Chapter 242 - Semantics (2/2)

Smirking at Maxen, Olivia turned on her heel and marched towards the hangar where they left Jack praying for Maxen and Olivia's safety so his life would be spared from the guillotine just in case an accident befell the husband and wife.

Reaching the hangar, Olivia called Jack's attention, singing out his name. ”Jaaaaack!”

Clouds parted, giving way to the bright sun. It illuminated Jack's vision as he stood up from his kneeling position upon hearing Olivia's voice.

He tugged the lapels of his suit jacket. ”Your Highness,” he greeted, sending a curt nod to Olivia then to Maxen who was trailing behind her

Not a trace of distress which wore him down for almost an hour could be seen on his face. As soon as he recollected himself, he peered over Olivia's shoulders.

Three creases formed on Jack's forehead as he read into Maxen's miming.

He wondered what Maxen was trying to convey to him with three fingers held high and mouthing… three? champ? Champagne?

Jack pivoted on his spot. Behind him was a trolley of refreshments he prepared for the entire team.

Taking into consideration Maxen's request, he grabbed the ice cold champagne from the bucket and clipped three flutes between his fingers.

Finding his master's gaze, Jack almost dropped the bottle when he was met with Maxen's bulged eyes and vein-embossed forehead whilst the latter crossed his arms in a giant 'X'.

”I'm not supposed to drink alcohol, Jack, but thanks for the gesture.” Olivia smiled at him. However, it was a smile that told Jack that he made a mistake.

Or he would make a mistake in the next three seconds of his life, and as punishment, Olivia would feed his balls to the dogs just like what he heard she did with two unnamed men.

”I have te-te-tea, Your Highness,” Jack stuttered. The flutes in his hand made a clanging noise when he couldn't hide his terror.

Jack's eyes wandered back to Maxen but all he got was a nod of understanding over Jack's predicament, and an act of surrender on the prince's part too.

”Relaaax,” Olivia jazzed, helping Jack by taking the champagne off of his hands. ”Maxen and I were having a discussion and we needed your help to adjudicate over it.”

Even though he was apprehensive, given that he didn't want to pick sides between Maxen and Olivia, Jack took on the challenge of his role and did his best to give a fair judgement.

Placing the three flutes back on the trolley, Jack stood ramrod straight, his hands on either of his sides. ”It is an honor to be of service to you, Your Highness,” Jack said, revealing a practiced smile at Olivia.

”Okay. So… when somebody says 'we jump on three', at which part are you supposed to jump? After the count of two? Or after the count of three?”

Time stood still and everyone in the hangar froze in their spots. Pairs of eyes darted to Jack as if he was under the spotlight.

”Well?” Olivia followed up when Jack took his time to respond.

”We jump…” Jack trailed off, searching Maxen for a lifeline. All Jack got was Maxen mouthing 'three'. ”Of course, we jump after the count of two, Your Highness.”

It was when Maxen bursted with mirth that Jack knew he was a deadman.