12 : THE DINNER

CHAPTER 12

NEOLA

"You know full well that Elle deserves explanation for the way you acted right? You left her again for the second time." I whisper shout at him as I held unto his waist, hanging on for dear life, not risking anyone to hear our conversation as we passed by the royal gates. He has to reconcile with his sister since she is the only family he have. Plus, he accepted the fact that he wanted to have her back.

A couple of media men began swarming our ride and I pulled Luke's coat, trying not to fall as Midnight began kicking and whinnying like a horse.

Oh, right. He's a horse.

I was about to take a glance when a flash of camera blinded me for a second before I hear the wooden doors locked. Galloping further inside the grand hall, the trumpets where blown, signaling our arrival. There are so many guest: royalties dressed in extravagant clothing, princesses descending the carriage yet soon I found myself looking back at my brother, his eyes glinting with mirth as he held Elle's hand and Jacob at the other.

"They are here? I thought we're just going to meet the officials and the other villagers? Now is your chance to talk to Elle. I mean, it could also be your grandfather inviting them--"

"Will you just shut it for a minute? You ask to many questions that it is becoming quite irritating." He snapped at me before pulling my hands off his coat and jumping down from the horse. A little hurt of his reaction, I duck my head in shame. We walk side by side, my arms interlocked with his as we went inside the room. I could feel my face scrunching up as the tears threatened to fall but then his hands halted them. He pulled my face up and sigh, "I will try to figure out the words I will say to her. For now, we will have to act normal and let grandpa believe that we've settled everything. We will act it the way we have planned. I wanted to crush his hopes of marrying me off. I'm sorry for snapping at you awhile ago. I am just overwhelmed. This is too much for me too."

I just nodded at him, carefully he reached for my hand as he help me down. The crowd suddenly applauded. Stunned, I plastered a smile. I glance around, looking at all those unfamiliar faces and the makeshift hall. Flowers are strewn everywhere their fragrance are quite overwhelming making me feel like I am walking inside a perfume factory.

We walk side by side, my arms interlocked with his as we pass through the royal guards and the thick crowd of guest who have waited for our arrival.

I sucked in a deep breath as Luke pulled me closer and we both approach the king. "Oh, there you are," he laughed, Luke bowed down and I curtsied. The king smiled at me and held unto Luke's shoulder, whispering at his ear.

"Yes, grandfather. I know full well of my obligation." Luke bowed once again before directing me towards the direction of Gabriel and Elle. "Elleana." He whispered her name and suddenly, Elle had tackled Luke. "I hate you! Do you know that?"

Luke stared at me, his eyes wide. I just shrug at his direction. "You don't get to be forgiven that quickly for leaving me hanging like that and if it wasn't for the photograph I found on my book, I would've ran after you and hitch with you! That would be very disgusting if I haven't known you are my brother. I would have ruined my marriage and our relationship." She whispered in a hush tone as Elle notice that a few of the head in the room are already turning in their direction. "You could've told me earlier, Luke. We would've been happier a long time ago." She bit her lip as a tear slowly trickle down her cheek.

Gabriel took his wife on his arms and stirred her away from the curious crowd. I watch them walk away and was surprise as a little hand began tugging on my skirt. "Aunt Nee?" His voice, always full of curiousity made me smiled as I took Jacob's hand, "Yes?".

He beckon for me to come close and I crouch, his little hands covering his mouth as he whispered, "Aunt Nee? Who's he?" He pointed a chubby finger at Luke. "He's your uncle..." I whispered back and watch as Jacob's eyes shone bright with excitement. He suddenly smiled and walk slowly, tugging Luke's coat. Luke, only realising the presence of Jacob just now, was taken aback, "Uncle? You're my uncle?"

Luke, who's face is still unreadable, nodded. Jacob's grin got bigger that his now missing tooth could be seen. He grab Luke's hand with his chubby little ones and spoke once again, "Uncle, would you take me to see the horses? I saw them and wanted to ride 'em but Mommy said you're the only one in the castle who is allowed to ride. Will you let me ride one?"

Luke cleared his throat, his scowl turning into a little smile as he ran his hand on Jacob's curls and said, "Of course, little prince."

"YES!" Jacob's fist shot unto the air as he whooped, gaining curious glances as he ran to his mother and father.

"He caught you," I whispered to Luke's ear making him frown at me. "What do you mean?" He tried not to show it but I can see a little bit of amusement shining on his eyes.

"Oh, Luke. He has you wrapped around his chubby little finger!" And with that, Luke let out a chuckle, making a few of the butterflies in my stomach flutter again. Geez, get a grip of yourself, Neola. Everything is just an act!

A couple of moments have passed; Luke talking to the guests while I stand beside him probably looking like an idiot when suddenly, the trumpets signaled the arrival of another guest. The carriage stopped and out came a lady wearing a pink fluffy dress. She look around before her eyes landed on Luke. I stared at the both of them, Luke's eyes held some kind of a recognition and something I couldn't quite place. Scowling, I force myself not to bother with them anymore.

Luke could do as he please, besides, I am not his chosen bride!

Willowing on my own battling thoughts, I didn't realize that Luke has started to walk me through another set of double doors and led me in a wide room. The chandeliers are gleaming as though they have just been bought and the long table stretch for what felt like a mile. Everybody shuffled in after us, the king walked over to the head of the table and sat.

I settled myself next to Luke and was surprised to see the lady who is wearing a pink dress, settling on his other side. I momentarily scowled at her direction, feeling my fist balling up as she smirk. "Bon Nuit, Monsieur Luca." She kiss his cheek making Luke blush.

I glared at Luke as he respond, "Bon Nuit, madamoiselle Mia". He picked up his napkin and place it swiftly on his lap. I cleared my throat and puff my cheeks, irritated that 'Mia' was still staring at him.

"Shall we begin?" The king suddenly butted in, his voice echoing around the grand hall. The king smiled at each of the guest before he started digging in. I help myself with some of the soup and snatch some of the croutons, staring at the 'Mia' girl, as she began talking with Luke.

"You found your bride, how?" Luke stared at me and bit his lip. But before he even answered, Mia inquired again. "She isn't a royalty, is she? I think with the like of hers and her robes, she's not fit to be your maid. Much less to be your bride." She flirted, making me grind my teeth together as I grip the fork.

Luke just continue sipping his soup, I distract myself by helping myself with some hash browns and ravioli. The fact that Luke hadn't said a thing, whether he did care of what she said or he doesn't want to intervene, quite annoys me. I honestly doesn't want to react that the bitch does affect me but then, she said once again, "She even doesn't know which food to pick. Such a pity! She needed the training given to a child."

"Watch your mouth, you bitch," I snapped, earning a few curious stares from the table. Luke glared at me and over his shoulder, I could see Mia smirking. Rising from my seat, I sneered, "You, quit smiling like an innocent angel because I know full well that you are just prancing around with your pink fluffy dress--"

"LOISA!"

"SILENCE!"

The voice of Luke and the king boomed making me stopped short. I directed my glare at Luke as I avoided the stare coming from everyone in the table. "Mademoiselle Mia, sorry for what Lady Loisa said. It is just that--"

"No, my king. Lady Loisa just said what she thought and it is wrong for Mia to assume that Loisa had not had a proper training." The queen suggested, her voice coming from the other end of the table making me realised that she have been there ever since the beginning.

"My queen, she is not suppose to talk like--"

"My king, Mia isn't talking politely which is why--"

"Grandpa, Grandma," Luke whispered in a cool but serious tone making both of them stare at their grandson. "Mia, what my Grandma said was true and I accept what my Grandpa stated that Loisa have spoken ill of you, too. Both of you has assumed wrong of each other. Loisa, I would like you to proceed to your room. Dinner will be delivered to you after." I glared at my hands to stop myself from crying and grudgingly followed the maid up the stairs and to my room.

After closing the door behind me, I collapsed on the bed and cried. Not knowing why I feel so betrayed and jealous at the same time that Luke is also being pursued by another woman. I guess both of them should marry each other, both royals, both of them stupid, both pathetic.

Throwing the covers off the bed, I deposited my gown on the floor. I settled on the bed not caring about the dinner that was delivered nor the knock that had echoed as soon as I close my eyes.

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