Guests of Honor

Pryja and Louie grilled Aliana for details about her outing with Sam, especially so scantily clad with Lord Samuel.

"I am not saying anymore." Aliana smiled like a cat who got some cream. The trio parted ways when they reached Aliana's room and Edith and Janie were waiting for her.

While Aliana took a quick bath and got ready for dinner, Edith bombarded her with questions about Lord Samuel.

"So was he a good kisser?" Edith asked anxiously.

Aliana smirked mischievously at her maid in the mirror as Edith piled her hair into an elaborate updo. "I was pleasantly surprised."

She would not say any more about her day with Samuel because she wanted to keep some memories to herself.

Edith picked out a deep green gown that was embroidered with emerald, peridot, and pearl beads in a vine-like pattern going up the side in a mermaid style skirt, the top was off the shoulder and had delicate stone beads as straps.

Aliana's hair was piled on top of her head with curls spilling down onto her neck all held together by jeweled pins. She finished her look with emerald drop earrings, a pearl necklace, and a simple platinum tiara with emeralds and diamonds encrusted into it.

She was not the type of woman to wear heavy jewelry or makeup, she found it to be more bothersome than putting on heavy armor.

SInce Aliana and Lord Samuel were the honored guests of the night, he would be escorting her to dinner from her room. While Edith was applying rice powder to Aliana's cheeks someone knocked on the door.

Janie opened the door to reveal Lord Samuel in a form-fitting black suit with an emerald sash crossing his chest. Aliana's eyes widened when she saw the color of Samuel's sash.

"Were you planning to match me?" Lord Samuel asked with a deep laugh.

"I had no idea," Aliana giggled.

Samuel offered his arm to her and she gladly took it. They made their way through the various hallways to get to the main dining hall, they would be dining with Aliana's ladies, the other two suitors, and the Grand Prince's family.

"That dress fits you like a glove, Alia" Samuel purred in Aliana's ear as they walked.

She blushed and looked at the man beside her. "Thank you."

He was so confident and sure of himself, Sam gave off the air of someone who could handle the pressures of ruling a kingdom by her side. AIiana couldn't believe she was already thinking such things having just met him two days ago.

"Do you have a lot of lands?" Aliana asked curiously.

"I control Eddis' largest Earldom," Sam said looking down at her.

"Ah, I would think that makes you good at managing large amounts of holdings and people," Aliana mused.

"I think about 7 million people live on my lands," Sam smiled.

Aliana's eyes widened. She didn't think that an earldom would be so big. "That's an impressive number."

"I like to think so," Sam chuckled, his deep voice reverberating on his strong chest.

As they made it to the main dining hall the herald announced their arrival. "Now arriving, the guests of honor, Crown Princess of Astaria Aliana and Earl of Great Eton Lord Samuel."

The rest of the dinner guests were already seated at a long t-shaped table in the middle of the room. The grand prince stood up when he saw them walking into the room and the rest of the guests followed suit.

Everyone saw how Aliana and Samuel made a very attractive couple and Aiden and Lucien looked slightly annoyed.

Samuel pulled Aliana's seat out for her and when she sat down everyone bowed or curtsied before sitting down again. The guests of honor were seated at the head of the table and everyone else faced each other.

Samuel took his seat next to Aliana and smiled at her. He wasn't used to being in the center of attention but he was glad that Aliana oozed confidence and power.

The dinner was seven courses and each one was better than the last. All of the delicacies of Eddis were showcased for the princess. Pryja and Louie kept staring at their princess who looked very happy with the man next to her.

Aliana would sneak glances down the table to Lucien who hadn't taken his eyes off of her, every time their eyes would meet Lucien would smirk. Aliana couldn't wait for her day with him.

"Are you enjoying the black truffle pasta?" Samuel whispered to Aliana who was slurping a noodle into her mouth. Watching her eat with her eyes closed was making Sam shift in his seat. He couldn't stop replaying how her lips felt on his.

Aliana opened her eyes and turned to him with beet red cheeks. "It's delicious, black truffle is one of my favorite flavors."

He leaned in closer to Aliana and moved some of her hair off her neck. "I feel the same way about you," Sam murmured huskily his breathe was hot on her skin. "I want another taste."

Aliana shivered from how close Sam was to her. "Well, maybe that can be arranged."