Sneaking past everyone in the parlour, she hurried to the kitchen area and pulled Lydia aside.
"My lady? is there a problem?" Lydia asked shocked and somewhat worried
"Yes, a big one. What are they doing here?" She whispered.
Lydia looked around to see what the princess's question was about and then she heard laughter. "Oh, Her Majesty said they'll come for lunch, to see you after they heard what had happened. I have to continue my lady" She said excusing herself to go back to the kitchen
Reina tried sneaking past them again but her mother caught her "Reina dear, come here" Hera called out, sneering at her mother. Internally. She walked over and greeted Donald while staring at the young men who sat like they had the whole world beneath them.
"Hope Her Highness didn't get hurt?" Gael asked with a little too much sarcasm
Reina rolled her eyes "What do you think? Do I look hurt?" Returning the same sarcasm as she was basically over everything at that moment "Mother I'll be in my room" She got up and walked away when Gael spoke again, stopping her midway.
"Make sure you shut your windows princess, we don't what history repeating itself"
"Gael!!" Donald exclaimed
"And by history, you mean yourself right?" Reina asked without looking back, scowling with her face burning up in anger.
A few moments later, the butler announced lunch. While Lydia rushed over to Reina's room to call her down for lunch. Reina sat by the terrace of her room window, looking outside at the gloomy sky
"My lady?" She took slow steps towards her "You should ignore him, my lady, he's..."
"An idiot!" Reina cut her off
Agreeing with the princess's rant "Yes he is, but now forget him, lunch is ready, and your mother would not be happy if you don't join them"
Sighing heavily Reina got up, taking numerous deep and long breaths, she stepped out of her room to the dining hall, where they all sat quietly eating. Taking her seat beside Rowan, who was the youngest amongst the Donald sons.
The maid who was standing at the corner served her food, she wasn't really hungry so she asked for just a little. Eating her food in silence, and avoiding eye contact or any conversation with anyone.
"Your majesty, the king is unavailable today?" Donald started clearing up the awkward silence
Hera nodded "Yes, he went to deal with the invaders in whisperia"
"oh yes, I heard there's been a massacre"
"I hope the families of lost lives are doing okay," Gael said, dabbing his mouth with a napkin he was provided with.
They all hummed in unison "It's the third time this week, there's almost no one left in that town, and whoever remains is living in fear" Rowan added as he was also done eating.
"Hopefully they relocate soon" Reina said to no one in particular. The town will turn into a ghost town soon. it's inevitable, she wouldn't say they brought it upon themselves but they did. The dumb duke there is very irresponsible and never listens nor abides by her father's rule to protect his town. Which makes her believe he does it intentionally, some rumours have it that he was one of those strange creatures that use humans for their pleasure. but she doesn't believe that as no extraordinary creature exists-anymore- people said they did before.
"Can we see the prisoner, your majesty?" Gael asked, looking at Reina mockingly.
What did he expect? for her to panic and refuse? or glare at him? well, he did receive the glare, but nothing more. Hera agreed and after they were done eating they headed down to the dungeon. Reina sat still eating and ignoring the daring look Gael was giving to make her follow them.
Donald moved to the bars with his sons, "So you are the man who chose death?" Gael stated and chuckled.
Silas ignored the men standing in front of him, he only entertains one person and that was the princess, other than her, he has no interest in the rest of the Royal family, well aside from the king of course. His hands were numb now, and his muscles stretched out making him believe they must be torn up by now.
Looking up at Gael with his dull eyes, he recognized the man. Gael glared at him throwing daggers with his eyes. Silas looked at them one after the other before realising it was The duke of Everton and his sons.
"Has he disclosed any news on who sent him?" Donald asked looking at the man's state. He was dishevelled and battered, he must have suffered a lot especially with his hands stretched out like that.
Shaking her head, Hera told them to leave as she wasn't comfortable with the stench of blood emanating from the prisoner's cell. Reaching outside, Donald decided to take their leave as it was about to rain, it was already drizzling when their coaches came, and while they got in, Gael looked back with his charming smile "Be more careful princess" He said and bowed.
Leave already! Reina thought rolling her eyes, why does he always think he's a great-looking man? when he isn't?, Tsk! how petty.
"Do you think Gael is attracted to you?" Her mother asked, not batting her eyes away from the carriages leaving the castle grounds.
"He better not be, I'd rather die than have him be," Reina said and turned away.
Hera was stunned, grabbing Reina's arm, she glared wanting to scold her but noticed the maids who were trying to eavesdrop. She pulled Reina to her room where they found Lydia sitting probably doing nothing
"Excuse us" Hera said and Lydia left the room as fast as she could closing the door shut. She faced her daughter again
"What is wrong with you?!"
"Nothing mother."
"Something is definitely wrong with you! as that is no way to talk about Gael!"
Crossing her arm and stepping away from her mother she sighed "It's just a friendly banter!"
"You know very well it's not, you really dislike him, don't you? Or should I say you dislike the whole family? why?" Hera's voice softened
Sighing heavily "I don't hate their family, It's just..."
"Just what? Gael? Reina, Gael is a charming man be nice to him, he can and one day could consider you his wife"
"What?!! No! that's a definite no."
"Okay maybe not, but be nicer next time"
"I'll try," Reina said, fully aware that she won't be any nicer than she already is. is she even nice?
"I don't want you to try. You must be." Hera ordered now standing by the door and ready to leave with the belief that her daughter is attracted to the man and is only putting on a facade to hide it.
"Okay," She said watching her mother smile at her and left.
She swung herself on the bed, using a pillow to hit her face multiple times. Gael. That damned prince!.
Walking down to the kitchen after a while of sulking, to get something to chew on. Lydia looked at her with concern "My lady? are you okay?" She whispered her question. Reina looked at her and nodded with a smile.