A Revealing Dinner

Olivia and Drae exchanged curious glances, while Matt looked on with interest. Mr. Patton, however, was already aware of his wife's noble background and listened with a warm smile.

You see, I was born into a noble family, Mrs. Patton began. But my parents disowned me for certain reasons after then they mysteriously died.

My step uncle, seeing they wasn't any apparent heir took over our status as heir and married a woman who was...obsessive about the Elderpharny house .

Drae's expression was indifferent.

So, you're a high-born, she said. What's the big deal?

Olivia, on the other hand, looked at her mother with a mix of surprise and understanding.

You're a proper lady, Mother, she said.

I've always known you were special.

Mrs. Patton smiled weakly, touched by her daughter's words.

I've been wanting to tell you children about my heritage for a long time, she said.

But I wanted to wait until you were mature enough to understand.

Mr. Patton put his arm around his wife's shoulders.

We're proud of you, my dear, he said.

And we're glad you're sharing this with the children.

Just then, Mr. Patton's face lit up with excitement.

Speaking of good news, Lord Harrington has offered me a position as the royal cobbler, he said.

And, my dear, he's also appointed you as the king's governess to his niece, Princess Anne.

The Pattons were thrilled, and Mrs. Patton's eyes shone with happiness.

This is a wonderful opportunity for us, she said.

I'm so grateful to Lord Harrington for believing in us."

As they finished dinner, Drae couldn't help but think about the cat eyed man she had met earlier. She had left for the library and a small stroll through the outskirts of their guests house she inductively glanced around the room, wondering if he might be watching her or she catching a glimpse of the fine sure.

Olivia noticed her sister's distant and wandering gaze.

Drae, are you okay? she asked, her voice low.

Drae nods her head, but Olivia wasn't convinced.

Drae, are you with your virtue? Olivia asked, her voice serious.

She wasn't as naive as she thought her be, her eyes narrowed.

Drae's expression was defiant, but Olivia's words struck a chord. She knew her sister was right, and she needed to be careful.

Drae, you need to be careful around the men here and I mean the silver haired man , Olivia said, her voice serious.

They can be charming, but they can also be trouble.

Drae rolled her eyes. I can take care of myself, Olivia, she said.

But Olivia was insistent. I'm just trying to help, Drae, she said.

You need to be mindful of your virtues and your reputation. You don't want to be seen as...loose.

Drae raised an eyebrow. And how do I do that?" she asked with obvious annoyance, gallivanting with men was the list of her thoughts.

Olivia smiled.

You need to be shy and bold at the same time, she said.

It's a delicate balance, but it's one that will serve you well in this court.

Drae was annoyed by now.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean sounds to me like you are selling me off she said.

Olivia laughed.

Don't worry, I'll teach you and why would I sell you off with no benefit for me she jested. Just stick with me, and you'll be fine Olivia blew a sarcastic kiss to her sister.

Earning an eye roll from Drae.

Just then, a representative from the castle arrived to speak with the Pattons that afternoon .

As you are aware, you have been appointed to new roles in the castle, the representative said.

As such, it is necessary for you to understand the rules and protocols of the castle.

The representative went on to lecture them on the importance of propriety and decorum, and the need to maintain a good reputation.

You will be expected to conduct yourselves in a manner befitting your positions,the representative said.

Any behavior deemed unbecoming will be addressed accordingly.

Mrs. Patton nodded, taking mental notes. We understand, she said.

The representative smiled.

Good, he said.

I will leave you to prepare for your new roles. You will be expected to report to your assigned positions shortly and roles would be assigned, you must be favoured by this opportunity congratulations Patton's.

As the representative left, Mr. Patton stood up.

I need to travel to our city to take care of some matters and gather necessary properties,he said.

I'll be preparing our house and making sure everything is in order.

Mrs. Patton nodded.

Be careful, she said. We'll miss you.

Mr. Patton smiled. I'll be back before you know it, he said placing a kiss on her cheek. And I'll make sure everything is ready for us to settle in.

As they dispersed to prepare for their new roles, the Pattons felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. They knew their lives were about to change in significant ways, and they were ready to face the challenges ahead.

With their new roles and responsibilities, they knew they'd have to navigate the complexities of court life. But they were determined to make the most of their opportunities and prove themselves worthy of the king's trust.

As the days passed, Mrs. Patton threw herself into her new role as governess, determined to make a good impression on the royal family. She spent hours preparing lessons and activities for Princess Anne, and from next week she would resume, she soon found out she'd be assisting Lady Catherine because she was retiring soon.

Mr. Patton, on the other hand, was busy setting up his workshop as the royal cobbler. He spent long hours designing and crafting shoes for the royal family, and he was proud of the work he was doing and made his journey away.

Drae and Olivia were also adjusting to their new lives in the castle talking about the sudden change yet strange but all the same favours from their prayers.

They read books and visited areas to know castles grounds the other servats and guards, and they were learning about the intricacies of court life.

But despite the excitement and challenges of their new roles, Drae couldn't shake off the feeling that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't imagine but now she could see the knights train and assignments would be given to each family, maybe work as a squire or an armourer

As the sun set over the kingdom, the Pattons looked forward to a bright future. They knew it wouldn't be easy, but they were determined to make the most of their new roles and prove themselves worthy of the king's trust.

The kingdom was full of surprises, and the Pattons were ready to face whatever came their way. With their new roles and responsibilities, they knew they'd have to navigate the complexities of court life.

But for now, they were content with the opportunities that lay before them. They knew they'd have to work hard, but they were ready for the challenge.