Aurora's POV
"–And the music was too bland..."
"–And a lot of unimportant people were there!! Did you invite them?"
"–And the lighting was too dim..."
I felt like bashing their heads on the wall, and forced myself to nod meekly. "I dear say, it wasn't as satisfactory as I thought?" I made sure to sound grave.
Hera nodded red curls and ate another buttered biscuit. "Yes. I was horrified at it, but I am sure with good company as ourselves, you would learn a lot."
I took a sip of tea. "You don't say?"
Isabell nodded and her golden hair bounced. "Yes. Last year, I hosted a winter ball and it was magnificent!!"
"I hosted a spring ball and it was marvellous. The king himself sent a representative to attend!!" Hera boasted.
I smiled. "You are quite the best at it I am guessing? For the king himself to send a representative!!"
Isabell scotted to the edge of her chair. "Yes, Hera's father is a friend of the kings'!!"
Hera turned red and waved it off. "Oh don't flatter me so!! But yes, I dear say he is. The King even sent me a birthday gift on my sixteenth year."
I made my eyes widen. "Really? what was it?"
She beamed. "A white horse of the best breed."
Then Isabell leaned in. "Some even say Hera and the prince would get married." I noted the hint of malice in her words.
Hera however didnt and beamed. "Yes, the prince does fancy me I think, he kissed my hand and would've danced with me all night at the winter ball if that scoundrel –Jack hadn't interrupted!!"
Isabell seemed pleased as she spoke. "Jack just swooped in and took her right off Jasper's arms!!"
I shook my head in pity. "How rude."
Hera nodded. "Yes, he has always been a pest."
Then she stood. "Let's go for a walk in the garden, shall we?"
She took my arm and we marched out. Isabell trailed behind us.
The garden was impressive. A lot of flowers grew and there was a water fountain. I felt myself relaxing even more at the sound of the rushing water.
"That Jack–" Hera started, but was interrupted by a deep cheerful voice.
"I heard my name!!" Jack himself appeared.
His brown hair was carelessly messy and fell over his forehead into his green eyes.
Hera wrinkled her nose and he did a bow in front of me.
"Well hello, mi'lady. I dear say you are the prettiest in the room."
Isabell glowered. "We aren't even in a room."
Jack's eyes twinkled. "In this hediously designed garden then."
For the first time in years I felt the urge to laugh. I however just nodded at him. "Well thank you, although I must say Lady Hera's dress is more exquisite and Isabell's hair like gold."
Jack glanced at the boiling duo and laughed. "Hera looks like a little girl in her mothers dress and I must say, Isabell's hair resembles to me –smelly cheese."
I hid an amused smile. Jack was a character..... I actually liked him.
Hera glared at him. "What are you doing here?"
He ran a hand through his hair. "Is that how a proper lady should speak?"
I watched in uttermost amusement as she took a deep breath and spoke in a slightly softer tone. "What I pray, are you doing here?"
Jack shrugged. "Father sent me to your father."
Hera looked esparated. "And I am clearly NOT my father!!"
Jack grinned. "Calm your horses, I know –you are definitely a fine lady–"
I saw the hint of a blush cross Hera's cheeks.
"–but with horrible mannerism, anyway, I couldn't find your father in his study so here..."
He dug into his coat and pulled out an envelope. "Do me the Favour of giving him this."
Hera snatched it in disdain and huffed. "Whatever, now get out!!"
Jack gave me a grin. "I'll see you around Lady Aurora." Then he walked away.
Hera ended the tea there because she was so upset by Jack's meeting and it was by far one of the best afternoon i'd had in six years.