Discussing marriage

I noticed the worry in Claire's eyes as we headed downstairs. I sense Mother is anxious, too. It's reasonable. We were not born as aristocrats and therefore we were never privileged enough to meet the King, let alone join him at the table. This will be the first time in the history of our family. We feel honored but there's that growing anxiety inside.

"Will Prince Marcel join us?" I asked Claire in a whisper.

"I think he will."

I nodded and the servant led us to the double doors of the huge dining hall with golden chandeliers hanging above. The long table is at the center. Prince Marcel, who was already present, stood and pulled a chair for Claire. I was about to sit at the chair next to Claire but Mother pulled me subtly and gestured to the other side of the table. I have no choice but to sit with her instead.

The head of the table was, of course, for the King. But wait. Why am I sitting on his right side? This is too close! Mother should be sitting here and not me!

Not that I'm scared, I just thought that it should be the right sitting arrangement. I want to sit across from Claire but Mother took the seat first and I can't help but eye her sharply. She raised an eyebrow and gave me the same look as telling me to behave or else she will kill me.

I was about to lean over for a whisper, when I heard footsteps. I looked who it was and saw the King in a crisp white shirt and black vest. Some tendrils were left on his forehead, almost touching his brows.

Mother stood up almost the same time Prince Marcel and Claire did. When Mama glared at me, that's when I realized I remained sitting. I mentally slapped my face and immediately stood. I didn't see the King's gaze but I was dead sure he was staring.

Should I just skip lunch? Well, that's fine with me. But looking at the table filled with food cooked by the royal chefs, I don't think skipping lunch sounds good. Besides, where will skipping lunch get me? Starving is not good for health.

After the painful formality, we returned to our seats and a small sigh of relief escaped my lips. Mother still glares at me every time she catches a glimpse of me, and I can feel her anger through her eyes. But I acted like that wasn't the case and nothing happened. Acting innocent after doing something silly is my forte.

"It is an honor to join you for lunch, Your Majesty," Mother said.

"Since your eldest daughter is marrying my cousin, it's not a big deal now, Mrs. Davis. We will be a family."

"King Luther is right, Mrs. Davis. You should feel at ease and get used to dining with us," said Prince Marcel.

"The royal family is indeed generous," Mother returned with elegance like she was a lady of a respected household.

It was true, though. Back when my mother was a maiden, she came from a wealthy family in the town. But she refused to marry the man her parents wanted and marry my father in secret. She was disowned by her parents and their business got bankrupt eventually. Her sister, Aunt Isabelle, was lucky enough to marry a rich man.

"Your youngest daughter must have taken from your husband, Mrs. Davis. Miss Clarette and you almost have the same features while the young miss has dark hair," the King commented.

It was true. Claire and our mother would look almost identical if they were of the same age. They have the same white blonde hair and gray eyes, while I have dark brown hair and icy blue eyes that were in stark contrast with my hair.

I was like the black sheep of the family. But only in terms of looks. My family never made me feel like an outcast. Claire is the sweetest sister, while Mother, well, she's kind of strict and has a problem with her temper, but she's tolerable and I love her. I know she loves me too, but her wooden stick loves me better.

But I didn't like how the King addressed me as "Young miss" when he could have called me by my name. It was like he's addressing a kid. I wanted to wrinkle my nose but if Mother would see me doing something not appropriate, she'd surely punish me later on. And I hate being beaten.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Lucy took most of her features from her late father," Mother answered.

"I see." The King's eyes fell to me and I sat straight as if a burning coal touched my back.

Meeting his gaze, I smiled a little. His eyes narrowed and the malicious glint in his bright orbs didn't escape me. It's like he knows that somewhere behind my mind, my thoughts are running in the wilderness. People finding me mischievous and untamed at first glance is not something new. That's the case most of the time and it doesn't bother me.

Why do I need to care about what people think of me anyway?

"Your Majesty, Lucy is of marrying age and she will soon be my sister-in-law. I would like to suggest that you grant her marriage with a credible man," said Prince Marcel, which made me almost spit the food in my mouth.

Mother could not be happier. "What an honor that is, Your Highness!"

I gave Claire a look but she didn't get it. My sister's marriage should be the topic and not mine!

"Any suitor in mind, Miss Lucy?" the King asked and my heart skipped a beat. I scared all my suitors off, and it wasn't like they were a lot. Only those few courageous ones had the guts to step up. And up to this moment, only one is left. It's Mrs. Lauren's son, Anthony.

But I really, really don't like him. We went out twice before, that's because I respect Mrs. Lauren and our family owes her a lot, but that's it. Anthony will never be tolerable. He spoke too much about himself to the point that I found him too boastful. He was rude to others and shameless. I'm glad I didn't have to work at Lauren's shop, else I would have to endure the pain of his presence.

"Your Highness, thank you for your concern, but I think it's better to deal with your marriage with my sister first before dealing with mine. After all, I'm still young. I'm not in a rush. And to answer your question, Your Majesty, I have no suitor in mind."

The King wiped his lips and sipped on his wine. His brow slightly twitched and I wasn't sure if what I saw in his eyes was amusement or mockery.

"Lucy, your sister will marry very soon and everything is well-taken care of. It's fine to discuss your marriage. Of course, you'll marry after Claire. The sooner you marry, the better," Mother butt in.

This is what I love about Mama. She never let me off the hook. And yes, I'm being sarcastic.

I forced a smile so that the men wouldn't notice the frown I was trying to hide.

"Mrs. Davis is right, Lucy. It's better to plan ahead of time. Don't worry, His Majesty and I will try to find a suitable match for you."

Claire uttered her thanks to her fiancé while I wanted to throw up. I'm just nineteen! I want to yell but that won't make a point. Even those seventeen-year-old ladies I knew were already married.

I know I'm old enough to marry, but can't I explore the world first? Can't I do something else before attending to my husband, babysitting kids, and fulfilling all the boring duties of a wife?

"But Miss Lucy looks reluctant to be paired up. Could it be that you already have someone you like?" the King asked, his index finger tracing the edge of his glass slowly.

Mother looked at me as if she realized something.

"Is it Anthony Lauren?" It was supposed to be a whisper, but out of her eagerness, she forgot that they were not alone and spoke out loud.

"Who is Anthony Lauren?" the King interrupted.

I looked around the interiors of the tavern. I never had seen one before this, but I've read and heard about it before. It was forbidden to go outside the palace so the only thing that can connect me to the outside world was—books. Reading became my some sort of hobby to ease boredom and to somehow marvel around different things through imagination. It was the only thing I could do.

The woman who introduced herself as Thiara, looked symphathetic and horrified as I went in detail with the story I've made up. She seemed really kind so I felt a little guilty telling her those lies. I just really pray that the deities would spare me for that. After all, I do not have ill motives against anyone.

"You've went so much hardships, Ophelia. I cannot imagine going through that alone!"

"Thank the heavens I was lucky enough to survive," I said.

"I could not agree more. Here, eat. You must be hungry all this time," she encouraged as the servant brought us a tray of food.

My mouth watered as I smelled the aroma of roasted chicken. The rumbling in my stomach worsen so I started eating shortly.

Won't you ask me if I would like to have some, my lady? Raja's voice made me stop chewing for a second.

Can a dragon spirit eat anyway? I guess not.

"Do you have family, Ophelia?"

My eyes drifted back to Thiara. I swallowed and drank some water.

"Yes and no."

Her forehead creased. "I do not understand. Can you explain it? If you don't mind..."

"Uh, my mother died years ago. Then just recently, I was told that my father is around somewhere. I traveled for the sole reason of finding him. I've got a lot of questions that only him could answer," I replied which was partly true. At least I'm being honest to her at some point.

"I'm sorry about that..."

"I don't mind." I smiled.

"But what do you know about your father? What kingdom does he belong? I just want to know if I could help you in any way."

"I wish I could answer that, madame. But my knowledge won't allow me to. I don't know anything about him, not even his name."

Her lips parted, both in shock and worry. "Then how are you going to find him? You're like searching for a certain unknown fish in the middle of the sea."

I sighed. Right. I know that would really be hard. But no matter how much pain it might take, I'm determined to find him. I have to do it in order to know the truth. Why my mother didn't tell me anything about him? Why didn't he come to see us even once? And what about these weird things happening to me like there's some spell casted upon me? If before I had no reason to continue existing, now I have one — to know the mystery of my identity.

"I know but I will never see him if I won't try."

Well, it won't be that hard only if my dragon spirit has the ability to trace him or can do something relevant to that. But my poor dragon cannot even show himself—

And who's fault is that? If you can only master your ability in a short span of time, I could have done more than you imagined.

It is not my fault either. Why, have I known that I have such ability? I almost said it verbally but I remembered Thiara is in front, watching.

"But considering your state now, I don't think you can continue in your journey. And how could I have a heart to just let you go without anything and without any point of direction?" Thiara shook her head.

"Thank you for your concern, madame. But would I have a choice? I don't want to be a burden to anyone."

"Burden!" She gasped. "Why would you be? You can stay here in my tavern for the mean time to make up for what you've lost. You may continue searching for your father later on once you can afford a carriage and have enough funds to feed yourself along the way."

A very kind woman, indeed, Raja commented. Don't tell me you would say no.

If only I can see Raja now, I could have scowled at him or rolled my eyes.

"But... I think that is too much of a help. Like I said, I don't want to be a burden—"

She cut me off. "You won't be. How about while staying here, you help me managing my tavern? You can help with the chores, or anything else you can do. Now, don't you think it's just fair?"

I smiled genuinely. I can't help but see my mother in Thiara. She has such a loving and compassionate heart who's willing to help anyone in need. I promise to return the favor in the future once I'm able.

"Thank you," was all I could say.

"It's decided then. You stay here for the mean time. Come on, let me show you your room upstairs." She stood and reached for my elbow probably because I looked very weak, she was afraid I can't keep my own balance.

Ah. The scent of relief, Raja said. I'm glad you didn't have to go to the extent of selling yourself in a whorehouse like you originally planned.

For your information, Mr. Dragon, I didnt have plans to sell my body in a whorehouse. Stop mentioning it, will you?

Pardon my words, my lady.

"This annoy—"

"Are you saying something, Ophelia?" Thiara glanced at me while we're walking up the stairs. I unconsciously bit my lower lip. I could have said something offensive and she would have thought I was talking to her.

Mind your actions, my lady.

I didn't mind Raja and answered Thiara first.

"Uh, no... I was only stalking you silently. Your travern has nice interiors by the way."

"Thank you," she replied and went back on her track.

"Anyway, what are you?" she suddenly asked when we were already past the stairs.

I was caught off guard for a moment. What should I tell her?

"My mother is a mage... but I'm not that certain since there is a possibility I could be wrong."

"And your abilities? I want to check since I have a little knowledge about different kinds."

Don't say anything about me nor the changes in you lately, Raja advised.

"I don't have any ability, though."

"Why is that so? If you're a mage, you can at least do a bit of sorcery. No offense intended, but that alone is not something normal."

"I know. That is why I have to see my father so he can explain everything to me."

"Let's just hope for the best," she said gently and opened a door.

"Here you go. I will send a servant here shortly with some clothes you can use. The chamber is clean and you may take a bath to clean yourself. I suggest you take a rest after. You can start helping me tomorrow."

"If only I could only let you see how grateful I am... Thank you so much, Thiara."

And for the first time in my entire existence, I found a friend.