Cindy heard Aida's exclamation and felt a little nervous. She didn't know why, but felt a little uneasy when all eyes were suddenly fixed on her. Luckily, Theodore entered at the same time, wrapped his hand around her waist and guided her to the table. It was obvious Cindy couldn't shake the feeling of nervously, even after Theodore had pulled a seat for her to sit. Cindy glanced nervously at Aida. She didn't need anyone to tell her who Aida was.
"Hi" Aida greeted nervously as she waved at Cindy, hoping Theodore won't turn to look at her. Everyone at the table wasn't oblivious to the fact that, Aida felt intimidated at the mere sight of Theodore. As if hearing her thoughts, Theodore kept his gaze on Cindy's plate, and started serving Cindy.
"H..H..Hi" Cindy greeted back awkwardly.
Aida noticed, unlike Ciara, Cindy was quite reserved. Cindy had a gentle aura, a peaceful one. Aida knew she was going to love both aunties. Aida smiled at Cindy and started to serve herself. When she was sure everyone was focused on serving themselves, she quietly asked Ciara;
"Who is the man beside your sister?" unable to hide her curiosity.
Right on cue, Ciara answered almost in a whisper; "That's Theodore, her husband"
Aida jolted at once, almost spilling the porridge in front of her.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry" she apologized as she nervously glanced at the faces that stared cautiously at her.
"That was one damn iconic reaction!" Ciara pointed out as she stifled a laugh.
Aida's eyes unintentionally met Theodore's, she held her breath and rose instantly.
"I'm going to use the bathroom!" Aida announced almost screaming and began to walk out of the dinning hall.
Ciara unable to control herself any longer, burst into laughter and Arnold raised an eyebrow, wearing a questionable look on his face.
At the same time, Vanessa chuckled confusingly unable to comprehend what just happened. She placed the spoon in her hand back on the plate in front of her.
"I think i will check up on her" Vanessa said after packing breakfast enough for two people on a tray and walked out of the dinning hall.
****
When Aida stood up, Theodore thought he saw markings on her hand but soon dragged it out of his mind since he thought it was impossible. However, as Aida walked towards the door, he saw them clearly. Elf markings! Theodore scowled and Cindy seeing him scowl, mistaken the reason behind his sudden gloominess to be Aida.
"That's Aida. She's my niece. You don't have to be angry with her. She's young and has a lot to learn" Cindy tried to appease Theodore.
"Your niece? She's Vanessa's daughter?" Theodore asked looking surprised.
"Yeah, that's her. I'm sorry she acted that way. Kindly..." Cindy continued to appease him
"I'm not angry just surprised" Theodore interjected. "You don't have to worry. You're the only woman who isn't intimidated by me. And that's why I love you" Theodore said and kissed Cindy on her forehead, ignoring the obvious stares from the others at the table.
"Tom brown or oats?" Theodore asked as he looked lovingly at Cindy.
"Tom brown" Cindy replied cheerfully and Theodore smiled.
Theodore fetched Tom brown for Cindy and himself. As they ate in silence, Theodore began to think about Aida. 'Whose mate is she? Such indented markings could only mean one thing, she's the mate of a royal elf! But all the royals were dead, weren't they?' Just then he remembered, ... Raven!