Time seemed to have stopped for the two of them. Princess Olivia's eyes circled wide because of the sudden movement. She thought her head would hit the other side of the carriage, but he was quick to save her.
She was speechless and was staring up at his face before she blinked twice. She pushed herself away from him, instantly reminding herself that he never give a damn about her.
Reginald didn't say a word. Instead, he acted like nothing happened, seemingly unaffected by the look she was giving him. He couldn't change her, that was what he thought.
Olivia remained still in the awkward silence of the carriage.
...
The Hayes' mansion was already filled with guests when they arrived. The guests were more than the one who attended the cathedral. All of them seemed to be enjoying the evening entertainment.
As soon as the Bride and Groom walked in together, they all cooed. Some of the women were sending dirty looks at Princess Olivia. Their eyes couldn't leave her gown.
They seemed like they wanted to crucify her for the color she wore. The Princess noticed this, but ignored it. She felt that giving such little things her time would drain her.
Eventually, it would. Because they would not stop talking about it. Well, she couldn't stop it. It was not like she had the power to make these people keep shut by the way.
She was surprised because a young man who had red, chin-length hair sent her a smirk as he stopped before them.
"Welcome to your humble abode, your highness. I hope the journey wasn't tiring?" He inquired, ignoring the stunned look of his friend which was quick to turn blank.
Olivia frowned as she studied him, before she nodded and responded in an assertive voice. "Of course, I did. And yes, it was tiring. Really wish I could go to my chambers." The smile she wore was forced. It wasn't like she never enjoyed the Young man's considerating spirit.
She just wanted to hide away from all these. Knowing what's next to come. Olivia did not know her words rang another meaning to Zain.
He could only give his friend a knowing smirk before ushering the couple to a seat. There, they might receive gifts and the blessings of well-wishers.
Meanwhile...
"What do you mean strictly invites only? I'm your Master's woman!" Madeline almost screamed out her lungs. She hated the embarrassment the guards of the Hayes mansion were giving her.
She could see the eyes of the other guests who were allowed access to go in. They were obviously judging her in their minds.
What she did not understand was why these guards, despite seeing her a lot of times never let her in. It made her think her plan this evening was going to be ruined.
"Let me in!" Her green eyes narrowed on the guard's, threatening to push him off the way. But the man never faltered. Instead, he continued his job. He never looked like he was going to let her in, even if she gave him a pouch of golden coins.
She had no choice but to create a scene. She wanted to scream out Reginald's name and push herself in. That way, she might be able to ruin the happy occasion for someone. At the same time, she would be ruining her image.
Just when she was about to exercise all these, there was a voice she recognized. "What in the name of Napoleon is going on here?" Adele's voice rang out. She sounded pissed.
"Eldest Cousin!" Madeline called out in excitement. She rushed toward the honey-blonde woman who had a tiara on her head. She was looking like a dignified Queen as she sent a glare to the guard.
Adele sent Madeline a look that inquired what was happening. The blonde lady didn't hesitate to tell her cousin what was going on. She even exaggerated that she had been standing out there since the after-party started.
Her explanation caused the guard's mouth to almost fall to the floor. But still, he maintained his facade. The owner of the mansion had asked not to let her in. It was a strict order, and there was no way he was going against it.
"Let her in." Adele's voice sounded sweet and bewitching. The man remained standing like a sculpted statue. He didn't say a word, as he gave way to the other guests who casted a look to the Consort and her cousin.
Adele was probably wondering what the people might be thinking. She hated the fact that she was standing out here with her cousin. What was worse, the guard seemed to be looking down on her!
"Didn't you hear what I just said? I said let her in, you lowlife!!" Her whole body trembled because her orders were falling into deaf ears. The man blinked and he let another guest walk in.
"This..." The consort grinded her teeth before she raised her hand to point at him. "You will regret defying my orders." She huffed out before looking to her sides.
"Guards!" Three hefty-looking men walked forward and bowed to her. They were awaiting her orders. "Take care of this son of a wench!" She spat out, not caring if her words were slanderous to the ears.
=====
"Your gown is beautiful, Your highness." The group of ladies cooed as they eyed her enviously. Olivia knew they wanted involve her in a gossip, so she didn't care less.
She never even replied to their false compliment. Instead, she walked back to her seat. She had just finished presenting herself to the people and it was an heavy task handed to her.
The Master of the Ceremony had told her to greet the guests per the custom of Napoleon. Never did she thought wearing a fake smile and greeting them whilst knowing their names was this strenuous.
She did not notice the looks she was getting from some certain groups of ladies. Instead, she remained sitted looking poised as though she wanted everything to end.
Reginald on his part was with his father who introduced him to the dukes. The young man had lifted his gaze and it fell on the Princess. She looked like a living doll staring back at the people with no smile on her face.
He didn't feel sorry for her, knowing that she might be tired. Infact, he frowned at the sight of her, but then he never knew why he couldn't take his eyes off her.
The way she leaned on the seat closing her eyes. It seemed she liked being alone than with people.
"There she is! The wench who asked the guards not to let the Royal consort and Lady Wilson in!!!" A lady pointed at Olivia. The Princess, hearing the noise peeled her eyes open.
Reginald frowned as soon as he heard those words.
Oh no...
____
Hello,
It's your author here, this is my first time participating in the WSA contest and I'd be glad if you guys help by supporting.
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Love,
Empress.