Chapter 9: Fine Dining

We step up to the restaurant doors and I am blown away by its beauty.

The base of the building was two square wooden frames stacked on top of each other, with solid stone steps up to the sliding wooden doors.

The walls were paneled with shutter windows, letting out a sweet and tangy scent. Each level of the three-story building had an individual, upturned roof trim, that filled out the perimeter.

On each, triangular and sharp corner hung dangling light bulbs. The top of the building ended in a triangular point with a squarish roof hanging slightly over the sides. The symmetrical building looked more like a stack of pancakes than a building.

My father taps my back. “You’re drooling.”

I wipe my mouth absently. “Liar,” I say. We walk up to the doors and into the restaurant.

I notice first that there is no seating, at least on the first floor. Every table is propped on platforms with sliding doors for privacy. The tables are low to the ground, and each person is sat on a cushion. Their tables are loaded with plates and drinks. Voices float over the sound of dishes clattering and laughter.

The overhead lights are lanterns designed with mermaids and fish. That cast warm shadows over the wood floorboards.

“Welcome to Pagoda Tea House, we’re a bit full right now but we can get you a table in about fifteen minutes.” The lady at the front says. She blinks long wispy lashes at us with a bright customer smile.

I smile back and nod. My stomach grumbles quite loud and I quickly scurry away so I don’t have to look her in the eye.

“I guess it really is busy here.” My father says and looks around.

The two of us play rock, paper, scissors for three rounds before the attendant gets back to us.

“One of our customers is offering to dine with you. Follow me.” The lady says. My father and I share a look.

I don’t know who I was expecting. Maybe the Duke, possibly the princess who wants revenge for that day on the ship.

But I had not expected azure eyes and a wide smile.

Father and I take a deep bow. Take our shoes off at the base of the platform and take a seat on the empty side opposite of Prince Cerulean.

“I will come back soon for your orders,” the attendee says to us passing off two menus. We nod.

“Hello, Your Highness.” My father and I say in unison.

“Thank you,” I add quickly. I can feel his gaze on my face.

“You are welcome.” He says.

“I am Adrian Nilsen, this is my daughter, Islet.” Father says with another back-breaking bow. His head hangs over our empty side of the table.

I glance at the Prince who looks like he’s about to crack up. “Rise, Adrian. I did not call you over for formalities.”

“Forgive me.” My father says before rising to his full height. ‘Didn’t realize my father was such a suck-up.’

I wince at the shadow he creates over the table.

The Prince waves away his apology and goes back to his tea and book. He doesn’t say much to us. I can’t help but stare at him.

Why did he let us dine with him? What could he want to discuss if not formalities? Surely he won’t admit to being my Twin Ray in public like this…right?

“You work for Duke Creed of the Eastern Palace, yes?” Prince Cerulean inquires.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Then you may know about what he’s been spouting about my fiance.” It stings to hear that word leave his lips.

My father and I share looks.

“Uh, we are not aware of anything Your Highness.” My father says.

The Prince looks up briefly eyes flicking between the two of us. He closes his book. He gently closes the sliding doors and clasps his hands together.

“Duke Creed has been saying that he’s found his Twin Ray.” Prince Cerulean says.

I frown. He hadn’t said anything of the sort. Though he has been mumbling to himself about being tired and too old. I look to my father but he seems just as confused as I am.

“He’s saying that Princess Marilla of Selkie is his long-lost Twin Ray.”

I gasp. I forget myself at that moment. The Duke was speaking of hallucinations and tiredness, it could be effects of Sunburst. But isn’t the Duke too old to be drinking Sunburst?

Prince Cerulean takes a sip of his tea. “What I am saying is that he is causing a quiet disturbance in high society because of his loose lips.”

“Thank you for telling us Prince Cerulean. But why, if you don’t mind me asking, are you telling us?” Father asks.

Prince Cerulean finishes off his tea and I offer to pour more. He lets me.

The fragile teapot steams a green-yellow into the fine porcelain cup.

The Prince clears his throat. I finish pouring and resettle on my pillow. The fluffy cushion takes away all the weight from my body.

“Because everyone is curious about who my Twin Ray is. And apparently, the duke knows.” Prince Cerulean says. His eyes slide back to me.

I sit up bolt-straight under his cold gaze. ‘But I didn’t say anything!’ I want to shout. But that wouldn’t be appropriate in this situation. I can tell he’s getting a gauge for if I tattled. It wasn’t me, I barely had time to speak to the duke with all the business stuff. The only person talking to him was my father.

I pause. My stomach drops and my heart starts racing.

I turn to my father who is looking at his hands. He’s pulled them off the table and into his lap.

“No way,” I mumble. My father doesn’t look at me. “Father.” I hiss trying to get his attention. But he doesn’t respond.

The waitress knocks on the door. I feel bad since I haven’t even opened my menu. My stomach turns.

“A few minutes,” the prince calls. He waits until the waitress is out of earshot.

“Was it you?” The prince asks.

“It was a moment of vulnerability. I was a little under the influence a few nights ago. Too much wine.” He admits somberly.

“You’ll have to take responsibility for this mistake.” Prince Cerulean says crossing his arms over his chest. Fixing intense his gaze on my father.