Chapter 9: Chapter Nine

**Alexander**

Marcus’s voice broke through my thoughts. “Your Highness, the charity project collaboration has been finalized.”

I looked up from the report I wasn’t really reading, the familiar weight of duty settling over me like an old coat. “Fine. Set it up. I’ll meet with them and get acquainted with the other members.”

“Of course,” Marcus replied with a respectful nod. “I’ll have the details ready for you shortly.”

It wasn’t that I was thrilled about being sent halfway across Europe to dig in the dirt, but at least it would get me away from the constant scrutiny of the press and my father’s sharp gaze. For once, I’d have the opportunity to do something concrete—to prove I wasn’t just a figurehead. Plus, a chance to get my head back to sanity and away from whatever nonsense it was going through.

****

I walked into the meeting room for the full briefing, my mind cautiously optimistic for a change. This could be a chance to travel, learn, discover myself and– Suddenly, every hopeful thought instantly evaporated, leaving me in a semi-catatonic state.

*No way…. Not a chance!*

Leonardo was sitting casually at the end of the conference table, one leg crossed over the other, looking as polished and composed as if he hadn’t made my life hell since he landed on Swedish soil. His dark curls were tamed for once, and he wore a crisp button-up shirt that almost made him look respectable—*Almost.*

I stopped dead in my tracks, disbelief freezing me mid-step. “May I know what the hell *he*’s doing here?” I asked Marcus.

Leonardo didn’t even flinch. His smirk deepened as he looked up at me with those maddeningly confident eyes. “*He* has a name. Leonardo. You can just ask me directly, *Your Highness*.”

I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay composed. “Very well, *Mr. Vittorio*, may I know what the *hell* you’re doing here?”

He leaned back in his chair, exuding infuriating nonchalance. “Nice to see you again too, *Your Grace*. I’m here to make amends, of course.”

“Amends?” I repeated, my voice dripping with disbelief. “You mean to drive me insane.”

“Noooo,” he drawled, dragging out the word with smug amusement. “To help and support a great cause. I volunteered, same as you. I guess it’ll be you and I now.”

I blinked at him, outrage bubbling in my chest. “This has to be some mistake,” I said firmly, turning to Marcus. “There’s no way I can work with him. I’d rather uninherit the crown than spend this trip with *him*.”

Leonardo gasped dramatically, clutching his chest like I’d just mortally wounded him. “Jeez, there’s no need to be so rude, R*oyalty-in-Chief*. Why don’t you tell me how you *really* feel?”

“I just did,” I snapped, meeting his gaze with an intense glare.

Leonardo leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping into a mockingly serious tone. “You know, if you’re not careful, I might start believing you think badly about me.”

“Don’t be absurd,” I shot back. “I don’t think about you at all.”

His smirk widened, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Really? Because it kind of feels like you do. All that glaring—it’s almost like you missed me.”

I opened my mouth to retort, but before I could, he continued, his tone turning teasingly sweet. “Admit it, *Oh Great Prince*. You’d be bored without me.”

“You have a very distorted idea of what boredom looks like,” I said, voice tight. “If anything, I’d be *thrilled* to never see you again.”

“Liar,” he replied breezily, crossing his arms. “But fine, keep pretending. Just know that I’m here for the cause, not to torment you. Any torment is purely coincidental.”

“Why am I not convinced,” I muttered.

Leonardo suddenly tilted his head, studying me as though I were a particularly interesting puzzle. “You know what your problem is?”

“Do enlighten me,” I replied sarcastically.

“You take yourself way too seriously,” he said, grinning. “You should loosen up a little. I mean, we’re about to save the environment together. You could at least pretend to enjoy my company, *Sire*.”

“Oh, believe me I am pretending right now that I can tolerate your presence,” I said dryly. “And, for God’s sake, would you stop calling me all of those ridiculous names?”

“You told me not to call you by your first name, you asked me to stop giving you pet names, and now you don’t want me to address you by your title—so how exactly am I supposed to address you, *His Royal Sunshine*?” He rolled his eyes. “You’re so damn confusing.”

“Nothing! Don’t look at me, don’t talk to me, and don’t address me *at all*,” I snapped, my patience thinning.

“Okay,” he agreed with a shrug. “I’ll just mouth the words.”

Before I could respond, the door opened, and several others walked in—project coordinators, government representatives, and a couple of environmental specialists. I straightened instinctively, my royal training kicking in.

Leonardo, of course, didn’t bother as he leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying himself.

The lead coordinator, a tall woman with a clipboard and an efficient air, began the briefing. “Good morning, everyone. Thank you for coming. As you know, this project is a joint effort between countries to address cross-border environmental issues.”

She gestured to a map projected on the wall. “The itinerary will begin in rural Sweden, where we’ll work on a replanting initiative in a deforested area, as well as visit a local village to engage with community leaders on sustainable farming practices. In the evenings, you’ll have the chance to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights, highlighting Sweden’s natural beauty and its importance in inspiring conservation efforts.”

Leonardo leaned slightly toward me, lowering his voice. “Northern Lights, huh? Does this mean we’ll be sitting around freezing to death while staring at the sky?”

I shot him a sideways glare, keeping my expression neutral. “It’s called appreciating nature, Mr. Vittorio. You should try it sometime. And, for the record, I happen to love the Northen Lights.”

“Of course you do.” He raised his eyebrows.

Her pointer moved south on the map, cutting through our exchange. “From there, we’ll travel to Germany, where we’ll explore the Bavarian Forest along the Danube river to observe the unique ecological challenges posed by urbanization near forested areas.”

“Nice! Alone in the woods…” He glanced at me.

“You will hardly be alone, Mr Vittorio. There’s nothing to worry about.” The coordinator totally missed his annuendo. 

“One of the highlights will include working alongside local artisans and students to craft educational tools for promoting environmental awareness in the region.”

Leonardo raised an eyebrow. “Educational tools? Let me guess—wood carving, painting, maybe weaving baskets?”

“You sound remarkably skeptical for someone who volunteered,” I replied, my voice clipped.

“On the contrary,” he said with a smirk. “I’m just trying to picture you with a paintbrush or a basket of supplies. Very rustic.”

I ignored him, though my jaw tightened. “Some of us are capable of working without turning everything into a spectacle.”

The coordinator gave us a brief glance, clearly catching some of our whispered exchange but choosing not to comment. She pointed further south on the map. “The final leg of the trip includes reforestation in the Italian countryside and environmental workshops with local children.”

Leonardo leaned back, crossing his arms as his smirk widened. “Workshops with kids, ah?”

“Let me guess,” I said dryly. “You hate kids.”

“Who do you take me for? I love kids!” he corrected with mock seriousness. “And it sounds like my expertise will finally shine.”

I opened my mouth to retort, but the coordinator’s polite cough brought our attention back to her. “If there are no further questions,” she said, her tone pointed, “we’ll continue to the logistics.”

I leaned back in my chair, biting back a response. As if this trip wasn’t going to be challenging enough, I’d now have to survive it with Leonardo Vittorio’s constant commentary. God help me.

“Each of you will have specific roles to play,” she continued. “Prince Alexander, as Sweden’s representative, you’ll be leading the replanting ceremony and promoting the initiative’s international significance. Mr. Vittorio, your expertise in international relations and media engagement will be key in generating public support.”

Leonardo leaned closer to me as she turned back to the map. “Did you catch that, Your Highness? I’m key. Pretty important, wouldn’t you say?”

I didn’t even look at him. “Yes, key to testing my patience.”

He chuckled softly. “Relax. We’ll be the dream team. Just wait.”

As the coordinator continued, Leonardo’s gaze burned into the side of my head, and I knew this trip would be far more challenging than I could’ve ever bargained for.