual syle.

Bjorn carefully examined Erna’s pale chest and next, facing her with a calm expression.

“What do you think, apparently it is the latest fashion,” Erna said, giving a little twirl and making the frills of the dress fly out.

Bjorn simply nodded his head. It didn’t seem like fashion had taken a decent turn in his mind, but it made Erna look like an upside down flower and she was beautiful nonetheless.

“Are you going to the party?” Bjorn said, examining the exquisite necklace Erna was wearing. A blue diamond pendant, the very jewel he had given her on her first birthday.

“Yes,” Erna smiled brightly and nodded. The jewels in her hair, in her musket braid, tinkled as her nodding made them dance.

“I don’t think I got an invite,” Bjorn said, after giving Lisa a sidelong glance.

“Don’t fret, I got one purely by accident and since you are busy, I decided why not.”

“Countess Rocher?”

“No, Mr Winfield. The gentleman I met a few days ago.”

The Winfield’s, Bjorn knew them but not well. They were a New World family who were friends with the Rocher and had a desire to befriend the Royal Family.

“Ah, I must go,” Erna said as the clock chimed.

Lisa moved in with the rest of the maids to tinker and tidy Erna’s look. They were like tiny little birds fussing over a tolerant crocodile, chirping at one another and moving as fast as they could before the crocodile lost its patience.

Bjorn watched the commotion with an amused smile. As far as his wife was concerned, there was nothing he would not tolerate. Although it felt like there were a lot of people that needed to be fired.

“I’ll be back by the time you’re done with your next meeting,” Erna said, before fluttering out of the door with a wave.

With nothing left to do, Bjorn left the bedroom and went to smoke a cigar on the deck attached to their cabin. The sky across the sea was a brilliant rose colour.

“Winfield,” Bjorn pondered the man’s name.

He was a decent enough fellow, good businessman, he looked quite young when he greeted Erna when they embarked. Flush faced, his compliment sure didn’t sound like any formal greeting Bjorn ever heard. Was it any wonder Bjorn didn’t really like the man?

Bjorn tossed his half smoked cigar out into the sea as an attendant came to remind him of his scheduled meeting. Bjorn nodded happily and steppedl off to his next appointment.