Chapter 665 - Six Hundred And Sixty-five: Compromise

The third point of view:

Akim had not used the secret passageway ever since that day. He had to be careful especially when he had a smart father and an overprotective mother. And let's not forget the fact that Jasmine had almost blown his cover the next day. 

They had been summoned for breakfast by their parents and there Jasmine began to display the fact that she hardly got any sleep that night. The girl began to doze off and nearly smashed her face into the meal before her had he not reacted on time and saved her. 

"What's going on?" His mother was the first to ask, looking all concerned, "Didn't she get enough sleep last night?" 

His father then turned to him with his piercing gray eyes asking, "Didn't she sleep with you last night? What did the both of you do last night? Why did you keep her awake?" he Interrogated him like a police officer. 

Akim knew he had to be careful with his answer else his source of escape would be discovered before he even started, "Yes, we stayed up late, " he admitted it.

"You both stayed up late? Why? Akim?" 

"Why?" he asked, snorting with laughter then went ahead to explain with an unsmiling face," You denied us the opportunity of having fun outside and decided to have one in my room. Do we have to report that to you as well? Would we be captured having a good time in our room?" He didn't hold back.

Weeks and days ago, he had been complaining about leaving the palace to attend the festival, it would be suspicious to them if he didn't feel wronged for not attending the festival at the Townsquare - as they thought. 

That conversation led to another argument that was beginning to become a recurring experience for them. Knowing that his father had his eyes on him, Akim didn't dare to leave the palace in fear that his secret passageway would be discovered. 

His father was not a fool, the fact that he handed that key to him means he knew about the passageway as well - because he's the one who made it. So he can't leave too many hints or tracks. The sudden appearance of that passageway was a light in his otherwise boring, gloomy mundane life. 

"Akim!" His mother suddenly called him, causing him to turn to see her.

It was the beginning of a school week and he had to leave for school and was in a hurry to do so. It was the only place he could breathe a bit considering his little socialization there - at least he didn't have to see his parents there.

"Yes, mother?" His brows were raised questioningly. He was quite curious about what she had to say to him.

"I've been thinking about your words lately and you're right, we've been in the process of trying to keep you safe intruded over your personal life and space,"

Akim was stunned, was this indeed his mother speaking. The unshakeable Mrs. Emily, and the queen of Lincolnshire? No, he must be dreaming.

"So I'm thinking to lessen the restriction we placed on you," She said.

Finally! Hallelujah, somebody! Akim rejoiced inwardly. However, it was too early to rejoice. The worst punishment anyone could give him was to get his hopes high, only to dash it into smithereens. So he didn't say a word and patiently waited for his mother to reveal the big surprise. 

"You don't have to worry about your bodyguards going into the classes with you from now on, they'd be right outside till you're done with the day and at least keep ten feet from you," Emily said, expecting an endless flow of thanks and unlimited joy from her son, but all she received was,

"Okay?"Akim said with an expressionless face, "And?" He was anticipating more news from his mother. 

"And?" Emily was surprised by his question. What more did he want to hear? 

"Is that all?" He'd be damned if that was the case. 

"Is there more?" there was confusion on Emily's face. 

"Oh God," Akim groaned, wiping his face with his palm before he ran his hand through his hair in frustration. 

"Akim?" Emily was not pleased with his reaction. She had expected him to be happy that they took a step forward in giving him the freedom he desired. Instead, he was… disappointed? 

Unfortunately, Emily didn't know that her son had seen and tasted the outside world, hence her little compromise was of little appeal to him.

"So you got all my hopes high for this?" He was annoyed. 

"Akim…" 

"Mom, what's the difference when the guards are with me in the class and when they're right outside the class?" he questioned her sternly. 

"Akim, this is progress on our part. Do you even know how I managed to convince your father to take this step?" She asked him. 

"Then it's all for nothing because I don't need it. It's kind of stupid anyway!" He retorted, and although he regretted saying those words to his mother, he was too angry to show it. 

"Akim, everything we are doing is for your safety and the progress of this family," Emily tried to explain to him. Why can't he understand it was their role as his parents to protect him? Why can't he be a little understanding?! Ugh, he was as stubborn as his father! So irritating! 

"Your idea of safety is suffocating me, mother, and in case you don't know this, I don't owe you my freedom, it's my right! Perhaps, it's time you guys knew that" Akim stated and took his leave without looking back while Emily stood at the spot, rubbing her temple, clearly overwhelmed and stressed up. 

Akim stepped into the car and the chauffeur took off without a second thought. One of the bodyguards sat in the front seat with the chauffeur while another Suv drove behind him, that was another team of bodyguards who made sure his safety was assured. 

The school was the same as usual, the only exception being that the guards didn't follow him into the class. He snorted, what difference did it make when they could still see him through the glass window. He felt their 

Even with the absence of his bodyguards, no one dared to sit beside him and Max seemed to be running late. Yeah, he was all alone. 

At that moment, the teacher came inside the class and everyone composed themselves. Akim didn't care and was about to go back to his phone when out of the corner of his eyes, he saw another figure walking in as well. 

His eyes shot up and as soon as their eyes met, his jaw dropped.. No way.