Nathaniel's sister

His words made the Crown Prince choke on his breath. Who did he meet that took his attention greatly? And why was he assuming they look so alike? This was giving him the creeps.

Especially with the way Benjamin continued staring at him, as though he was the maiden he was interested in.

"Okay, I'll throw a punch on your face if you keep staring at me that way. It's weird." The Prince shuddered as his face grew dark again. The last thing he wanted to hear was that his best-friend was into men!

Not like he had a problem with it. He was thinking of how it would be a problem for his narrow-minded kingdom citizens.

"Don't mind me. I'm trying to figure out why you and that maid look so much alike." Benjamin tore his eyes away from him and shrugged as though there was no problem with what he did.

Nathaniel sighed and loosened up in his seat before replaying those words in his head. Wait... what!? He sent another look to Benjamin that said 'tell me you're jesting!'

"Stop looking too amazed. You look adorable in that manner." Benjamin smiled and leaned forward on his seat. He loved the way Nathaniel's expression turned sour due to teasing him.

He chuckled again and then they went straight to business. The men discussed how they would spend their time together, both stunned at the way their thoughts aligned.

Thereafter, they started to discuss the upcoming event. This was the time when Noble Ladies from Napoleon and Princesses from other kingdoms would come together. All for a contest, that would result in the winner being his Queen.

The Crown Prince was distressed by it. Honestly, he was not anticipating it but he had to do it. If he never wanted to invite the anger of his mother.

"Way to remind me of what awaits the future." His words were sarcastic and at the same time thoughtful.

Benjamin noticed the change in his friend's face and he sighed. He didn't know what to say to console him on the troubles that were awaiting him in some months to come. He only wished he met the one that was right for him.

Just like he met Olivia some hours ago.

There was a deep silence that ensued between the two of them. Both were immersed in their thoughts, but they suddenly realized the air around them changed.

"Announcing the presence of the Royal Consort, Lady Adele Petras." The solemn voice of the maid professed some meters away.

The two men rose on their feet to welcome Adele, as the air around them started to turn awkward. They did not know what to say now that she was with them.

They felt like their tongues were glued to their mouth as they watched Nathaniel's mother march into the garden with a smile on her face. Her brown eyes were gleaming with pride as soon as her eyes fell on the two men.

Nathaniel bowed his head a little as a smile appeared on his face. He couldn't deny it, but the way his mother's countenance glowed seemed to want to make him pour out his words to her.

He glanced at Benjamin who bowed in cognizance to his mother's presence before lifting his head. They thought the conversation wouldn't be entertaining as soon as she came but were proved wrong.

Adele started by greeting the soon-to-be Duke of Apolai fortress, before sending her son another sweet smile.

"Trust you had a blessed journey back to the castle. You missed a lot and your mind must quite be occupied to recognize the change here." She beamed as she sent a look to Nathaniel.

Prince Nathaniel creased his brow because he was finding it hard to piece her words together. What was she implying?

He sent another look to Benjamin who was silent. The man grabbed his teacup from the saucer and raised it to his lips. Not trying to indulge in his friend's mother's gossipy attitude. But he was curious.

An awkward smile appeared on his face. Nothing seemed out of place. The Castle was always so solemn that its environment would force someone to feel like it. When he or she wasn't supposed to.

What was Mother indicating?

"Be more specific, Mother. You seem too happy. Did something happen?" He raised a brow while pushing back all the questions that raised their eyes in his brain. He did not want to give Adele the satisfaction of having to gain his attention by just announcing a piece of juicy news.

"Your step-sister's wedding. You missed it." Her expression was nothing like someone who was supposed to be mad at him. Instead, she was elated with it.

Her expression made Benjamin lift his eyes from the teacup he was admiring. His topaz eyes zeroed in on the woman with full interest. Nathaniel had a sister? How come he never knew about it?

He would have asked for his Father's hand in marriage and taken his sister instead. But now, hearing the news that his friend's sister was married only dampened his mood. He looked forward to being as close to his friend, but he never knew he missed an opportunity a long time ago.

Why was he just finding out about this now?

Nathaniel almost rolled his eyes at his mother's words. She was the same person who told him never to speak of Olivia. Yet, here she was speaking of his step-sister like it was a piece of good news she could share.

"So? You asked me not to –" He realized he was speaking to his mother in the presence of his friend, so he held back. Nathaniel relaxed in his seat, looking calm while watching Adele slant her head in curiosity.

He was about to say something. She knew it, but why did he hold back?

Benjamin on the other hand was not okay with the fact the Consort spoke to her son as though it was the best news she could offer. It was the best news, but he never knew why he sensed a little bit of malicious intent in her words.

His topaz eyes flickered with something mysterious no one saw.

____

Benjamin is so sensitive.

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