Marcy had a smile on her face but it was not genuine as it was mainly there for show while different thoughts ran through her mind all directly leading to the real Aurelia Hastings.
Even though her marriage with the prince did nothing but destroy her relationships with her parents and separate her from the one she loved truly, she planned only to be nice enough to listen to the prince.
Aurelia was a good listener, so she had heard many times from the Lady Eloise and she was sure if Aurelia returned, it would be a bit awkward to continue from a marriage she never started.
Marcy hoped to only listen and put in her thoughts the few times it was needed so that once Aurelia returned, she would know only to be free with her thoughts when communicating with the Prince.
Ashton finally reached the foot of the stairs and immediately walked next to her. He welcomed her hand into his elbow as they both headed for the dining room.
Silence was the only thing that followed after and Marcy felt like sighing outwardly. She had planned to listen but now he was not even saying anything.
Just as they took a turn and stepped into a particular hallway which was filled with fewer paintings, two big chandeliers and some royally designed tables, he finally said something.
" Your gown looks lovely milady", Ashton exclaimed like a programmed fool but Marcy seemed quite taken aback by his compliment because she had really not expected him to talk or about that.
She took in a deep breath and replied dutifully, " Thank you Crown Prince", she said and he nodded as they continued walking.
" But you really do not have to compliment me anytime you see me putting on a new dress. I know it is something that men take pride in doing but I can assure you that as long as I feel the gown is pretty enough, I do not wish anybody to tell me, it gets boring if I hear it every time I put on a gown", Marcy said in a less restrained manner while Ashton stared at her half smiling.
He suddenly stopped walking and turned to face her while she did the same fearing that she had said something out of place. She just wanted to help by listening and talking who knows if she must have ruined things with her overly smart thoughts.
" I must give it to you Aurelia, you are one unique Lady, I am really honored to be in your presence", he said genuinely as a smile easily revealed itself on his face.
Those were one of his most rarely shown expressions and if he ever gave them it was just out of duty but this time he was truly smiling causing Marcy to smile back as well.
" But you do have to agree with me Crown Prince, when you said that my gown was lovely just now, you did only say it out of duty not because you truly thought the gown was lovely", she said and his smile widened even more before he carefully rearranged his expression.
" You are absolutely right milady so therefore I shall offer my sincerest apologies and this time I will be more honest with you. Your gown looks truly lovely on you Aurelia", he said once more and she smiled as well but immediately afterwards they heard hasty footsteps behind them.
They both turned around simultaneously only to come face to face with Lady Eloise, Aurelia's dearest aunt. " Crown Prince and Princess", Lady Eloise curtsied in greeting and Ashton nodded and so did Marcy awkwardly, not quite used to this kind of respect from Lady Eloise.
As soon as Lady Eloise raised her head, she stared meaningfully at Marcy causing Ashton to understand that she wanted a word with Aurelia alone. He quickly bowed shortly before turning to face Marcy.
" I shall be in the dining room waiting for you", he said half smiling and she smiled back at him, this exchange of expressions not going unnoticed by the Lady Eloise.
Just as Ashton disappeared from sight, Marcy was dragged forcefully by the Lady Eloise who held her hand tightly and threw her into the nearest storage room stepping inside with her as well.
Marcy stared blankly at her surroundings, old things filled with dusts were what covered the entire room, then a small light bulb stood in the middle shaking eerily.
She stared back at Lady Eloise darkened face and she frowned, why the sudden strong feeling of distaste?
" Tell me it is a lie", the woman roared immediately, her wrinkled face turning even more wrinkled with worry. Marcy stared at her unable to make out what she was saying, what was a lie? But before she could even react the woman had gripped her shoulders forcefully on both sides.
" Tell me all they are saying is a lie, they said you had a splendid night with the crown prince, everyone is talking about it, you must tell me that you have not betrayed my trust yet Lady Marceline, tell me", she said once again, this time her eyes were pleading with Marcy to be truthful with her.
" Of course it is a lie Lady Eloise, I would never be able to give myself to the crown prince when I love another, you do remember my lover, Sir Gavin Woods, Knight of Rizzan Kingdom", she said hastily and she felt the woman's hands on her loosen before finally letting go.
" But then what about the rumors?", Lady Eloise asked as if trying to clarify herself on everything. She was not the only one shocked when the rumors came, even her brother the King was taken aback and he left her with the task of finding out and ever since she had been going mad with not knowing the actual truth.
" It was all an act created by the Crown Prince himself milady. Actually you were right on one thing though, the crown prince really does not see his marriage to your niece as a real one, only one of settlement. All that happened today was to convince his mother that all was well between himself and I", Marcy said softly as she saw Lady Eloise calm down minute by minute.
" So nothing happened between the two of you?", she asked once again but this time in a more sane state and Marcy nodded quite understanding the woman's point of view, she was only looking out for her niece.
" Well then, even though I now know the truth, I insist that you must take one of my maids along with you to Arania Kingdom", Lady Eloise said regaining her poise and elegance and Marcy frowned deeply.
" You wish to have me watched by that maid, is that not the reason why Lady Eloise?", Marcy asked not believing this woman would actually take such extreme measures. She was not mad that she would blindly fall for the crown prince especially when her heart belonged to another.
" And you shall have no objections about it Lady Marceline", Lady Eloise announced in a matter of fact tone that left Marcy not only speechless but also unable to do a thing about it.
Finally she was giving, Lady Eloise head maid's daughter, Gwyneth Sinclair. A tall and beautiful young lady with dark brown hair and chocolate big eyes.
The woman looked innocent and nice also quite respectful and obedient who seemed to all the more know her reason for watching Marceline but her impression of Marceline was already sullied by the rumors she had heard.
Authors note:
Thanks for supporting my book. I will be forever grateful and I hope to see more of your supports in the future. Do leave a review, comment and vote, I'll be waiting, Thankyou.
Dearest author,
Lady Tessa Udotor.