Chapter 52 - A Warning From A Stranger

"Your Highness." When the Prince walked to a group of Edeladons who were standing next to Alonzo and his artwork, they bowed to show their respect to their future King.

The Crown Prince nodded as a response and joined their conversation. He recognized some of the men as noblemen while some were politicians who were all acquainted with his cousin.

"We didn't know Your Highness will be here, but it gives us a sense of security to have you with us in a foreign country," one middle-aged man said.

"Exactly. Prince Alonzo didn't say that you will be here but it's a very good surprise," the other man commented.

Prince Felix shifted his gaze to the artwork of his cousin hanged next to him then his lips curved into a smile. "You're too kind. I only came here to support my cousin. It's a personal thing, so there's no need to be so courteous."

He acted normal but more than half of his attention was on the woman who was standing a few feet away from him. She was staring at a particular artwork for a while now and she seemed to be fascinated by it.

"What is this?" Alonzo whispered to his ears. "Where is your girlfriend?"

Felix rubbed his temples and titled his head to the direction where Yelena was standing and his eyes swept her for a split second.

When Prince Alonzo saw Yelena along with his cousin's reaction, he could hardly suppress his laughter! He understands the situation right away because he had many experiences, unlike his loyal cousin.

For almost a minute, the two cousins do nothing, but repeatedly glanced at the woman and whispered to each other.

"Hey, Flix! Look. Some man approached your girlfriend." The duo were a bit free now as all the men had left their side to take a look at other works.

Hearing his cousin's words, Felix's eyes flew to the woman as fast as lightning.

Unfortunately, his cousin was right. He really saw a man standing next to his woman.

"I saw you staring at that drawing for a while now. Do you like it?" Yelena was so invested in the painting that she didn't even notice a man standing next to her.

She was startled by the voice but smiled out of courtesy when she saw the man. "Yes. It's very unique." She simply replied.

"How?" The man asked her again.

"All the drawings in this exhibition went along with a single theme. But this is an exception. I'm not sure but I think this drawing represents the artist's dream. A dream to be free from the rules set up by others." She explained but she never once glanced at the man. Her eyes fixated on the drawing for the whole time.

"I'm glad." The man said with a slight smile as he narrowed his eyes. His smile had a hint of sadness which no one notice.

His response was not what Yelena expected. It made her feel strange and at the same time, she was curious. As such, she finally made the effort to look at the man. "Why? Are you the artist behind this drawing?"

The man seemed to be in his late 20s. Apart from his masculine looks, he had black hair and eyes which suited him well. Plus, he was quite handsome too.

The moment she made an effort to look at the man, she felt two pairs of eyes who were watching her every move. One was with amusement, while one was jealousy.

"Not me, but my older brother. He passed away three days ago and... this is his last work." The man took a deep breath and shifted his gaze to Yelena and smiled.

"Thank you for showing interest in my late brother's work. See you again very soon, Yelena Arista."

Yelena simply nodded until she realized that... the man called her by her name! But how? She was sure that she didn't say her name to him. Besides, she had never seen him. She turned around but the man had already left her side and he was nowhere to be seen.

She stood dazed, having no idea about what just happened. But when she realized the cold stare coming from the Prince, she showed him an innocent smile and make her way to the next room where other works were displayed.

Felix couldn't take it anymore! He didn't want to see any other man next to his girlfriend again! He was about to follow Yelena until... a bunch of people came to talk to him again.

He inwardly sighed, scolding himself for showing his face. He should at least disguise himself. If he did that, he won't need to go through these troubles!

"Excuse me." A voice made Yelena paused her movement. She was about to enter the next room until she heard a woman's voice from the back who seemed to be calling for her.

She turned around and faced the woman but she didn't know her. "Yes?"

A beautiful woman with blonde hair and brown eyes. Judging from all her jewellery and outfit, one could tell that she was above average.

Strangely, the woman extended her hands to her. "I'm a close acquaintance of Prince Alonzo and the Crown Prince. I'm Gina Larson." She introduced herself.

Yelena raised a brow. How did this woman know to greet her? Was she aware of her relationship with the Crown Prince?

Before accepting a handshake, she glanced at the direction where the two Princes were. Felix was busy with people who never stopped talking to him but when she saw Prince Alonzo giving her a nod, she finally holds the woman's hand, "I'm Yelena Arista."

"Shall I accompany you? As you can see, I'm quite lonely too. I came from Edeladon and the only ones I know in this place are very busy." Her eyes rolled to the directions where the two Princes were meeting people.

If this woman was a close acquaintance of the two cousins, Yelena doesn't mind to allow her to tag along. Besides, she was feeling quite bored as it had been years since she attends such a lavish exhibition. "Sure. It would be my pleasure." She nodded her head and they went inside the other room together.

"I heard that you're dating the Crown Prince." Gina was the one to break the silence that goes on for seconds as Yelena was never good at stirring up a conversation with someone she was not close with, which made her keep her mouth shut.

"That's true." She simply responded to her with a smile.

"Do you trust him?" Gina asked, looking all serious. The way she speaks and act exude confidence which was a proof that she was sure in what she did.

Yelena was taken aback by the woman's question. She paused her movement and so did the woman. She didn't even make an effort to answer her question but stared at her with a confused face.

It was until she heard the woman said, "Don't trust the Crown Prince too much."

She stood still, staring at the stranger who gave her such a warning. She hesitated to speak up but squeezed her dress with her fingers as she shifted her gaze to the Crown Prince who was smiling half-heartedly at the people who surrounded him.....