Chapter 21 ( getting to know each other)

It took me a few days to fully recover, Amelia and Ella never miss out on a day to check up on me. They gave me an update on what was going on in the castle. And I was very glad to know that my fake father, King Robert, wasn't informed about what happened. During my time with Amelia, I noticed that she was very calm and shy and she didn't talk much, which only made me look like a talkative, but I didn't mind, I enjoyed her company. She said me a lot about Malisa and how annoying she was and I wasn't surprised at all.

Standing in front of the dressing mirror watching Ella make my hair I smile at the reflection of myself, this was the first time I notice how beautiful I was, even when people say it, I never believed them

" what are you smiling at " Ella interrupted, lifting my head to get a better view of her, I then gave her a very bright smile

" I never knew that I was this beautiful," I said to her and she raised

" you are joking right?" She asked

" Nope " shaking my said " I only just noticed " she shook her head in disbelief

"Everyone says it, I say it all the time " and I surged

" I guess I just never felt it " I was being honest, I never really felt beautiful, even when Jonathan said it to me I didn't believe it, I thought that if I was truly beautiful he would have noticed me, but he never did. I could feel it now, I didn't know why but I just felt good about myself

" you do now?" I nodded at her question

" yes I do " she smiled brightly at my words

" Good " she continued what she was doing " Now my lady, make sure you behave yourself, do not talk back at the king, only speak when you are given permission and please Natalia don't say something foolish "

" Excuse me!" I was taken aback by her words " what is all that supposed to mean "

" No offence, I am only reminding you to behave yourself, you already caused trouble by leaving the castle without permission and getting involved in the men's matter," she said respectfully and I rolled my eyes

" I will behave myself" I replied

Walking carefully so I won't fall, with Ella walking behind me, a guard leads us to the courtroom. Getting to that familiar huge Brown door, we came to a stop. The guard turns around and said

" The King is waiting" I nodded in response and took a deep breath

I almost lost balance when a voice interrupted " Nervous?" I turn on my heels just to see Rowan and Eric walking towards me, he wasn't smiling nor was he angry, he was perfect. Damn, I am beginning to have a huge crush on him. I just hope it doesn't go beyond that. When he got close enough he came to a stop

" No, not even a little" I replied to his question

" Not even a little?" Smiling

" Yes "

" Why am I not surprised," Rowan said and I raised an eyebrow " just like last time," he said

" what " I am sure he saw the confusion on my face but he only smiled

" hold still," he said and I stood still watching as he raised his hand and reached for my cheek, the moment his hand touched my face I froze, his hand warm against my skin, I could hear my heartbeat like it was about to pop out of my chest. Yeap, I really do have a crush on him. He wiped something off my face with his tomb and then showed me " it's stew " he said and I bit my lower lips feeling a bit embarrassed

" Umm, sorry, I was in a hurry " explaining myself, I was in a hurry and Ella probably didn't see it because she was behind me

" why the apology, you did nothing wrong," he said and gave a small smile that vanished almost immediately " open it," he said to the guard and he did as instructed.

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Here I was, standing before the King. seating on his throne, you could feel the power he had in the air. It was just him, Rowan and I, as well as other servants

" Do you know why I have called you here" His voice wasn't loud but strong

" Yes sir " I replied with my head down, trying as much as possible to avoid his face, didn't want to cause trouble or as Ella says, Misbehave,

" and what do you have to say for yourself," he asked

" I am sorry sir "

" Sorry for what " his question got me confused and I raised my head to look at him

" Pardon?" I asked

" what are you sorry for," he asked again and I understood his question

" Well, I am sorry for disobeying your orders and leaving the castle"

" and "

" sir?" What does he mean and, that was all I did wrong

" is that all you did wrong," he asked, my eyes fell on Rowan who looked worried " I that all you did," he asked again, I didn't know if I should say NO or. YES so I remained quiet "Lady Natalia, not only did you and Rowan disobey my orders, you forgot your place and got involved with matters of the men, almost got yourself kill which would have led to war between Bengland and Aldovia " he stopped talking and I lowered my head, I couldn't believe this guy, his problem was that I did the work of the men. Well I did something about the situation and all he did was lock the people out, I am not going to apologise for something right. I found myself frowning " but " I raised my head to look at him again " in the end you saved the people and risk your life to save my son, for that, you are forgiven" wait, what.

" ok " I gave a bright smile " I mean, thank you, Your Majesty, you are too kind " this he seriously let me off, I was covered with joy

" And also " he began with a serious tone " because of you " oh great what now " Rowan almost threatened me " I raised an eyebrow at his words and looked at Rowan who now had his head down feeling awkward " I never expected that from him, I hope the two of you end well " my eyes fell wide open, how was I going to tell him that it wasn't possible

" Oh " was all I managed to say

" We are finished here, you are dismissed"

" thank you, your Majesty " With that I left.

Walking back to my Room with Ella walking next to me. She talked about how relieved she was and how happy she was about me getting close to winning Rowan's heart and all I did was smile because I knew things will not end as they planned, I was here for a reason and I was not even getting way close to what I was looking for " this is going to be great, I should write to your father " I quickly cut her off

" NO " she gave me a confused look

" And why is that "

" I just not think it is necessary"

" yes it is, the king will be very happy to hear this " she explained " Especially when it's been a while since she heard from us "

" but still, I think we... " I was then cut off by that familiar voice, we turned to see Rowan and Eric walking towards us and when they got close enough then stopped " hi "

" Hey. " he replied " forgive my father he is like that, Never knows when to say thank you " he apologised on his father's behalf

" it's ok, trust me when I say I have experienced the worst, your father is not even a quarter of it "

" from your father " I saw curiosity in his tone

" yes " I replied

" but king Robert doesn't look like that kind of a person" my eyes fell wide open as realisation hit me, remember Robert was my father

" Oh, yes he doesn't, he is sweet and all but goes off at times "

" oh " nodding his head as he took the information, there was a sudden awkward silence between us. That made me nervous

" mmmm, I should get going "

" wait," he said before I could even turn " how about a ride "

" a ride,? " I raised an eyebrow at his question " to where "

" where would you like?" And I smiled

" the forest may be the waterfalls," I said

" waterfall, ok, Eric? " he called

Eric who hasn't said a word since we met replied " sir "

"Get two horses ready " before Eric replied we heard a female voice from behind

" Rowan!!" It had excitement in it and behold it was Malisa running in our direction

" Great, wrong timing," Eric said in a low voice and I almost laughed