When Antonia finally returned from bringing the refreshments, a polite smile appeared on her face. This was because she was met with the scene of Princess Olivia studying the designs on the wall.
Olivia turned in the direction of the door and smiled. She went back to where she was sitting before and moved a little closer to the table.
"Did something happen?" Olivia assessed Antonia's frock seeing some smears of dirt. She also noticed faint bruises on the girl's wrist. And some cuts too. It made her frown.
Antonia shook her head once she noticed the Princess glowering. The last thing she wanted was to annoy her lady with the sight of her wound.
Keeping the tray of meals on the table, she quickly adjusted her frock's sleeve before taking a step backward. She bowed her head reminding herself of her position constantly.
"Nothing, Your Highness. I just had a little fall on the way." A shaky smile appeared on her lips while her head drooped to her chest.
Olivia tilted her head to the side blinking. She did not seem comfortable telling her what happened to her. She wanted to conquer the rumors of those who wanted to destroy her image by proving them wrong.
It started from not reacting to the little things the servants thought she might explode at. And now, Antonia wasn't comfortable telling her anything. She shrugged.
With time, her handmaiden would be close to her. She was going to take her time, so she would get the desired result she wanted. And then, those people who spread those rumors would expose themselves.
"Oh. If you say so. I guess that's the reason you took so long. Come... let's have this together. I'm sorry for ruining your doughnut, use this as a payback for it." She pointed at the different varieties of food that designed the tray.
Olivia knew she wouldn't be able to finish it, even though they were mouth-watering. The only option she had was to invite Antonia in for the meal.
Antonia's eyes bulged. What Olivia suggested was more like a punishment to her. What if anyone walked in and saw her eating from the same table as the Princess?
She was a magnet for trouble, so she was trying to avoid it.
"Your-your Highness! Who am I to think of dining with –"
"I never accused you of eating with me. I asked you to join me. I'm sure you're hungry seeing as I was hasty to leave the mansion." Olivia interrupted. Her voice was stern but the look in her gray eyes was soft.
She looked harmless and delicate one would think she was different from the Princess wearing the dead eyes four days ago.
"This would be a waste if I eat moderately. We have to eat this quickly now that we have the chance. I'm sure you don't like to waste food." Olivia hit the nail on the head and Antonia could only sigh in defeat.
She had her already. Antonia drew a seat facing Olivia backward. She plunged herself into it and remained still watching Olivia take a cutlery.
The Princess sent her a raised brow and Antonia could only sigh again for the umpteenth time.
____
A horse galloped toward the entrance of the castle. As it moved forward, the dark castle rose mightily. Dark mountains with lush forests covered with drizzles stood as a background to the castle.
The iron gates were pulled upward as the guards moved their spears from it to their side. They bowed a little at the person who rode into the castle.
When he reached the castle ground, he was welcomed by the sight of a dark-haired man whose gray eyes gleamed with ecstasy as he saw him.
He was wearing a green regal outfit that stood as a sore thumb to the environment. Everywhere looked solemn. The servants worked in silence, not daring to make a noise.
The castle was always like this ever since Olivia was born. And now that she left, they couldn't adjust to being normal instantly. But some whispers could be heard among the maids as they tended to their work.
"Benjamin..." Nathaniel greeted with happiness seen in his eyes. He watched his friend jump down his horse as soon as the menservants approached him.
Benjamin stroked his horse's mane while whispering some sweet nothings to the animal. His action made the Crown Prince throw his head backward as a laugh threatened to burst out of his mouth.
He patted the horse and handed its reins to the servants before bowing to Nathaniel. His action made his friend's expression turn dark. Of all things he hated, it was having to see his friend pay respect to him.
"What was the meaning of that?" His semi-deep voice pierced through the air as he raised a brow. His eyes met with the man's topaz eyes which had mirth in them.
"Long time no see, brother." Benjamin chuckled as he took a stride toward the majestic human before him. He jokingly threw a punch at Nathaniel's gut, making the Prince grunt.
"Ngh! That's more like it." He raised his gray eyes and then, his fist flew toward his friend's face.
Benjamin dodged the move immediately before he sent an incredulous look to Prince Nathaniel. A look that said 'Not the face, Nathaniel!'
They went back to laughing again as they had their arms around their shoulders. Their actions earlier made the servants panic. They didn't think they would be welcome to see this playfulness exchanged between the two of them.
But as soon as they started to laugh, the once gloomy castle looked lively. It appeared as though the rays of the sun gave it life.
Prince Nathaniel and Benjamin headed toward the Royal Garden, where they might spend some time drinking before deciding to duel each other in the royal barracks.
The two were already planning how their day might go as soon as they got to the garden filled with blooming flowers. Farther away from where they were sitting, Benjamin stared into his friend's eyes and it reminded him of the woman he met today in the market.
"How was your tour of the Kingdom, brother?" The Crown Prince asked while pouring himself a wine. He poured the content into his friend's goblet feeling Ben's intense stare on his face.
"Quite interesting..." Benjamin mused, his eyes still on his friend.
Nathaniel lifted his eyes from the goblet and frowned because of the animated look he saw. He started moving uncomfortably in his seat.
"Yeah... I wonder why." He sent his friend a scowl as soon as he met his gaze.
"Your eyes are so much like hers."
Nathaniel: "..."
…
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