12 A SURPRISE

I'm awakened breathlessly.

I'm awakened by the nightmare.

And I saw...I saw...

Those eyes..

Those mouth...

The face...in my dream..

He is holding me in his arms while on the floor?

"What are you doing in here..again? Are you trying to seduce me?!?! I said it outrageously.

I moved my body with grace..away from the stranger, holding the bedside for support, to sit on the bed.

And bracing myself tight.

He look so tired and befuddled.

He stand up and slowly leave without saying anything.

Just like earlier he came in quickly and gone swiftly.

I'm dumbfounded by his actions.

I gathered myself and closed the doors that's left open.

I locked it and put additional support for security.

How did he gets inside the room?

I'm very sure that I have locked it.

I dropped off all my inhibitions.

And I go back to bed and doze off.

I am awakened by the ruckus below my room. I could hear the loud voices echoed from the dining area.

A strong knock on the door, jolted me from my reverie.

I moved quickly to the lavatory to cleanse my face. Then, brushed my hair and tied it in a ponytail.

She knocked again.

I heard the maidservant saying from the back of the door " Your Highness, this is Lillian your maidservant. Prince Stefan is waiting for you in the breakfast table in twenty minutes."

"Yes, I will. Thank you!" I responded without even opening the door.

And what is that commotion all about?

Who is Prince Stefan?

I promptly changed my clothes from sleeping dress to my comfy linen white embroidered shirt and an acid wash jeans paired with a flat leather sandals.

And my brain is telling me to go down quickly.

Yes, I need answers...

And also, I need Specialist Mikael to reprimand his brother for his rudeness and enticement.

I couldn't let it pass.

He is the most ill-mannered and discourteous person, I've meet!

Shortly, I'm in the parlour room.

And about to enter the dining area.

When I heard Specialist Mikael and a stranger voice in uproar.

A jarring exchange of statement.

As I move closer ...

I heard Mikael said " Uncle Charles called me about Beatrix. So, you see...he thought she's an imposter. And it's too late for me to retract. They already travelled to Seward. I have no choice but to bring her to a place where she's safe."

His brother said in response "Then, why would you dare to bring a stranger inside my house without my permission? That's absurd!"

This is the first time you have shown impoliteness my baby brother... I would have guessed, you liked her?"

Mikael is very private about his feelings, he never talked about emotions with Stefan. He is speechless.

Beatrix is moving backwards and.....

Shattered....

The flower vase on top of the side table in the parlour fall into the floor as she accidentally moved the table.

The two men talking were startled when they saw what happened with the vase.

And they look at me...

"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to.. break it .." Beatrix stuttered.

Mikael approached her and said "It's okay, Your Highness! Just relax and let's have some breakfast."

He ushered me to my seat next to him.

His brother cleared his throat.

"Ah Yes! Your Highness.. Beatrix..I would like you to meet my elder brother Stefan... Prince of Dothinghelm." Mikael introduced proudly.

I'm speechless. I don't know what to say.

The rude and arrogant person last night is the Prince of Dothinghelm?

How is that?

I forced myself to be polite and show respect.

"I'm pleased to meet you.. Your Highness!" said it in impassive manner and I bow down for respect.

Prince Stefan is impressed on how collected Beatrix is...after what had happened last night.

She has a great sense of control and well mannered demeanor.

She is a total exquisite beauty.

I am fascinated.

"The pleasure is mine..My Lady! " Stefan responded.. in a flirtitious smile.

Then, he called Olivia to serve the food.

While eating..the two men seemed into a different world. They talked about their task and obligations to comply as ordered by their parents.

Then, I cleared my throat and I started to speak "Prince Mikael, I would like to know.. If when I could meet my Uncle Charles? I thought we have a schedule tommorow? Christmas Eve dinner, as planned?"

Mikael tried to be very careful on his words.

"So, you see .. Your Highness! Uncle Charles is a bit busy lately and he is on his way to Oblonsky to do some investigation."

He called me earlier and he's almost done with it.

And we would be happier, having you in our Christmas Eve dinner." he added.

"Don't worry My Lady... you will meet Uncle Charles soon. I promised you that. For now..I want you to eat more! You are too skinny! Stefan said in a teasing manner.

I glared in response.

Mikael felt annoyed and said "Stefan! Let's all have a peaceful meal."

"Yes, of course! Please eat!" Stefan responded.

And we all eat our breakfast smoothly and in peace.

"Lilian, served the sweets and coffee"

"Yes, Your Highness! Sweets and coffee coming.." And bow down in respect.

Then, I stated. I'm sorry but I do not drink coffee, Your Highness..Do you have some tea?" I asked politely.

Stefan signaled to Olivia for the tea requested by Beatrix.

"Yes, we have My Lady! Olivia will prepare it for you". Stefan stated.

"Thank you! " I briefly responded.

Oh God! I think I have overeaten.

I felt bloated.

I'm not used to be eating in a feast ever since I'm in Myshkin.

Nana, always make sure that I will not be overeaten.

While drinking my tea... I asked Mikael to accompany me in my tour around Seward.

I wanted to see the beautiful view beyond the windows.

Mikael responded "Your Highness! I apologise but I need to report in our military camp today for a meeting. Don't worry, Stefan will be very happy to tour you around Seward. He is more expert and knowledgeable around here. You can have horse back riding with him" Mikael felt disappointed but he has no choice but to do his job and follow orders.

"Yes, I understand..Thank you!" I conceded without hesitation.

Stefan felt lucky today. He is very happy that he will be spending more time with Beatrix.

Then, Stefan called Olivia to have the hostler ready two horses for a ride today.