"I simply do my duty."
The Crown Prince looked at me with a smile forming on his lips.
"Such a quintessentially you answer. Duty. Most men can't even manage that, but you're different. That's why I want to trust and rely on you. Can I trust you?"
Trust. The Crown Prince had seen trust betrayed far too many times. And ironically, it was me he was now asking to trust. Up until now, I had never betrayed anyone's trust.
Not once.
"Trust me."
"Thank you. I'm glad I came to see you after all."
"Come anytime. I can't speak for others, but Your Highness is always welcome."
"Once everything is settled, could I visit your estate?"
Of course.
It seemed the distance between the Crown Prince and me had closed. But Vermeer's name still hadn't come up. The Crown Prince was still afraid to face Vermeer, it seemed.
Unless he overcame that on his own, there was nothing anyone could do.
Still, it was a relief to see a smile lingering on his gaunt face.
