"Ohara, where in the world have you been? Do you know how late we are!" Dariel exclaimed as Ohara rushed hastily into their bedchambers to get changed.
"I know, I know Dariel, I apologize, the market was absolutely crowded, but it was all worth it because I found the most exquisite vase, it took me such a long time to fi—"
"Not now Ohara, we are already running late, just get changed quickly, you can tell me about it later." Dariel said hurriedly.
"Yes, yes." she replied. She asked for his assistance with her corset as he aided her.
"Thank you my love." she smiled as she helped him drape his black silk scarf around his neck.
"We cannot be late to the castle, that would be a terrible first impression, we have less than an hour before dinner commences." he said.
"Do not worry, I am sure we will be able to arrive there on time." she said.
"I will wait for you downstairs, do not dally." he said.
"Of course, I will not." she smiled.
....
Dariel waited impatiently at the foot of the stairs, he could only breathe easily once he saw Ohara walking down beautifully in a elegant yellow gown with a square neckline and puff sleeves.
"You look enchanting my love, just like the first day I met you." he said dazzled, his eyes shimmering.
Ohara suddenly felt self-conscious, she had not seen him look at her like that in a long while, it felt strange and yet it felt right.
"Oh stop it Dariel, you are just flattering me." she said.
"Because you deserve to be flattered my love." he replied taking her by the hand as he placed a gentle kiss on the back of her hand.
"I do not remember the last time you have looked at me like that." she laughed sheepishly.
"That is because I have been so focused on the wrong things for the longest time, but now, everything is going to change my love, I promise you." He assured, she could not help but be swayed by his words.
"You promise?" she asked.
"I promise." he smiled. His senses returned to him as he remembered they had to be on time.
"Angelica!" he shouted making sure she would hear him. "Oh, where is that girl?" he asked, if they did not leave now, they would miss the first course of dinner.
"I am sure she will be down soon, relax my love." she said rubbing his arms. He frowned but held his peace.
Lucky for Angelica she came downstairs a few moments later.
"Oh my love, you look so lovely." Ohara could not help but smile as soon as she laid eyes on her daughter. Not only was the navy blue dress on her stunning, but her hair was neatly packed in a low chignon. Ohara could not recall when she had ever seen Angelica's hair packed up so neatly.
If anything, the neat and tidy style of her hair complimented her, it made her look more austere than ever.
"Thank you mother, we should be on our way now." Angelica simply replied. She did not take pleasure in the compliment, there were far too many much important things on her mind than that.
For example, she could not help but consider how tonight's dinner would go on. She was thoroughly convinced both their families would end up hating each other more after tonight. She anticipated it, and if she did, she would not be surprised when it happened.
"For once I agree with you, after you my love." Dariel smiled as Ohara laughed, she could get used to this sweet treatment of his.
Dariel and Ohara chattered in the carriage. They seemed to be in their own world.
Angelica did not try to be involved in the conversation. She was focused on the fact that this was the first time she could recall they were all in a carriage together. They were not a united family, and they rarely were invited to events as other members of the nobility.
She did not think she had ever witnessed them speaking normally as other couples do. It was surprising to say the least. This was the first time she had watched her mother speak to her father without fear of displeasing him.
Angelica looked out the carriage window. The sky was already dark, she had a feeling they had less than fifteen minutes to arrive at the castle before dinner began.
Angelica was silent because now more than ever it dawned on her that her plans were successful, now she had to hold up her side of the bargain. She was not rethinking her decisions, no, far from it, she was convinced now more than ever that what she did was necessary.
"Oh, my love, you are going to simply admire the vase I purchased for his majesty." Ohara called to Angelica as she noticed her silence. "I almost fought another woman for it." she chuckled.
Angelica just let out a smile that barely reached her eyes showing her indifference.
The air in the carriage suddenly turned stiff and heavy. Ohara was silent as well. It had now dawned on her that this was not a nice, little family outing, rather they were on their way to basically confirm that their daughter was espoused to the crown prince.
She could not help but sigh, she felt sad, truly she did. However, she did not want to ruin Dariel's good mood by expressing that.
Dariel did not need words to understand his wife's feeling. She was sad, she still did not want to accept this reality, but she was forced to.
He did not know what words to use to comfort her, even if he did, he wondered if his words would be genuine considering his happiness was due to this new reality. He himself remained silent as well.
...
Phillip walked into the great hall, the scowl on his face did not seem to be going anywhere any time soon. The guards closed the door behind him.
He walked swiftly and sat down at the head of the table. The queen was already present, she was seated on his right. The table had been set already with various delicacies and dishes.
"My husband, why do you look grim?" Queen Taryn asked as she held his hand.
"Is it not this foolish dinner, we have to meet with that outcast of a family." he cried.
"That should not be the reason why the king of Calixas looks so grim." she replied smiling.
"No, it should be the reason, it is more than enough a reason." he responded.
"Well my husband, if you think about it, you are the cause of your own unhappiness." she said.
"How so?"
"You are the king of the entire kingdom, you can do as you wish, I do not understand why you choose to allow a son of your own loins make you unhappy." she said.
"Then what do you suggest I do Taryn?" he asked irritated.
"I have told you time and time again to discipline that boy, but you never listened." she said critically.
"If that is what you are referring to then stop it Taryn, I do not discipline your own son either, I do not appreciate you taking your personal problems with Ian as my fault." he chided.
"I apologize my husband, that was not my intention, all I wished to say is, if you cancel this wedding and forbid him from bringing shame to the royal family, no one will question you for you are the king." she reminded.
"Sure, no one might question me, but my conscience will." he replied, he was so focused on looking ahead that he missed the slight roll of her eyes.
"I understand my husband, after all, you are the king, you know best." she replied.
"Where in the world are these late guests?" he asked annoyed as Ian walked into the late hall.
"Good evening father." he smiled bowing his head to his father.
"Good evening your highness." he said, his greeting directed to Queen Taryn as his face turned stiff.
Queen Taryn simply took a sip of her wine to mask the displeasure she felt from his direct insult.
"Good evening my boy." Phillip managed to smile even though he was upset. Queen Taryn scoffed silently, as expected, Phillip did not correct his insolent son.
"What is she doing in my seat?" he asked glowering.
"I am the queen, my acceptable seat should be on the right hand of his majesty." Queen Taryn stated clearly.
"Oh is that so? Well your majesty, I am the crown prince and you are seating in my seat, please stand up before I call one of the guards to do that for you." He threatened.
"Husband." she called looking at Phillip who pretended not to notice what was going on. She scoffed, as expected, she was on her own when it came to Ian.
"Fine." she replied agitated as she got up and pushed the chair behind her.
"Let this be a reminder that you never sit in my seat again your royal highness." Ian said fearsomely, enunciating 'your royal highness' excessively.
Queen Taryn walked to Phillip's left and sat down. Her feet tapped aggressively underneath the table.