19 I Will Never Admit Defeat

I lay on the ground gasping for air. Dante stood over me with that creepy smile of his. I seriously can't feel my arms.

"Come on. You can't be done yet."

"Are you *gasp* trying to kill me?!"

"I would never do that."

Yeah right. He is a demon in sheep's clothing. I have never worked out this intensely before. I think Dante is just wanting to have fun by torturing me like this.

After having the swing the sword 100 times, which I didn't know was even physically possible, he then made me run laps and do other exercises until I actually collapsed. The entire time he shouted at me like some sort of drill sergeant.

While I was suffering, William just sat in the shade reading a book. He looked up when he noticed I finally collapsed.

He shouted over to us, "I'm surprised she lasted this long."

Dante scratched his head, "I am too."

I groaned in pain, "Don't judge a book by its cover."

"Did you get so strong because you were grounded for so long?"

"There was nothing else to do."

"I see. Well, it still isn't enough. Get up, let's keep going."

I groaned as Dante forced me to stand up. I followed his instructions diligently. A maid walked over and whispered to Lona who had been supervising me in the background the entire time.

Lona spoke loud enough for us to hear, "Dinner is ready now."

I abruptly dropped the wooden sword. Ah! The heavens have taken pity on me today~

William sighed and stood up, "Why do you look so happy? You are such a glutton."

I scrunched my nose, "I'm not a glutton. Food is a necessity to life."

"It's not a necessity to stuff your face."

As I was about to smack some sense into him, Dante stopped me. He looked at William, "Stop it. Let's just go and eat already."

I started skipping after the maid and Lona while humming my food song.

"I can't wait for food~ I can't wait for food~ If there's no dessert I'm going to make you a fool~"

William and Dante followed silently criticizing me. Once we made it to the dining hall I froze at the sight of the long table. What the hell was this for?! Feeding a village?!

The maid motioned to one end of the table that had three plates set up. I sat across from Dante and William who appeared to have assigned seating. William was closer to one seat that you could tell was for Queen Luna since it had more of an intricate design and used the Royal colors.

William glanced at the empty seat. The maid noticed this, "Queen Luna has work to complete. She is unable to join everyone for dinner tonight."

William nodded, "Thank you for letting us know."

A few butlers made their way out of the kitchen carrying plates. My mouth drooled just from the smell. They placed the plates in front of us and took off the tops.

It appeared to be some type of small bird and was decorated in fruits and vegetables. It looked too pretty to eat. However, no matter how pretty it looked, I quickly began to dig in.

William looked at me in disgust, "I just realized that you really have no table etiquette. Didn't your mother teach you?"

I continued to stuff my face. Well, she might have, but she never taught the current me. The only table manners I'm aware of is to not put soy sauce on rice and to make sure you don't burp at the table. Other than that, I have no idea.

I glanced at Lona who stood behind me, "What am I doing wrong?"

"Ladies are supposed to take small bites and chew 15 times before swallowing. You must also sit up straight and not touch your arms to the table."

"Yeah, screw that. I'm f*cking starving. Who has time to count chewing?"

William frowned, "Don't curse."

I nodded, "Yes, mother."

"Mother?! I'm not your mother!!!"

"You sure nag like one."

"Why you-"

I ignored him and turned to Lona, "Lona, aren't you going to eat?"

"No ma'am. I can't."

I frowned, "Why not? I want to eat with you." It's not fair to eat in front of people who are hungry.

"It wouldn't be proper miss."

William spoke, "Why are you being so nice to a maid?"

I turned and glared at him. For some reason, I don't like how he just said that. He clearly looks down on the maids. I can't say I'm surprised since I've noticed that all of the noble class seems to think they are better than their servants since they are so rich.

Tch. They all inherited this money. I don't see why they think they are so arrogant and think they're better.

"Why does it matter if she's a maid? She's a human being."

William shrugged, "So? She is of a lower class. You shouldn't be so polite to her. Especially since you aren't as polite to me and I'm the prince. It's weird."

I glanced at Lona who appeared to not care, almost as if she's accepted she shouldn't be treated the same since she is a maid. I couldn't help but get irritated at this.

I looked over to Dante who also seemed confused. Is this seriously the first time they've encountered this way of thinking?! They criticize my manners, but here they are being rude to someone just because of their idea of social hierarchy.

I shook my head and tried to hide my anger with a smile, "William William William. Who told you that social class should determine who you are polite to? Having money doesn't automatically make you a good person. That's why I'm only polite to those who are good people. Besides-" I stabbed my knife into my food aggressively. Both William and Dante jumped. I gave him a smile, "None of that matters when you're dead."

He swallowed hard looking at the knife, "I see. I apologize. Well Lona, you may sit if you'd like."

She tried to hide her surprise, "No, Prince William. That is alright."

I looked at Lona still seething with anger, "Come on Lona, he said it's alright. Now sit next to me."

Not knowing what else to do she finally agreed, "Yes, little miss."

She sat next to me and I used my fork to scoop up a bite. I held it out to her, "Say aaah!"

She frowned, "No. It's alright."

My face twitched, "I said say aaah!"

She sighed and closed her eyes, "Ahhhh."

I put the food into her mouth and watched her eat it. I smiled. She looks so adorable like that. I'm a sucker for the ones with stoic faces.

"Doesn't it taste good?"

"Yes."

I clapped excitedly, "I knew you would like it."

I could sense William and Dante's stares so I glanced over to them. I couldn't tell what they were thinking about, but they were both making strange faces. William was watching with a shocked expression, but had a slight blush on his face. Meanwhile, Dante looked angry and surprised at the same time.

I smiled at them, "What? Do you two need me to feed you as well?"

"No!" They shouted in unison and turned back to their own meals.

I couldn't help but giggle. Now that I think about it, they act quite similar to each other, almost like brothers. I went back to feeding Lona. One must keep their little maid strong.

After we finished our meals I fidgeted in excitement awaiting what perfect dessert is coming next.

William frowned at this, "Don't act too excited. You shouldn't eat so much dessert if you want to become a knight. Isn't that right Dante?"

"That's true. Knights undergo food training as well."

Okay, now I really am pissed.

"If I don't get some god d*mn cake I will go into your room while you're f*cking sleeping and put a pillow over your face."

William turned pale, "Did you just threaten me?!"

"I don't know. Did I?"

Dante chuckled, "Don't you know that you can be tried for treason for threatening someone in the Royal family?"

I huffed, "It's worth it."

Williams voice squeaked, "Just because of cake?"

"Yes."

He cleared his throat, "Get us some cake."

The maid nodded and walked into the kitchen. The next minute they brought each of us a piece of cake. I nibbled on it happily. Just as I expected, it was high quality.

William sighed and Dante looked over to him, "You should be happy to see her enjoy it so much."

"It worries me that she enjoys it that much though."

He chuckled and patted his back, "Just be happy she doesn't have a pillow."

He nodded, "Yeah, I will remember that."

After we finished dinner, Lona let me know it was time to go home. I yawned in agreement. I can't believe we were here this late to begin with.

William and Dante walked me out to say goodbye. The maid bowed to me, "Queen Luna says she is sorry she couldn't see you out. She said that she will make it up to you."

I smiled. I hope that means she is going to give me some good cake.

"That's alright. Let her know that I'm thankful she allowed me to come over."

"I will." She bowed once more.

Dante smiled at me, "I will see you tomorrow."

Somehow, there was something sadistic in the way he said that. I couldn't help but shiver. I don't really want tomorrow to come.

We said our goodbyes and got into the carriage. I yawned.

Lona looked at me, "If you want, you can use my lap to lay down."

"Thank you Lona."

I laid down on her lap and quickly fell asleep. Sleep certainly made the ride easier to handle. Someone must have carried me inside when I arrived because I never woke up once.

That night I dreamed I lived in a land where everything was cake. Ah, what sweet bliss.