the atmosphere completely changed within the banquet hall once the trumpets rose ,announcing the arrival of the king and queen of brittania.
King feanol walked towards ruby and the other paladins,as ellen and freya stepped to the side once more but Diana stayed next to ruby as she bowed her head momentarily towards the king and queen .
” Lady rudbeckia,you must be tired from your long travels thank you for livening up the banquet with your presence “the king said with a welcoming smile and calm tone ,while rudbeckia bowed gracefully towards him and the queen.
” I’m honored by your kind words,your majesty “ruby replied softly as she straightened up again,a smile upon her face .
” It’s quite rare for my nephew to arrive in a timely fashion for any of my banquets,usually it’s his younger cousin dragging him around but it seems perhaps that marriage has matured him, wouldn’t you agree sir iske “king feanol spoke with a jokingly manner and smiling as he laughed at his own words.
” I must take after my father,I say it’s a prime example of ” like father,like son ” “iske replied with an uninterested tone.
” A fine example indeed,yet you refused to embrace such happiness and instead chose to live as a depressed bachelor “king feanol replied.
” As you so deeply desired,those days are over I’ve just decided to accept my fate and live out my days as a depressed husband instead “iske replied before turning towards ruby with a cold glare then he turned around to leave her.
” Iske!? “Diana said softly,folding her arms as she frowned towards his direction.
cerulean blues widened slightly upon hearing a bit of sneering and snickering,ah .. those bothersome ladies thinking it’s funny that iske publicly abandoned his wife .
pinkish heel echoed as she took a step closer to these two ladies,the friendly smile turning to a cold state instead as she folded her arms.
” it’s disrespectful to snicker and whisper about someone,don’t you know basic manners? “diana whispered to them,her voice was gentle yet stern as the two ladies got startled then apologized quickly before walking away.
DIANA’S POV!
childish brats,thinking it’s so funny huh? let’s wait when they get put in the same situation.
RUBY’S POV!
her behavior changes quickly..but she’s a lot more smiling than her elder cousins,easy going and bubbly..but did she scold these two ladies for me?
~~~~~~~
Sitting with Ellen and ruby and other three ladies together on the table, Diana took a sip of her champagne glass as she was sitting between ruby and Freya’s empty seat .
” Frey,where were you? “Ellen asked gently,frey was freya’s nickname that Ellen usually uses towards her .
Freya who came back with a defeated smile as she sighed while taking her seat again replied.
” Well I tried to get iske to come back but my request fell on deaf ears , chivalry dare I say it is dead “Freya said softly as she raised her hands and shrugged her shoulders.
” huh,your attempt was in vain “diana said softly before gazing towards ruby.
” ruby you didn’t eat anything since we sat down,are you alright? “diana asked gently.
” Eh- yes yes!I’m just not really hungry “ruby replied with a smile as she set her glass down,did diana notice something?
” it’s not good to drink on an empty stomach,here try this “diana said softly while placed a piece of lemon cake in front of ruby ,a warm smile displayed on doll-like face.
RUBY’S POV!
it’s criminal if I make her sad,I can’t really say no when she’s smiling at me like that..i will just nibble it .
” thank you Dee “ruby replied softly before taking a little bite from the lemon cake.
” you shouldn’t have gone in the first place,it’s not as if he’s ever listened to us though “Ellen told Freya as she folded her arms.
” I suppose so “Freya replied softly while resting her cheek on her palm before her gaze turned to ruby with a gentle smile.
” Lady rudbeckia are you interested in horseback riding by any chance? “Freya asked gently.
” Although I’m not too skilled at it l,I do enjoy riding from time to time “ruby replied as she mirrored Freya’s smile with her eyes closed gently.
” Marvelous,that’s all I needed to know “Freya said softly.
” Nobody here is a match for lady ellenia or lady diana or lady freya when it comes to horseback riding “lady consolación’s spoke as she opened her fan.
” They owe it all to sir iske,no doubt lady rudbeckia why don’t you try asking your husband to assist you too? “she added with a smile as she fixated her eyes towards ruby .
” You’re speaking of a time when iske was younger and inclined to help,lady consolación “Freya said softly before folding her arms proudly with a smile.
” besides I’m naturally talented at it “she added ,gaining a chuckle from lady consolación.
diana listened to this conversation,all used to these conversations so she automatically smiles at it .. however she knew how to hide her annoyance from lady consolación very well.
” yes of course it was a compliment lady Freya “lady consolación said softly,her eyes towards ruby but it was like she was amused at a show .
” I appreciate your concern and advice, nevertheless i don’t wish to take up my husband’s valuable time for something so minor “ruby replied with an angelic smile,so radiant and warm .
DIANA’S POV!
she’s so cute,…these stupid rumors..are nothing but lies then well after all I don’t even believe in rumors that’s something my father taught me.
she thought to herself before clapping her gloved hands delicately,holding them to her cheek as she smiled while tilting her head.
” Come to think of it,summer’s end is just around the corner I’ve been thinking whether iz will compete in the upcoming gladiatorial tournament or not “Diana said softly,as she wanted lady consolación to leave ruby alone.
” I heard it’s to be held earlier than the last one,even though I’m looking forward to the tournament it’s obvious who the winner will be if sir iske participates “one of the ladies said with an eager smile.
” We’ll have to see how it goes,personally I’m more curious about who will be this year’s flower of glory “another lady said with the same eagerness,mixed with excitement.
” You are right but at the end it’s noticable who’s going to be the winner,that’s if iz participates this year “diana said softly before sipping some champagne,her tone proud and confident.
DIANA’S POV!
am I arrogant?perhaps,but you can’t blame me when my elder cousin is the knight of north and won his first gladiatorial tournament at the age of seventeen.
~~~~~~~~~~
A while passed and Diana decided to step out the banquet hall for some fresh air,a hum escaped her rosie lips as she walked through the empty corridor of the the palace. she usually liked this place..she used to come a lot when she was a kid .
DIANA’S POV!
my father and his majesty were best friends,it was only natural i got to come here a lot and being iz and Ellen’s younger cousin too .. an honorable lineage flowing within me indeed..oh!i want to look for ruby too,she’s not used to the directions here.
” I doubt that there’s anyone in this world who does not know your name,you’re the daughter of his holiness the pope after all ” ..
DIANA’S POV!
that voice?..Lorenzo!?I didn’t notice he was here.
she thought to herself,standing nearby behind a pillar as she watched him talking with ruby,but ..
DIANA’S POV!
this ill-mannered young man,why is he looking at her like that!?
” Is that so?what a surprise unlike my brothers i haven’t done much to rise to fame “ruby replied with a smile.
” To be honest,i recently heard a song about you it’s becoming widespread I’m sure everybody knows of it too “Lorenzo said softly and this made Diana tense up.
DIANA’S POV!
the song? .. oh no. Did he lose his mind!?mocking the Pope’s daughter with this disgusting song!?
” The lark of cistina,searches high and low to secure a mate of her liking but if it were up to me I believe her half-brothers
would make for a perfect match ,the lark – ” before Lorenzo could continue the song,diana came from behind him and gave his ear a rough pull making him scream.
” Lorenzo van furiana!what kind of rubbish are you saying to her!? “she said coldly while pulling his ear.
RUBY’S POV!
my heart nearly jumped out of my chest!when did dee show up!? .. it looks like a mother scolding her son when Diana is only eighteen years old .. my same age.
” L-LADY DIANA I WASN’T DOING ANYTHING WRONG! “Lorenzo shouted in pain,trying to get away but Diana had a good grip.
” Not doing anything wrong!?didn’t sir ivan tell you think twice before opening your mouth “she said sternly before letting go of his ear once Ivan appeared to continue the scolding session.
” APOLOGIZE THIS INSTANT TO LADY RUDBECKIA! “Ivan shouted while stretching Lorenzo’s cheek roughly.
” B-but – “Lorenzo tried to explain but Ivan didn’t give him a chance.
” BUT?!BUT WHAT!?ARE YOU TALKING BACK TO ME NOW!?NO BUTS JUST DO IT! “Ivan shouted at him again.
” I’m sorry “Lorenzo said with a pained smile.
” louder Lorenzo “diana said softly while standing next to ruby,she didn’t have to glare .. her disappointed expression was enough to scare him.
” You heard her! Louder,or would you rather i force it out of you!? “Ivan said coldly .
” I-im fine you can let him go “ruby said with an awkward smile.
Once Ivan let go of Lorenzo,he ran off so fast towards the banquet hall while the three blondes just stared at him.
” That childish bastard “Ivan mumbled.
RUBY’S POV!
he’s a fast little coward ! But..Dee,she looks so disappointed..I can understand why of course she thinks i will stain her honorable family,I can’t blame her.
” Are you feeling alright ruby?i feel terrible you got subjected to this “diana said softly as her delicate fingertips landed on ruby’s shoulder,a sad expression upon doll-like face.
RUBY’S POV!
the most gentle touch my shoulder felt since this evening!
” I-im fine really please don’t worry yourself Dee “ruby replied softly as she smiled.
” I apologize for subjecting you to such an unpleasant experience “Ivan said softly to ruby as he bowed his head with a nervous smile.
” I-its fine “ruby said softly as she smiled.
” Don’t pay any heed to what he said “Diana said softly.
” He’s lost himself in his own delusions you see,please just erase any memory you have of that revolting song “Ivan said softly.
” Sir ivan .. Dee,you don’t have to try so hard I know what the rumors say of me truthfully I’ve heard this one before as well “ruby said softly while fiddling with her dress,tears dripping down as she started crying.
” R-ruby!?please don’t cry! “Diana said quickly as she looked through her dress’s pocket for her handkerchief.
” L-lady rudbeckia!? “Ivan said quickly.
” I’m sorry..I just I’m horrified to know what my husband would think if he heard and believed such rumors “ruby replied softly,letting diana wipe her tears using the same handkerchief she gave her on that night.
” Th-that is ridiculous!that bastard doesn’t pay heed to whatever nonsense other people might spout nor is he the type of a person to leave a thorn in his side alone,if he detects a problem he takes care of it immediately! “Ivan explained about his friend’s character before continuing.
” So imagine my surprise to see iske act out of character earlier ,ah!I’m not saying that you’re necessarily the thorn..tell her lady Diana! “Ivan said softly.
” He’s right ruby,iz doesn’t really care about rumors nor interested to hear it .. besides if you were to cause him trouble he would have already acted out but you didn’t do anything wrong “Diana said softly as she patted her back gently.
RUBY’S POV!
at a point..I feel someone might mistaken them for siblings.
” really?that means.. sir iske doesn’t hate me,right? “ruby asked gently. still tears gathered in her eyes.
” Absolutely not!how could he dare hate you? “Ivan said with a smile.
” he’s just a bit unsettled ruby,like I told you before he’s never been in a situation like this before “diana said softly while smiling at her reassuringly.
” Does that mean I can like him as much as i want? “ruby asked gently.
” Of course!it would be a great honor for him! “Ivan replied excitedly before smiling awkwardly when Diana and ruby just stared at him.
” Wh-why don’t we head back to the banquet hall now? “Ivan suggested.
” It’s alright,I had originally planned to go get some fresh air anyway “ruby said softly with a smile.
” I see,if you needed anything just come and tell me ruby i will head back with sir ivan “Diana said softly while ivan offered his arm for Diana to hold.
” If that immature bastard shows up again,please let me know “Ivan said softly .
” Thank you sir ivan!and thank you very much Dee “ruby said with a smile.
Diana waved towards ruby gently before she walked away with Ivan,still feeling angry at Lorenzo so she decided to have a talk with Freya about this.
Comment