The Heiress' Dilemma

7 | Angry mama bear

I shook my leg, simultaneously glancing at Vernon, his mother and the two mice beside the flower pot on the nightstand who were engaged in a frivolous activity that I could not comprehend.

Why did I even exist?

Vernon and I were positioned on the bed while she, the Queen, keeping a safe distance from us, stood in front of us. Our seating arrangement allowed her to look down upon us properly.

"Stop shaking your leg," Vernon hissed in an almost inaudible voice.

I shook my legs vigorously.

With the fakest smile plastered on her face, the Queen abruptly captured my face between her hands. Taken aback, my eyes widened slightly, my hands flinching to shield me from a potential slap.

"Oh dear, I think I can see why he has taken a liking in you," she said, my face sandwiched between her hands. There was a sudden shift in her demeanor. The bear was meowing. There had to be a sinister motive behind the change.

"Umm... you can?" I muttered, completely aware that I was looking ridiculous with my eyes wide and lips in a pout due to the torture inflicted upon my cheeks.

"Yes, you are charming indeed," she cooed and then, her full lips broke into a wide smile equivalent to that of a cat. "However, I cannot help but notice that you lack severely in the ettiquete department." I was just fine without knowing that piece of information, ma'am.

"Umm.. okay?"

Her hands slipped off my face. "I do see the potential of you becoming the next Queen of Querencia," she said, straightening herself before casting a quick glare at her son, who was busy reading a book whilst we conversed.

After getting no reaction other than the turning of page from her son, she again made me the centre of her attention. "Don't you worry, I will have you properly trained by the best ettiquete teacher I know," she flashed a fake smile to me and I stiffened.

Trained? Ettiquete? Not again.

"Ma'am, I don't-"

"I wish to have a word with my son alone," she interjected, directing her gaze towards her son. "You can leave."

Opportunity does not knock twice so I got up, bowing to the Queen and took my leave.

And if I stepped on Vernon's foot in the process, it was purely accidental.

"I will let you know the timing of your ettiquete classes!" Her sugary voice reminded and I felt like dying from diabetes.

The roof looked real inviting at the moment. I might even jum- ahem just take a walk there.

I hurried my pace, but then a searing pain surged through my back. He better compensate for my injury. For now, I must rest before Vernon's mother discovered another means to separate us as if I was going to bewitch her son or something.

Dear roof, here I come!

***

The rest of the day was a blur. Luckily, Mama Bear did not unleash her wrath upon me with her mighty paws. At the dinner gathering, I was left undisturbed, as the others were engrossed in their own conversations. The sole attention I received was from Raven, who spoke mainly of our modest celebration. Additionally, I could not help but notice the scrutinizing gazes of Vernon, seated directly across from me. He appeared to be engaged in a conversation with Preston, and I sensed that their topic of conversation revolved around me. I have a feeling that they may be passing judgment upon my character. Ah, the impertinent moth and his companion, the Caterpillar. Hmmph!