I stopped walking. Our eyes were locked on each other, and I felt time stop. I couldn't explain the feeling I had.
"Hehem Princess, is there something wrong?" Justine asked in a tease. Asked? more like said in a tease. Once again, taken out of my stupor by our favorite nanny. "No.. No, I'm fine Justine." She smiled and now I could really tell she was teasing me, with that look on her face.
The magic was broken as he averted his eyes which were now focused on my father.
I was now down the stairs and went straight to join them with Justine still walking closely behind me.
As I joined them, Father took no time to introduce the both of us.
"My dear, meet Prince Ryan of Blueburne Kingdom and Prince Ryan, this is my beautiful daughter Princess Lyra of Melbowen Kingdom" "A pleasure to meet you your highness" I said with a curtsy. "Likewise," He responded with a slight bow.
"Let's head to the dining hall, shall we?" I could see the excitement on my father's face, and I must say, I was quite impressed with his choice of a husband for me in terms of looks. Handsome was surely an understatement.
We followed dad to the dining hall. He walked side to side with dad whilst i walked slightly behind them with Justine.
"He seems quiet the catch, don't you think, Princess?" Justine said in a whisper. "Shhhhhh... They might hear you." Justine could be a troublemaker sometimes, but I loved that about her. She was the only friend and female confidant I had. She was both a friend and a mother figure to me and fortunately there was never a dull moment with her. We just had this bond that was pure, strong and if I may add, quite enviable.
Sometimes I feel father noticed this too. Perhaps that was the reason he kept her with me all these years.
We entered the dining hall and as usual it looked exquisite. The long table which sat twenty people at most was beautifully decorated with a white and blue embroidery with hibiscus designs on it.
I really hand it to the maids and cleaners for keeping the place as beautiful as it is.
Since it was just the three of us the table wasn't filled much. Father sat down at his usual spot at the head of the table and stretched his left hand to his side gesturing Prince Ryan to take the seat on his left. I on the other hand was always seated on his right.
We started the meal with father asking questions about his travels and achievement. I was fully aware that it was a formality something to bring up a conversation.
I didn't talk much but only focused on my food but ones a while I would sneak a peek at him. He caught me on my third attempt and as my eyes met with his pair of gray eyes, I choked.
"Here, have this" he handed me a glass of water which I gladly took. I was still coughing but stopped shortly after I gulped down its contents. I looked at him and saw him chuckle whilst looking down at his food with the cutlery in hand.
I turned to look at Father and he seemed to have noticed as well but decided to let out a laugh. It seemed these two men were really having the time of their life at the expense of me choking.
"The audacity" I rolled my eyes and stated almost in a whisper. All the nervousness I felt before were long gone. Out of sight.
Breakfast ended well, but Father wanted us to be more acquainted with each other, so he asked us to go for a walk.
I thought it was okay, since it was going to help us in knowing each other more but realized too soon that, I couldn't be so wrong.