Awkward Dinner

Astoria nodded and sat next to Nexi's sister, feeling a bit awkward. She bowed her head and clasped her hands together. Her palms began to sweat due to nervousness.

"You do not have to look so nervous, my child. I have already informed your siblings about your amnesia. Don't force yourself to behave in a certain way. Just remain calm and focus on getting your memories back," said the king.

She nodded, and the maids and servants began to lift the lids covering the food. The dishes in front of her looked delectable. One of the dishes was a baked sweet potato Caesar salad with simple romaine lettuce, tomato, and carrots. It had deliciously sweet baked potatoes cut into cubes and topped with a cashew-based Caesar dressing. It looked like it would trigger your sweet, salty, and bitter taste buds.

Another dish that caught her eye was a fennel soufflé which was somewhat succulent with a creamy texture. It was enhanced by green beans mixed with paprika and aloe vera. It smelled fragrance-free with plenty of mulberries and was rich and delicious. One could really feel how no artificial sweeteners were used and how high the protein would be.

She was looking forward to indulging herself with that dish. When all the lids were removed from the table, they began to dish up. There was a fire-roasted chicken with cooked oregano potatoes. She dished a fair share of the meal on her plate. When everyone was done dishing up, they began eating. The minute the chicken touched her tongue, bursts of flavours instantly filled her mouth. She felt like her spirit was lifted.

'The power of food.'

No one said a word during the meal, which made her feel somewhat relieved. She was not in the mood to talk just yet as she couldn't calm her beating heart. After what seemed like an hour, the table was cleared. The king had ordered the maids and servants to leave the room as he wanted to have a private discussion with his children. He cleared his throat and clasped his hands together.

"As you all know," he began, "Nexi is having a hard time remembering things."

She believed that she had to carefully monitor what facial expressions and words the siblings would execute. After all, she suspected them, or maybe one of them, of being the person that harmed Nexi and caused this amnesia. It was just a hypothesis she had to figure out.

"Please help her by being patient with her. She may act in a confused manner or feel uncomfortable around you. Still, please understand the situation."

The king looked at his eldest children, and they obediently nodded.

"Nexi, that is your older sister, Naida," he said, "and that is your older brother, Morven."

She looked at Nexi's sister, Princess Naida. Naida had long, purple hair in a tight bun with a fringe that neatly hung over her fresh, beautiful face. Turquoise aquamarine eyes watched her up and down as if she were being scanned. A tattoo of a small dragon was subtly placed above her right shoulder. Astoria couldn't help but stare at it, and Naida noticed.

"It's not a real tattoo, in case you're wondering. This is just a symbol of my power," Naida said, running her fingers along the dragon symbol.

"Uh-huh," Astoria responded.

From what she had read in Nexi's diary, Naida has the power, Fiery Flux, so she can conjure fire. She also read that Naida was the one who disliked her the most because of not having the power of the Silver Ocean being bestowed upon her. This was especially since she was a pure Water Folk, unlike Nexi, who was a hybrid.

"All this is truly unfortunate, father," Naida said, her right hand placed on her heart.

What was she planning? Clearly, her acting button was switched on because the older sister spoke about how she would do whatever it took to get her little sister's memories back. Astoria could detect the deception in Naida's words thanks to her analytical skills. She does have more than three years of experience when it comes to analysing whether a person is lying or not.

"Yes, father. Naida and I will help our little sister in any way we can."

Morvin chimed in. He was a handsome twenty-five year old Water Folk with silver hair like his father and eyes as black as the night. He faked a smile as he looked at Astoria. She just nodded, smiling awkwardly at the prince. One thing she knew for sure was that Nexi's siblings were acting.

"Thank you, brother and sis-"

She was interrupted by a maid who opened the door.

"Your highness. I believe you are needed in your study as a guest is waiting for you," the maid said.

With that, the king got up and went to his study. The siblings sighed, and the only people left in the dining hall were Astoria and them.

"Damn, I was getting exhausted trying to keep my emotions in check with this sight for sore eyes sitting beside me," Naida tucked some loose locks behind her ears.

"Serves you right, Nexi. You deserve all this. The Gods are punishing you for causing my mother's death."

"Your mother? I caused her death? What are...?"

Astoria paused and stared at the siblings. In a situation like this, she was required to remain calm and not look intimidated by this girl. She couldn't believe she was being called a sight for sore eyes. One thing she was proud of was her looks. Yes, she did not think she was as beautiful as Naida, but she was beautiful.

"Of course," Morvin answered, moving to sit next to his sister.

"After all, they fought because of you."

Astoria was now vigilant. She knew that there was more to the statement which the siblings were saying.

"Listen here," she told them, "I don't think I'm in the right mind for you guys to be saying such horrible things to me."

It was crystal clear that they were trying to make her feel uncomfortable and put her in a far worse state than she already was. This could potentially hinder the process of her getting her memories back.

'How can siblings be so cruel to each other?'