Chapter 71

"I did not mean any disrespect"- she cut me off sharply.

"You should learn your place" she stepped forward and pushed me back. I stumbled back, staring at her in shock. She turned on her heel and strutted towards the hall, Lady Abel looked back at me worry etched on her features.

"You should stay out of her way" her words were a warning if anything, but I was fuming. I could barely hear her as my hands clenched over and over again.

I can't believe I considered staying in this hellhole.

I had began speed walking to the hall fuelled by a stubbornness to get there before her, but it fizzled with each step. When I spotted the dining room hall's doors wide open and her figure entering I stopped entirely.

Staring at the glimpse of the long table where a ladies gown of deep freesia could be spotted. I stared at the colour absently, mind encompassed by an empty rage.

"Madeline" his voice made me flinch.

The anger diminishing when I saw his face. It was gone. Just like that.

He was dressed up, hair pulled back to reveal his sharp jawline and red eyes. Thick, well shaped brows conveying worry and his large pale hand was placed on my shoulder so delicately I could barely feel it.

"Your highness" I curtsied, stepping away from him.

"It's always nice to see you acting so ladylike" his voice was a mix of mockery and amusement.

"I'm always like this?" I lifted a coy face his way and he smiled.

I was caught off guard. Bewitched by the beauty of it. His pearly teeth exposed slightly and I admired how white they were.

"Of course. What was I thinking. I came out to find you, I didn't expect you'd be staring at the door with a look of murder?" He teased, but there was a tenseness in his face that made me think he was concerned.

When had he left the dining hall? How could I have missed him?

"My apologies, I seem to be unwell today" I gave him a forced smile and made my way forward, except a hand gripped my elbow to hold me back.

"Are you sick?"

There it was again. That worry. The narrow eyes that widened ever so slightly.

"No. It's nothing serious", I frowned at how worried he looked. Hoping to calm him I jokingly whispered, "it seems I'll be receiving my usual monthly visitor soon".

I hadn't expect his face to flush like it did, but no sooner had the colour reddened did he disappear. I let out a laugh, one that echoed through the halls and decided it was time to enter the dinner hall.

I took a seat among the ladies in conversation, noticing how Crystal sat directly adjacent to the princes empty seat. It made me smile. I was last to enter and the only seat that was free was one on the far left, nearest to the door and farthest away. I hoped it meant this dinner would be one I wouldn't be noticed in.

Lady Montgomery sat a few seats ahead, alongside Lady Willow and Lady Raya. It was almost rude to say that they attracted the most attention, but it was true.

"Are you okay?" Lady Selvius, who sat opposite me, asked with a look that may have appeared vague to others.

"I'm fine. How about yourself?" I eyed her wrist which was wrapped up in a bandage, it blended into her white, frilly sleeves, but I knew it wasn't part of the outfit.

"Getting better. Be careful" she glanced over to Lady Montgomery, her brown eyes narrowing before turning back to me. I nodded back at her, finding myself annoyed at all the warnings I was receiving.

The food hadn't been served and it won't be until the prince returns, so I couldn't distract myself with anything.

"Lady Colter" a hesitant voice came from beside me and I turned to the Lady beside me. Estelle Killian, a Barons daughter, someone who didn't have any outstanding features but was definitely a capable person. "I was hoping to book an appointment at your boutique". Her voice was unsure and almost scared, eyes barely making contact with mine as she kept looking over her shoulder.

"There's no need for an appointment. Just come over and we'll have everything ready for you immediately" I smiled warmly. People only booked days or appointments when they were of high status or needed something else.

Her hand gripped her utensils tightly.

"No. I was hoping to meet with you privately at your business" she whispered, voice barely audible.

I frowned, wondering what that meant but she seemed embarrassed of the reason so I just went with it.

"If you want to speak with me, then why not visit my room later?" I offered, but her eyes dropped so I added, "Of course we can meet in the store if you feel more comfortable".

"No- that's fine. I'll visit you later tonight" she smiled gratefully, worries seizing as the doorman announced the princes arrival.

"Prince Alexie of Grandor!"

He walked in, as brilliant as he was moments ago, but his gaze was sharper. Hardened like a wall of bricks, plastered over and over. He took his seat with a small polite smile towards the ladies, eyes not once changing as they met mine.

He was no longer Jules, but Alexei, the crown prince of Grandor.

"Your highness, you look attractive with your hair pulled back like that" Lady Montgomery's voice had me choking on food I had not eaten.

Dear god she really went for it! You go girl!

I noticed how the other ladies murmured in agreement, trying to appease the prince.

"Oh?" He looked around, our gaze locked for a second too long, "Thank you Lady Montgomery- Miriam is it?"

"Why yes"- I missed the rest of their words as the food finally began pouring in and I let out a thankful breath.

Finally!

I had gone through my appetisers before anyone else had managed to take a bite and then enjoyed the main course with as much deliberate slowness as possible.

"This fish is truly one of a kind" I heard Crystal say to the prince, her cheeks a light pink and the genuine smile on her face had me pausing mid bite. I watched her with wide eyes resembling the fish's' before I had devoured it.

As someone who knows Crystal pretty well I was sure that smile there was genuine. There was no fear in those blue eyes and I could see them twinkle ever so slightly. She was growing to like him! I felt a smile on my face as I continued to chew.

I glanced over to see Jules reaction and he seemed to receive her kindly, tenser than he was earlier because he realised she had changed, he could see it too. I noticed his eyes about to look my way and quickly turned away to look at my fish.

It was pretty much gone.

"Lady Colter has quite an appetite" I heard Lady Abel remark and the table silenced, attention suddenly on my fish- or what was left of it. "You're the first to finish the fish. You must not be used to noble delights".

I wanted to snort. If she thought that would hurt me then she was sorely mistaken. Rather that was a pretty original remark and so I smiled and opened my mouth to reply calmly, but it never came. Instead I noticed the terrifying face of the prince. His aura had darkened beyond measures and just like before the gravity around us was crushing for a mere moment before it was gone. His smile on his face as if it had never left.

But everyone had felt it. Lady Montgomery looked pale. As did the others. The only one that seemed unfazed was Crystal and she smiled at the prince in a way that was almost dreamy.

"I always believe it's only polite to leave an empty plate when dining with a host. It's truly silly" I replied, hoping to crack through the atmosphere that was now heavy and full of terror.

Lady Montgomery winced at my reply.

"How- How"- she was cut off.

"I'm glad you enjoy the food, Lady Colter" he smiled at me like a stranger and I smiled back in a manner I hoped resembled his. I hated how I felt slightly hurt, but there was some sort of intent behind those red eyes. As if he could see how I felt and he enjoyed it.

"How is the dowager feeling?" Lady Willow captured the attention of the prince like an elegant swan and I looked back to my empty plate which had actually been replaced with pudding. It must have been replaced when I was looking away and I shot the maid an appreciative smile.

"The dowager is doing well. She was hoping to"-

I zoned out when I noticed a pill next to my pudding. Small and golden, but definitely some sort of medicine. I lifted a hand to the maid and without me explaining she leaned towards my ear and whispered.

"The prince's orders". With that she stepped back.

I stared at it as I realised what it was and then met those beautiful red eyes that stared straight at me. My cheeks flushed and I could feel my heartbeat quicken a bit. It was only when he smirked knowingly, eyes crinkling that I turned away from him. Hoping my hair might cover my beet red face.