-during the previous chapter-

"Prince Luke!" Kaleigh calls out in the middle of the garden. Sariel said he often sleeps on trees, so he must be near an area with a lot of tall trees and sturdy branches, huh...? In her arms is a large pot of honey - and it's honestly heavy!

"Come on, hurry up! Appear, Luke!" - Kaleigh mentally chants, hoping to manifest his appearance. She doesn't have too long before Emma wakes up and has a meet and greet with all of the princes!

-present-

Kaleigh is struggling with the heavy jar of honey. She can't hold it for much longer...! It is such a low blow to make a move on one of the easiest prince, but she'll have to do this if she wants anyone to sign the approval paper at all! It's better to dress and impress one prince after another than trying to make an impression on them all at once - or at least that's what Kaleigh thought.

"Huh, who's calling me...? Is that honey...?" A small, childish ring out from above. Kaleigh glances up and a smile appears on her face. She has hit the jackpot!

"Prince Luke! I was looking for you!"

"Hehh? You're not Sariel's underlings trying to get me to study, are ya?"

"Well, yes, I am, but that's not what I'm here for! I am just asking for a favor!"

"A favor, huh? Let's see what a sleezy prince like me can do for you..." Luke responds sheepishly and jumps down from above!

"So? What do ya need me for?" Luke says as his eyes light up upon seeing the heavy pot of honey. "Here, lemme hold it for ya."

For a brief moment, Kaleigh finds herself assessing Luke's appearance. He is tall, much taller than her, and she's 170cm, not bad for a woman! His burgundy hair really resembles that of the late king, even his facial features take after him too. His green eyes are pure like emeralds, nothing like that of a prince staying in the royal palace and growing up seeing all of the shenanigans behind the scenes - maybe that's because he grew up outside the palace after all. But then how did he get so strong and burly with such defined muscles? Overall, to Kaleigh, Luke is a huge cuddly bear. Oh, and he even has a small teddy bear attached to his hips! Cute...

"Uh, oh, thank you...wait your highness! Don't dig in just yet!"

Kaleigh has to stop Luke from devouring the whole pot. The pot that was so heavy in Kaleigh's arms is almost feather light in Luke's strong ones. He easily settles down under a tree and puts the pot between his laps.

"Wahh, why? Aren't ya gonna give the pot to me?"

"Yes, I was, but I need you to do a very small favor for me..." Kaleigh says as she produces a scroll of paper from her pocket. "Can you sign this first?"

"...you're like Clavis. Very shady, like one of those scammers..." Luke mumbles and gives Kaleigh a skeptical look.

A small sound of Kaleigh's heartbreaking can be heard even though the garden around them is quiet except for bird chirping and leaves rustling. "I-It's not like that...Ahem, it seems like I was a little too prude and direct. Allow me to introduce myself, Prince Luke."

Kaleigh bows down and lifts her dress in a perfect curtsy:

"I'm Kaleigh, the newest apprentice of Minister Sariel. Apparently, I need approval from the princes to have a solid seat within the royal court. So...will you help me out? Everything has been explained in this scroll. Here, if you bother to, please read it, Prince Luke." Kaleigh says politely and hands Luke the scroll.

"Can I eat the honey after signing it?"

"Yes, of course!"

"Deal. Do you have a quill and ink with you, Kaleigh?"

"Right here, your highness."

"...very scammer-like."

"Whatever you say, prince Luke." Kaleigh mumbles with a forceful smile. She waits with bated breath as prince Luke signs the paper scroll. Despite being a commoner for most of his life, his handwriting is weirdly beautiful and elegant. Luke then drops the quill and hurriedly digs into the honey...with his bare hand!?

"Uhhh...I have a honey dipper with me, prince Luke.."

"Nah, there's no need. It is more delicious this way." Luke replies, using his fingers to scoop honey. He then proceeds to lick his fingers clean. How very hygienic...

"I will leave the honey dipper here in case you need it, prince Luke. Thank you so much for signing the paper."

"Thanks for the honey pot, Kaleigh. I know ya shady, but this honey is really delicious..."

"Oh, and by the way...Belle will be coming your way later. If your highness really thinks the honey is top-notched, please do me a favor. Be nice to that girl, won't you? She's too kind and pure, but I kind of want her to stay that way." Kaleigh requests without facing him. She is already preparing to leave.

"I can't promise ya anything, but even without the honey, if there's someone as pure as ya describe, I'd protect her too." Luke responds, his tone slightly more serious.

"If that's the case, thank you. I owe you this one." Kaleigh then waves goodbye to Luke before exiting the garden. Lunchtime is over, and Kaleigh has plans to accompany Emma when she meets the princes. This way, she can kill two birds with one stone - gaining the princes' approval and also keeping an eye on Emma. Geez, she's going to such length only to avoid serving Sariel, eh...

-end of chapter 8-