The next night the King was to have dinner with the first female he met, extra guards had been posted around the grounds just as a precaution. Since the girl's father and the King had been in a constant back and forth battle for years over control of the fertile farmlands that were between their two kingdoms. It was only logical to assume that there might be some foul play happening during this meeting. Extra food tasters were on hand, and only the most trusted kitchen staff were allowed to touch any food.
The King eyed the extremely thin girl and thought to himself, there is no way she could attempt to carry a child. It could kill her. Besides, her lack of curves and womanly figure had no appeal to him whatsoever. He made eye contact with his daughter and shook his head ever so slightly. His daughter gave him a knowing look and bowed her head slightly, she understood full well that her father was not liking this woman and she had not even opened her mouth yet.
"M'lord, I am most gracious for your hospitality. And the gift that you sent me of the ornate fan I will treasure always."
He noted that neither himself nor his daughter had received anything in return from her, whereas with Jade... The Lady had actually thought to provide items that would represent herself all on her own and send them without being prompted to.
The King smiled politely. "I am glad that you like it, the late Queen, God rest her... She enjoyed them as well."
All the servants in the room whispered "God rest the Queen."
Lady Ann looked around at everyone, "Will they do that every time?"
The King sat up straight in his chair, "Yes, and you should show respect to her as well. For there was no kinder soul in all this world."
Lady Ann narrowed her eyes, "I just didn't realize I would be in competition with a ghost is all." She took a few bites of her food. "Oh goodness, I am so full."
Isadora raised an eyebrow at her, "That is only the first course, Lady Ann."
Lady Ann looked at the King, "I didn't realize that children were here at the palace. In our kingdom children only come to live with their parents once they come of age so that the father may find them a suitable match." She then looked to Isadora, "And when we did visit, we certainly didn't speak to anyone."
The King slammed his fist down on the table, "Enough of that Lady Ann, I believe since you have had your fill of our fine dining, you should make your way home. And give my regards to your father."
She stood, "And when should I expect the news of our engagement?"
Isadora placed her hands in her lap, "Oh it should only a matter of time, I can only assume. Though I might be shipped off to finishing school by then it sounds like so who knows."
Lady Ann glanced back at the princess, then bowed to the King. "I do hope that you take into consideration that I was raised differently. That this is all just new to me, I can learn... I promise."
The Chancellor crossed her off the list, he wasn't even going to push that matter further with the King. Plus the way Ann spoke to Lady Isadora made everyone in the room turn a harsh eye on her. The fact that her father rages war against this kingdom every few years doesn't help either.