Chapter 11 - Put Aside

Silence fell upon the Commander's room. Maj. Gen. Lucian glanced at the two back and forth again and again, having no idea what was going on. Then his phone went off and walked out of the room to answer the call.

Prince Felix examined Yelena from head to toe. It's her. But why was she in an uniform? Didn't she said that she was an office worker?​​

Then he was hit by realization. Was her work a lie too? His handsome face turned gloomy at the thought of it!

Yelena was not much different. Didn't he said that he was a businessman? He also said that his name was Austin.

But now he was the Crown Prince of Edeladon, Felix Valestra; and not the Austin that she knew.

"So this was the reason why I can't find you." Prince Felix deadpanned as he recalled the past days he spend searching for her in Silveren. He even felt like he was looking for a needle in a haystack as she was nowhere to be found.

"Didn't you said your name was Austin?" Yelena asked without much thought as she was dumbfounded.

"Yes. It's my middle name. Felix. Austin. Valestra." Prince Felix replied, pronouncing each syllable of his name in a clear and firm manner. "What about you? You said your name was Macy."

"It's my middle name. Yelena. Macy. Arista." Yelena did the same. "You said you're a businessman."

"I'm both a Prince and a businessman. Can a soldier be an office worker at the same time?"

Yelena was at a loss for words. What could she possibly say? She was the one who spat out a total lie!

Sawing her struggle for words, Felix finds it quite amusing. But he didn't show it. He still remembered that he was completely stood up by this woman. He didn't plan to let her go easily!

After what seemed to be forever, Maj. Gen. Lucian finally returned much to Yelena's delight. But it doesn't last long as the Prince's next words really pissed her off.

"You said that she is the one who will be responsible for my safety, Maj. Gen. Lucian. But she knows nothing about me." Prince Felix said with an unsatisfying face.

"I apologize, Your Highness. Captain Yelena was on a leave and she just report in today. She is still not aware of the details." The Commander explained in a respectful manner. "She is the best and most capable Captain of our Special Forces, Your Highness. You will realize it very soon." He reassured the Prince.

The Prince once again stared at Yelena with a mischievous smile. "Is that so? I have no complain then. I never thought that the most elite Captain of Silveren would be a woman who is younger than me."

Yelena really wished to brush off the proud Prince; but not now. She was in no position to do so. Besides, she cannot afford to offend the most important guest of her country for now.

Did they already exchanged their age during that short time? Maj. Gen. Lucian was perplexed.

"Thank you, Your Highness. I arranged another skilled team to escort you to the VVIP Guest House owned by the Government. Team Delta will come right after they are given the detail instructions. Please, this way." Maj. Gen. Lucian escort the Prince out of his office and instructed Yelena to wait for him.

Yelena glanced at the disappearing form of the Prince and she was completely spaced out.

How did this happen? The friendly businessman whom she was comfortable with, turned out to be the Crown Prince of Edeladon! Apart from all, protecting him was her team's new mission! It was so surprising that she didn't even know how to react.

"What are you thinking, Yelena?" The Commander looked at Yelena who was still standing with a nonchalant expression. What's wrong with her today?

"Nothing."

"Have a seat."

The two sat down to have a more serious talk.

"Can I not do this mission?" Yelena uttered in a low voice. Her head lowered, feeling embarrassed to have asked such question. She already knows she must obey the orders no matter what. That's how it goes in the Army.

Maj. Gen. Lucian carefully scanned the downhearted Yelena. The sight felt so foreign to him.

What happened to the woman who was always full of confidence? He was so curious about her story; but concluded that it was best to not ask her.

"Yelena, as a soldier, you need to put aside all your personal matters; whatever it is. This mission is not a trivial matter. The General and even the Defense Minister already gave out the order. There's no going back." He explained patiently.

But there was no response. Yelena sat still with a downcast eyes.

The Commander sighed. "Listen, Yelena. As you know, our history with Edeladon is full of wars and conflicts. Ten years ago, a huge war even broke out between us. Then after many efforts, a peace treaty was finally signed five years ago. But the families of soldiers and civilians who lose their lives during the war were not happy with the peace agreement. Many of them still hate Edeladon to the core."

He paused for a while and continued again when he saw that Yelena carefully listened to his words.

"Three years ago, when the King of Edeladon paid a visit to our country; he suffered many attacks and assassination attempts. It made our reputation went downhill globally. That year, we were the laughing stock of the whole world."

The Commander continued to explain.

"So, this is very important for the pride and image of our country. Even this time, we are sure that the families of the war victims won't sit still. They even have a huge and fearless organization of their own. They are eager to make the Edeladons suffer. But we cannot let that happen. Our country needs peace."

"What will I do?" Yelena asked right away. Her energetic attitude seemed to be back.

"You must get ahold of yourself. Protect the Crown Prince of Edeladon at all costs. Shield him from any harm or dangers. Though your team consists of only five members, we trust you enough to give you this mission." The Commander told Yelena with a proud smile.

"Another company will be on standby in case of emergency. Protecting the pride of our country is the duty of a soldier. So remember that protecting the Prince is the same as that. Do you understand?" He asked in a calm voice.

"Yes, Sir. I understand." Yelena responded in a firm manner.

"Good then. Assemble your team and we will start the instructions right away." The Commander commanded.

Then Yelena left the office to comply with the order.

Now that she heard all the details, Yelena understood how much of a responsibility it was. She wanted her country to be in peace and she was willing to do anything to ensure that. Even if it means that she must put aside all her personal feelings and matters for that.....