Chapter 5

Antarina

My eyes open to see Renia's face. I had a heart attack. This woman is always on time. Behind her is the entire force of maids with too much passion in their eyes. Ha, it's going to be an exhausting day.

when everyone is finally done after 3 hours, I look in the mirror. The makeup is perfect, the blue jewelry is beautiful and the deep blue dress is gorgeous which matches my eyes. The hair is adequately brushed and naturally led down. It looks presentable. And finally had to look at Renia who was trying to dig a hole in me with her eyes. She was in tears. Always emotional. But strangely enough, it feels good. I get up and open the door. There are five knights. Among them is my personal knight Cesar. My anger leveled up. I told them that I only needed Cesar and not many knights. It was a simple banquet. I looked at Cesar and signaled him to get them out of there. Cesar was my personal knight in the first place because he was not my father's devotee. He took them to the corner and explained everything. Of course, it was not a straight explanation but and technical one. I liked him because he never said no to anything. And finally, I was able to come to the banquet with one knight peacefully. And I knew very well that peace only lasts until I enter the banquet hall.

People gathered in no time. Not something I wasn't used to. The only female heir of the empire's presence was fascinating to a lot of people. Some wanted connections and some just wanted to underestimate me with kind words. After greeting and receiving greetings from thousands of people I was finally free to get a glass of wine. One sip and there he is, the main character of the evening. Franz Valer Helexander. The crown prince.

I turned around wishing that he won't notice me sooner. But just after I while I heard the most annoying voice. " How wonderful is that lady finally visited. I was hoping the lady will recognize me from afar but I guess you didn't notice. Thankfully ladies rare black hair helped me find you immediately." I turned back with the biggest smile my face can show. " Antarina Lanchester greets Franz Helexander the crown prince." And suddenly everyone was once again looking at me. Because only Lanchester's can greet looking straight in the eyes of royalty. " The more I look the more charming you get every day lady Antarina". " How very generous of you to have that kind of thought about me but I would rather you compliment those desperate ladies who long for you, your highness." " Hahaha, you are very a funny lady in a unique way. You are seventeen now, isn't your coming of age ceremony next year? How do you think about inviting me?" " It would be my pleasure but I wouldn't like to take your precious time since his highness is busy enough" " Oh my, how can you think such a thing. Make sure to send me an invitation lady Antarina Lanchester". Saying that he walked away. It was more a threat. He meant to say that I better send him that invitation. That bastard. the only thing that kept him alive was him being the crown prince. After observing the situation I don't think he invited me for any of his own purposes but simply because he wanted me to be wary of him. And of course for my coming of age ceremony invitation. He knew very well that I would never invite him on my own. I just want to get out of here. Everyone is going to try to talk to me again. Helena Steward is coming towards me which immediately reminds me how worse today really is. Her coming here means she has a plan again, which she wants me to be a part of. " Helena Steward greets lady Antarina Lanchester of the dukedom". My business smile in on again before I realize. I do credit myself for being natural in it. " Lady Helena Steward of the count, it is nice to see you again. I do wonder what brings you here?" " Well, I see that lady is always bright as ever. To understand my reason of approach immediately I do respect you for being perspective". " And I like that honestly of yours, lady. which doesn't take a lot of time to reveal". " I am holding a tea party in my residence next Monday and I would like to invite you". " I suppose that's not all". "Yes. lady Saria Param of the west is attending too. And the rest, you are capable enough of figuring out my lady". " I can already see how fun that tea party of yours is going to be lady Helena"."Then I will look forward to your visit lady Antarina. Now if you will excuse me".

The carriage is moving and it's calm. Cesar is next to me very guarded. He always thinks the entire world wants to kidnap me. Ha, it was exhausting and too crowded. But the most interesting thing about today is the information that lady Helena gave me. She is someone that I don't hate. She is not one of the ladies that just want to cling to me for their personal interest and also not one of them that flatters me too much. She is honest and bold and just does whatever she wants. I like the way she is free. She and my relationship are basically that we give each other important information and owe each other everything. It is a give-and-take relationship based on trust. It's not based on some stupid emotion. And next Monday her tea party is going to take unexpected turns.

Cesar wakes me up to inform me that we have reached home. I get down from the carriage while Cesar helps me. I freeze and Cesar greets the duke. Standing along with the butler he asks Cesar what took so long. He explained that the roads were blocked by the fallen trees which resulted in taking a different route. All the time I was standing there not even able to look at him. It was not fear or nervousness. I just couldn't. At last, he told me to rest early and left. While he was leaving, I looked up to see him from behind. Something that was very familiar to me. Soon he vanished like he was never there. And inside of me felt empty again. Like always.