Days blended together, weeks passing like falling leaves. Dominic's meetings with the prospective brides continued, each encounter meticulously orchestrated. Finally, Katherine's turn arrived.
The visitor room buzzed with anticipation as the ladies gathered, exchanging stories of their experiences with Dominic. Excitement sparkled on their faces, their laughter and chatter filling the air.
"So, Katherine, is your turn right?" Diana asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
Katherine nodded, a hint of nervousness flickering across her face.
"Please don't mess it up, or you'll be punished as before," Vanessa teased, her voice laced with playful malice.
The room erupted into laughter, Katherine's cheeks flushing. But her expression remained reserved, her thoughts hidden.
Just then, Ethan entered, his regal presence commanding attention. The room fell silent, the air thickening with reverence.
"Hey, ladies," he said, his smile warm and genuine.
A blush spread across their faces, each one dipping into a curtsy, except Katherine. Her gaze remained steady, though her voice joined the chorus.
"Good day, Your Royal Highness," they said in unison.
Ethan's eyes scanned the room, his expression polite.
"How are you girls doing today?" he asked, his tone considerate.
"Fine," Diana replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
The other ladies nodded, their faces still flushed.
Katherine's expression remained composed.
Her thoughts concealed. As Ethan's gaze lingered on her.
For a fleeting moment. Before moving on.
"I'm glad you girls are enjoying yourselves... but, anyway, all the best," Ethan said, his smile warm and genuine.
He walked away, leaving the room in a flutter.
The girls blushed, their eyes following his departure.
"He's so cute!" the first girl squealed, her face aglow.
"Yeah, I might have him as a second option if I didn't get chosen as the prince's bride," another girl chimed in, her voice laced with playful longing.
Giggles and whispers filled the air as they continued discussing Ethan's charms.
Meanwhile, in Queen Charlotte's chambers, Dominic sipped tea alongside his mother.
"Son, how is it going with the ladies... Anyone caught your attention?" Queen Charlotte asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Dominic chuckled, his expression relaxed. "Oh, come on, Mom, it's barely a month since they arrived."
Queen Charlotte's smile persisted. "I'm just asking."
Dominic's grin lingered. "Well, all the ladies are lovely, no doubt about that."
Queen Charlotte nodded, her expression thoughtful. "The gods will guide you to choose the right one."
She sipped her tea, her gaze introspective. "I heard there's one left to complete the task."
"Yeah, it's going to be the difficult one," Dominic said, his tone measured.
His gaze drifted, lost in thought. Ethan entered the room, his presence announced by the soft creak of the door.
"Difficult? Who?" Queen Charlotte's brow furrowed, her interest piqued.
"Katherine," Ethan announced, his voice even.
Queen Charlotte's expression shifted, intrigue sparking.
"Katherine?" she repeated.
Dominic's stare intensified, fixed on a point across the room. Queen Charlotte's smirk grew, her eyes glinting.
"I see," she said, her voice low and thoughtful.
Dominic's silence was telling. Ethan's eyes met Dominic's, a flicker of understanding passing between them.
Queen Charlotte leaned back, her expression contemplative. "Interesting," she murmured.
The chamber fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air.
.
.
.
.
The next day, Katherine stood frozen in her room, hesitation gripping her like a vice. Twice, she'd been summoned to meet Dominic at the veranda, and twice she'd conjured excuses to delay.
"I can't believe I have to stand him again," she groaned, frustration etched on her face.
She fell back onto the bed, her arms splayed above her head.
Meanwhile, Dominic waited at the veranda, sipping his drink and chuckling at a humorous clip on his phone. His gaze lifted as he detected footsteps approaching.
A smirk spread across his face. "It took you so long to come out of your room," he said, his voice laced with amusement.
Katherine's frown deepened as she met his gaze. "I was busy," she replied nonchalantly.
Dominic scoffed, his eyes crinkling. "Yeah, right... your punishment ended days ago, so I see nothing that would keep you busy."
Katherine's shoulders squared. "Even so, I have my personal things to take care of."
Dominic's grin widened. "Really? What's that?" he asked, his tone playful.
Katherine rolled her eyes. "Are we going to talk about this or the reason why I'm here?" she asked, her voice tinged with impatience.
She strode past him, folding her arms across her chest as she took a seat. Unaware, they were being observed.
Ethan, Ruby, Alex, Riley, and Lucas watched from the window, curiosity etched on their faces.
"I don't think this is going well," Ruby whispered.
"Yeah," Alex agreed.
"She really dislikes him that much?" Riley asked.
Ethan's expression turned thoughtful. "I don't think so... You know their first meeting wasn't exactly pleasant."
Lucas frowned."But they look perfect together, though."
The group continued watching, transfixed by the unfolding scene.
Dominic's eyes never left Katherine's face. His gaze burned with intensity.
Katherine's resolve remained unshaken.
The air between them vibrated with tension. As the silence stretched..Their audience held its collective breath.
Dominic leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze locking onto Katherine's guarded expression.
"So, why don't you tell me about yourself?" he asked.
Katherine's eyes narrowed. "There's nothing interesting about me," she replied.
Dominic's smile hinted at mischief. "Sure there is. your grumpy attitude can explain it."
Katherine's scoff echoed through the veranda. "I am not grumpy."
Dominic's chuckle sent a shiver down her spine. "You are. I don't need therapy to tell me that."
Exasperation etched itself on Katherine's face. "You know what? I'm really not in the mood to talk back to you."
Dominic's tease dripped with amusement. "You sure do, Grumpy Cat."
Katherine's stare hardened. "I'm not a Grumpy Cat... and don't call me cat."
Dominic's grin widened. "You are. Only cats are as aggressive as you are. There are nine beautiful and well-mannered ladies here in the palace, and you're the only one who gets to be the grumpy type."
Katherine's frustration boiled over. "Oh, now that you know, can I be evicted from the selection? I seriously need a life right now."
Her groan echoed through the veranda. Dominic's eyes sparkled with amusement.
"You seriously despise me?."
Katherine's voice dripped with venom. "Exactly! I'm happy you figured it out. I can be a threat to your life."
Dominic scoffed. "Yeah, right... I'm royalty, nothing can harm me."
Katherine rolled her eyes. "Can I go back to my room now, since I have nothing to share with you?"
Dominic's gaze remained fixed on his phone. "You can't. Your time isn't over."
Katherine's arms crossed. "But I don't want to keep chatting with you."
Dominic typed away on his phone. "Me neither."
The silence between them thickened. Katherine's irritation simmered.
Dominic's smirk lingered.
Their audience, watching from the window, exchanged worried glances.
Ethan's expression turned thoughtful. "Let's see how it plays out."
Ruby whispered. "This isn't going well."
The tension hung. A palpable force between them.