I'm so exhausted.
The Royal chef really did a good job with the food. I had ordered him to prepare Lilaria finest cuisines and some French dishes. The tables were overflowing with delicious food. The hall was elaborately decorated and the national flags were up. The chandeliers, lit and bright, danced light across the room. The minstrel had put up their instruments by a corner. Some books were arranged in another.
Who knew what the Prince would like? I fanned my sweaty self.
11:40am.
At least it was all done before noon.
"Anna, you need to get dressed." Mara reminded.
"I know, I know. I could use a little sleep though."
The other maids dragged me to my room and bathed me. For the first time I'm glad I don't have to bathe myself. I'm so tired, mentally and physically. Who knew organizing took so much strength?
I wore a baby blue floor length gown and had my hair pinned to the side in a bun.
"He is here." Mara hissed.
My eyes went wide and I hurried out of the house and drove in my car to the hall. The Dowager is the best. She gave me a car for my birthday. When I arrived, a young man in tailored black suit stood waiting. His black hair had been gelled back. He pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I am so sorry." I said to him as I got down from the car.
He trained his chocolate brown eyes on me, taking me in. He could not possibly be much older than I was. His apple scented cologne hit me as I drew closer.
"Crown Princess Annabelle at your service." I said breathless and courtsied.
"Crown Prince Louis." He bowed.
"Shall we?" I gestured to the hall. He nodded and followed.
Months and months of training came to me as I led him in. I waited for him to sit before I did.
"You must be tired and hungry after your long journey." I started placing a fake smile on my face.
"Ah yes." His French accent announced itself. I had to keep myself from swooning. I think I like French guys now.
The minstrel had begun. They played a sweet slow music. The maids open the dishes and savory aroma filled the room.
"Please join me." I said as the maids served us. We are in silence. Very awkward silence. Mara was not helping either. She was shaking her head in disappointment.
I place a clam on my plate and try to pry it open, and then something hot sprayed on my face. "Ah fuck!"
Everyone paused. Mara almost fainted. The minstrel stopped their music. Even Prince Louis looked at me surprised.
"Um-I -I mean, oh that was bad." I say in a little voice.
A snort came from the Prince. He looked like he was trying to keep himself from laughing. His mouth twitched and his face turned a little red.
His funny demeanor made me giggle. Soon we were laughing like two maniacs pointing at each other.
"Your face." He said quietly as the laughter died down. I hurriedly wiped at it. "You missed a spot." He gestured to my chin.
"Thank you."
"No problem. You know, I was expecting someone much reserved and stoic."
"Really?" I asked bewildered.
"Yes. The royals here have a reputation for that."
"Well, I would have you know that not all of us love frowning."
"That I can see." He leaned in his chair, "This visit might not be so bad after all."
"Would you like to freshen up?" I asked rising from my seat.
"Yes, only if I will meet you again." He rose to his feet.
I blushed. Seriously woman, you are married.
I nodded to the maids and they escort him away.
"That-that was not as worse as I expected." Mara walked over saying.
"You were expecting worse?"
She nodded earnestly, "With you- of course."
I glared daggers at her, "You should be encouraging me, supporting me."
"Shush princess. The next chapter would soon begin," She clapped her hands and the plates were cleared, "and of course I'm supportive."
I muttered under my breath words I knew she would faint on hearing and walk to the gardens where I would be meeting His Royal Highness again.
This man just keeps getting more charming.
We laughed as we exchanged words about ourselves and countries. We sat beneath the small canopy shading us from the sun overlooking the fields.
"I've never seen such intricate designs." I exclaimed examining his suit. It is very interesting. There were swirly designs with torches and leaves. "Whoever made this fabric is a genius."
"Yes, she is. Reyna is the best. You like designs?"
"Yes. I was planning on pursuing my dreams of following through with art before-" I cast my eyes down and my smile fell.
"Before you got married." He finished for me. " France is one of the best places when it comes to art. Do you care to draw me?"
"Draw you?" At his nod I smiled, "of course." Soon, a drawing pad and pencil were placed before me. I take his features in and place them on paper. His sharp jaw, his hollow cheeks, his playful eyes that turned serious in just a second, his relaxed demeanor as he leaned in his chair.
"You know slouching is not a proper manner, Your Highness." I said laughing.
He pouted,"Ack! You sound just like my mother. 'Don't do this. Don't do that. Act like a Prince. You would be King soon.' "Parfois, c'est trop." He sighed.
"Too much you just want to run away." I added. My French lessons must be paying off.
"Just want to be yourself." He sighed. Stress wore on his face.
"Maybe you should go rest." I said putting the pencil down.
"Not until you finish drawing me." He smiled.
I shrugged, "If you say so."
A few minutes later, I declared, "I'm finished."
He reached for the pad and looks at my drawing. "Wow!" He exclaimed, "where have you been hiding this talent? This is beautiful. You caught the true picture. The weary eyes, my hair, my lips, I look like-", he stopped suddenly loosen his smile.
"You look like what? Did I do something wrong?"
"Non, of course not. You drew me perfectly. Thank you." his smile returned.
"You are welcome. Now you must rest."
"As you wish." He bowed rather with exaggeration.
I courtsied and put on a fake accent, "I don't want you sick on my watch. That would be just terrible."
We both laugh.
"Your Highness." A familiar voice called. The voice that could only belong to just one woman.
Say it with me.
Queen Gabrielle.
We both turned and greeted her. "Your Majesty."
"I hope you are enjoying your stay." She asked.
"Qui. I've never felt more welcomed." He said as she eyed me sternly.
"I'm glad." She lit up with a smile, "Excuse me. Have a good evening." She walked away.
Evening? It's evening already?
"Why are some Queens scary?" Louis asked spreading his arms.
"Scary? That was her being nice!" I chuckled, "You are lucky."
He nodded thoughtfully, "So how do like the palace?"
"I'm supposed to be asking you that." At his raised eyebrows, I sighed. "It's okay. It can be pretty lonely, I guess. I just got back from visiting my parents yesterday."
"It's going to be okay." He pat my shoulder.
"And how do you like the palace? Do I get a five star?"
"We shall see about that." He laughed.
On our way to the suite prepared for him, we meet Henry.
"Henry!" I called.
"Anna!" He walked up to us. He looked at Louis with a confused look.
"Henry, this is Prince Louis visiting from Cordonia in France. Your Highness, this is Prince Henry." I introduced the two.
They shook hands and nod.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Henry said smiling.
"And you too." Louis frowned slightly.
"I'll see you later then." Henry bowed and left.
"Prince Henry. He is quite an interesting man."
"I guess so. We both go to the same school." We continued with our stroll.
"With your husband, Prince Nolan?"
I nodded. "They are cousins."
"I see." Silence claimed us till we reached his destination. "You know, I should be the one escorting you to yours."
"Nah, don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Good night."
"Good night." He said and walked into the building.
"Well done, Princess." Mara's face popped up as I turned.
I suppress my scream, "Why did you do that? What are you doing here?"
"Didn't you notice the many guards and maids following behind you?"
"Oh!" Guess privacy went out the window once again. "I didn't realize." Louis' guards stationed themselves outside the building, as were some of our guards.
"You did pretty well. I'm pretty sure he is impressed with all you discussed." She bobbed her head, "well except you failed to mention some things that were actually about Lilaria." Her hands went up.
"I did say some things about Lilaria like the monumental statues and about the newly appointed minister, the King and Queen... "
"What about what deals we could have made? Diamonds for Fuel? The perfumes?"
"Those skipped my mind. I did my work pretty well, Mara."
"I guess you can say that." Mara sighed, "Off to bed with you."
"You know, sometimes, I think you are sixty years old. My mother doesn't even act like you do." I placed my hands on my hips.
She gave me a sour look.
I switched on my phone and was blessed with many notifications. From social media platforms to calls and SMS. I will see to them tomorrow. I'm so tired.
I splay on my bed moaning at its softness. Mara had practically dragged into the bathroom to clean myself up before going to bed.
A cup of warm milk and cookies were placed on a tray beside the bed. I took one and put it in my mouth. I moaned at its softness.
"Anna, my child." I sat up. What's she doing here? Grandma Penelope stood at the door tipsy. She smiled at me and walked drunkenly to my bed. I get off and courtesy. The smell of alcohol lingered in the air.
Has she been drinking?
"Oh just sit down, Anna. Sorry to bother you." She sighed as she sits. Hic! She let out and sighed. She gestured to the maids and Mara, "Please excuse us."
Once they were out of sight, she brought a small bottle from a pant pocket. "It's so unsafe to have a drink these days with Gabrielle worrying about my health when she is supposed to worry about her marriage."
I looked at her in alarm. "You're not supposed to be drinking?"
"You wouldn't tell, would you?" She looked at me with wet eyes. Her nose was botched red. She took a swig from the bottle. "An alcohol a day keeps you sane. All day you shout, you worry, you warn, you advise but does anyone listens? No!"
Okay. This woman is delirious. "Grandma Penelope, I think you should stop."
"Oh, not you too. I came here because I trust you." She burst into tears. "I'm so tired of seeing my family break apart. Sometimes, I pray to be taken to my Freddie. I miss him. He knew what to do. Always."
My heart was tearing apart listening to and watching her like this. "Grandma-" I start to plead.
"Anna." She glared at me making me gasp and draw back. She never glares at me. Ever. What's wrong with her tonight?
"Don't tell me to stop drinking or I'm going to leave right now." She warned shaking.
"I'm sorry." I finally find my voice to say.
Her frown moved upward into a smile. "That's why I love you. So obedient. My family, on the other hand, never is. It is frustrating. How does my son not see what he is doing is wrong? Leaving his wife and pursuing after that wretched woman. She never belonged here. She is greedy and selfish, she wants to take all for herself. Over my dead body will she take the throne. Over my dead body will that bastard she calls son be king."
I winced and drew even further as she calls Henry a bastard. "Stop." I whispered.
"She thinks I do not know that Henry is not Eric's son? She is a sneak, a liar, a home wrecker. Her and her little bastard-"
"STOP!" I yelled. She went silent. Tears poured from my eyes. Why? Why did she tell me this? Was it not be better when I was ignorant? "Stop, please." I begged.
She seemed to collect herself when her eyes rest on me as though noticing me for the first time. She begins to beg me, "Anna, no one must know of the things I told you. You must be it a secret. Promise me!"
"I promise." I held myself and looked away.
"I'm very sorry. I wasn't thinking."
That is very much clear. I pressed my lips together from yelling at her.
She pat my leg and stood up, shaking a bit. She almost fall flat on her face as she made her way to the door.
Henry is not a Prince after all? Why does this make me sad and happy? Is Genevieve really who Grandma Penelope says she is? Is she causing a bridge in the family? Does this also mean Grandma Penelope is not as perfect as she seemed to be?
Am I that ignorant of all that is happening or did I choose to be ignorant?
What is something so beautiful and perfect this horribly wrong?