229 The Lost Princess

AUTHOR'S POV

Stellan went out first when he heard a soft knock on the door. Opening a small crevice, he peeked at the person who's been repeatedly coming back to his chambers. "What is it?", he asked.

"A pleasant morning be with you, Sir Stellan", Radovid greeted. "Duchess Lucia and Lord Nero wishes for you and the princess to join them for lunch", he said formally.

Stellan knew he had it coming, for it won't be too long before the news reaches his mother that a guest have arrived in Hesam. "Let them know, we'll meet them at dinner instead. The princess is unwell from the long journey".

"I understand, Sir.", Radovid thought that the Duchess would be greatly disappointed. She has been waiting for the presence of his son all morning, wanting to see the face of the woman who defied knight trainings, and kept his son locked in his bedchambers. "Would you need anything for the comfort of her Majesty?", he asked respectfully.

Stellan paused and thought hard. With his stomach growling, he had so much delicacies running in his mind. "Maybe some meat, wine, and lots of raspberry tarts for lunch.. and prolly, get me a more comfortable clothes for Helena, perhaps for riding a horse..".

Stellan and Helena spent the entire day sharing a good laugh, and exchanging stories. Every second counted, that they treasured every moment getting lost in each other's enthralling smiles and mesmerizing gazes. In bewildered heartbeats, they made a clearer vision of their future endowed by destiny.

Freya slipped in and out of Hesam as she perfect the use of making portals. Anxious with determination, she exhausted every bit of her abilities to access her magic doors effectively. On her last roundabout, she handed a purple potion to Helena, saying it's handy for her eyes. She never made it for dinner.

In a very unprincess-like clothing, Helena wore a silk chemise, a pair of high-waisted beige trousers and black leather boots. She put on a thick black collared brocade coat, before she walked out of the room with Stellan, who looked dashing in his dark blue doublet and trousers.

Helena has been tired of the ardous life in a run and hide. Despite the many obstacles reaching a carefree life, she still had those fleeting hesitations to rely on Stellan. However, after last night… there's no going back. Something heavy started to become a burden in her chest, hoping she made a right decision.

The pair of eye-catching couple walked hand in hand to the dining room, where whispers were audibly heard about the presence of a princess in Hesam castle. Easily, Duchess Lucia and Lord Nero have heard from the clamors that a woman have entered the castle under the care of their son, Stellan. They have been waiting with long necks to meet the woman who rattled not only Hesam, but the entire kingdom.

The Lord and the Duchess seated on the long forty-two seater iron table covered with a black satin mantle. An extensive display of long, cylindrical, and slender white candles on silver candelabrum were all lit, making the entire dining hall seemingly gleam warmly in a cold breezy night. For tonigh's preference, Duchess Lucia had fresh red roses beautifully arranged in between the candles, giving off a wonderful floral scent. She thought it was well-fitting at a special time like this. Duchess Lucia made Radovid prepare an array of mouth-watering feast, delectable to the exquisite taste of the princess. After all, it is the first time they're hearing of Helena, the lost princess of Nether.

"Mother, Father", Stellan called sternly with his hand on Helena. "I'd like to introduce you all to Princess Helena, my… soon to be wife".

Helena clutched on Stellan's arm and smiled sweetly at his parents who looked radically at sea staring at her. Concealing the immense elation and nervousness, Helena tried as hard despite the couple goggles at her making her heart jump out of her chest. Wanting to leave a great impression, she remained calm knowing Stellan is right beside her. "Pleasure to meet you, Duchess.. my Lord", she greeted with a curtsy.

Duchess Lucia peered at Helena with an adamant look... judging the young woman standing beside her son with the sound of her voice, complexion of the skin and manner of etiquette. The Duchess could tell that the lady, Stellan has been head over heels fallen for, isn't exactly how she thought she would be. "What a lovely name, for a lovely lady", she just said. 

Unexpectedly, Lord Nero appeared to be more reposed, and welcoming. Stellan thought it must be because Helena is a royal, knowing his father have high regard on people with royal blood. "Beatrice… is your mother?", Lord Nero stared intently at the princess who looked very common compared to the other royals he have met. Despite the beauty she beholds under the garment of a man, she isn't as refined and deviant as how she is supposed to be for a royal. The lord's eyes run from Helena's head to toe, that it almost made her a bit uncomfortable. "No wonder a mere woman sent the entire castle in an uproar. You are such a beauty worth keeping away from the crowd", he blurted out. 

Stellan cleared his throat, distracting his father for making further comments on the lady they just met. "My.. where are manners. Please take a seat, the food is getting cold", he invited the two at dinner.

Stellan clasped on Helena's hand as they walk towards the dinner table. It was the only thing he can bear in the suffocating room that makes him feel nauseating. There was a long dead air in the uneasy family reunion. He can tell at a glance that it is not fairly a bright idea to do this at thims time. Noticeably, without an effort of hiding it, Duchess Lucia and Lord Nero had their eyes fixedly set on Helena, giving her a sense of being unwanted in the dinner table. The servants too were quite edgy at Helena's presence, as if they knew something isn't right despite all the perfections served for tonight's feast.