Secrets Intertwined

The Tea Party

The next morning, I woke up and felt rather refreshed contrary to the past evening's events. I realized how late it was and rushed to get ready for morning study. I stumbled to the closet just as Ej walked in. Don't bother anymore you've already missed it. I didn't mean to I started. Save it I know your excuse regardless of that you can't miss brunch with the pope and the second prince so get ready fast. I sighed I'd rather go to morning study at this point. I'd disagree eating brunch with the pope who is basically a father to you can't be worse than four hours of studying. It is when it's with the prince and about our marriage I said while putting in my pearl earrings. I look over at the time and rush out, ugh I can't miss study and be late to brunch without receiving lecture. I run through the halls to the observatory and push open the doors with a heavy gasp. Nice of you to join us Kunna the pope says. Sorry father I was caught up with other things. He sighs just sit-down girl we have a guest. I turn my head and acknowledge the prince with a slight head nod and pull my chair out to sit down. The servants brought out steak and eggs with Raspberry lemon tea. My sweet Kunna the prince and I were just discussing your betrothal announcement party. Why is it needed? Those are just common protocols of society especially for a prince. Ethan starts I was thinking- Please be quiet prince I said with a glare. Now father is that type of party like a ball or a small arrangement between family and friends. If you let me finish, I was saying I'd like to have a ball because the people deserve to see their new princess. What if I do not wish for a ball. It's not about what you wish Kunna this will promote the unity of the crown and the holy church. I look to the pope Freedom you said, I storm out while the pope glares at me. Ej comes up to me Rough brunch? You have no idea I whisper. If you don't mind, I'd like to be alone Ej.  Ok, if you need me, I'll be with the pope. I go to the library, reading always helps me drown out reality. I pick out a book and sit down and start reading. It's so good I quickly immerse myself in it an lose track of time. I'm almost finished when someone snatches the book and starts reading it aloud. I try to get it back, but he holds it over my head. Give it back Ethan or I'll cut your hand off. And what good would that do? I'd get the book back I was almost finished you know. He laughs and gives it back. Make sure to use the dagger at least he winks and then walks out. That jerk I mumble to myself as I sit back down. After I finish the book, I walk to the observatory for dinner. As I walk in, I notice Ethan is not here, Will the prince not be joining us father? Before he can say anything, I hear Miss me already little saint from behind me. I spin around and slightly bow at the prince while staring at the ground. The pope clears his throat and I rush to sit down. Good evening, Prince Ethan the pope says. I fidget with my dress as we wait for the servants to bring the food. The pope and the prince continue conversing as dinner goes on. As I take a sip of my wine the pope brings up the marriage again, I slightly choke. Be careful Kunna you'll stain your dress the pope says while signaling for a servant to come help me. Are you ok the prince asks with a concerned face. I'm fine may, I be excused father. Yes, make sure to get your dress washed properly too we wouldn't want a stain. Yes father, I get up and basically run out of the room to my bedchamber. I get changed into my nightgown and go to bed because I must wake up early tomorrow. I'm attending Lady Katherine's tea party it's an important even that signifies the start of spring. All of the noble ladies and men come it's also a wonderful time for debutantes to introduce themselves to other young ladies and start seeking a partner. I normally enjoy them and go with my friend saint Lucia she's almost the same age as me. I drift off to sleep and soon enough Lorie's opening the curtains to wake me up. The sun beams through the window and my eyes burn. I turn over and rub my eyes. Big day today miss, I already have the bath ready for you! Thank you, Lorie, I stumble out of bed and walk over to the bathroom. The maids help take off my nightgown and I get in the tub. Lorie comes in and pours lavender scented soap and massages some on my scalp and through my hair. I sit in the bathtub with my head partially underwater to get the soap out. After a few minutes I get out and wrap a plush towel around me. Lorie holds up two beautiful gowns, one is blue with flowers and lace with a lacy white parasol and the other is a sage colored gown with darker green flowers and a lovely hat. Which one would you like to wear miss? I think about it for a little bit and ultimately decide on the blue dress. The maids lace it up and put on my shoes and I go to sit at the vanity. Lorie curls my hair and puts it in a lovely half up style, she also added some small white flowers. I thank her and stroll down the hall to the entrance. I meet Ej waiting there. Ah Ms. Kunna, you look absolutely stunning this morning. Thank you, Ej. Are we ready to depart? Yes, we were just waiting for you miss. We walk out to the carriage and Ej extends his hand so I can get it properly. I sit down inside, and he closes the door. Soon I hear the coachers shout "WERE DEPARTING NOW!" I smooth the fabric of my gown and look out the window at the lovely greenery of the chapel. A little while later we have arrived and just in time, they are announcing the guests. One of the coachers opens the door and extends his hand so I can step down. I see saint Lucia at the step waiting for me and I rush up to her. Its lovely to see you, Lucia. Its lovely to see you as well Kunna, are you ready to head in? Lead the way! I hear a loud male voice say Introducing Saint Lucia Crempt and Saint Kunna Matika. We enter and stroll through the door while some people clap slightly. All lot of people are weary of the church.  We walk to a small couch in the back of the ballroom and Lady Rose Lloyd and her minions creep over. Lovely seeing you ladies here is your fiancée here with you too Saint Kunna? What do you mean I say my eyebrows scrunched. Why the second prince of course who else silly. Oh no he did not I say with a sigh. She whispers something to her group and all the girls surrounding her start laughing as they walk towards a crowd of men.  Lucia looks at me bewildered You're engaged to the prince tell me everything Kunna! It's no big deal the pope just's using us for the unity of the church and the crown plus I absolutely hate the prince. He's crazy he was watching me in the bath when I fell asleep. At least you get someone young my father plans to marry me to this forty-year-old lord with a small land in the countryside. That's terrible Lucia I'll make sure to write to you if that does happen. Thank you. After a few minutes Lady Katherine arrives and welcomes everyone she leads us to the garden and has the servants seat us all. The rest of the morning is just tea and treats, listening to gossip, and talking with Lucia. After a few hours Lady Katherine does her Goodbye speech its very basic and we all go back to our carriages. I hug Lucia and get into my carriage. I just sit drained from all the talking. Once we arrive back at the estate I rush up to my chamber and plop into bed. I didn't care that I was still dressed I was that tired that I just fell asleep.