Samaira had been utterly shocked when instead of landing in the arms of a male, she had gone to a female instead, a beautiful brown haired lady.
She surprisingly stared at Desmond..., Sorry, Prince Dino to say, only to see him dancing with his father, the King.
It didn't look normal, it seemed so out of place and she could tell the King was uncomfortable thus making her smile unwillingly.
Even guests who had not payed that much attention to the dancing of King Edward and Sam suddenly paid attention to the little stunt Prince Dino had pulled.
Niklaus who had stood amongst the crowd with a sour expression had seriously brightened up ever since Dino stepped into the dance floor.
After that little argument with Dino two days ago, their conversations had not been that friendly.
He was being childish for staying mad at his friend over a stranger but he felt like Dino should have at least pretended to acknowledge his ideas in front of Phillip, instead he had outwardly voiced how agreeing he was of Phillip's idea which Nik later realized was the reason for his anger that day.
He brought the glass in his hand towards his lips wanting to take a sip but when nothing actually fell into his mouth, he stared at it confused, only to realize that it was empty.
He smiled stupidly and quickly handed the glass over to a waiter collecting a new glass as he stared sweetly at Dino.
The partners switched again and this time, Dino went back to his former partner whilst Samaira went back to the King.
They danced a little and then the song ended with all the guests who had participated leaving the center of the hall with a satisfied smile on their faces as a round applauds followed suit.
Dino let go of the brown haired girl who had been happy beyond measures through out the dance.
She returned to her group of friends who watched her approach them, each holding envious yet admirable looks on their faces.
" You got to dance with The Prince, The King and the Lady Samaira", one of the girls said with a little bit of envy in her voice and from there on went their little drama.
Sam stared at the disappearing figure of Dino who was now trying to mix in with the crowd but the always departing crowd would not let him, always giving him supreme space as he walked through.
She was still staring at him unbeknownst to her that the King was observing her and her family were already heading her way.
" Good Evening, Your majesty", Lady Elizabeth, Sam's grandmother greeted with a smile as they arrived in front of the King.
"Ahh... Former Duchess Elizabeth... Glorious evening to you too", the King replied brightly, staring at Lady Elizabeth then towards Alfred who did not even bother to give him the usual attitude he previously always gave.
Princess Cordelia Roberts who had married a Prince from another Kingdom greeted the King along with Lady Eleonora's husband, a business man as well as Duchess Lorena but just like her father, Lady Elle did not bother to acknowledge the King and swiftly went to meet her youngest sister.
" You wouldn't mind if I take her with me for a while... would you, your Majesty?", she asked all of a sudden causing King Edward to stare quickly at her.
His grey eyes came in contact with a pair of light brown ones just like Samaira's but with dark brown hair.
" And who are you?", he asked although already figuring she must be one of Alfred's daughters, she did have his face somehow.
" I am Eleonora Roberts, First Daughter of the Duke of the North of Gael, your majesty", she replied humbly but somewhat impatiently.
" So she is your daughter?", King Edward asked turning away from her to face Duke Alfred who only gave a curt nod not bothering to say a word.
With a simple sigh, he turned to face Sam who was still standing by his side though her eyes were already staring at the Said First Daughter.
" Then you may accompany your sister, Samaira", he said with a sweet low voice which caused Sam to turn to him. She seriously wished she never met him.
As if it wasn't enough that she was getting married against her will, she was also getting married to a love sick King! Who definitely only knew how to smile at her like a creep.
She quickly left his side as Eleonora took her away from there with Cordelia trailing behind them.
She knew they both had a lot of questions and she wasn't sure she could answer without breaking down in tears but she needed space away from all this so she gladly followed them with Eleonora leading the way, out of the hall and towards the balcony.
***
Dino was trying hard to avoid the admiring guests which occupied the hallways that led to the royal chambers.
He nodded to a royal guard and waved his hand, a sign which meant the guard should clear the area and quickly, the guard left to fulfil those duties.
He turned to another hallway which was decorated with lit candles and he suddenly stopped his movements, this particular hallway had no guest around but it did occupy two nosey people.
" Stop following me", he voiced out softly and the first nosey person stepped out, Niklaus Griffith to be precise.
" I only did that because of Maureen", he said before Nik could say anything and the words which he had spoken were not just a response to Nik's already unending questions but to himself as well.
He could not find any reasonable reason as to why he suddenly butted into his Father's dance with Samaira, if anything all he could remember was him carrying out all those on impulse without for once thinking about the consequences.
He felt so... how would you put it... so surprised at himself and at the same time he was deeply wishing he could take back that impulsive step or at least pull the memory out of his head. What was that? What did he actually do?
" We both know you only did that because you have a good heart", exclaimed Niklaus who was watching Dino stand there quietly but was actually struggling within. He could see it through the emotions showing in those grey eyes.
" I only did that because of Maureen, for a moment I felt as though she was Maureen and she needed my help", Dino said almost yelling as he finally turned to stare at Nik who stood behind him.
" Stop trying to make me believe what you feel is right Nik", he said this time more calmly as if trying to balance the thoughts in his head and the ones outside but instead of letting it go, Niklaus persevered.
" Your heart already knows the answer Dino, you couldn't bare Lady Roberts uncomfortable situation so you helped her, deep down you know what's going on isn't right", Niklaus explained with a little light in his eyes hoping Dino would understand this time, the entire truth.
" Again with this right and wrong theory Niklaus?", inquired Young Duke Phillip who had been standing behind Nik the entire time.
He moved further coming to stand a little closer to Niklaus.
He had followed both of them when he saw them leaving the event hall and he definitely wanted to know what was going on.
" You? Again?", Niklaus asked staring at him with an irritated look. " I do not even understand why you are still here, clearly you have a home and surely you must also know to take your wife and child there.. then what the bloody hell are you still doing here?", he asked with an annoyed expression on his face.
" Amelia still wishes to stay around a little longer", Phillip replied in regards to his wife, Prince Dino's second sister, his voice coming out a little higher than normal. He never liked the way Nik treated him.... as though he was not supposed to be around Prince Dino.
" And suddenly the great and mighty Duke Phillip takes orders from a woman", Nik countered back causing Phillip to flare at those words.
" I dare you to say one more word Niklaus and I will....", Phillip threatened in anger but was immediately cut short by stubborn Niklaus.
" I will say more than one word Phillip, you only listen to Princess Amelia", he said smugly and that pissed Phillip even more.
" Trust me Niklaus, I will gouge out those green eyes of yours and I will bury them next to your dead parents", Phillip uttered in fury but the words seemed to have an harsh effect on Niklaus who suddenly reacted.
" Phillip!", he shrieked, setting his hand wanting to aim a punch at angry faced Phillip But Dino quickly interfered and gently pushed Niklaus back.
" That's enough", exclaimed Dino with a surprised look. He stared at Niklaus who silently unfolded his hand but was still glaring harshly at Phillip.
" So it hurts you when someone talks about them", Phillip said softly as if in self realization but Dino quickly shunned him.
" That would be enough Duke Phillip", he addressed with the Aura of a Prince emanating from him. " You May leave", he lastly ordered as Phillip silently obeyed and left that particular hallway.
Dino turned to Nik who suddenly had tears in his eyes. " Niklaus", he called out to him but Nik just turned away from him ignoring him.
" I will be fine", he said coldly and walked away from him causing Dino to feel hurt. This two people were seriously toxic to each other.
***** Eleonora and Samaira*****
" Papa barely said anything about you but I could feel he was deeply upset", Eleonora stated with a calm voice as soon as they arrived in a quiet place where they could speak. Sam had ended up leading them to her present room.
Cordelia who sat at the bed, stared at the luxurious room which Sam had barely bothered to take note of. " You are living in absolute wealth baby sister", she voiced out drawing the attention of both Sam and Elle.
" Be reasonable Cordelia", Eleonora reprimanded with a stern look. Why must Cordelia always show her nasty love for the finer things in life in every situation?
" Our sister is to be married soon to a man who is twice her age", she pointed out in case Cordelia had not gotten the point in the first place.
Cordelia stood up from the bed with a look of arrogance. Her attitude as a Princess of another Kingdom showcasing itself subconsciously.
" I will not have you speak to me like that Elle. Besides you speak as though it is some ordinary man Sam is marrying and not a well known King... it will do everyone good if they openly accepted this alliance", she said arrogantly, referring to her Papa and Elle who had still not come to terms with Sam's alliance.
Eleonora stared softly at Cordelia before turning away from her and facing Samaira instead, arguing with Cordelia was always pointless as the woman had a very egoistic mindset.
" Are you alright Samaira?", she asked Sam who could only smile and and nod affirmatively.
" After seeing you, I believe I am fine now", she said softly, her sour attitude changing into one of a happy little baby.
Elle had been the one to raise her up, her Mama had only bothered about grooming her into a fine young woman suitable for marriage but Elle had been the one to teach her the ways of life.
" Have you spoken to the King, perhaps if you did, he might be willing to let you go, I trust that you will say something reasonable enough to appease him", suggested Elle with an hopeful look on her face.
" I do not wish to speak to him Eleonora", voiced Sam before Elle could even go further.
Realizing that it made Sam uncomfortable she did not push further, only hugging her sister to give her comfort.
Cordelia watched from the sidelines rolling her eyes at the silliness of her sisters, how could marrying a King be bad, so silly.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Sorry for the very late chapters guys, I am always busy and I never get enough time. Please do support this book with your votes, reviews and comments dear lovely readers, I hope to give quick updates next time. Have a good day/night.