Pleasant Surprise

Damien Pov:

A guest at this time of the night sound like a nuisance, who would come to visit a palace without prior notice.

Who is this guest? Did they state their name and the reason for the visitation? I heard my Mother ask the guard that came to make the announcement.

I was informed it is Miss Shira and Sir. Lance from the White Haven Kingdom My Queen.

I could not believe my ears, Shira came to the Grimly Kingdom, this is not expected but for sure is a pleasant surprise. I had no idea what my Mother gave as a response but I just know I had to go check if it is really Shira or I am hallucinating this whole conversation.

And there she is standing in her full glory. She looks so beautiful and radiant as ever. I could not put into words the emotion I am feeling right now seeing her in front of me in this moment.

She stood there smiling at me, she must be so thrilled to see my jaw dropping. she must have really wanted to give me a surprise, and am all for it.

The next moment, I am in her arms. I miss this feeling. This feeling of being home. Even when I was admist family, I had not felt this peaceful like I am right now in her arms. She sure was and is my salvation.

I missed you too darling. I heard her whisper to my ears, but you have to let go now. Your family are here.

Apologies for coming here without prior notice Queen Martha and King Luriel. We hope we are not being a nuisance to you. We had thought we would get here during the day but our carriage had a little hiccup on the road.

Not all Princess Shira, I heard my Mother replied. You are welcome here any day and any time my Liege. She said bowing her head a little.

My Mother, Father and siblings all took turn in welcoming Shira, they all seem delighted to see her and Lance. Even Darrien and Darius that barely talk could be seen visibly smiling from ear to ear. Well I do not blame them, Shira is a symbol of high spirituality. She is the connection between the world and the goddess. It is an extreme honor to be in her presence. Even Duriel came to shake hands with her, as he stare at her as though he is just seeing her for the first time.

I had always known he is more or less obsessed with Shira, he did not even bother hiding it most times. Time will tell if the obsession is illbred or not. But for now I just want to steal her away and cuddle, but it seem I am going to be waiting for a while.

We should all go in now, dinner is already served. We are honored to have you both dine on our table.

The honor is ours. I heard Lance responded politely with a bright smile. He always have that angelic presence, when in fact it is just a ploy to draw you in and make you supceptible to manipulation. It is hard to know when he is being real or when he is just putting on a facade. I have stayed with him for a while but he is still a mystery to me.

Elora stop staring at Prince Lance that shamelessly, you might as well drill a hole into his body while at it. I heard Mother chastise Elora.

Mother, can you blame me? I have heard stories of his grandeur, those words falls short. He is just too breathtaking. Elora responded as though her object of fascination is not also at the table.

You flatter me, Lance responded politely. Princess Elora is quite gorgeous as well.

You mean you find me attractive as well? My Liege. I don't mind being…

Elora will you stop that! Mother seem to have had enough of Elora's ignominious behavior. Can you let the guest have their dinner in peace, do you not notice that you are making Prince Lance quite uncomfortable. Yet he is trying to indulge you, but there you go being a brat.

Am sorry Mother. Elora seem to be on the verge of tears. Prince Lance, I really hope I was not being a nuisance to you. If my presence is making you uncomfortable, I could just leave.

Will you stop being dramatic, and just eat your food. Mother said shaking her head. I am glad it is not only me that Elora drives crazy.

You are not a nuisance my Lady. I find you a breath of fresh air. You are quite the witty type. I like it. Perhaps we might chat later.

Really! Elora almost screamed. She seem to have forgotten how to be act with dignity. She is usually a chatterbox but she still know how to compose herself.

Apologies everyone. Am truly sorry. I seem to have been carried away. I really do not want to be a nuisance. Let us eat now before dinner gets cold.

After that, Elora really went quiet but everyone could still see that she still keeps staring at Lance. Lance seem as though he did not notice but I know he noticed. Mother also decide to hold her peace, am sure she will give her a piece of her mind later. She really seem to be pissed at her.

Princess Shira and Prince Lance, we have prepared your rooms. I am sure you must be tired from your journey. I suggest you rest now. Selena and Manuel here will help you in whatever you need. Father said pointing to the maid and the manservant that was to help Shira and Lance.

You are so kind King Luriel. I am truly exhausted now and will like to rest now. Princess Elora, I hope you don't mind we talk tomorrow instead. Lance said now facing Elora with a face that seem to say, I really would love nothing more than to talk with you all night but I am just too tired, I fear I might collapse any moment.

It is no worry Prince Lance. Just knowing you are willing to spend your precious time with me still feels unreal. You should rest up, tomorrow or any other day is fine by me.

I think Elora might already be obsessed with Lance. Oh! My poor sister.. she is just bound to be heartbroken. I think Lance heart might not be functioning. Since we were kids, I had not seen him take a fancy to anyone.

I will show Shira to her room. I said as I pull her from her seat, while almost dragging her upstairs to my room. I have been patient enough.