That's how the tour of the gardens went.
The prince was ill-informed about something, Rhodon giving his thought on what it was, Adam sharing his own views, which were just him latching onto Rhodon's opinion. While Lord Ventura, after a couple of minutes, would tell the true name for the plant, or correct when there was a need to correct and act as if nothing happened before returning to his book, though I swear that a small smile rested on his lips, hidden away from everyone else. I watched in silence, speaking occasionally, when asked, or when I found something important to say.
Soon lunch came around and Cosmo led us to the private dining hall, where we would eat with the King and Queen. Cosmo was the eldest of five. His four younger brothers all out on royal business, and unable to make it back for our arrival. My hands fiddle with the ends of my sleeves, pulling them down and fixing my collar repeatedly, while Adam looked like he was inches from fainting, his hands anxiously fixing his shirt and belt.
Even with our frantic shuffling, Cosmo didn't comment and Lord Ventura silently slapped my hands away every time I began to fiddle with my clothing. Which stopped my actions for a few minutes before they started up again. The private dinner hall had two dark oak doors, with knights stationed on either side, bowing at Cosmo wordlessly and opening the doors.
The dining hall was brightly lit, with a row of floor-to-ceiling windows that gave a view of the island and ocean. A long wooden table with eight seats all placed perfectly. The two largest chairs were placed on both heads of the table, with three chairs were placed along both sides. The King, a man with slicked-back white hair, a pale and old face with wrinkles, sat at the head of the table, a gold crown with vibrant blue jewels decorating the crown.
The King of Astrolia was around 40 years older than King Henry, who was only 36 years old. He wore the blue and gold clothing of a king, with several gold rings on his old hands and gold necklaces around his neck. He didn't move but stared at each of our faces with piercing blue eyes.
We came to a stop, me and Adam standing beside our lords, with our gaze on the floor. Cosmo is the first to speak. "Father. These are the guests of Cornelia. Lord Rhodon, one of King Henry's loyal friends and Head Knight and Commander of the Military. While this is Lord Ventura, King Henry's personal advisor."
Ventura and Rhodon bow wordlessly.
The wooden chair creaks beneath him as the King shifts with interest. "Ventura... As in Damien Ventura...?" His voice is firm, even despite his old age. Lord Ventura stands up straight.
"My father was Damien Ventura. He passed away nearly 19 years ago."
"...I was not informed.... I had no idea, boy.... You look must be his son...The little boy that came with him 24 years ago...." Lord Ventura seems to laugh, shifting slightly.
"I was only 8. Quite a long time ago." The King lets out a satisfied huff, shifting again as he shared his memories from 24 years ago. Nothing that me nor Adam knew about.
This was before King Henry, and during the reign of his father, King Carter, whose personal advisor was Lord Damien Ventura. 25 years ago, Cornelia had made the first attempt of uniting the two nations, but no records of Lord Damien Ventura going to Astrolia were documented.
Conversation of 24 years ago continues on, the King of Astrolia telling memories of Ventura. He was a quiet boy who spent a lot of time in the garden, with a book in hand. Or helping his father run errands within the town. With no friends except his books, he was easily feared, with the never leaving scowl on his face, that sometime during his life changed into a blank stare or look.
"I cannot say much has changed. Though I am far less reckless."
Lord Rhodon lets out a silent snort, earning a curious glance from me and Adam, which seemed to alert the King of our existence.
"I am surprised, Ventura. Never viewed you as the type to marry." My eyes nearly pop out of my eye sockets, Adam choking on air and coughing aggressively, while Lord Rhodon stifled a laugh. Ventura blinks before slowly looking back at me, as if silently cursing my existence, before turning back to the King. Before Ventura could speak, Cosmo was already opening his mouth, speaking quickly.
"Lord Ventura is still a bachelor... And on the topic of wives, I have found a woman I wish to marry." He glances at me, not so subtly.
Adam whips his head back and forth, Rhodon's jaw falling slack, and shock seems to cross Ventura's face, before quickly setting back to neutral. I find myself unable to speak. We all face the King, who clears his throat and looks over me intently.
"Mhm... She is truly single, then she will lead to a great bloodline."
My jaw falls slack, and Adam is fumbling over his words. Lord Ventura says nothing, until Rhodon roughly elbowed the quiet Lord's side, urging him to say something, knocking the man out of his trance. Lord Ventura cleared his throat.
"I am sure she would, but she already takes upon my name. I have always been a man that enjoys his privacy."
Lord Rhodon pinches the bridge of his nose, and mutters under his breath. "That is not what I meant." Adam looks like he's about to faint, and indescribable disdain is written on his face. The King shifts again, not fully believing Ventura.
"If that is so, then you must have your wedding papers." Ventura keeps his composer, but the clear panic in his eyes reflects in a moment. The King continues.
"You wouldn't dare lie to me. That would ruin negotiations." Lord Ventura is a man of his word and any of his actions are for the King. To him, he would be an utter failure if he ruined such an opportunity. He exhales in defeat.
"We are not married yet."
"So, she is free to marry whoever."
The room falls silent, and I feel like a chain is wrapped around my throat. Forcing my silence.
"Yes," Watching Cosmo's eyes light up, as the King leans back with a gratified smile, Ventura immediately speaks again, "but she is bound to me by contract. For she serves me. And must serve me until I say otherwise."
The King seems to wave it off.
"Once she is married to Cosmo, she will have no need for the contract."
I open and close my mouth like a gaped fish and my eyes dart to Lord Ventura, begging him to say anything. He simply sighs and nods, before glancing at me with a neutral expression, but remorse reeks from his eyes.
After that we ate lunch, his wife nowhere to be seen, while Cosmo made himself comfortable right beside me, while Adam sat on the other side of me. Ventura sat across from Cosmo and Rhodon, across from Adam. I am unable to muster up words to join in conversations, while Adam answered all questions directed at me with an awkward laugh.
I truly missed Cornelia.