Chapter Twenty Six
~Hiding Something~
Niamh was lost in her own world, staring intently at the diadem as if she was searching for an answer for why it suddenly changed from blue to white, and then back to blue again.
A knock came at the door forcing her to snap out of her thoughts. She quickly hid the diadem under her pillow before urging the one at the door to come in.
Her maids walked in and bowed.
"Good morning lady Neev, hope you had a good sleep" they beamed. Neev fiddled her fingers and nodded like a child acting nervous after committing a crime.
"I'll make your bed while Ophelia will wash you up" Kieran made her way towards the bed but was stopped by Niamh's voice.
"No!" There's nowhere she's letting them touch her bed, not when the crown was still there.
"Why, M'lady? You've never complained about making your bed" Kieran tilted her head and asked.
Niamh bit her lower lip, getting flustered by her statement.
"I will do it today" she answered lowly.
"My Lady, are you perhaps.... hiding something?" Kieran asked again and Neev went mute thinking of an answer.
How the hell did she know she's hiding something?!
"Can I see the prince?" She suddenly asked.
Kieran and Ophelia exchanged knowing glances and grinned. They knew where this is going.
"His Serene Highness, the first Prince Lansel asked to see you after you wash up. You're having your meal with him" Ophelia answered and Niamh sighed.
This is surely not going to be good, there's nowhere she's getting away with these mischievous maids of hers.
"Fine, don't touch my pillow. I'll kill you if you do that" she suddenly warned, her voice was exceptionally cold and firm.
"I won't, I promise" Kieran shot her a knowing smile.
Niamh shrugged her shoulders and started walking towards the bathroom but paused midway and turned to Kieran.
"You're acting suspicious and mischievous, you know that?" Neev asked.
Kieran let out a soft chuckle and bowed
"I couldn't pretend I don't know what you're hiding, My Lady"
Niamh gasped, she knew?!
"When the prince came to us this morning, he wasn't wearing his diadem. The prince never take out his diadem except at night, for it is connected with his powers. He never forgets to wear it in the morning. So, what I believe you're trying to hide is the diadem, I suppose" Kieran explained.
Niamh was tongue-tied, she was utterly speechless. She'd now understood her maids' personalities- Kieran is observant and careful while Ophelia is carefree and sweet.
"It's better if we didn't waste the Prince's time, My Lady" Ophelia bowed.
After that, she was washed up and dressed.
"Do I really need a makeover? I haven't eaten, I'm starving!" Niamh protested as they made her hair.
"This is your first time having a meal with the prince, you should look good" Kieran stated, shooting her that sweet knowing smile.
"Not like I'm his intended or something. I'm even mad at him" Niamh huffed in a mutter, loud enough for them to hear.
"Mad at the prince? That's..." Ophelia trailed off and the duo giggled.
"Think negative and get your brain fried" Niamh warned but the maids giggled non-stop.
"All done" they announced and moved away from her.
She was wearing a sapphire blue flowing gown that has a V neck and a belt at the tummy, tied to a side. There are white flowers and delicate swirls embroidered at the edges of the dress and sleeves which adorned the dress and added more beauty and elegance to it. Her silver hair was styled in a waterfall braid, curls cascaded at her back and some parts falling on her shoulders. There's actually no make up on her face but she looked stunning.
"Can we go now? The prince must be waiting"
Niamh took the golden diadem from beneath the pillow and using her powers, she turned it invisible.
The trio left the guest house and headed towards Lansel's chamber. On their way, they met prince Dionysios and they all bowed. Prince Dionysios let out a charming smile and bowed his head briefly.
"Good morning My Lady"
Niamh was confused at first. Isn't he the one that wanted to take her to the Queen? Why is he acting all cool now?
His demeanor was much more calmer and warm compared to yesterday. Will this prince ever get angry?
"Morning, My Prince" she composed herself and reciprocated with a sweet little smile.
"I believe you're heading somewhere, see you soon" he bade with that serene ocean blue eyes that shot her a beautiful glance. They all bowed and watched him leave. Seems he didn't notice the invisible diadem she was holding. Her powers are far stronger than she ever thought.
"What's his motives of acting all cool now?" She asked, no one in particular.
Niamh could see how magnificent the palace is. It was rich, luxurious and grandeur. There were guards placed in every corner and a group of soldiers patrolling. The atmosphere was lively and warm. The sun was shining, the trees were moving, the birds were chirping and everything smelled royalty.
They finally reached a castle like building. Wait! Is this is the prince's chamber? This doesn't look like a mere chamber. It should be called The Prince's Castle! Niamh took her time savouring the building before taking the stairs until she sensed a presence on the other side of the stairs. She turned to see princess Rialorna walking towards the main door. There was a mocking smile plastered on Rialorna's lips.
Niamh sighed and approached her. Somehow the memories of seeing her with the prince hugging last night flashed in her brain and her anger came back. She suddenly felt bold. She'll gladly vent her anger on princess Rialorna.
"What are you doing here?"