MY TREASURED DESIRE

Chapter THIRTY-TWO: Crown Prince’s Masterstroke!

Greta Merkel’s POV.

Greta’s Residence, Sir Reinhard Merkel Mansion

It is clearly One Month to the planned traditional marriage of the Achaian Crown Prince and the African Princess. However, the crown prince’s sister had planned a recovery party for her brother at his residence. I was invited because of my being the one who saved the prince’s life during the surgery. Only a few young friends were invited to the White Party! A lingering soft ballad soothingly seeped into my room: It is my special ringing tone…

“Your Excellency, I am glad that you have chosen to call your little niece. How did the big Moscow Mission go? Did that Israeli mercenary deliver, Uncle?” I answered the call after a short ringing. I fired a big question.

“How did your discourse with Big Sister and the German Knight go?” He responded to my question by asking another question, preferring to start from the family angle… these elderly people!

“They were calm, believing that you are also helping on the matter,” I responded. “I discussed the Lover-boy’s case with them too.”

“Only a few humans get twice lucky finding genuine love, Little Queen. I would not want you to sacrifice your true love on the platter of wanting to satisfy your parents. I can always convince them… Let’s talk about the painful matter you enquired about: The Achaian Intelligence intercepted one team out of our Emissaries to Russia. Some implicating documents were carted away before the Russians could act. It was a suicide mission for the Achaians. But unfortunately, those Achaian Ninja Guys stayed alive, escaping death with our documents. In the gun battle with our Russian allies in Moscow, the daredevil Ninja guys decimated the most powerful team amongst my emissaries and three of our Russian collaborators, without a gun. The report says that what the Achaia Ninja Guys had was fabricated but more potent, light weapons of foes’ destruction.… Back to your matter, which brings succour to my heart: Do not be surprised when your lover-boy gets bolder in asking for your love… Return to him while you still love him, I appeal. That dangerous moron has only you as his weakness, but he’s just too good on his job!”

“Uncle, that is sad. Why did I fall in love with the wrong guy?”

“Love chooses us, Dear… In the espionage case, Middleville is not implicated at all. The documents which should implicate me would not ever be used on International Spheres?”

“Why, Uncle?” I was surprised to hear that from the Head of State of my motherland, talking about his core enemies as protectors of his image.

“Achaian Policy Makers do not fight Middleville on International Scenes. They use each document that is against Middleville to negotiate peace in their own region. They still believe that we remain one indivisible nation! I join them to agree with that in diplomatic circles, but not privately. It is a cold war, Niece.”

I had to change the flow of our discussion a bit, due to a need. So, I said: “I need your wise counsel. I tried to kill the Crown Prince, recently, with the secret weapon. But I was caught… So, I had to perform surgery to save him. Now, they are inviting me to a Post Recovery Party. Should I attend?” I finally asked.

“You need to attend… Other information would be revealed for us to plan with, as things unfold. I guess you were caught by your lover-boy. He will cover you from prosecution because he is also an emotional fool like his cousin! I do not think he would let anyone know what you did. He would make them see you as a goddess! However, we do not need the crown prince’s death until the emperor is late... In the account of the crown prince dying before being installed as emperor, your law allows the reigning King to take over as emperor and the next sibling to that deceased will become the crown prince. In the account of that biological sibling being a woman (Princess Reese, as reality presents, today) would become the queen until a son is born, who will be installed at the fullness of time, as the crown prince and next emperor. That latter case would be worse for Middleville… I am aware of the prowess of her husband-to-be. Middleville would - if that becomes the case - be diplomatically and practically finished! Reese would end this ‘diplomatic softness’ that the present crown prince extends to Middleville as an integral part of Achaia!”

“Is that why you wanted the sister as your own queen?” I was curious.

“Precisely! Political calculations.”

“Someone loves you so much here. A top military officer with many service medals. Her father hails from Middleville, but her late Mother is Achaian! She is the woman I was trying to use to divert the lover-boy’s attention so that I can covet the empress position. She is my loyal friend for many years. She did everything possible, but the lover-boy is crazy about me. He ignored my friend, and she remains a virgin. For him, no one else deserves his heart!”

“You do not seem to respect the word: Love. Are you dumping someone you love – for whom your heart weeps - just to satisfy some family expectations? Do you not care if you have a hapless home for life? Where would your solace be as a hapless empress? See another scenario: Someone likes your beloved uncle, and do you want to use her as your bait against the man you love? You have a suicide missionary’s heart!”

I laughed heartily before I gave my response: “Business matters and issues of national security should always be perfectly treated before pleasure: You taught me that cliché. I am aware that I love the guy – and that General loves me more than his own soul. How did you know that I wept when I realised it, Uncle? And please, see my second point: You are not a womanizer. No, you do not qualify! So, should I be talking about the Colonel Woman when you wanted the African Princess, and I needed the crown prince?”

He replied calmly, “What you and I need to contribute to the growth of our nation, which you highlighted, need not be a do-or-die affair if we are wise. But if we get true love in the process of chasing power, then, let us snatch the advantage with both arms… Invite that Colonel to my Birthday Party in the coming month, who knows? Two hearts may unite as one! I need to inform my priest to enquire, what is her name?”

“She’s Michelle Guan, and you have a heart of gold! The advice you are giving me proves that you love me so much, and I am amazed!” I flattered my uncle, blowing a kiss to him through the phone! Then, I teased him: “Why are you not in a hurry to cut the call today?”

His Majesty laughed softly: “I will respond to the only question: No one is tracking this call… Do not ask me how I got to know. I was one-time G.O.C., Directorate of Defence Intelligence for Middleville – just like your Lover-Boy.”

“Thanks, Uncle. Next plan…”

“When you return from your crown prince’s health recovery party, you will be loaded with shocking information. That will determine our next move. Use this law of power: Keep your adversaries guessing that you are about to unleash your next plan even when you are still seeking a clue, Niece. I will reach you, soon after your reports… Now, wait - Marshal Michael Guan has a very beautiful daughter who joined the Achaian Armed Forces. I saw her when she was a Captain: Drop-Dead-Gorgeous! That Patriotic Air-Force Commander that I respect so much… Is that Michelle’s dad?!”

“Yes, that is her dad… All the best, Your Majesty!”

Imperial Palace, Residence of the Crown Prince.

Colonel Michelle Guan’s POV.

The White Party.

Miss Greta Merkel’s New Plan was expected to be revealed today. But for that, she had to attend a small get-together planned for a few bosom friends of the Crown Prince. Apart from the Crown Prince and General Raymond, no one else knows who was invited. I sure know that the Crown Prince’s Life Saver must be a part of the celebration!

Oh, my phone has been ringing for a while, I guess my dad has acquired another Middleville line. “Hello, dad?”

“Hello, I guess you are enjoying your White Party?” the smooth voice from the receiver was surely not my dad’s voice. I chuckled a bit and quickly pressed “Record” on my phone. “Colonel Michelle Guan, I must say I appreciate your dad a lot. He was a very loyal Middleville Commander.”

“But may I know who has this very cool voice, Sir?”

“I am your Chief Servant – General Liu Cheng Yu – Prince of Middleville!”

“Oh, My God!” I almost screamed loud enough to attract onlookers. I almost started dancing. Why? I do not know! Oh Yes, the voice is unmistakable. Orator’s convincing voice. No wonder! “I feel so honoured, Your Majesty!”

“It is my honour to speak to the most gorgeous military officer across Middleville and Achaia!” the prince flattered me. Then he asked me a question that almost made my heart jump out of my chest, “Would you please favour me by being my partner on my birthday next month… two weeks before your boss’ special day? It is my perfunctory desire to have the celebrant’s dance with you!”

“Your Majesty!” I was stunned, shocked, and overwhelmed!

“I will send a Private Jet to pick you up, with your chosen companions. I know that you won’t travel alone! It’s my dream to dance with you on my special day. Please, fulfil my dream!”

“I… am under authority. So, I will take permission. I pray it would be granted.”

“I will call General Raymond Chang in a few days… He would be ecstatic to let you go!”

“As you desire, Your Majesty!” As he heard my joyous conclusion, he disconnected the call. I stood aloof and checked to see if I was truly awake. Then I saw Chu Celerina before me.

“Hi, Colonel Beautiful,” she greeted. I was so happy. So, I asked her if she would be free to attend a state function with me, at Bandar, Middleville, next month. She smiled and said: “I’ll surely enjoy being in your company!” I looked around and saw Greta Merkel, gaily dressed in a delectable white frock, and taking a delightsome catwalk towards me. I looked at my phone and saw the photograph of the Prince of Middleville that was sent to my box. He was so handsome in Middleville’s Field Marshal Uniform – That is what the Commander-in-Chief wears as his ceremonial Uniform - and I thought, “WOW!” I saved the photo as a display photo and used it to also store the prince’s number to my email contact. “Done,” I thought aloud!

“What’s done, Colonel Beautiful,” said Miss Greta, as she poked me by the ribs.

“Guess who had just called me now?” I asked excitedly.

“Mr. President,” she replied in a fit of the giggle and a seductive twisting of her lovely body!

But I whispered, “O Yes. But that of Motherland!”

Celerina, Greta Merkel, and I opened our mouths, widened our eyes, and let out an exciting sound “Boo-hoo!” We lifted our hands in unison and jumped up before we struck the hands together in a mid-air clap!

“Attention, Ladies and Gentlemen!” sounded from the microphone. “Let all invitees be seated for Features’ Presentation… The Programme starts in a minute! Thank You!”

Invitees started moving into the Banquet Hall of the crown prince’s residence. Everyone was adorned in white, but different fabrics and trendy designs of high fashion. The ladies, especially, look super cool in their choices and combination. Most gentlemen were adorned in white suits and colourful shirts, some wore white jeans, white canvas, and fine tops… However, the 40 attendees of the party were in perfect pairs of 20, drawn from security personnel, young top-functionaries of the Government, and inner circle friends of the Royal family – especially Prince Reynold. The emperor and the king – with a few elders and middle-aged people - only breezed in and left the environment. The place was only filled with young adults between 18 and 35 years old… The people only serve themselves according to their choice and appetites: No Stewards or waiters! The music includes solemn ballads, rhythm and blues, and contemporary choices of the live band.

The party started with an Opening Prayer, surprisingly jointly said by Neurosurgeon Reese Chang, the sponsor of the party – and her fiancé, Neurosurgeon Alex Junior. There was music, praising the Almighty God… Then, Princess Alexa George-Orji made a surprise entrance, and the ovation was terribly loud, followed by the testimony of the celebrant, where the kindness and humanity of Miss Greta Merkel, MD., was extolled. She was asked to come forward for a special award, which the emperor and the king jointly presented to her amidst deafening applause. The celebrant appealed to the African Princess, as she was fondly known across Achaia and Middleville to join him in the spotlight to celebrate his victory over untimely death… She came forward, gave her fiancé a cool kiss on the lips – to which the audience cheered endlessly – as the live band played a mid-tempo Rhythm and Blues music, and the couple danced… Then, the tunes and lights changed to a slow tune… The Master of Ceremony called a few selected couples to join the couple on the dance floor.

By the time the guests concluded their dance, a comedienne strolled to the spotlight, gave only one rib-cracking performance, and stopped… She announced that she wanted some bigwigs to be chased out of the Banquet Hall or else, she would not continue… The Master of Ceremonies took the opportunity to announce the names of a few attendees of the party - drawn from the security forces, stakeholders, Princess Alexa, Miss Greta, the ASSS team, and a few others who are involved one way or the other in security matters - and invited them to meet the Crown Prince at his Private Movie Theatre, whereas the remaining important guests were free to keep enjoying the jokes, move to the decorated section of the hall where caterers waited to satisfy guests to go and serve themselves whatever they desired in food, and drinks.

Meanwhile, at the crown prince’s Private Movie Theatre, there was a closed-door meeting… The true videos and records of the kidnap of Alexa, the discussion between Greta and her uncle, and the plot behind the X-Rated Movie were laid bare! Greta was crest-fallen and discomfited by the realisation that she could be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law of the land, and her family’s image would be destroyed.

Shocking for Greta, still, was the boldness of General Raymond Chang to come forward to strongly propose a truce stating that if Greta and her uncle would back out from their illicit plot to ruin the relationship between the African and Achaian Royal Families, the entire charges may be dropped. The African Prince rose and seconded the General’s proposal based on the singular action of Miss Greta Merkel to save the crown prince’s life. The head of Achaia’s diplomatic corps who had to come from the USA for this meeting also asked the members to discountenance the intention of the young lady, whether it was morally right or not – and make peace for the two nations, Achaia, and Middleville!

When given an opportunity to speak, Greta was buoyed by the support of the General to apologise for every wrong move she had ever made while requesting that she be allowed to make a few consultations and return to meet with only those who were part of the present meeting, to finalise the next steps for lasting peace!

A decisive meeting was fixed for 4:00 pm in the next three days!