Villainess Loves

Part 26

I must say the king is quite late. We've already started to eat. I also don't know where I should be looking since on my right is the incessant flirting of Prince Caelum, but across from me is the lovey-dovey antics of Prince Orion and Bella, who has considerably calmed down now that she seems to realize that I mean her no harm. The queen is just calmly eating as if this was normal. Well, I guess she doesn't really mind much since Prince Orion and I have declared our status. It's just a little awkward for me, to be here, eating with the royal family, one of whom is my ex-fiance, and the other, a princess of a kingdom we just destroyed. Well, destroyed is a strong word. Overpowered?

I sighed, playing with my food slightly. I shouldn't have expected much drama, this is the world of a web novel. Everybody is quite understanding and amiable. There probably wasn't much killing either since I never heard of any news of deaths, only injuries from the war. Maybe this will be okay?

"Presenting, his royal majesty, King Drayden!" A loud voice boomed as the king finally enters with his attendant following close by. We all stand to welcome him. Me, Bella, and Princess Echina bow in his presence. The servants in the dining hall bowed too.

"We greet his royal majesty." We all echo. He stands at the center of the table, looking just as regal and grandiose as I remembered. He raises his hand for us to sit down. We all obey and he finally sits.

Queen Solana waves her hand to signal the servants to bring in the king's food. He turns towards me.

"It is always a pleasure to see you, Lady Annelise." He says, smiling slightly at me.

"Thank you, your majesty. It is always a pleasure to be the in presence of your majesties." I smile back. He hums in acknowledgment.

"How is your father? The trade routes we've received from Vendia should open up many more routes and opportunities." He asks.

"He is doing fine. Very busy at the moment." I answer, taking a bite of food. Ah~ The food here is sooo good!

"That is good to hear. Have you met our guest, Princess Echina of Vendia?" He gestures toward Princess Echina, who is trying to avoid Prince Caelum's kisses. They both freeze when he acknowledges her presence. She blushes but Prince Caelum takes the initiative and kisses the hand he was holding. She quickly removes her hand from his grasp and hits him on the arm. She blushes again when she notices that we were watching them. I ignore their flirting and turn to King Drayden.

"I was just introduced. She is a lovely person." I say.

"She is the best, father." Prince Caelum suddenly adds. He grabs the hand that escaped and brings Princess Echina in closer.

"Ah, yes... We are grateful to have Princess Echina visit us. Have you received the news yet, Lady Annelise?" King Drayden asks.

"News?" I question.

"We're getting married, Annelise! The engagement announcement will be at my welcoming ball." Prince Caelum says excitedly. Princess Echina blushes at his bluntness.

"This is to create good ties with our kingdoms. Don't sound so excited!" She says, hitting his arm slightly.

"Who wouldn't be happy marrying a fine beauty such as yourself, Echina?" Prince Caelum teases and brushes off a strand of loose hair from her face.

"Princess! Princess Echina! We're in company, Caelum!!!" She whispers shouts while continuing to hit his arm wrapped around her.

"Congratulations on your engagement, Prince Caelum, Princess Echina." I say, smiling at them, ignoring their antics.

"Heh, as you have heard, my son, Prince Caelum will be wed to Princess Echina of Vendia. It was a brilliant idea on my son's part to foster a marriage to end the war and gain a valuable relationship with our neighboring kingdom, Vendia." The king says proudly to me.

"Unlike my other lazy son..." He eyes Prince Orion, who was putting more food on Bella's plate. Cute but way too much food. No sane person can eat that much food.

"Ahem! Prince Orion!" King Drayden loudly clears his throat. Prince Orion stops and looks toward his father.

"Yes, father?" He asks.

"Should we ask why you have brought your servant to dine with us?" King Drayden says, raising one of his bushy eyebrows. Prince Orion tilts his head.

"Oh, father, did I forget to inform you? This is Bella!" He smiles, gesturing towards Bella, who has turned almost completely white as a sheet.

"I greet your majesty," She says, bowing her head shakily.

"I really like Bella, father! I want to marry her." Prince Orion says, reaching over to grasp Bella's hand. King Drayden looks like he could burst a blood vessel, the veins on his neck are bulging, making it a slightly scary view.

"Ah, is that so? We don't recall your engagement with a servant." King Drayden says through gritted teeth.

Sorry for the wait! Went on vacation and got a bit lazy. Only one chapter today but regular updates will be continuing next week!