The Royal Dinner II

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King Alistair gazed at the young princess, his betrothed, with a mixture of awe and admiration. Princess Arabella, with her enchanting hazel eyes, captivated his every glance. Her rich brown tresses cascaded in gentle waves, framing her delicate face and adding a touch of regality to her presence.

Arabella's hazel eyes sparkled like gems, their warm hues dancing with a mischievous twinkle that hinted at a spirited nature beneath her composed demeanor. They held a depth that seemed to unravel the mysteries of her soul, drawing the king closer with each stolen glance.

Her beauty went far beyond her physical features. Arabella possessed a grace that was befitting of her royal lineage. Every step she took was measured and poised, her movements as fluid as a swan gliding across a tranquil lake. Her regal bearing was complemented by a genuine warmth that radiated from within, making all who encountered her feel welcomed and cherished.

Donned in a gown of fine silk, the princess appeared as if she had stepped out of a fairytale. The earthy tones of her black attire mirrored the lustrous shade of her hair, highlighting her natural beauty. Jewels adorned her neck and wrists, shimmering in the light and adding a touch of elegance to her ensemble.

As Alistair observed his soon-to-be queen, he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and gratitude. In Princess Arabella, he had found not only a partner to share his reign but also a woman whose inner and outer beauty were a testament to her noble spirit.

He knew she was not just a beautiful piece but furry Tigress, who will fight anyone stepping on her.

"Good evening, your highness," she bowed.

"Please, do not do that. You are going to be my bride soon," he gazed at her. "Call me Alistair."

She let a soft chuckle, calling his name so romantically "A-alis-tair?"

The king swallowed subconsciously, trying his best not to disgrace himself in front of this woman. He hated the fact that he was beginning to like her.

"Yes, you got it," He smiled. "Shall we?"

She nodded. He turned and faced the door. Arabella was a wise woman. She walked by his side as they entered the hall.

It was a sight he hates to behold. Most if the family members were on the table waiting to receive them. Some of them might be grumbling the fact that they were late.

Alistair knew how much they hated him and the fact that his father was the former king instead of their father. However, he managed to keep the peace just like his late father had wanted.

The old man loved family. He believed that family take good care of each other but he forgot that family could be the reason for one's down fall.

"Here comes the late comers," a young woman made a joke, which did not turn out well. Everyone was afraid to offend him.

Alistair did not want Arabella to see this side of him. The darkness that kept haunting him for ages. He gave his cousin a smile that lightened the faces of others.

"Is she the one?" the girl asked. Her lips did not close after the question. They hung like two Rivers running apart.

"Behave yourself, Marlene," The queen mother warned her. She did not want anyone to make Alistair angry. If he decides to back out of this marriage, she will be the one losing here… and him of course, but he won't realized this now.

"Sorry, aunt," Marlene adjusted herself on her seat. She saw the looks on her siblings' faces. They were angry with her for whatever reason.

Alistair ignored the comment. He drew a chair for Arabella to sit. Everyone was surprised by just kind gesture.

When she sat down, he got himself a seat next to her and ask if she was okay.

"Yes, Alistair. Thank you," Arabella spoke in a low voice. She was not comfortable with those eyes staring at her on the table. They did not uttered a word. She wanted to greet them.

"Is this an arranged marriage, dear cousin?" one of the three men in the table asked. They seemed to be older than Alistair. "Its looks like you know each other before."

The others laughed as though what he said was funny.

"Keep quiet, Peter," the queen mother gave him a furious look. "Else, I will throw you out of the hall."

"Forgive me, your highness," he apologized immediately. The queen gave orders and the maids began to serve the food. They all waited for the king to taste the food before eating.

"You should learn how to pray before eating," Marlene blurted, regretting her words as soon as they came out. She knew she has manage to piss Alistair off.

There was interruption by Roland, which ended up saving her. He whispered to the king and his eyes widened. He spoke in a low tone and stood up.

Everyone got surprised by his reaction. They began to ask each other what have happened.

"Is there something wrong?" the queen mother asked.

"No, grandmother is coming to join us," Alistair replied. He was surprised that she could stand up from her bed to attend the dinner.

Before the queen mother could say a word, the door opened and the old witch appeared on the door. Beside her was Rosalind, who held her arms as she walks.

Queen Elizabeth was disappointed to see the grand queen. She did not want her to attend the dinner. When the news of her sickness reached her, she prayed that the old woman does not get well until the wedding is over.

"Grandmother," Alistair moved to where she was. He held her arms and told Rosalind to let go. "I will continue from here."

Rosalind bowed and went to get a seat for herself. Usually, she sits next to the king but now, there was someone taking her place.

"Here you go," Alistair helped his grandmother into a seat. She was going to sit adjacent to him. He asked if she need anything and she shook her head. He went back to his seat quietly. When he looked at Arabella, she seemed left out in everything. Well he told her that this was going to be bad. "How are you doing?"

"Me?" she asked, raising her head up. Her lips twisted into a smile assuring him that she was doing great. "I'm fine."

"That's good. Enjoy your meal because the fun is about to begin," he chuckled, relaxing back to his seat. With a cup in his hand, he asked "When is the wedding, mother?"