Rejected, But Mine

Blessings

Wayo coughed choking on the glass of milk he's been drinking. Mom patted his back gently as he sent a scorned expression towards the said girl.

The whole area felt radio silent, nobody dared to make a move. I could see our maids exchanging looks, and P'Danai was fidgeting not knowing how to respond. I turned my gaze towards Arthit who still remained calm sipping his coffee.

"Your highness."

There was a visible lightening of the tensity while everyone's attention quickly turned to the newcomer. The man was short with receding gray hairline who definitely was in his early fifties. Next to him was Namtarn's twin brother, Stud. Now that I look, there is an uncanny resemblance between all three. That concludes the man would be...

"Samran.", dad curtly nodded at his advisor who then turned towards mom, bowing, "Luna, it's an honor to meet you all again. I hope your trip went well. I apologize for interrupting your family breakfast.", he said .

Family breakfast... I didn't like the phrase a bit. I felt he was stressing it just to make some point. I looked past him at the other boy who has his head hung, clearly sensing the awkward atmosphere.

Mom nodded at him smiling, "It's fine, Samran. If you don't mind, why don't you and your son join us?".

Samran glanced around the table lingering his eyes on me more than needed. "I don't want to bother...", he let his words trail off. He's evidently fine joining the table then why this mask?

"Oh, not a bother at all.", dad waved his hand. "You are luckily on time, we were about to taste the dessert our Kongpob made yesterday.", he said smiling at me which I curtly returned.

"Oh...so this is our future Regent Luna, Arthit's mate?.", he scrambled around to face me, with a puzzled look.

"Yes....Kongpob dear, this is our advisor Samran.",dad pointed at the man. "the boy next to him is Stud, whom you have already met." Then he turned to Samran, "Samran, this is our son's mate, Kongpob Suttiluk. Kerklai and Chandra's son."

I tried to smile at both of them ignoring the sneering gray eyes. The man bowed before settling beside his daughter followed by Stud. His expression blanched a little which he covered with a cough. "Your royal highnesses, you both make such a lovely pair.". he smiled at my mate ruefully which Arthit returned with an equally crooked one.

Extra plates were brought and food was served to the newcomers and the only sound slashing the air being the slight cling of utensils.

"I beg your forgiveness for being rude but Luna cooked yesterday?", Samran wasn't letting go of the topic.

"Yes, P'Arthit's favorite. And it was amazing.", Wayo looked gratified.

Samran eyed me before smiling which never reached his eyes, or I thought so. "That's wonderful. I'll be honored to try it but..", he turned  his head glancing at his daughter, his brows burrowed with a puzzled expression. "Didn't you also prepare something..?".

She glanced furtively around the table before hanging her head low as if waiting for any of us to respond.

Suddenly, the advisor clapped his hands once like an overly excited child breaking the awkward silence. "Then why don't we try both. I know you would have tried the other. But who knows which one you would like better.", he said giving a pointed look at Arthit which obviously got ignored.

Wait...why does it feel like there is a hidden message under that question? What the hell is his problem? First it's his daughter, who barged into our bedroom waltzing around like she owned the place. Now it's him making decisions for us. Who are they? Given the freedom they possess in the palace, there is more than what it seems to be an advisor- high alpha arrangement. Since I am the newest addition, I would never know. I immediately make a mental note to enquire about it to Wayo.