~ Next morning ~
Princess Olivia meandered down the hallways, her gray gown moving along with her. Behind her was Antonia who bent her head a little.
The little sunshine coming from the open windows fell on the two women. It made the scene look picturesque as they headed forward in silence.
Olivia cast her gaze forward, her chin up. Her eyes took in the sight of Reginald striding toward the large doors leading into the dining hall.
She was inwardly hoping he never recalled what happened last night. Olivia blamed herself for falling asleep in his embrace.
'He's a cheating scumbag! He only wanted someone so close to him after getting used to the one who used to serve him.' She reminded herself in her head as she thought of it when she woke up in the morning.
Olivia was now standing in front of the large beige doors. Two tall men in heavy armor bowed in cognizance to her presence, before holding the door knob.
She was welcomed with the sight of her husband in dark regal outfit. He was sitted at the beginning of the rectangular table. A way to show that he was the head now that his father wasn't around.
She took a slow step into the dining hall and she wondered why this felt like she was about to get wedded again.
'Disgusting!' she reprimanded her thoughts and started to walk faster than intended.
Olivia almost forgot her identity, and she left Antonia struggling to keep up with her movement.
Reginald raised a brow wondering what it was that made Olivia walk so fast. Was she so hungry that she rushed in that manner?
He didn't seem like he remembered what happened last night. And his mood seemed very normal unlike when he let himself loose in her presence.
"Good morning..." He was contemplating on using the wife title on her. But since Olivia mentioned that she didn't mean anything to him, he held back.
"Morning." She did not bow her head. She pushed the seat backward while huffing inwardly as she watched him stare at her.
Olivia almost scoffed because a part of her wanted him to rise and pull the chair for her to sit. Well, she had no spot in his heart, so it was a waste thinking that.
Besides, she was supposed to come up with a plan of dealing with the people who tarnished her image when she was younger.
What about taking care of herself and getting herself busy with her hobbies, instead of watching life make her completely lonely?
'Obviously, like the last time, I'd like to do something different that takes my mind off them.' She came to a conclusion.
"That's not a great way to respond to a greeting." Reginald spoke while grabbing the tea kettle. He rose from his seat and was about to pour some tea for her.
"You can't tell me what to do. You have no right or a place doing that." Her gray eyes were on his handsome face.
The man looked unperturbed by her response to his words. Instead, he took great delight in pouring her a cup of tea.
Dropping the tea kettle on the table, he cast a penetrating gaze into her eyes. One that said he wouldn't bother getting pissed off by her remarks.
"For a Princess, you have quite a temper. Suits your reputation though." He spoke so casually, but never had an idea he was pushing her buttons.
Olivia threw her head to the side while a scoff escaped her lips. "I wasn't born to be the White Lotus. At least I'm more original than someone."
Antonia on the sidelines started to feel the growing tension that was filling the dining hall. She started to doubt if the Princess's marriage with Reginald was happy.
'They don't get along...' She trailed in her thoughts and turned her eyes away from the table. This was a manner of hers that said she was giving them privacy.
"An excuse, I presume." He lifted his teacup to his lips. Reginald was way past caring how they might look before the servants in the hall.
She was riling him up seriously. What was with the way the subject landed on Madeline? Of course, he forgot that he was dealing with a woman who had nonsense thoughts about he and that shameless woman.
"Take it how you want it." She intoned monotonously.
Olivia was not planning on taking the tea he had poured out for her. She picked an empty tea cup instead and poured herself a separate tea.
She took a sip of it and shrugged dropping the cup with an inborn charisma that leeched to her like a second skin.
'Least the tea doesn't leave an after taste of bitterness when I drank it.' She shrugged in her head, ignoring the inquisitive look she gained from Reginald.
"Way harder than I thought..." Reginald muttered under his breath before looking away from her.
He didn't say a word as he was suddenly not in the mood to. What he wanted right now was to get done with this breakfast and leave immediately. There was some pressing matters he needed to attend to.
But then, the thought of what she would wear to the Prince's coronation dropped.
Even though she was still being skeptical of him and won't bring him to light of how he had been 'unfaithful' to her, he wanted her to look good.
"The Royal seamstress would be dropping by to take your measurements." He didn't explain more on what would happen. Reginald was sure she knew what was happening next.
"There's no need. I have lot of gowns I haven't worn yet."
This woman was playing hard to get again. It was a blessing he had the patience of a century. He knew what he would have done if he was still the way he was.
"Don't refuse it."
"Like I said, don't tell me what to do."
" I wasn't." He slammed his eyes shut while trying to gather the remnants of his coolness.
'She's dangerous...' he chuckled and clutched his fingers together as though it would help in increasing his will to remain patient with her.
"Then go tell all these to Madeline." Her voice sounded so gentle, but there was a hint of savagery in it.
A bang on the table was enough to get her reeling back to reality.
___
Hello, guys!
So I've got goodnews. My book got contracted and I'm going to be locking it eight chapters from now.
I'm a struggling student and would do anything to put food on my table and help myself. I can't br depending on my parents all the time when I go broke, you know?
If you're not okay with me locking the chapter on forty, please let me know through the comments which chapter you want me locking.
Oh... also! The send gift button had been activated. I know it might seem as though I'm asking too much, but please... It will go a long way inspiring me to write more chapters.
I love you guys and will do anything to satisfy you.
Thank you!♥️