The atmosphere of dinner in the palace dining room was very tense. Royce's gaze was so cold at his father. Meanwhile Victoria and Lucy just chose to stay silent and focus on their food. However, Arthur and Royce still looked at each other several times.
Therefore, this time Royce felt no appetite. All the delicious food in front of him did not make him feel hungry. That's because Royce is still very upset with what his father has set.
Victoria didn't really want Royce to get married too soon. But she also could not stop her husband's decision. Because according to Arthur, Royce should officially become the successor to the throne. And it can only be determined when Royce is married. So Arthur also wanted to marry his son to Princess Aubrey of the Crystalball Kingdom.
Of course there would be a huge advantage if Royce married Aubrey. The two kingdoms would take care of each other, the royal system would be strengthened further, and Arthur would no longer worry about the Diamond Kingdom's ups and downs economy.
And the most important is the expansion of the territory. The Diamond Kingdom will have additional area expansion combined with the Crystalball Kingdom. The two kingdoms will be mutually beneficial if they succeed in marrying the crown prince and their royal princess.
"Eat right, Royce. I know you're a grown man and have decisions for your own life. But whatever problem you're thinking about, don't take it with you at the dinner table. Keep eating even when you're in a difficult situation." Victoria said. Her tone was firm and looked straight at Royce who was sitting across from her.
Lucy who sat to the left of her mother, the girl chose to focus on her food. This time Lucy couldn't bear to look at Royce. The girl had also heard that her brother would be betrothed to Princess Aubrey.
And Royce did what his mother said. The man immediately ate voraciously without uttering a word from his mouth.
Arthur ate quietly. Although actually he also felt guilty for making such a decision which made Royce look very angry.
Athena also stood with the other maids. The woman was standing behind Lucy with a distance of about two meters. Athena also saw Bella who was standing holding an empty tray. Her friend was standing near the pillar of the palace.
But soon, Bella walked away slowly. Athena also chose to follow her.
They stopped in a passage that led to the royal kitchen.
"Tell me, what exactly are you going to do with Jackson?" Athena asked.
Bella looked back, she looked at Athena. "Mind your own business, Athena. We're not as friends as we used to be. Where have you been in the past few days? Ouh, you didn't even tell me that you've become a special servant for Princess Lucy. Hahaha of course, you're afraid that I'll snatch your position, isn't it?"
"Bella, I never had thoughts like that. You know how I am, you know me very well. About I never told you, because you were so busy and kept avoiding me. What's going on? What's going on with you?"
"I'm not in the mood to talk to you. You'd better go." Bella said firmly. She just walked away.
Athena was still silent where she was standing. She knew that Bella was hiding something from her.
Athena did not choose to remain silent. The girl followed Bella at a slow pace.
In the deserted royal kitchen, Bella took off the apron she was wearing. The woman straightened her hair first, then grabbed a roll of paper from the top of the spice storage cupboard.
Athena frowned. What is Bella holding?
Then Bella immediately came out of the palace kitchen. She passed through the back door that led to a quiet area of the palace hall. Then she headed to a secret door that connected to the food waste area in front of the royal wall.
This time, the trash containing the leftovers had already been burned. There is a strange smell from the burning residue of the food. Made Bella cover her nose and mouth with her hand.
Athena continued to follow her best friend.
Until finally Bella crossed a small street. She headed to the edge of the forest. Bella stopped in front of a large maple tree. After she stopped there, a man wearing a black robe immediately came out from behind the maple tree.
Athena's eyes widened completely. She almost made a sound, but she immediately covered her own mouth. Athena hid behind another maple tree.
The man in the black robe was Jackson. Athena could see Jackson's face clearly, when the man removed the hood that covered his face.
"This is the security map I just drew yesterday afternoon. Tomorrow the palace guard won't be too strict. How about tomorrow?" Bella asked.
Athena was surprised to hear Bella's words. What are the two of them going to do tomorrow?
Jackson looked pleased and nodded his head. He received a roll of paper from Bella. Then Jackson kissed Bella on the lips for a moment. "Thank you, dear. I'll be picking you up tomorrow afternoon. You should see all the equipment I've prepared with my troops."
Bella nodded happily. "Okay, tomorrow I'll come with you."
"Can't you go now? Why do you still feel at home in the palace with those annoying people?" Asked Jackson. The man hugged Bella's waist, bringing the two of them closer.
"I've got to do my job. I'm going to be a queen soon. And I think I'm going to miss the job I'm doing now."
"But tell me, did that stupid queen piss you off again?"
Bella laughed amusedly. "Hahahaha, Victoria didn't piss me off this time. I just focused on preparing food and cleaning their room. Ouh, I don't want to clean the paint marks anymore."
"Be patient, my dear. In a moment I will make your hands beautiful and smooth." Jackson said as he kissed the back of Bella's right hand briefly.
"Are you sure you want to start the attack tomorrow at midnight?" Bella asked.
Jackson nodded. "Of course, I don't want to delay any longer. The sooner the better. I've gathered a lot of troops. And you know what? My troops make more powerful weapons. You'll have to see them tomorrow."
Athena was completely shocked. Does her best friend really have the heart to work with a robber like Jackson? Just to make an attack on the Diamond Kingdom?
In the past, Athena had also heard historical stories about the Diamond Kingdom which was attacked by a man named Sergio. At the time of the attack, the palace guard was indeed weak.
Then, will the Diamond Kingdom experience the same thing in the near future?
Athena shook her head. "No, I have to tell Prince Royce about this!!"
*****