break the peace
Stretching and yawning like as lazy cat. Gwen opened her eyes to be greeted by the morning sun. It's glow was gentle probably tuning down from the change of weather and arrival of winter. The smell of dried leaves permeated with the morning breeze. It was lovely and soothing.
Gwen breathed in delightfully and a smile appeared on her lips. After the stress of the previous night, she had managed to have a good sleep at the end. Her body felt so light and her mood was good. The thought of all She had to deal with didn't burden her like it used to in the past morning.
"My Princess are you awake?" Amelia's voice rang out from outside her room door. She was not alone. The subsided murmurs of the other maids in waiting could be heard on the other side of the door.
"Come in" she called out.
The door was pushed open and then the girls walked in with a bunch of trays in their hands. Usually it would be her food on the tray but this time was only her morning supplies and nothing else.
"You are expected to have breakfast with Prince Arvcan and the Royal Family so we're here to dress you up"
Breakfast with the Prince and the royal family? How come she wasn't told about that?
"Why wasn't I informed about this... this breakfast?" She voiced her complains.
Ophelia answered "It was a last minute order from the King. We were only told to get you ready."
There was a court meeting later during the day and she was also mandated to be there so since she was going to have breakfast with the Prince she would end up seeing him at the breakfast and the meeting. Not only him, she would have to sit upright in front of the whole royal family. She had been here for more than a month but apart from occasionally seeing the King during court meeting and catching glances of a few Princes and Princess, she had never really met with any of the Royal Family directly in this past months. Now not only was she supposed to met them by she was expected to sit before them for about an hour.
How disappointing.
She loved all the days when they barely saw each other at all. Now they were about to break the peace and quiet that she enjoyed for this long. Sigh!
Since it was an order from the King she could not refuse. She took her bath first and then got dressed. All the while grumbling and murmuring in her mind. She wished she had a tangible reason to fluke the breakfast but she didn't.
When she was done in her room. She was led to the dining room.
"Princess Guinevere!" Her presence was announced and the door was pushed open.
Her eyes was greeted by a huge dining table that stretched across the large dining room. Several heads already sitting at the table and their eyes were fixed on her.
Head held high, shoulders relaxed and palm calmly clasped in front of her stomach. She made her way to the table with a small smile on her face. Trying her best to drown the looks that were being thrown her way.
One of the servants stepped forward and pulled out her chair from her. Naturally she was arranged to sit directly next to Arvcan.
Looking at his skeptic eyes and chilling smile she felt like turning away and choosing the seat farthest away from him but how could she. Casually she took her seat.
"Thank you, Your Majesty for inviting me for this meal. I'm truly honoured" She greeted with a small nod.
As if!
Honoured her foot! More like burdened.
King Vuk who was seated at her right hand shook his head. "It's only normal. You're family after all" He said.
"where's Prince Mavka?" Gwendolyn heard him whisper to the Majordome.
Prince Mavka?
She lifted her head and glanced at the empty seat next to Queen Eleen. Indeed the fifth Prince was absent.
She might not have met each of the Princes personally but still she had learnt and commemorated their names and hierarchy to memory. King Vuk had one wife and Five concubines. Although they were concubines their sons were still referred to as Princes as well as their daughters, and each in the order they were born. All together there were Seven Princes and Nine Princess
Queen Eleen had two sons; Prince Mavka and Prince Arvcan, at least that was what she was told when she was in Greecia. Now that she was here she had this nagging feeling that Prince Arvcan was not Queen Eleen's son. In the first place why was Arvcan considered as the Seventh Prince when he was older than his brother Prince Mavka who was known as the fifth Prince. It just didn't make sense.
If they were really ordered in the order of their birth then Prince Arvcan should be the Fifth prince since he was Older than both Prince Mavka and Prince Alan who were the Fifth and sixth Princes consecutively. Why was he reduced to the last of the Princes? Plus how come no one had ever raised an issue about it? It was almost like everyone was avoiding the topic.
That meeting she had with the Queen a month ago also helped her know there was something going on. Even still she had tried finding out but everyone was tight-lipped about the issue. Even her handmaids had refused telling her directly what the truth was.
Gwen lifted her eyes and looked at the Queen. She sat there looking at her nails, totally unbothered by the presence of people. She didn't even spare Gwen a glance. It was like that had never met. The Queen must have felt her gaze on her face cause she looked up and looked at Gwen.
Her eyes were stale and her face expressionless. Looking into her eyes, Gwendolyn felt a chill run down her spine. A foreboding feeling as well as fear plagued her heart.
This woman was dangerous!
Queen spared her few seconds glance then looked away.
"Prince Mavka says he can't make it. He left for Aidendrail a few minutes ago" The Majordome explained.
King Vuk frowned still he said nothing and went ahead to pick up his spoon.
"Let's eat!" He announced.
Everyone picked up their spoons and began to eat. Even still, Gwendolyn could feel the occasional glances that were sent her way. She could barely chew her food talkless of swallowing it down. It took much effort to sit up straight while chewing consequently in a flawless posture.
How much she missed slouching at her lounge and eating with her handmaids. She wanted so much to stand up and leave the dining room but it was rude to leave before the King so she had no choice to sit and pretend she was enjoying her food.
"How did the Princess find the Magic Guild? Was it to your liking?" The question was obviously directed at her.
Gwendolyn hurriedly swallowed the food in her mouth. "It was more than my expectations Your Majesty. I must give my thanks for receiving such an opportunity" She answered with a smile and made a slight bow.
King Vuk nodded pleased. He had already been informed how well she had acted in the magic. The Frigid Dean must look at her in a different light to have taken the effort to speak to her. The girl might not just be that bad after all.
The breakfast continued in the silence and finally came to an end minutes later.
Now that was done, it was time for the court meeting to begin. Apart from King Vuk, Queen Eleen, Prince Arvcan and herself, every other of the royal family went back to their Chambers while their group of four marched to the Court room.
Gwendolyn delayed in her steps and just when the others were a few meters ahead of her she turned and whispered to Amelia "Help me find out what it is between Queen Eleen and The Prince. I want to know everything there is by the evening"
Amelia was confused "The Prince? Prince Arvcan? Aren't they mother and Child? My Princess what else could be there between them?"
Gwen shook her head "There is something only Rylica people know about. I can't quite place it. Just find out first, I'll explain later" She hurriedly instructed and rushed to catch up with others.
Walking into the Court room, they presence was welcomed by the nobles and state commissioner with a standing ovation. They walked to their seats and the meeting began.
"Our first agenda is to be discussed by General Lancelot" The Registrar announced. At the same time a handsome young man stood up from his seat. He elegantly walked to the podium then made a salute after which he took a bow. From his walking step to his composure it was certain this young man had spent too many hours in the army. His calm and rigid posture also gave off an air of authority.