We are now back at that mysterious door and Anthony keeps asking me if I am ready. I finally get fed up with it and slightly yelling, "Anthony I am fine can we just go in please?"
He chuckles and opens the door where behind it are three rows of people who bow to us as we walk in. I smile and curtsy in return feeling a bit uncomfortable with these new formalities. I guess it showed on my face because Anthony grabs my hand running soothing circles across the back of it. I take a deep breath and smile at him, squeezing his hand in the process. I nod and we proceed down the isle all eyes on us inspecting our every move. I try to forget all the people watching and just focus on getting to the front of the room. Anthony let my hand go and my eyes immediately shot to his missing the comfort the small gesture gave me. He smiled softly and discreetly instructed me to take deep breaths. I do as I'm told and turn to face the crowd of analytical eyes. They were looking for something, but what it was I don't think they found it because their expressions all changed into sneers. They didn't like something about me, and as I ran through my mind I couldn't figure out for the life of me what it was. I don't know any of their faces except for the cook who was the only one smiling at me although it be sympathetic like she felt bad. I straightened my posture and looked the first person who spoke in the eye.
"My name is Reginald your Highness I will be instructing you in your math lessons." A man in a pin striped tuxedo said as he stepped out of his row and bowed to me. He looked about 5'9 and his nose was much too big for his face. His lips stayed in a straight and serious line. The first thought that came to mind when I looked at him.....buzzkill.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance I place my education in your undoubtedly capable hands." I replied fighting to keep a straight face as I curtsied and snuck a glance at Anthony who looked like he was trying just as hard as I was to keep from laughing.
The next few hours went by slowly as everyone introduced themselves. When we were done Anthony finally stepped up and said, "I expect you all to treat Princess Obsidian as a true royal even though she knows nothing of this life. You all are going to fix that am I understood?"
"Yes your majesty." They replied all at once. Talk about creepy.
Anthony held his hand out for me to take and I gladly accepted. Happy to finally have something to keep me grounded. When we got into the hall I let out a deep breath. I peeked over at Anthony to see him staring at me smiling.
I looked around before saying, "What did I mess up or something?"
He laughed grabbing my waist and lifted me into the air. He spun me around and said, "You were magnificent you held yourself with true grace in there Princeps mea."
I giggle smiling from ear to ear relief coursing through me as he set me down gently. In all honesty I feel like I've done all of this before. I shake the feeling and follow Anthony down the hall as he goes on to tell me about a special surprise he arranged for me. I laugh as he starts to run grabbing my hand and pulling me along with him.
"Where exactly are we going Ant!?" I asked after we stopped in the garden to catch our breath.
"Well if I told you it would ruin the surprise now wouldn't I?" He said wrapping his arms around me from behind pulling me in closely and inhaling slowly.
"I hope your not torturing the poor girl Anthony." A voice said from behind us.
Anthony lets me go his heat leaving me immediately. I frowned a little and then turned around to face his mother smiling.
"Not at all your majesty it kind of seems like he was giving me a rapid tour of the entire palace."
She laughed her smile filling her face. She took my hands in hers and said,"I have not seen my son this happy in years. Thank you."
"I'm honored you believe it was me but I have done nothing ma'am." I said looking over at Anthony and then down at my feet.
"On the contrary dear you have challenged him and accepted him for who he is even without the crown."
"As I said, nothing. A person is not the amount of jewels or money they have and they are not their status. A person is who they choose to be on the inside because the outside is only a small vessel to carry a soul in it is expendable but who a person truly is deep down that is not."
"Where did you hear that from?" She said her brow furrowing slightly.
"It's something my... I don't know." I replied standing up straight.
She smiled wildly her entire face lighting up as she looked between us. She nodded to Anthony and winked at me before turning to leave.
"I'm rooting for you dear. You won't disappoint me I'm sure of it." And with that she was gone her figure swallowed by the immense hedge at the beginning of the garden.
"Well that was interesting." Anthony said shrugging his shoulders at his mother's strange behavior.
"She's quite the excitable character huh?"
"Yeah. You gotta love it though." He replied offering me his hand.
After I placed my hand in his we walked through the doors of the palace into a very long and excessive hallway with only one door at the end of it. I looked at him from the corner of my eye to see him already staring at me beaming. I quirked an eyebrow only to have him pull me along the hallway.
After what seemed like forever we arrived at the door. Anthony still won't tell me what the hell is going on. He turns to me, bows, and kisses my hand his face going deadly serious as his eyes meet mine.
He slowly turned back towards the door and knocked a familiar rhythm. I looked at him strangely waiting for something to happen. Several minutes passed by and I was beginning to think that maybe he was losing his mind because nothing happened. I was just about to say something when the door began to move.
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I'm so sorry about the cliffhanger guys but you have to admit it's a pretty awesome place to stop if you want people to come back for more. Anyway I've been timing myself and it takes me approximately three days to finish one chapter. I can finish two chapters in the same time but with me about to have this baby all I have done is sleep. Oh yeah great news you guys I go in December 10th to have my mini me can't wait to meet him/her. Stay updated babes I'll have more material in a few days. I Love You Guuuyyyyyssssss.
