TENSION

"Father," Gabriella said, her voice clear and respectful as she greeted, "It's pleasing to see your face this morning." However, deep within her, she knew the irony played in those words.

Seeing his face again, brought back that anger which surfaced whenever she remembered the king taking her position away from her. She did well to suppress the quivering of her hands which almost revealed her anger towards the king and surprised the King with a gentle smile.

But she believed the king had known her well and could not be easily swayed by her calm gestures.

Gabriella curtsied again and greeted her mother and Alexia, each having a nice smile on their faces. No one wanted to be betrayed by the looks on their faces in front of their royal guest. She then turned to the Marquess.

"It's an honour to have you in our midsts, Marquess Brutus Santos." Gabriella deepened her bow in honour as the Marquess returned her greeting.

Darkon knew it was time to pay his own respect. Gently, he rose from his seat and gave the princess a cut curtsy. "It is an honour to meet you, my Princess."

It was then Gabriella took full notice of the Marquess's son. His wavy black hair cascaded down to his shoulders, accentuating his ocean-blue eyes and a nose that is straight and proportional to his facial features. His lips full, oddly drew Gabriella's attention as it curled into a subtle smile, "I am glad to see you again, Dario." Gabriella politely answered.

"Darkon," The Marquess interrupted. Darkon slightly taken aback by the name she called him.

"He changed his name when he went into the military. It is more like... His military name." Marquess Brutus further explained.

"Yes, that is true Gabriella." The King said recalling the time the Marquess requested for a change of name for his son.

"Oh, is that so?" Gabriella was surprised.

"That is right, my Princess. I prefer being called Darkon now." Gabriella nodded while still feeling surprised about it. Meanwhile, Darkon heaved inwardly and quietly took his seat.

"You can sit, Princess Gabriella." Ordered the king.

Tearing her gaze away from the Marquess's son, she said, "Thank you, Father." Gabriella's lips curved into a not-so-strong smile as she pulled back the seat and took her position and that was when she noticed the absence of the queen mother. "Father, Grandmother is not here?" She humbly inquired.

"I received a message from her maid that she isn't feeling so well. I have sent her some medical attention, you can go and see her later."

Gabriella nodded, however wondering the reason for her sudden illness. Then she remembered how stressed she looked last night. Later today, she would surely visit her in her chamber.

On the table, the dishes were delightedly arrayed. There were freshly baked breads, muffins, scones. Sliced seasonal fruits like strawberries, melons and other assorted dishes Gabriella couldn't count.

"Your Majesty," Darkon heard the voice of his father, a smile appearing on his face as he began to speak looking deep in thought. "The last time I saw our princess I believe was when again?" His brows rose in question.

The queen, seated on her ornate seat, inclined her head graciously. "That was ten years ago. My daughter here was that little advocate that persuaded the King of Blackshed at our first trade alliance with his kingdom to accept our proposal." She answered even before the king could speak, a glint of proudness in her eyes.

A look at Alexia revealed the woman now seated like a perturbed hen. As expected, Catalina laughed inwardly.

The air seemed tense. Darkon kept silent and watched his father continue to speak.

"That's right! That brilliant little girl at that time I promised myself never to forget. Your daughter I must commend is very intelligent."

"You are not mistaken, My Lord. By the grace of the goddess, Gabriella has grown into a brave woman. I believe I am right, your Majesty." Came the proudness in Catalina's voice.

"I consent to what she said, Marquess. Gabriella had always proven to us the love she has for the kingdom and her strong zeal to protect the kingdom." And this statement by the king brought more tension to the table. It didn't please Alexia.

"Oh, that's great. Pardon me for asking that question. So many years had passed since I last visited this castle."

"No issues, your grace. She was only a child when you left the castle. Now she is a full-grown woman." The queen responded again, having the Marquess nod.

"I am glad to see our princess again. Now that she is well known as the goddess of war."

"I'm glad to also see you again, your Grace," Gabriella said.

Darkon noticed his father turn around as if in search of something missing. "And where is the second princess, your Majesty?" He inquired.

The moment he asked this question, a sudden silence fell and Catalina was the first to notice the presence of a cautious footstep coming in through the entrance. "Look, I think that is our second princess." She informed.

I think. Alexia swallowed hard in her seat.

All eyes turned to the entrance where the clicking footsteps were heard. Stepping in with hips that swayed and feet barely touching the ground like the air was deliberately pushing her to walk was none other than, Vanessa.

She was also beautiful in her peach gown but not be matched with Gabriella as Priscilla would always say.

As she was close to the table, Vanessa curtsied to the king first and greeted him. "May the new day grace your Majesty with abundant blessings," this greeting only made Gabriella scoff from where she sat. Always trying to prove her intelligence.

Before Vanessa could turn and greet the Marquess, the perturbed hen quickly pulled herself up to her feet and she bowed as low as she could. "Your Grace, this is my daughter, Princess Vanessa." She said to the Marquess.

"Ah, I believe the second princess is doing well." Lord Brutus inquired.

"Yes... You are in no doubt right, your grace." Alexia almost stuttered at the recognition of her daughter as the second princess. She hated it whenever her daughter was referred to as second in anything.

Vanessa now finally greeted the Marquess also drawing Darkon to his feet as he greeted the second princess before he sat down again and returned his attention to his father you continued to say.

"I'm impressed by how much the princesses have grown." Marquess Brutus nodded as he complimented which the king agreed to it as breakfast formally began.

Gabriella kept her ears on the discussion at the table which slowly began in a soft note of exchanged pleasantries as Darkon's father deliberately talked about his happiness for visiting the castle again and urging his son to share his own happiness.

"I'm glad to be in the midst of everyone. It has always been my dream to meet the King again." Darkon said.

Gabriella smiled keeping her gaze slightly focused on him. With the way his deep voice echoed, he was truly a man now.

"You are once more welcome to my home. Feel free and make yourself comfortable." The king said to Darkon.

"I humbly accept your benevolence, your Majesty." Darkon bowed. His father continued, telling so many tales about their time in the military and elaborating on how wonderful his son had become as a warrior. He knew already that his father wouldn't fail to attract special recognition to him to impress the King and his family.

In return, the king also gave his daughters special recognition. However, much credit was given to Gabriella over Vanessa who was yet to achieve much. That no doubt didn't sit well with Alexia. However, Catalina enjoyed it to the fullest as breakfast continued but was interrupted when a voice was heard.

"I am here, everyone." The Queen mother suddenly approached, drawing all attention to herself as the sound of her tapping walking stick brought silence upon the room.