The Problematic Prince - Side Story 7 - Let's Go Dating

“Where is Erna?” Bjorn said as he entered annex, his question echoed the same as the day before. The servants were now considering it a custom greeting.

“Her Highness is in the bedroom,” Karen said, rushing forward to greet the Prince who had returned earlier than expected.

Bjorn gave a nod of appreciation and went up the stairs. The Lorca Palace appeared as a dazzling display of bright colours as the sunlight streamed in through the windows, and reflected off the white and gold tiles.

“Erna?” Bjorn called when he got near the bedroom door, but there was no response.

Frowning, Bjorn paused when he got in the room and looked around. Once he was certain Erna was no where to be found, his patience wore thin.

With an irritated sigh, Bjorn rang the service bell before stepping out onto the bedroom’s balcony, cigar already up in his lips. He spotted Erna just as he sparked the cigar to life. He found Erna in the exotic garden below. Her wide brimmed hat concealed her face, but he knew it was her.

Erna moved cautiously along the promenade, before pausing wearily and then continuing on. Bjorn noticed the absence of Lisa and surmised Erna must have snuck away when she wasn’t looking.

Bjorn let out a slow exhale of smoke as he leaned on the railing, watching his wife. He chuckled as he watched Erna walk the garden. A knock made Bjorn jump back, as if he didn’t want to get caught in his voyeurism.

“Come in,” Bjorn said softly, discarding his half-smoked cigar into the ashtray.

Karen came into the room and hastened out to the balcony with Bjorn. She bowed her head, her expression flat and emotionless.

“My apologies, my Prince, we are unable to find Her Highness.”

“Really? She’s right there,” Bjorn pointed down to the garden.

Karen’s eye’s went wide as she craned her neck to look down into the garden and saw Erna looking up at them, wondering what the commotion was about. Seeing Bjorn and Karen, Erna turned her attention back to the Peacocks.

“Those birds belong to the Lorca royal family; they are gentle and pose no threat,” Karen shared, her voice laden with worry.

The Grand Duchess was captivated by the peacocks meandering through the palace garden. The servants made every effort to keep her away from the birds, for even though they were docile, there remained a risk of Erna being harmed. The servants were well aware that they would face Prince Bjorn’s fury if his wife suffered any injury.

As Karen flustered, trying to excuse the situation, Bjorn waved it away with a smile, his eyes still on his wife chasing birds like an over excited child.

“At least her wish is granted,” Bjorn whispered, as a Peacock unfurled its magnificent tail.

Together, Bjorn and Karen stood on the balcony, watching Erna admire the bird’s tail colourful display. The midday sun made the colours pop and shine as vibrantly as the tropical flowers. The Peacock slowly twisted and waddled away, crying out across the garden. The colourful display reminded Bjorn of their last honeymoon, the contrasting desolate winter landscape couldn’t even compare to Lorca’s magnificent garden.

“Do you remember the name of the architect who built Schuber’s Garden Room?” Bjorn asked the head maid.

“Mr Emil Barser, your Highness,” Karen said.

“Ah, yes, Barser, that’s it.” Bjorn recalled about the famed grey-haired glasshouse architect, who frequently catered to the royal family and aristocrats of Lechen.

“Is he still alive?”

“I haven’t heard any news of his passing.”

“If so, I would like him to design a glasshouse for my residence,” Bjorn mentioned nonchalantly, as though discussing the acquisition of a trivial object.

“Do you mean constructing a glasshouse at Schuber Palace?” Karen asked, astonished.

“Yes, I think the Garden Room is far too small.”

“Indeed, your Highness.”

Bjorn had a soft spot when it came to matters concerning his wife and although he had no interest in flowers, he intended to recreate Lorca’s tropical gardens back in Schuber just for Erna.

The Prince loves his wife.

This lone fact granted authority and restructured the entire hierarchy within the Grand Dukes domain. Erna Dniester now stood as the undisputed ruler of the Palace.

“I will send the communique as requested, your Highness.” Karen bowed, doing her best to still her excited heart. She watched Erna stride with purpose around the garden.

“I’ll send someone to Her Highness…”

“There’s no need,” Bjorn interjected decisively. “I’ll go there.” With haste, he departed from the balcony, snatching the jacket resting upon the chair.

At last, Karen exhaled a breath of relief, her eyes wandered to the balcony’s railing. Down in the garden, the cherished wife of the prince strolled joyfully beneath an enchanting tree, bedecked with vibrant purple blossoms.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Bjorn,” Erna said in surprise.

It was a sweet sound, accompanied by her smile and bright eyes that made the spring morning look dull in comparison.

“Did you enjoy the company of your friends?” Bjorn asked playfully. For a while, she floundered like a child caught in the midst of a mischievous prank. Erna soon grinned impishly and nodded.

“Yes, I had a delightful walk with a beautiful lady from the Lorca Royal Family,” Erna smiled impishly.

“Erna, only the males have colourful tails, to attract the females.” Bjorn let out a chuckle.

Erna frowned as if Bjorn had told her the grass was blue and the sky was green. She looked at the Peacock as it folded away its plumage and waddled along the path, still calling out across the garden. It looked like a lady to Erna.

“Really?”

“Yes, typically, all male birds are colourful, while females remain dull.”

“Why?”

“That’s how they seduce the ladies,” Bjorn smiled.

“Oh. Oh my.” Erna watched the Peacock disappear over a fence. She felt there was something perverse in that realisation, but she scrubbed it from her mind. “So, how come you’re back to early?”

No way…Don’t tell me—Erna’s heart swelled with cautious anticipation.

“I just wanted to see you,” Bjorn said, smiling. “I thought we could go on a date.” Bjorn offered his hand.

Erna didn’t know what to do, she was suddenly overcome with a bashfulness. She desired his love, but why did she always feel foolish in front of him when he showed any amount of affection? Bjorn approached her, still offering her hand and Erna started to loath herself.

“Now?” she blurted out. “Like this?” She looked down at her crinkled dress, uninteresting dress.

She had chosen this camisole dress and done her hair after hours of contemplation. In the end, she chose something simple and serviceable for taking a stroll around the garden. Certainly not a dress for going out on a date. Only her belt matched the colour of Bjorn’s tie.

Erna looked at the annex, there was no sign of any of the attendants that were supposed to follow the Grand Ducal couple on any outings. They would be in their break rooms, taking some free time to themselves, with no expectations on needing to go out. It would be disrespectful to rouse them now.

Yet, as she faced Bjorn, he felt more relaxed than usual, by only removing his jacket. To those who did not know the Prince, he looked like any ordinary gentleman on a journey. He was no more dressed up than she was, but still, Erna felt anxious.

“Erna?”

When their eyes met, Bjorn smiled. It was hard to find anything to rebuke in his words or deeds, his easy going attitude soothed Erna and he held his outstretched hand.

“Dniester’s wolf is much bigger and has a fancy tail than a peacock.” Erna said as she grasped his extended hand, swallowing her pride.

“Oh, where is the tail?”

This led to her being met with a bold counterattack from the brazen wolf.