Kassandra's POV
I'm glad Arida traveled with our men back to the training ground. There are only a few soldiers, doctors, and nurses that stayed to monitor the situation until next week.
My husband laughs after seeing my reaction. Arida told me that kind of technique might be useful, but now that I've tried it, it's totally creepy and disgusting!
"Don't laugh at me. Just forget about it!" I utter, covering my face. My husband laughs so much that my embarrassment worsens.
I split my fingers and looked at his face. Behind my palms, I smiled when I saw how cute he was. An hour later, we arrived in Westeria village.
My forehead wrinkled when I saw decorations on the road. There are lines of pine trees, and they have stars made of metal and with different colors.
"Huh? Stars?" I whispered.
"This village was known as the village of stars. At night, you can always see the land of stars and several meteor showers every night," his majesty says.
My lips were agape in surprise. "Can we stay until the early hours of the night? I want to see it myself," I stated. He nodded.
We arrive around dusk, and everyone seems to be happy to see us. Their place is beautiful. You can smell the scent of pine trees and different herbs in the front yards of their houses.
"Greetings to our grand duke and duchess," the village mayor says. I raised my hand and pointed at the man next to him. Our eyes met, and he smiled.
"So you're the wife of our grand duke. That's why your ring is quite a catch, milady," he says. This is quite a surprise for me either. I pointed my finger in his face.
"Whoa. The mister from the park," I stated. He laughs.
"Your Majesty, my name is not Mister. I'm Earl Daniel Argus," he says. He offers his hand. I held it and smiled.
"I'm just kidding. I'm Kassandra Escalante El Greco."
He let go of my hand. I look at my husband and notice his animosity. Is he mad? I shake my head a little. There's no way.
"Prince Noah, your majesty, we have prepared something to welcome you and Lady Kassandra," Daniel says. I wait for him to walk first before I take my step.
It looks like this place is peaceful, like the first three villages that we visited. The villagers were lively and full of energy.
My lips were agape when I saw the food on the table. "Whoa, they all look delicious!" I remarked. I cover my lips.
That was a bit loud. I bow my head from left to right. They just laugh. I know my husband will get mad at me again. He pulled a chair for me.
Our eyes meet, and I know he's telling me to take a seat. My ears feel warm, but I just do as he says.
"Thank you for inviting us for dinner. Actually, we drop by because I want my wife to see how beautiful the land of stars is in this village," his majesty says, sitting quietly.
The village mayor smiled, as did Earl Daniel. He even chose the seat in front of me. Damn!
'I was right. This won't be the last time that I see this man! Of all time and moments. Why it has to be now?!'
"Let's eat," Earl Daniel suggests. We just all nodded.
I taste the mushroom soup first, and it hits the right spot. It warms my cold stomach. It's so delicious! I grab a bite of the grilled deer meat, and it's a delicacy!
I remember when Joseph and Axel grilled the boar and deer that we hunted. It has the same taste as this. It's heaven! "Uhm! The food is so delicious," I whispered. They look at me.
I simply smiled and hid my embarrassment. I guess these village delicacies are the reason they're fit.
I'm just glad I have a high tolerance for spicy food, or else my mouth might be flaming hot. "Is there a problem, our lady?"
I look at the village mayor and raise both of my heads while shaking my head. "Nothing. I just realized that your village seems to love spicy dishes," I honestly commented.
The villagers smiled because of what I said. "Actually, Lady Kassandra, this starts because of our duke's grandmother. She was known for having a green thumb and a genius about vegetables, fruits, herbs, and every plan or tree."
They told me how my husband's mother learned that their land here only suits different types of peppers. Their primary crops are plants that are spicy to taste.
They start producing products that are spicy. "It saves our village from being poor, and we can now support our own food because of the money we're getting from selling our products in different villages and cities," Earl Daniel added.
"Whoa. The previous duchess is indeed a remarkable woman. I suddenly remember the woman I've been idolizing from the books she wrote about botany. I think her name is Geneva Etrama. She's really a great botanist."
They paused to eat after I said those words. What did I just do again?! Why do I keep shocking these people? My gosh!
"Geneva Etrama?" village mayor says. I simply nod.
"Yup. I have all the copies of her books, actually. I even bring them with me," I stated. I sip my wine and smile.
Prince Noah suddenly coughs. "Geneva Etrama is my maternal grandmother," he stated. I almost dropped the glass.
I'm just glad that I held it tightly before it slipped completely. I blink and look at my husband. "I hope you're not joking, your majesty," I whispered. My heart is beating so fast.
"His majesty is not joking, Lady Kassandra. The queen's parents are Calixto and Geneva Etrama," Enrique says.
"Whoa. What a scary family, either. Capital City is really scary," I whispered, continuing to devour all my food.
After that lively dinner, we bid our farewell, and like my husband says, they are invited to the winter ball if they want to attend.
I want to see the stars and meteor shower, but I guess Prince Kalix is already tired and wants to go home as soon as possible. We haven't gone far when he talks.
"Stop the carriage, Enrique," he commands.
The carriage stops. He comes out first and offers his hand this time. I come out and look at him.
"What happened, your majesty?" I ask. He held my hand, which shocked me.
I feel like I want to jump away from him. He looks at the sky. I did the same thing, and my eyes widened and my lips agape. What beautiful scenery! It's so stunning!