THE GREAT LADY OF ALKION

CHAPTER 12

"I don't think your family is happy with the news we just delivered," Julian said.
"They will accept the truth soon. Just give them some time," Astrid said.
"It's true. They'll accept you sooner than you think. You just need to show them that you deserve my sister."
"I will do anything to show them that I do deserve her," Julian said kissing Astrid's hand. " I need to go home and inform my father of this. Excuse me."
He left for his house. He found his father smoking his pipe looking outside.
" Father."
" Oh you're back. Where were you ?"
" In the castle to see Astrid."
" And ?"
" I proposed marriage to her."
" That is great son. What did she say ?Tell me tell me."
" She said yes but wants us to wait for some time before we marry."
" And why is that ?Does she love you as she says she does ? She wouldn't hesitate and tell you to wait based on how I know her. She has always gotten what she wanted since she was a girl because she is Anthony's favourite."
" Well maybe I am not what she wants father."
" Don't even say that Julian,"Eugene hissed after smacking his son's head.
" Why did you do that ? I have done what you want me to. What more ? We have been invited for dinner tonight in the castle to celebrate the betrothal."
" I can't wait to dine with the king."

" Germaine,how nice to see you," Aretha beamed.
" Pleased to meet you too," she replied with a tiny bow. Her maid followed her closely holding some items.
" Do come in. How have you been ?"
" I've been doing fine. Just the usual. Composing songs and poems, painting and embroidery."
" Typical work for a soon to be bride."
" Soon to be bride ?"she giggled." I have no intended one yet but I'm hoping to have one soon."
" Don't go round in circles. It's our Fabian. I'm sure that the both of you will have a romantic relationship very soon. Use your stay here wisely."
" I will. Oh look here," she said as she turned to her maid and was handed a painting." Now this is what I want to give Fabian tonight. He has always loved my paintings."
" Wow! It looks amazing. How I wish he could see the effort you put in to please him. I love the brush strokes here," Aretha said as she traced the painting of Fabian riding on a horse with a shield and sword in hand. She really cared for Germaine and could not bring herself to tell her that Fabian was having an affair with Luciana. Germaine had to be Fabian's wife and she would help it come true.
"Oh and by the way,Astrid and Julian got betrothed today and there will be a huge family dinner tonight."
"What ? That fast ?I'm sure that she is very happy," Germaine said.
"Of course she is. She now has Julian."
"Aretha. I know that you have feelings for him but you need to be happy for Astrid like she gets happy for you when you achieve something. You will also find your own man who will love you a lot. Come on,cheer up."
"I am Germaine but it hurts."
"Of course it will hurt. I get hurt everytime when Fabian treats me as a friend when I am in love with him but here I am. Trying to be strong because I'm hoping that one day,he will look at me differently."
"You are right Germaine. I will be happy for her. I assure you."
"That's much better."
The two went to find Astrid to congratulate her for her engagement. She was very happy to have the two celebrate with her.
Soon it was time for dinner. For dinner Astrid wore an off the shoulder gown made of deep blue velvet and adorned her head with a silver tiara with shiny yellow topazes. Luciana followed her and they went into the dining room. There were all sorts of lovely food and everyone ate to their fill as they talked amongst themselves.
Eugene stood up and smiled. All eyes were on him.
"I am pleased to know that our families will unite through the marriage of our children. I am so happy for my son because I know that he has gotten himself a jewel. Congratulations. I will drink to both of you," he said and took a glassful of wine.
Anthony looked at Eugene and hated every minute of having him dine with his family. Charles shared the same sentiments as Anthony but talked to Therese so as keep himself occupied. Germaine had sat beside Fabian and they were talking as well. He however couldn't stop himself from looking at Luciana who was standing behind Astrid. He signalled her using his eyes to leave for their meeting.
"Excuse me Germaine but I need to go somewhere," he said as he stood up ready to leave.
"Oh sure Fabian. Go ahead."
Fabian left the room and everyone was too busy to notice it. They were all busy talking. Eugene excused himself saying that he was headed for the restroom.
"Uhm Astrid, excuse me but I would like to leave for a while," Luciana said.
"Of course Luciana. I'll meet you later when I go to bed."
"Thank you."
She walked out and went to the painting room. This room had many canvas for the royals to paint. It was a favourite hobby for them that they had kept a room to serve that purpose. It was never in use at night though. She got inside the room and closed the door behind her. She hugged Fabian and smiled at him.
"I missed you."
"I missed you too Fabian," she replied as they kissed lovingly." Won't someone find us here ?"
"Of course not. No one paints at night. What is this ?" Fabian said as he looked at the painting. He was sitting on a horse carrying a shield and sword.
"The one who painted this really is good," Luciana said equally admiring the painting.
" It must be from Aretha or mother. Astrid doesn't like to paint. Let me put it back and let's go over to the corner."
He put back the painting and led Luciana to the corner where he embraced her and she nuzzled into his neck.

" I need to find Fabian and hand him the painting. Where did you put it Aretha ?"
" It's in the painting room. Let's go get it."
They walked towards the room.
" I think that I could confess my feelings to Fabian tonight. This way it would be easier for me because I've kept it in for long."
" I agree. When we find him,I'll excuse myself and leave you two there. Make sure to be honest. He values honesty."She turned to open the door but it was not totally locked. " Who left the door not closed well ?"
" I don't know. I'll get the painting," Germaine said and pushed the door open slowly and looked inside and what she saw left her dumbfounded. She could not believe her eyes. By the corner was Fabian and Luciana. He was kissing her passionately and had untied the drawstring of her dress exposing her back. He was running his hands through her hair and a moan escaped her.
"What's taking you so lo....," this from Aretha who saw what Germaine was seeing. "What are you doing ?" she screamed alarming the two lovers.