Chapter 32 Lola

Finally, I raised my eyes to Catherland and said, "Perhaps I don't need a relationship counselor, but I do need a smart lady to teach me about court etiquette, and I think Lady Lola is a good choice!"

As I said this, Lola gave me a grateful look. Her expression lightened.

"So, Lola, stay with you!" Catherland glanced at Lola, who quickly returned her gaze to me, "How about we have lunch together? I'm hungry!"

"I'm sorry for your Highness, Prince Leon has asked me for lunch. I must wait for him. I think I should leave!" I said, rising and curtseying to Catherland.

"Okay, then we'll make another appointment!" The landlady remained seated as she watched me go.

"It's good to be young!" The heather sighed behind me.

"As past lovers, we all know that candy that has been opened has a shelf life. Very short!" There was a hint of sarcasm in Mrs. Bowyer's voice, and her words meant something to me.

"That's why we need more fresh fun!"

Catheran actually chuckled at that, and then Mrs. Bowyer whispered something in Catheran's ear, and Catheran's laugh became more indulgent. It must be said that this Lady Ball does have a knack of making the Queen laugh, which is probably one of the reasons why she is able to keep up with her.

I quickened my pace, for I really hated to hear Mrs. Bowyer's voice. She was like a pimp to me, and I never thought a man like that could be friends with the Queen. Is there a dark side to every person in power?

Lola was following me, and before I knew it I was in the garden. What shall I say to Lola? Warn her not to think ill of Leon, and if I find she dares to seduce him, I shall have the guards shoot her!

OMG! Jealousy must have got the best of me to have such horrid thoughts. See what I am now, a mad woman with wild jealousies?

"Damn it, Lola, say something!" I said to Lola, somewhat chagrined, "I know I shouldn't have left you with me, but your mother, that Mrs. Bower, she really does whip you, doesn't she?"

Just as Lola was about to speak, Lucy came trotting up from a short distance, like a deer across a meadow.

"Lady Emily, Prince Leon has sent a message. He will not be back for lunch with you. But he has promised to return to court at dinnertime!" Lucy gasped.

Damn, Leon canceled our lunch date. Immediately, my mood hit rock bottom.

"Whatever, I can eat by myself!" I said angrily.

"So, do I need to get you lunch now?" Lucy asked cautiously, evidently sensing my anger.

"No, thank you! I just want to take a walk now!" Lola had to follow me as I walked on.

"Miss Emily, skipping lunch is bad for you!" Lola moved closer to me and patiently advised, "You don't really have to be angry, I'm not having any more sex with Prince Leon. The truth is, once Prince Leon gives up on his mistress, no one will ever be able to return to him."

I frowned a little at Lola's words, a little envious. At the same time, I heard another level of meaning, that Leon had more than one mistress.

Well, I am going to use my wits again.

"How about we sit down there for a while?" I pointed to a round table under a big tree in front of me and said to Lola, "It will also help me get to know you better, Miss Lola!"

Lola looked bewildered at my sudden tenderness of tone. She sat beside me like an ignorant white rabbit, and what Lola did not know was that the wolf before her was about to pry all her secrets from her.

"So, Lola, based on what I just did to help you escape your mother's punishment, you must tell me everything you know in return, or I will hang your head on a high wall!" I purposely threatened Lola.

But instead of starting, Lola smiled at me. She looked at me with angelic tenderness, "Miss Emily, I've seen real bad people. I can tell the difference between truth and falsehood. I can also tell who's bad and who's good. You are one of the few nice people I have ever met. If you want to know something, I'll tell you the truth!"

"All right!" I was instantly deflated, and it looked as if I was really not cut out for the part of the big bad wolf. And Lola is not the white rabbit I thought she was. But it is often the direct approach that works best when dealing with a romantic rival. I drew a long breath, my eyes trained on Lola's face.