Pawn

Lixiss watched on as Mika became the life of the party. No one bothered to look her way all anyone cared about was Mika.

*Screech*

Lixiss abruptly push out her chair, the sound causing the hall to go silent. Now the center of everyone's stares, Lixiss froze under their weight. When trying to think of a good way to get herself out of this situation a young male walks in through the doors.

"Hello, I hope I'm not late." This voice was like Lixiss' saving grace as everyone's eyes turned towards the latecomer.

"Young master Jaonos you are indeed late but there is still food, come sit."

Lord Tasar invited the young male to sit at the last remaining available seat at his table. Hearing the mention of food the members who originally surrounded Mika went back to their seats to eat.

Lixiss' eyes stayed trained on Jaonos from the time of his arrival. Subconsciously Lixiss also retook her seat, changing her whole demeanor into a poised and refined young lady. Chatting and laughing with the people around her, she tried to catch Jaonos' focus.

Regrettably, the seat Joanos happened to take was right next to Mika. His attention had been captured by this new young miss from the time he sat down. Aggravated by Joanos' and Mika's close proximity to one another Lixiss couldn't help recalling Mika's arrival here.

____

Coming back from her mother's house Lixiss saw her eldest brother, knowing Elmer went with their father on his business trip Lixiss was delight by their return.

Before she could welcome him home Joanos reach him first. Seeing Joanos Lixiss forgot about her brother and followed Joanos instead.

Elmer bought up his travels as Joanos commented here and there. Lixiss waited for the perfect chance to intervene, as she was going to let her presence be known she heard Joanos' words.

"Elmer, who is that beautiful young miss you and your father bought with you?"

"Haha...you'll know soon enough."

Lixiss didn't know who is 'young miss' was and she didn't care. The only thing she cared about was that young master Joanos called her beautiful.

For years she had been trying to get his affection, but he never gave her a single glance. Now a 'young miss' from nowhere has stolen what was supposed to be hers.

"Haha..."

The sound of laughter broke Lixiss out of her daydreaming. Looking across the table Lixiss saw Mika and Joanos leaning towards one another, they were talking in low voices both sporting a bright smile on their face.

"What could they possibly be talking about? They have nothing in common." Lixiss thought as her stare was drilling a hole into both their heads.

Mika felt Lixiss' displeasure a long time ago, but since Lixiss hasn't done anything to her there was no need to waste her energy. Although now it seems Lixiss was reaching her breaking point.

As the dinner carried on Joanos stuck to Mika's side explaining things she didn't understand or telling her what food to taste.

In the beginning, Mika felt the dinner was going to be tiresome, Joanos' company changed her mind. Thoroughly enjoying herself, Mika no longer concerned herself with Lixiss' behavior.

Seeing Mika laughing once again at Joanos' jokes Lixiss couldn't take it any longer.

"Will you just shut up! You shouldn't even be here, get out!"

Lixiss abruptly stood from her seat shouting and pointing her finger at Mika.

One could hear a needle drop in the silent hall, Lord Tasar sat in his seat not even recognizing his daughter.

Clearing the clog in his throat, Lord Tasar dissolved the silence in the room, "Lixiss, what is going on?"

Panting and with a flush face, Lixiss didn't realize she had actually taken action until her father's voice bought her back to reality.

Scanning the room she saw everyone's confusion, taking glancing at Joanos she saw indifference on his face.

Does he not even wondering what was wrong with her? Lixiss couldn't take that look of his and turns away quickly.

Mika also saw this reaction from Joanos, even she was startled and looked at Lixiss in confusion. And Joanos who's a member of the Udava clan doesn't even blink an eye at Lixiss' outburst.

"There is something more going on between these two." Mika thought.

"Lixiss, you have been under too much stress lately, you should retire for the night." Concern his daughter complexion didn't look good, Lord Tasar made an excuse for her to leave.

"Father, I'm fine. I just-" Lixiss didn't want to leave, this would probably be the only time she'll get to be this close to Joanos.

"No. You are tired. Retire for the night." Calling for Kasra Lord Tasar order for her to take Lixiss back to her house.

"Take your mistress back to the room, and see to her health." Karsa could see Lord Tasar was upset, she shouldn't defy his orders.

Gently holding Lixiss' arms, Karsa guided Lixiss away from the hall and towards her residence.

Although Lixiss was gone the awkward vibe stayed in the hall. The once bubbly ambiance turned sour. Lord Tasar worried about his daughter, was in no mood to save the dinner. The dinner ended soon after Lixiss departure.

When Mika entered her house, Saavi was still waiting.

"How was the dinner?" Saavi stretched the sleepiness from her body before helping Mika get ready for bed.

"I think I was just used as someone's pawn."