AUTHOR'S POV
Helena pulled a seat for Stellan, which stunned the paladin knight. They both exchanged shy glances, with blushed cheeks. "Allow me", Stellan chuckled softly. Cutting off the rest of the people in the room, they acted as if the world is for them alone.
Seated right at the head of the table are the Duchess and Lord Nero, who both averted their gazes from the unlikely gesture of their son. The Duchess uncomfortably stole glances at Stellan, who is completely smitten with the princess. She didn't know his son can be gentle like how he is with Helena.
For dinner, Duchess Lucia indeed prepared a great selection of dishes. After all, everything is for his son who came back after a mission in Caluso. There's a prolific table of fresh fruits, a hearty vegetable stew, roast beef, venison furmenty, viaundbruse, some salmon, and the raspberry tarts Stellan requested. Stellan served Helena greater portions of meat, while Helena gave Stellan a generous slice of the raspberry tarts.
The meal was quiet. Only the silverwares tapping the plates disturbed the silence. It was a pain in the ears for the Duchess to hear the language that his son speaks towards the stranger princess. She wanted to poke her eyes out seeing her son freely touch Helena's hand, arm, and even her cheek. His smile is utterly absurd.
Meanwhile, Lord Nero acted very unlikely. He was simply enjoying the meal time with Stellan and Helena. Actually, the Duchess was more dumbfounded that Nero's curiosity was obviously focused on Helena as he stare intently at her, instead of their son appearing spellbounded with the beauty of a soul traveler.
"My Lord", Duchess Lucia called as Lord Nero flinched from staring too much at Helena. He didn't realize he's been observing the princess for too long. "It's rude to stare", she said.
"I apologize.", Lord Nero was caught off guard that his former wife caught him in such state. Undeniably, he can see Beatrice in her, sufficing his piqued interest by staring. He wiped his mouth with the black serviette and tossed it on the side. "I can't believe I finally met the face of the famous name going around the kingdom. Where have you been hiding all these years?", he finally popped the question that he has been wanting to ask.
"Aelmere. My parents soul traveled together there before I was born. I'm sure you know better why than I am.", Helena answered as she put down her fork and knife, expecting that there will be more digging about her life coming, in what they called a simple dinner.
"Silvius and Tris knew it was for the best. Seeing you alive and well now makes me think they made the right decision", Lord Nero said nonchalantly.
"Please, let's finish our meal first. I believe the princess haven't had a good meal all her life", Duchess Lucia uttered, seeing how she devoured all the meat that was served on her plate. "Princess Helena, it seemed like the food prepared by Radovid is to your liking", the Duchess stared down at Helena like a ravenous scavenger.
"I am no picky eater. I am thankful for such scrumptious meal that I jovially had my fill. Also, I completely understand your desire to know everything about a stranger who just barged in your home. You may ask anything at your heart's content. The sky is the limit", Helena boldly said, with a striking smile. There's something between the fire burning in her eyes and the tenderness in her face that gives off a unpertrubed impression despite the hostility she receives from the duchess. It was then that Duchess Lucia figured that Helena is not someone who should be taken very lightly. A true royal, that is.
Duchess Lucia remained staring at Helena like a cactus pricking her fair skin. She thought that the woman inside her home is nothing but a noose around their necks. "Very well, are you staying in Nether?", Duchess Lucia continued to slice her piece of venison. As she lifted her gaze, she was interrupted to find Stellan getting another piece of the raspberry tart. "Stellan! Sweets before meat?", she noted, that interrupted Helena from answering her question.
Instead of getting offended, Helena snorted seeing Stellan being scolded like a child. "My palate have changed recently, and these tarts look incredibly enticing", Stellan licked his sugary fingers, and took another spoonful of the sweet tart.
"Still, eat your meat", the Duchess glared at Stellan and had Radovid give him a change of plate. Reading the room, Helena knew this isn't just a simple dinner… it's much more. "Oh apologies, you were saying, princess?", Duchess Lucia lifted her brows at Helena.
Helena sipped a little bit water and wiped her mouth. "My parents died recently, while I was here. And there's no more home that I can call but Stellan", Helena said that made the Duchess' lips twitch. Unbothered, Lord Nero just kept eating.
"Have you heard of the King's demise?", the Duchess asked.
"Helena doesn't wish to speak of her late father. They only met briefly without recognizing each other. They do not share a filial connection", Stellan blurted out. He thought that such sensitive topic is very inappropriate at this time.
"It's not like it isn't common these days, anyway. There's always a family drama existing between children and their parents", Helena said, as she reach for Stellan's hand on the table.
"And yet, you call yourself a princess", Duchess Lucia blurted without holding back. Lord Nero gave the duchess a side eye, as she start to make a scene.
"Because King Silvius' royal blood still runs in my veins.", Helena said, meeting the duchess' solid glares. "It's not like something I can easily run away from".
"Believe me, she doesn't like it at all", Stellan said as he clasp on Helena's hand.
"Have you met the new King then? He's all over the Kingdom looking for you", Duchess Lucia lips trembled at the sight of the two speaking in harmony together.
"Duchess", Lord Nero called, snapping the duchess out of her senses as she put out her claws, ready to pounce anytime.
"I am to meet him soon. I just thought, seeing Stellan is on the top of my list", Helena answered.
"A list? I guess you are a very busy woman", Duchess Lucia said, as she empty her goblet, steaming off the boiling emotions in her chest.
Lord Nero suddenly stood up, as his chair screech on the flagstoned floor. "If you would excuse us your Majesty. I would like to personally choose a wine fitting for this memorable dinner. And for that, do you mind if I take my son?", he asked.
Stellan looked at Helena and firmly grasped her hand. Helena nodded and mouthed, "Go".
"Go ahead, son. Princess Helena and I shall wait for you here", Duchess Lucia uttered.