The Inconceivable Flame: A Fallen Angel's Disguise

"What’s up, Mr. Knight?"

Ru was busy with the documents in her hand when that irritating voice made her clench her fists. Although the irritating voice was not irritating in reality, it was just irritating to her. Because it belonged to an irksome lad whom she didn’t fancy at all.

"Certainly this lord’s blood pressure is up seeing his highness’ galling physiognomy," Ru answered as she lifted her eyes to look at that irksome lad.

In reality, the man standing before her was pleasing to the eyes. More than just pleasing with his sharp features making one want to turn to take another look. He was a typical English lad; sophisticated and yet domineering. He was amused hearing Ru’s answer as always.

This lad was none other than the Royal Prince of London, His Highness Adrian Alister.

"You know I really didn’t expect that Mr. Knight would come to China himself," he spoke in his soothing voice with his British accent.

"I believe it was His Highness himself who wanted this lord to personally take over this case," Ru answered without missing a beat. There was a bit of hostility whenever she said, ’His Highness’ and Adrian knew the reason for that perfectly well.

Ru was sitting cross-legged on the thick carpet of the newly redecorated apartment. Adrian was quite lost in his thoughts as he kept his eyes on Ru’s figure sitting on the floor. The green-eyed lord before him had been a mystery for the past 6 years in his life. And an awful mystery at that.

He called Ru an awful mystery since he couldn’t help being intrigued by her. Also, he found Ru quite irritating just like she found him equally irritating.

But oddly, these two mismatched people who hated each other’s guts had been making a pretty good team to solve the unsolved mysteries in England.

Ru was a part of law enforcers once but then because of her exceptional talents, the royal Queen took a liking to her and asked Ru to become an important figure. The Queen gave Ru a year to rise in ranks and get involved with people who hide from the law. And that’s when a genius officer became the Lord Alev Knight.

His hate for Ru was also because of his grandmother, the Queen was actually extremely fond of Ru. She’d always reprimand Adrian to become exceptional like Mr. Knight. It made him hate Ru.

"Well, I thought you’d send your people to look into this smuggling case. Who knew that Mr. Knight would actually bring his own army back to China? Are you planning to rule Asia?" Adrian asked with interest as he decided to take a seat at the couch himself since his host wasn’t planning on doing so.

"Did I ask you to sit? How many times have I told you to leave your Royal arse out of my business?" Ru’s remark made Adrian want to deliver a punch straight to that damn handsome face before him but he knew he wouldn’t be successful. "This lord only brought a part of his army and that too because the Queen wants everything to be done efficiently. As for taking over Asia," Ru scoffed. "This lord is not shallow like you."

"Can’t you speak without taunting me?" Adrian asked glowering at her.

"To that, I can only reply with... Bugger Off!" That really ticked off Adrian whose fair complexion was being painted with the hues of red.

"You knobhead! I hate you!" Adrian growled at her but Ru was unfazed. ’How typical of him!’ Adrian thought to himself. His biggest problem was that no matter what he said, this Mr. Knight would never lose ’his’ temper. And that made him even more grumpy.

"Have I mentioned?" Ru asked plainly with a poker-face.

"What?" Adrian showed interest as he leaned closer.

"The feeling is very mutual. This lord hates his highness’ royal arse as well." If someone saw this scene from afar, they would think that the two people were having a normal conversation with their calm looks but only these two could tell the burning fury hidden in their words.

There was silence in the spacious seating area that spanned almost all over the living room. In silence, Adrian observed the interior of the living area and was surprised to see how the sharp edges of the furniture reflected the angular artwork and matching modular table set.

Adrian left Ru’s side and roamed around her apartment as if it was his own royal garden. He was already fascinated by the black marble hallways and then he saw the stunning artworks that decorated the entire dark hallway making it appear like a part of a gallery.

Adrian was well-versed in the art and was familiar with each piece that was hung on the wall. Passing through the hallway, he came across the staggering floor to ceiling sculpture swirls around a curvaceous black daybed. It was illuminated from the floor by the recessed lighting.

Adrian already was familiar that Mr. Knight had a very peculiar taste but he still couldn’t figure out the reason for black color in ’his’ life.

"Are you done admiring the view?" Adrian was startled when he heard Ru’s voice from behind him. ’Gosh! Why doesn’t this man make any sound when he walks?’ he was roaring in his mind but he knew if he said it out loud then they’d again get into an unnecessary argument. And he was certainly not in the mood.

"Shall we talk about your reason for being here, His royal highness?" Ru taunted him again making him roll his eyes.

"Fine! Grandmother asked me to inform you something," Ru attentively listened without interrupting at all. "The spy she had sent for this smuggling deals is killed. Before dying he sent a message to the HQ." Adrian took a deep breath and rubbed his forehead saying, "The message stated that smuggling is just a way to distract us. The real purpose of these people is far worse."

Seeing Ru’s indifferent look, Adrian had a thought, "You knew?!" He didn’t know if he was asking or stating a fact. But since Ru didn’t react he realized that it was a fact. "Then do you know their real motive."

"For now, I’m unclear about it. But we’ll eventually get to that." Ru stated without even sparing Adrian a glance. He really felt invisible in her company while she felt invincible to him.

’Was he really that insignificant for this Lord Alev Knight?’ he thought to himself helplessly. ’What rotten luck I have that I came across this unbeatable lord!’

"Doesn’t royal highness have to catch a flight back home now?" Ru asked as if she was just reminding him like a loyal subordinate.

Adrain squinted his eyes and said, "Nope! I’m going to stay here for a while."

"Suit yourself! But get your royal arse out of my apartment. My humble abode can’t possibly accommodate his royal highness’ great self. After all, this lord is only a lowly subject."

’Lowly subject? My arse!’ Adrian smiled pleasantly and answered, "Grandmother specifically advised me to stick close to Mr. Knight during my stay in China. Now, how can I go against my royal grandmother?" Adrian was feeling proud of himself since now, he’ll get to irritate this green-eyed monster as much as he wants to.

Ru took a deep breath and answered, "Okay! As the royal highness says so."

She hated the idea of sharing her apartment with this brat but she had no other option. He really was an annoying pest hovering in her life for the past 6 years.