Chapter 19: Dinner Guest

Serenah was in a good mood. Her lessons with Lord Hulight had been fun and informative. After that, her horseback ride had been calming. Her father had gifted her a black gelding with a rather sweet disposition. She still wasn't sure why he had done it, but for now, she would enjoy the gift. She was currently soaking in the bath and relaxing when Lael abruptly ran in.

She looked at her maid and frowned. "What is it?"

"My Lady, His Majesty has ordered that you come to dinner in the main hall."

Serenah's heart started to race. Ever since she had awoken, she had been eating in her room with Lael and Alastar. That suited her just fine. She didn't want to eat with her father and sister or the nobles who might have been invited to the meal. Life had been peaceful without having to worry about court politics.

Sighing, she rose from the tub and took the towel Lael offered her. She moved quickly because if she were late, her father would make an example of her. It took thirty minutes to get ready and they hurried toward the dining hall.

The guards opened the door and announced her arrival. Serenah entered, curtsied, and waited for her father to acknowledge her arrival.

"Father," she murmured, keeping her gaze lowered.

"Serenah. Hurry up and sit. You were almost late," he growled.

She flinched, straightened, and walked to the left side of the table. She kept her expression neutral when she saw Grand Duke Noward sitting to her father's left in the spot that was usually reserved for her. She wanted to complain but swallowed her objections. By placing the Grand Duke directly to his left, her father was saying the Grand Duke's position was higher than a princess. It was just another way her father was seeking to humiliate her.

The Grand Duke stood and pulled out the chair next to him. "Princess," he greeted and bowed to her.

She took note of Noward's gaze and felt disgusted. His gaze was mocking and lecherous. It made her feel dirty. The man was the same age as her father. He also was a widower, without heirs. This made him something of an anomaly in their kingdom where heirs were highly prized. Back home, he had ruled the northern region of the Poten kingdom with an iron fist, much like her father. His soldiers loved him, but the lower classes, not as much.

Serenah sat and pushed aside her rambling thoughts. She needed to be focused. If she didn't, this dinner would turn into a disaster for her.

The meal was delivered, and they ate in silence. She was fine with that. She was startled when Noward touched her hand. She jerked it away and almost glared at him before catching herself. She felt her father's eyes on her, too.

"Princess, I wanted to say that I am happy that you are awake."

"Thank you, Grand Duke. I am happy to be awake as well. Although I'm still confused as to why I fell asleep to start with. My memories are disjointed and missing. I am doing my best to move forward and not to dwell on it too much."

"That is a good attitude to have. I also heard that Lord Hulight is tutoring you."

Serenah smiled when she thought of her tutor. "He is an amazing teacher. He is patient, explains things well, and encourages questions if I don't understand something."

"Hmm, the former Maquis is beloved by many. I'm sure he is just as honored to have you as his pupil."

She laughed. "I'm not sure about that but I do my best not to disappoint him."

"What are some things you are learning that you enjoy?"

She thought it odd that Noward was asking so many questions but answered anyway. She didn't want to be considered rude.

"The science here. It reminds me of our alchemy and magic, just a more advanced version of them. I would love to take some of the technologies and ideas from this place and use them when we get back home. I think our people would like it as well."

Her father mockingly laughed, and she abruptly stopped speaking.

Noward glanced at her father. "You disagree, Your Majesty?"

"Of course. My YOUNGEST knows nothing of ruling and thus naively thinks such ideas will work."

Serenah flushed, embarrassed by her father's belittling tone. Why did he always put her down? There was nothing wrong with her ideas.

"I don't see what my idea about technology has to do with ruling, father," she replied quietly.

Her sister's derisive snort pulled her gaze across the table. Amanah sat with a smug expression. Serenah tensed when her father banged his fist on the table.

"You will be quiet, Serenah. Those who do not think intelligently should keep their mouths shut."

Her heart hurt at his words. He was dismissing her again. She wasn't stupid, contrary to what her father said and told others.

"Father, at this rate when she goes to school in the fall, she's going to be an embarrassment for this family. Maybe you should homeschool her."

"You're wrong sister. I will not be an embarrassment. I will excel and take the top spot."

Amanah burst into laughter. "Oh, my, little sister, if nothing else you might be able to find a job as a comedian after you graduate high school."

Serenah really wished she could slap her sister but that would not go over well for her.

"You will obey your sister when you go to school. We have a high status, and I will not let you ruin it," growled her father.

"I am capable of doing the right thing. I will bring honor to our family."

"Enough! Serenah, you may leave. Dinner is over."

Resentment filled her. He was dismissing her again as unimportant. She hated it when he did that. She had feelings, too!

"Yes, Father." Swallowing her bitterness, she rose and curtsied. "Have a good evening Grand Duke."

"You as well, Princess." He snagged her hand and kissed the back of it.

She suppressed the shudder that wanted to run through her at his touch. She would take another bath as soon as she was away from this hell.

She hurried from the dining room and didn't cry until she made it to her room. She couldn't wait to turn eighteen and graduate!