I keep my stare at her until i reach the designated chair for me, next to my mother. Our dining hall is big for the three of us but now , chairs are full and the whole dining hall are heavily guarded with each palace guards.
My papa, the King stand.
"Welcome to all of you. Maligayang pagdating sa lahat. As we all know we gathered here to strengthen our power. We are all alias here."
He stops. Smiled to each one. And continue.
"Our cook did their best for each dishes that will serve tonight. Enjoy the food. Thank you"
Some clap with elegance, some just nod. I think I should start my night with them.
We need power i know it. Alias and Power.
The royal maids starts to serve food. Different dishes. Different course.
I turn my sight to her. She sit with elegant. Those pointed nose, jawline. Side profile check. Just my type. Yeah, my type.
I smiled to the royal maid when she put the food in front. I mouthed thank you without sound though she didn't glance at me.
Minute passed and the silence was broke when King Benedicto from Kingdom of Tyexty spoke.
"The food is the best, coming from a Kingdom whole have plenty of lands. I guess you use your lands to plant fruits, vegetables whom you export to other Kingdom "
My father laughed.
"Our Kingdom our best to that"
"Bueno, i came here for that. Rest assured i will bring back the favor"
Papa gestured the food.
"Let's talk after dinner" he said with a smile plastered in his face.
One down. I counted to my mind.
The dinner continues until everyone is done. All of the Kings was told to talk in the hall, private indeed. Queen's stayed in the garden while i hate my part, of course I should accompany prince and princesses to the north part of the palace. The Museum.
We are all silently walking. I can see that princess in my peripheral vision. The way she walks is pure. Gosh. I should know her name later.
"Welcome to our Museum "
I accompanied five prince and 6 princesses including her.
When they all turn to me. I laughed a bit and talk.
" I am Prince Caspyan of Kingdom Korya" i said then bow to them. Respect it is.
"Im Prince Eros"
" Im Princess Katalina , nice to meet you Caspyan" the other princess said.
First name basis huh.
They all said their names but im more excited to her.
"Im Princess Anika your highness " she said then bow. They didn't mind her but my attention betrayed me.
"It was nice to meet you my Princess Anika" after that i kiss the back of her hand.
Someone cleared her throat. I heard gasped and teasing from Prince.
"Enough of that Capyan tour us" Prince Alkali spoke.
"Sure" i said grinning.
Her cheeks are crimson red. Did she felt the spark earlier? Cause i do. Haha I laugh to my mind.
"These are my grandmothers, grandfathers. My relatives in other Kingdom. Our family pictures. Oh this was me when i was little "
Referring to the picture. They saw it then laugh.
"Paintings paint by my mama. The Royal guards and maids. Portrait and landscape dont know stuff, its from my papa"
They roam their eyes and i stared at her, My Princess Anika.
"You enjoy this?" I asked a bit low when i came near her.
"Yes your highness "
"You're so formal. Drop the formalities Anika"
"Still your a prince your highness—"
"And your my princess. Mind if i call you Anika? Just Anika?"
She bit her lip and speak.
"Anything will do Caspyan"
I chuckled when i saw her blush. Caspyan for me and Anika. I thought this day will be as boring as hell just like last year but im wrong. Anika made my night. Which Kingdom is she belong again? Ah nevermind. Im more preoccupied to her than her Kingdom, silly me.
"Dont let your guard down" i stop when I remember mama saying it to me whenever we held dinner like this. Of course mama.
"Caspyan what is this?" A prince ask eyeing the magical plant we display in the museum.
"Uhm a kind of seed we usually plant in our land?"
I answered not really sure . I dont want to burst things i am not sure of, some things should be private so that no one will be interested to it.
"By the way that's the sword my grandfather use 50 years ago, winning the war" i said proudly while pointing the sword at the left.
"That's awesome. I actually read that Caspyan" female voice answered . A Princess .
I only smiled.
"Our Prince Caspyan, its time" the royal guard interrupts.
Uh i get it.
"We should get going my prince and princess "
"Oh is it time to go home?" Alkali asked.
"I think so"
"Anika—" i called her.
She stops and turn to me.
"I am hoping to see you again."
He smiled for the first time.
"Sure Caspyan " and now she's confident? Wow.
"We will surely meet again my prince" she added.
I smiled. A genuine.
"I will take note to that" after that we both laugh.
Father is happy when we got to the dining hall. Otherwise mama is not. She seems a bit pissed but wants to show that she is fine so she smiled.
I should talk to mama later.
"So I guess it's a goodbye for now Anika" i talked again. Neverminding the stare of my papa.
"Yes Caspyan "
I bow a little and turn my way to my mama who is now staring at me. I smiled.
"Mama that's Princess Anika, isn't she pretty?" I tease mama. Im just happy you know. I will never forget this night onwards.
"She is son. " that's the only thing she said.
After that night i slept with a happy heart. I woke up early compare before only to hear, mama shouting in their chamber.
"I told you i am worried! I dont want their Kingdom! Maybe— maybe this is something we should be aftraid of. The trust my King, please hear me!" mama said frustratedly.
"Enough Elisabeth!" papa shouted.
And for the 15 years of my existence, this is the first time i heard papa shout at mama. Really? What's the matter?!