FREEDOM

This statement by the Marquess was followed by a silence so stiff to the extent they noticed the King took so much time to chew his food. 

Gabriella couldn't help but steal a glance at Darkon who kept his gaze serious on his food.

Thankfully, the sound of spoons clicking on the porcelain plates helped clear the deafening silence as the King finally raised his head and as trusted, Gabriella was not disappointed to hear the King's response. She knew her father down to the sole of his shoes.

"Untimely liberty is like a poison that weakens the foundations of a kingdom. The road to ruin is paved with the stones of hasty freedoms. It's like... A captain who releases the anchor before the ship reaches the shore." Again the King took his time to chew on his food.

"You are right, your Majesty." Alexia concord, "A wise King knows that a patient hand nurtures a strong and loyal realm." She monitored Gabriella and Catalina. Adding in such a brave statement she felt brave. "What do you think, Princess Gabriella?" She purposely threw the question at Gabriella.

"Yes, what? I didn't quite hear you, your highness." Gabriella acted uninterested.

"It seems your daughter has been absent-minded and nonchalant of the discussion," Alexia said. They brought a mischievous smile to her face. A princess loosening focus when important matters were discussed only meant that it would be her continued behaviour even when she had been made the queen. Having implied this in her statement, Vanessa picked up from the line.

"Well, Gabriella, the king was talking about giving freedom to whoever it deserves and Mother here wanted to know your opinion about that." 

"Giving freedom to who it deserves," Gabriella repeated and paused, "I believe everyone who has the breath of life in them deserves freedom. No matter who or what you are."

"Exactly!" Exclaimed the Marquess. "That is the most brilliant opinion I have heard on this table, your Majesty." 

Darkon took a discreet look at Gabriella and again focused on his food.

Alexia stared frantically, searching for further opposition to the princess's opinion from the king but got none as she felt the heat of humiliation wash over her.

"Now tell me, Alexia, assuming you have been captured in a war..."

"There is nothing to tell you, Marquess Brutus. And there is no use in assuming such because I will never be captured in..." 

"Alexia, my dear, relax." Catalina chirped in. "Don't get his Grace wrong. He was just trying to give an example, not that you have been captured already. Why feel so afraid of being captured if you think freedom is not deserving to some?" She added barely concealing her amusement.

"No one would ever think of being in captivity." Alexia's face was marred in deep furrow.

"And whoever that is in captive?"

"Should be free..." Before Alexia could get herself she had already said something that might go against her words.

She tugged at her collar, her discomfort evident in the way she avoided eye contact and shifted in her seat. She laughed nervously, her voice cracking as she attempted to play off her faux pas, 'Well, that was...'"

"The absolute truth is unconsciously spoken." Now Elizabeth cut in making Marquess Brutus answer a loud, "Yes," Agreeing with the Queen Mother's statement.

Vanessa went pale, and she swallowed hard realizing the gravity of her mother's mistake while Gabriella enjoyed the scene.

"So tell us, Darkon, what is your say in this?" Alexia demanded as if she would find support from that angle.

Darkon's brow twitched a bit at the mention of his name as he was pulled to full attention and all attention was also drawn to him. Everyone listened attentively to what he had to say. Darkon cleared his throat and for the first time after the long conversation, he spoke. "I believe that freedom should be viewed as a privilege, not a guarantee, and should be treated with respect and appreciation."

Silence descended each trying to clearly understand the point he made yet no one probed further with other questions.

A raise of hand by the king regained the attention of all at the table. "That's enough of speaking about the kingdoms." He declared. Turning to Darkon now, he asked. 

"So Darkon, what are your plans for your future in the army?"

Marquess Brutus leaned forward in his chair, "This is about personal matters, your Majesty. It is the reason I've decided to visit you."

"I will take note of that later." Answered the King.

"It is not just something to take note of, it is something that demands your seal as soon as possible. And I would like us to discuss this between the two of us." The Marquess's face drew to a thin line and a snickered smile was discreetly shared between him and Queen Catalina unbeknownst to any on the table.

Now the game has begun. Declared Catalina in her mind as she took a long look at Alexia and Vanessa who felt uneasy at the glance.

Just then the sound of music was heard from the inner hall, where the party had formally begun.

"If that is so, then I think we need some privacy." The king said and the Marquess nodded and turned his gaze to the others seated. They understood the sign language as each began to bow in respect of leaving the King's presence.

The Queen was the first to say, "Your Majesty, we will join the party now while you discuss with the Marquess." She then turned to Gabriella and said, "Gabriella, why don't you lead Lord Darkon to the party hall, since you two had been friends at your young age, I believe you two will get along better."

This drew Gabriella and Darkon's attention to the queen.

Darkon looked at Gabriella and their gaze met. However, he looked away and turned to the queen saying, "It will be my pleasure only if that doesn't bother the princess." 

"No, no, not at all. I'm sure Gabriella doesn't feel bothered by that. Right, Gabriella?"

 "Not at all, it will be my pleasure too, Lord Darkon." She said a smile appearing on her face. Though she was excited about being around him again, the moment she felt his gaze on her, she felt some anxiety tug on her stomach. She took a glance at her mother. With the look on her mother's face, something told her what her mother might be thinking.

Perfect husband.

"If that is so, I and the Marquess will join the party when we are done here." The King's statement drew them to their feet as they all bowed leaving, Marquess Brutus and the King on the table. 

Meanwhile, Vanessa was pissed Gabriella had to be the one taking the Marquess's son into the party hall. 

In some way, she felt this displayed Gabriella's leadership in everything. She pretended to be nonchalant about it but had her ears to what Gabriella said to Lord Darkon.

"So, Lord Darkon, this way." She gestured towards the hallway that would lead to the party hall.

"Thank you, my Princess," Darkon responded. While he and Gabriella took the lead walking in front, Alexia and Vanessa followed behind.

Darkon felt the morning sun sipping into the hallway touch his skin, a contrast to the chill of the early morning air. He kept his poise, walking gracefully beside her. Through the corners of his eyes, he watched her, her posture effortless, her movements fluid and natural, as if she was born to walk with such poise and elegance.

Anyway, she was the princess and a vibrant one at that. It should be her daily way of life. Darkon thought. 

Good thing his father had saved him from that awkward moment when she called him by his master's son's name. He hadn't known in the beginning that she was friends with his master's son. Now he was anxious. What if she ask him about the old things they did together? How would he respond to that?