" Lily " he called her name. There was something about the way he said it that made her feel strangely happy. Most people addressed her as 'my lady ' , 'princess ' or 'your highness ' but this was the first person apart from her parents that called her by her name and it made her happy . As soon as she remembered what he told her a while ago, she became angry
" I promise to treat you well, I would never make you feel angry or inferior. Believe me "
Lily's brows furrowed as soon as she heard this. Ever since she came to Ashty, she felt like he could read her thoughts. It was strange but his promise did help to alleviate her anger . They rode in silence afterwards.
The horse flew back to the castle and when he landed, they both alighted from it. The sky was already dark, they needed no one to tell them it was the evening of the day. Lily walked slowly by Rian's side, she was content with his behavior so far but she only wished she found be the only woman in his life .
' Am I really jealous? ' she asked inwardly ' Why am I jealous? ' just then, she saw somebody run past her and enveloped Rian in a warm hug. Lily was dumbfounded, she just stared at the people by her side.
" Okay, release me " Rian said in a friendly tone and the lady hugging him pouted
" You're no fun " she complained and released him " I heard you're getting married soon, tell me it's not true " the girl begged holding his hand
" It is true " Rian turned to face Lily " let me do the introduction. Lily, this is Zia, my childhood friend and the daughter of Duke Willowhurd "
" It is a pleasure meeting you, lady Zia " Lily bowed . Zia didn't even bother to look at her or return the bow instead she kept looking at Rian with lovestruck eyes. Lily felt like the third party here. As a lady, she felt like Zia had a thing for Rian and the latter just ignored it. They had known each other for years, there was every tendency for someone to develop feelings but Lily felt jealous. Lady Zia was beautiful and she couldn't deny it but deep down, Lily knew that if they were to stage the two of them for a beauty contest she would be declared the winner.
" We promised to get married to each other, Rian " Zia complained further. At her words, Lily's heart ached
" No, you made that promise alone remember? "
" That's not fair "
" Seems fair to me " Rian countered
At this point, Lily felt no reason to stand and watch the pathetic sight in front of her. He promised to treat her well but this was the opposite of well . She turned around ready to leave when Rian noticed it and called her back
" Lily , wait. Let's all have dinner together "
Different kinds of assorted dish was placed in front of them. There were vegetables , puddings, tender juicy meat and all other delicacies. Lily stared at the good with mouth agape. Back in Caebrth, the only thing that made her happy apart from playing the flute was food . Sometimes, she would hide food in her room and when she was caught, she would be severely punished . Again, Lily looked at the food, it was going to be one heck of a feast.
" Princess Lily, is the food offered not to your liking?, I am pretty sure it would be hard to fit in here " Lady Zia spoke to Lily for the first time and it was with contempt .
" Why? Are the foods served here not common food for royals? Since I am royalty, it would not be hard to find my place anywhere, lady Zia " lily said placing an emphasis on the 'lady ' to remind her of her place .
And they all dug in. Prince Rian sat at the head of the table and the two ladies by his side . He knew how she was feeling right now but he wanted to play this game to know where or when he would win. There was silence for some time until Zia broke it
" Rian, my studies back in South Wordsworth was amazing "
" Oh, was it now? " Rian asked feigning interest
" Yes, absolutely. The townspeople were hospitable and they had a festival every week "
" I'm delighted your stay was memorable "
" I know you always have me in mind . I'm grateful Rian, you're the best " Zia smiled. She had started loving Rian since she was twelve. She was lost in a dark forest and a creature with blonde hair and blue eyes approached her , the creature was scary and if not for the timely intervention of Rian, she would have long been dead. They became friends since then, he protected her from dangers at all costs and that made her fall hard for him. She had vowed to marry him and not even this undeniably good-looking princess could get in her way. Not to mention, everyone in Ashty knew that his father was going to crown him king. Marrying him would only mean she would be his queen and her father was overjoyed at her choice. She had come this far and she was going to wed Rian for he was already hers . " What would I ever do without you ?" Zia muttered