"Lady Celestina has arrived!"
The guards announced, making me startled at my own pace. The huge door opened, revealing the hall that is filled with dimmed candles. I looked around, It is awkward and it felt quite eerie.
I'm the only person here making my heart beats in an uncomfortable manner. I look around, side by side, watching all the details designed around the room as I slowly walked towards the table sitting on my designated seat, the one where I sat in earlier.
My thighs are shaking due to nervousness. A jot of coldness is hugging my body because of the backless design of the dress that I'm wearing.
"Princess Mary has arrived!"
The speaker inside the room announced the coming of Mary inside the room.
"Good evening, Celestina" I am greeted by Mary. She's wearing a red spaghetti strap V-neck mid-length dress, showing her arms and a little bit of her cleavage.
I stood up from my seat and greeted her as well, showing off my sweetest smile.
"Good evening, Mary," I kissed her cheeks.
I exhaled out of relief, at least I have a companion now. Moments later the silence crept in the atmosphere, making the moment somehow uncomfortable.
"How is your stay so far?" She asked me with a sweet and soft voice. She sat on my left side, we are now facing the designated seat for Lianno and Lianno's mom.
"It's good" I answered honestly.
I look at the table in front of me. Plates are properly arranged on each side of the table. The golden utensils that are new in my sight are placed respectively at the side.
"Princess Lucy and Prince Lianno has arrived"
My breathing hitched when I saw Lianno walking arrogantly in our direction wearing a black formal Long Sleeve Polo matching it up with a Black Slacks and a Black Belt with a Golden Buckle.
His sister, Princess Lucy is on his back wearing a Black V front Bardot Midi Dress, her hair is in an up ponytail showing her perfect sculpted jaw that is highlighted by the contour she's wearing on her face.
They are both showing an emotionless face and a cold aura. Walking directly in their seats without even wandering their eyes around the room. Both of us, Mary and I stood up from our seat as we made a greeting bow to them.
I saw Lianno's eyes from time to time gazing in my direction. I tried so hard not to mind it, but because it's literally from time to time, every minute to be exact, I couldn't help myself to not stare back.
Minutes later Lianno's parents arrived in their best attire. Queen Carolina, Lianno's Mom is wearing a Silver Long Sleeve Lace Dress has a Mid-calf length while King Lucian is wearing a silver-like gray suit.
"I invited you to this dinner so that we can talk about your future stay in here" Queen Carolina's eyes went up on my side after she's done giving instructions to the servants.
"It's a pleasure your highness" I answered gratefully.
Phew~ That means that I can stay in this place forever now. Well, I've just been worried these past few days. A sudden thought crossed my mind when I found out that Lianno's parents are coming back.
It's a question of what if's. A thought If they are going to make leave the palace since I'm already fine. But with the Queen's words, the forming question in the back of my head suddenly disappeared. By some means, it is quite assuring me that they will not kick me out
The dinner went on smoothly, we talked about my stay here so far which is really good for me. The people are nice and easy to get along with. I've met Isabela and Jea which is the best thing that happened to me so far and maybe… Lianno?
One of the servants appearing with the same clothes as Isabela and Jea had earlier gone to our side and whispered something in Queen Carolina's ears making her grin.
"The Dessert is about to be served together with the Wine that I asked for" With a smile on her face, Her highness informed us.
It eventually did not take long before the door opened, revealing 3 people pushing a trolley with the said dessert inside. Pasteis de Nata, A Portuguese egg tart pastry which is dusted with cinnamon. A popular dessert in Portuguese that is hard to make. I think I've eaten this before when we went to Portugal because of a conference.
A plate of Pasteis de Nata is given in my front. 3 pieces of the said dessert are placed on every plate, but an additional one is placed on the middle consisting of a dozen pieces of it.
We started to taste and munch on the food. The flakiness of the pastry compliments the sweetness of the egg yolk filling. A soft touch of cinnamon is dusted on top making it addicting.
"Did you like it, Mary?" King Lucian spoke in a calm manner.
"Yes, Dad" Mary answered in such gentleness that made me suddenly throw up.
"Do you like it Ian?" She turned her head to face Lianno, who is seriously eating in front of us.
I rolled my eyes when I saw Mary giggling after Lianno nodded at her question. I was the first one to finish eating the egg tart. I'm staring at Princess Lucy, who is eating calmly. I didn't hear her talk or even murmured some words the whole dinner. She's just looking at us earlier or to the person who is speaking and will just listen intently.
Queen Carolina nodded at those people who served the dessert earlier, they are still not leaving and it seems that they are waiting for the Queen's Command just to do it.
I saw Isabela together with 2 male servants entering the hall a round tray was placed on their right arms. Glasses filled with wines can be seen at the sight. Isabela went to Mary's direction, placing the wine glass at the table, smiling and bowing after.
I smiled at her when I saw her walking slowly in my direction. But moments after a loud sound can be heard as I felt cold liquid dripping off my head.