The Heiress' Dilemma

5 |Ill-mannered moth

It was amusing to see how the tables had turned. The expression on their faces when they realized they needed me more than I needed them was hilarious.

However, this also made him aware of his superiority over him. It wouldn't be a problem as long as I was in charge.

And, betting on his non-existent manners, I knew I would stay in charge for a while. You would never catch me losing against a man when strength was not a part of the equation.

My offer to help was not well received by Vernon, the ill-mannered moth, but he was convinced by Preston after a good fifteen minutes.

Although Vernon did not agree, we ignored him and settled on a deal, turning blind eye to his obvious glare directed in our direction as we shook hands to seal our deal.

I would assist them in locating Vernon's sister without letting any rumors spread, and in return, they would comply with my request for a comfortable stay in Querencia. Being the only sane person was a tough job. How do I always end up in deals that are less beneficial to me in comparison?

I presently lie in my bed, comfortably nestled, my head sinking into the pillow. The birds outside chatter their musical chirps, and the light creeping through the large window fell directly on my face, compelling me to cover myself with blankets.

Humming softly, I allowed myself to get absorbed in the comfort of the bed, knowing it was 6 o'clock in the morning and I could sleep for at least another hour until I realized:

I was not in Ivor.

I was not going to get my breakfast in bed at 7:30 AM.

The maids had informed me that everyone would have breakfast together in the dining room at precisely 6 o'clock in the morning, in the presence of the King and Queen.

WHY ON EARTH DO THEY EXPECT ME TO WAKE UP BEFORE SIX?!

This was outrageous.

In the battle between sleep and food, food won, and I dragged myself out of bed, running my hand through the tangled waves of my hair. Why was "jumping from the balcony " not part of the battle?

I stumbled over to my writing desk, my eyes half-open, and retrieved my diary. I hastily jotted down another entry under the heading "101 Reasons Why I Shall Not Marry Prince Vernon":

1) Arrogance is his middle name, as if he excretes golden faeces.

2) I will get cramps in my neck if I kept trying to look at his face.

3) Ethereal humans are not supposed to be trusted on this filthy planet.

4)His Highness's ego rivals the empire's size.

5) They have this bizarre rule of having breakfast together at 6:00 AM!

Shutting my diary, I heaved a sigh. Ten minutes to get ready and greet a marvellous breakfast.

***

Hurriedly walking down the stairs, I nearly tripped over my skirt. Nevertheless, I continued with composure, pretending everything was fine and I definitely did not skip bath to reach on time.

There must be at least someone who would be late too.

As I walked, my steps suddenly ceased when a dozen pairs of eyes turned in my direction. Lord have mercy!

Their expressions held disdain, their unwelcoming attitudes glaring at me. A lady, who appeared to be in her early fifties, observed me with disapproval. Ma'am, did my existence puncture your blood vessels?