THE PRINCESS GABRIELLA GIBON

"You are back my princess," Priscilla called to her attention, entering with the tray in her hands again. "I had gone to reheat the tea so it wouldn't get cold."

"Keep it on the table," Gabriella said.

Priscilla nodded placing the tray on the table before taking the robe and began to fold it. "So, my princess, how did it go with Princess Vanessa and the priest?"

"She had said nothing about it, claiming that she needed to get herself ready to welcome Marquess Brutus," Gabriella told her, returning her gaze to the men alighting from the carriage.

"I knew it, maybe she had not received any blessings from the priest. I can't help but perceive that the princess might be lying about the priest." Priscilla shook her head and noticed the tea was still untouched.

"Your tea is getting cold, my princess. It's best you drink it while it's warm. Drinking it cold will reduce the effects." Priscilla who had been looking for the opportunity to go to the window and see what the princess paid such rapt attention to, took the tea immediately and went to hand it personally to the princess.

Gabriella took the tea and took a sip before turning again to the sight.

Now, the Marquess had stepped out. He stood tall, adorned in regal attire, the air of nobility and power surrounding him and his son like a cloak.

She paid much attention trying to see the face of his son, but it seemed the more she looked, the more difficult it was to see his face because the man had his face turned sideways as if studying each environment he looked at.

Priscilla now joined her and said, "No wonder the King had retained his friendship with Marquess Brutus. Everything about him spells wealth."

A knock came followed by a voice of a messenger announcing the King's demand for Princess Gabriella's presence in the dining room as soon as possible.

"Can you get a dress for me? Something elegant?" Gabriella asked in the form of a request making Priscilla smile.

"Right away, my Princess." With a gentle smile, Priscilla turned to the princess's wardrobe. Those were the loving qualities the maid loved about Gabriella. Though she was the superior, she was polite, playful and fun to be with.

Priscilla retrieved the gown from the wardrobe. The gown was a stunning confection of embroidered silk in shades of emerald green. Quickly, she joined the princess who had entered the bathroom, helping her wash properly.

After the bath, Gabriella was booming, filling the room with the sweet, floral aroma of orange blossom.

Priscilla proceeded to assist her in dressing instantly. She then moved on to the princess's hair, brushing out the long, dark curls with a silver-backed brush as she applied honey and olive oil to her hair whose sweet scent blended in perfectly with the already... fragrance.

She braided and pinned the tresses into a single flat braid ponytail, leaving a few tendrils to frame the side of the princess's face.

Finally, she added the finishing touches: a touch of face makeup, delicate pearl earrings and a matching necklace that glimmered in the morning light.

Stepping back to admire her handiwork, Priscilla smiled. "You look radiant, my Princess."

Gabriella regarded her reflection in the mirror, "Thank you, but it's just a simple breakfast party and you've made me this beautiful. How much more if it was a grand ball I was attending?" Gabriella complimented. She was surprised to see the glamour of her face. "You never cease to amaze me."

"I love being flattered, My princess." Priscilla smiled. "A good number of royalties will be there, so... Vanessa will not match your beauty in any form." She assured.

"But there is no competition. It's just a breakfast..."

"I know, but every time, anywhere, I will always make sure your beauty surpasses hers," Priscilla said as she arranged back the things used in the makeup. "And... You need to get those energetic men sticking to you like bees to honey."

This statement made her stomach flutter as her palms suddenly turned cold.

Priscilla glanced and waved her hands excitedly and said, "Don't forget to tell me what happened after breakfast."

"Oh, Priscilla." Gabriella shook her head, what else could she expect her to tell her if not about the son of the marquess? "See you later." She said and waved back at her. Without wasting time, Gabriella hastened to leave. It would be unwise to arouse the king's anger by being late at the table.

~~~~

The morning sun had now risen over the castle, bathing the hallway in a warm, golden light. The ornate stained-glass windows cast intricate patterns of jewel-toned colours on the polished stone floor, creating a mesmerizing effect that danced and shifted with the movement of Gabriella's footsteps.

Darkon's eyes looked up the moment he heard the soft echo of footsteps from the stairs.

A lady walked down the stairs into the dining room, her movements measured, smooth and controlled, exuding a quiet confidence in her emerald green which hugged her fit physique, showcasing her toned arms and slender waist. Delicate lace trails cascaded down her back, adding a touch of elegance to her overall appearance.

He knew it was her, the exact face in the picture. Gabriella Gibon.

Her black hair was neatly braided back and held in place with a few silver hair pins, framing her heart-shaped face and accentuating not just her delicate features, but also her confident demeanour. She carried herself with grace and poise. The woman they called the goddess of war.

The Marquess with two other men, one she believed was his son and the other his assistant were already welcomed by the King and all had seated in wait for the arrival of the princesses.

As Gabriella approached the seat, she caught the eyes of the Marquess and his son with his assistant who watched her every move with rapt attention.

Seated at the head of the table was the King with the air of authority that was always embedded in him. Beside him was the Queen respectfully seated in her position beside him.

The Marquess with his crew sat at the left side of the extravagant dining table and on the right-hand adjacent Catalina was none other than the mistress, Alexia, always having the look of a good and obedient wife.

The maids and servants had stood a good distance away from the table and kept themselves in wait for any order. The guards too at some positions were stationed.

Gabriella was sure she was already late. But thank goodness Vanessa was yet to be present at the table. That will save her from being painted the bad one. At least she had escaped that.

Darkon kept his gaze on her movement, he couldn't help but notice that her eyes had almost the same colour as her dress. While her dress was emerald green, her eyes were olive green, blending perfectly with her olive skin colour.

He could see a hint of sparkle in those olive green eyes, and her full lips curled into a gentle smile as she approached, her head high and posture graceful, she came to a halt a few feet from her seat. He saw her lower her gaze in deference and deep curtsy as her voice came respectfully, "Father,"