A villain's heart

CHAPTER TWO

Astoria Evergreen

It seems as though Ernest was right. His brother is soon to return. The queen has been preparing for something for days now. It's rumored that she's preparing for his returnal. The city is overjoyed because of this. Hopefully it is true. I cannot bare to spend anymore time in this place. I made my way downstairs with Mila blabbering about something. I was too lost in my thoughts to hear her. “Your majesty did you hear that the prince is coming back?” she asked. I nodded. “Is it official? Did the Queen or King announce that?” I inquired. She didn't answer. It is possible but I won't get my hopes up too high. I bowed before Her majesty and she gave me a quick nod. “What are you preparing for mother? ” I threaded carefully. All the excitement from her face was drained.
She quickly plastered a fake smile to cover what her face had shown. “A celebration.” She lied. Her dark brown eyes were twitching with fear. “Oh. Alright if there's anything you need, I'll be happy to help.” I offered. She nodded and walked away. “She's hiding something.” Mila whispered. I nodded. It was evident that she was hiding something from me. I can't believe she'd lie to me. I'm now even skeptical if she considered me her daughter. “Whatever you hear on this, tell me.” I ordered Mila. She nodded and went to help Her Majesty. Hours had gone and it seemed as though a ball was going to be happening. “Do you need me to help you pick out a dress your majesty?” Mila suggested. I shook my head. “I won't be attending.” I answered. “You never attend anything really. You're a bore really. Your beautiful dresses have been sitting here for years and every invitation you've gotten to something, you've rejected.”she said. I looked at her. She was right. I never took the opportunity to leave this palace and have “fun”. “It's not as easy as you think. I'm not a people's person really.
All those fake smiles and gossiping isn't who I am. So tell His or Her Majesty, I will not be attending.” I informed her. She nodded. I sat in front of my mirror taking off my earrings and necklace. Combing my hair I wondered why I was chosen out of all the princesses to marry Ikaris. What was the point of marrying me if he wasn't even going to confirm to me he was alive? It's like I'm married to a rock. Just to write, “Dear Astoria, I've to inform you that my trip is going well and I am healthy.” it doesn't even take that much ink and paper. There was a knock at my door. “Come in” I asked putting my comb down. Delilah came in. “So have you picked out your dress?” she asked excitedly. “Good evening to you too and no I'm not attending the ball.” I said. “Huh? Come on really? Your husband might be returning, what will he think if you are not there? What will people think?” she pointed out. “I don't care because he does not as well.” I answered. “Come on, for me at least. It's been a while since I've spent time with my friend. The last time was on the battlefield. In this city that is forbidden but can we at least attend balls together, sing together, talk about politics, have babies together so they can be cousins born in the same year and write letters to one another.” she begged. “I don't know about the babies part but I can try the others. Obviously not now.” I replied. She sighed in frustration unable to convince me. “Why do I bother myself about you?” she thought aloud. I shrugged. “I'm special.” I jokingly said.
She smiled. “It's fine, Ernest will be there.” she said. “See, I don't want to interfere with my two lovebirds.” I joked. She blushed. “Now off with you. You must'nt tire yourself out.” I tried to get her out of my room. She left smiling. That girl is a character I must say. She can act like a child and an adult sometimes but that's Ernest likes about her. I smile thinking of these two lovebirds