DITOEFTV react to

Chapter 30

— XXVIII

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CRYSTAL PALACE

    They all focused more when they heard the palace where Penelope/she lives. Wonder what was going to happen this time.

CONCENTRATED — big blue eyes stare at the sleeping form of the man lying on the Empress' chambers. It had been a week since she had accidentally barged in on the couple in the morning, and since then – it had become sort of a habit.

    Derrick scoffed, 'what a bad habit she is getting, how disgraceful for a Princess' he thought.

    Penelope wondered why both father and daughter duo like coming to her chambers. Emily smiled at the family shown at the screen, it just looked and felt right.

Since Penelope kept busy, Claude was often found lazing around in the Empress' palace like a golden cat of sorts (despite his own busy schedule). And although it was odd at first, Athanasia slowly became used to it.

    Both Penelope and Reynold snickered at the cat comment.

Penelope too — she found – had grown habitual of the background presence and kept doing what she was supposed to without paying any mind to the sleeping man.

This was one such afternoon; Claude having exhausted himself, and hid in Penelope's bedchambers right when Athanasia had to visit Penelope to ask her about something regarding her studies.

    Penelope sighed at her new normal on the screen

Penelope continued on, checking the ledger that had been given to her for the monthly expenses of the palace. Athanasia stared at her father, instead.

He looks so handsome — like a sleeping prince.

    Penelope smiled at the comment and nodded in agreement with the Princesses words.

Her musings were interrupted by Penelope, who sniggered to herself at the sight — seeing the little Princess observe the Emperor so seriously. Bottom lip jutting out, Athanasia narrowed her eyes at the smiling woman.

    The Princesses actions amused Penelope even more, Emily seeing her lady in a good mood was happy as well.

"It is just adorable, your little face scrunched up in all seriousness." Penelope replied with an apologetic shrug.

"Athy was just thinking — papa is very pretty, no? He even wears such pretty clothes. Where are they from?"

    Emily just watches the scene and is happy that her lady has found a family and is happy there.

At her question, Penelope paused to remember — humming as she replied "yes, his highness is very dashing indeed. This clothing I believe is grecian, it comes from the eastern lands."

    'He is a pretty boy.' Penelope thought as she nodded her head a bit.

Tiny hands reached out, stroking the fabric loosely hanging over the man's shoulders embroidery on the borders of his robes, deep in thought.

"Would Athy look pretty if she dressed like papa too? What if we match?" quiet but excited, she beamed at her stepmother, who could already predict what was coming next.

    Emily, also knowing where this was going, beamed in agreement with the Princess idea. And imagine the family in matching clothes, which would look incredible. The Duke, also seeing where the Princess was heading, wondered if they should do that as well.