Princess Thief [✔]

14. The Royal Family of Ezriel

SKERPLA DAY OF THOR

The clinking of utensils resounding the cold walls of the Palace Dining Hall was momentary as it was replaced by Erodessa's laughter. The sound was like a cat's claw scratching my ears. She had been flirting with Prince Asher since last night and letting a giggle at every word that was coming out of the man's lips.

Meanwhile, there was a palpable change in Lian who was eating quietly the whole time. I witnessed my sisters' huge argument after dinner yesterday when I was going back to my room but I went ahead and ignore them. It didn't have anything to do with me so who cared?

Then, there was Father and Yves who were talking about the current state predicaments. They really did look alike when they were displaying a serious expression.

As for me, I was rather bothered at the moment by Crown Prince Lander's stare.

'What's with him?' I thought as I continued eating.

Everyone was taking their time as they ate so I had to chew as slow as I could. It was like forever until we were done with our luncheon.

"It is a pity I could not accompany you further as I have matters to attend, Crown Prince Lander, Prince Asher," reasoned Father after he got up.

"It is fine, your majesty," said both the princes simultaneously.

"I had to trouble my children to keep you company at the moment," said Father, smiling with closed lips.

"It is no trouble, Father. I am truly enjoying Prince Asher's presence. It is such a delight that you gave us this chance to meet," responded Erodessa as she hooked her arms to the prince.

She was pressing her body to him while the smile on the prince's face did not falter. They were not even formally engaged but the physical contact she initiated could already be compared to a spouse or better yet, a lowly hostess.

"Then, I'll leave everyone to you, dear," Father excused himself and left the room.

"I heard you are an avid fan of paintings, your highness?" asked Erodessa as they all walked out.

"Yes. My maternal grandfather was a renowned craftsman and his love of art had influenced me," explained Prince Asher.

The two people with their own world were completely oblivious to the persons behind them. We were like shadows in the background, bathed by a silence that none of us wanted to cut through.

As they were talking about paintings, we proceeded to the Palace Gallery. Since I was with my siblings, I guessed it was alright if I entered with them. This hall was used to showcase the extravagant paintings that our family had collected for generations. The family portraits were also said to be displayed deeper in this area.

I was hounding behind them when Erodessa stopped my tracks.

"Uh. Carline, why are you still here?" she asked with an arched brow.

I stared back at her in confusion. We still had the guest so I thought I still needed to ride along with Father's act and could not just disappear from them.

"Nevermind," she stated before I could say my reply and went back to Prince Asher's side.

We walked matching the two soon-to-be lovers' pace. I didn't even know why we were still trailing them. Lian was preoccupied, Yves was silent, and Prince Lander looked nonchalant as we roamed around while I was just an observer for them.

After a while, Yves was called by a servant and Lian went with him. I could go with them if I liked but I decided to stay. To be honest, I had never come to this place. When I was young, I did not bother going here as it was located on the farthest side of the East Wing and I never wandered around without Mother.