Tea Party

A few days had already passed since the ball. Two days after the ball was held, Vaughn left early in the morning. We said our goodbyes to each other, but I can't fully say that it was on a good note.

It hurts my pride knowing that all this time, I was the only one who thought that there was something between us. Although there was still a bit of bitterness left in me, I decided not to mind it since I know it would pass after I've given myself enough time. Love... really makes people do the most foolish things. I should just start on focusing on myself instead of chasing after a man who doesn't want me. I've finally learned my worth as a woman.

I opened the magic book once again, and read the message that appeared on the page.

"If you feel confused and lost, find comfort in your home. Open your eyes and see who cares enough to shatter all your walls down, and know that you are never alone," I said as I read the message out loud.

I sighed. "What does that even mean?

I rested my head on top of the cold stone table and closed my eyes shut.

Whatever. I'll just figure things out later.

I'm currently at the garden in the west wing of the palace, resting. These days, I've been doing nothing but locking myself up in the library and in my room, and this is the first time I've gone outside, but I'm just taking a nap outside after reading a few books. It's nothing different from what I've been doing for the past few days. I'm not really in the mood to go out and have fun.

Come to think of it, Vaughn told be before that he wanted to bring me somewhere in their palace, but I don't think that would happen anymore. Maybe there wasn't even any meaning behind his words and he was just only saying it out of courtesy.

I sighed once again. "Your Majesty, there's a letter for you." I immediately sat properly when I heard someone speak behind me. "Oh." I laughed awkwardly as the maid handed me a silver tray that has a letter and a letter opener on top of it. "Thank you," I said and took the letter and letter opener from the tray.

I looked for the name of the sender and saw that it was from Duchess Lianne Castiello. I opened the letter and read its content.

The Duchess wants to invite me to a tea party for her daughter, Elliana, and it would be held at their residence tomorrow at 2 in the afternoon.

Hmm... I suppose I do have time to attend, but I think Adonis would also be there. Ugh.

But... it would be a good chance to become acquainted with other people. Haaa...

*****

I went inside the room, and everyone was looking at me as they whispered to each other. Is it that rare to have me as a guest at a tea party? Well, I do admit that I've never really gone to tea parties a lot before, but their reaction is a bit much, isn't it?

"Your Majesty, it's an honor to have you here," the Duchess greeted as she smiled at me. "Thank you for inviting me, Duchess Lianne," I said as I smiled at her. "Please take a seat, Your Majesty," she said as she lead me to one of the tables.

I sat on the chair, and their maid poured tea on my tea cup. "May I ask where Elliana is?" I said as I looked around. "Oh, she went to powder her nose. She's be back soon, Your Majesty," the Duchess said and took a sip from her cup.

I nodded as I smiled and took a sip from my tea as well. A few more guests have arrived, and the Duchess had to excuse herself to entertain her guests.

"Look who we have here."

Ugh, that voice.

I did not bother turning to see who it was, because just from his voice, I could already picture that annoying expression he always had on his face.

"Not even gonna look at me, huh?" He said as he walked to sit on the chair in front of me. "What do you want?" I said and I placed the cup on the table. "I want to annoy you," he said as he smiled at me. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him. He hasn't even started, yet I can already feel my blood boiling.

"Come on, look at me, Krishiella," he said as he tried to make eye contact with me, and he succeeded.

His dark red hair that was almost close to black looked glossy and smooth. His jet black eyes with long and thick eyelashes were smiling as his light red lips smiled. He also has a tall pointy nose, sharp jawline, and pale skin. His physique was something one could not keep their eyes off, for it looked chiseled even when he's wearing clothes.

I hate how this bastard has good looks that doesn't match his ugly attitude.

"What now?" I said, clearly annoyed.

Remind me why I went here again?

"Nothing," he said as his annoying grin was still plastered on his annoyingly good-looking face. "Did you come here to see me?" He said as he put his elbow on top of the table and rested his chin on top of his hand. "Are you Elliana? Was this tea party for you? The answer for both questions is 'no', right? And mind you, Adonis, I would never come to see you," I said as my lips were twitching.

"Why are you so mad at me? I don't think I've ever done something wrong to you," he said as he pouted his lips. "Excuse me? Have you forgotten what you did to me when we were kids? You chased almost all of my friends away, leaving me no one but Serene and Elliana! And even after that, you kept annoying me every time you went to the palace," I said, almost raising my voice.

It's a good thing that music was being played right now, or else people would have heard me.

"Oh, understandable," he said and chuckled. "I swear in the name of Castiello, I'll annoy you more from now on, Princess Krishiella," he continued and winked at me.

"Goodness gracious, I can't believe you!" I said and stood up to go to another table.

I don't want to be near that bastard anymore. He is so annoying, ugh!